The Heiress’ Return: Six Brothers at Her Beck and Call



Chapter 1731 Start of a New Plan

Everyone's eyes shifted to the sketch on the table, their faces filled with disbelief.

"This... Isn't this Mr. Winston Senior?"

"But isn't Mr. Winston Senior dead?"

One of them turned to Layla and asked, "Are you certain the cultivator you saw looks exactly like the person in this sketch?"

Layla could sense the tension in the room. She took the sketch and studied it carefully. "Yes, that's him! This is the cultivator I saw."

Standing beside Wynter, Lucas couldn't hide his confusion. "Wynter, hasn't he already passed away? How could the person she saw be him?"

"Seeing is not always believing, and hearing is not always the truth," Wynter replied before looking at everyone's visible confusion.

However, Wynter had already deduced the truth. She knew the figure wasn't truly Clyde-it was someone who had taken over his body.

The discussion brought clarity to one thing for Wynter-this intricate plot had been set in motion years ago. If this mysterious cultivator was one of the key players, then the enigmatic "Mr. Lofstedt " undoubtedly held significant knowledge about the conspiracy as well.

Wynter knew it was time to finally confront him.

As the lockdowns were lifted, the restrictions on the farmers' market were also removed. The people who had been confined there, having taken the medication, were now visibly recovering.

Just then, a ray of sunlight streamed through the door to the farmers' market, signaling the end of the lockdown.

"Everyone, look! The lockdown on our market has been lifted!"

"We've been stuck here for so long, unable to go anywhere. We can finally leave!"

"Today calls for a celebration! It's time to treat ourselves to something special!"

The farmers' market had been one of the first places to be sealed off after Wynter detected suspicious activity.

Back then, the decision to quarantine the market had been met with anger, as this was where they had their businesses. For many, the market was their sole source of income.

Just then, a representative from the Industry and Commerce Bureau walked in, holding a

stack of documents.

"Everyone, please gather around. Your cooperation was crucial in containing the outbreak. However, starting today, the buying and selling of wild animals in this market is strictly prohibited."

Instantly, a wave of protests erupted.noveldrama

"How are we supposed to make a living if we can't sell wild animals?"

"I feed my family by selling wild animals!"

The representative raised his hand to calm the crowd. "This is a directive from the top. Wild animals often carry viruses we don't fully understand. We must ban their trade!"

Oscar fell silent. He had stopped being plagued with sleepless nights ever since Wynter warned him against selling wild animals.

Standing beside the representative was a well-dressed man who then stepped forward and addressed the crowd.

"I am the Quinnell Group's representative. This epidemic has proven that wild animals are carriers of unpredictable viruses. We understand that everyone here is just trying to make a living.

"The Quinnell Group has decided to step in not for profit, but for necessary reform. If it weren't for the antiviral medication's timely arrival, many of you might have lost loved ones to this epidemic.

"Furthermore, under the Quinnell Group's guidance, we guarantee you will earn more than before. And you won't have to worry about the dangers that come with trading wild animals.

The crowd murmured in contemplation.

One vendor spoke up. "Can you really promise we'll make more than we did before?"

The man smiled reassuringly. "Yes, I can. Follow our plans, and you'll earn more than you did."

"Then I'm in."

"Count me in, too."

The man came with contracts already prepared. After reading them thoroughly, the vendors signed and pressed their fingerprints on them.

The man took out his phone and sent a message to Wynter. "Ms. Quinnell, the acquisition of the farmers' market has been completed."

Meanwhile, in a house in the eastern part of the city, a voice rang out. "I'm sorry, sir. I failed to carry out your instructions. By the time I arrived, someone had already taken her away." The old man standing before him lowered his gaze. "It doesn't matter. It's unfortunate that years of planning have been disrupted. The pandemic was thwarted thanks to that girl from the Quinnell family.

"I had intended for a two-pronged approach, but with the farmers' market's Heaven's Resentment Formation failing to activate as well, it seems I'll need to adjust the next phase of the plan. Stay here, and wait for my orders.

Then, he headed toward the door, slowly disappearing into the darkness.

...

Wynter was discussing the next steps with Lucas. "Lucas, there's an invisible hand manipulating the entire situation behind the scenes. How's the interrogation of the spy you captured going?"

Lucas sighed. "She admitted that she was recruited as a spy during a work trip to Foplya. But the intelligence she had access to wasn't from a core department, so the information she provided wasn't very useful."

Wynter nodded. "I've uncovered something new. The true mastermind behind the pandemic might be the Chamber of Commerce's real chairman."

Lucas frowned in confusion. "Isn't Rohan the chairman?"

Wynter shook her head. "That guy is nothing more than a scapegoat. Do you really think he could keep the Chamber of Commerce thriving for so long with a brain like his?"

Lucas recalled his interactions with Rohan, who indeed didn't seem particularly sharp. "So, who's the real chairman?"

"Someone with the alias 'Mr. Lofstedt.' He's a reclusive elder within the Chamber of

Commerce," Wynter replied.

Eric had managed to orchestrate a grand scheme without revealing himself. Hence, Wynter decided she needed to meet him and see what clues she could glean.

She continued, "This scheme by the old cultivator is probably just the beginning. We're going to be busy in the days ahead. But one thing is certain-no matter who this cultivator is, he must be in Colifernia. I'll assign people to track him down in secret." Lucas nodded. "I'll arrange for my people to help with the search as well. Oh, one more thing. Mr. Munn Senior mentioned that a lot has been happening in Colifernia recently. Since the secretary position here is vacant, I've been reassigned to assist you."

He then patted her shoulder, signaling that she could count on him in Colifernia. Wynter nodded in response. With Lucas stationed in Colifernia, he could handle certain matters for her.

She had originally come to Colifernia to address a different issue-over the years, Gordon's Chamber of Commerce had been gradually eroded by these people. She needed to find a way to reclaim it.

But if this was all about seizing the country's fortune, Wynter couldn't help but wonder what role Mt. Dragon played in this.

As Wynter finished organizing her thoughts, a voice interrupted her. "Are you Ms. Quinnell?"

Wynter looked up to see a middle-aged man dressed impeccably in a suit. "You are?"

The man responded, "I'm one of Mr. Lofstedt's subordinates. He sent me to find you. He wishes to meet you."

Wynter raised an eyebrow. "Right now?"

The man nodded.

"Tell me the location. I'll be there shortly."

"The teahouse in Colifernia. We look forward to your visit." He gave a slight bow before turning and walking away.

Wynter couldn't help but feel the irony of the timing. Of all moments, it had to be now. She had just resolved to seek him out, only for him to preempt her by sending someone to summon her instead.

She wondered what he was playing at this time. Nevertheless, she knew this was a meeting she couldn't avoid.

At the bus station, Cornelius was pacing anxiously, looking utterly dejected as he waited for someone.

Soon, an elderly cultivator and a younger one emerged from the station. The old man was none other than Kaspar.

The moment Cornelius saw Kaspar, he ran toward him with a sulky face. "Mr. Stavius, someone in Colifernia bullied me! She said I was incompetent and shouldn't embarrass myself. She even broke the artifact you gave me!"

Kaspar raised an eyebrow. "Did they really break your artifact? Let me take a look later, and I'll see if I can fix it."

Cornelius was momentarily stunned. "Mr. Stavius, the point is that someone bullied me! Not that the artifact is broken!"

Hearing this, Kaspar gave him a meaningful look. "I got beaten up all the time too when I was your age. As the saying goes, a setback is a chance to gain wisdom."

Cornelius thought of a different approach. "She also said that Mt. Dragon is no good and is on the verge of decline!"

This finally caught Kaspar's full attention. "What? Who said that? Take me to this person right now! I want to see just how capable she is to make such bold claims about Mt. Dragon."

Cornelius quickly led him to the car. As they drove off, he blabbered nonstop, recounting every insult he had endured. Kaspar's anger grew with every word, and he wished he could fly straight to the person and give them a good beating.

Wynter changed into a fresh set of clothes and rode her superbike to the agreed meeting place-Colifernia's teahouse.

When she arrived, the once-bustling establishment was eerily empty.

Two bodyguards stood at the entrance, and upon seeing her, they stepped aside and gestured for her to enter. Once she stepped inside, they resumed their positions, blocking the entrance once more.

Eric had reserved a private room despite the empty teahouse, with only the staff lingering inside. When they saw Wynter enter, one of the attendants politely guided her to the private room.

Inside the room, Wynter was greeted by the sight of an elderly man who appeared to be over 100 years old. His weathered face bore the marks of a life full of experiences, and his sharp eyes gleamed like those of an eagle.

Despite his seemingly amiable appearance, his commanding presence was unmistakable.

Eric looked up at Wynter. "Ah, you're here."

Wynter nodded and slowly sat across from him.

"I just heard that you arrived in Colifernia. That's why I quickly sent someone to invite you over for tea," Eric began.

Wynter smiled faintly. "I've been in Colifernia for a while now. It seems like your intelligence network isn't as sharp."

Eric chuckled. "I'm just an old man with no special connections. I'm only managing to make a living through the Chamber of Commerce to support my retirement.

"The real reason I invited you here was to see what the late Mr. Quinnell Senior's great-great -granddaughter looks like. Back in the day, I followed him on many ventures and witnessed his heroic spirit. It's such a shame he's no longer with us."

He sighed as he finished his sentence.

Wynter immediately realized that Eric was no ordinary figure. He seemed to be a friendly elderly, even recounting tales of his supposed past with Gordon.

Suddenly, Wynter turned serious. "Then why don't you return the Chamber of Commerce to me? It was my great-great-grandfather's legacy, after all."

Eric froze for a moment before quickly recovering. "If only I could help you with that. But I'm afraid my hands are tied. I have no influence in the chamber, and I would've helped if I could."

Eric hadn't anticipated Wynter to bluntly demand the Chamber of Commerce right from the start. He had heard about her shrewdness from her dealings in Hawford.

However, this directness made him reconsider his assumptions about her. He wondered if he had overestimated her.

Wynter responded promptly, "Mr. Tarvin has already been arrested, hasn't he? Now that the Chamber of Commerce is without a leader, shouldn't it be easy for you to help me take it over?"

Eric took a slow sip of tea before replying, "Wynter, it's not as simple as you think. Mr. Tarvin stepped down some time ago, and the current chairman is a Cascadian expatriate You must understand that the chamber's growth now depends on international business. "While your great-great-grandfather firmly kept the chamber's dealings domestic, times have changed. This is a world for young people, and I, as an old-timer, have no say in their decisions."

Hearing this, Wynter immediately recognized the cunning beneath his affable demeanor. On the surface, he spoke as if he was thinking from her perspective, but the implications were clear.

He meant to say that taking back the chamber was an impossible task. Unlike in Kingbourne or Hawford, Colifernia lacked the Quinnell or Whitman families' backing, leaving her with little leverage.

Wynter tapped her fingers rhythmically on her thigh. "You were behind this epidemic,

weren't you? And that old cultivator, too."

Eric's expression remained unchanged. "Wynter, I have no such capabilities. I don't understand what you're talking about."

"Rohan said it was you," Wynter replied calmly.

"Rohan?" Eric laughed heartily before continuing, "Must it be true just because he said so?

Would you rather trust the words of an outsider than someone who worked alongside your great-great-grandfather?"

Wynter remained silent. Though Eric revealed nothing, she caught the faintest hint of evasion in his words.

Eric sighed. "It seems you'd rather believe an outsider. If you have evidence, by all means, take me in. It's a shame, really-I won't be able to fulfill your great-great-grandfather's wish of looking after you in Colifernia."

He truly sounded as if he missed Gordon and had genuinely wanted to help Wynter.

Wynter fell into thought at his words. From their brief conversation, she realized that Eric handled everything flawlessly, leaving no gaps to exploit.

It dawned on her that overt power wasn't the real threat. Instead, it was the ones who hid behind a friendly facade, the smiling wolves, who were truly deceptive.

"The details aren't important," she said at last. "What matters is that I will reclaim the chamber, fully and completely. I don't care who currently holds the chairman's seat. What I do know is that it won't be long before the chamber's name is returned to the Quinnell family."

Eric slowly rose to his feet. "Then I'll await that day with great anticipation. I hope you can restore the chamber to the glory it held when it was under your great-great-grandfather. I'm sure he will finally be able to rest in peace then."

As he walked toward the door, he added, "Oh, and, be careful. Colifernia is a place full of unexpected dangers, ones no one can predict. Take care of yourself here. Otherwise, I'd truly feel guilty before your great-great-grandfather's spirit."

Wynter replied calmly, "Don't worry, I'll be just fine. At the very least, I'm tougher than some people."

With that, she stood and left first.

Eric's demeanor shifted entirely once he stepped out as well. "Keep a close eye on her. If necessary, create an accident, but leave no trace."

Just as he finished speaking, his phone rang. Pulling it from his pocket, he glanced at the caller ID and answered the call. "Who is this?"

"It's me," came a voice from the other end.

Eric immediately covered the speaker on his phone and went to a secluded area before he relaxed slightly. "Eric, the next phase of the plan can begin ahead of schedule," the voice ordered.