The Heiress’ Return: Six Brothers at Her Beck and Call (Wynter Quinnell) novel Chapter 1918

Elio put his phone down, placing all his hopes on Juliette.

Grabbing his half-finished coffee, he headed out and hailed a taxi to leave the place.

As soon as he got in the car, Brody called, "Elio, where are you? We're treating you to a meal."

Elio replied quietly, "No need. You guys go ahead."

"Alright." Brody paused. "Elio, listen to us. Stop playing Infernia. I took the ad down immediately after you left. Otherwise, it'll just trick more people."

Elio grew impatient. "Got it. I've got things to do, so I gotta go."

The ride wasn't long. The car stopped at a residential complex's entrance, and after paying, Elio got out with his eyes glued to his phone. He was afraid he might miss any insider tips from Juliette.

Just then, a voice came from behind. "Elio, why did you take a taxi back? Where's your car?"

Elio turned around. "Mom, the car had some issues, so I sent it to the repair shop. It'll take a few days."

Dinah Fleur nodded and did not suspect a thing. "Come on, I just bought some groceries. I'll make you something delicious later."

Elio gave a noncommittal hum, and the two walked into the complex together.

They didn't live high up—just four floors up by elevator.

But as soon as they stepped out, Elio's phone rang. He quickly pulled it out to check.

Juliette had texted, "Now, No. 17. Buy fast."

Beside him, Dinah noticed his urgency and teased, "What's wrong? Did your girlfriend text you?"

Distracted, Elio muttered, "Yeah, she did."

Just as he opened the webpage, his phone displayed a low battery warning. He hurriedly urged, "Mom, my phone's about to die. Open the door, quick!"

"You sure care a lot about your girlfriend's messages. I have never seen you this eager when it's me texting you." Dinah took out her keys and unlocked the door. "It's open."

Elio didn't respond and rushed straight into his bedroom. Noticing his bedside charger was missing, he turned to Dinah. "Mom, where's my charger? My phone's really about to die!"

Dinah thought for a moment, then opened a drawer. "Here. I unplugged it when I saw you leave without taking it."

Elio grabbed the charger, but the moment he plugged it in, his phone shut down.

He was beyond frustrated. "Mom, can you please stop touching my stuff? My phone's dead now, and it's messing up my plans."

Dinah paused before asking, "What plans? You don't need to be glued to your phone just to chat."

Elio stood up. "You wouldn't understand even if I told you. Just leave. I've got things to handle." With that, he pushed her out of the room.

His behavior only deepened Dinah's confusion. After all, what could a young person possibly have going on that was so urgent?

"Fine, handle your business. I'll call you when dinner's ready," Dinah said.

Elio grunted in acknowledgment as he clutched his phone. As soon as it powered back on, he hurriedly opened the webpage. But by the time he entered the roulette round Juliette had mentioned, it was already over.

He clicked on the records in the top-right corner—sure enough, it was No. 17, just as Juliette had said.

Though Elio was originally skeptical, seeing the result match the tip strengthened his trust in Juliette by another notch.

Just then, a message came in from Juliette.

Juliette: I told you it was a sure win. I just bet on it and won ten thousand dollars.

El: Ugh, my phone died, and I missed it. What now?

Juliette: Such a shame—you missed out on a huge opportunity. Just keep waiting. I'll let you know as soon as there's another tip. Follow my lead and place your bet right away.

El: Alright, thanks.

Missing out on such a big win filled Elio with frustration. He couldn't help but blame Dinah for taking his charger. He was sure he would've made it in time if she hadn't.

A short while later, Elio's father, Francis Zimmer, returned home.

Dinah noticed him and quickly pulled him aside. "Francis, Elio has been acting a bit strange today."

Francis frowned. "What's wrong with him?"

Dinah shook her head. "I can't quite put my finger on it, but my gut tells me something's off. He's never been this glued to his phone.

"I ran into him downstairs earlier, and just as the elevator opened, he started getting frantic about his phone dying. He kept rushing me to open the door, but his phone still shut off on him. His whole mood changed after that."

Francis glanced at Elio's locked door. "He's grown up now and bound to have his own secrets. Maybe you're overthinking it. I know my son—he'd never get involved in anything illegal. He probably just has something on his mind."

"I hope you're right." Dinah sighed. "Go change your shoes. Dinner's almost ready."

As Francis took off his shoes, something occurred to him. "By the way, you said you met him at the door. Where's his car? I didn't see it in the parking lot when I got back."

Dinah dished out the food as she replied, "He said it had some issues and is at the repair shop. It'll take a few days."

Francis nodded. Seeing the table fully set, he walked over to Elio's room. "The dinner's ready, Elio."

Elio's voice was low and tense inside. "You guys go ahead. I'm not hungry."

Francis tried the doorknob, but it was locked. His brow furrowed. "Open the door and come eat. Your mother worked hard on this meal."

Elio's patience snapped. "I said I'm not eating. Just go ahead without me. I'm busy. Can you stop bothering me?"

In response, Francis snapped, "This is your last chance! Are you eating or not?"

Hearing the argument, Dinah rushed over and pulled Francis back. "Don't yell. Don't force him if he doesn't want to eat. We'll eat first, and I'll make him something later if he gets hungry."

Francis relented slightly. "He's all spoiled because of you. Who knows what he's even doing in there?"

Dinah lowered her voice. "Weren't you just saying he's grown and deserves privacy? Maybe he's talking to his girlfriend and doesn't want to chat with us. Let's just eat."

With that, she tugged at Francis until he finally sat down at the table. But Francis still felt something wasn't right. He stood up, walked to a drawer, and pulled out the spare key to Elio's room. Then, with quick steps, he headed back.

Elio had been waiting in his room, but after what felt like forever, Juliette still hadn't sent any new messages. Frustrated, he switched back to the rank comparing mode.

His eyes were glued to the screen as he muttered under his breath, "Win. Win! Come on, win!"

He didn't even notice the door creaking open. Francis stood in the doorway, his brow furrowed as he took in the scene. "What are you doing?"

Elio jolted in surprise and quickly locked his phone. "N-Nothing! Why'd you come in?"

Francis stepped closer. "I heard you say 'win.' Hand me your phone."

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