The Heiress’ Return: Six Brothers at Her Beck and Call (Wynter Quinnell) novel Chapter 1960

"Do you think everyone here is blind?" Charis frowned deeply and turned toward Antoine. "The only reason you were sent an invitation was out of respect for your past involvement in the Chamber of Commerce. We naturally wouldn't leave an old member out.

"However, bringing two completely irrelevant people to this banquet is not just a disrespect to me but is also a disgrace to the entire chamber. I've said what I need to say. I'll give you a choice—either have those two people and the child leave, or leave with them yourself."

Antoine said gravely, "Mr. Boso, first of all, my secretary hasn't done anything wrong. Secondly, why is it that others can bring their secretaries and family, but I can't?"

Charis' gaze sharpened. "My rules are the rules."

"Be careful, or the wind might sprain your tongue," Wynter cut in, her gaze turning to the side as she raised her voice. "If you didn't want us here, you could have just said so from the start. Why go through all these theatrics? After all, only children play games like this."

"I'm talking to your boss. Who said you could butt in?" Charis' gaze darkened.

Wynter only smiled. Though Charis' Emstian was technically flawless, she could tell it had been learned later in life. If he were from Emstia, there was no way his speech would lack that signature accent.

"First of all, as a secretary, it's my job to ease my boss' burdens. If anyone wants to mess with him, they'll have to go through me first. I'm no good at throwing power around, but Mr. Boso, you certainly seem to have mastered it," Wynter said sharply.

"Let me show you what it really means to throw power around." Charis gestured, disdain in his tone, and the group of men behind him began to close in. "Get them all out of here. Don't dirty the place."

Just as they were about to make a move, a voice called out, "Hold it."

Everyone turned toward the source of the voice. Surprisingly, it was Baxter.

"What's Mr. Hensley Senior trying to do? Is he going to contradict Mr. Boso right here and now?"

"That would be something. Mr. Boso always treats him with the utmost respect. Surely, he wouldn't stir things up further in such a tense situation, right?"

Charis looked over at Baxter. "What is it, Mr. Hensley Senior? Do you have something to say?"

"Not really," Baxter replied as he walked closer and stopped beside Wynter, standing directly across from Charis. "These young people happen to be connected to some old friends of mine. Naturally, I can't just stand by. Don't you agree, Mr. Boso?"

"Baxter Hensley!" Charis' eyes narrowed as he clenched his fists tightly.

Baxter responded quickly, "A moment ago, I was 'Mr. Hensley Senior,' yet now, you're calling me by name."

The two men locked eyes for a long moment before Charis finally unclenched his fists. "My apologies. I'll give them some grace since they're your acquaintances. You may bring them in."

"Excellent. Ms. Quinnell, come with me." Baxter turned back to address Wynter.

Wynter looked at Baxter, realizing he was the one she had once rescued. She hadn't expected to run into him here.

If Charis had really ordered his men to act just now, she had ways to deal with them even without Baxter's intervention. But, of course, the current outcome was the best one.

With Baxter leading the way, Wynter's group walked past Charis.

Alaskey nodded. "Yes, Grandpa."

Once he left, Wynter turned to Baxter. "I understand what you said earlier, but is it worth it to offend Mr. Boso for us?"

Baxter sighed. "To be honest, I've never gotten along with him, so there's nothing to 'offend.' I've noticed his ways long ago. I usually avoid these banquets altogether, but I came this time for two reasons—to help Alaskey expand his connections and befriend you."

"Befriend us?" Wynter narrowed her eyes, glancing at the other guests. "We don't exactly hold any advantages compared to others. Surely, you can see that."

Baxter, leaning on his cane, turned slightly. "You might be able to fool others, but not me. I'm sure the part about you from the mainland is true, but the energy and presence you two carry are far beyond what's normal for your age.

"I am sure that both of you were no ordinary people from the moment I first met you. And after you saved me, I was even more impressed.

"Of course, I won't force anything. I told Alaskey to befriend you, but I won't push further if you're unwilling. Regardless, you'll always be the Hensley family's honored friend."

Wynter smiled faintly. As the saying went, there was no competing with a wise man. He saw through Wynter and Dalton at a glance but didn't pry further.

"If you've said so, I've got no problem with that," Wynter said, lightly tapping her fingers against the table. "It's clear you want to pave the way for Alaskey, but just that alone won't be enough to secure his place in the future."

Baxter's gaze deepened. "You're right, Ms. Quinnell. Even if I lay the path for him, it's still up to him to walk it. Whether he walks it well or falls off all depends on his own choices."