The Heiress’ Return: Six Brothers at Her Beck and Call (Wynter Quinnell) novel Chapter 1997

Wynter remained calm as she locked eyes with Aidan. It was obvious that he carried intense hostility, though how it came to be was yet to be understood.

"I'll be honest with you. As a geomancer, I'll tell you exactly what the problem is when I'm examining your layout. Otherwise, if I take your money but don't do the work, word will spread. That won't be good for my reputation." Wynter's gaze was cool, almost casual.

"Well said." Aidan stepped inside, his leather shoes striking the marble floor with a muffled thud.

His gaze swept over Wynter, and the corners of his mouth lifted in a smile that never reached his eyes. "That's why I rushed back immediately after hearing what Riley told me. I had to meet this geomancer in person."

As he spoke, Wynter noticed the unusual emerald ring on his right hand's ring finger. It was pale green streaked with faint threads of red.

"Mr. Patsy, you flatter me." Wynter remained composed as she remained seated on the couch. "I've only learned a little here and there."

Aidan followed suit, sitting down casually, though his eyes never left Wynter. "No need for modesty. Having skills is a good thing. But I am curious—What have you seen?"

Riley tried to chime in, but Aidan silenced her with a gesture.

Seeing this, Wynter turned slightly toward the floor-to-ceiling window. "A tunnel draft taboo."

"Oh?" Aidan raised a brow, a faint trace of doubt in his tone. "The name does sound ominous. But what harm would this 'tunnel draft taboo' bring to the Patsy family?"

At that, Wynter looked back at him. "It won't just cause financial loss—it will also affect health."

Aidan's expression remained flat. "It seems you may have misread. My business is thriving, money is flowing in, and my health is fine."

"That's because you're not the one affected by these problems." Wynter's eyes lifted slightly. "Moreover, the Patsy residence faces north to south, which is an excellent layout. But the study…"

She deliberately paused, watching his reaction. "It sits on the Throne of the Fifth Woe. If it isn't adjusted, I'm afraid legal trouble awaits you this year."

"Legal trouble?" Aidan's eyelid twitched almost imperceptibly. He reached for a box of cigars, trimming one slowly and deliberately. "What exactly do you mean by legal troubles?"

"At best, dismissal from office. At worst…" Wynter locked eyes with him. "Prison."

The air in the hall instantly grew heavy. The cigar cutter froze mid-air, its steel blades catching the light. Wynter could clearly sense Aidan's reaction—an indirect confirmation that the study indeed hid his secrets.

"Interesting." Aidan suddenly let out a laugh, though there was not the slightest trace of amusement in it. "Then, according to you, how should it be resolved?"

At that, Wynter's eyelids lifted slightly. "I've only been in the study briefly. If it's convenient—"

"It is." Aidan rose to his feet and headed straight for the stairs. "I'll take you there myself."

The two of them went upstairs one after the other, heading toward the study. As soon as they entered, Aidan walked straight behind the desk and sat down, deliberately positioning himself so Wynter couldn't get a clear look at the safe.

"Take your time, Ms. Quinnell. No need to rush. I'll be right here with you," he said casually.

Wynter slowly walked over to a hanging landscape painting. "This painting is grand in scope, but the water flow directly rushes toward the seat, creating what's called a Drenched Curse."

She lifted a finger, gently brushing the frame. "I'd suggest replacing it with a still landscape, or…"

She suddenly turned around. "Or you can move this safe. Metal and water reinforce each other, which only intensifies the tension."

Aidan's eyes instantly sharpened, cutting like blades. "Ms. Quinnell, that safe contains customs confidential documents. It cannot be touched."

"I understand." Wynter smiled faintly. "That's why I offered you two solutions. In addition, I'll need to set a small arrangement here to counter the Gilded Curse."

With that, she drew three lucky tokens from her pocket and crouched before the safe.

The moment she leaned down, her peripheral vision caught a glimpse of a miniature signal transmitter under the desk, its red light flashing faintly. Her gaze narrowed ever so slightly. She knew this wasn't ordinary surveillance—it was a live transmission device.

"Ms. Quinnell? Is something wrong?" Aidan's voice drifted over.

Wynter quickly steadied herself, placing the tokens in a precise formation. "This is a Trinity of Fate Formation. It can temporarily suppress the Gilded Curse."

Once finished, she stood and sat opposite Aidan.

"Temporarily suppress it? Can't it be resolved completely?" Aidan asked.

"It can't be rushed." Wynter's tone was cool. "With the Trinity of Fate Formation in place, the tension will be held down and won't affect your household."

Aidan gave a faint nod, then suddenly asked, "Did you approach Riley on purpose, Ms. Quinnell?"

"What do you mean by that?" Wynter's eyes narrowed slightly. "Are you suggesting that I have some ulterior motive?"

"Don't you?" Aidan fixed his gaze on her. "Your timing was far too coincidental. I have no reason not to be suspicious. My instincts about people are usually correct."

"In that case, I'll take my leave, so you won't have to overthink." Wynter stood up at once.

Just then, Riley entered with a tea tray, breaking the tense atmosphere in the study. "Ms. Quinnell, you've worked hard. Please, have some tea."

Wynter said nothing, about to walk past her and leave directly.

"My mistake. It was just a joke. I hope you won't take it to heart," Aidan said with a smile.

Riley quickly added, "Please don't mind him. He likes to joke around. Have a seat and drink some tea first."

She tugged Wynter gently back into her seat and handed her the cup.

"It's fine. I understand Mr. Patsy has his own considerations." Wynter lifted the cup, studying the tea's color—clear and bright.

She brought it to her nose, inhaled lightly, then took a small sip. "Premium tea. I didn't expect Mr. Patsy to favor this."

Aidan's eyes stayed neutral. "I had it once at a friend's home. I found it refreshing, so I asked him to send me some."

Wynter nodded lightly, her gaze sweeping over Riley's wrist. She noticed that the inside of her bracelet was stained with traces of red powder.

"Mrs. Patsy, your bracelet is quite unique." Wynter set down her teacup. "How strange... I don't recall seeing it earlier."

Riley didn't sense anything unusual. "I was too focused on hosting you, Ms. Quinnell. I only remembered to put it on just now."

"Cinnabar?" Wynter asked casually, her tone faint.

Riley's eyes widened in surprise. "You know about this, too? Aidan gave it to me and said it could ward off evil."

"Cinnabar does indeed have the power to suppress spirits and tension." Wynter nodded slowly. "But it must be worn according to a specific timing. Otherwise, it will have the opposite effect."

Then, with a sudden shift in tone, she asked, "Mrs. Patsy, have you recently had recurring nightmares? For example, dreams of water?"

Riley's fingers trembled sharply. The teacup nearly slipped from her grasp, for Wynter's words struck true. She herself couldn't explain why.

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