The Heiress’ Return: Six Brothers at Her Beck and Call (Wynter Quinnell) novel Chapter 2005

Meanwhile, the people invited to the banquet had arrived one after another.

Just as Wynter turned around, someone suddenly entered and asked, "Why didn't you invite me to the banquet, Mr. Grier?"

It was none other than the Department of State's director, Colten Audley.

Reese turned around to look at him. "My assistant must have forgotten. I'll have to give her a good scolding later."

Wynter glanced at Colten. "My apologies, Mr. Audley. I have forgotten to send you an invitation."

"It's alright. It's no big deal for young people to make mistakes. Just be more careful in the future." Colten smiled faintly.

Seeing this, Carven walked over. "It's been a long time, Mr. Audley. I thought you weren't coming when I didn't see you earlier."

A faintly cryptic look crossed his face.

Colten looked at him. "Mr. Duane, it has indeed been a while. You've done well in keeping the Customs in order. Keep it up."

Watching this, Wynter felt that Colten wasn't as innocent as he seemed. The very purpose of the banquet was to bring Carven down, but seeing him exchange greetings with Colten gave her a bad feeling.

In Havenia, if the Chief Executive resigned or encountered other issues, it was usually the Department of State's director who assumed the role.

Wynter interrupted their conversation, "Mr. Audley, Mr. Duane, why don't we go inside and have a seat first?"

Colten nodded. "Sure. There should be a seat for me, right?"

"Of course. Your seat is next to Mr. Duane. Would that be alright with you?" Wynter smiled lightly.

Before Colten could reply, Carven spoke up. "Mr. Audley, let me take you there."

Colten nodded before addressing Wynter, "Then go ahead with your tasks. I'll go with Mr. Duane."

Wynter narrowed her eyes slightly as she watched their departing backs. She figured that changes were probably needed for tonight's plan.

Colten's demeanor hadn't revealed anything unusual, yet it was often the seemingly flawless facades where the problems lie if one paid close enough attention.

Earlier, Wynter had deliberately mentioned that his seat was beside Carven's, and the joy on Carven's face was impossible to conceal.

With that in mind, Wynter walked toward Amery. "Amery, I have a task for you."

Amery turned to her. "Please go ahead, Ms. Quinnell."

"Mr. Audley and Mr. Duane are sitting together. You'll need to stay nearby and refill their drinks when necessary, but…"

Wynter lowered her voice before continuing, "You must memorize their conversation and report it back to me."

Amery's fingers paused slightly. "That's… That's not quite proper, is it? This is Mr. Duane and Mr. Audley we're speaking about."

Wynter's gaze was calm. "I'll take full responsibility if anything happens."

"Alright, then," Amery agreed. "But in that case, I won't be able to handle the task you gave me earlier."

Wynter lifted her gaze. "That's no longer necessary. Just stay with them for the entire banquet."

Amery nodded. "Then, I'll go serve the wine first."

...

Meanwhile, Colten and Carven had already taken their seats.

"Mr. Audley, I have some news for you," Carven said as he glanced around. Upon seeing no one nearby, he lowered his voice. "I've already locked Aidan up. The only problem is that I still haven't found the notebook."

Colten's gaze sharpened. "What good are you if you can't even handle something so minor?"

"Please calm down, Mr. Audley," Carven sighed. "I've tried both gentle and tough approaches, but he just won't give in. Should we just…"

Colten turned his gaze toward him. "His life doesn't matter. What matters is that notebook."

"Is a single notebook really worth all this searching?" Carven asked in confusion.

"There's a secret inside it. You'd better get your hands on it and deliver it to me quickly, or you'll face a miserable end." Colten's voice was eerily calm.

Carven's fingers froze. "Rest assured—I'll force it out of him once the banquet is over!"

Colten's eyes drifted toward Reese, who was sitting some distance away, and murmured, "You've been the chief executive long enough. It's time for someone new to take your place."

Hearing that, Carven's eyes widened. "Mr. Audley, are you planning to make a move against Mr. Grier?"

Colten gave a faint smile. "He's past his prime. The world belongs to the young now. Leaving Havenia in his hands would be a waste."

Carven furrowed his brows. "What exactly are you planning? Do you need me involved?"

"That's not for you to worry about. I already have arrangements," Colten replied. Then, his eyes flicked back to Carven. "What about that last shipment? Did it get out?"

Carven's expression darkened. "No. Aidan's cover was blown because of this."

Colten's voice dropped. "Did no one think to inform me?"

"It happened out of nowhere, and I couldn't tell who led the raid." Carven leaned closer. "But it was clear that they were after Aidan."

Colten frowned. "It may look like they're after him, but their real target is whoever's behind him."

Carven froze. "Are you saying someone's secretly investigating me? Have I been exposed?"

"It doesn't matter. Havenia will change hands in a few days." Colten's voice remained calm. "You'll be safe as long as you're with me."

Just then, Amery stepped forward. "Gentlemen, would you like me to refill your glasses?"

Colten waved dismissively. "No."

Amery nodded but stayed nearby.

Upon seeing that, Carven shot him a displeased look. "Mr. Audley said no. Why are you still standing here?"

"I was instructed to remain here and serve both of you," Amery replied evenly.

Carven's voice turned icy. "Who? Do they outrank Mr. Audley?"

Wynter walked over just in time. "Please don't be upset, Mr. Duane. It was me who asked him to come."

She then turned her gaze to Colten. "I've asked someone to pour your wine since I have failed to properly attend to you earlier. I hope you won't hold it against me."

Colten smiled slightly. "It's fine. Let him stay here. This is a great arrangement. Now I wouldn't have to walk a distance to get more wine if mine ran out."

Wynter returned the smile. "Thank you, Mr. Audley."

Then, she turned to Amery. "You're responsible for serving them. Do your best to meet whatever requests they have."

Amery nodded. "Understood."

Colten looked toward Carven. "Don't get upset, Mr. Duane. This is a special arrangement for us. It shows that Mr. Grier's assistant is quite capable."

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