The Heiress’ Return: Six Brothers at Her Beck and Call (Wynter Quinnell) novel Chapter 2008

Wynter quickly washed up after hanging up the phone. She knew Colten might have taken the bait, but she still had to play her part well enough to satisfy him.

Once she was done, she stepped out of her room and saw Dalton sitting at the desk, in the middle of a video conference.

Wynter made a hand gesture, signaling that she was heading over to Colten's house.

Upon noticing it, Dalton muted his mic and smiled faintly. "Alright. I'll take Wolf with me and wait for you at Carven's place once I finish this meeting."

Wynter gave a slight nod. "That's exactly my plan. I'll head out first."

Just as she was about to step away, she paused. "Oh, right. Have Wolf hack into the surveillance at Colten's house. I'll need it."

Dalton replied with a simple, "Okay."

Wynter then left the room.

Once inside the car, she pulled out her phone and called Reese. "Mr. Grier, I met with Colten last night, but he's very guarded. Just now, he told me to come to his house, and I believe it's most likely a test."

She paused briefly before continuing, "I will need your cooperation for my plan. Not only can it expose his true intentions, but it will also secure your position."

Reese's voice came low over the phone. "Alright. What do you need me to do?"

"If Colten wants to replace you, he'll definitely try to make you slip up," Wynter replied. Then, after lifting her gaze, she continued, "All we need to do is play along and have him believe his plan is working. We will reveal the truth when the time is right."

Reese's tone remained calm. "No problem. I won't let him off if he truly wants to replace me."

Wynter nodded slightly. "I'll update you with the details when the time comes. Also, there's one more thing I need to tell you. An artifact went missing from the Havenia Museum. It's the Drakevein Pendant, and we have no leads so far."

"The Drakevein Pendant?" Reese sounded thoughtful. "I remember seeing it the last time I visited the museum."

"That was a replica," Wynter said evenly. "The real one was stolen. It'll probably take some time before we get it back."

"How did you know about this?" Reese asked in confusion.

"I was there when it was stolen. I told the museum director to put up a fake display for now. However, there's been no trace of the real pendant. It may already be overseas."

Reese fell silent for a moment. "Then, the museum…"

"They can hold out for a while longer," Wynter said, gripping her phone. "I'm telling you this because I don't want the director to be blamed. They weren't dealing with ordinary people, after all."

Reese nodded lightly. "Alright, I'll trust your judgment. Let's just hope the pendant is recovered soon."

"It will be." Wynter's voice was calm. "I'll be leaving Havenia once Colten's matter is handled. I'll take care of the Drakevein Pendant."

Reese gave a hum in acknowledgment. "You're young but remarkably capable. Many men in Havenia aren't nearly as competent as you. They could stand to learn a thing or two from you."

Wynter smiled. "You flatter me, Mr. Grier." Then, she glanced out the car window. "I've reached Colten's house. I'll hang up now."

The car came to a stop after the call ended.

Wynter got out and walked straight toward the Audley residence.

"Are you Ms. Quinnell? Mr. Audley told me to bring you inside." The butler stood at the door with a polite smile.

Wynter gave a light nod before the butler led her in.

Colten was already seated in the tea room. When he saw the butler bring Wynter in, he poured her a cup of tea. "Ms. Quinnell, you should be able to drink my tea this time, right?"

As Wynter walked over, her eyes briefly flicked toward the surveillance camera on the wall before she sat down calmly. "Of course. A cup of tea in the morning is good for the stomach."

She picked up the cup and took a sip before looking at Colten. "Mr. Audley, what's the reason you called me here so early?"

Colten smiled faintly. "I thought about what you said last night. It's not impossible for me to give up on Carven, but what can you do for me in return?"

Wynter's eyes glinted coldly. "And what is it that you would like me to do for you, Mr. Audley?"

"It's truly refreshing to deal with clever people," Colten said as he took a sip of tea, his gaze lingering on Wynter. "You're Mr. Grier's assistant. On that basis alone, I could easily suspect you're here to test me on his behalf."

Wynter remained unfazed. "If I were sent by Mr. Grier, you'd probably have already been summoned by him last night."

Colten narrowed his eyes. "I'm curious. Why choose me when Mr. Grier clearly has the greater advantage?"

"Because I can see your potential. You're ambitious, capable, and unwilling to stay beneath anyone." Wynter's voice was cool and even.

Colten chuckled. "I'm not quite sure what you mean by that."

Wynter lifted her gaze. "Don't you wish to replace Mr. Grier?"

At that, Colten's gaze hardened, his fingers trembling slightly. "Your life would be a living hell if you uttered those words outside."

However, Wynter remained calm. "Does it matter? You're the only one before me now."

Colten's tone was casual. "I just want to do well as a director. The Chief Executive's position isn't something just anyone can handle."

Hearing this, Wynter rose to her feet. "I thought you were different and were a man with ambition. It seems I was mistaken. In that case, I'll take my leave. Pretend I was never here, and I won't tell Mr. Grier a word."

As she spoke, she turned and began walking toward the door.

However, just as her foot crossed the threshold, Colten's voice rang out. "Ms. Quinnell, won't you stay a little longer?"

Wynter glanced back. "I have no patience for someone without ambition."

Colten studied her. "Then, let's talk about ambition."

Only then did Wynter withdraw her leg and return to her seat. "Please, go ahead, Mr. Audley."

"Do you think I could take Mr. Grier's place?" Colten's eyes narrowed slightly.

Wynter nodded. "Of course. I wouldn't be here speaking with you if I didn't think you could."

Colten gave a slight nod. "Then, I mustn't disappoint your recognition."

"Are you not worried that I might have a recorder?" Wynter asked with a half-smile.

Colten laughed lightly, completely unfazed. "Why should I fear it when I know you don't?"

Wynter's eyes gleamed. "Then you guessed wrong. I do have a recording device, and it's transmitting live."

Colten's fingers froze.

Just as he was about to glance toward where his men were hiding, Wynter spoke again with a smile. "I was just teasing you, Mr. Audley."

Colten's expression turned cold. "That wasn't a funny joke."

Wynter rose, took her phone out, and turned her pocket inside out. "See? There's nothing in my pockets. The phone's locked, just like last night."

"Ms. Quinnell, I suggest you don't make such jokes again. Otherwise…" Colten's expression darkened.

Wynter smiled faintly. "My mistake. Anyway, back to the topic at hand. Do you have a plan?"

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