The Heiress’ Return: Six Brothers at Her Beck and Call (Wynter Quinnell) novel Chapter 2014

Wynter glanced over at Wolf. "It's fine. Let him run and report back. It's time for Isidore to know someone is after him."

Wolf nodded. However, just as he threw the two men onto the ground, he noticed dark blood seeping from the corners of their mouths, their breathing already stilled.

Wolf scratched his head in confusion. "Huh? I didn't even use much strength. How did they end up dead?"

Wynter's gaze was calm. "They had poison hidden between their teeth. They bit down and killed themselves the moment they knew they were outmatched."

Dalton walked over. "Some of the people in town died after their life essence was drained, while others remained unaffected. This still needs to be resolved."

"Some kind of medium, usually an artifact, is required for such a deed," Wynter said. Her eyes fell on the black beads around one of the men's wrists. "It's likely this string of beads, along with the drugs used to control the victims."

With that, Wynter strode toward the hospital. Some secrets were bound to be hidden inside.

The moment she reached the entrance, she noticed the air was heavy with the stench of medicine and something rotten.

Wynter frowned and stepped forward.

Suddenly, the scene before her shifted. A massive formation spread across the floor, drawn in black powder. At each of the seven corners burned an oil lamp, their flames a ghastly green.

At the formation's center lay a dozen townsfolk, all breathless, their life essence entirely drained.

Wynter's voice was faint. "I think I understand how they did it now. Drugs for control, an artifact as the medium, and the formation to store their life essence. The essence being absorbed randomly is the reason why some are still alive after taking the pills."

Above, a glass container hung suspended. It looked empty at a glance, but in truth, it was filled with the stolen life essence.

Wynter withdrew her gaze. "Wolf, the stage is yours. Destroy the formation, and shatter the container."

Wolf nodded. "Leave it to me!"

He strode into the middle of the formation, lifted his foot, and stomped down with all his strength.

Sometimes, sheer force would do the trick. His stomp made the entire hospital tremble. The formation instantly unraveled, and the glass container shattered.

"All done, Boss." Wolf returned to Wynter once the task was finished.

...

Meanwhile, in a cave not far away, Isidore slowly opened his eyes and muttered under his breath, "Who destroyed the formation at the hospital?"

He had clearly sensed that surge of power.

His voice rose slightly as he called out to his subordinate.

The black-robed figure outside stepped forward. "My lord, what is it?"

Isidore's tone was icy. "The formation at the hospital has been destroyed. It seems someone has come knocking at our door."

"Shall I go investigate?" the black-robed figure asked in a low voice.

Isidore's voice rumbled through the cave entrance. "There's no need for that. You are unlikely to make it back if you go. I've already instructed you to pass along my order for them to get out of the hospital immediately, haven't I?"

The figure nodded. "I've delivered your orders, my lord. They should have left long ago unless something unexpected happened."

Isidore's tone was cold. "Good. We can't afford any more casualties on our side. Otherwise, we'll be short of hands for what comes next."

"Will the hospital's destruction affect you, my lord?" the black-robed figure asked.

"It will, but only by a little. Still, they've succeeded in angering me. They've ruined my plans and arrangements time and time again."

He paused before continuing, "The day I finish absorbing everything will be their funeral."

"May you complete your great plan soon." The black-robed figure bowed deeply.

"Pass along my instructions—let the preparations begin, but make sure it stays hidden. A failed attempt can be overlooked, but exposure cannot," Isidore said, his voice carrying out of the cave.

The figure replied firmly, "Understood. I'll see to the arrangements at once."

...

At the same time, Wynter and the others had already left the hospital and arrived at a hillside.

"Do you think he might be hiding in one of these caves?" Wynter asked as her eyes drifted toward the distant peaks, doubt stirring in her heart.

Dalton smiled faintly. "It's not impossible. The old texts did say certain terrains can conceal one's presence, making them impossible to detect."

Wynter's eyes narrowed slightly. "It's a shame there are so many caves here. Searching them one by one would be a waste of time."

Then, she exhaled softly. "Come on, the trouble here has been dealt with. Let's head back for now."

Just as they got into the car, Wolf's stomach growled.

Wynter glanced at him. "What do you want to eat? We'll be leaving Havenia soon, so you can eat whatever you want today."

Wolf's eyes lit up. "Meat, meat, and more meat! Following the right boss means eating and living well!"

Wynter chuckled. "Alright, then. Let's head to the streets. We'll have whatever you want."

On the way to the restaurant, Wynter looked out the window. Just as her mind started wandering, her gaze fell upon a place called Crimson Bloom Club.

Old memories resurfaced, reminding her of Lynette, who had left Hawford. Ever since Kenton's capture, she had disappeared without a trace, save for rumors that she'd gone to Havenia.

"Pull over," Wynter said lightly to Vincenzo.

Wolf tilted his head. "What's up, Boss?"

Wynter ruffled his hair. "I want to take a look at that club.

Then, addressing Dalton, he continued, "There's a restaurant next door. Take Wolf there and order first. I'll come join you in a bit."

Dalton gave a small nod. "Alright. There's no rush. We'll wait for you."

Wynter got out of the car and headed straight toward the beauty club. At the entrance, several pots of blooming white flowers gave off a faint fragrance in the air.

In the shop window was a handwritten poster that read, "Exclusive secret formula that rewinds time and restores your youthful looks."

Wynter's gaze remained calm as she read the poster.

Just as she reached the door and was about to push it open, someone stepped out. "Hello. Do you have an appointment?"

Wynter's voice was light. "No. Do I need an appointment here?"

The woman smiled. "You need to have an appointment and also be a member of our club to enter."

Wynter nodded slightly. "And how does one become a member here?"

The smile on the woman's face didn't waver. "That's up to our boss to decide. Our members are personally selected by the boss, and we follow her arrangements."

Wynter gave a faint smile. "Is your boss here now?"

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