The Heiress’ Return: Six Brothers at Her Beck and Call (Wynter Quinnell) novel Chapter 2023

Rafael was the one asking the question. Most of his family's savings were nearly gone after repeated failures. Furthermore, his mother was ill. He was worried that his father wouldn't be able to properly care for her if he was away for too long.

Others in the crowd shared the same concern. They were all worried that their families would be concerned if they were gone for a long time.

Gaston glanced back at Rafael, then swept his eyes over the crowd with a smile.

"I can tell this is a question everyone is curious about by the look on your faces, so let me get this straight. Things will be busy when you first get there, but you'll be able to return home once things settle down.

"You need to think from another perspective. How would you make money if you could just come and go whenever you liked? How is the boss supposed to pay you if you don't create profits for them?"

Gaston's voice deepened as he continued, "I won't betray the trust you've put in me. I'll personally make sure you're sent back home to reunite with your family as long as you do what you're supposed to do once you're over there.

"Not only will you have earned enough money, but your family's situation will improve, too. That's something many could only dream of."

Hearing that, Rafael nodded vehemently. "I trust you, Gaston. Once I get there, I'll work twice as hard and earn enough to take care of my parents."

Gaston gave him his approval. "You're truly devoted to your parents. That's rare these days. Just don't forget about me when you rise to success."

In the crowd, Wynter's eyes locked onto Gaston's sharply. She had to admit he had a way of luring people in with words.

Wynter smiled faintly. "Gaston, what about us girls? Will we be safe over there?"

"Of course, it will absolutely be safe," Gaston said as his lips curved upward. "We've got our own people watching over things there, and guards are on duty around the clock. It will be safer than back home. Besides, we're a proper company with a business license."

As he spoke, he pulled a document from his bag and waved it. "Do you see this? This is a legitimate business license. It's not only recognized by the local government but also tax-exempt."

With a meaningful tone, Gaston continued, "Some of you here might not know how heavy the burden is since you've never paid taxes. People often try to evade them to escape higher charges when income increases. However, doing so is illegal and can lead to fines or even imprisonment."

"You're right, Gaston. The tax here is suffocating me. It's incredible that we don't need to pay taxes over there. Everything I earn will be mine. It's so much better than whatever we have here!"

Someone jumped in, and the others quickly followed.

"Yeah, I've lost count of how much I've paid these past years. Car loans, mortgages, and taxes on top of that—it's all too much."

Gaston chuckled. "That's just one of the benefits. I'll brief you on the rest once we arrive at the company. You'll be even happier then."

"Gaston, you're such a great man!"

"Gaston is my lifelong benefactor! I'll follow him no matter what."

The atmosphere grew heated, and everyone's gaze on Gaston was soon filled with admiration and respect.

Dalton stood at a distance from Wynter, with a few people between them. While the others huddled together, he shifted his steps and walked toward her.

"These people are already far too brainwashed by Gaston." Dalton kept his eyes forward, lips barely moving as he spoke. "They'll only realize they've been deceived when they get there."

Wynter lifted her gaze, which was so dark it was impossible to tell what she was thinking. "This trip abroad isn't just about rescuing people—we also need to dismantle the fraud syndicate.

"They do whatever they want out in those lawless zones. Some are lured into this trap voluntarily, but others are tricked. Some are pitiful, while some are contemptible."

She knew that everyone would become prisoners once they arrived. Hoping to return on their own was impossible. After all, they'd beat one into submission if they disobeyed. In fact, one wouldn't be fed if they refused to work. Compared to that place that was akin to hell, home was paradise.

However, many had fallen into the grip of financial anxiety—children's schooling, medical expenses, and supporting both the elderly and the young. With pressure mounting, they had no choice but to seek another way out.

Just then, Gaston noticed them and walked over. "Dalton, why are you running over to Wynter again? Listen to me—she doesn't like you. She might decide not to go at all if you keep pestering her. You won't even get the chance to see her then, right?"

Dalton replied carelessly, "Gaston, this young lady just happens to be exactly my type. I can't restrain myself."

Immediately, Gaston's tone grew stern. "Even so, you must try. You're going there to make money. Once you've got wealth, you'll have more ladies who catch your eye than you can count. You won't even know who to choose by then."

Dalton spread his hands. "Fine, I'll keep my distance."

"That's better," Gaston said before watching him walk away.

Then, he turned to Wynter. "Don't mind him, Wynter. He's pestering you because he's never seen a woman as pretty as you. Let me apologize on his behalf."

Wynter held back a laugh as she feigned a frown. "I won't take it to heart. There's no need for you to apologize for some sheltered socialite who knows nothing about the world."

Gaston chuckled. "That's good, then."

After that, he left Wynter's side and walked to the front of the group, addressing them, "The security checkpoint is up ahead. Remember what I told you earlier. Don't blame me if you say the wrong thing and can't get through."

"Got it, Gaston," everyone responded in unison.

Gaston nodded in satisfaction. "I'll go through the checkpoint first and tell the officers we're together, but there's always a chance they'll still ask questions."

With that, Gaston strode straight toward customs.

"Hello," he greeted, handing over everyone's passports to the customs officer.

The officer accepted them and glanced up. "Group visa? Do you all know each other?"

"Yes, we do. We're from the same village and are going overseas to look at agricultural projects," Gaston replied smoothly.

The officer gave a slight nod and stamped his passport. "You may go ahead."

Gaston was worried and wanted to stay just in case anything happened. However, the officers behind the counter urged him to move along.

So, he had no choice but to step aside and watch from a distance. He knew the whole plan would collapse if anything went wrong now.

"Hello. Are you all together?" the officer asked the next in line.

"Yes. That's Gaston from our village. He's leading us overseas to check out an agricultural project."

Everyone's answers were identical.

Soon, most of them passed through, and Gaston finally felt his tense nerves relax.

Only Wynter, Dalton, Wolf, and Rafael remained.

When it was Wynter's turn to step forward, the officer glanced at her. "Is Gaston from your village?"

Wynter was evidently impatient. "Didn't you ask them already? Why do you keep asking the same thing?"

The officer was about to respond, but Gaston immediately stepped forward after seeing Wynter's expression. "Excuse me. This is my younger sister. She has a bit of an attitude, so please understand."

The officer kept his polite smile. "I understand. Still, I want to remind this young lady that there have been many scammers tricking people back home with promises of high-paying jobs. Please be careful."

Wynter muttered in annoyance, "I know, I know. How could someone as smart as me get tricked? I'm not stupid."

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