The Heiress’ Return: Six Brothers at Her Beck and Call (Wynter Quinnell) novel Chapter 2024

Gaston straightened up and raised his voice. "Gather up—it's time to board! Everyone, take your belongings and line up at the gate."

The others picked up their things and slung their bags over their shoulders as they stood before heading toward the boarding gate.

Meanwhile, Wynter followed at the rear, watching the faces ahead—some excited, some nervous, and some uneasy—and suddenly felt the weight on her shoulders grow heavier.

These people carried hopes for what awaited them, but regret would be inevitable if reality turned out different once they arrived.

The main task this time was supposed to be rescuing the research personnel.

Wynter had just received the latest intel that the researchers were not in the hands of Magota's intelligence service, but were actually seized by a rebel armed force.

Among the eight researchers, one held the key to newly developed weapons technology. When the rebels caught wind of this, they forcefully abducted the entire group, desperate to get hold of the new technology.

With this in mind, Wynter lifted her bag in one hand. Although her expression remained calm, she was determined to resolve this matter quickly. After all, she had to secure the rescue of those researchers.

Just then, as Gaston stood at the back, watching everyone board, Delano approached with two others. "Who's responsible for the group visa?"

Gaston turned around. "Hello. That would be me."

Delano's gaze sharpened. "Things have been far from stable now. Are you really bringing this many people overseas purely for an agricultural project?"

"That's right," Gaston replied with a warm smile, not showing a hint of nerves, as if he'd already been questioned about this many times. "We're all from the same village. I happen to have some projects on hand, so I thought I'd bring everyone along to earn some money together."

Delano's voice was low and heavy. "Earn? Don't you know there have been many telecom fraud rings recently?"

Hearing the commotion behind her, Wynter glanced back and walked straight toward them. "Gaston, what's going on?"

"The officer wants to clarify a few things with me," Gaston said. Then, glancing at her, he continued, "Why don't you explain to him instead? He doesn't seem to trust me."

Wynter frowned slightly. "We're just going over to check out agricultural projects. I didn't know customs supervisors concern themselves with such matters."

However, as she spoke, she sent Delano a subtle look.

Delano caught the glance. Though he didn't quite understand the implication, he was still a seasoned man. "Hold off on boarding for now. I'll take this young lady aside for questioning. I won't say another word if there truly isn't any issue."

Gaston hesitated. "But…"

Wynter arched her brow. "Don't worry, Gaston. I won't let anyone stop me from making money. I'll be back quickly."

"Alright, then," Gaston hesitantly replied.

Then, he lifted his gaze to Delano. "In that case, I'll leave my sister with you. You can ask her whatever questions you have."

Delano immediately had two men from behind escort Wynter into an interrogation room.

Once they were in the room, Delano shut the door and went straight to the point. "Miss, what did that look earlier mean?"

Wynter's expression shifted in an instant. "You guessed correctly. That man is Gaston Ralf. He's likely one of the people in charge of luring Cascadians overseas to take part in telecom fraud."

Delano's gaze chilled. "We can't let him take people away."

But Wynter stopped him. "There's no need for the rush. My fiance and I are among those people as well. I will do everything I can to get them out."

Delano furrowed his brow. "There's nothing we can do to bring them back once these people leave Cascadia. They'll be in grave danger abroad."

Wynter looked at him steadily, her gaze filled with inscrutable thoughts. "I understand your concern, but others will come here to carry on the scheme even if we arrest this one person. We can only stop this from happening by wiping out their base in one strike."

Delano knitted his brows. "How do you know so much? Who are you?"

Wynter was blunt. "I can't disclose my identity. I'll let you know if there's an opportunity next time."

Delano raised his eyes to meet her gaze. "But… this involves many people. Even if what you say is true, a cross-border joint operation is still required to rescue them and dismantle the fraud ring. If the other side doesn't agree, we can't conduct a rescue or destruction."

Wynter's lips curved slightly as she replied, "This matter will be addressed through negotiations at the national level. My current duty is to locate their base and destroy it in one blow."

Delano frowned. "You've said a lot, but it's hard for me to believe you're an undercover operative who infiltrated them. If it's convenient, I need to verify your identity."

Wynter replied directly, "My identity is beyond your clearance. I'll call the Chief Executive to explain to you."

She then pulled her phone from her pocket and dialed Reese's number.

Reese was the first to speak. "Wynter, why are you calling me?"

Wynter handed the phone to Delano, who flinched upon hearing Reese's voice. "Mr. Grier, I'm the supervisor of customs inspection."

Reese sounded puzzled. "Huh? Why is Wynter's phone with you?"

Wynter leaned closer to explain, "Mr. Grier, I'm currently carrying out a covert mission. This officer needs to verify my identity, so I had no choice but to call you."

"I see," Reese replied. His voice softened as he addressed Delano, "There's no need for you to worry about this matter. Focus on your duty. Wynter knows what she's doing. Do everything you can to cooperate with her."

"All right, Mr. Grier," Delano quickly agreed.

He was breaking into a cold sweat. After all, he hadn't expected Wynter to be able to contact Reese so easily.

After hanging up, Wynter got straight to the point. "He'll likely be suspicious when we go out later. You need to dispel his doubts."

Delano nodded firmly. "Alright, no problem."

...

Outside, Gaston was growing increasingly anxious. He worried that he might truly be screwed over if Wynter slipped up.

As he paced back and forth, the door to the interrogation room opened, and Delano walked out together with Wynter.

Gaston approached them. "How was it? Everything's fine, right?"

Delano nodded. "We've completed the verification. I've confirmed that there were no problems in her statement. I wish you all the best. Contact the embassy immediately if you encounter danger overseas."

Gaston let out a long sigh of relief. "Understood, sir. Don't worry, I'll guarantee their safety. We'll head on to the boarding gate now. It'll be troublesome if our trip is delayed."

Once they left, Gaston turned toward Wynter. "What did you tell him just now?"

Wynter's tone was casual. "Only what you taught me to say. I said everything that needed to be said. He even went to check before finally letting me go."

Dalton's lips curved faintly. "Thank you for the reminder, Gaston."

Gaston nodded and returned to his own seat. He felt entirely reassured about Wynter now. If she had said anything she shouldn't have earlier, he wouldn't even have had the chance to get on this plane.

With that thought in mind, a smile tugged at his lips. At last, he had herded all these lambs onto the plane—his mission was accomplished.

Soon, the force of the plane's takeoff drew gasps from many passengers, making them uneasy.

Wynter sat by the window, watching the buildings on the ground shrink, as if stacked blocks knocked over.

As the plane ascended, it wasn't just the altitude that was rising—so too was the risk of these people plunging into an abyss.

Initially, Wynter had indeed planned to rescue them right at the airport and bring only Dalton and Wolf to find the base there. However, after some thought, she figured they'd likely be fooled again if these people didn't see the true nature of things.

Her goal was to make them reevaluate the world.

...

After a while, the plane started flying steadily. A flight attendant pushed the service cart and handed out meals row by row. Seeing that some people were asleep, she left a note in front of them.

When the cart reached Gaston's row, Gaston specifically informed the attendant, "Please give a bit more food and drink to the people in our rows."

The attendant patiently explained, "Each passenger only gets one meal, but drinks are refillable."

So, Gaston had to give up. "Alright, then. Thank you."

Rafael beamed. "Then, we'll be able to save money quickly. Oh, by the way, Gaston, can we let our families know we arrived safely once we get there?"

Rafael was silenced and could only lower his head as he continued to eat. No one else dared ask further, and the mood grew a bit oppressive.

What Rafael had said was on everyone's mind, but they also felt that Gaston's words were very reasonable. They would surely be busy if it were a high-paying job and had no time to contact family every day or appear idle.

With a few words, Gaston turned their suspicion into trust.

Just then, the flight attendant's voice came over the intercom. "Ladies and gentlemen, please remain seated. The lavatories will be temporarily closed as the plane begins its descent."

Gaston's smile widened. After all, the plane's descent meant they'd arrived in his territory.

He raised his voice a few notches, stealing the attendant's job. "Everyone, fasten your seatbelts and look after your safety."

Wynter's lips curved faintly as she watched the plane tilt toward its landing. Once they found the base, Cascadia could coordinate and destroy it, and those previously scammed could be rescued.

The ground outside came into clearer view.

Gaston's voice sounded again. "Wake everyone who's sleeping near you. We're about to land. Remember what I told you. Less talk, and more action. That way, you'll earn more money and climb the ranks faster!"