The Heiress’ Return: Six Brothers at Her Beck and Call (Wynter Quinnell) novel Chapter 2033

Dalton knew what was on Wynter's mind. The world peace she wanted may seem simple, but to actually realize such an ideal was extremely hard.

When they reached the hotel entrance, the staff opened the car door and took their suitcases.

After checking in and putting their luggage down in the room, Wynter looked at Dalton. "I'll head out for a bit later to meet the undercover agent."

Dalton stood tall and elegant, the sunlight on him like a golden glow. "Alright. I happen to have a video conference coming up."

Wolf plopped down on the couch. "What about me, Boss?"

Wynter's voice was calm. "There's a fast-food restaurant nearby. I'll get you a big bucket of wings and drumsticks. That should be enough for you."

Wolf grinned. "That's more than enough. Then, let's go buy it now."

Wynter turned to Dalton. "Come with us. We can walk around, too."

Dalton turned at her words. "Alright, I'll go with you."

...

Not long after, the three of them appeared at the hotel entrance. Just as they were about to head right, a car pulled up in front of them.

The door opened slowly, revealing a man sitting inside. He was holding a glass of champagne, wearing sunglasses and flashy clothes—it was Krugen.

Krugen pressed a finger to his lips to shush them before they could speak. "I know you must be surprised. Please put those shocked expressions away."

However, Wynter's expression remained unfazed. She turned aside, ready to keep walking.

Seeing this, Krugen quickly jumped out of the car. "Wait, where are you rushing off to?"

Wynter stopped. "How did you follow us here? I can understand you making it to Meprida since your driver knew the destination, but how did you know our hotel's location?"

Krugen pouted. "Didn't I tell you that I've got some influence here in Meprida? Finding out where you're staying wasn't hard."

Wynter turned back, her gaze deep. "Then, do you know where those researchers are being held? If you can tell me that, it would prove that you really do have influence here."

Krugen scratched his head. "Well... I honestly don't know anything about that. Shadowless has always been well hidden, and even the government has no leads. They did manage to find some traces at times, but the place was already empty."

Wynter raised a brow. "So, according to you, any random person on the street could be from Shadowless."

Krugen nodded. "Yeah, that's what I'm saying. But they're not stupid—they wouldn't expose themselves like that."

Wynter glanced sideways. "I know. That's why I'm bringing these to grab something to eat now. Do you want to come?"

Krugen's eyes lit up. "Food? Now, that's my specialty. I know all the good spots in Meprida. I'll take you there!"

Wynter smiled faintly, her tone casual. "Alright, then, come along."

Krugen beamed. "Great! Everyone, get in. It's a bit far, so I'll drive."

As the car started up, a man hiding behind a tree stepped out. He pulled out his phone and made a call. "Mr. Yancy just left with two men and a woman."

The voice on the other end was low. "Follow them from a distance. Your job is to keep him safe."

"Understood. I'll move out now."

...

On the way, Krugen chatted and laughed continuously, introducing Meprida's culture and tourist attractions. Wolf nearly fell asleep listening.

At last, the car stopped.

Krugen was the first to jump out. "It's time to get out. This is one of Meprida's most famous restaurants. You won't regret coming here."

The group followed him out. Wynter looked up and noted that the interior was indeed well decorated, with a retro vibe.

Krugen, clearly familiar with the place, quickly booked a private room and ordered several specialty dishes. "Give it a little time. The food will be here soon."

Wynter sat upright as she said casually, "Krugen, you don't seem anything like an ordinary citizen of Meprida."

At her words, Krugen's hand froze slightly, his smile fading. "Well… yeah, I'm not exactly ordinary. But I'd never harm you."

Wynter's gaze was cool. "I know. You don't have the guts for that. So, let me ask you one last time—you're not connected to Shadowless, are you?"

Krugen's eyes flickered instinctively before he steadied himself. "No."

Wynter noticed his reaction but only nodded lightly. "Alright."

The meal went by quickly. Krugen was far less enthusiastic than before, eating quietly, as if weighed down by his thoughts.

He stood once he was done. "I'll be off, then. Call me if you need anything in Meprida. I'll do my best to help."

Wynter nodded in acknowledgment. "Thanks."

Krugen walked to the door, got into his car, and left the place straightaway.

Dalton's voice was calm. "That man isn't that simple. I didn't notice back then, but he definitely averted his gaze this time when you mentioned Shadowless."

Wynter stood there, strikingly charming and beautiful. She crossed her long legs as her jet-black hair fell freely. "I saw it, too, but I didn't call him out. If he wants to hide it, let him. Everyone has their own secrets. He'll say it himself when he's ready."

She glanced at the time. "Take Wolf back first. I'll head straight over now."

"Alright," Dalton replied. He then reached up and tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. "Stay safe. I'll answer immediately if you call."

Wynter gave a soft hum in acknowledgment before getting into another car and heading toward Sedros. Checking the map, she realized that she would need to take a boat if she wanted to get there, as the car could only go so far before stopping.

...

Meanwhile, after leaving, Krugen drove to a three-story villa. He got out of the car and walked straight inside.

His eyes burned with anger as he looked at the man standing with his back to him. "Why did you kidnap those Cascadian researchers?"

The man turned around. An eyepatch covered his right eye—it was Barry.

Barry's gaze hardened. "How many times have I told you to come back? Yet, this is what finally made you return?"

It was the same Esmund from the secret base.

Wynter froze slightly. "Then… I need to send that fisherman who brought me here away first."

Esmund smiled faintly. "He's one of mine. Otherwise, no one would dare bring you here."

Hearing that, Wynter gave a slight nod. "How are they doing?"

"Magota?" Wynter's gaze was calm. "Just as I thought. If we follow that line of thought, Shadowless is most likely a militant group cultivated by Magota. The other two forces could very well be tied to them, too."

She felt a chill in her chest. After all, that experimental data had to be top secret. She could only hope they could find the traitor quickly.

Esmund nodded. "You're right. I've followed Barry for a long time, but I never heard him mention this stuff."

Wynter looked up at him. "Then, you must know where they're being held, right?"

Esmund pulled a hand-drawn map from his pocket and handed it to Wynter. "They're in a cave not far from here.

"However, the cave is surrounded by cliffs, with only a narrow entrance. There's a high-voltage electric net at the mouth, as well as both visible and hidden sentries. Getting in unnoticed is basically impossible."

Wynter frowned. "How many people are inside?"

"Around 40 or 50, and each of them is armed. The cave has two levels—one where the armed men stay, and a second where the researchers are detained," Esmund replied.

Then, his voice dropped. "Also, Barry goes every day to pressure them for the experimental data. He almost killed Professor Digby today, but I managed to stop him just in time."

Wynter nodded lightly. "Please take care of them without blowing your cover."

Esmund offered a calm smile. "My superiors already informed me that I am allowed to reveal myself to protect them if they run into danger. Now that you're here, I have much more confidence.

"But there are two armed speedboats, each equipped with heavy machine guns, and a mortar mounted above the cave entrance." He paused. "We have to deal with those first to get into the cave."

Wynter's gaze was deep. "You're probably the only one who can do that. Like you said, they'll shoot on sight if they see a stranger. Nobody else can approach the entrance."

Esmund's tone was grave. "Alright. I'll find a way to sabotage the speedboats and the heavy guns. Once I do, my identity will be exposed. I don't mind sacrificing myself, but those researchers must be rescued. The plan has to be flawless."

Wynter's voice was flat. "I'll devise a comprehensive plan. Meprida's government should hate these armed groups, meaning I can leak the information so the government attacks from the front on the day of the operation.

"But… I can't guarantee the researchers' safety. If Barry senses something is wrong, he'll use them as hostages immediately."

At that moment, voices came from nearby.

Esmund hurriedly said, "There's a concealed grotto ahead. Hide there while I draw them away."

Wynter nodded and moved in the direction he indicated. Then, she spread Esmund's map on the ground.