The Heiress’ Return: Six Brothers at Her Beck and Call (Wynter Quinnell) novel Chapter 2035

Barry asked in a gruff tone, "What has he done?"

"I've been watching him carefully. On the surface, he just chats idly with the others, but in truth, he's probing for key details."

The man on the other end paused, then continued, "For example, he asked about patrol shift times. He also went to the cabin and drank with the guards there. What they talked about, I couldn't make out."

Barry's eyes darkened. "Keep him under surveillance. Patience is key. I want to know who sent him."

"Sir, why not just kill him? It'll be bad if he ruins things for us later."

Barry tapped his fingers on the desk. "He'll lose all value if he's dead. He's clearly here for the researchers. That means someone is bound to make contact. Keep watching. If you find out who it is, take them alive. If you can't, take them out."

"Yes, sir."

After ending the call, Barry's lips curled faintly. He never trusted anyone—not fully. Suspicion had carried him through countless dangers. Even when he feigned a desire to execute the researchers in front of Esmund, it was only to test his reaction.

If Esmund had objected, Barry's doubts would have deepened. From then on, he would set watchers to monitor Esmund's every move.

…

Meanwhile, Krugen returned to his own quarters. He had been troubled ever since meeting Barry. He tried persuading him time and time again, but Barry would never listen.

Wynter's arrival here in Meprida might seem unrelated, but if she decided to take action, Shadowless could get wiped out overnight.

To Krugen, Wynter was nothing short of divine. She had once saved him from dozens of armed men. That alone was proof of her unparalleled strength.

"Krugen, I'm coming in," Esmeralda announced with a quick knock on the door, then stepped inside. Looking at him, she asked, "Why are you clashing with your father again? I heard you two fighting in the study just now."

Krugen looked up to meet her gaze. "He's too arrogant. He won't listen to a word I say."

She smiled softly. "You must learn to tolerate each other. I've been married to him for so many years, so I know what kind of man he is. He has grand ambitions. That's why I never ask about his work. As long as he finds meaning in it, that's enough for me."

"And if what he chooses to do is illegal, would you still support him?" Krugen asked, his voice thick with implications.

Esmaralda turned her gaze aside. "If he's doing criminal activities that go against the law, I would not support him and would stand against him. For me, marriage is about understanding and facing life together. However, crime is a line I would not cross. I wouldn't join him, nor would I allow it."

Krugen's tight brow slowly eased. "Alright. I get it."

…

Meanwhile, Wynter once again arrived at Sedros.

She moved with practiced ease, taking a fishing boat into the familiar cave. Esmund was already waiting inside.

He looked up with a sheet of paper in hand. "You came. This is all I've managed to gather. Some people claim ignorance, while others dodged my questions. The drunk guarding the cabin didn't provide any useful information, either."

Wynter walked straight to him. "No matter. You don't need to rush, as pushing too hard might expose you. I'll head to the airport tomorrow and see if I can take Richie away."

Esmund shrugged. "Then, it's all up to you now. Barry will definitely send his most trusted men to receive him."

Wynter committed the information to memory, then unfolded the terrain map.

"Good. Now, here's the plan. Step one—if I succeed tomorrow in taking Richie, the ones arriving at the Shadowless base will be me and two others. If you see us, wait for the right moment and sabotage the generator at the cabin. Cause chaos.

"Step two—during the confusion, disable their communications—"

She cut herself off suddenly and tilted her head. Light footsteps were quickly closing in on them.

Esmund opened his mouth, but Wynter quickly raised a finger to her lips, indicating silence. "Someone's coming."

Esmund's face hardened. "Don't tell me… they've discovered us already?"

Wynter's voice was steady and calm. "Don't panic. Besides the main entrance, is there another way out of this cave?"

"There is. It's at the very back. I dug one myself." Esmund pointed behind them.

Wynter gave a slight nod. "As an outsider, I can't be seen here. I'll slip through the back and circle to the front. If you can't handle them and things get out of hand, I'll intervene. But once I do, my cover will be blown."

Esmund met her gaze. "Alright. I'll follow your lead."

In a flash, she darted toward the rear exit, vanishing into the night and melting into a towering tree's shadow.

She could always formulate a new plan, but Esmund's safety was non-negotiable.

Moments later, five armed men stormed up to the cave entrance.

"Whoever's inside, come out now, or die!"

Esmund feigned surprise. "It's me! Esmund Rollo!"

The leader bore a scar across his face, hence his nickname "Scar".

"Esmund? Come out here!" Scar barked with a frown on his face.

Esmund strode to the mouth of the cave. "What's this about? I was just resting here for a bit, and you drag me out like this?"

Scar jerked his chin at a subordinate. "Keep your eyes on him."

Then, he raised his weapon and entered the cave himself.

He had been tailing Esmund in secret for days. The moment he reported Esmund's movements here, Barry ordered him to catch him in the act.

Scar advanced slowly, scanning the cave. He walked all the way to the end and found nothing. Wynter had already sealed the back exit when she slipped out.

"Esmund, were you really here on your own?" Scar asked as he emerged, his voice icy.

Esmund frowned. "What? Were you hoping I was chatting with some strangers so you could hand me over to Barry and take my place as Fourth Captain?"

Scar studied him for a while, then broke into a smile. "Relax, bro. Someone said you'd left the base, so I came to check. That's all."

Esmund snorted. "I came here to nap. If you think that's some kind of great crime, then go ahead and tell the boss. I'll take whatever punishment he gives me."

"Alright, enough already. It's just a misunderstanding." Scar scanned around the cave as he spoke. "We'll continue our patrol. Rest well and return when you're ready. I won't mention this to the boss."

Esmund stretched lazily. "I was just about to fall asleep when you barged in, and you even had your men point guns at me. I'll be reporting this to the boss myself. Now, get lost."

Scar was pissed, but still maintained a smile on his face. "Alright. We'll be going now."

However, the moment he turned around, the smile on his face vanished, replaced by a sinister expression.

From her post behind the tree, Wynter watched him and his men leave before stepping into the open.

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