The Heiress’ Return: Six Brothers at Her Beck and Call (Wynter Quinnell) novel Chapter 2036

Dalton and Wynter switched identities quickly. One played Richie Millard, while the other played his aide. Meanwhile, Wolf became the bodyguard.

Wynter glanced at Dalton. "Put on the gold-rimmed glasses. Whoever was supposed to pick him up would have nailed down some details, so don't let anything slip."

Dalton nodded, then took out the gold-rimmed glasses he had prepared beforehand and put them on. At the same time, Wynter pulled out a tablet from Richie's briefcase.

"Richie's itinerary is here. The man Barry sent to meet him is a trusted subordinate who goes by Cobra. His right forearm bears a snake tattoo. Your job is the most important. When we meet them, you must keep the situation under control."

Dalton accepted the tablet with a cool nod. "You don't have to worry about me, my dear aide."

"Good. Keep up the act. Once we're at the base, I'll probe their defenses and layout. It'll make the rescue easier."

Wynter then turned to Wolf. "You stay with him. Don't let anyone near him."

"Got it, Boss," Wolf acknowledged readily.

By the time they were done, the car had returned to the airport. Before stepping out, Wynter pocketed Richie's phone, then arranged for the vehicle to be driven away. The three of them then entered the arrivals hall.

At the exit, a man with a snake tattoo on his right arm and a thug beside him came forward. "Are you Mr. Richie Millard? I'm Cobra. The boss sent me to pick you up."

He flicked his eyes toward Dalton's gold-rimmed glasses and the logo on the briefcase, seemingly trying to match up the details.

They'd been waiting a long time and were about to give up when "Richie" finally appeared.

Dalton glanced at him once, said nothing, and walked straight to the parked SUV. Wynter followed closely beside him, smiling as she addressed Cobra. "The professor must be tired after traveling. Let's depart quickly. The base data won't wait."

Cobra's gaze darkened. He was annoyed by Dalton's indifferent attitude. After all, no one in Meprida dared ignore him like that. But since the man they'd been sent to pick up was an important expert, Cobra swallowed his pride and climbed into the front passenger seat.

The SUV tore away from the terminal, heading into a desolate region. Through the windows, the city's gleam dissolved into abandoned villages and dried riverbeds.

"Mr. Millard, didn't your flight land some time ago? Why the delay?" Cobra finally voiced what was bugging him.

Dalton's reply was cold and clipped. "Why is that any of your business?"

"Why you…" Cobra's jaw tightened. "Watch your tone. The boss invited you to do work, not to give me attitude."

Wynter interjected, diffusing the situation. "Sir, that's how the professor is. All he cares about is data and research. Nothing else matters to him. The flight did arrive earlier, but right after he disembarked, he took a call that ran long."

Cobra snorted, annoyed at Dalton for brushing him off like that. He made a mental note to himself—once the job was done, he'd make Dalton pay for that insolence. He wondered if Dalton would still keep his composure then.

…

Meanwhile, at the Shadowless base, Scar, who was by Barry's side, spoke up.

"Sir, have Cobra and his men picked up the expert yet?"

Barry's eyes darkened. "Don't let him return without the expert. If he can't even handle something this small, what else is he good for?"

No sooner had the words left his mouth than his phone chimed. A message from Cobra came in. "The expert has been picked up. We're on our way back."

Barry set the phone down. "See? He's got the man. No need to gossip."

Scar bowed slightly. "Sir, I'm not that kind of person. I've always been loyal to you without ulterior motives."

Barry chuckled dryly. "You'd be long dead if you had any ulterior motives. By the way, how's your watch on Esmund going?"

"We learned last night he slipped out to Sedros alone. I took a few men to follow him, but when we arrived, he was alone. I waited, but there were no signs of anyone else."

Barry's gaze darkened. "No trace is the best trace. Why would he go alone unless something's up?"

Scar nodded. "You're right. I'll get some men and bring Esmund in right now."

Barry's fingers rapped on the desk. "No. Now's not the time. I'd like to see who he's really working for. If he's an agent for Cascadia, I'll let him die with those scientists."

Scar added, "Those researchers still won't cooperate."

"Go tell them their time is short. The expert's arrival will seal their fate," Barry said icily.

"Yes, sir." Scar started for the lab on the second floor, then paused as Barry called him back.

"I don't like how smooth this is going… Who knew the expert was coming?"

"Not many, I think." The man scratched his head. "But Esmund was at the lab. He should've heard it, too."

Barry's gaze turned stone-cold. "Esmund knows? Then, the person behind him might know as well. Post more men at the gate. When they arrive, look for my signal. If I wave downward—shoot to kill."

"Understood, sir. I'll see to it right away." He left at once.

Barry's brow knitted tightly together. That intuition of his had saved him from death more than once, and he trusted it.

"S-Sir!" A guard burst into the room, breathless. "Mr. Krugen is here."

Barry frowned. "Why is he here? Tell him to go home."

"Mr. Krugen says if you won't let him in, he'll never come see you again. He won't listen to us."

At that, Barry's voice dropped low. "Bring him in."

"Yes, sir."

A short while later, the guard ushered Krugen inside and left.

Barry demanded, "What are you doing here?"

Krugen's eyes were focused on Barry. "I came to see you. Are you really going to keep going down this path until it ends you?"

Barry frowned. "This is my highway to power. Once we're done with this, our standing will rise!"

Krugen's voice was firm. "Alright, I get it. As your son, I have a duty to stand with you through this."

"You… You've come around?" Barry sounded almost incredulous. He had been trying to convince Krugen for a long time, but Krugen had always resisted following his path. Yet, here Krugen was, choosing to join him all on his own.

Krugen smiled faintly. "I've thought about it. You were right. We must be the ones to control our fate, not let others do it."

Krugen kicked him. "What's this? I can't even kill someone when I want?"

"Krugen, why the fiery temper?" Barry asked as he walked in through the door.

Krugen turned to him and said, "This one offended me. I want him dead."

Krugen nodded. "This is boring. Let's get out of here."

Barry put an arm around Krugen's shoulder. "Alright, let's go. You can just let our men keep them under watch. Come to the gate. The expert will arrive soon."

He then turned to a nearby guard. "Bring Esmund to the gate so we can greet the expert together."

…

Meanwhile, the SUV Wynter was on tore on, speeding through the landscape.

Wynter looked toward Cobra. "Hey, can you slow down a bit? The professor isn't well. I don't think he can handle this kind of speed. He might get carsick."

Cobra glanced at Dalton with obvious annoyance, muttering, "What a fuss."

Regardless, he still barked at the driver to ease off the throttle.

Taking advantage of the moment when she handed Dalton a bottle of water, Wynter spoke close enough for only him to hear.

"We'll take a boat next. The real operation starts once we're afloat. Stay aloof. Don't let them see through your disguise."

Dalton gave a slight nod, his face barely showing any expression. "Understood."

Cobra pointed to the front. "Our destination is just up ahead, but we have to get there by boat."

Wynter looked in the direction he pointed. A cluster of small boats bobbed at the shoreline.

When they finally pulled over, Cobra climbed out. He produced a token from his pocket that he offered to the boatman, then motioned them aboard. The boat then moved toward deeper water.

Cobra said, "This place is secure. Mr. Millard, you can work here without worry. When this succeeds, the boss will reward you handsomely."

Dalton replied flatly, "I don't care for money. I care about the technology. Show me the data quickly. Don't waste my time."

Wynter quickly stepped in before the tension could flare. "Sir, I'll take care of the payment. The professor only needs to worry about the technical work."

Cobra's stare sharpened at Dalton. He had seen arrogance, but nothing like this. He swore he would make Dalton pay for that attitude after he finished his job.

They were still some distances away, so all they saw was a cluster of people at the cave's entrance.

"That cave is our base. The boss will receive you personally," Cobra said as he pointed to the front.

When they drew nearer, Wynter caught sight of a familiar silhouette among the cluster of figures at the entrance.