The Heiress’ Return: Six Brothers at Her Beck and Call (Wynter Quinnell) novel Chapter 2041

Wynter suspected one of the researchers had sold out their itinerary. Even a mole inside the upper ranks would need time to pass information around. But according to Emmanuel, they checked into a hotel and, almost immediately afterward, men with guns carried them off.

Emmanuel nodded lightly. "Understood."

He got into the car and took a seat in the back. The driver then started the car and slowly drove off.

"Emmanuel, we all feel bad that the data's lost. Don't be too hard on yourself."

"Yeah. At least you're alive. There's still time to redo the research. I'm sure we can replicate that data set again!"

Six of the seven passengers offered consolation. Emmanuel watched them quietly, then noticed one young man in the back who was brooding the entire time.

Emmanuel knew who he was. He had singled the young man out to come along because he showed promise.

"Darryl, what's on your mind? You look troubled," Emmanuel asked gently.

Darryl Hunt quickly snapped his head up. "It… It's nothing. I was just thinking… that dataset was everyone's hard work, and it's gone, just like that. I don't know if we can ever replicate something like that again."

Emmanuel put on a warm smile for him. "You're right. We'll have to rely on you youngsters in the future. I believe you'll shoulder this research's burden."

"Emmanuel's right. We've all seen Darryl's ability. Otherwise, you wouldn't have brought him along," another scientist chimed in.

Darryl scratched his head and deflected the praise. "You flatter me. I'm still learning the ropes, and I'm nowhere near as capable as you veterans."

Emmanuel chuckled. "Not only is he capable, but he's also a humble one. I remember that when I was his age, I used to be so arrogant, like I was the best in the world. Darryl, you have a bright future ahead."

Still, Emmanuel's doubt fell strongest on this new recruit, Darryl. He pulled out his phone and sent a message.

…

Meanwhile, Wynter's expression darkened. "I'm not sure if our hunch is right."

Dalton leaned in close and said, "We'll find out if we tail them covertly. Suspecting a leak is reasonable."

Wynter looked up. "It depends on whether Emmanuel can find who did it. Following them without proof could backfire."

Just then, her phone chimed. The corner of her mouth lifted after reading through the message. "Emmanuel has found something."

Dalton said calmly, "Good timing. There's another car nearby. Catching up should not take too long."

Wynter pocketed her phone. "Foreign soil is messy. Even if we catch him, there's no good place to detain him. For now, we'll have to rely on Emmanuel. When they're back home, that mole will be taken in immediately."

With that, she turned around and looked to the sea. A boat was coming their way.

At the bow stood Krugen. Beside him were two people—Barry and Cobra—both bound.

The boat eased ashore. Krugen led the two captives up the beach and dropped them before Wynter.

"Wynter, I'll leave these two to you." Krugen shifted his gaze to Wynter. Though his heart was heavy, he could not bring himself to turn his back on justice.

Wynter folded her arms. "I'll inform the Mepridan authorities about Barry and request leniency in exchange for meritorious service. As for how long he'll be held… that's not my call."

"That's good enough," Krugen said, allowing a thin smile. "What he did deserves the firing squad, but I trust you."

Wynter turned to Cobra. "There's one thing I forgot to ask. Was the hit on Barry arranged by your backer?"

"Of course." Cobra's eyes flashed with a sinister glint. "If Barry lived, how would I rise to the top?"

Wynter chuckled. "I suppose the Central Intelligence Bureau had its hand in this, too?"

"H-How did you know?" Cobra blinked, puzzled. "Only I knew about that plan. How could you possibly know?"

Wynter's gaze was steady and thoughtful. "They used your hunger for fame and reward as a lever. After all, they'd much rather have an obedient puppet than a wolf in sheep's clothing."

Cobra straightened. "You've already guessed it. What's left for me to say? Yes, the Central Intelligence Bureau ordered me to do it. They thought Barry had lost his edge and wanted me to take his place."

Wynter said flatly, "William Lacroft?"

Cobra replied fearlessly, "That's a name I haven't heard of. I've told you everything I know. Now, give me a clean death."

Wynter replied evenly, "I don't kill unnecessarily. The Mepridan authorities will be here soon. They should be arriving any minute now."

Cobra's eyes hardened. "The police? If I fall into their hands, I'll be tortured to death! If what I told you has any value, please just grant me a quick death right now. Just shoot me already!"

Wynter's brow lifted slightly. "What do you mean by that? Are there corrupt cops involved?"

"Yes!" Cobra's voice rose. "It's not just armed militia operating in this region. There's also telecom fraud. Every month, the fraud ring bosses pay protection money to the police. If they miss a payment, they're dragged off, fed pig slop, and beaten half to death. I don't want to go through that."

Wynter's gaze deepened. "So, are you saying there's an entire scam center here?"

He nodded hard. "Yes!"

"I'll look into it. This operation was coordinated between our embassy and the Mepridan government. It'll go through proper legal channels. You won't have to worry about the rest. But what you said about the corrupt cops… now, that's a useful lead."

Even as she spoke, a police car rolled to a stop in front of them.

A man in a crisp suit stepped out. "I'm the head of the Cascadian Embassy here in Meprida."

Wynter walked up to him and introduced herself. "Nice to meet you. I'm Wynter Quinnell. I'll leave these two in your hands."

The ambassador nodded. "Understood. They will be punished accordingly."

After that, Wynter gave him a look, a subtle signal to step aside. He followed her a few paces away. "What is it? Is there something else?"

She turned to him. "Are you aware there's a telecom fraud center operating here?"

He admitted with a sigh, "I am. We've coordinated several raids with the local government. But every time we went, the place was already empty. It's become a personal regret of mine."

"So, it's true…" Wynter's eyes glimmered with resolve. "In the next few days, I'll investigate quietly. If possible, I'll take them down and free the people trapped there."

The ambassador nodded. "That would be excellent. If you need assistance, you can contact me directly. Here's my number."

They exchanged contact details.

Wynter said softly, "Keep this between us for now. Don't breathe a word of it to anyone else until it's done."

The ambassador nodded. "Understood. I'll take them from here."

Wynter watched as the police vehicle pulled away. Then, she turned to Krugen. "Where will you go next?"

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