The Heiress’ Return: Six Brothers at Her Beck and Call

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Chapter 1592 The Ones in Danger

Eliana nodded from the other end of the line. "Okay. I'll listen to you, Ms. Wynter!"

After their conversation, Eliana quickly sent a message to Kurt, following Wynter's instructions.

Moments later, she received a reply stating that transportation had been arranged and that they knew where her home was. The message instructed her not to come to school the next day, as someone would come to pick her up directly from home.

A chill ran down Eliana's spine as she read those words. It was clear that these people had infiltrated every aspect of her life. They were not just at school but had even surveilled her home.

She didn't linger school any longer. As she passed through the school gate, she overheard students discussing the issue with the cafeteria. It seemed that officials had arrived to investigate, and the school could no longer conceal this issue.

Every student was aware of the problems in the cafeteria, and while they had reported them, there was little they could do.

The results of past inspections had always turned out well. Whenever officials came to check, the food quality would improve dramatically, only to revert to its poor state once they left. The students had grown accustomed to this cycle.

This was the same for Eliana. However, her pressing thought now was to return home as soon as possible to check on her grandparents. She feared that these people might threaten their safety.

On her way home, she kept a keen eye on her surroundings. Until today, she had been unaware of any dangers lurking nearby. But after heeding Wynter's advice, she began to

notice the anomalies around her.

It seemed the threat had been present for a long time. It was just that their surveillance system was so sophisticated that they hadn't dared to act impulsively. Instead, they chose to use her willingness against her.

As she walked, Eliana found herself wondering how Wynter planned to confront these people. They were after more than just her-there was also Penelope, who had been taken.

Eliana had no idea that the people who came to inspect the school were genuinely concerned about the students' well-being. As a result, she missed the chance to cross paths with Lucas and his team.

Had Lucas encountered a student as visibly anxious as Eliana, he would have certainly asked more questions. This might have led Fredric to suspect that the scholarship committee had already drawn attention from higher authorities.

Ironically, Eliana's absence made it easier for Wynter's plan to unfold without interference.

The fact that Wynter wasn't imprisoned was only known to Eliana and Lucas. Whether in matters of business or personal affairs, Wynter made sure to keep Lucas informed of her every move.

Lucas was in the middle of listening to Samuel's proposal for managing the situation when he received her latest update.

Since a thorough investigation was underway, everything from the quality of the students' food to their living conditions, teaching standards, and even the students' recent psychological health would be examined.

The public exposure of the cafeteria scandal had caused significant upheaval, and no parent could tolerate what they saw. News spread quickly, and Midcrest High School found itself unable to escape the mounting scrutiny.

After the meeting, the first thing Lucas did was check his phone. His eyes lit up as he read the message.

Meanwhile, Fredric was hoping to establish a rapport with him. He maneuvered through the crowd and approached Lucas. "Mr. Keller, it's already quite late, and the meeting just finished.

"You've been busy non-stop since you arrived without even having a proper meal. How about I host you for a simple meal at a restaurant right across from the school?"

Fredirc spoke as he subtly observed Lucas' expression before asking, "Are there good news?"

He couldn't help but wonder if there was another clue.

Lucas met his gaze and smiled faintly. "There is indeed good news. It's a personal matter. My sister might be getting married."

Fredric immediately seized the opportunity. "That's fantastic news! A joyous occasion indeed! It's just that the timing and setting are unfortunate. You've just arrived, and there's been one issue after another.

"These problems stem from our previous lack of oversight. But with you here now, Mr. Keller, these kinds of issues won't arise anymore. Our subordinates are adept at using underhanded tricks for their own petty gains, which is why things like this happen.

"Mr. Paley and I have both been to this school before. I met Gideon before, and he seemed like an honest, educated man. Who would've thought? It just goes to show you can't judge a book by its cover. An investigation is definitely necessary."

Fredric's words were skillfully crafted. This way, he managed to distance himself from Gideon. After all, based solely on appearances, it made it seem like Samuel had closer ties with Gideon, while he had only met him once or twice.

The real reason why Fredric would say that was because, in his mind, if Lucas was willing to discuss personal matters with him, it meant he had let his guard down. Otherwise, it would be unlikely for a higher-up to discuss such matters.

It implied that Lucas at least saw him as an honest, uncorrupted official. To him, this was already a success. As for the issues with the cafeteria, they had nothing to do with him.

What Fredric didn't realize was that Lucas' mention of family was entirely fabricated. As Lucas walked ahead, he had already subtly signaled to Juan-an indication that Fredric should be formally investigated.

The message Lucas had received from Wynter was straightforward. "Fredric is definitely hiding something. I'm still investigating his backers' identities and have locked in on a few officials at the provincial level.

"I've managed to leave the scene and am currently looking into the disappearance of several students from the school. This is more than just human trafficking. There are deeper implications that might involve foreign forces.

"Please make Fredric think you're an easy-going, approachable new leader. It would be best if you play into his flattery. I need you to stall him for a day or two.

"Also, the school is infiltrated by enemy agents. Have your team check into the school's

teaching materials and look into these people's travel records.

"If the education system has been compromised, the consequences could be disastrous.

They're corrupting the students."

The students are the nation's future. This threat was too great to be ignored!

This situation reminded Wynter of the time she was trapped in the formation, facing that Foplyan officer. He, too, started his manipulations from the educational level, brainwashing the children. Coincidentally, it happened in this very city.

Wynter turned her head slightly to glance at Dalton, who was walking beside her.

Back then, he was also there. However, the version of him in the formation was more enigmatic. He exuded an energy that was both righteous and wicked, as if he held all the cards. It felt like no matter what happened, he had anticipated it.

No, more than that he seemed to observe everything from a high vantage point, detached and indifferent. In retrospect, he never even made a move back then.

It seemed like he was merely doing business, yet no one dared to provoke him. t seemed as

though he existed apart from the world. Even during times of war, when powerful and wealthy people often lost their dignity under foreign invasion, he remained untouchable. The version of him in the formation-his past self-was far too uncontrollable.

As Wynter reflected on these thoughts, she didn't realize she had been staring at him for longer than necessary.

Dalton stopped walking, his deep gaze locking onto hers. He smiled and spoke, his voice low and magnetic. "You've been staring at me for a while. What are you thinking about?" Wynter didn't mention the events in the formation. Instead, she grasped his wrist, her fingertips resting against his pulse.

"I was just thinking that if we find a few more people with the same horoscope who were also born with the heavenly luck you were born with, could it lead to immortality?" "No one can achieve immortality," Dalton replied calmly. "Even cultivators have their limits. They just live longer than ordinary people. Didn't you already calculate my horoscope? Extreme fortune leads to misfortune."

Wynter nodded. "Yours is too extreme, almost ridiculous. But there must be others whose fortune isn't so extreme." As she spoke, she gathered some purple energy from him. "I'll borrow a bit of this—it might come in handy."

Dalton lowered his gaze, watching her casually playing with the lucky coins. He asked suddenly, "Is someone looking for people with the same horoscope as mine? Are they seeking immortality?"

If one listened carefully, his tone was with a hint of mockery.

Wynter thought Dalton was way too perceptive. She knew she shouldn't have brought this up in front of him.

"Yes, there is," Wynter admitted. She swung her leg over her motorcycle and put on her helmet. "Keep an eye on things here. One of us needs to be inside just in case someone comes to check. You can cover for me if necessary."

Dalton didn't protest and merely nodded. He didn't insist on following her this time, which made Wynter a little curious. Still, she didn't dwell on it. The task at hand was far more pressing.

As Wynter left, more and more black feathers began to fall to the ground. The crow swooped across the city, descending to perch beside Dalton. "My lord."

"Follow her." Dalton's gaze darkened slightly. "If you sense any part of my soul, notify me."

The crow nodded. "Understood, my lord."

Dalton's gaze shifted away, his profile illuminated by the setting sun, revealing nothing of his emotions. Those people wanted not just immortality -- they wanted to awaken him as well.

"Foolish," Dalton muttered lazily, his tone carrying no warmth.

Nearby, Whitley, who had been watching this scene unfold, hesitated before stepping forward. Though he had pledged himself to Wynter, acknowledging her as his master,

Dalton's presence still terrified him to the core.

Nevertheless, he felt compelled to speak. "If you mean any harm to Ms. Quinnell, I will fight you to the death." As he spoke, the colors of his pupil shifted.

Dalton merely cast him a glance before leisurely walking away. After a few steps, his indifferent voice drifted back. "You've been overthinking ever since you've been enlightened. Is this what you've learned from humans all these years?"

The tone was so familiar that it left Whitley momentarily dazed. When he snapped out of it and looked up again, Dalton had already vanished.

Meanwhile, Eliana had just reached home. She was still unsure of how to explain things to her grandparents. As she opened the door, she was greeted by the sound of lively conversation.

"Is it true, dear? Is Eliana really so popular in school?" Anson asked eagerly.

"Of course! Who wouldn't like a smart and self-reliant student like Eliana?"

It was Wynter. It was clear she had arrived for quite some time. Always quick to charm the elderly, she was peeling an orange for Anson.

"Plus, she has a great personality. We all love hanging out with her," Wynter continued. "That's really good!" Anson chuckled, though there was a hint of relief and nervousness in

his voice. "Her grandmother and I were always worried she'd be bullied or left out at school.

"We're just simple folks from the countryside, and we don't really understand what schools are like nowadays. We've heard online that some kids bully others. We were worried but didn't dare ask her.

"We couldn't afford to get her the tablet the school required for online language classes,

either. We just didn't want her classmates to exclude her."

Agnes nodded in agreement, offering Wynter some simple biscuits from a bag they had clearly been saving for special occasions. They weren't expensive and were probably a dollar

per bag, but it was the best they could afford.

"Here, have some, dear," Agnes offered. Wynter paused for a moment before she accepted it.

Just then, Eliana couldn't hold back any longer and pushed open the door. "Grandpa,

Grandma, I'm home."

Eliana didn't have many friends at school. Poverty sometimes set her apart from others. In

middle school, she couldn't understand why, and it pained her. But over time, she accepted it and came to terms with her circumstances.

What she hadn't realized was how deeply her grandparents had worried about her. After all,

what family wouldn't want their child to be accepted, surrounded by friends, and not left

out? Anson's face lit up when he saw her. "My dear! Why are you home so early today? You're usually not back until late. It's not even Saturday. Don't you have evening classes?" "I came home early because I knew Ms. Wynter was coming to visit. The teacher gave me permission to leave early." Eliana walked further in, noticing the new items in the house- things that her grandparents could actually use.

They rented a small, dimly lit basement in an old apartment building. The space was cramped, and natural light was scarce. Because of that, she had never invited her classmates over before.

But now, seeing Wynter there, she felt something different. It felt like Wynter had truly become her friend.

Eliana smiled as she relayed what Kurt had said to Anson, carefully avoiding the real situation. She didn't want him to worry. She trusted that Wynter would be able to handle it all.

And Wynter could indeed handle it—both the trouble outside and, more importantly, Anson's illness.

"It's a chronic condition that's developed over the years. It requires patience, but it's not untreatable," Wynter said while checking Anson's pulse. She pulled out a silver needle and skillfully inserted it into an acupuncture point.

Then, she handed a slip of paper to Eliana. "Take this and go to Empathy Clinic in

Kingbourne. Look for my grandmother-she's an expert in this field. Your grandfather's illness needs to be treated with traditional medicine over time."

Eliana couldn't believe what she just heard. She snapped her head up, her eyes welling with tears in an instant.

She knew who Wynter really was. Despite all the hateful comments flying around the internet, slandering her, Eliana was fully aware of her status-Wynter Quinnell, the Quinnell family's heiress.

Normally, someone as wealthy as Wynter would never concern herself with people like them, let alone befriend her. But Wynter had saved not only her but her entire family.

Although Eliana was still young, growing up with her grandparents had given her a profound understanding of the harshness of life. She knew just how rare and valuable Wynter's kindness was.

"Thank you, Ms. Wynter! Thank you so much!" Eliana bowed deeply to Wynter, full of sincerity.

Though her life wasn't worth much, Eliana promised to herself that from now on, if Wynter ever needed help, she would do anything for her!

She wasn't foolish and could piece things together. Wynter had been immediately targeted right after saving Eliana, leading to malicious rumors and accusations flooding the internet. The forces behind this were clearly not small, and the connections ran deep.

Eliana was concerned for Wynter's safety and immediately grabbed her hand. "Ms. Wynter, I've thought about it. I can't let you deal with this alone. It's too dangerous for you."

Wynter glanced back, her lips curling into a mischievous smile. She had already changed into Eliana's school uniform. "Don't worry. It's them who are in danger."