The Heiress’ Return: Six Brothers at Her Beck and Call (Wynter Quinnell) novel Chapter 1990

Elvira lifted her head and looked at Wynter. "I promise."

Wynter paused. "I haven't even said—"

"There's no need." Elvira's gaze softened. "As long as it's something I can help with, I won't refuse. Even if it costs me this old life of mine, I'd still be willing."

Wynter's gaze was calm. "It's not as serious as you said. I remember you told me that you've threatened those smugglers before. Did you discover anything else regarding this? For example, about the nearby port."

"The port?" Elvira pondered for a moment. "I've lived here for quite some time, but I haven't had much contact with the port. However, not long ago, I heard something about a customs officer's wife causing a scene there."

"Caused a scene? Can you explain in detail?" Wynter's gaze grew serious.

Elvira lifted her head as she tried to recall. "This is only something I heard. When his wife arrived at the port, she insisted on seeing the officer. No one could stop her, nor did they dare to.

"Some people vaguely overheard her shouting at him, saying that she'll expose everything he had done and that no one would have any peace if he betrayed her.

"I only heard of this matter from others, so I don't know if it's true. People mostly laughed it off as gossip. After all, that customs officer has a great reputation. He doesn't smoke, drink, or gamble. He's considered a good man."

"People can hide their hearts behind a pretty face." Wynter lazily lifted her gaze. "But this information is enough. It looks like the breakthrough lies with his wife."

Without law enforcement authority in Havenia, all she could do was investigate quietly. Wynter knew this well. Hence, although she couldn't reach the customs officer, she could rely on her old tactics to approach his wife.

Time passed quickly. Soon, Wynter, together with Dalton and Wolf, walked to the door.

"Ms. Cellini, we'll head out first. Sadie will need your careful care during her recovery. She must take her medicine every day consistently," Wynter informed.

"Alright, I'll take good care of Sadie and remind her to take the medicine." Elvira sounded a little reluctant as she continued, "It's still early… why don't you stay a little longer?"

"We have important matters to attend to." Wynter straightened her posture. "We'll visit you again when we have time. For now, we'll take our leave."

With that, she and the other two walked outside.

"I've already thought of a plan, but I'll need someone to make the introduction." Wynter's dark eyes remained calm.

"Baxter," Dalton suggested as his thin lips curved faintly. "With his standing in Havenia, he will naturally have access to customs officials."

Wynter smiled subtly. "We're thinking the same thing."

She then pulled out her phone and dialed Baxter.

"Ms. Quinnell, what can I do for you?" Baxter's voice came once the call connected.

"Mr. Hensley, do you know the head of customs?"

"The head of customs?" Baxter paused. "Do you mean Aiden Patsy, the Customs Enforcement Division's director?"

"That's right. I need to get in touch with his wife as quickly as possible." Wynter's beautiful eyes lifted slightly.

Baxter lowered his voice. "I know his wife as well, but… it might backfire if you approach her as the Chamber of Commerce's chairman. After the Charis incident, customs have cut all ties with us."

"No need for that identity of mine. I'll approach her as a fortune-teller. That's why I need your help, Mr. Hensley. Find a reason to invite her out, and leave the rest to me," Wynter said as she played with her sugilite pendant.

After hearing what Elvira said earlier, Wynter had someone investigate Aiden's wife, Riley Maisie. The records showed she was deeply superstitious about astrology and divination, visiting a tarot parlor every week.

Baxter understood Wynter's intentions immediately. "No problem. It won't be an issue if it's just inviting her for coffee or something. But why do you want to meet her, Ms. Quinnell?"

"I've recently discovered something connected to her," Wynter said softly. "Anyway, I'll trouble you with this. Once you set the time and place, send it to me. You don't need to show up."

Baxter let out a quiet hum before hanging up and contacting Riley.

After the phone call, Wynter straightened up. "Let's go. It's time to get ready to meet Riley."

Some time later, Wynter stood before a mirror, checking out her outfit. She wore a deep purple robe, a jingling silver bracelet at her wrist, and a pair of specially bought rimless glasses.

Wynter twisted her long hair into a loose bun, fixed it with a hairpin, and with the tear mole at the corner of her eye, the look came together perfectly.

When everything was ready, Baxter sent her the address. The meeting would be in half an hour.

Seeing this, Wynter looked at Dalton. "Are you ready?"

"Me? Are we going, too?" Dalton raised his fingers slightly.

Wynter toyed with the tarot cards she had prepared. "Yes. We'll put on a little act for her in the cafe."

Dalton's lips curled faintly. "And what do I need to prepare?"

"I'll think about your character setting." Wynter held her chin with one hand, pondering. "It's actually a little tricky… Forget it—just improvise. You too, Wolf."

Both Dalton and Wolf stared at her in disbelief.

"Alright, let's go!" Wynter stood up and headed for the door.

The cafe wasn't far, and soon, they arrived.

Wynter glanced at Dalton. "I've got it. I'll be Ms. Quinnell, a hidden expert in astrology. You're someone who came to me through an introduction. As for the rest, you shall improvise as you see fit."

With that, she strolled into the cafe.

As for Dalton and Wolf, they would only enter after Riley went inside.

After a short while, a middle-aged woman walked in. Wynter had already shown Dalton and Wolf her photo, and once they confirmed it was indeed Riley, they followed her in.

Wynter had taken a seat by the window, while Riley sat further back.

When Dalton and Wolf entered the cafe, their gazes immediately fell on Wynter.

Dalton's voice carried a note of excitement. "Ms. Quinnell, is that you?"

Wynter nodded with feigned mystery. "It's me."

"I finally found you." Dalton hurried over. "My friends recommended you to me. Price is no issue. My situation is really troublesome."

"No matter." Wynter turned slightly to face him. "I don't usually do fortune-telling. However, I'm repaying a favor this time. Just tell me your problem, and I'll resolve it for you."

Hearing Wynter's words, Riley couldn't help but glance over.

Dalton quickly sat down. "Ms Quinnell, you probably don't know—"

After circling around, Wynter brought Riley to a small house.

Riley felt slightly uneasy. As she stepped inside, her eyes swept across the star charts hanging on the walls and the neatly arranged crystal balls.

Wynter gestured for her to sit in the velvet chair opposite her. "I hadn't planned on helping you at the cafe earlier. However, you seemed familiar, so I decided to help you this once. I have many methods. There's tarot, palm reading—"

"Tarot!" Riley cut her off. "Tarot is accurate. I've tried it many times before, but it never solved the trouble in my heart."

She didn't say it outright, but she didn't fully believe in Wynter's skills yet. If Wynter could truly reveal her troubles, then Riley would be convinced.

Wynter picked up the tarot deck on her right and began shuffling, her movements practiced and elegant. "Silently repeat your question in your heart, then draw three cards."

Riley hesitated, then reached out and drew three cards. Wynter turned them over one by one—The Moon upright, The Chariot reversed, and The Devil upright.

At the reveal of the cards, Riley drew in a sharp breath, her face paling.

Wynter deliberately stayed silent for a moment, creating an air of unease. "The Moon represents hidden truths and insecurity within the family. The Chariot reversed points to conflict in family or relationships. And The Devil…"

She paused before continuing, "It suggests an irresistible temptation."

Riley gripped her handbag tightly. "What… What does that mean?"

"Are you sure you want to know?" Wynter asked softly, watching her reaction. "Once you hear it, your anxiety may only deepen."

Riley grew even more tense. "Ms. Quinnell, say it. I'm listening."

"Very well. Have you felt that your husband has been different recently?" Wynter's gaze was calm, her voice soft. "For example, staying out late more often, or treating you differently."

"How did you know?" Riley's eyes widened. "That's exactly right! Not only has he been coming home late, but sometimes when he does return, he barely stays before leaving again. We don't even act like a married couple anymore. If anything, we're more like friends."

Wynter lowered her tone, feigning gravity. "I can tell you bluntly that your husband isn't having an affair. The issue is that he's recently been involved with certain people and things. That is what has created this distance."

"What people and things?" Riley asked quickly.

"You'll have to discover it yourself since he hasn't chosen to tell you." Wynter lifted her eyes to her. "Moreover, the cards are showing something more. Does your husband's work involve art or antiques?"

Riley's reaction grew more intense. She instantly blurted out, "You… You can read that as well?"

"What he's doing cannot be kept a secret from everyone." Wynter's fingertips tapped lightly on the table. "No one has ever doubted my ability in fortune-telling."

Riley nodded vigorously. "You're right, Ms. Quinnell. He was recently transferred and became the Customs Enforcement Division's director."

"Then, it's as I thought," Wynter said calmly. "I can see it clearly. What troubles you isn't your marriage itself, but something your husband has been doing. You believe he shouldn't be involved, and that's what has caused the conflict in your heart."

By then, Riley was completely won over. "You're the first to ever give me such an answer… and you're the most accurate."

"The cards do not lie." Wynter gathered them back into the deck. "As for your fortune, I don't need to repeat them for you to know."

Riley nodded softly. "Ms. Quinnell, I'm utterly convinced. Just like what that man in the cafe said, you're truly remarkable."

"No need for flattery." Wynter's voice remained indifferent. "If there's nothing else, pay up and leave. I'm very busy."