The Heiress’ Return: Six Brothers at Her Beck and Call (Wynter Quinnell) novel Chapter 1638

Fredric was stunned by the sudden force, his face pressing painfully against the table, his hair smeared with the fish oil from the dish.

Usually, Fredric was extremely particular about his meals, insisting on only eating one side of any fish no matter the cost of the dish. He claimed this ritual kept his luck flowing smoothly. Yet today, his face was smeared against the untouched side of the fish.

He hadn't even had the chance to feel the rage yet. He merely stared at Lucas with a trace of disbelief flickering in his eyes as he struggled to rise to his feet.

Lucas' words hit him like a punch in the gut. "Fredric Monty, you've abused the authority given to you by the people. You formed self-serving alliances with the Wray and Montclair families, suppressed honest business owners, and exploited your position shamelessly.

"Furthermore, according to the evidence, you're implicated in the human organ trafficking case in Valen Village."

Lucas could barely contain his fury. He had been in Hawford only briefly, yet Wynter had already been framed and thrown into prison.

He knew fully well that foreign capital was manipulating the stock market, using insider connections to drain domestic funds. The Wray and Montclair families, along with others from the Chamber of Commerce, were facilitating this from within, losing their principles for money.

Wynter had involved herself in the stock market to prevent these people from siphoning off vast amounts of capital from domestic investors. Despite inevitable market losses, this stabilized the stock prices, ultimately protecting countless investors.

But Lucas was furious that Fredric dared to twist the truth, publicly smearing Wynter as a criminal by exploiting his position.

Of course, Lucas understood all the tricks and complexities involved here. Since his transfer, he'd encountered nothing but people who pulled him into endless eating and drinking sessions, spouting empty platitudes.

Even Julius, who was going to retire soon, was clearly trying to set a trap for him.

On one hand, Cascadian business people must continually produce products that appeal to consumers to reclaim the domestic market share Cascadians had to sacrifice at the start of the reforms.

On the other hand, Jackson had advised Lucas to learn from Wynter. Jackson had also specifically reminded him to pay a visit to the Whitman family—a duty he should fulfill both personally and professionally.

Lucas was to ask about the challenges Cascadia businesses face, especially the veteran entrepreneurs who remained committed to domestic goods.

Jackson, childless and long retired, hadn't hesitated to step back in when needed, even if it meant working tirelessly.

But after their work discussion, the first question Jackson asked was, "How's Wynter doing? Tell her this latest move into the stock market was exceptionally decisive. Plus, the way she revitalized the applesauce factory is exactly what we need to be doing."