The Heiress’ Return: Six Brothers at Her Beck and Call (Wynter Quinnell) novel Chapter 1694

"Mr. Stavius once mentioned cultivators refrain from taking on another's personal burden, warning that they would face repercussions from the heavenly laws," Dalton commented, his breath brushing against Wynter's lips.

He continued calmly, "The shadows under your eyes have grown darker since you last borrowed my energy. Don't tell me it's a coincidence."

At times, Wynter felt that others being too shrewd might not work in her favor—like now, when she failed to deceive Dalton.

"I admit I've been mentally drained the past couple of days, but it's not a problem. I still have some merits left," Wynter replied softly, sounding rather guilty.

Normal citizens might not know that merits could be depleted. But for a being who had lived for an indefinite time, Dalton knew the truth too well.

"There's an easier way," Dalton suggested as he tore open his shirt's collar. The dark shirt contrasted with his pale neck, evoking an ineffable sense of restraint.

While the tempting sight would've entranced most girls, Wynter's gaze was fixed on the throbbing veins along his neck. For some reason, she felt a deep thirst rise in her throat.

At that moment, she caught a faint glimpse of Dalton's spiritual manifestation once more. Amid the heavy personal burdens surrounding him, he bathed in golden rays and seemed to give off an alluring scent. It was as if he was tempting her to bite into him.

Clenching her fists, Wynter struggled to fight against the temptation but failed. With a darkened gaze, she grabbed Dalton's collar and sank her teeth into the familiar taste. His scent completely enveloped her. Unable to control herself, she bit into him deeply.

Dalton hissed and furrowed his brows, though he showed no signs of anger at all. Instead, his grip on Wynter's waist tightened, with his face a picture of restraint control. The trench coat he wore lent him a Victorian nobleman's dignified air.

He was the commander, utterly in control of the moment. Even the crow in the distance failed to notice what lay hidden in his eyes' depths.

The crow wouldn't dare to look into Dalton's eyes. As a mythical beast, he was more concerned that Dalton might develop true feelings amidst the deceit—something that could become his weakness.

The crow had an ominous feeling when the Soul Commanding Badge was uncovered. As he expected, the situation had taken a bewildering turn. He wondered if Dalton would fall prey to Wynter twice.

On the other hand, Wynter had never experienced such bliss and found herself wanting more. It seemed that Dalton's energy could soothe the lingering resentments within her.

The more Wynter defied the fates and dispelled formations, the deeper the resentments embedded in her soul. Though they weren't something of her own making, she still bore the karmic fate destined from above.

Elders often warned against changing another's fate, and cultivators frequently reminded that heavenly secrets must not be disclosed. Those warnings implied that certain truths couldn't be altered, no matter how clear the rights and wrongs might seem.

Despite knowing the outcomes, one was forbidden to break the rules and correct things based on their own judgments. The heavens had their plans, and no good would come from defying them.

Wynter wasn't entirely untouched by the heavenly repercussions, or else, Vanessa wouldn't have merged with the Soul Commanding Badge to stabilize her.

Wynter refused to sacrifice anyone for her own stability, which left her in a weakened state. And with her domineering presence, it might look to strangers that she was forcibly kissing Dalton.

A cough suddenly broke the moment. Turning around, Wynter saw her uncles standing behind her and quickly broke away from Dalton's embrace.

"Dad wants you in his study. We didn't mean to interrupt. It's merely a coincidence," Noah said with smiling eyes.

Wynter was momentarily stunned before regaining her senses. She didn't seem quite herself when she shoved Dalton away. In contrast, Dalton remained composed, as if nothing had happened. He stood straight and greeted the Whitman brothers respectfully.

"You need to be careful, too. You can't just give in to Sevie's impulsiveness. She's still young, and it won't be good if others saw her like that." Noah and Taylor reprimanded him.

The Whitmans were rather protective of their young ones. While they didn't have the heart to rebuke Wynter, they picked on Dalton instead. Besides, they still recalled that he had once broken off his engagement with her.

"There's quite a lot of people passing by. We wouldn't want to hear rumors about Sevie pursuing you next," the brothers added.

Dalton chuckled. "Don't worry, sirs. I assure you, such rumors won't arise. The Yarwood family has already prepared the wedding gifts. If Wynter agrees, we can hold the ceremony any time or get a marriage registration first."

"Absolutely not! Sevie hasn't reached the legal age to register for marriage yet. Besides, she's just returned. Give her two years to settle in at home, unless she's ready for marriage," Taylor refuted sharply. Despite his maturity, he was displeased by the idea of Wynter marrying so soon.

However, Wynter swiftly replied, "I am ready for marriage, but I've been too busy."

Noah and Taylor were left speechless. They had always dismissed the rumors about Wynter, but they didn't expect her to fall so deeply for Dalton.

Dalton gave a soft chuckle, and his gaze became gentler than before. He took Wynter's hand, perfectly wielding his charm.

The underworld was quick to pick up on his emotions. In the depths of the nine levels of hell, the demons lurking within the black fog stirred, ready to burst forth at the beckoning of souls. Yet, they suddenly froze in place.

"What's that on your face? A red spider lily? L-Let's retreat," a demon said fearfully.

When the others voiced their confusion, the demon continued, "Can't you see the flower blooming on your face? We'll turn into dust the moment we get up there!"

"Did someone with great merits arrive? Why does the underworld feel so different?" a demon asked.

"Who knows? I'm dying of heat here!" Came the retort.

Even the underworld guards, who were capturing souls at the mall capturing souls, sensed the change.

"Do you notice the dense energy today?" one inquired.

"There's something nearby. Be careful," the other replied cautiously.

At that moment, several voices rang out in the distance.

"Oh my god! I won the first prize!"

"Look, Mommy! The caterpillar has turned into a butterfly!"

While children's words were often perceived as naive, the crow looked on with mixed emotions. He was relieved that Dalton was recovering, but he feared that history would repeat itself.

Meanwhile, Wynter and Dalton made their way to Reuben's study together.

She inadvertently glanced at Dalton, only to find his attention fixed on the Youth Daily resting on the table.

Wynter arched an eyebrow and asked, "Are you still reading those papers, Grandpa?"

"Since it's something Mr. Gordon left behind, I reckon it must be important—you gave it to me for safekeeping, after all. I figured I might find something useful for you in it. I've been reading the papers all day, but so far, there's been nothing," Reuben replied with a frown.

He had kept the newspapers hidden from others, only pulling them out to search for clues when he was alone. But now, his reason was different.

"You entrusted the newspaper to me since you've been so busy. Now that you're leaving for Colifernia, it's better if you take it with you. It might be of use," Reuben said, raising a hand.

If Wynter hadn't brought the newspaper to him, he would've never guessed that Gordon had left behind something else. After all, most of Gordon's relics had been cremated, and some had been lost when the Quinnells moved to Kingbourne.

The few relics that remained—if they were of any value—were kept under Fabian's care. Yet, Wynter claimed to have found the Youth Daily within the old Quinnell residence.

Back then, Reuben wasn't the only one who had tried searching there—many Hawford citizens had done the same.

Those who once served Gordon now mainly offered their assistance to others, either in developing businesses or by providing connections to manage companies. They weren't closely connected, given that only a few of them were still alive.

Among them was Stetson, who had been arrested because of his affiliation with Edison. And then there was Cleo, who always played by his own set of rules.

Cleo had once mentioned that he only heeded Gordon's words. After Gordon's death, he completely severed his ties with the Quinnells.

Aside from those two, the rest of the elders had remained as the old Quinnell residence's guardians.

"If you're truly looking for clues, Cleo might know something. How about I arrange a meeting for you?" Reuben suggested.

Glancing at the newspaper in her hand, Wynter turned down the offer. "Please wait a little longer, Grandpa. I don't wish to hide anything from you. The situation in Colifernia is more urgent. I fear the people's loyalty to Grandpa Gordon might not be as strong as they once were."

Reuben agreed to her decision. "Very well. Then, do as you see fit."

Not wanting to burden Reuben with such concerns, Wynter assured him, "You should focus on your recovery, Grandpa. Don't worry about Colifernia. I'll bring you good news soon."

"Great. I have full trust in your capabilities, so I'll be waiting for the good news!" Reuben replied as he patted Wynter's shoulder.

After giving an affirmative response, Wynter and Dalton walked out of the study. Once outside, she glanced at her charming fiancé and complimented, "You're as clever as ever. I was surprised when Grandpa agreed to have you accompany me."

Dalton flashed a charming smile. "You need proof before making such a claim, my lady. That decision is Mr. Reuben's to make. I wouldn't dare change his mind."

Just then, Wynter stopped in her tracks and lifted her gaze. "You've seen the Youth Daily that Grandpa Gordon left behind, haven't you?"

Dalton instantly stiffened at her words.