The Heiress’ Return: Six Brothers at Her Beck and Call (Wynter Quinnell) novel Chapter 1735

Eric laughed as he said, "Cleo, you're still so stubborn after all these years. But you're in luck this time."

Cleo replied seriously, "Because I deeply respect Mr. Gordon. Obviously, it's something you could never understand."

Eric responded casually, "We were both Mr. Gordon's followers. Deep down, I admire him, too, but everyone makes their own choices. Didn't you choose to stay tucked away in Hawford?"

Cleo raised an eyebrow. "Because I'm waiting for the person Mr. Gordon chose."

Eric laughed heartily at Cleo's response. "That girl from the Quinnell family? She's too inexperienced."

Glancing at his watch, he continued, "It's getting late. I came by this time to see you. After all, we've been friends for so many years. You reached out to Isaiah, but not me. I had no choice but to come to his house to wait for you."

As he spoke, he turned to look at Isaiah. The situation was as clear as day now. Isaiah, who had once sworn loyalty to Gordon alongside Cleo, had fully sided with Eric.

Realizing this, Cleo clenched his fists tightly. He couldn't understand why things had come to this, and his eyes betrayed a trace of doubt.

Isaiah avoided his gaze, unable to meet his eyes.

Seeing this, Eric's smile deepened. "Cleo, times have changed. The Quinnell family might look grand to outsiders now, but they're nothing remarkable to us old-timers. Surely, you can understand why Isaiah did this."

As he spoke, he patted Cleo's shoulder. "I won't interrupt your little reunion any longer. I've got plenty of work to do.

"You should be aware that the chamber's founding ceremony is just a few days away. Don't say I'm not considerate of Mr. Gordon's descendants. You can bring that girl from the Quinnell family since you care so much about her. She's just a youngster, and I can make room for her."

Though Eric's tone was calm, his words brimmed with arrogance. The Chamber of Commerce had originally belonged to the Quinnell family. Who was he to "make room" for anyone?

Cleo took a deep breath, his expression darker than ever before.

With that, Eric turned and left with his entourage, leaving only Cleo and Isaiah at the scene.

Unbeknownst to others, Eric took a confidential phone call after his departure.

The voice on the other end was old and deep. "How's our plan coming along?"

Eric sneered wickedly. "Everything is in place. That girl from the Quinnell family has been ruining so many of my operations ever since she arrived in Colifernia, especially with the hospital! She cut off a significant source of profit.

"She thinks that taking down Rohan gives her a show of force and threatens my foundation. What she'll never understand, even in death, is that my foundation lies elsewhere.

"As for her, she'll soon be in despair. I heard that the Quinnell family values kinship. I'll make sure she watches Blake walk right into a trap."

"No need to create too much commotion. Just distracting her is enough. Don't forget our grand plan." The old man was remarkably patient. He continued, "And some people are no longer usable. Make sure there won't be any mistakes on your end."

"Rest assured. You've worked so hard for this rebirth, so I won't act recklessly. As per your instructions, I've been cultivating ties with Mt. Dragon. It's starting to bear fruit."

Eric glanced back as he continued, "As for the remaining elders from the Quinnell family, they're no threat. They won't be able to reclaim the Chamber of Commerce unless the emblem resurfaces. I've made all the necessary arrangements for everything else."

"Good. You know what I need. There are some matters where it's inconvenient for me to show up personally," the voice replied, his tone lowering even further. "I will assist you if necessary."

Eric nodded, his expression revealing a hint of respect.

If anyone had seen this scene, they would undoubtedly be filled with questions. After all, who could command such reverence from Eric? What status or power could such a person possibly hold?

…

Meanwhile, in the courtyard, Cleo hadn't left yet.

He sat up from the ground slowly and looked at Isaiah before sighing deeply. "I didn't expect you to follow him, too."

Isaiah shook his head at these words. "Circumstances forced my hand. I had no choice."

Cleo continued, "And what about the kindness Mr. Gordon showed you back then?"

The words pierced Isaiah's heart like a needle. Ever since he started working with Eric, he had often dreamed of the days when he followed Gordon. The memories were still vivid.

Cleo was trying to gather as much support in Colifernia as possible, hoping to gain more leverage when it came time for the Chamber of Commerce's leadership vote.

Looking at Isaiah, he said, "Isaiah, I originally came here to find you. I truly didn't expect to run into Eric. But the moment I saw him, I understood. You're not the same person you once were.

"Mr. Gordon was generous to you, and now, the Quinnell family has produced an heir who carries his legacy and vision. Think it over carefully."

With that, Cleo staggered up and hobbled toward the door, leaving Isaiah in silent reflection.

He paused at the door and pulled his sleeves down to cover his wounds. As he opened the door, he spotted Wynter standing not far away. Reaching into his pocket, he noticed two missed calls from her and immediately understood.

He walked toward her, who noticed him instantly. "Mr. Sinclair, why couldn't I reach you earlier?"

Cleo replied with a bitter smile, "Sorry for worrying you, Ms. Wynter. I just went to visit an elder of the chamber, hoping to gain his support. After all, every vote counts. I didn't expect Eric to be there, either."

Wynter asked, "Has Eric left?"

Cleo nodded. "Yes. He specifically mentioned the chamber's founding day before he left. He said he had saved a spot for you."

Wynter chuckled mischievously. "Saved me a spot? It seems like it's time to get involved with the chamber. Some people have occupied the nest for too long and seem to have forgotten their place.

"But before that, you need to be careful. There aren't many left who are still loyal to my great-great-grandfather."

Cleo responded firmly, "Alright. I'll continue reaching out to a few more places. I'm sure there are still those who remember the original vision Mr. Gordon had when he founded the chamber."

Wynter didn't reply. After all, based solely on Cleo's expression, it was clear that his earlier conversation hadn't gone well. Moreover, seeing Eric here meant it was highly likely he had been to the Quinnell family's former allies as well.

Human hearts would inevitably change over time—there was no avoiding it.

Additionally, Eric had originally been one of Gordon's trusted confidants. He had amassed significant influence and connections over the years within the chamber. If he had turned, others would likely follow. Not everyone could remain as steadfast as Cleo.

Because of this, Wynter didn't place her hopes on these elders' loyalty. The Southern Cascadia Chamber of Commerce was established by Gordon, and she would reclaim it through her own strength.

Cleo was visibly still troubled by the situation with Isaiah. He remained silent on his way back.

Wynter sensed his unease and stopped in her tracks. "I'll handle the chamber's matters. There's no need to rush."

…

At the same time, on the outskirts of Colifernia, an event was happening.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to this arena of passion and dreams! This isn't just an ordinary race. It's a battle of courage and speed, a clash of skills and strategy!

"Today, our racers will drive their machines of glory, leaving their marks and creating legends on this track! So, my friends, get ready with your cheers and shouts! Let us now welcome the semifinals and our racers to the stage!"

The crowd's roar echoed across the open fields.

"Miami Conley!"

"Ross Baywick!"

Someone in the crowd shouted, "This was a planned accident! At that turn, it was clear that slowing down would have ensured that everyone went through it safely. Why did Blake accelerate into it?"

This remark ignited a wave of accusations from the audience.

"Ross was such a skilled racer! He was killed by Blake!"

"Blake is a murderer!"

At this moment, after the rescue team extinguished the flames, all that was left of Ross' car was its charred frame.

The race organizers handed over all the recorded footage to the police and conducted preliminary interviews with those present.

Shortly after, the police approached Blake. "Mr. Quinnell, we need you to come to the station to provide a statement as you were directly involved in this incident."

Still bleeding from his forehead, Blake glanced back at the wreckage. Although the situation was sudden, he managed to maintain his composure. "Alright, I'll go with you. However, I want to call my lawyer, Wynter."

Outside the venue, the crowd in the stands was demanding an explanation from the event organizers.

"Today's incident was something we never anticipated. Rally racing is a sport of speed and passion, and we've done everything possible to minimize the risks of accidents. We will fully cooperate with the relevant departments and actively assist in the investigation.

"During the investigation process, we will maintain open communication with everyone and the media. We will also be working closely with the authorities to provide timely updates and share the latest findings," one of the organization representatives said.

…

Eric watched the screen in front of him, a smirk forming on his lips.

He turned to the man beside him and remarked, "The Quinnell family's situation is a deadlock. Wynter won't be able to change a thing even if she gets involved. What do you think their next move will be?"

"Of course, they'll come begging for your help, Mr. Lofstedt," the man replied, eager to flatter him.

Eric retracted his gaze. "Begging? No need for that. The Quinnell family should all be behind bars before I feel at ease."

…

Meanwhile, Wynter, who was pondering the connection between the Chamber of Commerce and fortune, suddenly received a phone call.

"Hello, is this Blake Quinnell's legal representative, Wynter?"

Blake's legal representative? Wynter frowned. "Yes."

"He is currently at the police station. We need you to come here."

Hearing the word "police station", Wynter tightened her grip on her phone. Without wasting a second, she got on her superbike and sped toward the station.

…

Blake was escorted into an interrogation room. Two uniformed officers entered, carrying photographs from the scene and the initial witness statements.

One of the officers looked at Blake and said, "Mr. Quinnell, we need your cooperation to investigate the accident that occurred on the outskirts earlier today. Did you have any conflicts with Ross Baywick?"

Blake shook his head. "I had no conflicts with Ross."

The other officer was busy transcribing their conversation as the questioning continued.

The first officer continued, "However, eyewitnesses at the scene stated that you did not decelerate during the turn. That resulted in your car colliding with Ross' vehicle, causing the accident."