The Heiress’ Return: Six Brothers at Her Beck and Call (Wynter Quinnell) novel Chapter 1820

Huchon gave a slight nod of approval. "Don't end up like that useless Kenton. Be glad that it was just a trial run for Project Eclipse and not the real deal."

Glancing at a muscular man seated across from him, Huchon instructed, "Iron, your task is to sow chaos in society. We'll stage a series of 'accidents' in major cities, throwing both the authorities and public into disarray."

Gilcolm Caley, otherwise known as Iron, replied in a hoarse yet resolute voice, "I've already mapped out the locations—transportation hubs, public facilities, and media centers. We're ready to move on your command."

Huchon was pleased by the answer and turned to a lean figure. "Your role is the most critical, Shadow. Your task is to obtain Cascadia's latest military intelligence, especially regarding quantum communication and deployment strategies. Do you think you can do it?"

Asketil Breen, codenamed Shadow, lifted his head as a cunning glint flashed in his eyes. "I've already infiltrated one of their research institutions and gathered some preliminary data. Give me more time, and I'll secure the core intel as well."

"Excellent. I trust in your capabilities," Huchon complimented before turning to the cloaked figure. "I have nothing new for you, Rogue, but I do recall assigning you a mission long ago. What's the status?"

Bertrem Tatlok, the man known as Rogue, hurriedly stood up and explained, "It's in progress, Ghost. We'll have it in our hands soon."

Huchon snickered at the answer. "Such a simple mission, yet it's taking you so long. If it weren't for your status, I would've discarded you already. I have no further comments, but I need to know when we'll get the blueprints.

"Project Eclipse hinges on a single goal. And if those blueprints are really connected to the Celestial Force, then we can put all other plans on hold. You need to speed things up!"

Bertrem wiped the sweat off his forehead, nervously reassuring Huchon, "I promise I'll have those blueprints ready in a month!"

Huchon snorted. "Well, I hope your promise holds. If I don't see results in a month, you'll have no reason to exist."

Turning around, he addressed a man in a white lab coat. "There's one final step for Project Eclipse. I know you're upset that your virus has been decoded, but don't let that failure weigh you down. This time, you need to develop a stronger one to replace it."

Thormot Hubart, known as Healer, echoed resolutely, "I understand. In just a month, I'll deliver the strongest virus in the world—one that no one can decode but me!"

Huchon gave a nod of acknowledgement. His cold tone carried a hint of contentment as he spoke. "Very well. I hereby announce Project Eclipse's commencement. Do remember that Cascadia is our greatest threat, and we must see this project through at all costs.

"Once it's accomplished, our final goal is to find the Celestial Force. The day when Cascadia's economy collapses, their society crumbles, and their technology stagnantes will be the day of our victory!"

His declaration echoed in the silent meeting room.

The six men exchanged glances, an unspoken agreement passing between them. It appeared they had waged a quiet war on Cascadia.

At Huchon's announcement, the men quickly left their seats and disappeared into the shadowed corridor. The lights in the meeting room slowly dimmed, leaving the maps on the table to signal the silence before the storm.

…

Outside the house, the Special Unit members had arrived following Ianto's location. As he glanced at the time, Ianto couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong.

"It's already half an hour, but that man still hasn't come out. Should I check inside?" he asked.

Osian hesitated before giving his approval. "Go ahead and check the situation. If anything goes south, request backup immediately."

Ianto acknowledged the order and slowly approached the house. He pushed open the door, only to be greeted by darkness. He lit a match he had on hand, finding himself in a small, empty meeting room.

Deep down, Kiaran knew he had given in to temptation. The old man's promise of promotion had ensnared him in a web of power and authority.

Once Kiaran left, the old man took out the statue and yanked the red cloth away. A fragrant scent immediately filled the air. He placed the statue on the table with care and greedily inhaled the scent.

Black mists seeped into his body, and the morbid energy slowly transformed into revitalizing life energy. Even his dried skin seemed to have been moisturized.

After absorbing the life energy, the old man covered the statue with the red cloth and stashed it into the drawer. He then grabbed his briefcase and headed downstairs, acting as if nothing unusual had happened.

Spotting the old man, Kiaran opened the car door for him. "Please be careful of the bumps, sir."

Once the old man settled into the car, Kiaran drove him home.

Upon reaching the house, the old man stepped out of the car and addressed Kiaran. "Be careful on your way back. Come by at the same time tomorrow morning. I've just submitted the namelist. If everything's fine, the deputy mayor position is yours."

Kiaran eagerly replied, "Thank you for your guidance and support, sir. I won't let you down."

The old man merely patted Kiaran's shoulder. "It's not a big deal. What's more important is that you have learned to adapt to the situation at hand. Some things are better left as secrets."

Kiaran was stunned for a moment before nodding earnestly. "I understand, sir. My lips are sealed."

With that, he bid goodbye to the old man and drove off.