The Heiress’ Return: Six Brothers at Her Beck and Call

Chapter 1702 A Huge Problem

"Wherever Dalton is, I will be there, too?" Dalton repeated Wynter's words, his gaze shifting slightly. His face, already strikingly handsome, became even more so when graced with a smile.

This was a rarity among men. Years of refinement had instilled a natural presence of authority in Dalton, as if he could control everything around him. The scholarly elegance that emanated from his very being only served to make his subtle smirks even more captivating.

Wynter was, without a doubt, a sucker for people with good looks. And when the man in question was her fiancé, she saw no reason to hold back.

"Exactly. Of course, I'll be wherever you are."

Dalton's voice was calm. "And what if you were

betray me?"

Wynter raised an eyebrow. "Me? Betray you?"

Dalton responded with a quiet hum.

Wynter reached out, lifting his chin slightly with her fingers, inspecting him before chuckling. "When you have a face like this? How dumb would I have to be to betray you?"

Dalton was accustomed to her teasing demeanor by now. Compared to her antics in her previous lifetime, she was already much more restrained.

But the waiter, who had just come in with their dishes, was clearly not used to it. He completely froze at that sight. Not wanting to make a scene, Wynter quickly withdrew her hand. Still, even such a small display was enough to set the rumor mill into overdrive.

When Theo heard the reports later, he was thoroughly delighted.

Dalton was a cold-hearted iceberg, after all. Someone needed to take the initiative in the relationship. And if it was Wynter doing so, that suited him just fine!

In his joy, he issued bonuses for all his staff, so the employees couldn't help but wish for Wynter to visit Colifernia more often. Not only was Theo more generous, but even Dalton seemed to ease up on his usual relentless pursuit in their projects when he was happy.

Dalton, for his part, was in an undeniably good mood. He had long known that Wynter had a certain appreciation for his looks-one thing she was never subtle about.

What puzzled him, however, was a lingering inconsistency. In their previous life, she hadn't seemed the least bit interested in his type. If anything, her preference had leaned toward what modern vernacular might call the cute and clingy type.

He glanced at Wynter, just about to broach the topic, when her phone rang suddenly. The ringtone was distinct- one reserved for her members in the Special Unit.

Wynter answered the call. "Hello. How is it?"

"There are indeed many viruses present, but nothing currently uncontrollable. All identified strains are ones we've seen before. Even if an outbreak were to occur, it would remain within manageable limits."

The voice on the other end was low, as if deliberately avoiding being overheard. "Boss, should we shut down this farmers' market?"

Wynter raised her eyebrows. "If these are all known viruses, why should we shut it down immediately?"

"There are just too many wild animals there. Even if things are fine now, there's no guarantee for the future. And there's something... strange."

Wynter lifted her gaze. "What is it?"

"I can't explain it clearly right now, but I need you to see it for yourself to understand. I can't make any

conspicuous moves here at the moment."

Wynter's fingers paused briefly. "Understood. Head back to the Disease Control Department. Remember to keep your identity concealed. Also, I'll need a comprehensive report on patient admissions from major hospitals in the area."

"Got it, Boss. I'll get it to you in two days."

The person on the line hung up quickly, clearly in a rush to return to their job. They had to avoid arousing suspicion, ensuring that their temporary absence didn't appear deliberate o avoid alerting any potential culprits. Only then would they be able to gather more information.

After ending the call, Wynter brought Dalton back to the bustling farmers' market.

There were now more people bargaining and packaging goods. However, one peculiar thing caught her attention. Earlier, there had been numerous animals at the stall, but now, only the black serpent she had purchased remained. Wynter approached Oscar, who smiled warmly and stood up. "Miss, are you here to pick up your snake?"

good. I was planning to buy more, but it looks like everything else

selling like crazy. Other animals sell out quickly, too,

to buy them? That's a lot

didn't think much of it. "There's this guy who's been coming by recently. He clears out everything we've got every time he's here. But he doesn't talk much it's always his people doing the bargaining for him. He himself

a moment.

he hasn't been coming personally the last few days. He just sends

She glanced around the stall. "Do you have any surveillance cameras here?" "Surveillance cameras? Why would I install something like that?" Oscar looked at Wynter in confusion. "In this line of work, nobody wants evidence lying around. Say, miss, what exactly are you up

cameras in the market. The infrastructure was outdated-loose wires hung precariously.

came by saying they were conducting a hygiene

the wild animals precisely because

Wynter first entered the market earlier, she had already noticed the intricate familiarity among the stall owners.

people even lived there. If an overhaul were

in such a modern city like Colifernia, a market like this still existed

quality, one would expect such traditional

for many, places like

here weren't locals. They came from Colifernia's outskirts or even further west. For them, staying in a developed city wasn't just about making a living but also about giving their children access

better education and opportunities.

your homework. Did you understand what your teacher said?" Amidst the distinct smell of fish, a

far from Wynter, a young girl with two braided

ran inside with a quick patter of footsteps, shouting, "Mommy! There's a really

worry about others. Go wash your

small interaction and realized that it wasn't as simple

there were undeniable problems here-hygiene concerns, questionable business practices-but the consequences of shutting down entirely would be catastrophic for the

for their livelihoods.

find a solution that would

Noticing the skeptical gaze from Oscar, she suddenly let out a long sigh.

it. You should leave. We don't welcome

words caused him to pause.

couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. For someone who

chuckled, though it was out of anger

but to tell you the truth." Wynter continued without even batting an eyelid, "I'm here because of that disaster in your water

serpent in the bucket. His mind raced back to the strange dreams he'd been having since bringing it into his shop. Every night, he would dream of a snake flicking its tongue,

speak to him.

moved a small stool out for Wynter and poured her a cup of

what it was hearing. Had these two come all the way here for it? It knew its own worth. After all, it had only

was unlike Sothoth, who had foolishly asked Dalton whether it resembled a dragon. He was lucky he hadn't been turned into snake

heard rumors that Sothoth had been tamed, always stationed by the river, tasked with guarding

cleverly cooperated,

thought much of the situation

and he looked at her with

he addressed her. "I won't hide anything from you.

occurrence for long-time residents in Colifernia to be more inclined to believe in such things compared to people

While the black serpent wasn't the primary reason she'd entered the farmers' market, its presence was significant

this issue. "This

but it was captured by you and brought here. Naturally, it harbors resentment. "Moreover, you've caught many wild animals over the years. Creatures with a certain spiritual awareness leave behind

that the father's debts are repaid by the child. Even if you've escaped unscathed,

a nerve in Oscar. "You-How do you know about my son's

but had initially refrained from mentioning it, adhering to certain

it if it were solely for survival. However, he had crossed a line when he once captured a young monkey for a

see the karma on him now, something she wouldn't have been

She saw the mother monkey's lingering hatred-the

him.

cursed." Wynter raised her hand and pressed a lucky

to Oscar. He looked at Wynter in shock. "I didn't

to give birth, and we needed the