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

Chapter 1693 Mild Sweetness

Edison had always looked down on Rosalyn. He was currently in the living room, shouting furiously, like a mad dog.

Rosalyn sat quietly on the couch, as if she had grown accustomed to scenes like this.

Edison roared, "I told you to go beg the Whitman family! Get moving! What are you doing sitting here all day?"

"Edison Waldron, I'm not like you. I still have some conscience. You know exactly how you've wronged the Whitman family, yet now, are you really saying you want me to beg them?" Rosalyn continued firmly, "I won't do it."

"Then use your father's old connections! Didn't he leave behind a network of people back in the day? You've spent all these years unemployed, living off me like a parasite! You're useless! Now that the company's in trouble, you won't do anything!"

As he ranted, he grabbed Rosalyn's arm roughly. "Go beg them now!"

It was at this moment that people from the Whitman family arrived.

"Mrs. Waldron, I've been sent by Ms. Quinnell," a man in black, Norman Brook, said.

Upon hearing this, Rosalyn turned slightly and gestured for them to come in. She knew well enough that such visits weren't casual. Considering what Edison had done, it was clear the Waldron family was about to face their downfall.

As Edison's wife, Rosalyn had once tried to plead for mercy on his behalf, even meeting Wynter in person. Now, she could only offer a bitter smile.

Her greatest regret was marrying a man like Edison. All these years, she had clung to the idea that a husband and wife were supposed to stand united. Yet, had Edison truly treated her as a partner?

He had cheated, kept mistresses, and sneered at her, calling her a "washed-up hag".

There were moments she'd thought about following Marie's example, courageously taking the first step toward freedom. But she no longer had the strength.Belongs to (N)ôvel/Drama.Org.

"Whatever the Whitman family decides to do to the Waldron family-or me I'll accept it," she said softly, resignation etched in her voice.

Overhearing this, Edison erupted in fury. "What do you mean you'll accept it? You bitch! Are you trying to kill me?" In his rage, he lunged forward as if to strike her, completely disregarding the visitors' presence.

However, Wynter's men weren't the type o tolerate such behavior. Norman swiftly grabbed Edison's wrist and twisted it back.

"You're quite the chatterbox," Norman said calmly.

Edison, who was all bark and no bite, immediately crumbled under the pain. His face turned pale, and he collapsed to his knees.

Norman loosened his grip on Edison, casting him a fleeting, disdainful glance before turning to face Rosalyn.

"Mrs. Walrdon," he began, "I'm here today for two matters, both on Ms. Quinnell's behalf. First, she never forgets a grudge. Whatever Edison has done to the Whitman family, she remembers it all and will ensure he faces the consequences.

"Second, you're different. Ms. Quinnell knows you came to warn Mr. Whitman Senior and Mr. Whitman about the situation. If you're willing, you can leave behind the title of 'Mrs. Waldron' and reclaim yourself Rose Barne."

At the sound of that name, Rosalyn's composure crumbled entirely.

Rose Barne-a name no one had called her since her father's passing. In all her years of marriage, even Edison had never addressed her by it. Yet, in just a few days, Marie and Wynter had both reminded her of her real name.

Instantly, she could no longer hold back her tears.

Norman silently passed her a few tissues, waiting patiently for her to regain some composure.

When her sobs finally subsided, her eyes were clear and resolute. "I want to be Rose Barne again. I no longer want to be Mrs. Waldron."

The title of Mrs. Waldron had weighed her down for years. Outside her home, she was known solely by her marital title, with no one caring about her own identity. Many even assumed she owed her status to Edison.

Norman nodded slightly at her decision and continued, "Edison's current position was built on the connections your father, Mr. Barne Senior, left behind. The Barne family did everything they could to support him as a son-in- law.

"But as they say, helping someone too much can breed resentment. He dared to start keeping mistresses and squander your father's legacy after his passing.

"Ms. Quinnell said if you want to take back what is rightfully yours, the Quinnell family will stand with you. If you're willing, the Quinnell's Legal Department will handle your divorce proceedings."

Hearing this, Edison, who was still clutching his wrist, turned pale. He knew all too well the formidable reputation of the Quinnell's Legal Department. If they took on Rose's divorce case, he would undoubtedly end up losing everything!

Realizing the gravity of his predicament, his legs gave out beneath him, and he collapsed to his knees. Desperation painted his face as he begged Rose, "Honey, I was wrong! I'll cut ties with that bitch right now. Let's start over and live a good life together. I was wrong, and I'll do better! Please, let's not divorce!"

Edison's performance was textbook manipulation. His tears flowed freely, as though he truly intended to turn over a new leaf.

Rose looked at him. "Edison, perhaps you've forgotten, but when my father was still alive, you begged me like this before. I was naive then and believed you. But not anymore."

"Honey!" Edison's voice cracked in panic.

Rose didn't falter. Her tone was calm and methodical, as if reciting a ledger of his betrayals. "Just three days ago, when you were appointed the Chamber of Commerce's acting chairman, you threatened me. You said you'd ruin my reputation if I didn't agree to divorce.

"You called me a 'washed-up old hag' who had no right to carry the title of your wife, and you couldn't wait to bring your mistress into this house.

"Well, let me help you achieve that dream. And let me make one thing clear, Edison Waldron-if I had any other option earlier, I would have left long ago. Being your wife has disgusted me for years! I detested being Mrs. Waldron!"

With that, she turned to Norman. "Please tell Ms. Quinnell I want a divorce!"

Norman nodded. "As Ms. Quinnell had assumed." He extended his hand toward her. "Ms. Barne, the Quinnell Group will fully handle your divorce proceedings.

"Additionally, the Southern Cascadia Chamber of Commerce welcomes you as a new member. The Waldron family is expelled from the chamber, and Rose Barne will take her rightful place as a new core member."

Hearing this, Rose froze for a moment, then burst into tears of relief and joy.

She fully understood the current prestige of the Chamber of Commerce, now led by Wynter. After the exposure of the massive corruption scandal, the chamber in Hawford had risen to a level of national recognition, and countless talented entrepreneurs were eager to join.

Yet, Wynter had chosen her.

Her mind suddenly flashed back to the day she left the Whitman residence. Noah had promised to never forget her kindness and would repay her when she needed help.

At the time, she hadn't taken those words seriously. But now, at this critical juncture, they had come to help her, enabling her to reclaim her identity and dignity.

"Thank you..." Tears welled up in Rose's eyes. "I don't know what I've done to deserve the chance to join the Chamber of Commerce... I..."

Norman responded without hesitation, "Ms. Quinnell said the Barne family's legacy still lives on. You've once held the position of an executive, so surely, you can manage a business just as well. What makes you truly exceptional, however, is your heart."

Beside them, Edison seethed with envy and fury. "Her? What could she possibly contribute to the chamber? Wynter is just relying on her connections to pull stunts like this!

"Letting a woman join the chamber? If the former Mr. Quinnell Senior was still alive, he'd jump out of his grave and call her an unworthy descendant! The Chamber of Commerce will collapse!"

Edison's face twisted in bitterness, going completely mad. "Colifernia will not allow her to have her way! Just you wait! Someone will drag her down from her high horse, just like me now!"

He started laughing maniacally after his words. Edison's derangement was unmistakable. His humiliation mirrored what the Whitman family had endured at their lowest point-enemies taking pleasure in his downfall and even his closest allies abandoning him.

And now, the prospect of losing everything, the company he believed he had built himself, to Rose pushed him over the edge.

"The Barne family! That old man, Estes Barne, cared about nothing but his reputation! He used to preach, 'Those in power must discern what is worth doing and what is not.' In reality, he just looked down on people like me!

"If he'd been more opportunistic like Fredric, he would've helped me secure power, and I'd have soared long ago!" His eyes burned with hatred as he glared at Rose. "The people in the Barne family are all the same! Stubborn and obsessed with moral grandstanding! You are the same! It's disgusting! You're disgusting!"

It was only now that Rose fully understood that Estes had seen through Edison's character from the very beginning. Despite his dissatisfaction with this son-in-law, Estes had endured it for her sake, given that the marriage had already been sealed.

It turned out she hadn't brought just an unloving husband into her life-she had let a venomous snake into her home. She had believed he was a talented man, held back by his disadvantaged background and lack of

opportunity. How naive she had been.

Edison was nothing more than a country slicker. Back in her school days, she hadn't been able to see through him,

but now she understood everything and she wouldn't be fooled again!

"Please prepare the divorce proceedings as quickly as possible," Rose said resolutely.

Norman chuckled lightly. "Don't worry. The Quinnell Group is known for its efficiency. As for this... this mess,

leaving him here might weigh on your mood, so I'll take him out."

By "take him out", he meant dragging Edison outside and tossing him on the street.

Ironically, Edison almost wished he would be arrested. But Wynter had no such intentions. She wanted him to stay in his familiar surroundings, trampled into the mud, and to experience firsthand the emotional torture of those who had what was rightfully theirs taken away by him.

Norman couldn't help but admire Wynter's keen understanding of human nature. Someone like Edison wouldn't suffer in prison-it would mean nothing to him. But being left to rot in his own domain, where everyone could watch his disgrace that would be excruciating.

In the living room, Rose sat alone. She took out her phone, found Marie's number, and dialed it. Marie was in the middle of preparing medicine for Reuben when the phone rang. Answering the call, she heard Rose's voice on the other end. "Thank you, Marie."

Marie smiled warmly. "Rose, this is what you deserve. There's no need to thank me. From now on, just focus on being yourself. Shake off those old labels and become the Rose Barne that all of Hawford will know and admire!" Rose felt a surge of inspiration light her heart ablaze. "I will, Marie. I'll work hard and learn from you. Having a friend like you is the greatest blessing of my life."

After a pause, she added, "And please, thank Wynter for me. Thank her for giving me this opportunity, and above all, for remembering my father."

Some people, once no longer in their roles, were forgotten by the world. No matter how significant their achievements, their legacies eventually fade away.

Estes had worked himself to exhaustion, passing away after an accident while working in the countryside. In the days after his death, many had come to honor him, praising his integrity and dedication, as well as his relentless pursuit of economic development for the community.

But over time, those tributes disappeared. Even Edison had dared to publicly lash out at her in front of others.

People around her would always advise her, "Mrs. Waldron, you need to understand him. Being a live-in son-in- law is always going to be difficult for a man-it's just inherently unbalanced."

At that time, Rose had found it weird. He was the one who willingly agreed to marry into the Barne family. Why and how was it her fault that he felt unfair?

When her father was alive, people applauded her choice to marry someone not for wealth or status.

They would warn Edison, "You're lucky to marry into the Barne family. If you ever step out of line, don't think Mr. Barne Senior will be the only one angry-we won't let you off, either."

But Rose understood now-it was all about profit. People simply chased those in power, fawning over whoever could grant them a favor. Estes' words and deeds, no matter how noble, had largely been forgotten.

But today, Wynter's simple acknowledgment "The Barne family's legacy still lives on"-filled her heart with endless gratitude. To Rose, it meant the world that someone still remembered Estes' dedication to this land. That alone was enough for her.

At that moment, she felt an indescribable presence behind her. A golden light seemed to radiate before sweeping

westward.

Helping Rose had been a simple matter of principle for Wynter. It was that straightforward. However, even Wynter had never anticipated that Rose would carry any merit. Hence, when the golden light

descended upon Rose, Wynter paused in her movements.

Standing beside her outside the Whitman residence, Dalton raised an eyebrow. "If you don't head in soon, it'll be completely dark. Also, the roast lamb in the kitchen has already been reheated once."

Wynter had been feeling a bit guilty, but with someone like Dalton around, she knew Reuben wouldn't reprimand her in his presence. "You've already spoken to Grandpa about me heading to Colifernia, haven't you?" "Do you mean how you're going to eat dinner and then rush to Colifernia right after?" Dalton asked, his tailored

suit pristine as he turned to glance at her. His face was so striking it carried a hint of nobility. "Mr. Reuben didn't

say much, but there's a condition-I'm going with you."

Wynter frowned. "I'm heading there to handle other matters. Bringing extra baggage along isn't exactly

convenient."

"Mrs. Yarwood, it seems you've forgotten that it was I who helped you cover everything up when you staged your own imprisonment." Dalton continued calmly, "In what way am I considered baggage to you?"

At the mention of this, Wynter cleared her throat lightly. It was true-without his assistance, certain things

wouldn't have gone so smoothly or progressed so quickly.

"Fine, I'll be honest. Colifernia is dangerous—it isn't just like the current situation. I'm worried about your health

..." Wynter tried to reason with him.

Dalton pulled her closer, his gaze dropping to her wrist as he examined it carefully. "Before worrying about my

health, Mrs. Yarwood, perhaps you should learn to worry about yourself first."

Wynter didn't quite understand what he was getting at. What was wrong with her? Wasn't she in great health? She

could send anyone flying if they came to pick a fight with her right now.

She wondered if Dalton had forgotten his role as the Kingbourne social circle's delicate and sickly heir.

From her expression, Dalton immediately knew she hadn't taken his words to heart. Despite their engagement, their relationship still felt distant. Just like before, no matter what the two of them

went through together, she always seemed unaffected the next day untouched, as if nothing had happened. That thought deepened the glint in his eyes, making his gaze darker.

Without another word, his hand slid from her wrist to her waist, lifting her effortlessly. As he lowered his face, the

chain of his glasses brushed against her cheek, cold as it grazed her skin.

Wynter felt he was far too close-so close that she could hear their heartbeats' rhythmic overlap, burning away every coherent thought in her mind.

The warmth of his palm was in stark contrast to his cool, distant demeanor, an intense heat that was impossible to

ignore.