The Heiress’ Return: Six Brothers at Her Beck and Call (Wynter Quinnell) novel Chapter 1729

After Seraphine left, Arwel turned to Dave. "There's one loose end we haven't tied up. Patient Zero is still lying in the hospital room. That's our first research subject."

Dave raised an eyebrow dismissively. "It should be fine. They won't pay attention to it. Besides, Cascadia's medical technology isn't advanced enough for them to figure it out."

…

Meanwhile, Wynter was piecing together the broader implications of the situation. She realized that this pandemic was only the beginning.

In her analysis, the foreign powers involved intended to use this crisis to plunge Cascadia—and potentially the world—into a passive state.

From the initial outbreak to regional quarantines, the fallout could spiral into disruptions that would severely hinder Cascadia's development, even causing economic regression.

Having clarified her thoughts, Wynter pulled out her phone and dialed a number.

A familiar elderly voice answered from the other end. "Wynter, if you'd waited any longer to call, I'd have thought you'd forgotten me."

It was none other than Jackson.

Wynter's tone grew serious. "Mr. Munn Senior, this pandemic could impact Cascadia's development on a massive scale, potentially causing economic setbacks."

Jackson's expression turned equally solemn. "Are you trying to say that foreign powers are trying to use this pandemic to put Cascadia in a passive position?"

"Yes, Mr. Munn Senior. That's my preliminary conclusion, though it may only be the tip of the iceberg," Wynter replied.

Over the phone, Jackson exuded the commanding presence of an experienced leader. "Wynter, tell me what you need, and I'll make the arrangements. I'll also convene a meeting with the higher-ups to share your assessment."

"I'm sure Lucas has informed you about the spy in Colifernia, but for now, that's secondary. What we urgently need is cross-provincial support for the hospitals in Colifernia. The current medical staff and facilities are clearly insufficient.

"Additionally, I'll personally lead a team to develop a treatment for this virus. But I can't guarantee how quickly the results will come. Stabilizing the situation in Colifernia will require a significant influx of doctors from other provinces."

Jackson readily agreed. "I'll arrange for nearby provincial hospitals to provide support immediately. Just focus on your research. I'll deal with the situation outside. And be careful."

With that, he ended the call and turned to his secretary. "Get in touch with major hospitals near Colifernia immediately. Request voluntary assistance for Colifernia. No coercion."

The secretary nodded and quickly left to execute Jackson's orders.

Left alone, Jackson stood by the window, gazing at the vast and prosperous land before him. "Wynter, you can do it. You're my last disciple, and I have faith in you."

His words were heard only by himself.

…

Wynter then sought out Drexel. "For the foreseeable future, I'll be in the lab working on a special treatment for this outbreak. The hospital's daily operations will fall to you. Don't use doctors you don't trust, and don't doubt those you trust."

"Understood, Ms. Quinnell. I'll personally ensure the hospital runs smoothly," Drexel replied.

Suddenly, he seemed to recall something. "Ms. Quinnell, there's one thing I forgot to mention. Dave and Arwel treated a patient when they first arrived at the hospital. This was before the outbreak.

"That patient had a high fever, persistent cough, severe vomiting, and diarrhea. Eventually, they fell into a coma. Would you like to take a look?"

Wynter's mind immediately jumped to the secret passage from which the two had escaped. It led to a hospital ward, where she saw a comatose patient.

Drexel's words sparked a realization. Instantly, she asked, "Do we have that patient's records?"

Drexel thought for a moment. "I think the patient was from the area near the farmers' market."

Wynter's eyes lit up.

Previously, at the Summit Hospital, Nigel had mentioned Patient Zero was also linked to the farmers' market. It dawned on her that the individual at the Summit Hospital might not have been the true Patient Zero. The real one could be here!

Wynter began making her way to the first-floor ward, and Drexel followed closely behind.

When Wynter first encountered the patient, she assumed they were simply another one of Dave and Arwel's victims. Now, she realized this might be their initial test subject—Patient Zero.

Wynter wore a mask and stepped into the ward. She gestured for Drexel to stay outside to avoid potential exposure.

…

At the Utopia Hospital of Howlbay, the director, Stefan Althea, gathered the nurses and doctors for an urgent meeting.

He spoke slowly, his tone heavy with gravity. "Everyone, I've just received a notice. Colifernia is experiencing a serious outbreak and is in desperate need of medical support. This will be a voluntary mission—no one is obligated to go."

Stefan took a deep breath before continuing, "However, I must be honest. This mission carries significant risks. There is a high chance of exposure and potentially life-threatening danger—"

Before he could finish, voices rose one after another.

"Dr. Althea, I'll go! A doctor's heart is like a parent's! I'll be wherever the illness is!"

"I'll go, too! I may be a nurse, but I can take care of patients."

"Count me in, Dr. Althea. We're doctors. Who will the people rely on if we retreat at a time like this?"

"Life is precious, but I am not afraid. If we must risk our lives to save others, so be it!"

"I'll go, too!"

Stefan's eyes welled with tears. "Good. You're all outstanding! Time is of the essence, so pack your things immediately. Transport will depart in one hour.

"Remember this. 20 people are leaving, and all 20 must come back! You'll return victorious, and I'll personally welcome you back with a banquet!"

This was the unique spirit of unity among Cascadia's people.

…

Wynter observed the patient lying on the hospital bed. She skillfully inserted silver needles into specific acupuncture points.

Suddenly, the patient's fingers twitched, and his eyes slowly opened, meeting Wynter's gaze. He appeared disoriented, unsure of what was happening.

Seeing him awake, Wynter spoke. "Let's keep this brief. What happened from the time you were admitted to the hospital until now?"

The patient, Terry Sanchez, took a deep breath before responding, "I came to the hospital to get treated for some health issues. The doctors told me I wasn't in good condition and needed to stay for observation.

"They gave me all sorts of medications and IV drips. But not long after that, I started having a high fever, coughing, and eventually, I lost consciousness completely."

Wynter asked pointedly, "Were the doctors two foreigners?"

Terry quickly nodded.

With a serious expression, Wynter continued, "During the time you were unconscious, a pandemic broke out in Colifernia. I suspect you are Patient Zero—the first individual they used for their experiments. I need your cooperation to develop a targeted treatment for this outbreak."

Terry looked at her, hesitating for a moment.

To reassure him, Wynter showed her credentials. "Trust me, I mean no harm. You are the key to developing a solution quickly, and that could save countless lives. Every minute we delay means more people might die."

Her unwavering determination seemed to move him. After a moment of silence, he softly said, "If that's the case, I'll do my best to cooperate."

Wynter nodded and instructed him, "I'll have protective gear brought in for you shortly. Then, come with me to the virology lab."

She turned to leave, heading toward the door.

Outside, Drexel was waiting. "Is he Patient Zero?" he asked anxiously.

Wynter nodded, replying, "Most likely, yes. Have someone bring a set of protective gear here. I'll take him to the virology lab."

Before she walked away, she added, "The number of patients coming to the hospital with high fevers and coughing is likely to increase rapidly. Dr. Asquith, you must ensure that the hospital remains stable. Reinforcements from neighboring provinces are already on their way."

Just as Wynter finished speaking, a desperate voice rang out from the doorway. "I need a doctor! My wife's fever won't go down! Her coughing is getting worse, and she's even coughing up blood!"

He continued, "What's the situation in the hospital? We're ready to start work immediately."

Drexel replied with a heavy heart, "The situation is grim. Many of the elderly patients are in critical condition. They have persistent high fevers and are coughing up blood. Despite all our efforts, some are slipping away. Several patients have already passed."

"Then, let's get inside immediately. Every life saved is a family made whole."

As he finished speaking, a nurse rushed over in a panic. "Dr. Asquith, the condition of the patient in bed 20 has worsened! And the patient in bed 21… has passed."

The group wasted no time and hurried into the hospital, determined to fight death itself and save as many lives as they could.

Outside, the traffic police who had escorted the convoy watched the medical team disappear into the hospital.

One of them remarked with admiration, "These are true angels, heading into the storm."

…

Drexel reached the virology lab's door and reported, "Ms. Quinnell, the situation is getting worse. Patients are deteriorating rapidly, and we've already lost several."

From inside, Wynter responded, "No one wants to see this happen. I'm working as fast as I can to develop the cure. You must do everything in your power to stabilize the patients' conditions until then."

Time ticked by as Wynter performed repeated tests, adjustments, and recalculations. Each trial brought her closer to a breakthrough.

Finally, after countless comparisons and refinements, she held a small vial containing the long-awaited cure.

Terry asked as he endured the pain, "Ms. Quinnell, is the medicine successful?"

Wynter replied steadily, "It seems like it has been successfully developed."

Terry looked at Wynter before replying with determination, "Give it to me. I'll be the lab rat for it."

Without hesitation, he grabbed the vial of the special medicine and swallowed it. Wynter didn't say a word but diligently monitored his condition, taking his temperature and checking for any relief every few minutes.

Two hours later, she realized Terry's temperature had dropped when she measured it again.

Terry smiled at Wynter. "It worked!"

Wynter didn't have the luxury to celebrate. Instead, she rushed to produce more of the medicine. Hours passed, and she managed to create a substantial batch.

Picking up her phone, she called Drexel. "Come to the virology lab immediately and distribute the medicine to the critical patients first," she instructed.

Drexel was filled with relief upon hearing her words. "Ms. Quinnell, is the development successful? Excellent! I'm on my way!"

When Drexel arrived at the virology lab door, he noticed Terry's improved condition. A glimmer of hope shone in his eyes as he said, "Ms. Quinnell, I'm here. On behalf of Colifernia's people, thank you."

Handing him the medicine, Wynter instructed, "Quickly distribute this. Prioritize the critical cases first."

She then directed the Special Unit to distribute the remaining medicine to other hospitals and the affected residents near the farmers' market.

Turning to Terry, Wynter asked, "Weren't you worried? What if the medicine didn't work and it cost you your life?"

Terry smiled and replied, "I wasn't worried because we're all Cascadians."

Hearing that Wynter nodded. She took a deep breath and said as she headed toward the door, "When you've fully recovered, don't hesitate to contact me if there's anything you need."

The outbreak was finally under control. Not only had countless lives been saved, but the foreign powers' schemes had been thwarted as well.

Just then, Jackson called. "Good job, Wynter. You've done brilliantly. You are Cascadia's pride!"

Wynter responded with humility, "Mr. Munn Senior, this crisis is over for now. But there's no guarantee they won't try something else. We must remain vigilant."

Jackson's tone became stern. "It's time we showed them what we're made of. We might not strike first, but we're never afraid to fight back. Leave that to me. You, on the other hand, should get some rest."

Wynter smiled slightly. "There's no time to rest. Didn't you always say that 'With great power comes great responsibility?'"