Chapter 423: In the Shadows of Power

Wayne was getting old. Just one day had passed, and his face already looked utterly exhausted.

“I know it’s not the best time to talk about this, but I don’t know who else to turn to except you. You know the state of the Wynn family—on the surface, we look powerful, but in truth, we’re riddled with weaknesses. I won’t even talk about the people; there’s no consistency. I don’t know how much longer I can hold on. If I can’t… then everything will fall to you. You know your father isn’t capable of leading the Wynn family. If it falls into his hands, it’ll be torn apart in no time.”

He let out a long sigh. He only had two sons. The elder lacked decisiveness and was too softhearted at times.

The second was only interested in art and never got involved in the family’s affairs.

As for the extended branches of the family–they weren’t even worth mentioning. He’d be lucky if they didn’t kick him when he was down.

If only his two sons were more capable, he wouldn’t have had to pin all his hopes on his eldest grandson.

But that grandson had both guts and strategy–entrusting the Wynn family to him was the most logical choice.

The others likely realized that too, which was why they were starting to scheme.

“This incident may not be the work of foreign forces. There’s a strong chance it came from within.”

Wayne hadn’t led the Wynn family all these years without a sharp mind and a wealth of experience.

With security as tight as it was yesterday, someone still managed to slip through. It was impossible without inside help.

The Wynn family was too powerful—perhaps it had become a threat to someone. That was why they went after Johnathan.

If something happened to Johnathan, there’d be no one left to take over. The family would inevitably fall.

To dismantle such a mighty clan without shedding a drop of blood… it was an impressive move.

Chapter 423: In the Shadows of Power

Even though Johnathan was still burning up with fever, his mind remained clear. He frowned and asked:

“Grandpa, who do you suspect the most?”

“Anyone could be behind it. I’m not sure yet. But give it time—whoever it is will slip up eventually.”

Then Wayne changed the subject.

“Do you want me to bring over the lab setup to the estate? You could do your own testing.”

He still didn’t trust Sierra. In his eyes, no one was more capable than his eldest grandson.

Johnathan looked at him and replied calmly:

“No need. Grandpa, I trust her. If she can’t figure it out, no one can.”

Wayne choked on his words. What bothered him most was how much his grandson trusted Sierra.

That was dangerous.

Still, he didn’t push the issue. Instead, he went along with Johnathan’s response.

“Alright. You’re already unwell. Get some rest.”

He had so many people on the payroll–it was time they started earning it.

Elsewhere, Sierra had locked herself in the lab for the entire day.

Worried something had happened to her, the bodyguards forced their way in—just in time to see her walking out.

They were about to speak when Sierra said, “Quick, back to the main house.”

Seeing the urgency on her face, neither man dared delay. They immediately escorted her back.

On the way, Sierra drank some water and ate two pieces of candy. That helped a bit, but the results from her tests kept her brow tightly knit.

By the time they returned, it was already deep into the night. But Wayne was still awake, clearly waiting for news.

“Any updates?” he asked.

Chapter 423: In the Shadows of Power

After Sierra had left, Wayne had called in a group of experts to investigate. But so far, none had figured out what was going on.

Sierra didn’t answer. She asked about Johnathan instead.

“How is he?”

The old man glanced at her and didn’t hide the truth. “Not great. Even with an injection to bring the fever down, it only drops to about 100.4—and that only lasts three hours.”

Throughout the day, Johnathan had spiked above 104 more than once. That was exactly why Wayne was still awake and waiting for Sierra.

Hearing this, Sierra’s chest tightened. “I’ll go see him first.”

Wayne nodded. “Go.”

One of the servants nearby, seeing Wayne’s grim expression, couldn’t help but mutter:

“No one taught her any manners, clearly. Such poor upbringing.”

It was an old attendant who had been with Wayne for decades—his status wasn’t far below that of the butler. That gave him the boldness to speak so bluntly.

Hearing it, the butler’s eyelid twitched. Before he could intervene, Wayne spoke first.

“Do you even know who she is?”