Outcast Queen: Her Return from Hell novel Chapter 106

Mavis?

Phoenix had heard this name before in fragments of Meredith's conversations.

She was Meredith's sister, and the only person in the freezing confines of the Miller estate who treated her well.

"Are you going?" Phoenix asked softly.

Meredith lowered her gaze in thought for a moment before nodding. "I'll go. Although there aren't many good people in the Miller family, Mavis is an exception. When I was framed and sent to prison, she was the only one who spoke up for me."

Phoenix flipped her hands over and grasped Meredith's, staring at her with unwavering focus. "I won't say much. But since you're going to this meeting, I'm coming with you."

"Phoenix, you're the best." Meredith smiled brightly and dove into Phoenix's embrace, wrapping her arms tightly around her waist and refusing to let go.

The woman in her arms was soft and warm, and she protected her so unconditionally. Meredith sighed inwardly: if only they were real sisters.

...

Prescott Manor's garage.

"Ms. Prescott, the car is washed and the tank is full," Lawrence respectfully offered the keys with both hands.

"Got it."

Phoenix took the keys and, as if suddenly remembering something, asked casually, "What about those two?"

Lawrence paused for a moment before understanding. "Mr. Julian and Phoebe went to the main estate."

The main estate?

A cold sneer curled on Phoenix's lips.

Those two were probably rushing over to stir up trouble with Alistair Prescott. However, given her current value to the family, even if they talked themselves blue in the face, the old man wouldn't dare give her grief over two useless brats.

"Merry, get in."

Phoenix started up the Maserati that originally belonged to Macy. The engine roared as they headed straight for The Langham Sweets downtown.

The Langham Sweets was Cloudhaven's premier social vanity fair, where a single slice of cake started at a hundred dollars. Despite the extravagant prices, its exquisite decor and flawless creations continued to draw endless crowds of wealthy heiresses.

Right now, Mavis was seated elegantly by the window.

A pair of sunglasses rested on the bridge of her nose, and she wore a well-tailored, light-colored blazer. Every move she made exuded the grace of a high-society heiress.

She lifted her gaze, locking onto Meredith with sincere eyes. "Merry, I don't blame you for making Marcus pay the price. On the contrary, I'm glad. Glad that you have a friend who protects you like that."

At the mention of Phoenix, Meredith's dim eyes instantly brightened. "Yes, I'm so incredibly lucky to have met her. If it weren't for her, I probably... wouldn't have lived long enough to walk out of those iron gates."

"She must be a very strong, very warm person," Mavis said, a look of envy on her face. "Merry, what's her name? Could you introduce me to her?"

Meredith instinctively opened her mouth, but the words died on her lips and she swallowed them back down.

A gut instinct made her resist the idea of introducing Phoenix to Mavis. Even though logic told her that Mavis was gentle and considerate, and making a new friend couldn't hurt, the alarm bells deep inside her mind were ringing deafeningly loud.

"Mavis, I'm sorry. My friend's status is a bit complicated, so it's not convenient. We'll talk about it later if there's a chance."

The smile at the corners of Mavis's mouth stiffened slightly, but it vanished in a flash, replaced by a look of understanding. "It's fine. I believe in fate. I'm sure I'll get to meet her someday."

Meredith offered a polite smile in return.

Soon, the waiter brought over the coffees and the two slices of cake.

Meredith stared blankly at the thick foam of the cappuccino in front of her, while Mavis gently stirred her latte with a silver spoon. An eerie silence fell between them.

"Mavis..." Meredith was the one to finally break the silence. "You came because of Grandfather, didn't you?"