Outcast Queen: Her Return from Hell novel Chapter 12

"Phoebe!" Vanessa chided softly, feigning heartache. "You're just too kind! Did you forget how that wretched girl treated you when she got back? She fought you at every turn and completely disregarded your bond. She's been to prison, her heart is rotten to the core, and you're still speaking up for her?"

Phoebe raised a hand to wipe away imaginary tears, offering a brave, forgiving smile. "Mom, Phoenix is just... severely traumatized. I believe that as long as I treat her with genuine kindness and warmth..."

She looked at Arthur with earnest pleading. "...she can be guided back to the right path."

Warren and Vanessa exchanged a look that screamed, 'Our daughter is absolutely perfect,' their postures straightening with pride.

Bloodline?

Bloodline meant nothing compared to this understanding, perfectly cultivated flower of a daughter.

The rhythmic clicking of the sandalwood beads finally stopped.

Arthur didn't open his eyes. A long, unreadable sigh escaped his lips, carrying the weight of a mountain.

"Alright..." his voice was flat, revealing neither satisfaction nor annoyance. "I understand. I'll talk to Pierce about it."

Warren's eyes gleamed, and he nearly laughed out loud. "Oh, thank you! Thank you so much for your time, Arthur!"

Arthur waved his weathered hand dismissively, saying no more as he resumed turning the beads. It was a clear dismissal.

The three Prescotts retreated like victorious generals, suppressing their wild joy.

Inside the speeding luxury car.

"Dad! We did it!" Phoebe clenched her fists in excitement, her heart racing. "He definitely agreed, right?! He said he'd talk to Pierce, which means they're swapping the bride! It has to be!"

Pierce's tall, imposing figure and his handsome, icy face swirled in her mind, making her skin flush with anticipation.

A man that perfect could only belong to her.

Warren couldn't hide his smugness. "Of course! Arthur values family reputation above all else. A convict wants to join the Sterlings? It's a pipe dream! You are the only one who matches their status."

He could almost see the doors to the Sterlings' immense wealth opening for them.

Unable to contain her excitement, Phoebe pulled out her phone with trembling hands and opened her group chat. The screen was already flooded with flattery.

[Phoebe! When are the wedding invitations going out?]

[I call maid of honor at your engagement party!]

Taking a deep breath, her fingers flew across the screen, typing out a carefully crafted message dripping with bashful happiness:

[Thanks, girls. I'm leaving everything up to the elders. But I'll definitely let you know as soon as the engagement is set! Pierce... isn't actually as cold as everyone says.]

The chat instantly exploded with envious screams and frantic congratulations.

"Who did this?!" Phoebe's voice was distorted with pure rage, her finger practically jabbing into the maid's face.

"It... it was..." Fiona mumbled, shaking like a reed in a storm.

"Excuse me? What did you just call me?!" Phoebe's nerves were on fire. She instantly caught the slip in the maid's title.

"P-Phoebe..."

She was no longer the undisputed 'Ms. Prescott.'

Just then...

"Using first names. How progressive."

A lazy, icy voice shot down from the second floor like an arrow.

Everyone snapped their heads up.

Phoenix leaned casually against the dark, carved railing of the upper landing.

The chandelier cast sharp, cold shadows across her profile.

She looked down at the chaos below like a spectator enjoying a carefully staged farce. The mockery in her eyes made Phoebe's heart clench painfully.