Outcast Queen: Her Return from Hell novel Chapter 121

Warren and Vanessa Prescott exchanged a meaningful look, sharply catching the hidden weight behind the words. They immediately pressed further, "Phoebe, Julian, it seemed like Alistair's attitude toward you two was completely different today. Did you manage to pull it off?"

"Mom, didn't Julian mention before that Old Mr. Miller is gravely ill? Meredith has been searching the globe for the legendary Azure Healer," Phoebe reminded her softly.

Vanessa's eyes instantly lit up. "Don't tell me you actually got in touch with him?"

"We did!" Julian nodded, a smug, triumphant grin spreading across his face. "I've already made the arrangements. Tomorrow, we're taking the Azure Healer to treat Old Mr. Miller."

"As long as Gideon Miller is cured, the Miller family will owe us a massive favor!"

"Beautifully done, Julian!" Warren was overjoyed. His previously grim expression finally broke into a wide smile, his eyes glinting with sheer ambition. "Once we have the backing of the Millers, it won't matter that Phoenix has Pierce Sterling behind her. For the sake of the family's bottom line, Alistair will have to re-evaluate who holds the real power!"

"That's not all." Julian let out a cold laugh, looking at Phoebe with pure adoration. "I've already pinned all the credit for this on Phoebe. When the time comes, using this life-saving debt, it will be only natural for her to marry into the Miller family."

"Who cares if Phoenix hooked up with Pierce Sterling? Milo Miller is the apple of Old Mr. Miller's eye. Once this marriage is sealed, Phoebe will be the young mistress of the Miller family. She'll never have to look at Phoenix's arrogant face ever again."

"Julian... this is too much credit. I really don't deserve it." Phoebe placed a hand over her chest, playing the part of a terrified, humble saint. "This should be your glory. I'm afraid..."

"Phoebe, just accept it. In this house, you are our precious gem. Giving you the best is exactly what you deserve," Julian interrupted, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"Julian, Mom, Dad, Ian... you're all so good to me." Tears shimmered in Phoebe's eyes, her voice thick with emotion as she made a solemn vow. "Once I secure my footing in high society, I promise to do everything in my power to protect this family. To protect all of you."

The tearoom was tranquil, the rich aroma of steeped tea curling into the air.

Alistair Prescott sat at the head of the table. His gaze shifted between Phoenix and Meredith, a meaningful smile playing on his lips.

Phoenix's movements were fluid and practiced. She held the pot, steeped the leaves, and served the tea in one seamless motion. "Grandpa, your tea."

Alistair gave a slight nod, picking up his cup to take a slow sip. The deep wrinkles on his forehead smoothed out. "Your brewing is still the only one that perfectly suits my taste. Ah, if only the estate weren't so chaotic, requiring me to hold the fort. I'd love nothing more than to move in here with you."

It was a piercing, aggressive statement, yet Alistair didn't seem offended in the slightest. In fact, he looked at her with undisguised admiration.

"Phoenix, are you upset with me for speaking up for them in front of everyone earlier?"

"I wouldn't dare," Phoenix replied, shaking her head lightly, her tone utterly indifferent. "You are the patriarch. The only way to maintain harmony in the family is to balance the scales."

Alistair ran his thumb over the carved head of his walking cane, sighing heavily. "You're a smart girl. You know the big picture and when to step back. But sitting in my position, there are simply too many moving pieces to balance."

He paused, the atmosphere suddenly growing heavier as his tone sharpened. "However, there is one thing you can be absolutely certain of. Everything the Prescott family owns will, ultimately, only belong to true Prescott blood."

Phoenix raised an eyebrow, her mind crystal clear. The old man was showing his hand—the Prescott empire would never fall into the hands of an adopted imposter like Phoebe.

She hadn't doubted that for a second. If things were different, the one currently engaged to the Sterling family wouldn't be her. It would be Phoebe.