Outcast Queen: Her Return from Hell novel Chapter 128

The live stream lasted barely a minute, but it was an absolute masterclass in acting, violently wrenching the public narrative back in his favor. Lennox Lane's comments section was instantly obliterated by a tidal wave of furious fans. Someone even managed to dig up Lennox's history from years ago, exposing him as a petty thief and a thug.

Since the whistleblower was a proven criminal, there was no way their 'perfect idol' would ever associate with a scumbag like that. The fans' mental gymnastics created a flawless logical loop.

The second the stream cut off, the tragic, victimized expression vanished from Ian's face, instantly replaced by dark, chilling malice. "Rowena, how are we looking?"

"It's under control." Rowena let out a long breath, though her brow remained tightly furrowed. "From this second onward, you are banned from stepping foot in any entertainment venue. Until the heat dies down completely, keep your zipper up!"

Ian's face darkened. He was about to argue, but the murderous glint in Rowena's eyes forced him to swallow the curse words rising in his throat.

Just then, his phone vibrated.

Rowena glanced at the caller ID—Penelope Sterling.

Taking a deep breath, she said, "I'm going to handle the cleanup. Watch your mouth."

Ian stared at the screen until Rowena left the room, then finally answered.

"Ian, I'm so sorry! I... I..." Penelope's voice was shaking. She desperately wanted to cry about being kidnapped, but terrified of worrying him, she quickly changed her tune. "I just saw the trending searches. Are you okay?"

"Oh, so now you care? Isn't it a bit late for that?" Ian's voice was like ice. "Listen, Penelope, I'm exhausted. I'm not in the mood for your excuses."

"Ian, please don't hang up! I had a real emergency and couldn't answer!" Penelope pleaded frantically. "I promise you, I'll take care of this PR nightmare for you."

"And not just that. I'm going to make the person who spread those rumors pay a horrific price!"

Ian raised an eyebrow. It seemed Penelope had completely misinterpreted his furious calls earlier, assuming he had called her in a panic over the scandal, and was now drowning in guilt.

"Forget it. It's already handled."

"No! I can't just let this go! How dare they make you out to be that kind of person? I absolutely won't allow it!" Penelope's tone turned venomous. "Trust me, Ian. I'm going to give you a very satisfying answer."

With that, she surprisingly hung up the phone first.

It was the first time she had ever dared to end a call with Ian.

She was terrified he would demand to know why she disappeared, and even more terrified she would completely break down and sob in front of him.

Penelope gripped her phone so tightly her knuckles turned white.

After those kidnappers woke her up, they forced her to wire a hundred million dollars into an offshore account. Thank god the thugs actually kept their word and let her go once the money cleared.

Her father could never find out about this.

If he discovered she had accessed that secret account, the consequences would be apocalyptic. Not to mention, if word got out that the eldest daughter of the Sterling family was kidnapped and extorted, she would become the laughingstock of the city.

Only that lovesick idiot would be so obsessively devoted as to mobilize every resource she had for a guy like Ian.

*Ding.*

The phone vibrated, a new text flashing on the screen.

Sender: Pierce Sterling.

A smirk touched Phoenix's lips. The untouchable Reaper certainly was in a good mood this early in the morning.

She opened the message. It contained only one blunt word:

[More?]

Phoenix raised an eyebrow, instantly understanding his offer. Her fingers flew across the keyboard:

[No thanks. Some revenge is only satisfying when you take it yourself. But, thank you again.]

Pierce seemed surprised by the instant reply. A moment later, the screen lit up again:

[Don't misunderstand. Using Penelope allowed me to follow the money and track down Silas's hidden offshore accounts. Helping you with Ian was just convenient.]