Outcast Queen: Her Return from Hell novel Chapter 148

"Phoenix?" Seeing Phoenix remain silent for so long, Meredith called out softly.

"Merry, I'm afraid things aren't that simple." Phoenix looked up, her gaze frosty. "Perhaps this was all just a show put on by Mavis and Marcus together."

"A show?" Meredith was stunned, then shook her head in disbelief. "But... could Mavis really be that cruel to herself? That was a real stab wound. A slight mistake and she would've died."

"But look at the result. Isn't everything completely under her control?"

Phoenix's words struck like lightning, piercing through the fog in Meredith's mind. Her eyes widened slightly. "Now that you say it... it seems so? On the surface, it looks like a series of coincidences, but digging deeper, it's all precise calculation."

"Exactly." Phoenix nodded in analysis. "Assuming this is a show, then Mavis is the backup plan Marcus left behind. With her helping from the outside, he had the chance to escape."

"But it still doesn't make sense." Meredith shook her head, logically still confused. "If she was his backup, why the stab wound? Wouldn't it have been safer to just release her once he was safe?"

Phoenix held up a finger, a mocking sneer curving her lips. "There is only one possibility—that stab wound was to sever any connection between Mavis and Marcus. You can interpret this as a classic 'inflicting injury on oneself to win trust'."

Meredith gasped, exclaiming, "A self-inflicted wound?!"

"Exactly." Phoenix sighed softly. "On the surface, Mavis plays the role of a pure, innocent victim, but behind the scenes, her scheming is terrifyingly deep." Exactly who wielded the knife was still unknown.

Meredith couldn't help but shiver. She hadn't expected her seemingly fragile cousin to be ruthless enough to inflict such a vicious injury on herself for the sake of profit. "So what will Marcus do next? He must hate us to the bone for exposing him. Will he..."

"He's a stray dog now, wanted by the entire Miller family. He can barely take care of himself, let alone seek revenge against us."

Phoenix narrowed her eyes slightly, a sharp glint passing through them. "Right now, the person we truly need to watch is Mavis. A 'critically injured' person is often overlooked, and that is precisely the perfect time for her to orchestrate things from the shadows."

Thinking of this, Phoenix took out her phone and dialed Eustace's number. "Have someone keep an eye on Mavis. Report to me immediately if she makes any strange moves."

"Yes, Ms. Prescott."

Hanging up the phone, Phoenix saw that Meredith still looked deeply concerned. She smiled gently. "Merry, don't be afraid. I've got your back."

Warmth filled Meredith's heart. She leaned over to hug Phoenix, her voice muffled. "Phoenix, if it weren't for you, I would have been chewed up and swallowed whole by those wicked people."

"Merry, you've actually grown so much stronger. Do you know why your grandfather named you as the heir?"

"Have you decided then? When the truth is revealed, if the Miller family begs you to return, will you go back into that swamp?" Phoenix asked.

Meredith shook her head firmly without a second's hesitation. "No! I've already walked away, there's no need to go back. Besides... I enjoy the process of building something from the ground up with my own two hands."

"Good!" Phoenix gave a relieved smile.

At this moment, she clearly felt that Meredith had truly grown up, becoming a sturdy tree she could rely on.

Just then, a sudden ringtone shattered the warm atmosphere.

It was a call from Meredith's secretary.

After hanging up, Meredith looked serious. "Phoenix, I have to go back to the office. The designs you gave me are ready for sampling, and I need to personally oversee the upcoming exhibitions and new season promotions."

Phoenix nodded. "Go ahead. The Miller family is currently focused on Marcus, so you should be safe. But just in case, I'll arrange some bodyguards for you."

"Thank you, Phoenix." Meredith's serious expression instantly melted away as she hugged Phoenix softly, rubbing against her. "It's a shame we can't cuddle tonight. Sleeping in your arms makes me feel so safe."