Outcast Queen: Her Return from Hell novel Chapter 156

"Warren has been making a lot of moves in the shadows, reaching out to several board members, including my father-in-law," Felix whispered, his tone brimming with desperate loyalty. "Ms. Prescott, I've bet my entire career on you, which is why I'm telling you this. You have to watch my back from now on."

"Relax." Phoenix offered a nonchalant smirk, though a sharp glint flashed in her eyes. "As long as you prove yourself useful, I'll make sure you're well taken care of."

It seemed Warren was getting desperate, trying to weaponize the board against Alistair. His goal was either to strip her of her power or get her thrown out of the company entirely.

"Here's the list of names, boss."

Phoenix took the file from Felix, her eyes quickly scanning the names. She absorbed the information instantly.

*Knock, knock!*

An assistant opened the door, bowing respectfully to them both. "Ms. Prescott, the board meeting is starting."

"Understood. I'll be right there." Phoenix stood up and patted Felix on the shoulder, her voice laced with meaning. "Keep a close eye on the board for me."

"You can count on me; I won't let them out of my sight," Felix promised, watching her leave with absolute devotion.

Felix might have been a lazy opportunist, but he had a terrifyingly sharp instinct for survival. Since he had chosen his side, he wasn't going to let anything jeopardize his ticket to the top.

...

The boardroom.

The long table was packed with the company's elite. Board members and department heads filled every seat, the heavy atmosphere signaling the magnitude of today's agenda.

The doors swung open, and Phoenix strode in.

Instantly, dozens of eyes locked onto her like spotlights—suspicion, scrutiny, and outright disdain. She ignored them completely, nodding respectfully to Alistair at the head of the table before calmly taking her assigned seat.

"Alright, since everyone is here, I have a few announcements." Alistair rested his hands on the table, his authoritative gaze sweeping the room. "First, allow me to formally introduce my biological granddaughter, Phoenix."

He gestured toward her.

Phoenix stood up gracefully and offered a polite nod to the room. Her etiquette was flawless, leaving no room for criticism.

"The Future City project with the Sterling Group, as well as the Westside Development with Ignis Global, were both single-handedly secured by Phoenix," Alistair declared, his face glowing with unmistakable pride. "Therefore, she will be stepping in as the Director of Marketing, taking full control of these two accounts."

Warren's eyes were half-closed, his fingers lightly tapping his knee as he hid a triumphant smirk. It was obvious Lester was his attack dog.

"Are you questioning my judgment, Lester?" Alistair's voice dropped, his commanding aura flaring.

"I wouldn't dare." Lester offered a fake, plastic smile. "I'm merely concerned about the company's reputation. Giving an ex-con with no corporate background this much authority... what will the public think? It's going to spark endless rumors."

He paused, enunciating his next words carefully. "People might start saying you're letting nepotism cloud your judgment..."

A collective gasp echoed through the room. Everyone was stunned that Lester had the nerve to openly challenge the patriarch.

"I think Lester has a point," another board member quickly chimed in. "It's great that she's back in the family, but she shouldn't be handed the keys to the kingdom on day one. Starting from the bottom would earn her more respect."

With the floodgates open, the rest of the board quickly murmured their agreement, nodding solemnly.

Watching the room turn against her, Warren's smirk deepened. *So what if Alistair is protecting you? You can't fight the entire board. For the sake of the company, Alistair will have to fold.*

Julian and Phoebe were practically glowing with joy, already picturing Phoenix being exiled to the mailroom. Once she was demoted, she might keep her name on the paperwork, but they would be the ones actually pulling the strings.