Outcast Queen: Her Return from Hell novel Chapter 164

"The investigation showed his car was intercepted by Pierce on the road. Afterward, Pierce took him to Riverside One, and he never came out. Riverside One is Silas Sterling's residence."

Not coming out in this circle meant—the person had been disposed of cleanly.

Phoenix rubbed her temples. No wonder the man suddenly vanished without a trace; Pierce had intercepted him halfway.

"We'll stop here."

"Phoenix, aren't we investigating further?"

"There's no need."

Phoenix leaned back in her chair, staring into the void, her tone flat. "I'm afraid Pierce has already taken care of my revenge for me."

Hanging up the phone, her thoughts were a bit chaotic. She had originally thought her marriage of convenience with Pierce was just that—a mutual exchange of benefits. But now...

The boundaries between them seemed to be blurring and growing more complex bit by bit.

She provided Pierce with more clues about the car crash from years ago, and Pierce was quietly backing her up on minor details.

"Pierce, are you really helping me vent my anger, or are you just defending your pride as my husband?"

Phoenix let out a long breath and glanced at her phone, the screen lighting up at just the right moment.

Pierce: [Come downstairs.]

Phoenix: [???]

Despite finding it baffling, Phoenix went downstairs as told.

Under the streetlights, a black Rolls-Royce Phantom was parked quietly like a dormant beast. The moment Phoenix approached, Yancy tactfully opened the rear door, inviting her to sit next to Pierce.

"Pierce, what is it this time?" Phoenix asked as soon as she got in.

Pierce's fingers, which were turning his prayer beads, paused slightly. He cast a sidelong glance at her, his tone flat but unquestionable. "Gideon Miller has recovered and is hosting a banquet for the wealthy families. The Sterlings are also invited. As Mrs. Sterling, you will naturally attend with me as my date."

"Huh?" Phoenix pointed at herself, somewhat surprised. "Pierce, aren't the invitations sent to Arthur Sterling? Shouldn't he be the one to decide who attends?"

Pierce sneered, his expression arrogant. "The Miller family isn't worthy of having him make a personal appearance."

Phoenix froze for a moment, then clapped her hands twice, giving a half-smile. "As expected of the top family in Cloudhaven. Truly domineering. But... I won't need to attend with you."

Pierce furrowed his brows, staring at her coldly. "Reason?"

With that, Phoenix decisively pushed the door open and got out, her departing figure cool and resolute.

Pierce stared at her back, the light and shadow flickering in his eyes, making it impossible to read his emotions.

Yancy didn't even dare to breathe, feeling as if the air inside the car had solidified. Having followed Pierce for so many years, this was the first time he had ever seen a woman dare to be so brazen and reckless in front of him.

"Heh, this woman is really full of herself."

After a long while, Pierce scoffed coldly, as if muttering to himself, or perhaps explaining to someone. "I only did it to maintain the facade of a loving couple in public, and she says I'm interfering in her life? Ridiculous!"

But to Yancy's ears, it sounded entirely like an excuse to cover up his embarrassment.

"Caspian, you're attending the Miller family banquet with me tomorrow." Pierce picked up his phone and dialed Caspian Thorne directly.

On the other end of the line, Caspian, who was surrounded by beautiful women, looked utterly bewildered. "Are you serious, Pierce? So sudden? Plus, my family has our own invitation..."

"That's an order, not a discussion!"

A low, furious roar came through the receiver. Caspian shuddered violently, wailing internally: *Oh my god, which deity pissed off the boss now? I feel like I just caught a stray bullet!*