Outcast Queen: Her Return from Hell novel Chapter 165

The Miller family's recovery banquet was held at the Merlot Hotel—one of the few five-star landmarks in Cloudhaven, and also a property owned by the Millers.

That evening, the hotel's valet parking area looked like a luxury car expo, with multi-million-dollar rides everywhere you looked.

In front of the dazzling revolving doors, socialites in glamorous gowns and tycoons in sharp suits flowed in endlessly. Holding their gold-stamped invitations, they chatted and laughed. Anyone invited was either filthy rich or incredibly powerful, all occupying the top of Cloudhaven's social pyramid.

Amidst the bustling luxury, Yolanda Young stood in a corner wearing a simple, understated dress, looking completely out of place.

She subconsciously gripped her clutch tighter, her knuckles turning white. Despite having secured a foothold in the Prescott Group through her professional skills, her modest background left her feeling instinctively awkward and insecure in a vanity fair like this, where family pedigree and background meant everything.

"Yolanda, keep your back straight." Felix Fletcher stood beside her, lowering his voice to remind her. "You are Ms. Prescott's special assistant now. You represent her image. Some of the people here might be dressed lavishly, but when it comes to status, they aren't necessarily above you."

Seeing Yolanda look a bit dazed, Felix added, "If you show fear, Ms. Prescott's reputation drops with it."

Those words acted like a shot of adrenaline.

Yolanda took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing her inner anxiety. Her gaze gradually turned resolute. "You're right, Manager Fletcher. Since I represent Ms. Prescott, I absolutely cannot embarrass her."

Felix smiled and nodded, though his hands, buried deep in his pockets, were sweating slightly. He was merely a low-level HR manager. Even though his father-in-law had some connections, this was his first time attending a top-tier banquet. If it weren't for Phoenix's command, he wouldn't have dared to show his face here, even if he had the courage of a lion.

"Well, well. If it isn't Yolanda and Manager Fletcher?"

A sharp female voice pierced the air.

Yolanda and Felix looked over to see Phoebe walking gracefully toward them, arm-in-arm with Julian. Phoebe was adorned with jewels that sparkled under the lights, while Julian wore a look of utter arrogance. They stared at the two of them with a mix of shock and disdain, as if looking at two ugly ducklings that had wandered into a flock of swans.

"Phoebe, Julian," Felix greeted them with customary politeness.

"Hmph, a glorified errand girl and an HR manager think they're worthy of stepping through the Miller family's doors?" Julian stuffed his hands in his pockets, a cold smirk curling on his lips. "Don't tell me Phoenix sent you."

Hearing this, Julian's anger subsided slightly, and his gaze instantly turned malicious. "You're right. Alistair only gave the two of us spots for this banquet. Phoenix is just doing this out of spite to disgust us."

He turned to the security guards standing nearby and waved. "Security, come over here."

Two guards quickly walked over. "Mr. Prescott, how can we help?"

"I am Julian Prescott, Executive Vice President of the Prescott Group." Julian revealed his title, pointing at Yolanda and Felix coldly. "I suspect these two don't have invitations and are trying to sneak into the banquet. Please handle this immediately, so they don't disturb the VIPs inside."

A vice president of the Prescott family? The two guards exchanged a glance, immediately adopting a strictly professional demeanor as they turned to Yolanda and Felix. "Please show your invitations."

"Hey guys, it's a misunderstanding." Felix put on a professional fake smile. "Our invitation is with Ms. Prescott. We're just waiting for her to arrive."

"What an absolute joke!" Julian scoffed. "The only spots for the Prescott family belong to Alistair, Phoebe, and me. Phoenix doesn't have one at all. Security, what are you waiting for?"