Outcast Queen: Her Return from Hell novel Chapter 174

"Grandfather."

Right at that moment, Phoebe walked over, her arm linked with Milo's.

"Phoebe greets Mr. Miller. Wishing you lasting health," she said politely, her etiquette flawless.

Gideon merely gave a faint nod, his attitude noticeably lukewarm, which immediately raised Alistair's suspicions.

"Phoebe, I just heard from Mr. Miller that you're quite close with the Azure Healer?"

Alistair's sudden question made the color drain from Phoebe's face, and her heart skipped a beat.

Had the two patriarchs been discussing the doctor? Had they noticed the inconsistencies and grown suspicious?

No!

If her grandfather knew the doctor belonged to Phoenix, he wouldn't be asking like this. At most, he was just testing the waters right now.

"Grandfather, we are quite familiar with each other," Phoebe forced down her guilt and spoke softly. "Phoenix was there at the time too. You can ask her."

This move to shift the focus was executed brilliantly.

To Alistair's ears, it sounded like she was indeed close to the doctor, and Phoenix could vouch for it.

But to Gideon's ears, it sounded like she only "knew" the doctor because she happened to be there. By deliberately mentioning Phoenix, she avoided looking like she was stealing the credit, while the affectionate use of "Phoenix" hinted at their deep sisterly bond, aiming to soften Gideon's cold attitude toward her.

Alistair's brow smoothed out as he chuckled. "Gideon, it seems my granddaughter has been hiding her talents."

"They say befriending the Azure Healer is like gaining an extra life. I guess I'm riding on my granddaughter's coattails."

Gideon sighed lightly, a hint of envy in his voice. "Isn't that the truth. Why don't I have such a capable granddaughter?"

"Haha. Speaking of which, Milo is of marriageable age now, isn't he?" Alistair seized the opening to pivot toward a potential alliance. "I think he and Phoebe are quite a match. What if... we two old men play matchmaker?"

Gideon's gaze shifted between Phoebe and Milo before he spoke slowly, "Ah, I've been foolish for most of my life, but taking a trip to death's door taught me a lesson."

"The younger generation has their own paths to forge. They have their own minds, and I respect their choices."

Alistair's face darkened slightly. Gideon's words made it clear he didn't want to meddle in his descendants' marriages, which was basically a polite rejection.

But Gideon was a cunning old fox, and he quickly added, "Of course, if the two kids genuinely catch each other's eye, my old bones would naturally give them my blessing."

"True! It's the young people's world now. Us old men should worry less and enjoy life more," Alistair chimed in with a stiff, practiced smile.

"Grandfather, the guests have mostly arrived," Milo whispered in Gideon's ear at exactly the right moment.

Standing behind them, Yolanda watched the exchange, a twinge of envy in her heart. She also wanted to run errands for Phoenix and repay her for giving her a chance.

"Don't worry, Yolanda," Felix noticed her expression and comforted her quietly. "Ms. Prescott brought you here because she definitely has a use for you. Just relax."

Phoenix took a small sip of her red wine, her elegant swan neck moving gracefully as she swallowed. The lines were so stunning that people couldn't look away, and even Pierce was momentarily mesmerized.

"Phoenix, what exactly are you scheming behind the scenes this time?" he asked in a low voice.

Phoenix played with her wine glass, peering at the stage through the crimson liquid with a profound look. "Ninth, instead of asking me, why don't you watch for yourself? Spoilers ruin the fun."

Pierce raised an eyebrow and followed her gaze to the energetic Gideon Miller on stage.

"Everyone!" Gideon stood with his hands behind his back, his voice booming across the hall. "I'm thrilled that you all could take the time out of your busy schedules to attend this old man's recovery banquet today."

"The fact that I could return from death's door is entirely thanks to the Azure Healer stepping in. Without the doctor, I'd probably still be lying in the ICU waiting to die."

Hearing the title 'Azure Healer,' the guests in the crowd couldn't hide their envy and awe.

In high society, this doctor was already a living legend, sparking a famous saying:

To know the Azure Healer is to have a second life.