Outcast Queen: Her Return from Hell novel Chapter 219

The air in the room suddenly felt dangerously thin.

Pierce's breathing grew heavy, and his heart inexplicably skipped a beat. This loss of control was entirely foreign to him, yet his body didn't reject the sensation in the slightest.

The cool touch of the sapphire necklace grazed her warm skin as his fingers expertly fastened the clasp.

"How is it? Does it look good?"

Phoenix turned around, beaming with a radiant smile as she showed off the dazzling jewel resting against her collarbone.

But Pierce's focus wasn't on the priceless jewelry at all. His gaze was hopelessly locked onto her blinding smile. No matter how magnificent The Secret of Venus was, it couldn't outshine the brilliant spark in her eyes right now.

"Pierce?" Seeing him space out, Phoenix waved a hand in front of his face. "I asked you a question. Does it look good?"

"Yeah. It suits you." Pierce snapped out of it, curling his fingers as he used his deep voice to mask his turbulent emotions. "Your design is truly remarkable. It elevates the wearer entirely."

"Thank you for the generous tip, Mr. Sterling!" Phoenix chuckled. She grabbed the pendant and happily headed toward her guest room. Halfway there, she paused and glanced back. "Since you gave me such an expensive gift, just let me know whenever you want pasta. The chef is always on call."

Pierce let out a soft scoff.

Trading a bowl of pasta for a hundred-million-dollar necklace—if word got out about this deal, he would be the laughingstock of the business world.

Yet, for some inexplicable reason, a deep sense of satisfaction swelled in his chest.

He sat back down at the dining table, his gaze dropping to The Celestial ring on his middle finger as he gently rubbed the metal, his mind entirely consumed by her radiant smile.

Frowning, a wave of frustration washed over him. What was wrong with him? Was he actually falling for her?

No. Impossible.

He took a deep breath, forcefully shoving the inappropriate thoughts aside.

Everything he did was just to maintain the facade of their marriage agreement. It was purely transactional. The gift was just a thank-you for the meal. Nothing more.

As for the hundred million?

To him, money was just a string of meaningless numbers. If it put him in a good mood, what did a hundred million matter? The only thing that mattered was that he considered it a worthy investment.

Pierce leaned his head back against the chair and closed his eyes. Besides... the intelligence she had provided earlier was invaluable. This trade was a net positive.

He was only doing this so he wouldn't owe her any favors.

...

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