Outcast Queen: Her Return from Hell novel Chapter 230

"Wait," Pierce choked on his words.

Before he could erupt, Phoenix suddenly leaned close to his ear. Her warm breath brushed against the side of his neck, her voice low and soft, yet distinct. "Don't worry, Darling. I'm not blind. In terms of looks and power, how could this cripple ever compare to you? I might have Prescott blood, but I definitely didn't inherit their blind ignorance."

Pierce's tense body inexplicably relaxed a fraction. The nameless, burning rage in his chest was miraculously smoothed over by that single sentence.

He scoffed coldly, turning his gaze back to Barrett, looking at him as if he were already a corpse. "You dare to covet my wife. Do you have a death wish?"

Barrett raised his head, looking straight at Pierce without an ounce of fear. "Mr. Sterling, I really don't want to live anymore. What? Are you going to grant my wish?"

Pierce narrowed his eyes. Was this man seeking death? No, a gutter rat like Barrett would never seek death so easily.

This was an intentional provocation.

He suddenly curled his lips into a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Actually, I should thank you, Mr. Lowery. If a toad like you didn't try to eat swan meat, I wouldn't have realized just how perfect I am in my wife's eyes."

Phoenix raised an eyebrow, silently praising him as a master. Pierce turned the tables flawlessly, defusing the provocation while publicly displaying their affection. It was a lethal blow to his ego.

Barrett's face turned livid. "Phoenix, my offer still stands. As long as you choose me, you'll see what a truly wise choice is."

Phoenix shook her head, a flash of mischief in her eyes.

She suddenly took a step forward, her slender fingers hooking Pierce's tie. With a sharp tug, she yanked the arrogant man right down to her level.

Caught off guard, Pierce was forced to lower his head, staring straight into her cold yet provocative eyes.

Their noses almost touched, their breaths tangling together. His Adam's apple bobbed, his heart racing violently out of his control. This familiar sensation, this familiar...

The next second, Phoenix stood on her tiptoes, pressing her red lips firmly against his thin ones without hesitation.

This was the fourth time.

But unlike any of the previous times, Pierce didn't push her away, nor did he stiffen. The moment that softness touched him, an indescribable surge of joy and craving welled up from the bottom of his heart.

They finally parted, the air between them thick with a seductive tension.

Phoenix let go of his tie and turned to look at the deathly pale Barrett. Her voice was dripping with dominance:

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