Outcast Queen: Her Return from Hell novel Chapter 34

The crystal chandelier refracted a dreamlike light over a scene of glamorous attire and clinking glasses.

Cloudhaven's elite gathered here, the air thick with the faint buzz of champagne and calculated small talk.

Phoebe Prescott was undeniably one of the most dazzling presences in the room.

She wore a haute couture gown from the latest season, her makeup flawless. Like a carefully cultivated greenhouse rose, she was gorgeous and radiant, deliberately projecting the aura of the main character.

She whispered to her two best friends beside her from time to time, unable to suppress the smugness in her eyes.

"Phoebe, tell us the truth," Cassandra Lucas, dressed in an elegant white gown to look ethereal, asked in a low voice, unable to hide her curiosity and contempt. "Is that ex-con really your sister?"

She spat out the word 'sister' with particular disdain.

Phoebe immediately placed a slender finger over her lips, looking left and right, and whispered, "Shh! Cassandra, keep that to yourself!"

She quickly shifted to a worried expression, her voice perfectly pitched with regret. "Phoenix has been a bit wild since she got back... She even caused that car accident. Our family had no choice. They wanted her to learn a lesson, so they let her spend four years in that place."

"Hah." Lydia Langston swirled her red wine glass. Her dazzling red dress highlighted her utter disdain. "A pig in a silk dress is still a pig! With her vulgar nature, how could she ever understand the rules of high society? Doing time? Serves her right!"

"Lydia is absolutely right!" Cassandra quickly agreed, her eyes full of admiration when she looked at Phoebe. "Our Phoebe is the true model of a high-society lady! With the Prescott family's careful cultivation all these years, how could some unrefined wild card compare? So what if she is blood-related? It still depends on whether she has the class for it!"

The flattery was like honey, making Phoebe's heart swell with pride, though she maintained a facade of hypocritical concern. "Sigh, please don't say that about Phoenix. Prison... I heard it is terrifying. Especially with guards who abuse their power over the female inmates..."

She stopped perfectly on cue, leaving endless room for dark imagination.

Cassandra and Lydia immediately exchanged a disgusted, knowing look.

Phoenix Prescott?

Just a filthy piece of trash!

"Phoebe," Cassandra changed the subject, asking teasingly. "When are you and Pierce announcing your engagement?"

A flash of guilt crossed Phoebe's eyes, but her smile remained perfect. "Soon."

"Relax!" Vanessa flipped her hand over and gripped Phoebe's tightly, her tone resolute. "What kind of trash is Phoenix? Vulgar, cheap, and a convicted criminal! She isn't even fit to shine Pierce's shoes! What kind of man is Arthur? His judgment is ruthless! As long as he is in his right mind, he will never let that filthy thing tarnish the Sterling family's doorstep!"

Warren nodded calmly, carrying the composure of a man in control. "I received confirmed intel that Arthur will be attending in person tonight."

He glanced significantly toward the entrance. "Normally, Arthur hates these kinds of events. Why do you think he is taking the time to show up now?"

Seeing his daughter's eyes light up, he continued feeding her reassurance. "He didn't give us an answer earlier because he definitely wanted to announce it here, in front of everyone! This gives the moment the weight it deserves and gives our Phoebe plenty of face!"

Phoebe's heart finally settled, a wave of triumphant heat surging through her chest.

Her tightly clenched fists slowly relaxed, and when she looked up again, her eyes were completely different.

That forced trace of docility was instantly replaced by sheer arrogance.

She straightened her back, her smile growing bolder. She affectionately hooked her arms through her parents' and walked straight toward the new elites waiting at the door to flatter the Prescott family, seamlessly blending into the social networking.

To the guests who didn't know the truth, this radiant second daughter of the Prescott family was undeniably the star of the night.