Outcast Queen: Her Return from Hell novel Chapter 36

These blatant praises and stark comparisons pierced Phoebe's ears like ice needles! She clenched her fists, a suffocating wave of jealous rage crashing over her.

The glory that had surrounded her just moments ago was instantly shredded to pieces by Phoenix!

She shot a venomous glare at Cassandra and Lydia standing not far away.

Her fingers tapped rapidly on her diamond-encrusted phone:

[Cassandra, Lydia, Grandpa just ignored me and only paid attention to Phoenix... I am so scared. Even though I am happy for her, I am terrified there won't be a place for me here anymore... You two are my best friends, and I know you understand my pain.]

Hit send.

Cassandra and Lydia exchanged a glance. Looking at the feigned strength and pathetic words on the screen, then at Phoenix being surrounded by admirers in the distance, a surge of righteous indignation to eliminate the threat for their friend boiled over!

"This is too much! Phoebe is so sweet, why should she be bullied like this?" Cassandra cursed under her breath.

"Does a bitch who went to prison really think she can steal Phoebe's spotlight? Let's see how we handle her!" A malicious fire ignited in Lydia's eyes.

In the corner, Phoebe lowered her eyes. Beneath the cover of her long eyelashes, a triumphant, sinister smirk curled on her lips.

The real show was just beginning.

Under the spotlight, Alistair's imposing figure and Phoenix's cold silhouette stood side by side, resembling a portrait of transferring power.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Alistair's booming voice carried across the room through the microphone. "Thank you for coming! Tonight is dedicated entirely to witnessing my biological granddaughter, Phoenix Prescott, return to her rightful family!"

He squeezed Phoenix's hand firmly, the pressure a silent show of support and declaration.

Thunderous applause erupted, mixed with various calculated agreements.

The old man turned his loving, determined gaze to his granddaughter. "Phoenix! From today onward, you are the rightful, undeniable eldest daughter of the Prescott family! Moving forward..."

His voice suddenly spiked in volume, his sharp eyes sweeping over specific corners of the crowd. "If anyone dares to cross you, just tell me! This old bag of bones can still protect you!"

"Thank you, Alistair," Phoenix replied with a calm smile. That effortless aura meant she didn't even need to try to shine; she was naturally dazzling.

She took a smooth half-step forward and took the microphone.

Without her making a single gesture, the noisy ballroom fell instantly silent, as if someone had hit the mute button.

Every eye locked onto her.

"After wandering for so many years..." Her voice was clear and steady, devoid of any self-pity, only offering a crisp narrative. "The roots deep in my bones were never truly severed. To be able to return home today is all thanks to Alistair's love."

The mahogany box slipped from her hands and smashed onto the polished marble floor with a loud crack!

The lid popped open, and its contents spilled out in a clattering rush!

—It was a dozen gleaming, heavy gold bars!

The sound of the gold striking the stone was sharp and grating, the metallic shine reflecting an uncomfortable, cold glare under the lights.

"Oh my gosh!" Lydia immediately covered her mouth and shrieked in coordination, her face full of exaggerated distress. "Cassandra! How could you be so careless?! Quick, check if anything broke! Thank goodness it is just gold... If you had dropped something fragile, you would have deeply offended Ms. Prescott!"

Cassandra hurriedly crouched down, frantically trying to gather the scattered gold bars, profusely apologizing. "I am so sorry! I am so sorry, Ms. Prescott! I am so clumsy! I couldn't even stand straight!"

She looked up, her face twisted in an expression of frustration as if she were about to cry, but her eyes quickly flicked over Phoenix's face, failing to mask her malicious intent.

"Ms. Prescott, you wouldn't think my gift of gold bars is too tacky, would you?"

"I figured since you just got back from prison..."

She deliberately mumbled the last word, yet ensured it was perfectly audible. "This gold... can serve as a constant reminder that the past is in the past... You must absolutely take it as a cautionary tale!"