Outcast Queen: Her Return from Hell novel Chapter 45

“Old man Alistair, I'm not too late, am I?”

“Right on time!” Alistair greeted him with a broad smile.

“Grandpa Arthur!” Phoebe practically launched herself out of the crowd, plastering on her sweetest, most docile smile as she reached out with both hands to support him.

She had to beat Phoenix to the punch and solidify her image as the 'future Mrs. Sterling'!

Unexpectedly, Arthur didn't even glance at her outstretched hands. He merely shifted his footing, dodging her as if she were a venomous snake.

“This old man can still walk.” Those few simple words felt like icy slaps across the face. Phoebe's smile froze dead, and a chilling sensation shot up from the soles of her feet straight to her scalp.

“Wild girl...” Arthur ignored her completely. His gaze landed on Phoenix, who was leaning lazily nearby, and his weathered face instantly broke into a wide, joyous smile. “Come over here.”

Phoenix raised an eyebrow and casually strolled over.

Her demeanor was relaxed but respectful. “Arthur.”

Arthur looked her up and down, making no effort to hide the sheer admiration in his eyes. “Good! Very good! No wonder a wild stallion like Pierce was willing to bow his head! You've got real spirit!”

That single sentence struck Phoebe like a sledgehammer, sending all her blood rushing straight to her head!

How was this possible?! Wasn't he here to announce that she was replacing Phoenix as Pierce's fiancée?! Why was this happening?!

“Alistair, don't just stand there!” Arthur boomed with vigor. “Are you done with your business? Once you're finished, this old man has a firecracker of an announcement to set off too!”

Alistair's eyes glinted sharply. Given Arthur's posture... he was clearly here for Phoenix! To think Phoenix had this kind of influence?!

He nodded and announced loudly, “Ladies and gentlemen! From this day forward, my biological granddaughter, Phoenix Prescott, is officially entering the core management of the Prescott Group!”

“Chairman Prescott is truly far-sighted!”

“Congratulations, Ms. Phoenix!”

Under the chorus of congratulations, undercurrents surged.

So what if she went to prison? So what if she was exiled? To be so highly regarded by both the Prescott and Sterling patriarchs—that was her true value!

“Phoenix...” Alistair patted her hand. “Work hard, don't let my high hopes down.”

Phoenix's gaze swept over the ashen faces of Warren's family like a sharp blade. “Rest assured, Grandpa. The Prescott Group will climb higher and go further.” —So high that certain people will only ever be able to look up at her.

“Good!” Alistair was extremely pleased.

“My turn!” Arthur slammed his cane against the floor with a heavy *thud*, his resonant voice echoing through the hall. “Taking advantage of this joyous occasion! Let me lay it all out—”

His steady, powerful hand pointed straight at Phoenix, his words striking like iron. “Phoenix!”

“From now on, she is the rightful granddaughter-in-law of the Sterling family!!”

Boom—!!

“Wait until she enters the company... Hmph, the higher she climbs now...”

“Ignis Global—Ms. Monroe has arrived!!!”

A remarkably loud, somewhat urgent announcement abruptly pierced through the dark, family conspiracy in the corner of the hall like an ice pick.

Ignis Global?!

The rising star of the business world, whom even the Sterling family had to show respect to? Macy Monroe?!

Warren flinched violently, looking at Julian in sheer disbelief. “Why is she here?! Did you...”

Julian was stunned for a moment, but then an unprecedented wave of sheer ecstasy washed away the depression of his earlier defeat. He straightened his spine, a fanatical light of hope bursting across his face.

It must be... it must be that his heroics at Eclipse Nightclub last night had reached the boss's ears!

She was here to return the favor!

“Heh...” A suppressed, trembling laugh of excitement escaped his throat as he leaned close to the devastated Phoebe, the words he spat out carrying a burning promise. “Phoebe, watch! Your brother is going to get all your lost face back for you right now...”

“A hundred times over!”

A faint, desperate light of longing finally squeezed onto Phoebe's pale face.