Outcast Queen: Her Return from Hell novel Chapter 5

Warren's pupils constricted in sheer panic. What the hell was wrong with this rebellious daughter? How had she become so domineering and intimidating after getting out of prison, entirely contrary to her former weak self?

Seeing the panic in Warren's eyes, Phoenix sneered inwardly.

Back then, if she hadn't been so soft and easily manipulated by Warren, too afraid to tell her grandfather the truth, she never would have been sent to prison.

In the entire Prescott family, Warren was likely the only one who didn't care about bloodlines, only valuing the massive resources he had invested in Phoebe over the years.

Suppressing his shock, Warren shot a quick glance at Phoebe.

Over the years, he had poured an immense amount of money and effort into molding Phoebe into an impeccable, independent socialite.

This impending marriage to the Sterling family was a crucial piece of his master plan.

As long as they secured an alliance with the Sterlings, it wouldn't matter that Phoebe didn't share their blood; the Sterling family's backing would be enough to shut up the elders in the Prescott clan.

With that in mind, Warren forced a stiff smile. "Phoenix, that's not what I meant. It's just that you just got out. You must want to take a shower, have a good meal, and wash away the bad luck."

"Phoenix." Playing along with his shift in tone, Phoebe spoke up, acting terribly wronged. "I know you don't like me. After all, I took your place as the wealthy heiress for over ten years, and you spent four years in prison for me."

"It's completely understandable that you resent me."

"But you can't deny that Mom and Dad truly care about you."

"Care about me?" Phoenix narrowed her eyes and scoffed coldly. "They care about me so much that they made me take the fall for a fake and personally sent me into that hellhole at Blackwood Penitentiary?"

"Phoenix, sending you there was our only option," Warren sighed, feigning helplessness. "Phoebe was raised in luxury. How could she possibly survive the hardships of prison? Besides, if you hadn't called her that day crying about wanting peanut brittle, she never would have been distracted while driving, and that tragic accident would never have happened."

Phoenix was so furious she actually laughed.

Phoebe was raised in luxury and couldn't handle prison, so that meant his biological daughter could?

"Phoenix, I didn't think this through. I have a black card right here with a million dollars on it. Is that enough?" Warren offered an awkward, placating smile as he pulled out another card.

Phoenix raised an eyebrow but made no move to take the card. Instead, she drawled, "You're both in such a desperate rush to get rid of me. Could it be that someone very important is coming over?"

At her words, all the Prescotts lost the color in their faces.

Seeing their expressions, Phoenix knew her guess was dead on. "Well then, a million dollars isn't nearly enough."

"Phoenix, don't push your luck," Vanessa gritted out. "A million dollars is plenty for you to waste. Take the money and get the hell out."

Phoenix dropped her smile, her gaze turning frosty. "I'm pushing my luck? I am the eldest daughter of the Prescott family. The true, rightful bloodline. Everything this family owns will eventually be mine."

"Unless you seriously plan to hand the entire Prescott empire over to this imposter?"