Outcast Queen: Her Return from Hell novel Chapter 63

Julian's eyelids twitched violently. With his true intentions exposed, he forced down his surging emotions and squeezed out an incredibly strained smile. "Phoenix, this time... I wasn't thinking straight. I just figured, since you're engaged and have the elders' support, Phoebe might... feel insecure. I wanted her to secure these projects so she wouldn't overthink things. That's why I..."

"Tsk, tsk." Phoenix shook her head, looking at him as if watching a pathetic performance. "Julian, your acting... you really should take lessons from Phoebe. Maybe then you could actually fool someone."

"Phoenix!!" Julian roared, his temper flaring again.

"Tsk, you're being too loud." Phoenix's gaze turned instantly glacial. That sharp, predatory stare made Julian choke on his words.

His heart hammered in his chest. He didn't know if it was from anger or panic, but he was completely out of time. "Phoenix, I was wrong, alright? Come back and sign the contracts with me!"

Phoenix picked up her teacup, taking a slow sip before speaking leisurely. "Julian, that doesn't sound right, does it? With my current position—a mere lowly assistant..." She paused intentionally, her gaze shifting to Felix. "Manager Fletcher, tell me, am I qualified to handle such massive projects?"

"Huh?" Felix, who had been watching in sheer terror, jolted when his name was called. "Y-Yes! Y-You're currently just my assistant. You definitely aren't qualified to touch such important projects."

He stole a glance at Julian, whose face looked ready to commit murder.

"Mr. Julian, this position was the one you originally..."

"Shut up!" Julian cut him off brutally. He took a deep breath, practically forcing the words out through gritted teeth. "Project Department... Manager! Is that position... qualified enough?"

Project Department Manager! Felix was absolutely floored. Phoenix had called it—Julian was actually begging her to take the promotion!

He rejoiced internally, thrilled that he had backed the right horse.

However, Phoenix's reaction was once again completely unexpected.

"The position is sufficient." The smirk on her lips deepened, laced with a hint of mockery. "But... I refuse."

"Phoenix! My patience has limits!" Julian felt a sharp pain in his chest, hovering on the brink of losing control. "I've backed down time and time again. Are you really going to let the company suffer massive losses before you're satisfied?"

Phoenix languidly crossed her long legs, resting them on the coffee table, and articulated her words with crystal clarity. "I want you to beg me."

Phoenix's gaze slowly swept across the luxurious private room. Her tone was as casual as if she were discussing the weather. "Aqueous... seems like a nice place."

Julian trembled violently, practically shaking with rage. She dared to demand Aqueous?! This top-tier club was worth hundreds of millions!

But he had absolutely no choice!

"Fine!" His voice was hoarse, each word dripping with defeat. "As an apology... I'll give you Aqueous!" He desperately tried to cling to a final shred of dignity. "You just came back, and I hadn't gotten you a welcome gift yet... Consider this a present to celebrate your return."

Phoenix stood up, clapping her hands with a radiant smile. "How generous of you! Since you're so sincere..." She paused for dramatic effect. "I suppose I'll reluctantly accept it."

Felix watched the entire exchange in sheer disbelief. ...Ms. Prescott, your 'reluctance' just scored you a massive fortune without lifting a finger.

Damn, she was an incredibly terrifying woman!