Outcast Queen: Her Return from Hell novel Chapter 66

In the underground parking garage of Prescott Group.

A Maybach sat silently parked in the shadows, like a predator lying in wait.

Inside, Pierce rested with his eyes half-closed, listening to Quentin's report from the passenger seat.

"Boss, your wi—"

"Hmm?"

Pierce hadn't even opened his eyes. A single, casual hum instantly cut off Quentin's title for her.

"...Ms. Prescott," Quentin swallowed hard, quickly correcting himself. "She successfully signed the Legacy District contract. Also, she mentioned we should get dinner sometime."

Pierce's brow arched imperceptibly. A faint, nearly untraceable shift rippled across his perpetually glacial features, like a subtle current beneath a frozen lake.

His long fingers tapped unconsciously against the leather armrest.

"Do you think I have time to attend a dinner?" His tone was flat, completely devoid of emotion.

"Understood, then I will..." Quentin, thinking he had caught the hint, prepared to formulate a polite rejection.

"Yancy," Pierce suddenly directed his voice toward the driver's seat. "Go to The Emerald Pavilion and book a private room."

Quentin was utterly stupefied, whipping his head around to stare at the backseat.

He had just been ready to decline Phoenix's invitation, and his boss immediately ordered Yancy to book the most luxurious restaurant in the entire city?!

What kind of play was this? Did this make any sense?

"Also," Pierce continued, completely ignoring Quentin's shock, "the Starlight Heights penthouse I had you purchase—is the paperwork finalized?"

Yancy nodded calmly. "Don't worry, Boss, everything is handled. It's ready for move-in whenever you are."

Quentin shot a questioning look at Yancy. Was he prepping a marital home? Yancy met his eyes through the rearview mirror with a knowing, slightly exasperated look.

Quentin sighed internally. This Reaper of Cloudhaven had truly perfected the art of saying one thing and doing the exact opposite. He claimed it was a fake marriage, yet between the top-tier restaurant and the luxury penthouse, it certainly looked like... he was taking the role a bit too seriously.

"Quentin," Pierce's deep voice interrupted his internal monologue, carrying unquestionable authority. "We have to put on a convincing show so Arthur believes it. We can't afford to slip up on a single detail."

"Right! Understood!" Quentin immediately straightened up and replied, forcing an awkward smile as he pushed down his doubts.

Pierce smoothly buttoned his suit jacket and pushed the car door open, his movements effortlessly fluid.

"Boss, where are you..." Quentin asked instinctively.

But how could she accept this?

Why?! This ex-convict returns, and immediately steals everything that belonged to her with such brutal force? Her status, her position, and now the shares—the only tangible proof of her acceptance in the Prescott family?

She had wasted away in prison for four years. Her edges should have been ground into dust. Why hadn't she become submissive, but instead grown sharper, even... dangerously bold?

Thinking about the moment Phoenix had publicly whipped Warren, causing an uproar among the servants, a chilling mix of fear and sheer malice twisted in Phoebe's heart.

"Phoebe, what's wrong?"

A gentle, concerned voice called out from behind her.

Phoebe stiffened imperceptibly, then spun around like she had found a lifeline, throwing herself into the woman's arms. Her shoulders began to tremble.

"Xenia... am I just completely useless?" Her voice was thick with tears, dripping with self-pity.

Xenia froze, wrapping her arms around the girl in shock. Her tone softened instantly. "Don't cry, Phoebe. Tell me what happened. Who bullied you?"

Phoebe lifted her head, letting her tears fall at the perfect moment. Her eyes were red, playing the role of the tragic victim to absolute perfection. "Xenia, I... I think I'm going to be kicked out of the family. I... won't be able to help you anymore." Her voice choked with absolute despair.

"What?!" Xenia's expression changed instantly, filled with shock and fury. "What are you talking about? You're the cherished daughter of the Prescott family. Warren, Vanessa, and Julian dote on you so much, how could they..."