Outcast Queen: Her Return from Hell novel Chapter 67

"Because Phoenix is back." Phoebe smiled bitterly, her eyes brimming with helplessness. "I lived her life as the wealthy heiress for so many years, she must hate me to death. But... I really didn't mean to, and I've been trying so hard to make up for it..." She dramatically held up the glaring contract with trembling hands.

Xenia frowned deeply and snatched the document. She quickly scanned the contents, her face darkening like a storm cloud. "What?! Phoenix dared to steal your five percent shares in Prescott Group?! Who the hell does she think she is?! That rightfully belongs to you!"

"Honestly, I don't mind giving the shares to her. I consider it a debt repaid. I'll accept it." Phoebe wiped a tear from her eye, her tone tragic and sorrowful. "But I think her goal is far beyond this... She wants to systematically drive me out of this house, away from Mom, Dad, and Julian entirely! I don't want anything, really. I just want to stay by their side, even if I'm just a shadow..." Her voice trembled with sheer desperation.

"Don't be afraid, Phoebe!" Xenia hugged her tightly, a fierce light flashing in her eyes. "You're like a sister to me, and I will absolutely not allow anyone to bully you like this! Who the hell does Phoenix think she is? A freshly released convict... hmph!"

"Thank you, Xenia. But I really don't want you making an enemy out of her just for me." A fleeting look of vicious triumph flashed across Phoebe's face, though she maintained her 'sweet and understanding' act. "I definitely don't want you getting hurt because of me. Since getting out of prison, she's turned into a completely different person. She's terrifyingly aggressive. Earlier... just over a minor disagreement, she actually whipped Dad in broad daylight. Even Dad couldn't..." She stopped at exactly the right moment, leaving endless room for imagination, perfectly painting Phoenix as a remorseless lunatic.

"What?! She actually dared to hit Warren?!" Xenia was enraged, her protective fury completely ignited. "Heh, that wretched girl must have picked up a bunch of violent habits from the scum in prison. She thinks she can just waltz back into the family and do whatever she wants?! She's out of her mind!"

She sneered, her tone lethal. "She joined Prescott Group? I don't care how tough she thinks she is, I'll put her on a leash and make her heel! I'll make sure she understands exactly what it costs to mess with you!"

...

...

Still riding the high of securing the Legacy District contract, Macy excitedly tried to drag Phoenix out for a shopping spree to celebrate her triumphant return.

Reunited at last, she wanted to stick to her best friend's side and share in the joy.

But Phoenix remained exceptionally clear-headed.

Today was her first public appearance at Prescott Group. Countless eyes were on her, and countless mouths were waiting to tear her apart over a single mistake.

If she slipped up now and someone reported it to Alistair, it would only lead to another exhausting lecture.

She wasn't afraid of it; she just found it annoying.

Her battlefield was inside the company, not at the mall.

Phoenix politely declined Macy's offer and headed straight back to the Project Department.

Internally, Clarence was drowning in panic.

Even though he hadn't received official word from Julian regarding Phoebe's exact role, Phoebe had the Legacy District and West City contracts in hand. His position as Project Manager was hanging by a thread!

"Quiet down, everyone!"

Just as Clarence's anxiety peaked, HR Manager Felix Fletcher strode into the room.

This guy, who usually paraded around acting vastly superior and ignoring the regular staff, looked distinctly... different today.

His posture was still rigid, but his usual arrogance was dialed back, replaced by a subtle layer of... deep reverence?

He quickly scanned the room, his gaze lingering on Clarence for a fraction of a second, before straightening his back and looking toward the door. He announced loudly:

"I've gathered everyone here to officially introduce a very important figure," his voice boomed, carrying an undeniable weight of authority. "The true, and only, heiress of the Prescott family—Ms. Phoenix Prescott!"