Outcast Queen: Her Return from Hell novel Chapter 70

"Ahem, as the... former manager of the Project Department, let me say a few words." Clarence stood up, forcing a smile that looked worse than a grimace. "This... this is all just a misunderstanding. I'm sure the executive orders just weren't relayed fast enough, which caused this unnecessary friction." His voice practically shook with desperation to appease her.

"Manager Prescott, we are thrilled to have you taking over the department. I have absolute faith that under your leadership, we'll reach incredible new heights." With that, he shot frantic looks at the rest of the staff.

The employees snapped out of their daze. The overwhelming terror instantly crushed any thoughts of rebellion or allegiance to Xenia. Pure survival instinct took over.

"Manager Prescott, we were wrong! We were completely blind! Please, give us another chance!"

"Manager Prescott, I've poured my heart into this job. My whole family relies on me... I can't lose this!"

"Manager Prescott, we were just confused. We listened to the wrong people... we'll make up for it! Please have mercy..."

Apologies and pleas echoed through the room, heavy with genuine panic.

"Once disloyal, never used again. Do you really not understand that simple rule?" Phoenix scoffed. "You think a bunch of easily manipulated, brainless dead weight is fit to work under me?"

The employees' faces drained of all color. There was absolutely zero room for negotiation.

"Phoenix, don't get too full of yourself!!" Xenia finally recovered, her cheek swollen red. Her voice was venomous. "These people have worked here for years. Firing them so recklessly will cause massive disruption! When Warren and Julian demand answers, do you think you can shoulder the blame?"

Still trying to threaten her?

Phoenix smirked in disdain, tapping her fingers lightly on the table. "Then go ahead and run to Warren and Julian. Ask them if I can shoulder the blame or not."

Xenia's pupils shrank. How dare this bitch be so arrogant?! Were Warren and Julian really unable to control this menace?!

"Phoenix, Xenia, please stop fighting..." Phoebe tried to play peacemaker, her voice trembling slightly, though her eyes were locked onto Phoenix.

Smack!

Before she could even finish her sentence, Phoenix's hand connected perfectly with Phoebe's face.

Phoebe clutched her cheek, the sheer shock and blinding pain rendering her speechless. Her carefully crafted expression of innocence completely shattered, leaving only wide-eyed disbelief.

"Phoebe, did you forget what I told you?" Phoenix narrowed her eyes, her gaze as lethal as a blade. "Don't call me that. I don't have a fake, hypocritical sister like you."

"Phoenix, are you out of your mind?!" Xenia shrieked, trying to pull Phoebe behind her. "Phoebe is so sweet, and even when you act like this, she still speaks up for you! Don't you feel any shame?"

"Xenia..." Phoebe's voice broke into a suppressed sob, her body trembling as she gripped the hem of her shirt. Beneath her lowered eyelids, a toxic mix of hatred and a sharp, paralyzing fear churned—fear of being publicly exposed, and fear of being cornered for the shares.

"Tell me, is taking a mere five percent really too much?"

Those few sentences were spoken softly, yet they slammed into everyone's chest like a sledgehammer.

Xenia's throat seized up. Every argument she had prepared was entirely choked off, completely unable to leave her mouth.

Phoenix raised a hand and casually wiped a single tear from the corner of her eye.

It wasn't a tear of sorrow, but a tribute—a tribute to the absolute despair of her past.

Everyone called Blackwood Penitentiary a living hell.

But to Phoenix, who had already survived true hell, what did a prison matter?

She was actually grateful for it. It was the 'good people' inside who had forged her, transforming her into the independent powerhouse she was today, completely erasing the pathetic girl who only knew how to beg her family for scraps of affection.

At the door of the meeting room, a tall figure stood quietly, his eyes fixed on her fragile yet fiercely unyielding back, a profound emotion flickering in his deep gaze.