Outcast Queen: Her Return from Hell novel Chapter 73

Phoebe stared venomously at Phoenix. After years of faking fainting spells, this was the first time she had been forced to swallow such a bitter pill in silence.

Phoenix watched her with a half-smile and sighed. "What? I went to all this trouble to cure you, and I don't even get a thank you?"

Phoebe gritted her teeth so hard they nearly cracked. Forcing a smile that looked uglier than crying, she spat out two humiliating words: "Thank. You."

"Xenia, I... I still feel a little dizzy. Help me to the lounge." She didn't dare stick around a second longer, terrified Phoenix would suggest some kind of "follow-up treatment."

Xenia nodded, hurriedly supporting her as the two frantically fled the conference room.

Phoenix stared at their retreating backs, a cold glint flashing in her eyes.

Phoebe, we have plenty of time. From now on... I will force you step by step into the abyss of total despair.

"Manager Fletcher, I'll leave the rest to you."

"Yes! Don't worry, Ms. Prescott, I'll handle everything perfectly."

Phoenix nodded, then turned to face Pierce, who had been left on the sidelines watching the show. She lifted her chin slightly. "Come with me."

Pierce raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at his lips.

Did this woman... just give him an order?

Heh. Interesting.

Inside the reception room, the fragrant scent of tea curled into the air, yet it did nothing to suppress the simmering tension between them.

Pierce lounged on the sofa, his long legs crossed in a relaxed posture, but his deep gaze was locked on Phoenix as she brewed tea with fluid, elegant movements.

A soft click echoed in the room.

A blue flame flared as Pierce lit a cigarette. The pale smoke drifted upward, blurring his sharp features, but failing to mask his scrutinizing stare.

He couldn't quite figure out the woman in front of him.

According to the background check, Phoenix Prescott had a simple, almost pathetically humble resume. Yet, the woman sitting across from him radiated a hidden edge. Her every movement carried an indescribable confidence, and in certain moments, her aura matched his own.

Phoenix poured two cups of tea, gently sliding one toward Pierce. She looked up, her tone cool. "Ninth, I hate the smell of smoke."

Pierce paused. His eyes swept over the burning cigarette between his fingers, and for some inexplicable reason, he pressed it into the ashtray, putting it out.

"Yet the old you was utterly destroyed by Phoebe," Pierce scoffed. His words were like a blade aiming straight for her sore spot, seemingly trying to rip away her calm facade to see her break down.

But he was disappointed.

Phoenix's expression remained as placid as still water, as if that unbearable past had long turned to dust, unable to stir up any waves in her heart.

"Ninth, don't think I absolutely need you," she said, her voice steady and powerful. "I only need a convenient weapon to make the storm of my revenge hit harder."

"There is a fundamental difference between a necessity and an added bonus."

Pierce's mouth twitched, the gloom in his eyes thickening.

Phoenix finished her tea and issued the eviction notice. "Ninth, if you only came today to play the supportive fiancé, I appreciate the gesture. But I have things to do, so I won't be entertaining you any longer."

Pierce abruptly stood up, planting his hands on the tea table and looming over her. His voice was low and dangerous. "I am the only one who uses people as weapons. No one dares to use me as one. You are the first."

"So, you will have to pay a price."

Phoenix frowned, entirely unfazed by his intimidating glare. "What price?"