Outcast Queen: Her Return from Hell novel Chapter 80

"Ninth, are you serious?"

Phoenix was genuinely baffled. Pierce... actually cared about something as trivial as wedding rings?!

They were only in a contract marriage, after all.

Pierce, however, looked completely justified. He leaned in closer, his deep, magnetic voice vibrating like a bass speaker right next to her ear. "A wedding ring is a symbol of status. You... wouldn't want outsiders to think our marriage is fake, would you?"

Phoenix frowned, feeling like there was a hidden meaning behind his words. "Ninth..."

"Ms. Miller, do you have any wedding rings in stock?" Pierce asked, cutting her off.

"Yes! We definitely do!"

Next to them, Meredith was practically jumping for joy. She immediately instructed the associates, "Bring out 'The Celestial.'"

"Right away, Ms. Miller!" Two associates respectfully presented an exquisite velvet tray to Meredith.

"Merry, didn't you design this specifically for me? How can we use it as a wedding ring?" Phoenix sighed helplessly; her friend was being far too enthusiastic. "Stop messing around."

"Phoenix, it's true I designed this ring for you. But I never said it had to stay as one single piece." Meredith picked up the ring, lightly flicking a hidden, intricate clasp on the inner band. The ring instantly separated into two distinct pieces.

"The Binary Rings?!" Phoenix was stunned.

"Exactly! The original design was for you to have the main ring, and I would keep the secondary one." Meredith's eyes were as gentle as water, her voice thick with affection. "In the vast universe, I choose only this star. It means we are the brightest stars in each other's lives."

"However..." She smoothly pivoted, handing the larger, more sophisticated main ring to Pierce. "Now, this main ring has found a much more suitable owner."

Pierce looked at the ring presented to him and paused slightly.

Meredith's gaze and words carried an almost reverent sincerity.

To Meredith, Phoenix meant everything. For Phoenix's sake, she was willing to part with her most treasured creation without a second's hesitation.

"...Thank you." Pierce offered a rare word of thanks. He took the main ring and solemnly slid it onto his left ring finger.

"Phoenix, this one is for you." Meredith then handed the more elegant, delicate secondary ring to Phoenix.

Phoenix couldn't refuse such profound affection and blessing. "Merry, you gave the main ring to Ninth, so what about you..."

"It's fine!" Meredith shook her head enthusiastically, her tone resolute. "Ninth is the most powerful man in Cloudhaven; he's the only one worthy of you. Leaving you in his hands... gives me peace of mind." She broke into a radiant smile. "Besides, I can always design more and better jewelry, right?"

Phoenix smiled bitterly and shook her head.

"Merry, turning Lumina into something this massive in just a year... you're incredible," Phoenix praised genuinely from the plush sofa in Meredith's bright, spacious office.

"Phoenix, this is all thanks to you!" Meredith leaned affectionately against Phoenix's shoulder, her voice filled with gratitude. "If you hadn't taught me jewelry design and how to survive the real world while we were in there, I would never have made it this far. So, calling Lumina Jewelry yours isn't an exaggeration at all."

Phoenix gently patted her hand and shook her head. "Silly girl, I merely pointed the way. You achieved all of this through your own talent, hard work, and relentless drive. But..." Her tone darkened slightly. "What are you going to do about the Miller family?"

Meredith's smile faded, replaced by a cold edge. "I haven't contacted them since I got out. They probably don't even know I'm free yet."

Phoenix's eyes narrowed dangerously.

To her, the Miller family and the Prescott family were birds of a feather.

Back then, Meredith had absolutely no interest in fighting for the family inheritance, yet she was still framed by her own siblings, slapped with a 'corporate espionage' charge, and thrown in jail.

With how innocent Meredith had been, how could she have ever survived those wolves? If she hadn't met Phoenix in prison, Meredith would likely be dead by now.

"They better be smart enough to leave you alone, or else..." Phoenix narrowed her eyes, a bone-chilling aura rolling off her. "I'll make sure they lose absolutely everything."

"You're the best, Phoenix!" Meredith hugged her tightly, thoroughly leaning on her for support.