Outcast Queen: Her Return from Hell novel Chapter 88

Knock, knock—

The heavy knocking interrupted Vanessa and the others' plotting.

"Who is it?" Vanessa frowned, her tone laced with undisguised impatience and annoyance.

"Madam, Ms. Prescott asked me to remind you..." Lawrence's monotone voice drifted through the door, "Please complete the property transfer paperwork as soon as possible while the relevant departments are still open."

Vanessa clenched her fists, her nails digging so deeply into her palms they nearly drew blood, her eyes full of venom.

This butler used to be incredibly subservient to her, but now he was completely siding with that wretched girl, Phoenix!

It didn't matter. Once she kicked Phoenix out, she would make these lapdogs regret ever choosing the wrong side.

"Mom, I'm so sorry..." Phoebe gently hugged Vanessa, her eyes slightly red, her voice so soft it was heartbreaking. "It's all my fault for being so useless. I couldn't even protect the house you gave me."

Seeing her adopted daughter looking so pitiful, Vanessa's heart softened, and she forced a loving smile. "Phoebe, it's not your fault. Once you successfully secure the Miller family's favor, Mom will buy you an even better manor, much grander than this one."

"Thank you, Mom. You're the best." Phoebe looked up, flashing an incredibly sweet smile.

Watching this, Julian felt a sudden, inexplicable sense of dissonance. Everything was playing out exactly as it always did—Phoebe blaming herself, the family comforting her—but for some reason, it felt wrong.

Was she... acting?

The moment the thought crossed his mind, Julian shook his head violently.

How was that possible?! Phoebe had always been well-behaved and understanding since she was little. She wouldn't even hurt a fly. How could she be faking it?

His mind had to be clouded from being so furious with that rebellious daughter, Phoenix. That was the only reason he was having such absurd delusions about Phoebe.

"Phoebe, go back to your room and rest. I need to go make some calls about 'The Azure Healer,'" Julian suppressed the strange feeling in his chest and comforted her warmly.

"Julian, thank you for working so hard!" Phoebe held his hand, her eyes full of adoration. "You're the best brother in the entire world."

Hearing that soft, affectionate 'Julian' instantly cleared the gloom from his heart, replacing it with brilliant sunshine.

That's right, his Phoebe was the sweetest, most wonderful sister. She was worlds apart from a convicted felon like Phoenix.

Sebastian's heart instantly leaped into his throat. "Phoebe, are you crying? Did someone bully you?"

"No, no one bullied me. I just feel so lucky to have you as my brother. I just don't know... how much longer I get to be your sister." She trailed off perfectly, advancing by retreating, hitting Sebastian precisely in his weak spot.

"Phoebe, tell me the truth. What exactly happened?" Sebastian demanded, his tone frantic.

"It's Phoenix... She was released from prison the day before yesterday and came home, and there was a bit of a conflict." Phoebe cried softly, her voice breaking. "It's all my fault. If I hadn't stolen her place as the rightful heiress, she wouldn't harbor so much resentment..."

"Phoenix?! That piece of trash was let out?" Sebastian's voice instantly turned ice-cold, dripping with disgust. "Don't worry, Phoebe. Once I finish this design draft, I'll come right back to support you!"

"Sebastian, your work is more important. You don't need to rush back. I... I'll be strong. At worst, I'll just move out of the Prescott estate and give her spot back..."

"Nonsense! You are the only sister I acknowledge! That ex-con has no right to step foot in this house!" Sebastian stated categorically. "Give me three days. In three days, I'll be home for sure."

"Thank you, Sebastian."

Hanging up the phone, Phoebe wiped away her non-existent tears, a sly, triumphant smirk curling the corners of her lips.