Outcast Queen: Her Return from Hell novel Chapter 94

"The reason the Prescott family fell so far is due to a brutal internal upheaval. You might not know this, but the first in line to inherit the family wasn't your father, Warren. It was your uncle, Ethan."

"Unfortunately, Ethan lost his wife, and his only son was permanently crippled. Crushed by grief, he lost all will to manage the business and voluntarily stepped down from his position as the heir."

Hearing this, Phoenix recalled the image of Ethan from the recognition banquet.

He wasn't incredibly old, yet his hair was entirely white. Despite the smile on his face, his eyes held the deadened weight of immense tragedy.

Then there was Wesley, her other uncle. While his spirit seemed slightly better than Ethan's, his eyes also harbored an unshakable bitterness.

Something wasn't right.

How could a blind, incompetent fool like Warren have legitimately claimed the seat of power?

"Alright, let's leave the past in the past. Eat up, eat up." Arthur tactfully ended the conversation, knowing full well it was Prescott family business and not his place to elaborate. "Phoenix, you are the lady of the Sterling family now. You don't need the Prescotts' shadow. The Sterlings are your shield."

"Thank you, Arthur." Phoenix felt a wave of warmth. She knew those words weren't just validation; they were the backbone he was offering her.

The Prescotts might have rejected her, but the Sterlings claimed her!

Dinner concluded with a warm atmosphere.

Afterward, Phoenix went to the tearoom and personally brewed a pot of tea for Arthur.

"Phoenix, when do you and Pierce plan on holding the wedding?" Before even taking a sip, Arthur dropped the bombshell.

Phoenix instinctively glanced at Pierce, only to find him looking right back at her. Both of them shared a look of utter, unprepared panic.

Hadn't they already pacified him about not rushing the wedding? Why was he bringing it up again?

Pierce frowned deeply. "I thought we discussed this. Right now... the timing isn't right."

"Did I ask you?" Arthur glared at him, his voice stern. "You are you, and she is she. Since you two signed the papers, she is the rightful lady of this house. Are you trying to wrong her?"

Turning back to Phoenix, his gaze softened instantly. "Phoenix, ignore this brat. As long as you want it, I will make it happen."

Right now, she looked like a dormant beast, licking her wounds and gathering strength. The moment she bared her fangs, the hunt would begin.

"My, my. This tea is spectacular." Arthur took a sip, unable to hold back his praise. "Old Prescott was a lucky man. He must have enjoyed your tea quite often."

Phoenix smiled softly. "If you like it, I'll brew it for you often."

"Wonderful!" Arthur beamed, laughing heartily before his gaze shifted suggestively between the two of them. "Well, it's getting late. You two... should get to bed, shouldn't you?"

"I'll have my driver take you home..." Pierce stood up immediately, treating the moment like a royal pardon.

However, Arthur's next words instantly stretched Pierce's nerves to their absolute breaking point.

"Take me home? I'm staying here tonight. What? Are you going to kick an old man out into the cold?"

Phoenix and Pierce locked eyes.

The exact same thought flashed through both their minds—*We're doomed.*