Outcast Queen: Her Return from Hell novel Chapter 97

"Phoenix, sit down," Arthur said warmly. He had already ordered an extravagant breakfast spread.

The table was loaded with exquisite pastries and dishes, proving just how highly he valued his new granddaughter-in-law.

"Arthur, you're so used to the comfort of the estate. I hope staying here wasn't too tough on you," Phoenix said with genuine concern as she took her seat. "I know you're just worried because Pierce and I haven't known each other long. You were concerned we rushed into this and might fight, right?"

She turned her head to look at Pierce, her eyes overflowing with absolute adoration. "I know we haven't known each other forever, but love is a mysterious thing. Saying it was love at first sight might sound cliché, but it's pretty close to the truth."

Pierce watched as Phoenix expertly painted over their contractual marriage, making them look like the most deeply devoted couple in existence.

Especially the way she looked at him—for a split second, even he felt a little disoriented, unable to tell reality from fiction.

"Good, very good." Arthur couldn't stop grinning. "Hearing you say that puts this old man's heart completely at ease."

He rubbed the head of his cane and sighed. "Pierce's reputation out there isn't exactly stellar. I really was worried you two wouldn't get along. But it seems I was overthinking it."

"You two just focus on living a good life together. Visit me at the estate when you have time. But most importantly, give this old man a great-grandchild soon."

"Don't worry, we'll work hard on that." As she said this, Phoenix's eyes were practically burning holes into Pierce, her gaze as passionate as a devoted wife admiring her beloved husband.

As soon as Arthur was out the door, Phoenix instantly dropped the act and collapsed onto the sofa with zero elegance.

"Phoenix, the fact that you don't have an Oscar is a tragedy for the Academy," Pierce remarked, the corner of his mouth twitching with amusement as he watched her.

"Since you're so impressed, shouldn't you show a little material appreciation?" Phoenix flashed a wicked grin, holding her palm out toward him. "I'm not greedy. A hundred or two hundred million will do."

"Has anyone ever told you that you lack a moral compass?" Pierce shook his head in exasperation.

"Haven't you heard? Abandon your morals, and enjoy a stress-free life," Phoenix laughed, her voice wild and sultry. "The old me cared way too much about moral high grounds and superficial reputation. I only ended up torturing myself."

"Now, I live entirely for myself. My only goal is to live exactly how I want."

Pierce frowned, about to argue, when his phone rang abruptly.

It was Yancy.

"Understood, I'm heading back now." Pierce gave a short reply, hung up, and turned to Phoenix. "Something came up at the office. I'm leaving. This place is yours; do whatever you want with it."

He paused, his tone softening slightly. "Originally... I wanted you to live here every day until the contract ended. But I've changed my mind. You can come and go as you please. I won't force you anymore."

Phoenix raised an eyebrow. She hadn't expected him to be this reasonable.

She had pegged him as a control freak with borderline psychotic tendencies, but it turned out he could actually be negotiated with.

[Bank Transfer Received: 100,000,000 USD]

Phoenix immediately dialed Meredith's number. It rang endlessly until it automatically disconnected. No answer.

After a brief pause, she quickly dialed Macy Monroe.

Phoenix cut straight to the chase: "Macy, do you know Meredith Miller from Lumina Jewelry?"

Macy: "Yes, I think Ignis Global has a partnership with them. What's wrong?"

Phoenix's voice was heavy: "Check on her status for me. Right now."

Macy didn't ask questions; she immediately agreed.

A few minutes later, Macy called back.

"Phoenix, something happened. Meredith was forcibly dragged back to the Miller estate yesterday to do a kidney match for her grandfather."

"What?!" Phoenix's voice turned instantly lethal.

Hearing the absolute frost in her tone, Macy realized how serious the situation was. "Who is Meredith to you?"

"She is a sister I made in that place. Just like you, she is one of the most important people in my life."