Outcast Queen: Her Return from Hell novel Chapter 185

Phoenix looked at the man beside her with complex emotions.

It was completely unnecessary. Just she and Macy were more than enough to lock the situation down.

But this man had deliberately chosen to step up, declaring his dominance so publicly and pulling her under his wing.

"Phoenix."

Meredith excitedly leaned into Phoenix's ear, lowering her voice. "See? I told you your husband was a solid guy. From today on, he is the only man I acknowledge for you. No one else will ever take his place."

Phoenix rolled her eyes in exasperation. "I think he did it on purpose. Stepping up for you out of nowhere is just his way of getting leverage so you'll put in a good word for him later."

"Heh, with a guy this handsome and dominant around, I'd wake up laughing from my dreams. What's wrong with putting in a few good words for him?"

"Phoenix, I think Merry is right," Macy sighed from the side. "Looking at all of Cloudhaven, only Pierce Sterling is worthy of you. Why don't you consider making this fake marriage real?"

"Get out of here, both of you."

Phoenix closed her eyes, too tired to deal with these two fangirls.

She knew very well that the relationship between her and Pierce was strictly a transaction. His stepping up was likely because, as his woman, having her questioned in public would damage his pride.

Ultimately, it was all driven by self-interest.

However, Caspian Thorne, secretly watching this unfold from the corner, didn't think so.

Pierce certainly cared about his pride, but the conflict had stemmed entirely from Meredith and hadn't directly involved him. Yet, not only did he step in, but he also so loudly extended his protection to her friend... This was absolutely about more than just saving face.

"Heh, Merry."

A loving smile appeared on Gideon's face, breaking the stalemate. "Seeing so many friends supporting and protecting you brings me great comfort."

"I believe that with your abilities, the future of the Miller family is bright."

The old man's gaze suddenly sharpened as he swept the room. "I will reiterate this one more time. The heir to the Miller family is Meredith Miller, and only her."

"Does anyone else have a problem with that?"

With his final word, people whispered among themselves, but no one dared raise their voice in objection.

After all, standing behind Meredith were Phoenix, Macy, and the terrifying Pierce Sterling.

No matter how dissatisfied they were, for the sake of their lives and fortunes, they had to swallow their words.

Since taking over the Miller family's operations, he had worked tirelessly, walking on thin ice. Yet he always had a lingering suspicion—that he was merely a placeholder, a glorified manager. Once the old man found a satisfactory heir, he would be ruthlessly kicked to the curb.

"Dad, I'm sorry, did I speak out of turn?" Mavis caught the fleeting unwillingness in her father's eyes and silently rejoiced.

"Mavis, don't overthink it. The family's success today is entirely due to your grandfather's efforts. With his wisdom, the heir he chose must be the right fit," Thaddeus offered a stiff smile, trying to cover it up.

However, the seed of discontent had already been planted. Given time, it would inevitably take root, sprout, and ultimately consume his reason.

...

Despite the interruptions, the Miller family's banquet eventually concluded smoothly.

Meredith accompanied Gideon to see off the guests, while Macy rushed back to the company to handle business.

The night was deep. Phoenix stood alone on the hotel terrace, gazing at the neon-lit cityscape ahead, letting the evening breeze mess with her hair.

Pierce stood quietly behind her without saying a word. In the darkness, their silhouettes seemed somewhat out of place, yet exceptionally harmonious.

"Pierce, regardless, thank you for today." Phoenix turned around and gave him a bright smile.

"We are partners. Helping each other out is perfectly reasonable," Pierce replied casually, but as soon as the words left his mouth, a strange, sour feeling tugged at his chest.