Outcast Queen: Her Return from Hell novel Chapter 186

"Right, partners." Phoenix let out a scoff, a flash of coldness in her eyes. "But our partnership will probably be over in less than a year."

Pierce's pupils contracted slightly. "Less than a year? You think you can destroy the Prescott family's reputation in under a year?"

"Just about." Phoenix curled her lips, her tone teasing yet laced with a chill. "The Prescotts are greedier and more self-righteous than I imagined."

"I originally thought the old man was someone of substance, but in the end, he's no different from Warren Prescott."

During this banquet, if Alistair had saved even a single spot for her, considering their bond as grandfather and granddaughter, she might have left the Prescott family a way out. But now...

There was no need.

Pierce stepped forward slowly, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with her, overlooking the city below. "I'm looking forward to... that day."

What was he looking forward to? Was it the end of their partnership, or for her to completely step out from the shadows of her past?

In that moment, he felt an inexplicable sense of confusion.

Phoenix raised her hand, lightly grasping at the empty night air as if seizing fate itself. "I'm quite looking forward to it, too."

"I'll go back with you in a bit," Pierce suddenly said, glancing at the determined woman beside him.

Phoenix froze. "Excuse me?"

The corners of Pierce's lips curled up, his eyes holding a hint of amusement. "I'm guessing the Prescotts are all waiting to interrogate you right now. How could I miss a show like that?"

The Prescott Estate, main hall.

The air pressure was suffocatingly low, as if a torrential downpour was about to break.

Alistair sat at the head of the room, both hands resting heavily on his cane, his face grim and radiating a chilling authority. Warren and Vanessa sat on either side, their faces a mix of suppressed rage and anxiety. Meanwhile, Julian and Phoebe knelt on the carpet, their heads bowed low, their breathing careful, like lambs waiting for slaughter.

In the guest seats, Dominic Vaughan and his two children watched in silence, their expressions unreadable.

The faint sound of a car engine shutting off drifted in from outside.

Everyone's hearts leaped as their eyes collectively shot toward the door—knowing that the main character had likely returned.

Phoenix strolled into the hall at a leisurely pace. Facing this tribunal-like setup, she showed zero fear. Instead, she smirked, offering a casual smile.

"Such a grand reception. Were you all waiting for me?"

Alistair closed his eyes and said in a heavy voice, "Phoenix, you went too far this time. Even if Julian and Phoebe were at fault, exposing them in public left no dignity for the Prescott family."

"Alistair, I beg to differ," Pierce said, taking a seat beside Phoenix with his long legs extended, his tone frosty. "When you step out the door, respect is earned, not given. Julian and Phoebe acted like fools and embarrassed themselves. Why should she foot the bill for their idiocy?"

"Instead of dealing with these two morons, you're interrogating Phoenix. That logic doesn't hold up, does it?"

"Pierce, this is Prescott family business. Please stay out of it," Vanessa frowned and scolded coldly.

Pierce let out a harsh laugh. "Mrs. Prescott, Phoenix and I are husband and wife. That makes me half a Prescott. Why wouldn't I step in?"

"Pierce, you two only have an engagement. You haven't filed the legal papers. That engagement can be broken at any time," Warren spat through gritted teeth.

Pierce raised an eyebrow, exchanging a meaningful glance with Phoenix before drawling leisurely, "Mr. Prescott, what a shame. Phoenix and I have already signed the legal papers. Right now, we are a legally married couple protected by the law."

"How is that possible?"

Other than Alistair, Warren and everyone else in the room looked completely stunned.

Pierce deliberately pulled out his phone and displayed the photo of their Marriage Certificate. The red-backed photo on the screen hit them like a resounding slap to the face.