Outcast Queen: Her Return from Hell novel Chapter 262

"I should mention, Warren already agreed last night to transfer his ten percent stake to Phoenix. What, is he trying to back out today because he thinks he has your backing, Alistair?"

Cold sweat broke out on Warren's forehead.

He had indeed entertained that thought, hoping to gamble his way out of it. After all, that ten percent was crucial.

But who would have known that Pierce wouldn't even give Alistair an ounce of respect? The man was an absolute lunatic.

Alistair rubbed the head of his cane, his knuckles turning white from the force. "Pierce, that's simply too much. As you know, Phoenix's father is the CEO of the group. If his shares fall below twenty percent, his authority will suffer, and that's bad for the company."

"If you're worried about his lack of authority, you could always replace him with someone more competent." Pierce's lips curled into a wicked smirk. "For instance, my wife, Phoenix."

"She already took over five percent of the shares from Phoebe. Add this ten percent, and that makes fifteen. I'd say she's more than qualified to sit in the CEO's chair."

The moment those words left his mouth, the room erupted into an uproar.

In their eyes, Phoenix was just a wild girl from the countryside with a four-year prison record. How could someone so fresh out of prison plot to take over the Prescott Group?

It was absolutely absurd!

But the one suggesting it was none other than the "Reaper of Cloudhaven." Under the crushing weight of the Sterling family's influence, the old man might actually agree.

"Sigh—" Alistair let out a long breath, his tone heavy. "Phoenix is indeed outstanding. Although her resume has some blemishes, her talent is more than enough to make up for it. I..."

"Grandfather."

Just as Alistair was weighing the pros and cons and preparing to compromise, Phoenix suddenly took a step forward, still wearing that obedient smile.

"What is it, Phoenix?" Alistair frowned, his guard instantly up, afraid this granddaughter was going to exploit the situation. If her ambitions were too vast, he would have to reevaluate her worth as a pawn.

"I don't need that ten percent of the shares."

The moment she said that, not only was Alistair shocked, but even Pierce raised an eyebrow.

Victory was right in her grasp. Why give up at the last second?

Alistair recovered his composure and probed, "Then what do you want, Phoenix?"

Phoenix slowly turned to Warren, her gaze as sharp as a blade, instantly shedding all of her previous softness. "Let last night's events sever the bond between him and me. Grandfather, I want to trade those shares for one request—allow me to officially cut ties with him."

Cut ties?

Once he signed, they would have absolutely nothing to do with each other.

In that moment, looking at the radiant Phoenix, a bizarre trace of hesitation crept into his heart. This daughter was now so exceptional, far exceeding his expectations. Could it be...

"Dad..." Phoebe urged quietly from the side.

Warren's mind jolted back to reality, and he finally picked up the pen and signed his name. Immediately after, Sebastian signed as well. As for the absent Ian, the butler would handle his signature later.

"Warren, we are done. The next time we meet, we will be enemies." Phoenix tucked the document away, her voice chilling to the bone.

"Phoenix, today is a family dinner. Let's put the grievances aside for now," Alistair smoothed things over. "As for the future, as long as you don't harm the interests of the Prescott Group, I won't interfere in how you fight."

Phoenix broke into a radiant smile. "Of course, I'll always listen to you, Grandfather."

"Good, good!" Alistair nodded in satisfaction. The girl was stubborn, but at least she was obedient. As long as she could be controlled, he didn't mind giving her a push.

"Alistair, I don't think we're quite finished here."

Just as Alistair thought the dust had settled, Pierce's cold voice made his heart leap into his throat again.