Outcast Queen: Her Return from Hell novel Chapter 271

Phoenix glanced sideways at him, letting out a soft scoff. "You're truly dedicated to your work. After suffering such a severe beating last night, your back practically torn to shreds, you still insisted on coming to host the board meeting? It's genuinely impressive."

The boardroom instantly erupted into a buzz of whispers and murmurs.

"He's injured? Is it serious? Maybe... Terrence should take over the meeting so he can recover?"

"Looking at his posture, he doesn't seem injured at all."

"I heard he was subjected to harsh discipline and took a full thirty lashes! Tsk, to still show up for a meeting after that, he's definitely ruthless."

Among these murmurs were fake sympathies and gloating mockery.

Warren's face was ashen, but he had no time to pay attention to the others. He glared fixedly at his rebellious daughter, wishing he could tear her to pieces.

Phoenix completely ignored his vicious glare, taking her seat with elegant composure.

"Ms. Prescott, you truly are a formidable young talent," Terrence Quinn, the board director sitting next to her, said with a gentle smile, lowering his voice. "I've dealt with Warren for years, and this is the first time I've seen him so unhinged."

"Terrence, I'm sure you'll have plenty more opportunities to see it in the future," Phoenix replied with a side glance and a smile.

"Oh?"

Terrence raised an eyebrow, observing the girl before him with growing curiosity.

Today, Phoenix was calm and confident, her eyes gleaming with a predatory light, as if she were brewing a storm.

The internal power struggles of the Prescott Group were already intense, and now with this little terror in the mix, this massive ship would likely never know peace again.

"Then I'll be eagerly watching," Terrence said with a meaningful smile. "If you ever need a favor in the future, don't hesitate to ask."

Phoenix gave a slight nod, her expression unreadable, not rushing to show her hand.

Everyone sitting here was a cunning old fox, their hidden agendas deafeningly loud. Terrence was the only one whose stance was wavering; winning him over could become a major asset.

*Tap, tap.*

The sharp sound of Warren's knuckles rapping against the table cut through the whispers. His cold gaze swept across the room, and the previously noisy boardroom instantly fell dead silent. Everyone held their breath, waiting for him to speak.

"Since everyone is here, let's begin. There is only one topic on today's agenda—the Prescott Group's revenue decline in the third quarter."

"Curious?"

Phoenix narrowed her eyes and slammed her palm onto the mahogany table.

A loud bang echoed through the room, rattling the teacups and making everyone's hearts skip a beat.

Terrence, sitting beside her, broke into a cold sweat, terrified that she might flip the table over entirely.

"Director Marsh, if you don't understand project operations, then shut your mouth. No one will think you're mute. But asking such a rookie question at a board meeting only makes the executives of the Prescott Group look like a bunch of incompetent fools."

Phoenix's icy gaze swept across the room, her commanding presence fully unleashed. "I suggest that from now on, anyone who asks such brainless questions be thrown out immediately. You all just worry about collecting your dividends. As for specific operational decisions, keep your unsolicited opinions to yourselves."

The shareholders were stunned into absolute silence by her words.

Though frustrated, every word Phoenix said was completely logical. If they argued back, wouldn't they just be confirming that they were indeed "incompetent fools"?

Terrence marveled inwardly. The only other person who had ever dared to scold the senior board members like this was Alistair. Now, the only one left was the rightful heiress sitting before him. He glanced at Warren, whose face was livid, looking so humiliated he wished the floor would swallow him whole.