Outcast Queen: Her Return from Hell novel Chapter 283

"Ms. Prescott, it's an absolute honor to see you," Alastair quickly hurried forward, extending a hand in greeting.

His face was plastered with a wide smile, doing everything he could to appear humble and respectful. "I told the Prescott Group executives before that I was highly anticipating the chance to work with you. Say the word, and the Langley Group will sign a contract with you immediately."

Alastair's attitude toward Phoenix was lightyears away from the utter disdain he had shown Julian.

"We can discuss a partnership," Phoenix replied coolly, her gaze drifting over to Julian. "But I have zero interest in talking business with irrelevant spectators in the room."

"Not a problem." Alastair immediately shot his assistant a look. The assistant caught on instantly, rushing over to haul the drunken Julian out of the suite.

"Phoenix, I know you care about me!"

"I was wrong! I was completely wrong! Please, just give me one more chance!"

Julian thrashed and shouted, using his drunken state as an excuse to pour out every agonizing regret he had been holding back.

But Phoenix simply turned her back to him, her expression completely indifferent. She truly couldn't care less.

Once Julian was finally dragged out of earshot, Alastair eagerly grabbed a fresh glass of liquor and offered it to her with a fawning smile. "Ms. Prescott, I've been looking forward to this day for a very long time. I have complete faith that with you at the helm, the Prescott Group is going to reach unprecedented heights."

Phoenix glanced at him but completely ignored the drink. Instead, she took a seat.

Her expression remained detached as she elegantly crossed her long legs. She radiated a freezing, unapproachable arrogance that kept him squarely in his place.

Feeling the sharp sting of her rejection, Alastair awkwardly retracted his hand. But as a seasoned veteran of the corporate world, he recovered quickly and downed the liquor himself in one gulp.

"Allow me to toast you first, as a show of respect."

"There is no need for all these pleasantries, Mr. Langley," Phoenix stated flatly. "Business is business. As long as the margins make sense, working together won't be an issue."

With a single sentence, she completely flipped the power dynamic in the room.

Moments ago, Julian had been the one begging on his knees. Now, Alastair found himself cast in the role of the desperate supplicant.

"You are absolutely right, Ms. Prescott. As long as the margins make sense, a deal can always be struck." Alastair offered an apologetic smile and held up a single finger. "I am fully prepared to concede one percent of our profits on top of the original terms."

Phoenix lowered her gaze slightly, resting her right hand on the table as her slender fingers rhythmically tapped the polished wood. "You still don't seem to understand, Mr. Langley. Your previous agreement with the Prescott Group is dead and buried. If you want to continue doing business with us... you play by my rules."

Hearing her lay out his exact strategy, Alastair let out a heavy sigh. "Ms. Prescott, I finally understand why Warren and his son can't defeat you. They simply don't possess a fraction of your terrifying foresight."

"If Old Mr. Alistair hadn't been holding the fort all these years, the Prescott Group would have collapsed a long time ago."

Phoenix set the glass down, pulled a bottle toward her, and calmly poured herself a drink. "So, what will it be, Mr. Langley?"

She lifted the glass and met his eyes.

Alastair's gaze tightened. Gritting his teeth, he finally nodded. "Five percent it is. You have a deal. It's a pleasure doing business with you, Ms. Prescott."

A faint smirk touched the corner of Phoenix's lips as she downed the liquor in a single, smooth motion. "A pleasure. However, this new partnership will remain completely under Julian's name."

"Why?" Alastair frowned, thoroughly confused. "If we keep it under his name, won't he get all the credit for saving the deal?"

"That is precisely what I want." Phoenix offered a cryptic, deeply calculating smile. "I'm sure you understand my reasoning, right, Mr. Langley?"

Alastair thought for a moment before his eyes suddenly lit up. "Hahaha! Ms. Prescott, you are truly something else. Warren is going to be dealing with a catastrophic headache."