Outcast Queen: Her Return from Hell novel Chapter 351

“When I first uncovered this, I was just as surprised,” Pierce said, his tone turning somber. “But as I dug deeper into Barrett's connections, I found something far more problematic. He has deep, intricate ties to the power players in Highcrest.”

Hearing the word “Highcrest,” Phoenix's expression darkened.

She had originally thought that orchestrating the marriage between Phoebe and Barrett would be the ultimate humiliation and punishment for Phoebe. Now, it seemed this move had inadvertently become a stepping stone for Warren and Phoebe to climb the social ladder into Highcrest's elite circles.

“So, the reason Barrett dared to be so arrogant at the tea party wasn't because he had Silas backing him, but because he had his own powerful leverage.” Phoenix narrowed her eyes dangerously, her voice turning ice-cold. “It seems we were all fooled by the crippled heir. He is the real snake in the grass.”

“I already have men watching him around the clock. So far, he hasn't made any unusual moves,” Pierce mused. “As for why he laid low for so long and hid his true colors so well, it will take more time to uncover.”

Phoenix frowned. A bold theory flashed through her mind—perhaps Barrett's low profile was ordered by someone in Highcrest to keep an eye on Yara.

If that were true, the old grudges and secrets involved were far too complex.

Until the situation became clearer, she decided to keep this theory from Pierce.

Watching and waiting was the safest strategy for now.

At the Prescott Estate.

The car door opened, and Phoenix stepped out with fluid grace.

Inside the vehicle, Pierce's gaze followed her, a deep reluctance to part swirling in his eyes.

If Silas hadn't already prepared the thirty billion dollars and wasn't waiting for him to sign the papers, Pierce would have followed her inside without hesitation.

Phoenix glanced back at him and let out a helpless sigh.

If she had known this man would become so clingy after opening his heart, she wouldn't have been so quick to return his affections.

As soon as she stepped into the courtyard, Lawrence hurried over, lowering his head respectfully. “Phoenix, Alistair is here.”

Phoenix raised an eyebrow, a knowing coldness flashing through her eyes. Alistair's personal visit was undoubtedly about the mess at the Prescott Group, begging her to return and take charge.

“Alistair, you're so used to the head seat, you need to adapt to being a guest once in a while,” she said, her voice languid but every word cutting like a knife. “After all, no one can stay at the top forever.”

Alistair's face twitched. The veins on the back of his withered hand bulged as he gripped his cane tightly. But he swallowed his anger, forcing a smile. “Yes, I'm getting old. I have to accept it. This world will eventually belong to you young people.”

Phoenix walked straight to the head seat and sat down gracefully.

She raised her chin slightly, gesturing to the guest seat across from her, acting as the sole master of the room. “Please, Alistair. Have a seat.”

Alistair sat down with a dry laugh. The mahogany chair he used to sit in now felt like it was covered in thorns, making him incredibly uncomfortable.

Once, he was the patriarch who controlled everything from the head seat. Now, he was reduced to watching the mood of the granddaughter he had thrown out of the house.

“Phoenix, the company right now...”

“Alistair,” Phoenix cut him off without a shred of politeness, a mocking smirk playing on her lips. “I heard you brew an excellent pot of tea. Why don't you do the honors today and show me?”