Outcast Queen: Her Return from Hell novel Chapter 367

The morning light filtered through the half-drawn curtains, spilling softly over the side of Phoenix's face.

She slowly opened her eyes. Although the intensity of last night left her feeling a bit languid, her energy was surprisingly high.

Turning her head, her gaze fell upon the handsome features of the man sleeping soundly beside her, and the corners of her lips involuntarily curled upward. Even she hadn't expected that someone as coldly disciplined as herself would surrender so completely and without reservation.

She used to believe she was destined to fight her battles alone in a world of thorns, accompanied only by the cold blade in her hand. But now, she had somehow found a warm place to rest.

Phoenix quietly sat up, grabbed a hair tie, and quickly pulled her long hair into a sleek, high ponytail. Just as she was about to get out of bed, a pair of strong arms reached out from behind, pulling her firmly back by her slender waist.

"Why don't you sleep a little longer?" The man's newly awakened voice was deep, raspy, and laced with a clinging, affectionate laziness.

Phoenix let out a soft laugh and turned her head, meeting Pierce's deep eyes, which still smoldered with the heat of the previous night.

"My schedule is packed today," she explained softly, allowing him to hold her. "Those core projects from the Prescott Group were just integrated into Ignis Global, so I have to oversee them personally. Kiki can handle things, but she'll probably complain about me being a hands-off boss exploiting her again."

"And after I'm done at Ignis, I need to make a trip to Lumina Jewelry..."

The rest of her words were silenced as Pierce leaned in, capturing her lips. The morning intimacy heated up once more, the seductive tension spreading between them until the sudden, sharp sound of the doorbell shattered the romantic atmosphere.

"That's definitely Yancy." Pierce rubbed his temples in defeat, his tone dripping with frustration. "I shouldn't have told him to bring breakfast this early."

Last night, their relationship had crossed a definitive threshold. Everything had happened so naturally and passionately that he had completely forgotten about his morning instructions.

"Alright, stop messing around and get up." Phoenix gently pushed him away, pulling on her jacket. The sharp, focused look instantly returned to her eyes. "It's time to reel in the bait Draco Enterprises threw out."

"Those people in your family probably have no idea that the Sterling Group is already nothing but a hollowed-out shell. Once they figure it out, they're going to completely lose their minds."

"Since the Queen has spoken... your subject obeys." Pierce's smile widened as he smoothly rolled out of bed, his demeanor instantly shifting back to the commanding arrogance of a business tycoon.

After washing up and getting dressed, the two stepped out of the bedroom.

Outside the door, Yancy was waiting with several takeout bags, his neck practically stretching from anticipation. To please his boss's wife, Pierce had specifically ordered him to gather the most authentic breakfast dishes from across the city. Yancy had been up since before dawn and nearly ran his legs off.

"What are you standing there for? Hurry up," Pierce shot him a look, rushing him.

"Yes, yes, sir! I'll put it inside right now!" Yancy practically sprinted into the apartment, dropped the bags, and scurried right back out.

When he turned around, he saw Phoenix naturally reach up and straighten Pierce's slightly crooked tie. The intimate, unspoken harmony between them almost brought tears to Yancy's eyes.

After parting ways with Pierce downstairs, Phoenix headed straight for the underground parking garage.

Her assistant, Yolanda, was already waiting by the car.

"Boss, what's our first stop?" Yolanda asked, pulling the door open for her.

Phoenix glanced at her watch. It was still too early for Ignis Global. "To Lumina Jewelry first."

"Understood." The car pulled out smoothly. Yolanda habitually checked the rearview mirror, and her eyes were instantly drawn to the blatant 'strawberry' right above Phoenix's collarbone. Her eyes sparkled, and her inner gossip flared to life. "Boss, did you and Mr. Sterling..."