Outcast Queen: Her Return from Hell novel Chapter 432

"Exactly," Phoenix murmured, her gaze darkening. "A man who knows when to bow and when to strike, who managed to single-handedly protect the St. Claire empire in the cutthroat world of Highcrest—there's no way he's just a spineless coward who only knows how to smile and apologize."

"And do you really think a man who has held absolute power for years would willingly submit to someone else, content with forever being just a 'second-in-command'?"

Pierce frowned slightly.

The seat of the St. Claire family's true head had been vacant for years, with Duncan operating under the title of 'Acting Patriarch.'

Yet, in all this time, he had never attempted to completely erase Yara's legacy and legitimately claim the highest throne for himself. That in itself was highly suspicious.

"So, you're saying Duncan has been biding his time all these years, waiting specifically for the 'rightful heiress' to show up?" Pierce asked, his voice low.

"Yes."

Phoenix narrowed her eyes, a cold, mocking smirk pulling at her lips. "I slapped his precious daughter right in front of him, and not only did he hold back his temper, but he practically threw himself in the dirt. That was all just a smokescreen."

"He wants to lure me into a false sense of security—make me believe he's a weak, pathetic pushover who only deserves to play the sidekick."

"But his little 'praise to kill' strategy is meant to throw me to the wolves. Tonight's so-called welcome banquet isn't just an opportunity for the Highcrest elite to test my mettle; it's a lethal trap Duncan set specifically for me."

Phoenix tapped her fingertips lightly against the sofa's armrest, her voice terrifyingly calm. "If I can survive the brutal storm tonight, I might just be able to secure my position as Yara's successor. But if I crumble and show weakness, I'll become the laughingstock of the entire Sovereign Circle."

"When that happens, Duncan can use the pressure from the other elite families to openly question Yara's judgment. He'll prove that I'm utterly unfit for the role. And then... he'll be able to legitimately take my place and officially claim the title of Patriarch."

Listening to Phoenix's flawless analysis, Pierce nodded in deep agreement.

Duncan had endured the wait for years simply because Yara's past authority was too deeply entrenched. Forcing his way to the top would have incited rebellion; he lacked an airtight excuse.

But now, the sudden arrival of Phoenix as the 'appointed successor' had handed him the perfect opening.

In the eyes of those scheming aristocrats, the idea of a young, inexperienced girl trying to swallow the massive empire Yara left behind was the ultimate joke.

This was Duncan's golden opportunity to borrow a knife to kill.

Meanwhile, deep in the inner courtyards of the estate.

On the broad asphalt boulevards, a steady stream of sleek supercars and top-tier luxury sedans flowed endlessly.

In The Sovereign Circle, an ecosystem utterly obsessed with status and hierarchy, face and prestige were the ultimate currency.

A suffocating culture of comparison permeated the elite class. If your ride was even half a tier lower than expected, you would be silently ostracized and despised by high society.

And tonight, the long-dormant St. Claire family had suddenly thrown a massive, high-profile banquet, booking out the ultra-luxurious Sovereign Grand Hotel to welcome a mysterious, immensely important 'VIP.'

Aside from a select few elite families who had insider knowledge, the rest of the aristocrats were left wildly speculating. Whoever could compel the St. Claires to put on such a staggering display of power had to be an absolute titan.

For a moment, all of Highcrest's elite converged.

Patriarchs of various dynasties donned bespoke haute couture and rode in multimillion-dollar vehicles to attend the gala.

The streets leading to The Sovereign Grand Hotel were practically choked by fleets of extravagant motorcades, drawing gasps of awe from countless pedestrians and igniting a feverish, chaotic atmosphere.

At the entrance of the hotel's dazzling, gold-gilded banquet hall, Duncan stood greeting guests with a radiant, triumphant smile.