Outcast Queen: Her Return from Hell novel Chapter 450

A deep surge of resentment and helplessness flashed in the old man's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by a sharp, lethal intensity.

"If God gave me one more chance, I would personally shatter those chains and lead this family down a path no one has ever dared to walk!" He suddenly sat up straight, his voice booming with authority. "So, this time... the Lancaster family is betting everything on Phoenix Prescott!"

"Grandfather, you must reconsider!"

The room instantly exploded into chaos, filled with panicked shouts.

Only Lowell clenched his fists, a thrilled smile spreading across his face.

He knew his grandfather too well.

The Lancaster family appeared glamorous, but they were actually backed into a dead end. If they kept playing it safe, they would eventually be entirely devoured by the other families.

Smashing through the wall in front of them was their only shot at survival!

"You're insane! This is complete madness!!" Duncan roared in sheer panic. "Benedict, you are leading your family straight to the grave!"

"Duncan, the fate of my family is absolutely none of your concern." Benedict shot him a freezing glare, then shifted his lethal gaze back to Lorraine, who was still cowering on the floor. "Now, it is time for your choice. Will you be cut from the family trust, or will you go beg Phoenix for forgiveness?"

"Mom, you absolutely cannot apologize!" Jade shrieked, gritting her teeth. "I would rather die than bow my head to that small-town nobody!"

"I agree with Jade." Duncan's eyes were dark, his tone venomous. "Phoenix is already marked for death. If the Lancaster family insists on jumping into the fire, we won't be joining you!"

Lorraine trembled violently where she stood.

She stiffly turned her head, looking at the furious faces of Duncan and Jade. Finally, she closed her eyes in complete despair and bowed her head deeply toward Benedict three times.

Then, she turned to her parents, whose faces were entirely drained of color, and looked at them one last time in quiet devastation. Her voice cracked as she whispered, "I... I choose to leave."

Lorraine's parents squeezed their eyes shut in agony, their hearts shattering.

No matter how disappointing their daughter was, she was still their own flesh and blood. Watching her be cast out of the family was like a knife twisting in their chests.

...

The moment Duncan's family walked out of the Lancaster estate in absolute disgrace, a massive net had already been cast over Highcrest, designed to completely strangle Phoenix.

Under the crushing pressure of the Quincy family, every major faction rapidly cut ties with her.

Without the connections and resources of the elite circles, it would be virtually impossible for an outsider to survive in Highcrest.

Only the Lancaster family swam against the current, publicly declaring they would leverage the entire family's power to help Phoenix secure her position in the city.

Instantly, the Lancasters became a massive target, facing a brutal, coordinated boycott from the rest of the Sovereign Circle.

"Oh, Mrs. Langley, you're here early today." The impeccably dressed Mrs. Sutton walked over with a bright smile, ready to exchange pleasantries.

But the moment she noticed Mrs. Langley's deeply disappointed expression, she paused. "Oh my, what's wrong? You look so upset. Did the new collection sell out already?"

"Don't even mention it." Mrs. Langley snapped her designer clutch shut, her eyes full of frustration. "I don't know what's gotten into Lumina Jewelry today, but their doors are completely locked. A few ladies just went up there excited to shop and got turned away."

"How is that possible?" Mrs. Sutton frowned, thoroughly confused. "The new collection just launched. This is when their momentum is strongest. Closing their doors now is just ruining their own reputation."

"Heh, what can we do?" Mrs. Langley threw her hands up. "They're the hottest brand right now. They have money to burn, and with MK Global backing them, it's not like they have to worry about sales."

"Mrs. Langley, Mrs. Sutton, why are you two just standing around chatting?" Accompanied by the rapid click of heels, Mrs. York hurried over, looking incredibly anxious.

"Mrs. York, where are you rushing off to?" the two women asked, exchanging completely baffled looks.

"I'm heading to Cloudhaven!" Mrs. York kept her voice low, her tone thick with urgency. "I just got some insider intel. Every single Lumina Jewelry location in Highcrest is shutting down indefinitely, starting today!"

"What?!" The two women gasped in absolute shock.

How long had Lumina Jewelry even been in Highcrest? How could they just shut down completely out of nowhere?

Even if they were swimming in cash, you didn't just throw millions of dollars away for absolutely no reason.