Outcast Queen: Her Return from Hell novel Chapter 459

Pierce extended a long index finger, gently pressing it against her pale lips, silencing her unspoken fears. "I know," he sighed softly. "But seeing you wound up as tight as a bowstring every single day... I'm terrified you're going to break yourself."

He had stayed by her side relentlessly these past few days, watching her operate like a tireless, precision-engineered machine.

But even the strongest machines would eventually wear down under such grueling pressure.

"Rest for a minute." Pierce walked around the sofa, sat beside her, and wrapped a long arm around her, pulling her entirely into his embrace. "Don't forget, you have me. If the sky falls, I'll hold it up for you. We'll fulfill Yara's wish together."

Feeling the steady beat of his heart against her chest, Phoenix couldn't help but reach out, wrapping her arms tightly around his lean waist.

She pressed her cheek against him. The faint, clean scent of agarwood unique to him filled her senses, and the anxiety and restlessness that had plagued her for days miraculously faded away.

Yara and her father had been separated for far too long.

She was truly terrified that after doing everything in their power to find him, all they would uncover was a cold pile of bones.

That outcome would destroy Yara.

She had to race against the clock, fighting to snatch Mr. St. Claire back from the clutches of death.

Perhaps Pierce's embrace was simply too warm and secure, but the tightly wound string in Phoenix's mind finally uncoiled.

Within moments, leaning against his chest, she fell into a deep sleep.

Listening to the steady, even breathing of the woman in his arms, Pierce looked down at the faint dark circles under her eyes, a helpless, bitter smile touching his lips. "Foolish girl. I'm not just your man; I am the sharpest blade in your hand."

He whispered, his voice barely audible, "I promised I would clear every obstacle from your path."

With that, he leaned down, pressing a feather-light kiss to her smooth forehead.

He raised a hand and snapped his fingers softly.

The door opened, and Macy tiptoed into the room.

Seeing Phoenix asleep on the sofa, she let out a massive sigh of relief.

"The queen finally crashed," she whispered, shaking her head. "I was starting to think she discovered some secret to never needing sleep. To stay one step ahead of Quentin, she hasn't closed her eyes in days."

Macy shot Pierce a thumbs-up. "Boss, when it comes to putting her to sleep, you're the only one who can pull it off."

"No need." A flash of disdain crossed Pierce's eyes. "It's not worth wasting energy on a gutter rat like Quentin. I could predict his cheap, underhanded tricks with my eyes closed."

He paused, the aura around him suddenly growing quiet, his voice dropping low. "Has 'he'... arrived?"

"Yes, he's waiting in the private room ahead," Yancy replied, head bowed.

Pierce gave a curt nod and strode down the hall, a complex, indescribable emotion flashing through his deep eyes.

Pushing open the heavy door to the private room, a tall figure immediately caught his eye.

The man was dressed in an impeccable white suit, his hair slicked back in a flawless retro style. Though the years had left their mark on the corners of his eyes, he still exuded an undeniable elegance and aristocratic grace.

"Pierce, I hope I'm not interrupting anything?" Percival stood up, offering his son a gentle smile tinged with a hint of eagerness to please.

"No." Pierce closed the door behind him. He looked at the man coldly, pausing for two seconds before asking somewhat stiffly, "Your injuries... are you completely healed?"

Percival's eyes lit up instantly, as if he'd just received the greatest gift in the world. He even did a half-spin to show off. "Fully healed! The Azure Healer's skills are truly miraculous. If it had been anyone else, my old bones would have been stuck in bed for months."

Pierce looked away, his Adam's apple bobbing slightly. "About Oceanic Logistics... thank you."