Outcast Queen: Her Return from Hell novel Chapter 494

Phoenix shook her head imperceptibly.

She had thought that after the Langston family's bankruptcy, this once-haughty heiress would have learned to keep her feet on the ground and live a quiet life.

But hearing this stubborn reply, it was clear she still couldn't let go of her ego, unwilling to show even a hint of vulnerability in front of them.

"Wow, didn't the Langston family go through bankruptcy liquidation? And yet you were hiding a massive brand-name store like this..." Macy intentionally dragged out her words, her gaze suddenly turning icy. "Ms. Langston, concealing assets like this is a felony. If they find out, you're going to prison."

Hearing the word 'prison', the color instantly drained from Lydia's face, leaving it as pale as a sheet.

She frantically shook her head in panic. "No! I didn't! This... this store isn't mine!"

Intimidated by Macy's threat, her eyes immediately welled up with tears, her voice taking on a distinct sob. "I'm sorry! I lied... I don't own this store at all. I... I'm just a regular sales associate here."

"Heh, wouldn't it have been easier to just say that from the start?" Macy curled her lip, letting out a scoff. "You're bankrupt, so who exactly are you trying to put on airs for? Lydia, going bankrupt isn't embarrassing. What's embarrassing is being at death's door and still refusing to accept reality."

"Macy, it's about time. Let's go." Watching Lydia cower, Phoenix entirely lost interest in the spectacle and spoke up calmly to interrupt.

Lydia stood frozen in place, staring at Phoenix's retreating figure, her eyes filled with nothing but profound helplessness and bitterness.

If she hadn't listened to Phoebe Prescott's instigation back then, if she hadn't recklessly provoked Phoenix, maybe... her fate today would be entirely different.

At this point, aside from regret, she didn't even have the energy left to hate anyone else.

It was all her own doing. She had crossed someone she could never afford to offend.

After this ordeal, even if she encountered someone from a rural town or a former convict, she would never dare look down on them again.

Who knew if beneath a seemingly lowly exterior, there hid another untouchable titan?

"Phoenix, you don't look too thrilled?" Stepping out of the mall, Macy sharply caught the thoughtful look in Phoenix's eyes and asked with a hint of concern.

Phoenix shook her head slightly, her gaze drifting for a moment. "I just suddenly realized that the Lydia of today is actually a bit like me when I first arrived in Cloudhaven. Just as ignorant, just as easily used as a weapon by others, and ending up in a miserable, tragic state."

Macy paused, thinking it over, and realized it was actually true.

It was just that the reasons they were driven to dead ends were complete opposites.

"Caleb, it's been a while," Phoenix approached gracefully and initiated the greeting.

Macy and Meredith exchanged a glance, tactfully choosing an empty table nearby so as not to intrude.

The moment Caleb realized it was Phoenix, a flash of shock crossed his face.

But as his gaze swept over Macy and Meredith nearby, everything instantly clicked into place.

It seemed that when he made that desperate call to Macy today, Phoenix had been right there beside her.

He just didn't know... sitting here now, did she represent the untouchable Ignis Global, or just Phoenix herself?

"Phoenix... thank you for still acknowledging me." Caleb offered a bitter smile, his voice tinged with weary emotion.

Phoenix sat down elegantly, crossing her legs. She looked at him with an incredibly relaxed posture that still radiated the immense pressure of an apex predator. "We both share the same last name, the same blood runs in our veins. Naturally... you are still my family."

A brilliant light suddenly burst in Caleb's dim eyes, and his hands, resting on his knees, unconsciously clenched into tight fists. "Phoenix, since you still see me as family, then... I won't worry about you laughing at me. The current situation with the Prescott Group..."