Outcast Queen: Her Return from Hell novel Chapter 181

"Ms. Prescott, apologies," Yolanda Young said coldly. She raised her hand, the movement accompanied by the sharp sound of cutting air before it swung down hard.

*Smack.*

The crisp sound of the slap echoed through the grand hall.

*Smack. Smack. Smack.*

One after another, the rhythm was steady and the force brutal. The entire room fell dead silent, leaving only the sound of striking flesh reverberating in the air. The guests' gazes shifted toward Phoenix Prescott, their eyes gradually filling with deep awe.

Anyone with a brain could see that from the moment Phoenix stepped into this banquet, everything had been orchestrated by her. She had remained entirely composed, yet every step was calculated, turning the Miller family's recovery banquet into a stage to establish her absolute dominance.

Even a highly respected elder like Alistair Prescott had been forced to bow his head before her.

Pierce Sterling stood at the back of the crowd. Watching her breathtaking silhouette, a playful smirk involuntarily tugged at the corner of his lips.

In the past, Cloudhaven only had him, the Reaper. Now, it seemed another ruthless predator had joined the ranks.

"One hundred." Yolanda called out softly, delivering the final, heavy strike. Not one more, not one less. Exactly one hundred.

Phoebe Prescott was already dizzy and disoriented. Her cheeks were swollen high and bruised a deep purple, making her look utterly pathetic. Not a shred of her previous arrogance remained.

"Phoebe!" Julian Prescott finally dared to rush forward, pulling the swaying girl into his arms.

"Phoenix, how could you be so vicious? Even if it's family discipline, there should be limits." His eyes were bloodshot as he angrily accused her. "Are you trying to kill her?"

Phoenix remained indifferent. She turned to Alistair. "Alistair, was I too harsh?"

Alistair closed his eyes wearily, his voice hoarse and aged. "No. Desperate times call for desperate measures. When the family's morals are corrupted, severe punishment is necessary. You did... well."

"Grandfather..." Julian stared in disbelief.

"Shut up. Take her and get out." Alistair snapped his eyes open, then turned to Gideon Miller. "Gideon, it's my Prescott family's failure in raising our children properly today. I've made you watch a joke. I will visit another day to formally apologize. Goodbye."

"You're being too harsh on yourself, Alistair. The younger generation is ignorant and indeed needs to be taught a lesson," Gideon smiled faintly. "Take care. We won't see you out."

Alistair nodded. Leaning on his cane, he walked out with heavy steps, his back suddenly looking ten years older.

Julian scooped up the unconscious Phoebe and scrambled to follow. Dominic Vaughan, too embarrassed to stay any longer, grabbed his two children and quietly slipped away with the Prescotts.

"Phoenix, did that feel good?" Macy Monroe leaned in, her eyes full of excitement.

"It was alright," Phoenix shrugged, her tone nonchalant. "This was just collecting a little interest. As for the rest... they still have a lot of suffering ahead of them."

"Yes, Gideon, please reconsider." Seeing this, the rest of the Miller family quickly chimed in.

Only Mavis Miller shrank to the back of the crowd, remaining silent. She knew her words carried little weight, and speaking up would only draw the old man's annoyance. It was better to leave this thankless task of protesting to Thaddeus and the others.

Gideon narrowed his eyes and let out a heavy scoff, his gaze sweeping across the crowd like a torch. "You all keep telling me to reconsider, but what do you know? Merry's capabilities are greater than anyone else's in this room."

His voice dropped to an undeniable pitch. "My mind is made up. She can handle this family."

"I object."

Before his words even faded, a furious roar exploded from the doorway.

The crowd turned in shock, only to see Marcus Miller striding in, radiating hostility, his gaze dark and unhinged.

Recognizing the intruder as Marcus, the Miller family's expressions drastically changed. Someone immediately barked at the security guards, "Quick. Take him down."

"Anyone takes a step, and we all die together." Marcus aggressively ripped open his jacket, revealing a glaring ring of explosives strapped to his waist.

The scene hit like a bomb. The crowd instantly panicked, their faces draining of color.

In a split second, Pierce acted purely on instinct, stepping sideways to completely shield Phoenix behind him. His eyes, cold as ice, locked onto the crazed Marcus.