Outcast Queen: Her Return from Hell novel Chapter 458

Duncan clutched his agonizing chest, forcing down a cough that brought up a trace of blood, and actually pushed his wife and daughter's hands away.

Struggling to his feet, ignoring the dust on his clothes, he turned back to Quentin and forced out an incredibly twisted, fawning smile:

"Quentin, if this helps you vent your anger, then... I gladly take the kick!"

Sitting off to the side, Emmett watched the scene unfold, his eye twitching uncontrollably.

To be humiliated publicly like a dog, yet still wag his tail and smile in gratitude.

He finally understood why Yara had preferred to let a piece of trash like Duncan guard the St. Claire family rather than give him even an ounce of real power—dealing with someone this utterly spineless and devoid of a bottom line, even as an enemy, just made you feel dirty.

"What a good dog." Quentin scoffed, casually leaning back into his chair and looking down at him. "Speak. What are you wagging your tail for this time? What do you want from me?"

Duncan's face darkened, thick venom churning in his eyes. He ground his teeth and said, "Quentin, I want revenge! The way Phoenix humiliated me at the welcome banquet—I refuse to swallow that insult!"

"Besides, didn't that bitch disrespect you at the summit today as well?" He paused, lowering his voice into a vicious, sycophantic whisper. "I think... I can be a very useful blade in your hand."

"Oh?" Quentin arched an eyebrow, looking as if he'd just heard a joke. "Duncan, you know very well that Phoenix is currently untouchable. Even I'm avoiding her sharp edges for now. And you... you think you have what it takes to get revenge on her?"

Meeting Quentin's contemptuous gaze, Duncan didn't back down. "No matter how arrogant Phoenix is, she's still an outsider who just arrived. I might not have the power to uproot her, but... making her trip up and lose face? I can definitely manage that."

"For example?" Quentin asked, somewhat amused.

"Astraea Group is desperate to expand right now, throwing out olive branches left and right. As it happens, I have quite a few old connections among those factions." A sly, cunning glint flashed in Duncan's eyes, his tone absolute. "With a little manipulation, extracting Astraea's commercial secrets will be a walk in the park."

"Heh, I really underestimated you before." Quentin toyed with the jade ring on his thumb, carelessly giving his approval. "Fine, I'll give you this chance. If you actually manage to expose Phoenix's trump cards, I guarantee you a permanent seat in Highcrest."

"Thank you, Quentin!" Duncan's eyes lit up, and he bowed deeply.

He turned his head, shooting a pointed look at Lorraine and Jade. "What are you two standing around for? Thank him!"

Lorraine and Jade exchanged a nervous glance, not daring to hesitate, and quickly stepped forward to offer their respectful thanks.

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