Clint's reaction made Serena's heart tighten. Could it be that Gaius's death really had something to do with her father?!
No! It couldn't be!
Her father had always been her role model. He was upright and incorruptible, never abusing his power.
Since she was little, he had taught her to be a kind and honest person.
How could someone like him possibly be involved in someone else's suicide?!
Shaking her head, Serena replied, displeased, "No! Miss Castano was about to spout nonsense, but fortunately, you arrived before she could start!"
She stood up, grabbed her bag from the chair beside her, pulled out a hundred-dollar bill, and threw them on the table. "I'll pay for the coffee. At least Miss Castano understands my preferences so well!"
Before leaving, she glanced at the tightly pursed-lips man and reminded him, "By the way, since you're so devoted to Miss Castano, why don't you pay more attention to her health? Mental illness is still an illness, it would be better to get a check-up and treatment early. If you need, I can help introduce an authoritative doctor in that field."
With that, she walked away, leaving him with a distant, retreating back.
After Serena left, Clint impatiently asked, "What exactly did you say to her?!"
"Clint!" Poppy looked up at him, her eyes full of innocent charm. Acting innocent was one of her specialties. "I really didn't say anything to Serena."
"Then why did you call her here?!"
"I just wanted to chat with her! You have to believe me!"
"Chatting?!" Clint narrowed his eyes. "You've always seen her as a thorn in your side, you don't even want to see her most of the time. How come you suddenly want to chat with her?!"
"I..." Poppy blinked her eyes. "I... just wanted to advise her to let go and stay away from you, so you could be free. Clint, everything I do is for your own good!"
"...Let go..." Thinking of how Serena had resolutely signed the divorce agreement earlier, Clint suddenly felt a tightness in his chest. He irritably loosened his tie and sat down in the chair where Serena had just been. "I... I've already signed the divorce agreement with her."
"What?!" Poppy's eyes lit up. "You finished it?! Why didn't you say so earlier?!"
"You didn't give me a chance to say it. She just left, and you brought me here right away." Clint stared at the cup of cappuccino that Serena liked, his voice low. "From now on, I have nothing to do with her. You don't need to fight with her anymore. Let's not bring up that matter again, especially not with her."
"I... I didn't mean to bring it up..."
"Hmph!" Clint sneered and finally looked at Poppy. "I've seen your little tricks. I've been letting them go because of your father. If I hadn't arrived on time today, you would probably have spilled everything about that incident from back then to her, wouldn't you?!"
"I..." Poppy avoided his gaze, stammering, "I didn't say anything!"
"Sigh!" Clint sighed lightly. "It's thanks to the Knowles family's help that I've come this far. Serena also... has been hurt by me. I can't blame Bram for my father's death entirely. The grievances of the previous generation should end here."
Seeing his sorrowful expression, Poppy's anger intensified.
He had clearly promised to take care of her for life, but now, he was always angry with her because of Serena.
"Clint! You're not actually falling for Serena, are you?!" Poppy's voice quivered.
Clint lowered his head, remaining silent.
"Heh!" Poppy scoffed, folding her arms arrogantly. "Don't forget how Uncle Beckett died back then! If he knew that you're developing feelings for the woman of your enemy, do you think he could rest in peace?"
"...!" Clint's head lowered even further, still silent.
"Clint! What do you really think?!" Poppy gritted her teeth and asked. "What's so good about Serena?! Besides having a father who's the mayor, what else is she better than me?! When you first approached her, you swore to me that it was only to use her, to get revenge. But now..."
"Enough!" Clint suddenly shouted.
Poppy froze, shocked by his outburst.
"I... I haven't forgotten! I remember everything! That's why since I married her, I've been cold and distant to her, never showing her any kindness. Now, thanks to the Knowles family's reputation, I've established the Beckett Corp. Serena... has also been deeply hurt in this marriage... Our original goal has been achieved, and I've already divorced her. What more do you want?!"
"Divorce... that wasn't my ultimate goal. What I want is for you to completely forget about that woman. I want you to only have me in your heart, I want you to marry me and make me your Mrs. Beckett!"
"Poppy!" Clint looked up, his eyes earnest. "I've told you many times-I've always seen you as a sister. Your father gave his life to save mine. I have a responsibility to take care of you. Whatever you need, I'll provide. But marrying you... I'm sorry."
"A sister?!" Poppy's voice cracked with disbelief. "You were so eager to sleep with me while you were already engaged to her-and now I'm just a sister to you?"
"Lower your voice!" Clint hissed, glancing around nervously. "We're in public."
Poppy's expression twisted from heartbreak to fury. Her voice dropped into a bitter laugh. "Heh... You're rejecting me because she suddenly changed, isn't it? You find her interesting now? Don't tell me... you're planning to remarry her?"
Clint didn't answer immediately. His voice softened, almost pleading. "Poppy... what happened between us-it was a mistake. There are plenty of good men out there. Whatever kind of man you want, I can help you find him..."
"Enough!" Poppy suddenly stood up. "Don't say anything else! The man I love is you. I'll wait as long as it takes, even if it takes my whole life. But you remember, as long as I'm here, I will never let Serena get close to you!"
With that, she stormed off.
Clint didn't chase after her. He turned and looked out the window.
It was lunchtime, and people in the nearby office buildings were walking out in groups, turning the once peaceful street into a bustling scene.
Amidst the worldly hustle and bustle, he stood in isolation.
With a quiet sigh, he stood up, left the café with a blank expression.
Behind him, Poppy, who had been hiding around the corner, stepped out.
Watching his retreating figure, her eyes filled with malice, and she gritted her teeth, muttering darkly, "Serena, you filthy woman, don't even think about taking Clint from me. Looks like the only way to end this is by making you know the truth about that incident, once and for all, and cut off any possibility with Clint!"
***