Xavier and Serena simultaneously turned to look. Clint stood in the doorway, dressed in a black suit, staring with a stern expression at their still-clasped hands.
Serena instinctively pulled her hand back, but Xavier held it tightly.
Turning around, he put on a casual smile, saying nonchalantly, "Oh, what strange wind has brought Mr. Beckett here?!"
Clint pressed his lips together, his eyes fixed on Serena's face. He didn't respond to Xavier's words, but instead stepped closer, asking as he approached, "Do you feel unwell anywhere?!"
His questioning tone made Serena uncomfortable.
She shot him a cold look, "What does whether I feel good or not have to do with you?! We're divorced. Legally, you and I are just two strangers with no ties. What's with that murderous look? Who are you trying to impress?!"
Clint stopped in his tracks, his gaze sharp as he looked at her. "Serena, I... I'm just worried about you. I mean no harm."
"Pfft!" Serena sneered, "Forget it. Save your precious concern for someone who needs it, like Poppy! When I used to crave your concern, you wouldn't give it to me. Now, I don't care about your cheap concern anymore!"
"I..." Clint was at a loss for words.
He lowered his head slightly, his hair a little messy.
Serena watched him coldly, surprised.
This man was usually so meticulous, always looking neat and tidy, whether at home or out. His hair had never looked as messy as it did now.
A sense of irritation rose within her, and she impatiently asked, "How did you know I was here?!"
"Just now... it was Zayn..."
"Ah, right!" Serena suddenly realized, "That loyal Secretary Zayn ran into me again. But even if he reported to you, there's no way you could have come so quickly! With the amount of work you have at Beckett Corp, you should be at your office right now. It would take at least 20 minutes to drive from Beckett Corp's headquarters to Vernon Hospital."
Clint secretly clenched his fist, which he had already tightened, "When he told me you were in the respiratory department, I was already on my way here."
What?! Serena's eyes widened!
What does that mean?!
Did he leave right after she got his call at the convenience store?
But why?!
In the past, she had been submissive, obedient to him, but he had never shown her any care.
Now, she had woken up and stopped sacrificing herself for him, yet he was starting to care about her!
What kind of game was this?!
Before she could think further, Xavier's lazy voice broke in, "Mr. Beckett, thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to visit me. My condition isn't serious, and under Serena's careful care, I'll be discharged soon."
He emphasized 'careful' as he mentioned Serena's care.
Clint's eyes twitched slightly.
Xavier smirked, "See, I'm fine now. I appreciate your concern. If there's nothing else, you can leave now."
Clint didn't move, nor did he say anything.
After a long silence, he mumbled, "So it's Mr. Blaze who's unwell. I thought something was wrong with Serena."
"What?!" Xavier asked flippantly, "You didn't come to visit me?! Turns out I was just being overly sensitive!"
His words left Clint in an awkward position, unable to respond properly.
"No..." Clint hesitated, still not daring to offend the powerful Blaze family. After a moment, he softened his tone, "It's good that Mr. Blaze is fine. Well then, I won't disturb you. Please, take care!"
He turned and walked toward the door.
Before leaving, his gaze swept over Serena's face, lingering for a moment.
Reaching the door, he stopped and turned back, hesitating before asking, "Serena, could you see me off?!"
"I remember you have a good sense of direction. You should be able to find your way out," Serena coldly refused.
"...", Clint frowned slightly, his face showing a trace of helpless self-mockery. "Fine, then. Goodbye!"
Before reaching the stairs, "Clint, are you okay?!" Poppy rushed over anxiously.
Clint paused. "How did you get here?!"
"I was so scared!" Poppy stopped in front of him, examining him closely from head to toe. After confirming that he was fine, she breathed a sigh of relief, "I went to the company looking for you, but you weren't there. I called Secretary Zayn, and after a lot of effort, I found out you were at the hospital. I thought you weren't feeling well, so I rushed here."
"Alright!" Clint answered coldly. "I'm fine, let's go."
Poppy grabbed his arm. "Clint, earlier on the phone, Secretary Zayn wouldn't tell me why you came to the hospital. It seems like it's not because you need medical care, right? Are you here to visit someone?!"
She looked around, "This is the respiratory department, who has a problem here?"
Clint's frown deepened as he casually replied, "Just a friend."
"A friend?!"
Poppy narrowed her eyes, a sense of unease rising in her heart.
If it was just a regular friend, why hide it like that?!
She pretended to be innocent and smiled, "A friend? Well, I'll go visit them too."
"No need! I've already seen them."
Clint turned to leave, but Poppy quickly grabbed his arm, refusing to let go.
"Clint, look, I'm already at the door of the ward. If we don't go in, your friend might think it's rude! Just take me to see them! Even if it's as your sister, please?"
Clint felt a wave of frustration rise inside him. He shook his arm forcefully to free it from Poppy's grasp, his tone impatient, "I've already said, it's not necessary!"
With that, he turned and walked away, his back straight, his steps fast and determined.
Poppy stood there, staring at him, her fingers tightening around her purse strap. "A friend?! I bet it's no ordinary friend! If you don't take me, I'll go myself! After all, there are only a few rooms on this floor, I don't believe I can't find your special friend!"
Muttering to herself, she turned and walked down the corridor, her face dark with suspicion.
***