The Art of Revenge

Faint, breathy moans slipped through the closed door—each one like a dagger to Serena Knowles’s heart. The unmistakable rhythm of flesh against flesh followed, shameless and raw. She froze.The sounds weren’t just loud. They were intimate. Intimate in a way only a wife should know.Serena had just come from the hospital, her hands still trembling from the news. After months of fatigue, of late periods and quiet hope, she finally had confirmation—she was two months pregnant. Two fragile, miraculous months.The doctor had warned her to be careful. Her body bore the scars of three miscarriages. “No stress,” he had said gently. “No emotional trauma.”But Serena couldn't wait. Her heart had been bursting with joy. She needed to see Clint—her husband, the man she thought would be overjoyed to hear they were finally having the baby they’d dreamed of.That joy shattered the moment she stepped into his office and heard the woman’s voice, breathless and sickeningly sweet:“Clint, you’re amazing

At the mention of ‘Beckett,’ Serena's heart skipped a beat, and her face involuntarily darkened. "Just tell him I'm not here!"Darcy nodded obediently and was about to turn away when Serena stopped her. "Wait!"She pressed her lips together, stood up, and walked toward the landline in the living room. "I’ll take it. He went to the trouble of calling the house. What if... he has an urgent matter?"Avoidance isn't the answer! In her past life, that scumbag had used her, deceived her, and ruined her life. This time, she would keep her eyes wide open and see through his tricks!"Serena!" Just two steps out the door, her father's steady voice called out from behind.Serena froze, her heart swelling with emotion. "If you're upset, just come back home. Mom and Dad will always be your strongest support!"Her eyes seemed to fill with tears again..."I know, thank you, Dad!" Serena didn’t turn back, continuing to walk forward.Bram had never had a high opinion of Clint. He felt that Clint was t

Xavier seemed to take pleasure in the moment, casually glancing in Serena’s direction.Serena silently nodded at him. Despite the tinted windows between them, she felt like he could see her.Xavier smirked, turning back casually. "What’s wrong? Didn’t Clint love you so much he divorced his wife for you? Surely he wouldn’t mind covering a tiny scratch like this. Or..." he let the pause hang, "should we call the police?""...!"Poppy’s face went pale. She hesitated, then forced a smile."Mr. Blaze, this really isn’t a big deal. No need to trouble the police. How about I just write you an IOU?""An IOU?!" Xavier looked her up and down, his tone sarcastic. "If it were someone else, fine. But Poppy Castano, your reputation in the circle isn’t so great. I can’t accept your IOU.""You!" If it were anyone else, Poppy would have snapped back, but with Xavier, who even Clint was wary of, she held her tongue.Seeing her face fall, Xavier was pleased with himself. He waved his hand. "I’m not unre

Serena’s sudden calm made Clint uneasy.Watching him press his lips together and stay silent, Poppy panicked.“Clint! Clint! What are you waiting for? She agreed—just sign the damn agreement already!”“I…” Clint clenched his fists at his sides, still not giving a straight answer.“Clint…” Poppy’s voice rose, her forehead creased with frustration.Seeing her so flustered, Serena couldn’t help the small surge of satisfaction that bubbled up inside her.She’d wanted to savor the moment a little longer, but after standing around in heels she hadn’t worn in ages, her f

Mentioning Poppy made Clint’s eyes flicker. The anger on his face vanished in an instant, replaced by that cold, unreadable look Serena knew all too well.He strode to his desk, sat down, and casually picked up a document. On the surface, he looked focused — like he was deep into his work. But Serena could tell. He was using it as a shield.After a few moments of silence, she narrowed her eyes and reminded him, “I asked for the divorce papers. Did you hear me?”Without even looking up, he muttered, “There’s nothing here but business documents. I’m busy. We’ll talk at home.”Talk at home. Again.