Chapter 11. Dinner

Poppy’s expression shifted instantly—surprise flashing first, followed by confusion, then something darker that Serena couldn’t quite name. Her eyes flickered, as if she were scrambling to process the words, to make sense of a reality that hadn’t gone according to her expectations.

“Yes! He won’t!” she blurted out, the words tumbling from her mouth too fast, too sharp. Her composure cracked just enough to reveal frustration beneath the surface. “I went to ask for a divorce agreement, but he kept stalling, refusing to give me one!”

As she spoke, her fingers curled unconsciously, nails biting into her palm as though the memory itself irritated her. The confidence she’d been flaunting moments ago wavered, replaced by agitation and disbelief.

Serena crossed her arms slowly, her posture relaxed but unmistakably closed off. She tilted her head and cast Poppy a sidelong