Boss, Your Wife Signed the Divorce Agreement Before the Wedding novel Chapter 162

Raelynn heard the undeniable tone of a command in Seraphina's voice.

She had to admit, the other woman was putting on heavier airs than the actual wife ever did.

Chloe chuckled, crossing her arms and leaning back in her chair. "Since when does your authority extend to our editing team, Ms. Vance? Do you want to direct the shoot for me while you're at it?"

Seraphina knew Chloe was just fiercely protecting Raelynn.

This was a deliberate attempt to humiliate her.

Forcing her tone to remain even, she replied, "The documentary is supposed to be about pharmaceutical research. What purpose does that shot serve? I'm simply reminding you not to stray from the topic."

Chloe nodded slowly. "Did I stray? Aren't we filming the hard work of the researchers behind the scenes? Talk about a hook! Raelynn working tirelessly day and night, powering through on the front lines even when she's unwell, while Mr. Croix, the lab's investor, comes down to show his personal concern. It's fantastic PR for Longstride Technologies. It's incredibly meaningful. What better theme is there?"

Seraphina's face darkened.

It was complete sophistry!

Raelynn knew Chloe was exceptionally good at getting under people's skin.

She always knew exactly where to strike.

"But shouldn't we ask for Mr. Croix's opinion?" a woman sitting next to Seraphina chimed in to support her.

At that.

Everyone's attention instantly snapped back to Sebastian, who was sitting in a relaxed, languid posture.

Raelynn remained perfectly still.

Until.

Sebastian finally set down his glass, his voice calm and detached. "I won't interfere too much with the production team's decisions. Ms. Hudson is correct. This is an excellent opportunity to bolster Longstride's positive image."

Raelynn was slightly taken aback.

He wasn't demanding it be cut?

However—

"But a twenty-second shot is inappropriate. To avoid any unnecessary distractions from the main topic, Ms. Hudson, please trim it down to three to five seconds."

Gripping her water glass, Raelynn finally looked across the table at him.

That mention of 'unnecessary distractions' was just his way of drawing a line, wasn't it?

He didn't want them becoming fodder for audience gossip.

He didn't want to be associated with her in any way.

Seraphina caught on to the implication as well, and the gloom on her face instantly cleared.

She knew it.

She completely checked out of the conversation happening across the table.

She just wanted this dinner to end so she could go home and rest.

Ding.

She glanced down at her phone.

Ian Hudson: [Booked a flight for the 15th of next month. Let's meet up then. I have something I need to tell you.]

Raelynn turned and whispered to Chloe, "Lily's 'Dad' is coming back soon?"

At the mention of Lily's 'Dad,' Chloe raised a knowing eyebrow. "He told you? He probably won't be leaving again. I heard my uncle and the rest of the family are already pressuring him to get married."

Raelynn looked surprised. "So he's coming back for a wedding?"

"I'm not sure about the details. You know my brother has an arranged marriage with the Yves family, but their daughter has been missing for years. Even with the agreement, he can't realistically wait forever for her to return and tie the knot."

Raelynn thought that made sense.

You couldn't just put your life on hold indefinitely for a pact made by the older generation.

Ian clearly wasn't a fan of the arrangement.

Claiming guardianship of Lily was his way of shutting the Yves family down. Since he 'had a kid,' even if the missing heiress was found, she wouldn't exactly be thrilled to step in as a stepmother.