The venue was packed, but Dr. Hayes instantly zeroed in on exactly who Julian was staring at.
Just then, Raelynn turned her head, scanning the crowd.
Dr. Hayes let out a noise of surprise.
"Now that is a stunningly gorgeous young woman. What's this? You've got your eye on her?"
She asked, narrowing her eyes at her grandson.
Julian coughed awkwardly. He noticed Sebastian looking his way, his dark eyes locking onto them.
Frowning, Julian addressed his grandmother with utter seriousness. "Grandma, don't talk nonsense. She's just a friend."
Dr. Hayes felt a pang of disappointment.
She was a woman who trusted her gut, and something about this girl immediately resonated with her.
"Then your standards are absurdly high. You deserve to be single forever," Dr. Hayes scoffed.
Ignoring Julian completely, she marched purposefully toward Raelynn.
Terrified that his fierce grandmother was about to cause a scene, Julian scrambled after her.
The pharmaceutical executives and investors had been mingling.
But the moment someone spotted Dr. Hayes.
Nearly everyone who had been seated shot to their feet in a massive show of respect.
The absolute reverence was undeniable.
Raelynn turned her head.
The approaching older woman was dressed in a stylish, vibrant jacket. Her gaze was razor-sharp, and even though she wore a slight smile, she commanded an overwhelming presence.
Having seen Dr. Hayes in countless news features, research journals, and university interviews, Raelynn stood up immediately.
Seraphina's face lit up with blatant thrill.
She wasn't just here to watch NexusMind get their approval; she had known Dr. Hayes would be chairing the event.
Building a connection with a titan of Professor Alistair Finch's caliber could only fast-track her own ambitions.
Sebastian, who was already acquainted with Dr. Hayes, stood up and gave a respectful nod. "It's been a while, Grandma Hayes."
Dr. Hayes looked at him. She actively encouraged Julian's friendship with Sebastian. As the apex predator of his generation—someone who effortlessly outmaneuvered seasoned corporate sharks—Sebastian had earned her deep admiration.
Dr. Hayes didn't pry; it had only been a passing question.
Besides, she hadn't come over here to chat with the younger generation.
Her gaze snapped directly to Raelynn, who had remained perfectly quiet.
Dr. Hayes studied her for a moment before smiling warmly. "And what's your name, my dear?"
Raelynn hadn't expected to be singled out.
Flattered and a bit startled, she replied, "Hello, I'm—"
"Chairwoman Hayes, it is an absolute honor to meet you."
Seraphina suddenly stepped forward, positioning herself firmly at Sebastian's side as she delivered a flawlessly poised greeting.
Cutting Raelynn off entirely.
Seraphina had assumed Dr. Hayes would naturally address her.
But when the formidable woman bypassed her entirely for Raelynn, a wave of resentment crashed over her. What did Raelynn possibly possess that warranted the legend's attention?

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Boss, Your Wife Signed the Divorce Agreement Before the Wedding
I think for as slow as the beginning was, their turning point is just so fast... really hope we actually get to read about R and S and their rekindle.... we did not read 950 pages for their story to be sidelined. Im for this sideline story, but it if it's to separate from the main characters and their story, please make it separate book....
Author please update more chapters...
I really like Zella, she is becoming a good friend to Raelynn. Ian needs to go. The relationship with Chloe is confusing. Some chapters they are cousins, sometimes they're sibling. A little confusing....
Julians role as big brother- I feel comes from a genuine place, but in a relationship thats is just as stained as Raelynns and Sebastians. It hard for me to connect to his big brother role as he too was such a problem before. And while they talked a little bit, the conversation did not give me the believe there was resolution between Raelynn and Julian. For a brute, he should make his feelings clear about the situation to Raelynn and then step back, until there is more foundation for him to stand on....
Knife in my heart. I hurt for Raelynn. She has made it this far, but how much does she have in her, everyone has a breaking point. Some back of me hopes the author is joking to lighten the mood after so many intense chapters, but thats not this kind of story or couple....
My heart cannot take this. This, cannot be how it ends with these too. They need resolution with each other. Raelynn needs to be more humanize with Sebastian. We know she is hurt, but this is the branch. She needs all these answers, if not for them to be together, then for Lily to have both her parents. Stop with the mind games Raelynn!...
Its like the story is just repeating itself...
Timeline is getting lost for me. So many treasured little memories Raelynn has but yet, he was gone for years ? Anyways... still rooting for them! These two need a heart to heart. Lily "forgetting" someone, not possible in this day and age and I hope thats not their storyline....
Sebastian, the man of few words.... needs to find all the words! Needs to fight for her! On note, seven years seems like a long time for this master plan (which I am sure goes back much farther). Rereading this novel, and it seems like everything has played out in a 5-8 month time span. And I feel like all Sebastian's doings/ plan have not been revealed. I hope we get to see the whole picture and have the resolutions we hope. But seven years of mistreatment, I just don't see Raelynn fully coming back. If these was 2-3 years, maybe, and I know it changes some characters around, but it would still work. Rooting for them!...
Literally on edge!...