The gentle spring breeze brushed against her face, snapping Raelynn out of her daze. She hadn't expected Ian Hudson to return so soon.
Standing by the open car door, she let out a gasp of surprise. "Mr. Hudson? Are you in Seaport City right now?"
In the background of Ian's call, the muffled sound of airport announcements echoed. He had likely just landed. "I'm in Kingsford," he replied.
Raelynn was even more surprised. The Hudson Family's main headquarters was in Seaport City. Shouldn't he have returned there first to handle internal arrangements?
Before she could process it, Ian continued. "I have several public meetings and events to attend today. I should be finished around seven this evening. Are you free? I'd like to see Lily. I have to catch an urgent early flight to Houston tomorrow."
Ian's tone was steady and rational, distinctly different from Sebastian's careless detachment.
Raelynn checked the time, realizing that Ian's quick return was specifically for Lily. A warm flutter of hope blossomed in her chest. "Yes, I am. But Lily is staying at Professor Finch's place. If it's convenient for you, how about heading there tonight?"
"That works," Ian agreed effortlessly. "See you tonight."
They weren't particularly close, but their shared connection to Lily added a unique layer of familiarity to their dynamic. Ian was also well-acquainted with Professor Alistair Finch. Lily was the invisible thread tying so many people together.
During the two years Ian had been away, Lily had been primarily cared for by Professor Finch and his wife, so the lines of communication remained open. Raelynn had always been deeply grateful to Ian. She knew he had agreed to be Lily's legal father simply to dodge his own arranged marriage, making their arrangement a mutually beneficial pact.
"What's wrong?" Preston leaned out of the car, noticing the shift in her expression.
Raelynn couldn't hide her radiant smile. "Mr. Hudson is back. He's coming to Professor Finch's place tonight. Do you want to join us?"
"When did he get back?" Preston asked, surprised.
"Just now, I think. He's still at the airport."
Preston gave her a subtle, knowing look. "He called you the second he stepped off the plane?"
-
Ian was undeniably swamped that day. His return to the country meant dealing with a mountain of piled-up responsibilities, new corporate strategies, and a high-profile commercial gala that evening.
His newly assigned driver, noticing him on the phone, chuckled good-naturedly. "Reporting in to the girlfriend, Mr. Hudson?"
Ian casually unbuttoned his suit jacket as he slid into the backseat. His tone was perfectly flat. "My daughter’s mother."
The driver flinched in shock. He's married?!
-
Back at the conference, Seraphina was seething. Even though she convinced herself Raelynn had bought her prestige, the fact remained that the honor was officially secured. Seeing such a massive victory land squarely in Raelynn's lap was a bitter pill to swallow.

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!...