Dr. Moreno didn't show any signs of outright rejection, which sent Seraphina over the moon.
She had worried that the incident with Shane and the pediatric clinical trial would make him biased against her.
She never expected him to be so accommodating.
It only proved that he was objective and valued genuine talent above all else.
"Director Moreno, I will work hard to ensure I don't disappoint you," Seraphina said confidently, flashing a bright, genuine smile.
Anyone looking at her would be charmed by her sunny, open demeanor.
Dr. Moreno adjusted his glasses once more, but said nothing else.
Applying for a doctoral program was a personal choice, provided the candidate met the basic requirements.
Naturally, he wouldn't reject her right to her face.
As he walked away, he shot a covert, complicated look at Sebastian, who had quietly stepped back to let Seraphina command the spotlight.
How could such a brilliant, capable young man be so blind!
Raelynn was gorgeous and exceptionally talented. Yet this man ignored the treasure right in front of him and insisted on digging trash out of the gutter!
Sebastian easily caught that loaded glance.
Even Leo was confused. "Director Moreno seemed... annoyed with you? Did he just glare at you?"
He thought he was seeing things.
After all, Dr. Moreno had a great reputation and was really easy to talk to. With his status, he never threw his weight around or scowled at anyone.
"Did he?" Sebastian arched an eyebrow, looking thoroughly unbothered.
Leo agreed it was unlikely. "I must have imagined it."
How could the older generation not like a guy like Sebastian?
Every family in their circle was practically throwing their daughters at him.
The Hudson Clan in the South, the Croix Family in the North—Sebastian and Ian Hudson were the ultimate prizes for any family looking for an alliance.
"Director Moreno is wonderful. He doesn't hold grudges over the past," Seraphina said in a stellar mood, instinctively speaking up in the older man's defense.
She believed Dr. Moreno simply had an excellent eye for talent.
He could clearly see her potential, unlike Professor Finch, who sat too high up to accurately judge true ability anymore.
Leo laughed. "That's because he admires you. Who wouldn't want a student capable of securing actual glory? I bet he's already accepted you in his mind and is just waiting for the application."
As he spoke.
He glanced over at Raelynn, who, having zero interest in Seraphina's triumphant moment, was quietly slipping away.
He scoffed. "She knows she's a disgrace. At least she knows how to run."
Seraphina followed his gaze, covering her mouth to hide a delighted giggle. "It doesn't matter. It's not like she could join this conversation anyway."
Blushing slightly, she looked up at Sebastian. "Seb, I need to start getting my application materials ready. Could you help me with them today?"
A faint smile touched Sebastian's lips. "Sure."
Seraphina just chalked it up to Raelynn's wounded pride and smirked dismissively. "Raelynn, if you can't keep a man's heart, you should have the grace to step aside. Don't let a momentary temper tantrum cost you your career too."
With that, she brushed past Raelynn and walked out.
She had genuinely worried that Raelynn's jealousy would cause her to badmouth her to Dr. Moreno.
His opinion of her mattered entirely too much.
Raelynn was utterly speechless. For a split second, she seriously considered prescribing Seraphina some antipsychotics.
Stepping back out into the hall.
Seraphina spotted Julian from a distance.
His family was hosting this summit.
He was effectively the center of attention.
She smiled and waved at him. "Julian."
Julian paused.
But he didn't look at her. Instead, he made a beeline in the opposite direction.
Seraphina froze, tracking his movements.
Only to see him walk straight up to Raelynn in front of everyone.
The baffling sight wiped the smile right off her face.

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!...