The attendees were all shrewd socialites.
While utterly stunned by the revelation of their marriage, they quickly connected the dots.
It was obvious why Sebastian chose this exact moment to go public.
He was sweeping the plagiarism scandal under the rug, reframing it as a mere 'family matter.'
Matilda stepped forward at the perfect moment. "Ladies and gentlemen, there has clearly been a misunderstanding tonight. Please don't give it another thought. We are honored to have you all here, and I hope this minor hiccup hasn't dampened your spirits."
Pausing briefly, she turned.
Matilda shot Seraphina a glacial glare. "Ms. Vance, step off the stage. We have other departments waiting to present their results."
Her words cemented Seraphina's status firmly as nothing more than an employee.
Erasing any implication of a romantic connection with Sebastian.
Even her bright lip gloss couldn't hide her ghostly pallor. She nodded, fighting desperately to maintain her composure.
She didn't dare defy Matilda.
The Croix family handled crises with ruthless efficiency.
The agitated crowd was quickly pacified.
Matilda glanced between Sebastian and Raelynn before ordering, "We'll speak privately."
Thankfully, the venue was expansive.
Finding a quiet space away from prying eyes was easy.
Raelynn knew this was far from over.
Seraphina's plagiarism and malicious patent filing were undeniable facts.
Sebastian, however, seemed entirely unfazed. Keeping his arm around Raelynn, he turned and locked eyes with a still-shellshocked Luke. "Excuse us, Mr. Sterling," he said smoothly.
He acted as if nothing out of the ordinary had just occurred.
The casual dismissal felt like a hidden barb, causing Luke's expression to twist even more grimly.
He pressed his lips together, staring at Raelynn without being able to form a single word.
A vein pulsed uncontrollably at his temple as he watched Sebastian's possessive grip on her, but he had no choice but to step aside.
Sebastian offered a lazy, uncaring smirk. "Thank you."
Raelynn kept her face blank, hiding her disgust, but after taking a few steps, she seized the chance to shove Sebastian away.
Seraphina's eyes reddened with unshed tears. She deliberately stepped closer to Sebastian, reaching out to tug at his sleeve.
Before her fingers could even brush the fabric.
Someone grabbed her wrist and violently shoved her away. "You little tramp, what kind of stunt are you pulling now? Everyone is watching you. You'd better watch your step!"
Aunt Brenda had been waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike, unleashing her venom without hesitation.
After biting her tongue for so long, she finally had the chance to let out her rage!
She was absolutely thrilled to watch Seraphina crash and burn.
Seraphina seethed internally but fought to maintain her poised facade. "Aunt Brenda, there are people everywhere. Please mind your manners."
Aunt Brenda let out a harsh bark of laughter.
At a time like this, she still had the nerve to act high and mighty?!
She wanted to slap the smugness right off her face.
Preston suddenly interjected, his tone sharp. "Ms. Vance, your audacity is truly unparalleled. I almost admire it. Let me let you in on a little secret. Faye is actually quite close with our Raelynn. Raelynn saved Faye's life once, so Faye owes her a massive favor. If you're willing to swallow your pride, beg Raelynn in front of everyone, and publicly apologize for what you did—including the malicious patent filing and... stealing someone's husband—maybe Raelynn will put in a good word for you with Faye. It just might save your pathetic career."
Seraphina's face shifted violently, completely drained of blood.

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Boss, Your Wife Signed the Divorce Agreement Before the Wedding
More chapters pls........
This author is not letting her FL win. haha Such a rage bait! But I keep on reading anyway! Urgh!...