Matilda's mouth twitched furiously.
She was seething with indignation.
She had indeed made a few public statements appearing to claim Seraphina...
Why had she ever let those words slip out in the first place?
Sebastian's voice remained even, coldly analyzing the crisis as if he were an outside observer. "The patent dispute alone is easy for the family to squash. But this involves political connections. Once Director Moreno and his circle start demanding answers, The Croix Group's image will take a massive hit. As for Longstride—Seraphina works for Longstride. Longstride is now ground zero. Its reputation is already circling the drain. Any potential partners will hesitate, terrified that Longstride will steal their proprietary tech."
Preston couldn't help but stare at Sebastian.
It suddenly dawned on him just how ruthlessly calculated and cold-blooded this man was, discussing his own family's ruin like he was reviewing a dinner menu.
Cyrus's face was a block of ice. "Isn't it obvious? Just fire Seraphina."
Sebastian looked up, letting out a dark, mocking chuckle. "You think that solves anything? If I fire her, everyone will assume I'm just hiding her until the heat dies down. Don't be foolish."
Cyrus's face darkened with rage.
He could never get a solid read on his own son.
"The Croix family's survival doesn't hinge on Longstride. So give it away. It appeases Raelynn, ensures she actually puts effort into solving our biggest threat, and cleans the slate. It's a highly profitable trade."
Sebastian concluded.
Matilda's expression shifted rapidly.
A ball of absolute rage burned in her chest, but she had no opening to unleash it.
He had flawlessly blocked every single counterargument.
Sebastian had laid it all out perfectly.
Trying to strong-arm someone like Raelynn, who had no real weaknesses, was begging for retaliation. She had an elderly, confused grandfather and a comatose mother. She had nothing left to lose. If they pushed her over the edge and she went scorched-earth, she wouldn't suffer. After all, she had nothing to her name anyway.
But the Croix family was different.
They had millions of dollars and a century of prestige on the line.
Furthermore, Longstride's reputation had just been thoroughly decimated by Seraphina's stunt.
Matilda cast a final, glacial look at Raelynn. "Raelynn, the Croix family is being incredibly generous. We're handing you a massive nest egg. You had better live up to our expectations. I want this handled beautifully. If you fail, the deal is off."
With that threat lingering in the air.
Cyrus and Matilda marched out of the room.
Preston had watched the entire performance in silence.
He felt completely suffocated by the Croix family dynamic.
There was no familial bond to speak of—just endless, ruthless coldness.
As for Longstride...
He was practically vibrating with excitement. If they genuinely handed it over, the moment Raelynn revealed she was Faye, Longstride's reputation would be restored instantly. It would soar to new heights. They were basically handing her a literal goldmine with a cheat code!
It would finally give Raelynn true independence and power!
She would finally have the capital to fight back against the Croix empire!

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!...