"Julian, does Dr. Evelyn Hayes have any insider info?" Seraphina was incredibly curious. If she could find out the professor's identity early, she could prepare in advance and start laying the groundwork for a valuable relationship. It certainly wouldn't hurt.
Julian finally tore his eyes away from the side of Raelynn's face. "I don't know. My grandmother never discusses university politics with me."
But he knew the truth.
Given his grandmother's immense standing, she undoubtedly had the connections to know exactly who it was.
After all, they navigated the highest echelons of the same medical world.
They were bound to cross paths.
Seraphina fell into deep thought.
She seriously needed to figure out a way to get an introduction to this mysterious new academic star.
Raelynn didn't hear a word of their scheming.
Because the university's top brass had arrived to greet the VIPs.
Adrian Moreno was right alongside them.
The leadership at Kingsford University held massive influence, often holding high-ranking government titles. They shook hands down the row until they reached Raelynn and Sebastian.
Chancellor Kirkwood looked at Raelynn, his eyes gleaming with genuine admiration. "Ms. Ortiz. It is truly a pleasure to finally meet you in person."
He knew her resume inside and out.
He was astounded that someone so young had accomplished so much; her future was limitless.
Raelynn stood up humbly and shook his hand. "You flatter me, Chancellor."
Chancellor Kirkwood exchanged a few more warm words with her before turning to Sebastian with a smile. "Mr. Croix, you have an exceptionally brilliant and formidable wife."
Sebastian's lips curved upward. "Thank you."
In the row behind them, Julian frowned deeply.
Who was Chancellor Kirkwood? Julian knew his legendary status better than anyone. Why on earth was he treating Raelynn with such profound respect?
It wasn't his imagination, and it definitely wasn't because of her marriage. Chancellor Kirkwood had spent more time praising Raelynn than he had acknowledging Sebastian.
"What are you thinking about, Julian?" Seraphina asked softly.
She handed him a bottle of water.
Julian snapped out of his daze. "Nothing."
Raelynn was caught off guard, crashing straight into that gaze. She hadn't seen him look like that in seven years. She froze.
Was Sebastian really looking at her like that?
For a fleeting second, a massive wave of doubt washed over her.
But it didn't last long.
From the row behind her, Leo's smug voice drifted over. "All you had to do was wave at him, and Seb couldn't help but smile. The man literally can't hide where his heart truly lies."
Raelynn calmly shifted her gaze.
Just in time to see Seraphina enthusiastically waving at the man on stage. Her eyes were brimming with adoration as she stared at Sebastian. One on the stage, the other in the crowd—they shared a cinematic, deeply romantic gaze right through the roaring applause.
She wasn't surprised.
It made perfect sense.
Her instincts had been right. That gentle, loving gaze was never meant for her.
It was meant for Seraphina, sitting right behind her.

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!...