Raelynn had never expected this scenario.
After all, the Annual Lineage Ceremony was strictly a closed-door event for blood relatives and spouses.
Seraphina's presence meant only one thing...
She had been granted special permission by the family.
Matilda clearly wasn't surprised to see Seraphina. Though she wasn't overly enthusiastic, she still acknowledged her.
"You're back. Rest for a moment. Bring them some tea."
This was the first time Seraphina had been allowed to set foot on the estate since the scandal of her affair with Sebastian had rocked the family.
Before this, the Croix family had entirely blacklisted her. Simply put, if Sebastian hadn't been shielding her, the family would have destroyed the Vances.
Raelynn knew this perfectly well.
So the current situation meant...
"Thank you, Grandma," Seraphina replied sweetly, flashing a radiant smile as she completely ignored Raelynn's existence.
Matilda offered a curt nod. "Mm."
Raelynn stood frozen a few feet away.
Watching this absolute farce.
The Croix family was actually preparing to accept Seraphina.
Or, at the very least, they were choosing to turn a blind eye, no longer interfering with Sebastian's relationship with the now highly acclaimed medical genius.
And now, she was officially crossing the threshold.
What's more.
She was doing it right in front of the so-called "Mrs. Croix."
"What do you want to drink?"
Raelynn was pulled from her thoughts.
A cold, detached voice drifted to her ears.
Sebastian had walked past her. Seeing the maids preparing refreshments, he casually directed the question at her.
Looking at the man's unapologetic expression, Raelynn almost laughed out loud.
She desperately wanted to leave.
But she was here for her divorce certificate.
She had to remain rational and play their twisted game just a little longer.
Sebastian's gaze tracked her retreating figure.
His eyes betrayed no emotion. He looked away just as quickly, making no move to go after her, nor offering any explanation for the absurd situation.
As soon as Raelynn stepped outside.
Brenda Polk appeared out of nowhere, her tone dripping with venom. "If you had even a fraction of that cheap homewrecker's talent, you wouldn't be dragging this family's name through the mud! Look at the glory she's basking in right now. That kind of prestige is the ultimate prize for any powerful family."
Seraphina's project was making massive waves.
Waves so big that even the Croix family was fielding compliments from elite circles.
It was the bargaining chip that had earned Seraphina a seat at the table today!
Raelynn didn't need Aunt Brenda to spell out the family's intentions for her.
"Your son isn't exactly a prize either," Raelynn shot back, throwing the mockery right back in her face. "He's getting released soon, but he's already lost his fiancée. A man who can't even keep his own partner isn't destined for greatness."

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!...