Sebastian finally cast a sideways glance. "What happened?"
"I just twisted my ankle a little, but it's fine now," Seraphina said with a smile, waving off his concern.
Sebastian gave a slight nod.
Julian pressed his lips into a tight line. He looked at Sebastian, his mind flashing back to how cozy Raelynn had looked with another man.
A heavy irritation settled in his chest.
He couldn't intervene.
But doing nothing felt wrong.
He decided to just turn around and head out for some fresh air.
Sebastian noted his departure but didn't pry.
They were surrounded by the city's wealthy elite.
And where there was a crowd, there was gossip.
Nearby, a few guests were already discussing the host of the evening.
"Theon Talbot comes back and immediately throws such a high-profile party. The Talbot family really spoils him."
"Well, he's the favorite. He might be an illegitimate son, but the older generation of the Talbots have always adored him. They let him get away with murder."
Someone lowered their voice conspiratorially. "He looks like a gentleman, but back when I was studying abroad, his reputation was wild. Threesomes, foursomes..."
"Seriously? That messy?" another voice gasped.
Seraphina glanced over, taking a sip from her glass with a raised brow.
Sebastian showed zero interest in the gossip, his expression remaining frigid.
"Yeah, and look, he's already charmed another woman tonight. She just eagerly followed him right out. People back here don't know his history, so it's easy to get played."
Hearing that.
Seraphina quickly stole a glance at Sebastian.
Someone came over to offer him a drink, but Sebastian completely ignored them.
She slowly settled deeper into her chair.
A silent, mocking smile touched her lips.
If Raelynn was foolish enough to fall for a predator, she had no one to blame but herself.
Sebastian hated excessive drinking. After rejecting a couple of offers, he stood up. "I'm going to the restroom."
Seraphina gave him a sweet smile. "Okay."
Sebastian didn't push it.
He turned and walked away.
Julian's phone buzzed.
He pulled it out, seeing the background check on Theon Talbot he had requested earlier.
As he scanned the detailed report, the color completely drained from Julian's face.
-
Raelynn was dragged into an upstairs suite.
She couldn't summon a shred of strength. Whatever was in her system was devastatingly effective.
And yet, her mind was crystal clear. It was a cruel kind of torture.
She was agonizingly aware of everything happening to her but powerless to stop it.
She was tossed roughly onto the mattress.
Theon sat down on the sofa and lit a cigarette. "Ms. Ortiz, you might be the first woman to ever reject me. I must admit, it bruised my ego."
"Matilda Croix told me you were obedient, but you're just good at playing hard to get."

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!...