Adrian's voice rang out with absolute authority.
His words instantly drew an insurmountable divide between Seraphina and Raelynn.
Seraphina whipped her head toward Raelynn, her breath catching in her throat.
Professor of Exceptional Merit?
Raelynn was the mysterious prodigy everyone in the academic world had been whispering about? She hadn't just gotten a sympathy title from Dr. Hayes?
"Wait, the Professor of Exceptional Merit is Raelynn?" Leo stepped forward, his eyes wide with shock.
Rumors about the legendary appointment had been circulating in high-society circles for weeks. His own grandfather had mentioned wanting to arrange a meeting with the brilliant new academic.
And now he was finding out it was Raelynn Ortiz?
The atmosphere grew painfully stiff. The revelation hit like a bomb, shattering every preconceived notion they held.
Sebastian's expression shifted slightly. His cool, assessing gaze locked onto Raelynn, his dark eyes swirling with an unreadable emotion.
Raelynn felt the weight of his stare but refused to look his way.
Adrian, however, noticed Sebastian watching her. He let out a cold scoff. "Stop mistaking glass for diamonds. Not that a real diamond requires your validation anyway. You all seriously need to work on your judgment."
With that, he turned to Raelynn. "Let's go grab food before the prime rib runs out."
Raelynn couldn't suppress her smile. "Alright."
The faculty group moved past them, leaving the others standing in stunned silence.
Seraphina felt as though a blade had slashed her throat. She couldn't form a single word to defend herself.
Adrian had practically spelled it out: she was nothing compared to Raelynn.
What other cards was Raelynn hiding? How did she secure that title?!
"Seb, did she ever mention this to you?" Leo asked, his tone a mix of disbelief and anger. The fact that Raelynn had kept them entirely in the dark felt like a deliberate, mocking slap in the face.
Sebastian lowered his gaze, concealing a flicker of complex emotion. "No."
Leo immediately pulled out his phone to check the Kingsford University portal, but the specific reasons behind Raelynn's appointment hadn't been publicized yet. It was maddening. He had genuinely planned to use his connections to introduce his grandfather to this new professor, hoping the favor would get his corporate suspension lifted.
But asking Raelynn for a favor? She wouldn't give him the time of day. The realization darkened his mood considerably.
Seraphina didn't care if Raelynn was intentionally playing them; she only cared about her own precarious situation. Without the Ph.D. acceptance, she had no leverage to regain the Croix family's favor, and no shield against Cameron's impending release from prison.
She gently tugged on Sebastian's sleeve. "Seb, I don't want to just give up like this. Dr. Moreno said what he said, but I genuinely believe Raelynn sabotaged me behind the scenes."
If Raelynn had power, of course she would use it for revenge. It was the only thing that made sense.

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!...