Raelynn couldn't help but laugh. "You're too honest, Mr. Hudson."
Ian was quiet for a moment before his tone softened. "Think of it as celebrating your rebirth. Walking away from the wrong person is an achievement worth toasting."
Raelynn's smile faded slightly, replaced by a sense of quiet resolve.
He was right. She was taking her daughter and moving forward. She wasn't looking back.
With only three days until his return, Ian moved with ruthless efficiency.
That very evening, Raelynn received a detailed itinerary for the banquet at The Rosewood Manor, along with questions about her personal preferences for the event. She was surprised by the thoroughness but told him everything looked perfect.
A few minutes later, Chloe Hudson called.
"The Hudsons are throwing your victory party?!" Chloe screamed excitedly. "Oh my god, this is insane!"
Chloe was still stuck at the office editing footage when she heard the news and had to call immediately. If Chloe was this shocked, Raelynn could only imagine how the rest of high society would react.
"I figured, why not?" Raelynn said lightly.
She had her divorce certificate. She was a free woman. More importantly, letting Ian handle the event permanently killed Matilda's schemes. She knew firsthand how manipulative the Croix family could be; it was better to strike first.
Chloe was practically vibrating with excitement. "Yes! Keep those toxic leeches far away from you. Though, if the Croix family finds out, they're going to lose their minds."
Raelynn collapsed back onto her bed. "Let them."
The Hudson Resort was a massive, government-backed project three years in the making. The upcoming grand opening was already the most anticipated event of the season.
But then, a new rumor began to spread like wildfire.
When Matilda Croix heard that the Hudsons were hosting Raelynn's celebration, she was livid.
Right as the words left her mouth, the elderly butler walked in holding a gold-embossed envelope. "Madam, this just arrived... from the Hudson family."
Matilda snatched it. It was a formal invitation, cordially inviting them to The Rosewood Manor on the 8th for a celebration banquet honoring Ms. Raelynn Ortiz.
She felt the blood rush to her head.
They actually dared to send an invitation? Knowing full well Raelynn was still practically a Croix?
Sebastian stared coldly at the envelope. Without a doubt, Ian had sent it personally. Whether it was a deliberate provocation didn't really matter.
He stood up slowly, adjusting his cuffs with elegant precision, and checked his watch. "You didn't hesitate to publicly support Seraphina when it benefited you. The Hudsons are simply using the same tactic with Raelynn. The only difference is... they bet on the right horse."
Matilda's face twisted in horror.

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!...