Raelynn found out about the Hudson family's mass invitation blitz the next day.
Preston Moreno had received one too. He dropped by her office with a knowing smirk. "Ian Hudson doesn't waste any time. With these invites out in the open, what do you think the elite circles are whispering about right now?"
Nothing happened in their world without an underlying motive. Ian's extremely public support for Raelynn was guaranteed to spark endless rumors of a messy Croix divorce and a dramatic high-society love triangle.
Fortunately, Raelynn couldn't care less. Gossip wouldn't kill her.
Besides, using Ian's influence to force Matilda Croix to swallow her pride felt like a fantastic return on investment, especially after the stunt Matilda pulled with Theon Tanner.
Raelynn knew Matilda wasn't blind to Theon's vile reputation. This made the situation even more egregious, and she saw the inherent malice in the woman's nature clearly. She knew Matilda was an extreme person; either Raelynn would have to swallow her pride and endure the marriage, or Matilda would ensure her departure was anything but smooth.
Tossing Raelynn to the Tanner family was a calculated move to secure a business alliance while ensuring Raelynn was permanently ruined and could never return to the Croix family. If the media had caught her in that hotel room, her life would have been over.
Rejecting their banquet offer was a mercy compared to what they deserved.
Later that morning, Preston returned with an update.
"Seraphina got reassigned. She didn't get into my dad's program, but she was placed under Professor Yates."
Raelynn's expression tightened. Getting transferred that quickly meant only one thing. Sebastian's face flashed in her mind.
"Since you'll be collaborating with the faculty on research projects, Sebastian basically just paid to shove her right back into your orbit," Preston noted, shaking his head. "You really have to admire his dedication to her."
"If she actually got kicked out entirely, it would have looked terrible for him," Raelynn replied, feeling completely numb to the drama.
Raelynn typed back a quick *[See you]* and grabbed her car keys.
Today, she was going to officially sever her ties with the Croix dynasty, and she wasn't the least bit afraid.
At The Rosewood Manor, Julian arrived and immediately took in the opulent surroundings.
The Hudsons were putting on a spectacular show. A large portion of the crowd was undeniably here just to get a glimpse of the young academic prodigy.
But Julian had received a personal invitation from Ian.
He walked in alongside Leo Flynn, who was gripping his gold-embossed invite with a scowl. "Is Ian Hudson doing this on purpose? He knows our history with Raelynn, and he still goes out of his way to send us these? Seb got one too. What exactly is Ian playing at?"

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!...