Leading the group were the very people they had just run into at the antique shop: Seraphina and Sebastian.
Walking beside them was a foreigner impeccably dressed in a tailored suit.
Raelynn felt a jolt of recognition. She stared at him for a few seconds before it clicked.
It was Leo Lombardi, the internationally renowned medical scholar and the top protégé of the esteemed Professor Robert from Harvard.
She knew Sebastian had unparalleled connections. For him to consider someone like Professor Robert—a titan in the medical field treated like royalty across the globe—a close friend was impressive. To have Robert lend his own student to help Seraphina build her portfolio proved just how deep that friendship ran.
Raelynn had no idea Leo Lombardi was even in the country, let alone taking private meetings.
Securing his time was nearly impossible.
Yet here was Sebastian, personally introducing him to Seraphina.
The intention was painfully obvious. He was bringing out the heavy artillery to ensure Seraphina secured the coveted spot representing Kingsford University. To pull that off, Seraphina needed to produce groundbreaking patents, minor publications, and a flawless academic thesis. Without the guidance of an industry heavyweight, she stood no chance.
Sebastian was literally paving her road to success with gold.
Having a globally recognized figure like Professor Robert's student mentor her meant completing her coursework and establishing her academic footing would be a walk in the park.
He was dead set on elevating Seraphina while simultaneously tearing Raelynn down from her hard-earned position.
A faint, mocking smile touched Raelynn's lips.
Her gaze must have been too sharp.
Because Sebastian suddenly looked up from the stairs.
Their eyes locked. His dark, fathomless gaze remained perfectly calm, betraying no emotion.
Seraphina murmured something to him, and he broke eye contact, a faint, indulgent curve touching his lips.
Chloe and Sierra witnessed the entire exchange.
Chloe muttered, disgusted. "He treats you like absolute garbage but acts so warm and gentle with her. Did you run over his dog in a past life or something?"
Sierra bit her lip, shooting Raelynn a deeply complicated look.
Raelynn just lowered her head and casually continued browsing the menu, looking entirely unfazed. "I'd kind of like to run him over in this life, too. It's a real shame murder is illegal."
Chloe was left speechless.
Raelynn grumbled affectionately. "Is that a compliment or an insult?"
"Just tweak a few minor details. I've left notes for you," he replied, ignoring her teasing. "Kingsford University is hosting a final academic seminar for this major project. This paper has more than enough weight to blow them away."
Alistair hummed knowingly, satisfied with her work.
Hearing his gruff satisfaction put Raelynn's mind at ease.
She hesitated for a moment before deciding to be honest with him. "What do you think of Ian Hudson?"
"A rare, outstanding young man."
"If I were to... get involved with him?"
"Did you two fall in love?" Alistair asked, his voice pitching up with excitement.
Raelynn quickly clarified. "No, no. It's just that there are some issues with Lily's registration. I might need to marry him to finalize her custody."
"Do you really think Mr. Hudson is just playing the Good Samaritan?"

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!...