Raelynn's eyes crinkled with genuine amusement at his remark.
She knew Ian was purposefully making a joke to ease the tension.
But seeing it on his usually stern, meticulous face made it endearingly awkward.
She smiled. "Alright. Thanks."
Ian glanced down at her as they walked. "No trouble at all."
By the time they arrived.
Sebastian and Seraphina were already seated.
Today's meeting was specifically convened to address Seraphina's disciplinary actions.
Because of the severity of the allegations, the proceedings were drawing intense scrutiny.
Several of the university administrators present recognized Ian.
Chancellor Kirkwood even nodded a greeting to him.
Dr. Adrian Moreno had also made a point to attend personally for this matter.
When he walked through the door and saw Sebastian sitting right next to Seraphina, he suppressed a frown.
They hadn't split up yet?
Even after Seraphina had caused such a catastrophic mess.
He kept his thoughts to himself and took his seat.
Seraphina surveyed the room.
She didn't look the least bit panicked or out of her depth.
In fact, she felt entirely self-assured.
She was certain this whole ordeal would ultimately blow over.
As long as Kingsford University couldn't produce hard evidence, they couldn't uncover anything concrete, and Raelynn wouldn't be able to push the matter much further.
As for the plagiarism regarding the research paper...
As long as Sebastian stepped in and had a private chat with Leo Lombardi to smooth things over, it would all be quietly swept under the rug.
Raelynn's desperate attempt to drag her to hell was bound to fail.
No institution, domestic or international, would ever hire her again.
It was no different than being nailed to a cross of public shame!
The Vance family would also be dragged down with her. They were already drowning in a PR nightmare over the leaked audio; adding this to the fire would completely destroy them.
"I was framed! Whether it's the accusation of tampering or plagiarism, I am being set up! I implore the board to consider this carefully." Seraphina's face was rigid with panic.
She shot a cold, hateful glare at Raelynn.
She refused to believe Raelynn could actually touch her.
She sneered internally. Let's see you produce the evidence!
Ian observed the scene with perfect clarity.
Seraphina was only keeping her spine straight because she knew there was no concrete proof.
And then there was Sebastian, sitting beside her with pure aristocratic poise. From the moment they sat down, he hadn't shown a single reaction, hadn't interrupted, hadn't stated a position. His unhurried calmness clearly meant he was holding a winning hand.
Raelynn understood the grim reality of the situation as well.

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!...