Boss, Your Wife Signed the Divorce Agreement Before the Wedding novel Chapter 552

"Mhm."

Sebastian simply turned and walked in their direction with long, unhurried strides.

Over by Raelynn, Sierra Yves had just arrived.

Seeing Raelynn, her face lit up with absolute joy. She bounded over and hugged Raelynn's arm, her adoration for her former teacher radiating from her entirely.

"Professor Ortiz, I knew you'd be here!" Sierra clung to her like glue.

She even accidentally bumped Ian slightly out of the way. Ian shot her a look but didn't make a fuss.

Though Raelynn wasn't used to such physical affection, she didn't pull away, simply smiling and nodding.

Just then, Blanche and Seraphina arrived.

Blanche plastered a bright, eager smile on her face. "Chairwoman Hayes, it's so wonderful to see you. Do you remember my Sera?"

Her sudden intrusion into the pleasant conversation visibly annoyed Dr. Hayes.

The older woman cast a cold glance over Blanche and Seraphina. She had personally witnessed Seraphina's disastrous behavior at the academic seminar, so her distaste for the girl had only multiplied.

Lacking in moral character. A homewrecker who ruined a marriage and then tried to frame Raelynn.

In Dr. Hayes's eyes, Seraphina was completely irredeemable.

Ignoring them entirely, she turned to Raelynn. "My dear Raelynn, come with me. Let's find a quiet place to sit and chat."

The blatant dismissal caused Blanche and Seraphina's smiles to freeze instantly.

Julian arrived just in time to see this play out, and a wave of relief washed over him.

His grandmother was a force of nature. Even in her youth, she never catered to anyone's ego. She had even cut ties with her own son—Julian's father—for over twenty years. She certainly wasn't going to give the time of day to a couple of scheming outsiders.

"Julian!" Sierra called out softly, looking at him with a mix of anticipation and timidity.

It was only a brief flash, but Dr. Hayes's face drained of color. Her eyes locked onto the stone, her gaze suddenly turning as sharp as a blade.

Before Blanche could say another word, Dr. Hayes lunged forward and seized Seraphina's wrist. For a frail, elderly woman, her grip was terrifyingly strong. She yanked Seraphina roughly toward her.

"Take it out!"

Dr. Hayes's voice was piercing, her breathing suddenly ragged.

She stared fixedly at the half-exposed jade resting against Seraphina's chest. "Take it out and let me see it."

The sudden, aggressive reaction startled Raelynn. She could see that Dr. Hayes was experiencing massive emotional turbulence. There were even tears pooling in the older woman's eyes. What could have possibly triggered this?

Seraphina looked completely bewildered.

She reached down and pulled the jade amulet completely out from her dress. With an innocent, accommodating tone, she asked, "This? Do you like this piece of jade?"