"That wasn't what I meant..." Blanche stammered, looking embarrassed.
"My mother just speaks without thinking, she didn't mean anything by it. You're absolutely right, we'll be much more careful with our words from now on." Seraphina was seething at the situation, but she knew she had to keep Evelyn happy.
Quentin hated the topic as well, frowning in silence.
Sylvia naturally stepped in to smooth things over. "Let's leave the past in the past. We should only focus on the present."
Evelyn frowned deeply.
Seraphina had been involved in far too many scandals recently.
Academic fraud, framing a professor, and destroying Raelynn's marriage—every single one of these actions was a massive moral failing. Yet, this was the girl most likely to be her granddaughter. It was a complete humiliation.
If Seraphina truly was her granddaughter.
She would absolutely have to tear them apart.
She would never allow her to remain entangled with Sebastian.
After all, their relationship was built on a foundation of disgrace.
Raelynn sat quietly.
Watching the table erupt into one skirmish after another.
Meanwhile, beside her.
Sebastian finally turned his head to look at Julian. "Why so quiet?"
He was referring to the main event—the engagement between the Hudsons and the Yves.
Julian pressed his lips together, throwing a quick glance at Seraphina. "There's nothing to say. I'm just waiting for the DNA test results."
He had absolutely zero desire to share his opinion right now.
Sebastian thoughtfully studied Julian's face, detecting a very well-hidden sense of repulsion.
He gave a noncommittal response.
And went back to quietly observing.
Cordelia truly detested Seraphina. She had seen every type of monster in the corporate world, and she knew exactly what kind of wretched creatures Seraphina and her mother were the second she laid eyes on them. The Yves family, guided by Evelyn, was a massive dynasty built on honor and propriety. Even if Seraphina turned out to be the real heiress, Evelyn would undoubtedly rule her with an iron fist.
She certainly wouldn't give her enough special treatment to let her arrogance fester.
She had no reason to accept such a daughter-in-law anyway.
She decided to cut to the chase. "Since we're all here, let's get on the same page. This has nothing to do with Seraphina. This is strictly between our two families. The business partnership continues, but the engagement is dissolved."
Quentin had no objections.
She just sat quietly with her silverware, waiting for the Steamed Grouper she loved to finally rotate to her side of the table.
But she had to pretend she didn't care, keeping her eyes from staring directly at it.
Suddenly, a small bowl was placed right next to her hand.
Inside the porcelain bowl were several pieces of perfectly tender white grouper, garnished with a sprinkle of scallions that made her mouth water.
Raelynn whipped her head around.
And saw Sebastian just setting down the serving utensils.
Conveniently.
Everyone else was deeply engaged in conversation and hadn't noticed.
She glared at him.
Sebastian met her gaze evenly. "What's wrong?"
Raelynn didn't say a word. She simply shoved the small porcelain bowl right back to him.
Refusing to touch it.

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!...