The catastrophic turn of events was more than she could bear. It destroyed everything she had, turning the pedestal she had so carefully built into absolute rubble.
She couldn't accept it.
How could Sebastian Croix have never loved her?
He had helped her so much in the past.
He had pulled strings, funded her projects, and secured her spot at Kingsford University. He had hosted that antique charity gala just to salvage her reputation, hired Leo Lombardi to polish her thesis, and stood up for her against the Yves family. He had even dealt with Sylvia Dalton when she tried to take her down, negotiated with Keystone Manufacturing's executives so she could buy her way onto their board, and let her reap the lucrative dividends from the NexusMind project.
He had done all of that for her.
If he didn't care about her, why would he willingly go to such incredible lengths?
It was a desperate question.
Even Raelynn Ortiz, who had been quietly watching the disaster unfold, couldn't help but frown.
At this point, the truth was glaringly obvious.
Why was Seraphina still chasing an answer that didn't matter anymore?
And yet...
Raelynn cast a complicated look at Sebastian. The man hadn't so much as twitched a muscle the entire time. He simply stood by and watched, radiating a cold indifference that chilled her to the bone.
From Raelynn's perspective, it didn't make sense either.
She also believed that if Sebastian didn't have feelings for Seraphina, he never would have elevated her to such heights.
Then again...
Maybe a man's heart was just that fickle.
Raelynn had seen firsthand what Sebastian looked like when he didn't love someone. She knew exactly how ruthless he could be.
Facing Seraphina's breakdown...
For reasons only known to himself, the faintest smirk touched Sebastian's lips. "My feelings aren't that cheap. You underestimated me, and you thought far too highly of yourself."
Those words were brutal.
They were so merciless that Seraphina felt the breath leave her lungs.
She stood there, her mouth parted, unable to make a single sound.
Only then did reality crash over her like freezing water.
Today hadn't just been an embarrassment; it had been a calculated execution.
Chairman Croix Sr. had suddenly returned from abroad. The very first thing he did was drag Seraphina out in public to deal with the mess. He hadn't just voiced his disapproval or worried about the baby. No, he had completely, irrevocably ruined her.
Seraphina wasn't just suffering.
The entire Vance family had been nailed to the cross of public disgrace.
Forrest had masterfully twisted Seraphina's actions so she looked like a delusional psycho pulling a desperate stunt. Nobody would ever believe a word she said again, and they would all avoid her like the plague.
And he had done it while keeping the Croix family's hands perfectly clean.
A shiver ran down Raelynn's spine.
Forrest's ruthless efficiency terrified her.
She had felt the sting of it seven years ago, but today was a brutal reminder of just how decisive and cold-blooded the patriarch could be.
Seraphina's downfall today could easily be her own tomorrow.
Especially since she was harboring secrets of her own.
Raelynn clenched her fists tightly at her sides.

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!...