When Seraphina Vance had masqueraded as the heiress, her identity hadn't even been properly verified yet.
But somehow, invisible forces pushed the cancellation of the engagement forward at lightning speed.
Both families were pressured into meeting to finalize it.
How could a cheap imposter like Seraphina single-handedly sever a marriage pact that was meant to unite two powerhouses?
If the engagement hadn't been annulled, Raelynn and Ian's current relationship would be hailed as a match made in heaven, blessed by both families.
Julian narrowed his eyes, staring at the door Sebastian had just disappeared through.
He didn't know Ian's true intentions.
But he was willing to bet the Hudson elders hadn't agreed to the annulment because they actually cared about Raelynn. They simply didn't want to be chained to the Yves family. Ian was their heir; they were never going to let him waste his life waiting for a missing fiancée who might be dead.
And now that Raelynn was back?
They were probably just using her as a convenient stepping stone.
If they wanted to talk about sincerity...
That required looking at the long game.
Now that the marriage contract was gone.
The situation was awkwardly suspended, and everyone had their own hidden agendas.
The Yves family now had to critically evaluate whether the Hudson family was actually trustworthy, meaning they would scrutinize this potential marriage with extreme caution.
As for Raelynn marrying Ian...
The Yves family needed to think long and hard about it.
-
Evelyn didn't want to exhaust Arthur.
She could tell his energy was fading. Even though she had a million questions about Lydia, she forced herself to hold them in.
Before leaving.
With tears brimming in her eyes, she held Raelynn's hand, gently stroking it.
Before leaving, he shot a venomous glare at Sebastian, who was sitting there completely justified in staying to chat with Arthur.
But Sebastian didn't even bother looking up.
Silence fell over the room.
Raelynn shot Sebastian a pointed look.
She gently kicked his uninjured leg beneath the table.
Signaling that it was time for him to leave, too.
Sebastian acted as if his leg was numb. He poured Arthur another cup of tea and asked, "Grandpa, what are your thoughts on Raelynn's situation?"
Arthur shook his head. "To be completely honest, I don't trust the Croix family."
Raelynn's head snapped up.
Arthur continued, "Families at the absolute pinnacle of society, like yours, care about pedigree more than anything. The Ortiz family's background is essentially invisible to the Croixs. I know you're a good kid, but a marriage isn't just two people living in a bubble. If the Croix family ever turns their backs on Raelynn, are you truly capable of tearing down your own empire to keep her safe?"
Despite his harsh words, he shook his head with a sigh. "I can't put all my hopes on one person. Feelings change. I might be able to entrust her to you today, but what about tomorrow? If the Croix family repeatedly weaponizes her background against her, you might defend her the first or second time. But over the years? You might run out of patience. I know I sound cynical and extreme, but I have to plan for every worst-case scenario. Love might fade, but... if Raelynn has a powerful maiden family backing her, everything changes."

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!...