When they arrived at the conference room,
people were already filing in.
After a brief round of polite greetings, everyone took their seats.
This was a massive project. Dozens of corporations had clawed for a spot, and the Davenports were one of the primary partners, providing critical funding and resources.
Today was a major strategy discussion.
Wrapping up her segment,
Zella crossed her legs smoothly. "Everything looks perfect. In fact, I can authorize an increase in funding right now."
The department head was ecstatic. "That would be incredible."
Zella's tone shifted dangerously. "But I have one condition."
She looked straight to the back of the room where Sierra was taking notes. "I want her removed from this research team."
Sierra's head snapped up.
She never expected Zella to strike this viciously.
A massive, state-sponsored project like this...
And she was being kicked out?!
Raelynn arched an eyebrow, looking over.
The department head looked stunned. "Remove that student?"
Zella's lips curled into a predatory smile. "Yes. I want her gone. Now."
She made her disdain abundantly clear.
Dozens of eyes turned to stare at Sierra, draining the color from her face.
Raelynn knew some professors brought their own students in, while others earned their spots through fierce academic competition. Even if they weren't core members, having this project on a resume was a golden ticket for life.
Sierra had likely fought hard in some university competition to get here.
If she managed to see it through to the end,
it would practically guarantee her career.
Zella's demand sent immediate ripples of frantic whispering through the room.
A male student couldn't stop himself from speaking up in Sierra's defense. "Sierra is Chairwoman Hayes's granddaughter. Kicking her out like this... isn't that a massive insult to Chairwoman Hayes?"
Bringing up her grandmother was a dangerous game.
It had easily opened the door for her, but it also meant she couldn't openly exploit the connection to save herself.
The department head looked at Raelynn. "What are your thoughts?"
Raelynn leaned back in her chair. "It's the university's decision. As long as the core team remains intact, the rest should be based on a merit assessment."
The department head nodded.
The students were only there to observe and learn anyway; no one actually expected them to contribute.
And the Davenports were one of their most vital sponsors.
Reassigning one intern was completely irrelevant to the grand scheme.
"We'll proceed with that," the department head agreed, seeing that Zella wasn't going to back down. They couldn't afford to anger an investor right now.
He looked at Sierra. "The university will transfer you to another research group to continue your studies."
She never dreamed that when Zella said they were "talking business," this was what she meant.

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!...