It was quite the novelty.
The Croix and Hudson families were actually "collaborating" for once.
Sebastian's lips moved slightly. "Mrs. Hudson, I really should learn from you. If memory serves, you used to act as though you adored Raelynn. Now, you've managed to sell her for a good price."
Cordelia chuckled, unbothered by the remark. "Isn't this the outcome you wanted, Mr. Croix? As for children, they can always have more once they're married. Once Raelynn settles into her new family, she'll eventually come to terms with it."
She played along effortlessly, her smile unwavering. She looked like a socially adept, easygoing woman, but in truth, a woman who held her ground in this industry was anything but soft-hearted.
The Hudson family wanted to break into the semiconductor market, so Cordelia was naturally in a good mood.
Plus, since the Croix family wasn't going to make a fuss about the Hudsons taking Raelynn, there was no need for her to clash with Ian. Letting him have his way was fine.
She smiled, gave a polite nod, and turned to greet other guests.
Leo looked confused. "What were you two talking about?"
Sebastian turned his head, tilting his chin slightly toward a spot upstairs.
-
When Zella found Raelynn, the bride was sitting in front of the vanity mirror, staring thoughtfully at her phone.
Makeup artists and stylists were still buzzing around her, working on her look.
"It's your big day. Why aren't you smiling?" Zella walked over, crossed her legs, and sat down nearby.
Raelynn snapped out of her daze.
She was a bit surprised to see Zella but immediately asked, "Ms. Davenport, could I borrow your phone for a quick call?"
Zella thought it was odd, but she casually handed over her phone. "Why do you look so weighed down? You look like someone's forcing you into this."
She muttered under her breath.
Raelynn didn't have time to explain.
Zella didn't even have a passcode. Raelynn unlocked it immediately and dialed Chloe's number.
Once again.
The phone was turned off.
Raelynn's expression instantly darkened.
Chloe... was probably in trouble.
So many forces were pushing her forward.
Given the Hudson family's ruthless betrayal, there was absolutely no way she was going to let them have a flawless, dignified event today.
But she still had to use this highly anticipated wedding as the stage for her final, desperate gamble.
"Sure," Raelynn replied evenly.
Zella frowned silently.
She felt like something was off.
What kind of newlyweds had this kind of vibe?
"Ms. Davenport, you can go downstairs and find your seat," Ian turned and told her, his gaze heavy.
Zella finally stood up. "Fine."
She shot one last glance at Raelynn.
Then she turned and headed downstairs.
Ignoring the crowd, she spotted Sebastian and marched right over to him. "Hey, it looks like Raelynn is being forced into this marriage. Did you know?"

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!...