I Forgot I Ever Loved You (Zoe and Hayden) novel Chapter 185

This book wasn't meant to glorify her. It was a direct, targeted attack on her ego. It was pure garbage. Suddenly, even the expensive bouquet of flowers sitting on her desk felt like an insult. But in the end, she didn't throw the flowers away. She needed Hayden to see them. She needed him to know she was highly desirable, that other men were circling her like wolves. If he didn't make a move soon, she wanted him to fear losing her entirely.

At noon, Hayden walked into Sienna’s office. “Sterling Group reached out. We’re doing a working lunch to discuss the partnership.”

Sienna’s eyes lit up. “Perfect. Does this outfit look alright, or should I change?” She stepped out from behind her desk, showing off her brand-new designer suit—sharp, professional, and stunning.

Hayden’s gaze swept over her indifferently. “It’s fine. That works for a business lunch.”

Hayden returned to his office just as Garrett Stone called to confirm the restaurant. Before hanging up, Hayden added a sharp addendum: “Bring your Director Lynd to the meeting.”

Garrett paused, mildly surprised. He had fully intended to bring Zoe along but worried Hayden would object. The fact that Hayden was requesting her made things easier. “Of course. Director Lynd is the one who greenlit this project anyway.” Garrett’s tone was filled with professional respect, laced with a subtle hint of deference toward Zoe.

Hayden raised a brow, a cold smirk touching his lips. It seemed Garrett Stone was genuinely invested in his wife.

Garrett walked over to Zoe’s desk to brief her on the lunch meeting, assuming she might feel awkward. Instead, Zoe was entirely unfazed. “It’s just business. Whatever benefits the company, I’m in.”

Garrett still couldn't shake his concern. “Are you sure there's no bad blood between you and Mr. Thorne?”

Zoe offered a warm, genuine smile before diving back into her work.

At lunchtime, Garrett drove Zoe to the high-end restaurant Hayden had booked. They arrived at the exact moment Hayden and Sienna pulled up. Sienna stood close to Hayden in her tailored haute couture suit. They looked like the quintessential power couple, effortlessly commanding attention.

Zoe, dressed in her usual soft, elegant attire, looked radiant. Garrett had told her that forced corporate stiffness didn't suit her, allowing her to dress comfortably for the office unless they were meeting external clients.

Seeing Garrett and Zoe walk up together, Sienna immediately looped her arm through Hayden’s in a blatant display of dominance. “Mr. Stone, Ms. Lynd. You two look so compatible standing next to each other. If I didn't know better, I’d think you were a couple. Don't you agree, Hayden?”