I Forgot I Ever Loved You (Zoe and Hayden) novel Chapter 217

"Colin!"

He roared. Colin Zachs practically sprinted into the office.

"Compile a list of the top ten elite preschools in the city. Then take it to my wife and see which one she prefers."

Colin hesitated, his eyes darting away nervously.

"What is it?" Hayden demanded.

"Madam Thorne has already handled the situation, sir."

Hayden raised an eyebrow. His grandmother moved fast.

That was fine.

"However, she declined Madam Thorne's help," Colin continued cautiously. "She already secured a spot for Lily. Word is, Garrett Stone pulled some strings at Sterling Group."

Hayden froze. His long fingers curled into a fist, his knuckles popping loudly in the silent room.

He ground out through clenched teeth.

"When did this happen?"

Garrett Stone?

He had known their relationship was far from strictly professional.

"This morning, sir. The paperwork is completely finalized."

Hayden's face darkened like a brewing storm.

Colin held his breath, waiting for the explosion.

Suddenly, Hayden violently swept the heavy crystal ashtray off his desk, sending it shattering against the wall.

Colin knew exactly why his boss was losing his mind. Zoe had turned to Garrett instead of him.

Internally, Colin scoffed.

Hayden could have solved the issue in two minutes, yet he practically handed the opportunity to another man.

Who else could he blame?

Hayden's gaze swept over Colin with lethal fury.

"What the hell are you still standing there for? Get the hell out!"

That was exactly what Colin wanted to hear.

By that afternoon, an oppressive, terrifying gloom blanketed the Easton Group headquarters.

Dozens of high-ranking executives were dragged into Hayden's office, where he ruthlessly tore apart their project proposals until they were practically shaking.

Even the tough-as-nails Director of Public Relations wasn't spared.

When Zoe arrived, Nadia slid her phone across the table, showing a post gaining serious traction on social media.

"What is this?"

"I'm using your official account to leak a fake itinerary for 'Zoe'," Nadia smirked. "I've already arranged all the players. Just say the word when you're ready to get your revenge."

Zoe reviewed the tactical plan and nodded in approval.

"Let's do it."

Nadia looked warmly at Lily. "So you switched schools. Good. Who cares about the Thorne family's so-called prestige? They didn't want to share it anyway. You're better off without them."

Zoe smiled faintly. She couldn't even fathom what had possessed her to stay for so long.

Now, all she wanted was to be as far away from Hayden as humanly possible.

Lily and Nadia hit it off instantly, chattering away animatedly over their meal.

Early that weekend, Zoe and Nadia sneaked out of the house.

Nadia was completely bundled up to avoid recognition. She tossed a baseball cap, a heavy mask, and dark sunglasses to Zoe.

"Cover up so we don't blow our cover," Nadia instructed. "I leaked to the fan groups that the 'imposter' Zoe visits this location every single week. They're guaranteed to corner her at exactly nine-thirty.

I told them not to hold back, and I even hired some plants in the crowd armed with rotten eggs. Now, we just sit back and watch the show."