I Forgot I Ever Loved You (Zoe and Hayden) novel Chapter 219

Zoe raised a brow, her composed reaction not going unnoticed by Garrett. He seemed to understand.

"Lily was innocent to begin with."

She hadn't intended to be so ruthless, but since they hadn't even given her a three-day grace period, they couldn't blame her for fighting back.

Garrett voiced his agreement.

"You did the right thing."

Zoe paused for a moment before Garrett smiled and continued, "From the very first day Professor Layne introduced you to me, I knew you were extraordinary. Zoe, you have the talent and the capability—you don't have to keep hiding in the shadows.

Of course, I understand you have your reasons. But as the CEO of Sterling Group, you need to believe that I am more than capable of protecting my employees, and a sister."

This was Garrett laying out his stance before Zoe.

He was not only her boss and a powerful backer, but he was also stepping into the role of a protective older brother.

Aside from the stability her mother had given her and the indulgence Hunter Keating had once shown her, Garrett was the first person in Zoe's life who truly made her feel safe.

Zoe felt a wave of genuine emotion.

She gave a playful smile, effortlessly deflecting the weight of the conversation.

"Mr. Stone, did I blow my cover too soon?"

Garrett chuckled, amused by her wit.

Someone passing by Zoe's office happened to catch the exchange, secretly snapping a picture on their phone before walking away as if nothing had happened.

The kindergarten that had expelled Lily drew the attention of the authorities due to the massive online backlash, prompting a thorough investigation.

They quickly discovered that the school had indeed expelled the victim of the bullying.

Zoe received a call from the principal. The woman's voice was impossibly soft and pleading, and through the speakerphone, Zoe could hear one of the teachers crying continuously in the background.

As bystanders, we all know the truth—the one who really got hurt here was Holden. He's only five years old, and having his face plastered all over the internet is going to ruin him.

It's also ruining our school's reputation. If this keeps up, the kindergarten will be forced to shut down. So, please, Mrs. Thorne, could you just explain things online?"

Zoe actually let out a dry, disbelieving laugh.

"Explain? Issue a public statement claiming Lily left on her own? I think you need to have your head examined. Oh, wait, no—do me a favor and pass that message along to Hayden. Tell him to get his head checked."

After all, not everyone operated on his twisted logic.

Lily was his own flesh and blood. It was bad enough that he didn't stand up for his daughter when she was bullied, but to demand Zoe issue a statement like that? For what?

To protect Holden's reputation? What about Lily's reputation?

Did she just not matter?