I Forgot I Ever Loved You (Zoe and Hayden) novel Chapter 250

If she really was pregnant, would she have the heart to go through with it?

She had been completely obsessed with having another child with him.

The truth was, she couldn't even raise Lily properly.

If she hadn't suffered that brain injury, Lily wouldn't have grown up to be so timid and submissive. He certainly didn't want his daughter bringing home some unreliable loser just to spite him in the future.

Colin's heart dropped.

He wouldn't dare take a bribe.

He only helped her in the past out of pure pity.

Plus, with Grandmother Thorne looking out for her, Zoe had managed to survive until today.

"I swear, no bribes. But ever since she jumped from that building, she really has been distant from you."

Hayden lowered his eyes and stubbed out his cigarette.

That was true for the past month.

He couldn't tell if the fall had broken her brain or fixed it.

"But Mr. Thorne, I'm certain she still loves you. She's probably just doing this to grab your attention. Honestly, you've been treating Ms. Winters a little too well lately."

Colin was trying to advocate for Zoe.

Hayden relaxed his posture, looking pleased.

Colin's analysis was exactly what he wanted to hear.

What kind of storm could Zoe really stir up?

He had seen all her endless tricks before. This new angle was definitely more novel, he'd give her that.

But if she played it too often, he'd lose interest.

"So you're saying she's been parading around with Garrett just to get my attention?"

"..."

They arrived at the office. Hayden stepped out of the car.

Colin drove down into the underground parking garage.

Watching Hayden walk into the Easton Group building, a cold shiver ran down Colin's spine.

He hadn't actually said any of that. Mr. Thorne had entirely put those words in his mouth.

Wait. Could Zoe actually be... dating Garrett Stone from Apex???

Realizing things were going south fast, Colin quickly sent a text to Grandmother Thorne.

[The Mrs. is dating someone, and it's not Mr. Thorne.]

The twelfth of this month was Grandmother Thorne's birthday.

Nita Thorne received the notice and was instructed to handle the weekend's family banquet.

Nita couldn't help but complain to herself.

Didn't the old lady just celebrate her birthday two months ago? Why was she having another one?

Could she be—

Developing dementia?

Zoe found out about the upcoming birthday from Colin.

"Do you know what Grandmother Thorne likes?"

Grandmother Thorne was the only person in the Thorne family who actually treated her well.

She wanted to show her some respect and appreciation.

Colin smiled warmly.

"She said you just need to dress up beautifully and show up."

Zoe's lips twitched.

Show up. If Grandmother Thorne was serious, Zoe definitely wasn't going to just waltz in empty-handed.

Dress up beautifully for her birthday banquet? What was she supposed to be showing off?

At noon, Garrett came by to find Zoe for lunch.

He couldn't stand seeing her bullied.

Even if they never ended up together, he was more than willing to act as a protective older brother for the rest of her life.

Without overthinking it, Zoe agreed.

Zoe had wracked her brain trying to figure out what to get the old lady.

She had a black card Grandmother Thorne had given her. She checked the balance once—it held millions of dollars.

Zoe recalled their past conversations. The old lady loved reminiscing about her late husband.

She had even shown Zoe old photos.

Admittedly, Hayden strongly resembled his grandfather in his prime.

Even their facial features were strikingly similar.

No wonder Grandmother Thorne favored Hayden over any of the other heirs.

And Hayden had certainly proven himself to be the most capable.

Zoe had reviewed every AI product on the market.

She already had a brilliant concept brewing.

Modern life was fast-paced, leaving people emotionally exhausted and restless.

The dating market was a mess. Finding a partner who provided genuine emotional value without ulterior motives was rare.

She had discussed this privately with Garrett. She wanted Apex's team to develop a highly advanced, lifelike companion AI robot.

With realistic skin textures and embedded with emotional intelligence and positive values, these robots could serve as companions or domestic helpers.

Military variations could even replace human soldiers, protecting the country without the loss of life.

However, with the birthday fast approaching, starting production now would be far too late.

She kept the idea filed away. If she couldn't gift it for this birthday, she would unveil it for the new year.

Garrett added, "I want to get her something too, but I'm completely lost. If you have time, could you come with me to pick something out and give me a second opinion?"