I Forgot I Ever Loved You (Zoe and Hayden) novel Chapter 266

It provides boundless emotional value. Programmed with specific directives, it is fiercely loyal to its owner, entirely risk-free, and capable of basic household management. We plan to design hyper-realistic androids with skin temperature matching human warmth, rather than sterile, cold machines."

Zoe stood rooted to the spot, her hands balling into fists so tight her knuckles cracked.

If she hadn't been tricked into being late, she would be the one pitching this exact presentation right now.

As Sienna concluded, the tech teams from both companies erupted into thunderous applause.

Sitting at the head of the table, Garrett furrowed his brow slightly. Why did Sienna's proposal perfectly mirror Zoe's? Looking at the market research, Easton Group's data actually seemed more comprehensive and persuasive than what Zoe had briefly pitched to him before.

"Director Lynd?" Someone finally noticed Zoe standing at the door.

Sienna shot Zoe an icy, triumphant glance before casually sitting back down next to Hayden, utterly unbothered.

Zoe stepped into the conference room.

"Director Lynd seems quite busy, missing such a crucial meeting," Sienna remarked smoothly. "But we've already covered the scope of the new project. You can have your staff bring you up to speed."

With that, Sienna dismissed Zoe entirely, leaning in intimately to whisper in Hayden's ear.

"Should we head back to the office?"

Everything clicked into place. Hayden had orchestrated this entire underhanded scheme just to serve his mistress. And it was absolutely ruthless. But who the hell had leaked her confidential files?

"Mr. Stone, we need to get back. Take your time to consider the proposal and let us know your decision." Hayden walked out of the room side-by-side with Sienna, completely treating Zoe like she was invisible.

Garrett had his staff walk them out while he stayed behind.

"What exactly is going on between you and Hayden?" Instead of bringing up the project, he was trying to wrap his head around how Hayden could demand a divorce, only to ambush Sterling Group's internal meeting with Easton Group reps without any prior notice.

Sienna had strutted in, claiming she had a highly viable new venture that had already been patented, and boldly invited Sterling Group to co-invest.

Sienna looked genuinely surprised. For years, Zoe hadn't dared to raise her voice in front of them, yet here she was, physically blocking their car.

Hayden turned to Sienna, his voice dropping into a tender octave. "Get in the car first."

Sienna shot Zoe a smug look and turned to slide into the passenger seat.

"I'm talking to you," Zoe snapped, stepping directly into Sienna's path.

Sienna raised an eyebrow, staring back with feigned innocence. "Can I help you?"

Hayden instantly grabbed Zoe's arm, yanking her back to shield Sienna, acting as though Zoe were an unstable threat about to physically attack his lover. His desperate urge to protect her was almost sickeningly romantic.

"We'll settle our score later. Right now, I have a few words for her," Zoe hissed.