I Forgot I Ever Loved You (Zoe and Hayden) novel Chapter 270

It was her mother.

No—

It was Sienna's biological mother.

Zoe remembered the last time she had seen Mrs. Winters. She had been sixteen. That encounter had sparked a nightmare she couldn't shake for years.

"There's no need, Mrs. Winters. We have nothing to discuss," Zoe said, her voice sharp and cold.

Realizing Zoe was about to hang up, Mrs. Winters' tone instantly soured.

"Don't act so high and mighty. Sienna has been married into the Thorne family for over five years, and she isn't half as arrogant as you. You're married to Hayden too, but does anyone actually acknowledge you as his wife? You never reflect on your own flaws; you only know how to blame others. You and your father are cut from the exact same cloth."

Mrs. Winters absolutely despised that stubborn pride in Zoe.

When she had married into the Lynd family, she had given birth to a daughter who was nothing like her.

Not like Sienna.

Sienna shared her looks, her personality, her entire demeanor. Naturally, she favored Sienna far more than Zoe.

Besides, the Lynd family had fallen from grace, while Sienna had thrived, elevating their status. Now that Sienna was married into the most prestigious family in the city, Mrs. Winters spoke with an air of absolute superiority.

"If you know no one acknowledges me, why are you wasting your breath?"

Her own mother despised her; naturally, Zoe had no desire to play the dutiful daughter.

Mrs. Winters choked back her frustration, forcing herself to sound calm, though a cold laugh slipped through.

"I asked you home out of the goodness of my heart. Sienna told me Hayden is planning to transfer the five percent of Lynd Enterprises shares he acquired into her name. Sienna's last name is Winters; she feels it isn't right to take what belongs to the Lynds.

"I want Sienna to hand those shares back to you over dinner. If you want to throw my goodwill back in my face, fine. Consider me a fool for trying."

Zoe's pupils constricted.

When Sienna had proudly bragged that Hayden was transferring the Lynd shares to her, Mrs. Winters immediately panicked.

If Terrence found out, he would be furious.

They could crush Lynd Enterprises into bankruptcy, they could acquire it, but she absolutely could not allow the Winters family to have their names tied to the Lynd legacy.

That was the real reason she was desperate to summon Zoe.

Terrence happened to be out of town for a few days, providing the perfect window to handle this quietly.

"I'm skipping dinner. Have Sienna transfer the shares to me and sign the paperwork. That's it."

Zoe had no time to visit the Winters Estate and pretend they were a happy family. They were all playing a ruthless game; she wasn't about to act out some heartwarming fantasy.

Mrs. Winters' face darkened, silently cursing Zoe for being an ungrateful wretch.

"Suit yourself."