I Forgot I Ever Loved You (Zoe and Hayden) novel Chapter 282

Sienna was quickly surrounded by a flock of socialites.

"Ms. Winters, isn't that Zoe Lynd? The one who ruined your relationship with Mr. Thorne five years ago? What is she doing here?"

"Looks like she latched onto Mr. Stone from Sterling Group now. Men really do think with the lower half of their bodies. Look at her—aside from her face and her body, what exactly does she bring to the table?"

Mrs. Vance, wife of AeroTech Solutions' CEO, and Audrey Young, the heiress to Omni-Commerce Group, looked over with overt disdain, while treating Sienna with total reverence.

Everyone knew Hayden and Sienna had been the golden couple five years ago.

Then Zoe wrecked their relationship, Sienna ended up marrying Hayden's brother, and she still ultimately secured her place in the Thorne family.

In the eyes of these socialites, Sienna was the gold standard of triumph.

And they despised women like Zoe—talentless homewreckers who only knew how to steal other women's men.

Sienna held her champagne glass gracefully, feigning a gentle, reproachful tone as she defended Zoe.

"You shouldn't say that. She certainly has her unique strengths. But we just run in different circles, that's all. Later on, when Easton's bid goes to the highest bidder, I hope you two will show your support."

Mrs. Vance and Audrey looked incredibly flattered.

They completely missed the flash of impatience and contempt in Sienna's eyes.

If she wasn't trying to rally more people against Zoe, she wouldn't even waste her breath on these useless women.

"Of course we will! You and Mr. Thorne are a match made in heaven. You're so talented and naturally gifted at business—not like some cheap knockoff."

Sienna was highly satisfied with the flattery, though beside her, Hayden practically imperceptibly furrowed his brow, a heavy annoyance brewing in his somber gaze.

Garrett and Zoe were still mobbed by the crowd.

Someone even raised the million-dollar question.

"Mr. Stone, this is the first time you've brought a date. Is she your girlfriend?"

It was true; Garrett had never been seen with a woman in public.

As one of the city's most eligible bachelors, he had always been at the top of every socialite's husband material list.

With Zoe standing beside him, it wasn't just the reporters who were captivated—every unmarried woman in the room was staring at Garrett with predatory eyes.

Previously, Hayden had been the ultimate prize at these events, but since he was always glued to Sienna, most women had given up and shifted their sights elsewhere.

Hayden watched the scene with cold, detached eyes.

A hand clapped him lightly on the shoulder.

Ethan Montgomery smirked. "Looks like someone with actual taste has arrived."

He pointed at Garrett.

Hayden shot him an expressionless look just as Sienna walked over.

Ian Varley intentionally stepped between Sienna and Hayden, blocking her line of sight.

"Honestly, do you really not care about Zoe at all?"

Hayden finally leveled a serious look at Ethan and Ian.

"You two interested? Be my guest."

Sienna caught the very last part of his sentence.

"Interested in what? Hayden, what are you guys talking about?"

She naturally looped her arm through Hayden's.

Ethan offered a lukewarm greeting. "Well, if it isn't Sienna. Did Hayden hand the company back to you? Look at you moving up in the world. We can't just call you Sienna anymore—it's Ms. Winters now.

Turned around.

Walked a few paces, then suddenly glanced back over his shoulder.

"By the way, your girlfriends are flying back into the country soon. Have fun with that."

Both Ian and Ethan instantly went pale.

"Hayden, you can't do this to us! We were just trying to look out for you. Quentin said Zoe had five abortions for you. Even if you're gonna cheat, you can't be this brazen about it. At least give the girl a break!"

As soon as Ethan finished speaking, Hayden's striking face shifted into something utterly terrifying.

Startled, Ethan quickly backed up behind Ian for cover.

No one in this circle was an idiot. When it came to spotting true feelings versus fake affection, these wealthy heirs were sharper than anyone.

Sienna was entirely too fake, and Zoe was entirely too foolish. They simply couldn't stand by and watch anymore.

"Are you really that close with my wife?"

Ethan snapped his mouth shut.

Standing off to the side, Sienna's face had gone paper-white before finally regaining a sliver of color.

When Hayden returned to her side, her legs practically gave out.

Trembling, the entire room seemed to spin.

"Ms. Winters, are you alright?" someone gasped.

Looking past the swarm of reporters, Zoe watched Sienna collapse softly into Hayden's arms.

His hand rested perfectly against her waist.