I Forgot I Ever Loved You (Zoe and Hayden) novel Chapter 303

Zoe looked up from the paperwork, staring at Ethan in complete bewilderment.

His business plan was actually decent, but Montgomery Enterprises had zero footprint in the tech sector. His team's grasp of the technical requirements was glaringly inadequate.

She had already decided to pass on the partnership.

"I just mean—"

"Mr. Montgomery, I was under the impression we were here to discuss business," Zoe cut in.

She had zero desire to discuss Hayden. He didn't even occupy a single brain cell of hers anymore.

She didn't have a problem with Ethan personally, but his unsolicited romantic advice was entirely out of line. Her tone came out sharper than she intended.

"Of course,"

Ethan replied, mildly stunned by the sudden frost in her eyes.

Was she actually offended by his advice?

He was only trying to help.

"Then let's stick to the topic. Montgomery Enterprises isn't equipped for this project. If you're serious about collaborating, your engineering team needs to spend time at our headquarters to align our technical standards. As it stands, this proposal is a rejection. You'll need to rewrite it."

It was objective professional feedback, but Ethan's surprise rapidly morphed into irritation.

She was tanking a massive corporate partnership just because he told her to get over Hayden?

Ethan's ego flared, and his voice dropped to a frigid register.

"Excuse the interruption, Director Lynd. We won't be rewriting anything. If you have zero intention of negotiating in good faith, I have no business being here."

She truly didn't deserve his sympathy. She was utterly ungrateful.

He and the guys had quietly been in her corner for years.

Even when Garrett propped her up like some prodigy, Ethan hadn't exposed her lack of credentials.

And this was the thanks he got?

Weaponizing her fake executive power over a petty personal grudge.

How was he supposed to tolerate that?

Ethan stormed out and nearly bumped into Garrett in the hallway.

Zoe blinked. Another dinner?

Hadn't they already had a private family dinner?

Reading her expression, Garrett smiled. "The Kendall family does things by the book. Claiming you and Lily means you're officially part of our dynasty. Obviously, the entire city needs to know.

"Grandfather wants to send a message that you are untouchable. He's picked the date, but he won't proceed without your blessing. That's why he sent me."

Zoe hadn't wanted to make a spectacle, but the Kendalls were treating her and Lily with the reverence of actual blood relatives.

They couldn't stomach the thought of her being bullied by the Winters family simply because she lacked financial backing. Arthur Sr. was making sure it never happened again.

She couldn't refuse. Saying no would break the old man's heart.

"Alright. Whatever Grandfather wants."

Garrett let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. He had been sure she'd say no.

A faint trace of longing slipped into his tone.

"Well, after this banquet, you'll officially be my sister. I guess that takes every other possibility off the table."