I Forgot I Ever Loved You (Zoe and Hayden) novel Chapter 312

Arthur Sr. knew Hayden was a smart man, and laying it out this bluntly was already a severe warning.

Hayden's expression remained perfectly flat. Throughout the entire exchange, he didn't spare a single glance for Zoe. The entire Kendall family flanked her, their fierce protectiveness impossible to miss.

After a few seconds of silence, Hayden replied, "Understood."

Then he turned on his heel and got into his car without looking back. There were no lingering glances, no hesitation, and absolutely no—

Jealousy.

Arthur Sr. sighed and shook his head. It seemed Hayden really had no feelings for Zoe. Otherwise, after seeing Garrett parade Zoe around the banquet all evening, any normal man would have been blinded by rage and caused a scene on the spot. No matter how much class or restraint a man possessed, he would never remain this indifferent to a woman he truly loved.

Mr. and Mrs. Kendall, having experienced love themselves, silently felt terrible for Zoe. Fearing she would be heartbroken, they quickly turned to comfort her.

"Zoe, you have us now. No matter what grievances you face, the Kendall family has your back."

The implication was clear: if Hayden ever mistreated her again, they would be her strongest, most unyielding support system.

Zoe understood, but truth be told, Hayden's behavior didn't even register on her radar anymore. However, she felt incredibly guilty for making the Kendalls and Garrett worry about her.

"Godfather, Godmother, Grandfather, I know. Please don't worry. Besides, I have Garrett watching out for me, right?"

She stood with elegant poise, radiating an exquisite, aristocratic charm. There wasn't a trace of resentment on her face; she looked entirely refreshed and optimistic.

Her reassurance put the Kendalls at ease. They turned to Garrett with strict instructions. "You make sure you take extra good care of Zoe at the company. She's our family's treasure now. If anyone dares to lay a finger on her or Lily, we'll make them pay."

Garrett stepped forward, adopting a protective stance beside Zoe, and chuckled helplessly. "Who would dare bully her? Sterling Group relies entirely on her project now. The whole company looks to her as our most capable leader. Even I can't compete."

Zoe knew Garrett was making a solemn promise to his parents and grandfather, and her heart swelled with gratitude.

"Where are you?"

Arthur Sr. had lectured him for over half an hour.

Sienna shot a resentful glare at Holden, who was throwing a massive tantrum next to her, whining incessantly about how small and dirty the cab was.

"Almost home. What about my dad?"

Her primary concern was still Terrence. If he went to prison, both she and Holden would carry a massive, shameful stain on their reputations forever.

Hayden's expression was lethally dark.

"It's handled. I secured house arrest for him. There won't be any public records, and it won't impact you, your mother, or the Winters family. But this has to remain strictly confidential. He'll be wearing an ankle monitor. If he leaves the house, it will trigger an alarm. No one can know."