I Forgot I Ever Loved You (Zoe and Hayden) novel Chapter 339

Sienna's implication was crystal clear: Zoe was nothing but a brainless trophy, and the Kendalls were blinded by lust.

Ethan scoffed. Hayden kept his deadly gaze locked on Zoe and Garrett, completely swarmed by the elite crowd. His fists were clenched tight at his sides, his eyes dark enough to swallow the room.

With her newly minted status as Arthur's honorary granddaughter, every politician in the room was obligated to treat her with utmost respect.

While Sienna delivered her petty insults, her insides burned with corrosive jealousy.

Quentin finally chimed in. "I wouldn't be so sure. Maybe she actually knows what she's doing."

Ethan shot him a skeptical look, while Ian watched Zoe with undeniable intrigue.

He had always known she was gorgeous, but as the politicians bombarded her with complex questions, Zoe handled every single one with flawless poise. With his years of ruthless corporate experience, Ian knew immediately that she possessed far more than just a pretty face.

Even if those sharks were sucking up to the Kendalls, they wouldn't waste so much breath debating actual logistics with someone who didn't understand the market.

"We could always wander over and hear what they're discussing," Ian suggested, thoroughly entertained.

He was practically vibrating with excitement.

Sterling's pitch for the AI Emotional Interface sounded like an absolute goldmine.

Hayden's expression turned frigid. "There's nothing worth listening to. We'll wait for the official technical presentation."

Sienna aggressively agreed, finding the entire ordeal miserable.

For years, she had effortlessly dominated the spotlight while standing by Hayden's side.

Suddenly being cast into the shadows left her feeling utterly irrelevant.

Not to mention, walking over there now would basically mean worshiping at Zoe's altar.

Acting as her stepping stone? Absolutely not.

Ethan remained intensely dismissive.

"I still think Sienna has the real talent. I sat in on this project, and the director practically threw himself at your feet with praise."

Tristan remained incredibly deferential to the patriarch. "Of course, sir. We will operate strictly on Ms. Lynd's schedule."

"..."

Garrett leaned down, whispering in her ear, "A lot of these men used to serve under my grandfather, so there's no need to be nervous. Sterling works closely with the state, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to network. Tristan has even bigger bosses; this is just the beginning."

Hearing that only caused Zoe's anxiety to skyrocket.

Her knees practically turned to jelly.

Thankfully, Garrett never left her side, allowing her racing pulse to gradually steady.

Back in her corner, Sienna swore she didn't care, but her eyes never once left Zoe.

Watching the desperate frenzy of powerful men vying for a single introduction, she knew immediately that this crowd was out of her league.

Dressed in immaculate tailoring with rigid, powerful postures, their every laugh and calculated glance practically screamed terrifying political authority.