I Forgot I Ever Loved You (Zoe and Hayden) novel Chapter 350

Going against the government mandate would be corporate suicide, and even a powerhouse like the Thorne family would have to bow their heads eventually, or risk destroying their own future.

Garrett gave a tight nod. "Mr. Thorne, if you'll excuse me."

It sounded like a polite request, but his tone made it clear he was leaving immediately.

Garrett's mind was entirely focused on Zoe. Julian was still lurking around, and he didn't want to leave her alone for a second. He had seen the men Hayden ran with—Ethan Montgomery's gaze had been anything but friendly, and the other two were impossible to read. Garrett had no idea whose side they were really on.

As Garrett strode away, Hayden stared at his retreating back, aggressively crushing his lit cigarette into the palm of his hand.

Later, at the Win Lounge.

Hayden sat in a plush leather booth with Sienna close by his side. Ethan, Ian, and Quentin were all present.

Asher Kendall was, as usual, noticeably absent.

It hadn't escaped anyone's notice that ever since Zoe lost her memories, Asher had completely stopped showing up to their gatherings. He wouldn't even answer their calls.

Hayden took a slow, deliberate sip of his whiskey. He was the only one who knew the real reason behind the silence.

Asher firmly believed that Hayden had bullied his precious Nadia Fox, and they were one breath away from officially severing ties.

Ethan slouched comfortably against the back of the sofa, swirling the amber liquid in his glass. His posture was careless and arrogant.

"So, what did Garrett have to say about today? Still keeping it strictly business?"

He emphasized the words 'strictly business' so heavily that anyone could catch the biting sarcasm.

Hayden remained silent.

Ethan paused, pretending to think it over. "How about I get my old man to pull some strings and test the waters?"

Ian and Quentin both shot Ethan a look that clearly said they thought he was out of his mind.

Even Hayden was ignoring him, so why was he throwing himself into the crossfire?

Sienna glanced between Quentin and Ian, getting the distinct impression they were only here for the drama. Ethan seemed to be the only one genuinely offering to help.

She couldn't help but look at Ethan a little longer.

Ever since she joined Easton Group, Ethan's attitude toward her had shifted dramatically. Especially during the final months of their project, he had backed her up at every turn.

But no, the bridge was already burned.

"Zoe is threatening to take Julian to a military tribunal for leaking classified information," Sienna said quietly.

"What?!"

Mrs. Winters nearly swayed on her feet.

Zoe again.

That wretched girl had just sent her husband to prison, and now she was trying to lock up Julian too.

"Where is Hayden? Is he just going to sit back and let Zoe do whatever she wants?" Mrs. Winters slammed her hand angrily against the table.

From the second floor, Julian stood looking down at them. He had already told his aunt what happened as soon as he got back. He knew Sienna was scared, so he had deliberately used Mrs. Winters to pressure her.

Even if Terrence was locked up for twenty years, he would eventually get out. Mrs. Winters still had a life to live with him, and she absolutely couldn't afford to offend her family.

"I already talked to Hayden," Sienna sighed. "It involves government secrets. Even he might not be able to find a way out of this."