I Forgot I Ever Loved You (Zoe and Hayden) novel Chapter 359

Sylvia scoffed internally. *Did it sound like I was complimenting you?*

"It seems Mrs. Thorne is quite the visionary," Sylvia said smoothly. "It just so happens I have a close friend in the state sector—a top-tier government contractor. Since you're so incredibly capable, I wonder if you'd be interested in meeting him?"

Sylvia offered a warm, maternal smile. "This man operates in the absolute inner circle of government development. I'd love to introduce you. My son has been a total disappointment lately. I heard Mr. Thorne canceled the partnership with Sterling Group, and I want Garrett to realize the massive mistake he's made before it's too late."

Sienna's heart practically exploded with triumph.

Sylvia wanted to teach Garrett a lesson! She wanted to show him how much he was losing by dropping Easton Group.

This confirmed everything. Sylvia had definitely seen the photos in the box. Zoe was purposely excluded tonight because the Kendalls were actively trying to sever ties with her and Garrett.

And if Sienna could land a state-backed contract with a government official, the profits would completely dwarf whatever they would have made with Sterling Group.

She forced down the hysterical laugh bubbling in her throat and nodded gracefully. But despite her best efforts, Sylvia easily caught the naked, greedy thrill in Sienna's eyes.

Sylvia didn't have hard proof that Sienna was the one who sent the lockbox, but she knew exactly how toxic the history between Zoe and her stepsister was. The explosive scandal from five years ago was still crystal clear in Sylvia's memory.

"Shall I introduce you?"

Sylvia's tone filled Sienna with blinding arrogance.

Once the Kendall family realized that *she* was the brilliant, capable sister, maybe they would adopt her instead.

With Hayden Thorne ruling the business world and the Kendall dynasty backing her in the political arena, her status would be utterly untouchable.

Sylvia linked arms with Sienna, making her feel incredibly special.

Sienna leaned in close, playing the part of the perfect, devoted daughter.

Sylvia guided her across the room toward a balding, heavily overweight man.

"Director Young, I have someone I'd like you to meet," Sylvia greeted him.

Justin Young, a mid-level government director, was absolutely floored that a titan like Sylvia Kendall would stoop to speak to him. He was practically vibrating with excitement.

"This is a niece of mine, Sienna Winters," Sylvia introduced.

"Who is she? Someone with a grudge against Zoe?"

"That's Mrs. Thorne. The woman Zoe's ex-husband has been parading around for years."

At that moment, Zoe finally arrived at the gala. Garrett instantly abandoned the group of executives he was speaking with and crossed the room to be by her side.

Meanwhile, Sienna was still deep in conversation with Justin Young. He had invited her to sit on one of the velvet sofas in the corner, and his hand was now shamelessly resting on her waist.

Sienna found him repulsive, but he was a top-tier government connection. She gritted her teeth and didn't pull away.

Suddenly, a wealthy, middle-aged woman stormed over. Without a word, she snatched a glass of red wine off a passing waiter's tray and hurled it directly into Sienna's face, following it up with a vicious, echoing slap.

The surrounding guests gasped and scrambled out of the way as the woman pointed directly at Sienna's nose.

"You shameless, home-wrecking bitch! How dare you try to seduce my husband?!"

Justin scrambled backward, looking at his wife like a rat caught in a trap, while Sienna sat paralyzed in shock, her face burning red as she clutched her stinging cheek.