I Forgot I Ever Loved You (Zoe and Hayden) novel Chapter 401

As she spoke, Sienna stole a glance at Hayden. His face was a blank mask. He showed no intention of contradicting her or telling her to watch her words.

She knew he would always stand by her side, no matter what. Emboldened, her confidence soared.

Completely oblivious to the truth, Ethan looked at her with pure awe.

"I heard you even published in The Global Science Review," Ethan said. "All those papers under the name Lily were yours, right? And didn't Professor Harrison extend an invitation to take you on as his final protégé?"

Sienna tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, looking faintly embarrassed.

She had only exaggerated the story slightly in private with him. She hadn't expected him to announce it to the entire table.

Zoe glanced at Sienna in mild surprise before a scornful smirk touched her lips.

Sienna was Lily? That was the biggest joke of the century.

The Global Science Review was hosting its top academic awards next month, the most prestigious event in the world. She couldn't wait to see if Sienna would actually receive an invitation. Or perhaps Hayden's reach was so terrifyingly vast that he could manipulate even international academic journals.

Timothy had zero interest in Ethan's flattery. Sienna simply didn't belong in their circles.

Hayden wasn't someone he could easily handle right now, but having Sienna here at least kept him distracted from Zoe.

Purely out of politeness, Timothy offered a bland compliment. "I had no idea you were so accomplished."

And that was it. He didn't say another word on the matter.

Sienna had assumed Ethan's bragging would earn her some respect from the Director. His lackluster reaction left her feeling a pang of disappointment.

Just then, one of his subordinates approached and whispered something in his ear. Timothy looked at Zoe with total astonishment. "Ms. Lynd, someone is looking for you. They actually called my direct line."

Everyone knew Timothy's status. His schedule was heavily classified, and his direct number was strictly internal.

The caller had to go through the agency's switchboard to reach him. And they went through all that trouble not to speak to the Director, but to find Zoe. The whole thing was bizarre.

Ethan shot Zoe an intrigued look, while Hayden's hand froze over his plate.

Who knows what kind of mess she had stirred up this time for someone to track her down here.

Sienna watched with a gleeful expression, ready for drama. Zoe was infamous for seducing men. Maybe she had messed around with the wrong guy, and his wife had tracked her to the base. This was going to be entertaining.

Timothy took the phone, his expression shifting as he listened. He leaned in, asking for Zoe's permission. "It's Zachary Harrison. He says he's tried calling you multiple times, but you won't answer. He had to pull strings with one of my old superiors just to get this number. Do you want to take it?"