I Forgot I Ever Loved You (Zoe and Hayden) novel Chapter 410

She knew Hayden treated her like something precious. No matter how much Zoe fought, Sienna would always be the ultimate winner.

Sienna gave him a gentle smile. She resolved to play the role of the perfect, supportive partner even better from now on, handling her own messes so she wouldn't be a burden to him.

The next day, when Zoe and Garrett arrived at the military base, Hayden was already there.

After their recent clash, Zoe assumed Hayden would give her attitude or outright ignore her.

Instead, he acted completely normal, treating the base like any other workday.

He even greeted Garrett with a polite "Mr. Kendall" before diving into a progress report with Director Yates.

Once they got down to business, it was actually Hayden and Zoe who interacted the most.

The two of them engaged in an intense, high-level debate over jet propulsion technology and aerial stealth mechanisms.

Garrett couldn't understand a word of it and just watched in silence. Timothy chimed in occasionally, but even he struggled to follow their most advanced technical arguments.

In terms of real-world combat experience in Southeast Asia, Hayden definitely outranked Timothy. Timothy had to admit he was out of his league here.

"It seems even Mr. Thorne isn't immune to Ms. Lynd's brilliance," Timothy chuckled, whispering his grievances to Garrett.

He had initially thought Hayden was only at the base to chase a pretty face, but over the last few days, he had witnessed a genuine mutual respect between them.

"Mr. Thorne and Ms. Lynd actually... make a really good match."

Timothy sighed in genuine admiration. Garrett shot him a strange look, then glanced at Hayden with an inward sneer.

He wondered what the Director would think if he knew Hayden and Zoe were actually married. Would he still think they were a 'good match' if he knew this so-called husband constantly belittled his own wife to protect another woman?

Still, objectively speaking, when they weren't at each other's throats, Zoe and Hayden did look striking together.

Both ridiculously attractive, both brilliant in their fields.

Whenever Zoe and Hayden got locked in a work discussion, it was nearly impossible for anyone else to interrupt.

Timothy looked at Zoe with an admiration that barely concealed a burning intensity, the distinct way a man looks at a woman.

Hayden finally locked his phone screen. Moving smoothly, he stepped right between Zoe and Timothy, casually forcing them apart.

"I want to personally test-fly a fighter jet this afternoon to run the new software you've been installing, Ms. Lynd. Director Yates, set it up."

Hayden's tone caught both Zoe and Garrett off guard.

They had assumed Director Yates was the highest authority here, but Hayden was barking orders like a superior commanding a subordinate.

Timothy immediately stood at attention. "Yes, Commander Thorne."

Zoe quickly masked her surprise. Actually, it made perfect sense.

To have access to this facility and have the Director call him 'Commander', Hayden's military rank had to be incredibly high.

"Ms. Lynd, you'll be riding in the co-pilot seat to log the data in real-time and discuss the next round of updates."