I Forgot I Ever Loved You (Zoe and Hayden) novel Chapter 516

Ethan brushed off Ian's words with a scoff. "State secret? Don't tell me Zoe's status has climbed that high. Did Garrett tell you that?

I didn't realize the guy was this far gone with love rot. You guys actually believe a lie like that?"

Quentin and Ian didn't want to engage with him anymore. They abandoned Ethan and walked off to find Hayden.

Mr. Kendall Sr. and Sylvia had been holding little Ian the entire time, completely mesmerized. Guests continuously approached to offer their congratulations, and the gifts for the baby had already piled up like a small mountain.

Zoe and Garrett, holding Lily's hand, were just making their way over to Mr. Kendall Sr. and Sylvia when a grip tightened around Zoe's arm. Hayden forcefully yanked her to his side.

Fortunately, the guests' attention was focused on Mr. Kendall Sr. and Sylvia. Garrett and Zoe had been walking discreetly, allowing Hayden to seize the perfect blind spot to snatch her.

"Mr. Thorne, this is highly inappropriate," Garrett said, stepping forward to pull Zoe back.

Hayden didn't give him the chance. "Mr. Kendall, what you're doing is inappropriate."

Zoe could tell Hayden was here to pick a fight. Little Lily wasn't afraid of Hayden at all. The tiny girl stood protectively in front of Zoe, her bright eyes blazing with anger. "Don't bully my mommy!"

She clenched her tiny fists, dropping into a stance as if ready to fight him to the death.

Hayden simply scooped her up by the collar. Zoe's heart leaped into her throat, terrified Hayden would hurt her.

"Hayden, don't you dare..." Zoe shifted into a defensive stance, ready to risk her life if he laid a finger on Lily.

But Hayden merely kissed Lily's soft cheek and handed her over to Garrett. "Stay with Uncle Garrett. Daddy needs to talk to Mommy."

Lily froze. This was the first time her father had ever kissed her. Recovering from the shock, she fiercely wiped her cheek with her small hand, glaring at him with adorable fury. "Gross! Don't you ever kiss me again."

Though Garrett was deeply uneasy, he had no choice. Mr. Kendall Sr. and Sylvia were starting to look distracted, clearly searching for Zoe. Anxious not to keep them waiting, Garrett carried Lily away.

"Be careful. Call me if anything happens."

Garrett's words reached Hayden's ears, sparking an intensely mocking sneer. Hayden remained silent, but his actions screamed provocation. The moment Garrett turned away, Hayden's arm snaked around Zoe's waist, pulling her flush against his chest.

Garrett's heart clenched violently. Even Lily noticed. "Uncle Garrett, is Daddy bullying Mommy?"

Garrett swallowed the bitter jealousy in his throat and gently patted Lily's head. "No. Daddy loves Mommy."

He was a man, too. Hayden's actions weren't those of a man who didn't care about his wife. The murderous possessiveness in his eyes was impossible to hide, and realizing this only made Garrett feel worse.

Zoe sharply kicked Hayden's shin—fast, precise, and ruthless. Hayden was forced to release her and step back.