I Forgot I Ever Loved You (Zoe and Hayden) novel Chapter 546

I can't wait to meet Mrs. Thorne and your son. National interests must come first, so you can't afford to delay."

Hayden sat up straighter, completely oblivious to the resentful glare Sienna had shot him as she exited.

He had no time to care about her feelings.

The Commissioner's inquiry gave him a headache, but he already had his excuse prepared.

"Commissioner Sterling, you'd be better off discussing this with Garrett and convincing his goddaughter to assist you. My wife is quite introverted. Between my heavy workload and caring for our child, she simply isn't available for the task."

It was the first time the Commissioner had been outright refused, and his opinion of Hayden immediately dropped.

However, aware of Hayden's immense influence, Jasper swallowed his displeasure and let out a hearty laugh to smooth over the awkwardness.

"You know, I didn't peg you for a whipped husband, but being protective of your family is human nature. If you don't want your wife stepping into the fray, I won't force it. Fine, I'll go to Garrett. But keep in mind, the government values this project above all else. If Thorne Enterprises gets left out of future considerations, you can't hold it against us, Mr. Thorne."

The Commissioner's half-joking tone was dripping with veiled dissatisfaction.

With things as fractured as they were between him and Zoe, Hayden had absolutely no leverage to convince her to meet with political elites on his behalf.

Faced with the Commissioner's thinly veiled threat, Hayden was displeased but didn't argue.

"You exaggerate, Commissioner. I have high hopes for Summit Enterprises."

Hayden ended the call, his gaze turning frigid.

He picked up his phone, absentmindedly scrolling through the news, only to spot a headline about Sienna. The emotional companion bots she designed were plagued with unresolved consumer complaints.

Recalling Sienna's hesitant demeanor in his office, Hayden frowned.

He didn't dwell on it. Any company rolling out new tech bound to hit a few snags. As the technology matured and customer service caught up, the issues would iron themselves out.

Garrett knew Hayden was ruthless and arrogant, but he hadn't realized the man was this shamelessly thick-skinned.

"Mr. Thorne, we really aren't that close."

Hayden was the last person on earth Garrett wanted to deal with. It infuriated him that Hayden clearly didn't love Zoe, yet obstinately refused to relinquish his title as her legal husband.

If Hayden had an ounce of decency, he'd recognize that his wife and children were done with him. He should act like a man, sign the divorce papers, and set Zoe free.

If it were Garrett in that position, and a woman no longer loved him, he would never stoop to relentless harassment.

Unfazed by Garrett's hostility, Hayden spoke calmly, as if they weren't locked in a battle over the same woman. "Not close? You're out here trying to play free stepdad to my kids.

Both of my children were born into immense wealth. If you're so hell-bent on raising them, I suppose I don't mind. Claiming we aren't close is just insulting. As their father, do I need your permission to take my own wife and kids out to dinner?"

He continued, "Since you care so deeply for my family, I'll let the three of them play house at your place for a few more days. But don't get your wires crossed, Garrett. Consider whether the Kendalls can actually afford the fallout when push comes to shove."