I Forgot I Ever Loved You (Zoe and Hayden) novel Chapter 650

"The man just lost his wife. His mind is probably twisted right now. You making a scene like this just tips our hand. Listen to your father and come back immediately to strategize. Don't ruin this before it even starts."

Harvey had already drafted a fiery argument in his head, fully prepared for a massive blowout with his dad, but he swallowed the words whole.

"Dad, are you saying you don't object to me going after Zoe?"

"Bullshit!" Commissioner Sterling barked. "If I objected, would I be throwing away my pride, groveling at The Military Personnel Command to secure you a spot in Director Yates' division? I outrank the man by several pay grades, and yet I'm practically begging a subordinate just to set up your future."

"..."

Commissioner Sterling's voice echoed through the line again. "Has Hayden left?"

Harvey had lost sight of him long ago.

"Yeah. He's gone."

"Good. We'll discuss the details when you get home. Keep it quiet. But remember, I've got your back. As long as you can win over Ms. Lynd, I'll wager my entire political career on it. Just don't embarrass me.

Hayden is officially divorced from Ms. Lynd. Son, it's open season now. May the best man win. I believe in you. Back when I was pursuing your mother..."

Hearing the Commissioner launch into his ancient romantic conquests again made Harvey's scalp prickle. He had heard the story hundreds of times growing up. He could recite it in his sleep, and he absolutely couldn't endure it right now.

"Dad, okay, I get it. I won't let you down. That's all for now, I'm hanging up."

"Hold on, I'm not finished—"

Commissioner Sterling stared helplessly at the dead screen of his phone, shaking his head.

Kids these days. They just had zero patience for their elders' wisdom.

Standing nearby, Marcus Sommer had heard the entire exchange loud and clear.

"You have an excellent eye, Commissioner Sterling. Zoe is indeed a rare talent."

Now that Commissioner Sterling had entered the fray, Marcus was practically guaranteed a massive payout from someone. The real question was, who would end up paying him?

Marcus shook his head. Ms. Lynd was undeniably a once-in-a-century genius, and the nation was placing incredible value on her. Shrewd political players like Commissioner Sterling were itching to snatch her up.

Ultimately, it all came down to who Zoe would choose.

But—Marcus suspected that with Commander Thorne breathing down her neck 24/7, the man wasn't about to let her go without a bloodbath.

Heh—

Things were about to get incredibly entertaining.

A thought suddenly crossed Marcus's mind, and he dialed Timothy's number.

"Director Yates, just a heads-up. Commissioner Sterling is actively trying to set Harvey up with Ms. Lynd. Your path forward just got a lot steeper. Don't say I never help you out—the intel stops here. The rest is up to you."