I Forgot I Ever Loved You (Zoe and Hayden) novel Chapter 98

Ms. Winters probably just needs to ask you a quick question, so don't flatter yourself into thinking she actually values you. Remember your place, don't overstep, or I'll—"

Zoe's fingers dug into the edge of her desk. Valerie sensed a weird tension in the room, and there was a faint, rustling noise coming from under Zoe's desk.

Noticing Valerie's gaze drifting downward, Zoe sharply kicked her stiletto under the desk. She hadn't heard a single word of Valerie's arrogant lecture.

She was completely terrified that Valerie would discover the secret hiding beneath her desk. She would never live down the humiliation.

"Got it. I have to finish this report. Five minutes... no, three minutes, and I'll head right over to her office."

Zoe's attitude was flawlessly professional.

Faced with the exact same compliant smile Zoe used to give her in the past, Valerie couldn't find an excuse to pick a fight.

She stomped her foot in frustration and stormed out.

Zoe finally exhaled. She felt a pair of hands grasp her knees, and a second later, she was pulled directly into someone's lap.

"Zoe, this is my company, and you make me hide under a desk?"

Hayden, who was over six-foot-two, had been forcefully crammed underneath, nearly breaking every bone in his body.

The moment Valerie left, Zoe was practically strangled by his grip.

The back of his left hand was bright red and swollen.

This woman had stomped on his hand with her stiletto and didn't even realize it.

If she had waited a few more seconds, Hayden would have flipped the desk entirely.

"Mr. Thorne, it's highly inappropriate if someone sees you in my office."

She was just a lowly secretary; what right did she have?

More importantly, the man had brought ointment.

He insisted on applying it for her and demanded she try on the new lingerie right then and there.

She wanted to kick him out the second he suggested it.

"You weren't afraid of looking inappropriate when you were out hiring male strippers at a club."

Sienna was lounging on a red velvet sofa, elegantly sipping a cup of coffee.

Soft jazz floated through the room.

Dressed in a bright, custom-tailored designer suit, she looked every bit the polished corporate elite.

In stark contrast, Zoe's beige sweater and simple slacks looked far too casual.

She hadn't planned on coming into the office today anyway. When Sienna saw her, a mocking smirk tugged at her lips.

As expected from a fallen heiress. She was nothing but trash now.

"Sit. Let's chat."

Sienna didn't even bother looking up, keeping her eyes glued to a fashion magazine.

Zoe didn't stand on ceremony. She sat down, keeping her posture perfectly straight.

"Perfect. I have something to discuss with you, too. My wealth manager informed me that over the years, I've transferred forty million dollars to your account. I'm just wondering if you plan on paying it back yourself, or if we need to get lawyers involved."