Our Love Story: Hard to Guard Against the Sudden Love Strike

Chapter 584 - 555: Journey to Los Angeles (Part 1)

(Additional Chapter for monthly votes 10)Jack Hawthorne quickly called back, saying there was a direct flight at noon that would reach Los Angeles in 12 hours. Simon Forrester hoped for an earlier option, but Jack explained that although there were early morning flights, they would require a layover in Azure Harbor, resulting in a later arrival than the noon flight.

Simon accepted the noon flight as the fastest option available.

While speaking with Jack on the phone, Sienna Thornton was by his side. Having spent so much time with him, she noticed he was less composed than when he first received the call.

After hanging up, she cautiously asked, "What did your father’s lawyer call about just now?"

Simon seemed reluctant to delve into details, claiming, "It’s just hearsay; we’ll have to wait until we’re in California to confirm," so Sienna didn’t press further and suggested instead, "We can head to the airport at ten. Let’s try to get some rest now since we haven’t slept much last night."

"Alright."

They returned to the bedroom and lay in bed but remained awake. Sienna sensed that the situation might be more severe, making Simon anxious.

She wanted to help by analyzing and comforting him, but not knowing the specifics made it impossible to offer much consolation beyond suggesting that every hard case has a solution.

Simon didn’t respond immediately, lying with his arms behind his head, staring into space for a while. Realizing she was also awake, he softly said, "If you don’t sleep now, be sure to rest on the plane later."

"Sure, I sleep well on planes, don’t worry."

He nodded and then, after a moment, asked, "Under California law, what’s the usual sentence for rape?"

"Three to eight years in prison; if the assault involves injuries, an additional two to six years..." She hesitated to mention that in cases with fatal outcomes, the death penalty could be imposed.

Simon fell silent after hearing this.

She dared not ask more and just held him, offering some comfort and strength.

.

After lying down for a while, Simon went to the study to handle some matters.

Zane Forrester had been arrested, leaving The Forresters overseas leaderless. Simon had to manage both the legal case and the business affairs abroad, a daunting task given the circumstances.

Sienna, concerned for him and unable to sleep, rested briefly before getting up to make breakfast and pack for their trip to California.

A little after eight, she called Director-General Linton to request leave, explaining that family issues required her and Simon’s immediate presence in the United States. He trusted and understood, promptly arranging the necessary approvals and sending them over.

Fortunately, it was near the New Year holiday. Otherwise, it was uncertain when she and Simon would return from the United States.

She also informed Quentin Thorne of her plans to accompany Simon abroad, mentioning they would spend the New Year there and that he and Hilary should treat themselves well, promising to dine together once they were back.

With everything settled, she checked on Simon in the study. He was still busy at his computer. She reminded him it was nearly time to leave, prompting him to shut down the computer but start a phone meeting, continuously giving instructions on their way.

...

They arrived in Los Angeles at nine in the morning. As soon as they left the airport, they were greeted by several well-dressed men who addressed Simon as "Young Mr. Ford."

Simon handed his luggage to one of them, and his usual pace, which matched Sienna’s, quickened considerably, forcing her to keep up.

With one arm around her waist and a file in his other hand, he silently reviewed the documents, maintaining silence until they all entered a stretched Lincoln limousine. He then asked sternly in Mandarin, "Has the victim regained consciousness?"

Sienna realized the victim was still comatose. She inhaled sharply, understanding the reason behind Simon’s ongoing silence and anxiety.

Everyone shook their heads.

Simon gritted his teeth and tossed the documents onto the car seat, staring out the window.

At that moment, time was of the essence. Sienna, not introduced to the group, directly asked, "Is there a lawyer for Mr. Forrester among you?"

They shook their heads, with someone explaining, "Chairman Forrester’s legal team is currently in the law firm’s meeting room strategizing, awaiting Young Mr. Ford’s decision."

Sienna asked, "What’s the situation?"

"The lawyer attempted a bail application yesterday afternoon, arguing that Chairman Forrester is needed to testify in another case. However, the prosecution insisted that as the only witness and current victim is still critically injured and in a coma, Chairman Forrester..."

The speaker trailed off, but Sienna understood the implications.

The case was more severe than anticipated.

The judge likely denied Zane Forrester’s bail due to the case’s gravity, the potential community risk posed by the crime method, and concern about flight risk. This indicated that if found guilty, Zane Forrester was likely facing a harsh sentence.

The car raced on, the oppressive silence pervading the cabin.

Sienna turned towards Simon, who continued to stare out the window, his jaw clenched tightly, teeth marks visible from pressing them together.

Sienna reached for his hand, and as soon as their skin touched, he clasped her hand back, his thumb gently stroking her hand’s skin, as if to reassure her—I’m okay.

The group soon arrived at a medium-sized law firm’s meeting room on Penfield Avenue, where Zane Forrester’s lawyers were gathered for a meeting.

Before entering, Simon paused, squeezed Sienna’s hand, and asked softly, "Are you too tired? Do you want to rest at the hotel first?"

Sienna shook her head, looking worried: "No, I had enough rest on the plane. The prosecution has 48 hours to file charges, and 24 have already passed. We need to review the arrest report to understand the case before forming a response."

Simon clenched his teeth, holding her hand, and pushed open the meeting room door.

Inside, every lawyer looked at them, puzzled.

Zane Forrester’s assistant recognized Simon first, hurriedly stepping forward for greetings. Simon dismissed the pleasantries, striding in with Sienna following.

He briefly introduced himself and then requested that until Zane Forrester’s case was resolved, any material related to the case should be available to Sienna.

Sienna showed her lawyer’s license. Soon, she obtained the police arrest report detailing the arrest reasons and witness information.