Our Love Story: Hard to Guard Against the Sudden Love Strike-Chapter 200 - 198: Meeting the Parents

On the other end of the phone, Old Master Forrester’s voice boomed: "Thornton, tomorrow is Jules’ birthday. I’m planning to celebrate it at the old house. Why don’t you and Jules come together?"

Sienna Thornton perked up as she sat up straight, replying earnestly, "Chairman Forrester, it might not be appropriate for me to attend, as it’s a family gathering."

She played dumb, pretending Old Master Forrester was unaware of her relationship with Simon Forrester.

Old Master Forrester laughed heartily on the phone: "The senior management of the Forresters will be there, including Jules’ father and your legal department director! Your boss will be there, aren’t you going to meet him?"

Hearing that the Forresters’ higher-ups were invited, Sienna had no way to refuse and agreed.

Handing the phone back to Simon, Sienna belatedly realized, "Why didn’t you tell me tomorrow’s your birthday?"

"I forgot myself."

"How could you forget that?"

"I’ve been really busy at the firm recently, I honestly forgot."

Sienna muttered, "Alright then," and then said, "Your grandfather invited me to your birthday celebration at your place tomorrow."

Simon chuckled: "Yeah, Grandpa and Dad are very happy with your work performance. They probably want to take this chance to chat with you. Don’t be too nervous, just treat it like meeting the bosses."

Saying this, he reached out to hold Sienna’s hand.

Sienna’s initially serious expression softened quite a bit as Simon spoke.

Since they agreed to keep their relationship secret for now, she wasn’t worried Simon would say anything reckless. It should be fine to go and play it by ear.

The car drove into the garage, and Simon held Sienna’s hand as they entered the elevator.

Sienna suddenly realized she hadn’t prepared a gift for Simon. She thought about asking what he needed recently but decided to secretly observe and prepare something herself. That kind of gift would be more meaningful.

That evening, they agreed Sienna would leave work and head to the old Forrester residence with the other senior managers. Simon would come from the design firm.

Since she was attending in a subordinate capacity and heading over right after work, Sienna chose an outfit that appeared ordinary but had intricately crafted details.

A black fitted waist-cinched blazer adorned with a three-centimeter-wide openwork belt crafted from white and gold threads, giving the impression of a delicate belt that highlighted her slender waist with the contrasting colors of gold and black.

Paired with a matching high-waisted knee-length skirt, which accentuated her already perfect lower body proportions, making her calves appear sleek, long, and straight.

When Simon came in to change clothes and saw her dressed all in black, he frowned: "It’s my birthday today. Not only did you not wear red, but you’re dressed in all black."

After observing carefully, he amended, "But you look very beautiful, your figure is amazing."

He was never stingy with compliments, praising her beauty every morning in the dressing room, which always put her in a cheerful mood.

Sienna, in good spirits, walked over and took the tie from his hand, helping him tie it.

When the beautiful bow tie was done, she suddenly gave the tie a gentle tug, and he leaned down in response.

She held his tie in one hand and placed the other on his chest, standing on tiptoe to peck his lips lightly: "Happy birthday."

-

They left together, took the elevator down, and then each got into their respective cars, heading in opposite directions.

In the afternoon post-work hours, Steven Chapman approached Sienna, asking if she’d be drinking that evening. Sienna declined, so he said he’d be drinking and wouldn’t drive, asking to hitch a ride with her to the Forrester’s old home.

Sienna had no reason to refuse, so she agreed. Upon reaching the parking lot, she found out that not only Steven but also Mr. Chase, another executive in charge of production and technology, wanted to accompany them.

The two executives discussed work matters along the way. When the recent resolved export cases by the legal department were mentioned, Mr. Chase praised Steven Chapman profusely for his leadership and competence, noting how much money he saved the Forresters...

The two middle-aged men flattered each other, occasionally exchanging irrelevant words with Sienna, seeming to regard her as a mere department manager not worth much conversation.

In some ways, the Forresters’ hierarchical atmosphere wasn’t much different from that of Vantage. The battlefield where men and women fought side by side felt like victories could only be attributed to the male leaders, with women playing minor roles.

Like recently, when Sienna solved issues Steven couldn’t, saving the Forresters a lot of money. Yet, people instinctively believed her achievements were practically due to Steven’s guidance.

The workplace and society, they’re too unfair for women...

"You have arrived at your destination, you have arrived at your destination..." The GPS announced their arrival.

Sienna pulled her mind back to reality, glancing around.

A courtyard with gray walls, red tiles, and a golden gate, covered with golden ginkgo leaves at its entrance.

"This is it, Mr. Thornton, just park the car to the side," Steven Chapman reminded.

"Okay." Sienna parked the car by the gate, grabbed her bag, and followed Steven and Mr. Chase into the courtyard.

The moment she stepped through the golden nanmu wood gate, Sienna was struck by the sight.

The Forrester’s courtyard house had an outer courtyard for parking, steps leading to the outer rooms, a large middle courtyard with rock gardens, flowers, and birds; various doorways trimmed in gold, green or red; several individuals who seemed like servants wandered inside, carrying various items towards the inner courtyard.

A scene of opulence greeted the eye, possibly due to Simon’s birthday, red lanterns festooned under eaves added to the celebratory ambiance.

This was the epitome of a prosperous Qing-era dwelling.

Sienna found herself awash in sights, as if transported through time, feeling a momentary disorientation.

Steven and Mr. Chase had walked ahead, seeming to enter the inner courtyard, and Sienna quickly caught up, following them through another gold-trimmed door into a tastefully decorated entrance hall.

The hall had several adults and children sitting inside. Just as Sienna was trying to take in the people present, Simon Forrester, dressed in a formal double-breasted suit, emerged from another doorway, shaking hands with Steven and Mr. Chase: "Welcome, welcome."

While shaking hands, his eyes were on her. She offered him a smile.

After greeting Mr. Chapman and Mr. Chase, Simon approached and invited Sienna: "Come, Mr. Thornton, have a seat inside. Chairman Forrester and Mr. Forrester are in the inner hall."

"Sure." She smiled at him and walked with him into the inner hall.

He secretly grasped her hand, whispering, "My parents are inside, don’t be nervous."

She pressed her lips together, nodding slightly.

The inner hall was dimmer. English-style brown leather sofas formed a "口" shape, with Old Master Forrester at the head. On his right were Bianca Fordham and her husband, while on his left were Zane Forrester and a very youthful, elegant middle-aged woman. She was with Zane, holding hands.

This woman should be Simon Forrester’s mother.

Sienna quietly observed her.

At that moment, Old Master Forrester suddenly called out to her: "Thornton, you’re here? Come, come, sit across from me with Jules!"