Our Love Story: Hard to Guard Against the Sudden Love Strike-Chapter 403 - 382: Simon Forrester Picks Her Up

As expected, the administrative and clerical tasks in the office, as well as the external liaison work with other departments within the ministry, were assigned to the deputy director; while the litigation work with the World Trade Organization and other trade dispute-related negotiations were assigned to Sienna Thornton.

This arrangement served to capitalize on the strengths of both directors; in terms of work, it also clearly delineated responsibilities, ensuring that the two directors kept out of each other’s way.

Such an arrangement naturally reduced a lot of trouble, but the pressure on Sienna Thornton would be immense.

Although the office provided her with a competent team, handling those time-consuming cases by herself, reviewing a massive amount of legal documents and English materials, and being ready to travel to Valois at a moment’s notice was understandably stressful and time-consuming, making it difficult for her to take long vacations in the future.

.

That evening, Director-General Linton hosted a dinner for all members of the "Second Division of WTO Law" at his own expense.

Sienna noticed that with the new work arrangement, the deputy director looked in better spirits, likely because his workload was indeed much lighter than Sienna’s.

The deputy director was nearing fifty in age, and Sienna inferred from observing his behavior and manner of speaking that his health wasn’t great.

High-intensity work naturally demanded a solid physical foundation. Sienna vaguely understood that Director-General Linton favored her, probably due to her youth.

Since the ministry’s offices were near Regent Street, and everyone wanted to have a few drinks in the evening, they all parked their cars in the ministry compound and walked directly to the restaurant across the mall, planning to take a cab home after drinking.

At the table, not only Director-General Linton but also other members of the division kept offering toasts to Sienna. Sienna had a fairly low tolerance for alcohol, and a few glasses of red wine could make her dizzy. Despite her best efforts to decline, she couldn’t escape everyone’s enthusiasm and ended up drinking about a bottle of red wine.

Sienna, trying to stay composed, sent Simon Forrester her location, asking him to pick her up at ten o’clock.

Even though it was quite a hassle to have Simon come out in the freezing weather, it was risky for a woman to take a cab after drinking, so if Simon couldn’t make it, she’d ask other friends to take her home.

Once Sienna sent the message, Simon replied immediately: "I’ll be right over."

Sienna checked the time; it was not yet nine o’clock, but she didn’t say much more, put away her phone in a daze, and had a few more drinks.

Later, it seemed like just ten minutes had passed when Simon called, saying he had arrived and asked which restaurant she was in.

With a flushed face, Sienna walked outside to check the private room’s nameplate and sent the name to Simon. But after sending it, she felt uneasy; what if Simon arrived and she couldn’t leave yet?

Simon Forrester couldn’t socialize with her division’s leaders and colleagues, but she couldn’t leave early while everyone was still dining and chatting.

While she was torn, Simon messaged again, saying he was in the private room next door and would come over whenever she needed or wanted to go home.

In the chilly spring night, in the alcohol-scented private room, Sienna’s heart suddenly felt warm and soft.

They continued drinking and dragging the event until almost eleven o’clock before ending.

Sienna followed the group out of the private room and was about to message Simon when the door of the room next door opened.

Simon seemed to have heard the commotion, knowing the gathering was over, and came out too.

Sienna glimpsed back at him while walking with the crowd.

He was dressed in a formal navy double-breasted suit, a white French shirt, a light blue silk tie, and his deep brown hair was naturally styled to one side. In the dim corridor lighting, he looked gentle, a slight smile on his lips, and gazed at her warmly...

Sienna closed her eyes and shook her head, then glanced again, noticing his outfit was the same as when he left this morning.

Sienna thought he must not have returned home; otherwise, he usually changed into casual clothes after coming home and wouldn’t wear a full formal suit again.

The large group headed toward the restaurant’s service counter, and Sienna walked along.

Director-General Linton was counting heads and asking the restaurant to help call cabs.

Sienna was about to say she had someone picking her up when she saw Simon, who had been behind them, was now standing aside, waiting.

A few young ladies in the division were quietly chatting about Simon: "Doesn’t that guy look like a celebrity?"

"His presence is even better than a celebrity, and he’s really tall."

"Look at the cut of that suit; it must be expensive..."

"And those shoes..."

Sienna stood aside, chuckled silently, and then turned to tell Director-General Linton she didn’t need a cab.

A while later, the waiter came over to say, all the cars were ready and they could go downstairs. The group then headed toward the elevators together.

Silently, Sienna moved toward Simon Forrester, heading in the opposite direction of the group.

After only a few steps, Simon came over to her, naturally taking her handbag and holding her hand, touching her flushed cheek with his other hand.

Just as they were about to speak, someone from the elevator called out, "Director Thornton, get in here!"

"Oh, coming." Sienna quickly pulled Simon toward the elevator.

Turning around, everyone noticed their tightly held hands and Simon carrying Sienna’s handbag, they understood something immediately.

The two squeezed into the elevator, the doors closed, and they descended.

Simon was one meter eighty-eight, and with shoes on he was one meter ninety, making him quite conspicuous in the crowded elevator.

Blushing, Sienna introduced to everyone, "This is my fiancé, Simon Forrester."

Director-General Linton extended a hand to Simon for a handshake.

Knowing well the background of this Mr. Forrester, he didn’t comment, but gave Simon and Sienna a thumbs-up, smiling, "I heard Director Thornton was getting married and wondered what her partner looked like; seeing now, they’re truly a perfect match, a talented man and a beautiful woman!"

Simon was equally polite, putting an arm around Sienna’s shoulders, telling everyone, "We’ll be having a wedding soon, and hope you can all celebrate with us."

Director-General Linton: "Of course, of course!"

By this time, the elevator had reached the first floor, and Simon, standing by the door, discreetly stepped aside, using his arm to hold the elevator door open until everyone else exited before guiding Sienna out, very gentlemanly.

In the lobby, while everyone waited for their vehicles, Simon and Sienna didn’t leave first but waited with the group.

During this, Simon held Sienna close, lightly sniffing near her cheek, quietly asking, "How much did you drink tonight?"

Sienna murmured, hesitating, "A bottle and a half?"

"Still this energetic? Your tolerance has improved?"

Sienna tiptoed to whisper with a cheeky laugh in his ear, "You’ll find out when we get home..."

Simon looked down at her.

Her cheeks were fully red, the color spreading down her neck to her collarbones; he could imagine how warm she must feel.