I Forgot I Ever Loved You (Zoe and Hayden) novel Chapter 363

The contract dispute between Sterling and Easton quickly went to trial.

Suppressing her overwhelming anxiety, Sienna arrived early.

Julian, Megan, and Mrs. Winters were already there.

Hayden arrived a bit later.

"Don't take it to heart, Sienna. Even if the deal falls through, they owe hundreds of millions in penalties. Besides, investments are inherently risky. They might look glorious now, but what if the project tanks?"

Megan knew nothing about business, but the mention of hundreds of millions made her eyes gleam with greed.

Julian swallowed hard. "She's right. Cash in hand is what matters. Hundreds of millions is a massive sum. A risk-free payout is a guaranteed win."

Julian only said this because he felt incredibly guilty.

If he hadn't blatantly provoked Zoe and Garrett that day, Sterling wouldn't have terminated the contract with Easton in the first place.

Comforted by their words, Sienna's anxiety began to settle.

"I'm fine."

Despite her words, it still stung deeply.

When Hayden arrived, she immediately took the seat beside him.

The Winters family tactfully moved to the back rows, giving the couple space to be intimate.

As the time approached, only Mr. Marcus showed up to represent Sterling.

Hayden tapped his index finger against his armrest, his gaze locked unblinkingly on the empty seats at the defendant's table.

Sienna was also stunned.

It was time. Where was Garrett?

Was he seriously a no-show?

Mr. Marcus adjusted his glasses and addressed the judge.

"My client was unavailable today. This case will be fully represented by Sterling's Vice President, Victor Valerius."

Megan didn't understand the legal jargon and leaned over to whisper to Julian.

"What does that mean?"

Julian was dumbfounded. The CEO of Sterling Group had some serious nerve, not even bothering to show up.

Hayden scoffed, massaging his temples to suppress his raging fury as he glared daggers at Mr. Marcus.

"Garrett is quite busy, and even Director Lynd couldn't find the time to attend?"

As Sterling's lead counsel, Marcus had seen it all.

"The weather in Miami is quite nice. Especially this time of year."

Hayden's baffling comment made Mr. Marcus freeze, causing his decades of sharp legal wit to completely short-circuit.

Sienna’s expression was unreadable.

The courtroom fell into a tense stalemate. Mrs. Winters shifted uneasily in her seat, entirely confused about what was happening.

"I happen to have a few free days as well. Let's postpone the trial until after they return from vacation."

Hayden gave his lawyers a few brief instructions, then turned on his heel and strode out, bringing Sienna with him.

The Winters family exchanged bewildered looks. Since Hayden and Sienna had left, there was no point in them staying either.

Mr. Marcus stood completely dumbfounded.

In all his years of practicing law, was this the first time he had encountered a top-tier corporate bully acting like a petty child?

Easton's attorney, Justice Jordan, stood up to submit the formal request to the judge.

Mr. Marcus tried to reboot his brain, leaving the courtroom in an absolute daze.

The CEO of Easton Group was completely out of his mind.