Chapter 33: Reconciliation

Living at my uncle's house meant getting up early every morning, and today was no exception.

These days, after getting up, I'd habitually play a few notes of "Flight of the Bumblebee" on the piano in my cousin's room, then head to help my aunt prepare breakfast.

Leaving my room, I made my way to the kitchen as usual.

Uncle was sitting in the living room reading the newspaper. Noticing me, he casually greeted, "Morning, Jenny."

"Good morning, Uncle," I said as I reached the kitchen, kissing my aunt on the cheek. "Good morning, Aunt."

"Morning," my aunt smiled. "You've been playing the piano these days. Got interested in music again?"

I helped my aunt arrange the salad she had made and shook my head. "No, I hope I haven't been bothering you."

"Of course not, Lisa and Clark moved out, and I'm glad to have some noise in the house."

"Heh, there's still Carl, right?"

"Carl's just too shy, doesn't like socializing. By the way, is he up yet?"

"I haven't seen him."

So, my aunt asked my uncle in the living room to wake up my little cousin Carl.

After a busy morning, the four of us gathered in the dining room to start breakfast.

As my aunt handed me a glass of milk, she asked my uncle, "Who called this early in the morning?"

"Jeanette Johnston, an important client, asked me to handle a case for her."

"I remember that woman," my aunt pondered. "Always felt something off about her."

"That's just women's intuition, I guess. I didn't notice anything."

My little cousin, who had been quietly eating, suddenly chimed in, "Dad, that means you're not normal either."

I burst out laughing.

My aunt playfully tapped on my cousin's head, "That's no way to talk about your dad."

Uncle just laughed, then turned to me, "Jenny, it's an interesting case. Come with me to see it later."

Being a Yale Law student soon to receive my Juris Doctor degree and confirmed for an internship at my uncle's firm, I nodded immediately, "Sure."

After breakfast, I changed into a light gray plaid women's suit and tied my hair into a ponytail. I said goodbye to my aunt and cousin and left Bel-Air with my uncle.

On the way, Uncle began to discuss the case: "Last night in Santa Monica, five youths beat up a boy coming off his night shift. Guess how it ended?"

Five against one, what could have happened?

I thought about it, worried that today I'd have to represent those jerks.

Noticing the change in my expression, Uncle said, "Jenny, you'll have a hard time being a good lawyer if that bothers you. But today, we're representing the boy who was attacked."

Relieved, I asked, "So, what happened?"

"Well," Uncle grinned, teasing a little before continuing, "all five youths ended up with broken legs, severe compound fractures, and one even lost seven teeth. The attacked boy only had minor injuries."

Worried for the boy, I was shocked by what my uncle said and blurted out, "Is he Bruce Lee or something?"

"Heh, we'll see when we get there."

At UCLA Medical Center in Santa Monica, I saw again the focused figure I'd noticed before on Venice Beach.

"Simon, this is George Norman, a brilliant lawyer. He'll definitely help us give those jerks what they deserve. Oh, George, this is Simon, Simon Westeros."

Simon Westeros.

I immediately remembered that name.

Uncle shook hands with the boy, then introduced me.

I approached gracefully, extending my hand, a bit shyly, "Hello, I'm Jennifer Raybould."

Simon smiled as he shook hands with the ponytailed girl, "Raybould, I know, it means rainbow, right?"

Jennifer Raybould nodded, surprised, "Yes."

Raybould is a variant of Rainbow.

I didn't expect him to know such obscure trivia, yet I didn't know the origin of 'Westeros'; it seemed I had to look it up later.

He clearly didn't remember me, making me feel a bit down.

Thinking this, I shook hands with Jeanette Johnston, suddenly remembering she was the woman who tried to steal money from his guitar case that day. They not only knew each other but were also close enough for her to stay by his side in the hospital.

After the pleasantries, George Norman sat by Simon's bedside with a notebook, asking more about the incident last night. I, too, sat earnestly next to my uncle with a notebook in hand.

Simon cooperated as much as possible.

After about half an hour, George Norman temporarily left to talk to the police handling

 the case.

Simon's hospital room was quiet for a moment until the door was knocked, and a tall, middle-aged man with rimless glasses entered.

"Mr. Westeros?" The man confirmed before handing over his business card, "I'm Derek Wheeler, lawyer for Mark Stein and others."

The smile on Jeanette's face disappeared upon hearing the introduction.

Simon, however, remained calm, "Hello, Mr. Wheeler."

Derek Wheeler ignored Jeanette's cold demeanor and didn't sit down, standing by Simon's bed with a hint of condescension, "Mr. Westeros, after speaking with my clients, I've found that you continued to inflict violence on them even after they were no longer able to resist, which constitutes a serious offense of assault. This could lead to prison time for you if taken to court. Plus, I understand you're a promising screenwriter who just signed a contract with Fox Studios; a public trial could ruin your career."

As Derek Wheeler finished, Jeanette sharply retorted, "Sir, if you're done threatening, you can leave now. We'll discuss your threats in court."

Derek Wheeler was taken aback, having only just begun his preliminary talk, and looked to Simon, hoping the boy would be more receptive.

Simon thought for a moment, then was about to speak when the door was knocked again, and George Norman and Jeanette returned.

Derek Wheeler, surprised to see George Norman, showed a trace of guilt.

George Norman, equally surprised, teased, "Derek, are we opponents again this time?"

Derek Wheeler stiffened, replying after a moment, "George, this is unexpected. But, I'm merely representing my clients, hoping to resolve this peacefully. Your client, although attacked first, also engaged in excessive self-defense. So, my clients hope for a settlement."

Jeanette immediately said, "A settlement? Ha, that woman last night didn't say that; they wanted to pursue it to the end, and I was ready to accompany them."

After explaining, Derek Wheeler looked back at Simon.

Ultimately, it all depended on the boy before him.

Simon lowered his gaze, silent for a moment, then said to Derek Wheeler, "500,000 dollars, I want to see the check by noon, and then this matter ends. Otherwise, I'll sue them for attempted murder."

The room went silent at Simon's words.

Jeanette was the first to react, rushing over and pinching Simon's face, annoyed, "Little rascal, are you blinded by money? We don't want their money; we want those jerks in jail."

George Norman was equally surprised but remained silent.

Jennifer Raybould looked at the boy on the bed, disappointment evident in her expression.

Simon ignored everyone's reactions and turned to George Norman, "Mr. Norman, can I actually sue them for attempted murder?"

George Norman paused, then nodded, "Of course."

Derek Wheeler, hearing Simon's demand, struggled with his expression.

He had hoped to negotiate a no-fault settlement for his clients, but the boy's demand for 500,000 dollars was no small amount. Yet, it was within the capacity of another client of his.

That client now hoped for a swift resolution.

Moreover, if Simon began suing Mark Stein and others for attempted murder, those youths would not willingly accept such a serious charge, potentially implicating that client as well.

The situation could escalate significantly.

After hesitating, Derek Wheeler smiled, nodding, "Alright, Mr. Westeros, I will relay your request to my clients."

With that, Derek Wheeler excused himself and left Simon's hospital room.

The atmosphere in the room became tense.

George Norman, unprepared for such a turn, looked at Jeanette, who sat turned away from Simon in a huff, and said, "Miss Johnston, we'll take our leave for now. If needed, we'll come back at noon."

Jeanette remained silent.

Simon thanked George Norman for coming, "Thank you for coming, Mr. Norman."

"It's my job," George Norman nodded, pulling his niece along as they left Simon's room.

The room fell completely silent. Simon waited patiently, but with Jeanette still silent, he tried to lighten the mood, "Jenny, want to hear a joke?"

...

"How about I sing you a song?"

...

"I'm planning to produce a movie soon; want to make a cameo?"

...

After trying to cheer her up with no success, Simon gave up.

Around noon, after resting for a few hours, Catherine came back to the hospital. Jeanette, who hadn't spoken to Simon for over an hour, immediately began complaining, accusing Simon of being a money-grubbing wretch.

Before Catherine could ask more, Derek Wheeler returned, indeed bringing a check for 500,000 dollars and a settlement agreement.

Although displeased with Simon's actions, Jeanette still called George Norman back. However, only George Norman arrived this time.

George Norman carefully reviewed the settlement

 agreement brought by Derek Wheeler and found no issues, allowing Simon to sign his name.

After Derek Wheeler left, Jeanette casually tossed the check to Simon, sarcastically remarking, "Well, you're a millionaire now, happy?"

Simon didn't respond, examining the check quietly before handing it to the woman sitting next to him, "Catherine, find a charity and donate this."

Catherine, taken aback, took the check, "Hm?"

As Simon spoke, Jeanette, who had been leaning against the foot of the bed, turned around.

George Norman, about to leave, paused.

Simon looked at Jeanette across the bed, smiling, "I can't take this money, or Jenny won't talk to me anymore."

Jeanette pouted, "Then why go through all this?"

Simon looked down, his thoughts seemingly delayed, speaking softly, "I just needed to confirm something."

Jeanette leaned forward, "Did you?"

"I did."

"What did you confirm?"

Simon looked up, his harmless smile tinged with a chilling detachment, "Just one more leg short."