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Chapter 160: Chapter 160: Quite the Good Fortune

Lynn Winslow wasn’t just worried; she was angry and filled with guilt. She was angry at her grandfather’s stubbornness and felt guilty for not doing enough to care for him as his granddaughter.

Her distress made Ian Sterling uneasy as well, so he sped up on the way back to Aerie Garden.

Spencer Sterling was in the living room talking with Nina Norton and Sophia Shaw. They weren’t surprised to see them return, as they had clearly already heard the news.

Nina Norton rose and came over, taking Lynn Winslow’s hand. ”I just spoke with the doctor,” she said comfortingly. ”It’s nothing serious, so don’t worry.”

It wasn’t the kind of illness that could be cured by a skilled doctor alone; it mainly required careful attention to diet. Besides, with the Winslow family’s standing, they would have no trouble finding a good doctor, so Nina Norton and Spencer Sterling hadn’t offered to help make any connections.

Ian Sterling said, ”We’re planning to bring Elder Winslow to Quartos. It’ll be easier for us to look after him here.”

Spencer Sterling wholeheartedly agreed, as did Nina Norton. Seeing Lynn Winslow’s red eyelids, Nina’s heart ached for her. ”Don’t cry,” she said softly. ”Look, your eyes are already swollen. Crying more won’t make you any prettier, and it will definitely upset Elder Winslow even more when he sees you.”

Lynn Winslow’s eyes were definitely irritated. She was about to rub them when Ian Sterling gently stopped her hand.

”Don’t. The more you rub them, the worse they’ll feel. I’ll get you a cold compress. Just sit down.”

Without waiting to ask the butler, Ian Sterling had already gone to the first-floor restroom and returned a moment later with a cool, damp towel.

Ian Sterling guided Lynn Winslow to the sofa and had her sit down, telling her not to move. He then went upstairs to pack some things they would need. ’It was better if no one else touched Lynn’s belongings.’

After he finished packing, Ian Sterling noticed he had a missed call from his father’s secretary.

He called back. The secretary informed him that the flight plan had been approved and asked when they wanted to depart.

Ian Sterling said, ”I’ll get back to you in a moment.”

He hung up and went downstairs. He saw that Lynn Winslow’s mood had improved considerably; she was chatting with Nina Norton and Sophia Shaw, with Spencer Sterling occasionally chiming in.

”The flight plan is approved. We can leave whenever we’re ready.”

Lynn Winslow took off the towel, glanced at the time, and said, ”Let’s go now. It’s still more than a ten-hour flight.”

Ian Sterling nodded and instructed the butler to have the suitcases put in the car. The chauffeur would drive them, swinging by the Powell family’s residence to pick up Mr. Powell and Cecilia Powell.

Nina Norton offered a few words of advice but didn’t delay them, watching until they were gone.

Spencer Sterling stood beside her and remarked faintly, ”Finn used to be so restless, but he’s really settled down now.”

”Yes, he’s much more mature now, and so much more considerate,” Nina Norton remarked with a sigh.

The car stopped outside the Powell residence. Their butler was already wheeling a suitcase over with Mr. Powell following behind. Cecilia Powell was beside him, trying to offer her arm, only to be grumpily waved away.

Ian Sterling told Lynn Winslow to stay in the car. He got out himself to help Mr. Powell in, then offered his arm to help Cecilia Powell board as well.

”Thank you.”

The plane taxied to a stop at the Quartos airport, where the airport’s deputy general manager had come to meet them personally. Upon seeing Ian Sterling, he smiled. ”I was just on the phone with your father. Your parents were singing your praises, saying how responsible and dutiful you’ve become.”

When Mr. Powell disembarked, the deputy general manager’s attention shifted from Ian Sterling. He stepped forward in surprise. ”Mr. Powell, it’s been so many years! What brings you here?”

”I’m off to Morelia with my granddaughter and my future grandson-in-law.”

Only then did the deputy general manager notice the girl standing with Mr. Powell. She was beautiful and elegant. He was constantly dealing with the young heirs and heiresses of Quartos, but Ian Sterling had been the only one to truly impress him. Now, it seemed, there was another—and she was Ian Sterling’s girlfriend.

The deputy general manager looked at Ian Sterling, his tone full of envy. ”You’re a lucky man, kid.”

Ian Sterling smiled, pressing his lips together. The deputy general manager’s son was the same age as his own older brother and still hadn’t found a girlfriend.

”Let’s catch up when we get back, Uncle. We’re in a bit of a rush right now.”

The deputy general manager nodded. ”Go on, then. Your father invited me over for dinner tonight, but since you’re all leaving, I’ll just head home.”

——

When they arrived in Morelia, Joel Winslow, having been notified ahead of time, was there to meet them with a driver and a stretch Lincoln.

”Grandpa. Mom. Sis.” He greeted them one by one. When he saw Ian Sterling, he paused for a moment but still called out, ”Brother.”

Ian Sterling gave a quiet hum of acknowledgment, sizing Joel Winslow up with satisfaction. ’He didn’t call me brother-in-law, but his attitude is a lot better than before.’

’Guess getting injured wasn’t a total waste. At least it helped me get rid of one love rival on the sly.’

After they got in the car, Lynn Winslow was the first to ask, ”How’s Grandpa?”

Joel Winslow replied, ”It’s nothing serious. He’s just a little nervous now that he knows you’re back.”

Lynn Winslow’s brow furrowed in displeasure. Joel Winslow twisted open a bottle of water for Mr. Powell, then another for Lynn and Cecilia Powell. When he grabbed the next one, his hand hesitated for a second before he tossed it to Ian Sterling.

”Don’t be angry, Sis,” he urged cautiously, seeing her expression grow even colder. Lynn let out a breath. ’I’ve already figured out exactly what I’m going to say to Grandpa when I see him.’

Elder Winslow was fidgeting on the living room sofa. He looked at Wyatt Winslow, who was sitting across from him. ”I’m tired. I’m going to my room to sleep.”

Wyatt Winslow smiled faintly. ”Joel just sent a message. They’re about to arrive. You should probably wait here.”

”I’m an old man. Can’t I go to my room when I’m tired?”

”You can,” Wyatt said calmly. ”If you think Lynn won’t come looking for you in your room the moment she arrives, then I won’t stop you.” He added in a gentle tone, ”But I’d advise you to wait here. Otherwise, if Lynn sees you and thinks you still haven’t recognized your mistake, she might get even angrier.”

Elder Winslow sighed in frustration. ’My granddaughter is wonderful in every way, except when she gets into one of her moods. Then she doesn’t give a damn about anyone.’

He glared resentfully at Wyatt Winslow. ”I told you not to tell Lynn! Was it you or Joel who let it slip?”

Wyatt Winslow remained silent, a smile playing on his lips that seemed to say, ’It doesn’t matter who it was. You’re getting an earful today regardless.’

This made Elder Winslow feel even worse.

The car pulled right up to the villa’s entrance. Forgetting everything else, Lynn Winslow jumped out and ran inside.

Seeing her, Elder Winslow stood up apprehensively. He was just about to offer an excuse when Lynn rushed forward and threw her arms around him.

She choked out, ”You scared me to death!”

His most beloved granddaughter was crying, and Elder Winslow couldn’t hold back his own tears, sighing as they streamed down his face.

”I’m really fine. It’s just your father and your brother making a fuss over nothing.”

Lynn Winslow didn’t answer, her body trembling as she cried. Cecilia Powell and Ian Sterling entered, accompanying Mr. Powell, but Elder Winslow was so focused on comforting his granddaughter that he didn’t even notice them.

Wyatt Winslow was the first to see them. He stepped forward and greeted in a low voice, ”Dad, you came too.”

Mr. Powell nodded. Wyatt was about to call out to Elder Winslow, but Mr. Powell stopped him.

”Don’t,” Mr. Powell said. ”Lynn has been miserable this whole trip. Now that she sees her grandfather is all right, she needs a good cry. I’m afraid she’ll make herself sick if she holds it in.”

Ian Sterling, who had been silent until now, finally stepped forward. ”Sir,” he said softly.