Chapter 192 The Turner Family Visits
"I'm not sick! Let go of me!"
Natasha struggled desperately, but the servants quickly overpowered her and dragged her back to her room.
The moment the door closed, Natasha's furious cursing erupted from inside, making John frown again.
He walked a few steps to Natasha's bedroom door and shouted sternly, "Natasha, quiet down, or I'll call the doctor immediately."
"I'm definitely telling Grandma about this, and she won't let you get away with it!"
Natasha's defiant yelling echoed from the room, but eventually, it quieted down.
John pinched his brow irritably, glanced at the stains on Serenity's clothes, and said, "Go change quickly. The Turner family could arrive any minute."
"Okay," Serenity obediently responded and went back to her room to change.
Noticing I was still nearby, John said, "Helena, I'm counting on you to keep an eye on Serenity today. If she misbehaves, I need you to handle it."
I hadn't seen Willow since arriving. Even with all the earlier commotion, she still hadn't appeared. Where could she be?
Before I could ask, footsteps echoed from downstairs. The butler hurried in and announced, "Mr. Lockwood, the Turner family has arrived. They're already at the front gate."
"Alright, got it."
After responding calmly, John called toward the door behind him, "Serenity, are you ready? The Turner family has arrived. It’s time to greet our guests."
"Ready, Dad."
The door behind her opened, and Serenity stepped out.
This time she had changed into a lake-green dress, elegant and perfectly suited to her style.
John looked her over, nodded in satisfaction, and said, "Let's go downstairs."
Henry had been waiting downstairs for a while. When he saw me, his eyes questioned silently. I shook my head slightly, signaling him not to ask.
Henry understood and said nothing, simply adding, "Let's go."
As we stepped out of the living room, we saw the Turner family being escorted inside by servants.
The moment he saw everyone, John's face lit up with a broad smile.
The Turner family clearly took this meeting seriously. They not only brought piles of gifts, but even Trevor Turner, the patriarch who rarely appeared in public, was present.
Behind him followed Oliver and Antony. Antony wore a shy smile, a stark contrast to Oliver's cold demeanor.
Antony’s honesty and sincerity were evident. If Serenity behaved, a marriage with him could be a genuinely good match.
"Welcome, welcome!"
John raised both hands in greeting and warmly shook hands with Trevor.
"Mr. Turner, your presence honors my humble home. Please, come in."
Trevor nodded slightly, his gaze falling on Serenity. He discreetly appraised Serenity a few times before saying, "Mr. Lockwood, you're too kind."
After speaking, he turned to Henry and said, "You must be Mr. Henry Lockwood?"
He then extended his hand to Henry and said, "You’re truly impressive for someone so young. I've heard about your company for quite some time—very impressive indeed."
"You're too kind."
Henry bowed slightly and extended his hand. After letting go, Trevor smiled and said, "You must be Helena. I've heard you're quite capable."
He then turned to Oliver and said, "Oliver."
Oliver approached respectfully, supporting Trevor’s arm, and said, "Grandfather."
Trevor nodded and said, "You and Helena are about the same age, and we'll be family from now on. You should observe and learn from her."
"Yes, Grandfather."
Oliver nodded slightly and said, "Helena and I are already working together. I hope we can continue our collaboration in the future."
Hearing this, Trevor asked in mild surprise, "So you already know each other?"
"Yes."
Trevor seemed pleased. "Good. Young people should interact more. But Oliver, don’t bully her just because Helena is a lady."
Trevor's words drew laughter. Amid it, Oliver's usually cold expression softened slightly. He glanced at me and said, "I won't. Helena is every bit as capable as any man—she’s very impressive."
"Oliver and Helena look well-matched. It’s a pity Helena already has a boyfriend."
John said this, then seemed to realize he'd misspoken and quickly covered, "Mr. Turner, Oliver, please come in."
Trevor entered the living room first, calm and composed. Once seated, he looked around with a puzzled expression. "If I remember correctly, Mr. Lockwood has another daughter. Why isn’t she here?"
The lineup today felt odd. Willow, the rightful lady of the house, wasn't present, nor was Natasha. Only Henry, Serenity, and I were here. Something felt slightly off.
John quickly explained, "My wife is unwell and at the hospital. Natasha went to take care of her, so she isn’t here either."
Hearing this, Trevor frowned slightly and said, "I heard your son has returned as well. Don't tell me he’s gone to the hospital too?"
"Yes, yes," John replied quickly. "I didn't make proper arrangements today. Please forgive me."
Trevor said nothing more. At his age, how could easily see through what was happening.
Serenity was John's illegitimate daughter, so her status in the family was naturally lower than Natasha's. But Trevor likely hadn’t expected the rest of the Lockwood family to disregard even basic courtesy—they hadn’t shown up at all.
He frowned slightly and looked up at Antony, who stood beside Serenity, holding her hand and gazing at her affectionately.
Seeing this, Trevor didn't bring up the subject again. Instead, he began discussing Serenity and Antony's wedding.
After some discussion, both families agreed to proceed directly with the wedding, setting the date for the 8th, three months from now.
The timeline was tight, but neither family objected, and the matter was quickly settled.
After seeing the Turner family off, John finally sank onto the sofa. He sighed in relief. "It’s finally settled. I can relax now."
He then looked at Serenity gently and said, "You’ve had a long day. Go upstairs and get some rest. While you're at it, tidy your room. You're an engaged now—see what you need, and I’ll have it arranged for you."
"Thank you, Dad."
After Serenity went upstairs, John couldn't help but complain, "Willow and Natasha have gone too far!"