I had already raised the ashtray when a commotion erupted outside the hospital room door. Mr. Lancaster Sr.'s voice boomed, full of vigor.
"If you try to stop me again, I'll have you fired! We'll see if Aether Studio listens to its boss or to me!"
In the next instant, the door was kicked open. "Zephyra, is that brat bullying you again? Grandpa's here to back you up... oh."
Mr. Lancaster Sr. froze, taking in the sight of me furiously brandishing an ashtray and then glancing at my intended target. After a second's pause, he turned to shove Ryan and Gordon, who had crowded in behind him, back out the door.
"Go on, get out! What are you looking at? Don't interrupt Zephyra while she's working."
Ryan: "???"
Gordon: "!!!"
Steven: "..."
He turned his head to look at me, his expression grim. "You even brought my grandfather."
I ground my teeth, angrily setting the ashtray down and shooting him a glare. "You should be thankful Grandpa saved you. Otherwise, I guarantee your head would be hurting a lot more right now."
I went out to meet Mr. Lancaster Sr., my face instantly cleared of anger and replaced with a sweet smile. "Grandpa, what are you doing here?"
Mr. Lancaster Sr. was sitting side-by-side with Ryan. He stood up, his white hair and kind face beaming with affection.
"I heard from that kid that you were back. He also mentioned that brat in there got a good thrashing last night, so I thought I'd come see. Then the Lopez boy here said you were at the hospital, so I had to hurry over."
"Did Steven bully you again? Was it a satisfying fight? Do you need me to help you land a few more hits?"
Ryan stood up too and gave me a wink. I hadn't intended to involve the elderly man, but seeing how he doted on me, my heart softened.
"That's not necessary, Grandpa. How have you been? How was your recovery from the last surgery?"
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