Chapter 138


    The doctors kept their doubts to themselves since Johnson, Bernard''s personal doctor, had


    decided.


    Meanwhile, Hera finally saw Bernard in the operating room. As hey on the table with his eyes


    closed, Bernard''s lips stood out as unusually crimson against his pale expression. His hand, where


    the IV drip was attached, bore bruises and needle marks.


    This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    Typically exuding an air of authority, Bernard now appeared fragile and weak. His brows remained


    furrowed despite being unconscious, hinting at a subtle restlessness beneath his closed eyelids, as


    if he were trapped in a nightmare.


    Hera observed his heart rate and blood pressure readings on the monitor. It appeared that his


    condition was more critical than she had anticipated.


    As she touched his forehead, Hera felt the heat. It was feverish enough to sear her heart.


    "The fever is a result of a wound infection. We''ve administered antibiotics and antipyretics, but their


    effect is minimal," Johnson exined, his tone tinged with concern.


    He feared the prolonged fever might affect Bernard''s brain before his leg.


    Hera gently smoothed Bernard''s furrowed brows, then swiftly opened the packet of silver needles.


    With precision and expertise, she inserted the needles into specific acupuncture points.


    Shortly after, Bernard''s agonized expression gradually eased.


    "Attach the oxygen tube and be careful around the needles. We''ll begin the surgery right away,"


    Hera instructed, removing the IV drip from Bernard''s hand to check his pulse at the wrist.


    "Got it," Johnson affirmed.


    Despite his extensive surgical experience and the years since hest acted as an assistant in the


    operating theatre, Johnson felt no difort at following Hera''s lead.


    On the contrary, he was quite impressed by her performance. It was the first time he had witnessed


    someone seamlessly integrate acupuncture with modern medicine, let alone apply it in a


    challenging surgery.


    As Hera, d in a green surgical gown, stood at the operating table with her head bowed in


    concentration, her movements were precise and steady.


    …


    Aaron paced anxiously in the hallway outside the operating room, his gaze frequently darting toward


    the closed door. His brows were knitted tight with worry. Several doctors stood nearby, waiting with


    him.


    "Captain Ludden, should we inform the Killians about Mr. Killian''s condition?" inquired one of the


    doctors.


    He was Liam Jach, a man in his 40s with thick sses and a bald head.


    Given Bernard''s former role as the captain of the special forces unit "Azure Wolf" and his status as


    the younger brother of the head of the Killian family, the doctors were concerned about the potential


    repercussions if anything were to happen to him during the surgery at their hospital.


    "That won''t be necessary," Aaron dismissed the suggestion firmly.


    "Bernard''s condition must remain confidential. No one should be informed."


    Aaron had some insight into Bernard''s situation within the Killian family. He knew the Killians were


    all coveting the shares Albert had left for Bernard. If news got out that Bernard was in critical


    condition, they would surely make a move to secure his shares, preventing them from falling into


    charitable hands.


    Moreover, external forces were keeping a keen eye on Astral Nova and internal conflicts within the


    organization. Any disclosure of Bernard''s condition would undoubtedly trigger a chain reaction.


    Therefore, keeping Bernard''s status strictly confidential was paramount.


    "Yes, sir!" the doctors replied solemnly.


    "But should we at least have a close rtive of Mr. Killian sign this surgical consent form?" Liam


    asked hesitantly, holding up the unsigned document.


    While the consent form wasn''t mandatory, given Bernard''s unique status and critical condition, Liam


    felt it prudent to have it signed to shield him from potential liabilities.


    Aaron nced at the form, then back at the doctors. He understood their concerns from their


    expressions. It was clear they still harbored doubts about Hera''s medical abilities.


    Aaron retorted, somewhat irritated by theirck of trust, "That won''t be necessary. Mrs. Killian is


    currently inside the operating room!"


    "M-Mrs. Killian?" Liam stuttered, visibly taken aback, as were the other doctors.