Chapter 449
In over two decades of life, Seraphina had never witnessed an actual surgery, except for the
dramatized versions on TV and movies where the operating room was a hive of tension. She had
heard, however, that in reality, the atmosphere in the OR was often surprisingly rxed, even filled with
lighthearted banter among the medical staff.
Yet as she donned her scrubs and entered the OR, she was met with a profound silence, punctuated
only by the sounds of surgical instruments.
The doctors were intensely focused on the task at hand, operating on Leandro, and only a couple of
nurses spared her a brief nce before swiftly returning their attention to their work.
Standing quietly at the perimeter of the sterile theater, Seraphina observed Leandro lying unconscious
on the table. Though under the heavy veil of anesthesia, his brow was still furrowed with tension. She
couldn’t fathom the pain and struggle his body was enduring, but she knew it had to be unbearable.
After all, hadn’t his life been a series of hardships?
Lost in thought, she found herself drawn closer to the operating table, standing right at the head where
Leandroy. One of the assisting surgeons suddenly looked up and locked eyes with her. “Mrs.
Reynolds,” he said, his toneced with a stern warning.
Seraphina knew what he meant. She had promised not to interfere with the surgery. So she simply
stood there, silently watching over Leandro, the man who often held her in his arms, refusing to sleep.
How could he willingly close his eyes in her presence unless he was utterly exhausted?
She believed that if he sensed her presence, he would somehow find the strength to open his eyes, no
matter what.
After a long moment of contemtion, she bent forward, kissing Leandro’s forehead through the mask.
The action drew a few nces from the medical team, but Seraphina held her position, unwavering.
And then, as if nothing had happened, the OR returned to its previous rhythm of quiet efficiency.
The surgerysted a grueling eight hours.
At four in the morning, Leandro was wheeled out of the OR and into the ICU. Seraphina followed
alongside his bed until they reached the doors of the intensive care unit.
The hallway was already crowded with concerned faces-Bruce and Keen, who had been there from the
start, Leandro’s friends who had arrivedter, and members of the Reynolds family along with several
executives from Reynolds Group who had turned up at some point.
Despite the surgery being tentatively sessful, the concern was palpable on everyone’s face as they
peered into the ICU at Leandro, his body a maze of tubes and wires, almost afraid to breathe too
loudly.
Seraphina was escorted by Andrea to change out of her scrubs and upon her return, the heavy air of
anxiety still hung over the group.
Herman, spotting her, paused before approaching. “You should get some rest,” he suggested gently.
Seraphina shook her head with a wan smile. “I’m fine. You all have been so busy, and it’ste… You
should get some rest.
At the sound of her voice, the others turned to look at her. Victor and Edgar offered words offort
just as Leonard stepped forward, his gaze heavy on Seraphina. “Come with me,” he said, heading
toward the elevators.
Andrea gripped her hand, shaking her head as if to warn her, but Seraphina reassured her with a pat,
then followed Leonard.
Silently, the members of the Reynolds family and the high-ranking executives from Reynolds Group
trailed behind.
Andrea watched as Seraphina was enveloped by the group, her brow furrowing in concern.
Herman, with an inkling of what was toe, followed at a distance.
Sure enough, Leonard confronted Seraphina about her decision to involve the police with Gloria’s
situation.
“What were you thinking?” he demanded. “Wasn’t thest incident enough? With Leandro in this state,
and his mother taken by the police, how do you think it looks for the Reynolds family? Do you have any
idea how this could affect the Reynolds Group?”
Seraphina had tired of these usations since the incident with Valerio, but she listened patiently
before responding. “What happens to the Reynolds family is not my concern, nor is the Reynolds
Group my responsibility. All I know is that if someonemits a crime, they should be held
ountable.” That’s Leandro’s mother! No matter the issue, it’s a family matter for the Reynolds
family!” Leonard retorted. “You grew up with the Reynolds family, you married Leandro, you are one of
us. Every action of yours should consider the family. If you can’t see that, why should the Reynolds
family ept you?”
“Mr. Leonard, Herman cut through the crowd, sidling up to Seraphina without waiting for her to speak.
He addressed Leonard firmly, “The case involving Gloria is a criminal assault, not a Reynolds family
affair. She has fully confessed to her involvement, and I assure you, the police will handle this matter
with absolute impartiality, without any special treatment.”
The murmur of the crowd surged as Gloria’s confession was mentioned, a mor of voices rising in a
cacophony of shock and spection. Seraphina listened quietly for a moment before finally speaking
up. “What you’re all so worried about is the effect this scandal will have on Reynolds Enterprises, right?
You me me, which means you me Leandro. Because any impact I have on thepany will
ultimately fall on Leandro’s shoulders, am I correct? Since Leandro’s out ofmission due to his
injuries, unable to attend to thepany’s affairs, this is your golden opportunity. Seize the chance to
wrest control from his hands, to take the reins for yourselves. As for who ultimately calls the shots at
Reynolds Enterprises, that’s down to your own skills and cunning, isn’t it?”
What are you insinuating?” Nte Reynolds, her temper ring, shoved Seraphina. “Leandro is still
fighting for his life, and you speak such words. What are you trying to say? That we all wish harm upon
Leandro?”
“Aunt Nte, perhaps you do hold some affection for Leandro, worrying over his fate,” Seraphina
said, her gaze sweeping over the assembled faces. “But how many here are itching to stir the pot,
seizing the opportunity? They know it, and so do you, don’t you?”
Nte was taken aback, momentarily at a loss for words.
So, there’s no need for any of you to stand here and criticize,” Seraphina continued. “The choices I’ve
made, I stand by them. And any responsibilities Leandro must bear, I’ll shoulder them too. Do as you
please. I only ask that you don’t disturb Leandro’s healing and recovery at the hospital. Go and do what
your hearts desire.”
With that speech, the crowd seemed even more indignant, their voices a babble of protest and
confusion.
Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.
Having said her piece, Seraphina didn’t wish to linger on the matter. She turned to a nurse, “Would you
mind asking these folks to leave? They’re causing quite a racket.”
The nurse, already on her way due to the noise, promptly intervened. “Ladies and gentlemen, this is a
hospital. The patients need peace. If you wish to stay, please be quiet. If you want to argue, take it
outside.”
Recognizing their social standing, the group quickly fell silent.
After exchanging nces, they filed into the elevator and departed in silence, leaving only Aunt
Celeste, Nte, Ferne, and two other younger rtives behind.
Witnessing Seraphina’s deft handling of the situation, Ferne called out to her just as she was about to
head back to the ICU, “Seraphina.”
Seraphina paused, turning back to face her.
After scrutinizing Seraphina, noticing her bloodshot eyes, Ferne let out a faintugh, “It seems you truly
care about my brother. But do you have any idea how important Reynolds Enterprises is to him? You
just casually handed over his control of thepany. Are you sure he’ll ept that?”
“I don’t care whether he epts it or not,” Seraphina replied. “He’ll have to ept my decisions.”
Ferne found the notionughable. “Do you really believe you’re more important to my brother than
Reynolds Enterprises?”
“Why should Ipare myself to Reynolds Enterprises?” Seraphina retorted. “I am far more important
than thepany, am I not?”
Ferne, unsure how to confront such self-assurance, could only snort in response.
“Besides, him being ousted from the decision-making at Reynolds Enterprises is what you wanted to
see, isn’t it?” Seraphina shot her a nce before
continuing.
Ferne’s expression shifted subtly as she watched Seraphina, “Why would I want that?”
“You know why, Seraphina said without borating further, then turned back to the ICU.
Ferne remained by the elevator, watching Seraphina’s retreating figure, eventually letting out a cold
laugh.
Back at the ICU door, Seraphina thanked everyone who hade to see Leandro. Although he was
still in critical care, the surgery had been sessful, and there was no longer a need for such a vigil.
She sent Victor and Edgar away first, then turned to Herman, “Please take Andrea home to rest.”
Herman nced at Andrea, then nodded slowly, “Alright.”
Andrea tugged at Seraphina’s hand, wanting to say more, but Seraphina reassured her, “I’m not
comfortable with you going alone at this hour. Don’t give
me extra worries.”
Andrea responded, “I don’t want you to overexert yourself. Rest when you need to, don’t push too
hard.”
“Don’t worry about me,” Seraphina said with a smile. ‘This is nothing. How could it possibly bring me
down?”
Reassured, Andrea nodded, cast a nce at Herman, and headed towards the elevator.
Herman turned and followed Andrea at a respectful distance, both leaving the floor together.