Chapter 203


    Candice made a beeline to the hospital, where Dr. Brooks and his colleagues were eagerly awaiting


    her arrival in the office.


    “You’re here,” Dr. Brooks eximed. “We need to discuss Mr. Sundance’s surgery with you in


    detail.”


    Candice braced herself for the worst, her expression stoic. “Go ahead, I’m ready to hear it.”


    “Here’s the situation. Our hospital runs a program focused on scientific research and education. The


    previously enrolled patient is no longer able to participate. After reviewing Mr. Sundance’s case, we


    believe his condition is a suitable match for our program. We would like to get your


    perspective on this.”


    “What exactly does this program entail?” Candice asked, puzzled.


    “The program involves filming the surgery for educational purposes,” Dr. Brooks exined. “Rest


    assured, we only record the operation area, ensuring the patient’s face and private areas are not


    captured. However, we require the consent of both the patient and their family.”


    The team of doctors fixed their eyes on Candice, anticipating her decision.


    She turned the information over in her mind slowly. “So this means my grandpa is eligible for


    the surgery?”


    Dr. Brooks nodded, adding. “The final decision hinges on the consent of the patient and their


    family. It’smon for people to be hesitant about filming the surgery. Many consider it bad luck.


    The previous patient backed out of the program for that very reason.”


    A glint of hope sparked in Candice’s eyes, but she quickly subdued it. “Could I have a word with


    the lead surgeon? Are there any additional requirements for the surgery?”


    “The lead surgeon is Dr. Sui. He’s here primarily for this program. The requirements for the patient


    remain unchanged. The process is identical to standard surgery, apart from the filming aspect.”


    After exiting the office, Candice headed straight for the restroom.


    She struggled to process the turn of events. Despite her numerous appeals to Chad, he had never


    consented to the operation on her grandfather, but now he had.


    Moreover, the fact that the surgery was recorded implied that the chief surgeon would exercise extra


    caution and precision in every step, which would increase the likelihood of a sessful


    oue.


    Candice’s hand stilled under the running water, deep in thought.


    +15 BONOS


    Sieg returned to his seat from the dance floor of Club Eden with a model in his arms.


    He cast an annoyed nce at a group engrossed in a dice game and questioned, “Has anyone


    contacted Lex? What’s taking him so long?”


    One of them answered nonchntly. “He might be stuck in traffic.”


    Sieg’s brow twitched with the response.


    Another person chimed in. “Lex has been swampedtely, hasn’t he? I heard from my dad that Candice


    resigned. Her departure must be hitting hispany hard.”


    Sieg dismissed the concern with a scoff, “Is Aether going to fall apart without her?”


    “Not necessarily, but Lex might not be in the best spirits these days,” the person replied.


    Unfazed, Sieg nted a kiss on the model’s cheek and was about to phone Alex when he spotted


    him across the club.


    Alex’s expression was cold. He looked calm and collected, a stark contrast to the chaotic


    backdrop of the club.


    Sensing Alex’s sour mood before he even reached them, Sieg released the model from his


    embrace. He casually whistled and asked, “What’s got you down?”


    Alex nced at him, his voice cool and collected, “Just handling some matters.”


    “Is it about the business?”


    Alex stayed silent.


    Sieg gave a light tut, probing further, “What’s going on?”


    Alex didn’t respond, instead signaling for a waiter to bring over a bottle of wine.


    As the wine was served, his phone rang with an iing call.


    Sieg had moved to the seat next to Alex, and nced at the caller ID. “You’re in close contact with


    N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    Greg?”


    With an unreadable expression, Alex took the call. Whatever Greg said made Alex’s brows furrow,


    then he rxed almost instantly.


    He lightly tapped the wine ss, speaking in a subdued tone. “Monitor the situation. Inform me


    when they arrive in Dorrington.”


    “Is Greging to Dorrington?” Sieg asked as soon as the call ended.


    “No,” Alex answered.


    “I thought you were tight with Greg’s family. Didn’t you recently visit his dad in Noxville?


    “He hasn’t retired yet,” was all Alex said.


    Sieg caught on immediately. He clinked his ss against Alex’s andmented, “Businessmen


    like you really go the extra mile for profit, huh?”


    Alex sipped his wine, not disputing Sieg’s observation. He shifted the topic and asked. “Have you heard


    about the newly formed Webrews Group?”


    “Webrews Group? Aren’t they coborating with Dream Search on an exhibition?” Sieg asked. “I’ve


    said before, they seem to scoop up whatever yourpany discards. Any staff that Aether Corporation


    lets go, Webrews Group is quick to hire. Like that guy, Francis Moreno – he’s now a manager there.”


    Although he was known for his affluent and carefree lifestyle, Sieg was well–connected and often privy


    to insider information, despite hisck of interest in business ventures.


    The gossip within their elite circle tended to be reliable.


    Alex kept hisposure as he conversed with Sieg briefly, then got ready to leave.


    As he stood, a man called out, “Mr. Elysian, is your uncle in Dorrington? Could I ask for a favor?”


    Alex momentarily halted.


    The man continued, “My aunt might need surgery, and I was hoping your uncle could be the lead


    surgeon. We can negotiate the terms.”


    Chad’s renown was widespread, and anyone who looked into his background was aware of his


    rtionship with Alex.


    “He’s at Silverstone Hospital currently.” Alex said. “You might want to consult him there.”


    The stranger didn’t insist further. It was difficult to secure an appointment with a specialist like Chad,


    and it was obvious that the man had intended to use Alex’s leverage for easier ess.


    As Alex exited, Sieg apanied him into the warm summer evening. “Trouble with Sonia?” he asked


    casually.


    Alex appeared taken aback by the question, pausing before replying. “No.”


    +15 BONOS


    “Why haven’t I seen her around you recently?”


    Alex nced away. “Busy.”


    Sieg let out a knowing chuckle, teasing. “No matter how busy you get, don’t neglect her, or you’ll


    regret itter.”


    Sieg had always been friendly towards Sonia.


    Alex’s expression subtly shifted, but he chose not to respond.


    His phone buzzed, and Alex checked it, one eyebrow lifting slightly.