Facade

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 he lay on the table with his eyes closed, Bernard’s lips stood out as unusually crimson against his pale expression His band, where the IV drip was attached, bore bruises and needle marks 

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 explained, 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 wast 

“Got it,” Johnson affirmed 

Despite his extensive surgical experience and the years since he last acted as an assistant in the operating theatre, Johnson felt no discomfort 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, clad 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 stodd nearby, waiting with him. 

“Captain Ludden, should we inform the Killians about Mr. Killian’s condition?” inquired one of the doctors. 

He was Liam fach, a man in his os with thick glasses 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. It 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 relative 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 p 

t prudent to have it signed to shield him from potential liabilities 

Aation glanced 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 

baton retorted, somewhat irritated by their lack of trust, “That won’t be necessary. Mrs, Killian is currently inside the operating room!” 

“M Mini Killan?” Lian stoffered, visibly taken aback, as were the other doctors.