Under the Heiress' Facade
Chapter 138

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

Meanwhile, Hera finally saw Bernard in the operating room. As he lay on the table with his eyesclosed, Bernard's lips stood out as unusually crimson against his pale expression. His hand, wherethe IV drip was attached, bore bruises and needle marks.

Typically exuding an air of authority, Bernard now appeared fragile and weak. His brows remainedfurrowed despite being unconscious, hinting at a subtle restlessness beneath his closed eyelids, asif he were trapped in a nightmare.

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

"Got it," Johnson affirmed.

Despite his extensive surgical experience and the years since he last acted as an assistant in theoperating 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 witnessedsomeone seamlessly integrate acupuncture with modern medicine, let alone apply it in achallenging surgery.

As Hera, clad in a green surgical gown, stood at the operating table with her head bowed inconcentration, her movements were precise and steady.

…

Aaron paced anxiously in the hallway outside the operating room, his gaze frequently darting towardthe closed door. His brows were knitted tight with worry. Several doctors stood nearby, waiting withhim.

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

He was Liam Jach, a man in his 40s 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 asthe younger brother of the head of the Killian family, the doctors were concerned about the potentialrepercussions 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 wereall 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 intocharitable hands.

Moreover, external forces were keeping a keen eye on Astral Nova and internal conflicts within theorganization. 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?" Liamasked hesitantly, holding up the unsigned document.

While the consent form wasn't mandatory, given Bernard's unique status and critical condition, Liamfelt it prudent to have it signed to shield him from potential liabilities.

Aaron glanced at the form, then back at the doctors. He understood their concerns from theirexpressions. It was clear they still harbored doubts about Hera's medical abilities.

Aaron retorted, somewhat irritated by their lack of trust, "That won't be necessary. Mrs. Killian iscurrently inside the operating room!"

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