Chapter 865

After finishing their rounds, Lena and Nate sat down together, joined by the family of the pregnant woman. They carefully explained the risks and possible complications of the surgery, ultimately leaving the decision to the family. The family member immediately signed the consent form and said, “We trust you, Dr. Lane and Professor Neumann. As long as you do your best, the rest is up to fate.”

Their trust and composure reminded Lena of a previous case where both mother and child had died. The circumstances were similar, but the family’s attitude and understanding were vastly different. What no one realized was that such trust placed immense pressure and responsibility on them. The greater the trust, the greater the fear of making a mistake and disappointing the family.

“Professor Neumann, I know medicine isn’t a guarantee, but for this surgery, I hope you can…” Lena’s voice carried a formal tone mixed with a faint plea as she addressed Nate.

“I will give it my all and ensure everything goes smoothly,” Nate reassured her, adding, “I’ll need your cooperation during the surgery.”

“No problem,” Lena agreed firmly. “Anything you need before or during the procedure, I’ll do my best to assist.”

From then on, Lena not only handled her usual workload but also worked overtime to help Nate finalize the surgical plan.

When Aaron returned home that evening, it was already 11 p.m. The living room lights were still on. Entering the room, he saw Lena asleep on the couch. He knew her job wasn’t as simple as it appeared on the surface. Beyond the countless surgeries, she also managed departmental affairs. If it weren’t for her passion for the job, he would have asked the hospital director to transfer her to a less demanding position long ago.

Aaron didn’t wake her. Instead, he sat on the opposite couch, quietly observing her. Her hair was jet-black, her delicate features striking but not overly alluring. She exuded a natural purity. In her sleep, she looked soft and peaceful, stirring an uncontrollable protective instinct within him.

Though Lena appeared to be asleep, it was a light slumber. She had been waiting for him. Feeling his gaze, she stirred and opened her eyes, meeting Aaron’s deep, unreadable ones.

“You’re back, Uncle?” she murmured, her voice soft and drowsy.

“Hmm. Why are you sleeping here?” he asked, leaning back slightly.

“I was waiting for you,” she said, sitting up.

Aaron poured himself a glass of water from the table. “What’s the matter?”

“Uncle, I won’t be coming back home for the time being,” she explained. “I have a major surgery coming up. I will need to stay late at the hospital to prepare.”

His hand paused briefly before the sound of water pouring resumed. A moment later, his voice broke the silence. “Late nights, or are you planning to stay overnight?”

Suppressing a yawn, Lena replied, “Not overnight, just very late. I might not finish until midnight, or one or two in the morning.”

“When does this start?” he asked, gripping his glass.

“Tomorrow.”

“Alright, starting tomorrow, I’ll pick you up after work,” Aaron said casually, though his words made her sleepy eyes widen with surprise.

“Uncle, I meant I wouldn’t be coming home. You don’t need to pick me up,” she protested.

Aaron looked over at her. “If you want your parents to drag you back home, I’ll leave you be.”

Her argument fell flat. “But it’ll be late…and tiring for you.”

Ignoring her objection, he walked back to his room, glass in hand. Before closing the door, he called out, “Go to bed early.”