Chapter 886

Performing heart surgery on a fetus—such a groundbreaking medical innovation—drew not only the hospital’s full attention but also the media’s. Aaron was there as well. When Lena saw him standing in the center alongside the hospital director, it finally dawned on her just how significant Aaron’s position was. But why? What exactly gave him this level of influence? She made a mental note to ask him about it once the surgery was over.

Lena was fully suited in surgical scrubs—deep blue isolation garments, a matching cap, and a face mask, leaving only her eyes visible. This focus on her eyes made their natural brilliance even more striking. “Good luck to all of you!” the director said as a final send-off before they entered the operating room.

Nate, the lead surgeon, looked just as prepared as Lena. Both nodded briefly at the director before heading to the surgical table, exchanging a few words as they began their work.

“Mr. Ace, you may not know, but this Nate and your niece grew up together. Childhood sweethearts, so to speak. Rumor has it they admired each other back in school, and now, having achieved their respective successes, they’ve come together. This whole project—bringing such a significant procedure to our hospital—is all for your family’s Lena,” the director said smugly, eager to highlight the hospital’s connection.

Aaron’s gaze stayed fixed on the two figures through the glass observation window. His voice was calm and cool. “Oh? I thought it was thanks to your efforts, Director Gray. I was just thinking of recommending you for a first-class merit award if this surgery succeeds.” The director’s smile froze, and he quickly stopped talking.

Inside the operating room, Lena and Nate exchanged a brief glance, signaling the start of the procedure. The team moved with methodical precision, each member focused on their role. Outside, the observers were tense, watching in complete silence. This surgery wasn’t just a medical milestone; it carried weighty significance. The pregnant woman’s grandfather was a high-ranking official in Seavora, though he had kept a low profile. Aaron had subtly informed the director of this fact earlier, heightening the stakes.

If the surgery succeeded, it would bring widespread acclaim to the hospital and everyone involved. But any misstep could lead to severe consequences—condemnation, and perhaps even the director’s removal.

The operation lasted over three hours, with not a single person leaving the observation room. During this time, Aaron witnessed a different side of Lena—focused, efficient, and unsmiling. She was a commander on the battlefield, decisive and sharp, worlds apart from her usual softness and playful charm. Seeing her like this, his heart ached. She was so young, yet here she was, standing at the operating table, wielding a scalpel, facing the harsh realities of blood and life. He remembered when she was a child, crying over the slightest scrape or nosebleed. Now, those small fears had transformed into courage, as her hands worked amidst blood to save lives. She had grown up. It was he who hadn’t grown—still seeing her as the little girl she used to be. It wasn’t until he learned she was dating someone that he realized how careless he had been.

After three and a half hours, the surgery was complete. The busy hands of Nate and Lena came to a stop, and the room fell into silence for a moment before the announcement came: “The surgery was a success. Total time: three hours, thirty-two minutes, and fifteen seconds.” A wave of cheers erupted both inside and outside the operating room.

Nate turned to Lena and opened his arms. It was a celebratory gesture, a hug shared by teammates who had just secured a victory. She didn’t refuse. To her, it was like athletes on the field celebrating a win—nothing more. But in the observation room, while most applauded and celebrated, Aaron stood silently with his hands in his pockets, his gaze cool and distant as he watched the two embrace.

“Congratulations, Professor Neumann! Congratulations, Dr. Lane! And thank you to all the medical staff for your hard work!”

When Nate and Lena exited the operating room, the director and other key personnel were the first to offer their congratulations. Nate nodded politely, his arm still casually resting on Lena’s shoulder as they stepped out.

Standing off to the side, Aaron’s expression remained unreadable, but his sharp gaze lingered on the scene, as if contemplating something deeper.