Chapter 45: Let Us Become In-Laws
Daniel might have avoided public appearances due to family reasons, so Bella had never seen him before. After receiving the test results, she felt a heavy weight on her heart. Daniel was in bad shape. Even though he was only 65 years old, his heart condition and kidney failure were serious and potentially fatal.
Bella shivered, remembering Leonard's words before treatment began. She couldn't help but think these prestigious families were incredibly complicated. After outlining the treatment plan, Bella discussed the options with Leonard. Cardiac surgery could be performed. When she brought up the possibility of death during surgery, her voice mumbled; she couldn't afford to offend them.
Leonard remained calm and composed throughout their discussion. "Trust your professional opinion on this. It's his fault; why couldn't he have waited until he reached the villa before falling ill?"
"He attempted to fly here, but he had an episode mid-flight over Hawaii, so we had no choice but to land and locate the nearest hospital. Fortunately, you're here! I feel more at ease with you leading the surgery."
Bella knew Daniel's condition was beyond his control. She placed the consent form in front of Leonard. "Here, take a look. If there are no problems, sign it. As mentioned earlier, there are inherent risks involved in the surgery"
He signed the form without hesitation. "I understand. If anything goes wrong, I won't blame you. Now, go and do your best."
Bella asked tentatively, "I'm pretty sure you're not biologically related to your father, right? Does he have any other close family members who could be a potential kidney donor? We need to find a suitable kidney donor as soon as possible; there's no time to waste."
Leonard remained impassive. "I know, but that's a minor issue. Please proceed with the surgery. Once we find a suitable donor, we can schedule the next operation. I'll get on it right away."
As soon as she entered the operating room, Bella pushed aside all other thoughts and focused solely on the surgery. As a surgeon, her hands had to remain steady. Although initially unnerved by the Sawyer family, she maintained her composure and performed the operation with precision.
Daniel's condition was complicated, and the surgery stretched on for more than seven hours. Several times, Daniel's vital signs were unstable, causing Bella concern. Thankfully, the operation was ultimately successful.
However, this was just the beginning. Daniel was admitted to the intensive care unit, and the worst would only be over after he regained consciousness.
Emerging from the operating room, her face was pale. It was only natural for her to feel faint without eating. Bella almost fainted in the restroom, realizing she might have low blood sugar. She felt lightheaded after standing for seven straight hours under intense pressure.
She steadied herself against the sink, waiting for her condition to improve. Looking in the mirror, she noticed her hair—damp with sweat—was sticking to her forehead, and her lips were pale. She looked utterly exhausted.
When she arrived at her office and was about to enter, she noticed Dominic standing beside her desk with a woman.
Bella pulled herself together and walked over. "The surgery was a success. Everything should be fine if he makes it through the critical period. Now, we just need to focus on finding a kidney donor—" Before she could finish her sentence, the woman gently held her hand. "You're the young lady the Mills adopted, aren't you? Thank you so much for saving my husband's life."
Bella was taken aback, realizing the woman was Leonard's mother, Diane Williams. Leonard bore a striking resemblance to his mother. Diane was stunningly beautiful, with barely any signs of aging; she looked no older than 30. She was everything Bella aspired to be.
Bella forced a smile. "It's the least I can do."
Diane turned to Dominic. "What do you think about our two families becoming in-laws, Dom? Your younger sister will be in good hands if she marries into our family!"