"I did." Aldus arrived, his gaze fixed on Theodore with a mix of concern and sternness. He reproached, "You've been reckless! I thought you had finally understood the gravity of the situation. And yet, for Ariana, you seem ready to risk your life. Are you aware your brain tumor has grown worse? Had it not been for Horace finding you unconscious and getting you here, the situation could've been catastrophic."

Theodore, aware of his fault, couldn't muster a response.

Aldus noticed his guilt and softened his tone.

"Ariana's an adult. She can take care of herself. Your health is what matters now. Remain in the hospital and prepare for the surgery. It's scheduled for next Monday."

The mention of surgery made Theodore furrow his brows in refusal.

"I won't agree to surgery."

Exasperated, Aldus shot back, “Can‘t you see the stakes here? Refusing the surgery could cost you your Life!"

Theodore's feelings boiled over.

"I've already said, I won't do it

"You ungrateful boy!" Aldus berated, pointing an accusing finger at Theodore. Suddenly, he clutched his chest, staggering backwards.

Panic surged through Theodore.

"Grandpa!"

The doctor quickly arrived and administered emergency treatment to Aldus. Once Aldus' condition was stabilized, the doctor had him taken to a hospital ward.

Theodore watched the scene with a complex expression; his eyebrows tightly knitted and his colorless Lips pressed together.

He was confused. Wasn‘t Aldus just pretending to be sick? How come he suddenly fell ill?

After examining Aldus, the doctor sighed and said hesitantly to Theodore, "Mr. Fredrick's health has not been good for the past few years. The previous times when he fell ill and asked you to come back, he wasn't faking it. He just didn't want you to worry, so he pretended he was faking it."

Hearing that, a whirlwind of emotions surged in Theodore's heart and his gaze deepened.

He had always thought that Aldus was faking his illness. But now, it turned out he was really ill, and there were hidden reasons behind his pretending that he wasn't.

Theodore hadn't spent much time with Aldus in his youth, but they were related by blood. He had a great affection for the old man who cared so much for him and he didn‘t want anything to happen to Aldus.

Seeing that Theodore took the information relatively well, the doctor continued, “During the last few years, Mr. Fredrick has spared no effort for your health. He has brought together the best practitioners from around the world to form a high-level medical team, and he also invested a lot of resources, all of this to make sure you're fully recovered before he passes away. He told us that if he doesn't see you're healthy, he won't rest in peace after he’s gone."