At that moment, Theodore felt a wave of guilt in his heart at hearing this, and his expression softened. However, he remained silent, unable to find the words to express his feelings.

The doctor watched Theodore carefully for a moment before continuing, “In recent years, Mr. Fredrick's research has been very fruitful and he has found competent surgeons. It was not until he was convinced that the operation had a good chance of succeeding that he allowed you to undergo it. The old man has already lost his daughter, and he cannot bear to face such a tragedy again."

Theodore had witnessed Aldus' grief after Aimee's death. The old man then cried so much it was heartbreaking. Theodore could therefore understand the old man's feelings very well.

The doctor was right, if Aldus lost another family, he might not be able to bear it.

Thinking of that, Theodore sighed deeply and asked, "What are the potential post-operative complications?”

The doctor hesitated for a moment but answered honestly, "Brain surgeries are the most complicated, and we can't guarantee that there won't be any post-operative complications. Also, your condition is unprecedented. So we have no medical history to take into account to speculate. The worst-case scenario would be limb or nerve function impairment, and milder complications could include partial memory loss."

Hearing this, Theodore fell silent for a moment.

These potential complications were outcomes he did not want to deal with. If the operation turned him into a cripple or made him forget about Ariana, then it would have been better for him to be dead.

Theodore gazed at Aldus lying on the bed for a while and then said slowly, "Let's postpone the surgery. We'll discuss everything once Grandpa wakes up."

The doctor could only sigh in response. Before leaving, he gave Theodore some advice.

"You'd better stay with Mr. Fredrick. The old man can't take another shock. You can wait here until he wakes up and spend some time with him. It will be good for his health."

Theodore nodded silently. After the doctor left, he called Horace.

Once the phone was connected, Theodore's cold voice rang out.

"I don't know where Ariana is now. Gather some people and find her."

Horace readily agreed. After hanging up, he immediately assembled a team and began organizing the search. Meanwhile, Theodore wanted to check if Ariana had tried to contact him, but he realized that his phone was not with him.

Theodore cast a look at Horace, who instantly got his meaning.

"I must have left it behind in the mad rush to the hospital," he reasoned, before darting out to retrieve the phone.

In no time, Horace was back, ensuring the phone was charged during his return.

Theodore unlocked the phone only to find an empty inbox: no message from Ariana. A mix of disappointment and concern washed over him.

However, he did notice several missed calls from an unknown number, all made late in the night.