Not long after, Theodore woke up from his fainting spell.

As soon as he opened his eyes, there sat Aldus, looking serious, right in front of him.

Before he could even express his surprise at Aldus waking up from his heart attack, Aldus greeted him with concern, "Do you know how dangerous your current condition is?"

Theodore fell silent, trying to remember the events leading up to his blackout and loss of consciousness.

With a heavy sigh, Aldus continued, “The doctors said that if we don't perform the surgery for your condition, I might be preparing your funeral soon."

Observing Aldus's haggard appearance and white hair, Theodore paused for a moment before finally nodding, “Alright, I'll do it."

As Aldus was surprised by his sudden consent, Theodore spoke up again.

“But my surgery has to be scheduled after Ariana's surgery. I want to see her through the procedure before I can rest assured."

Hearing this, Aldus let out another sigh. He was already aware of Ariana's situation and the difficult decision Theodore had to make between her and the unborn children.

Thinking of the unborn great-grandchildren, Aldus couldn't contain his sadness.

“Isn't there any way we can save your children?" he asked, a glimmer of hope in his eyes.

Theodore fell silent, memories of the moment he felt Ariana's belly, sending tremors through his heart. Though it pained him, he firmly responded, “I'm sorry, but Ariana means everything to me."

Observing Theodore’s unwavering resolve, Aldus comprehended the weight of his decision and chose not to press further. He understood, feeling empathy for Theodore’s predicament.

He spoke slowly.

"Alright, we'll do as you say. I won't disturb you during this time. However, Ariana's surgery date is the ultimatum. If you don't show up in the operating room, don't blame me for using force."

Theodore nodded in acknowledgment.

Meanwhile, in her hospital room, Ariana couldn't find peace.

Theodore hadn't visited, and Horace hadn't provided any updates either.

The restlessness gnawed at her.

As she waited, her anxiety grew, and she decided to go and check on Theodore's condition.