Chapter 247: Chapter 245: Heart Transplant

"Heart failure."

Hayes Hughes let out a long breath and turned to his mentor. "Professor, Grandfather is too old for another heart transplant. You should know that better than I do."

"Besides, the recipient and donor need to have a compatible blood type, and their height, weight, and heart size must match."

"Don’t tell me you’ve chosen Mia Grant."

Mr. Garrison sighed, a reaction that confirmed Hayes Hughes’s suspicion.

"It’s been three months since we started looking for a suitable donor for the old man. Last month, we found one and were preparing for the transplant, but something suddenly went wrong on the donor’s end."

"Who?"

"Isaac Sinclair."

Hearing this, Simon Adler frowned. "Yuri Sinclair’s... brother?"

Meaning, Carla Sinclair and Mia Grant’s uncle.

"Yes."

Mr. Garrison nodded. "His age was suitable, but unfortunately, he suddenly disappeared last month."

"Based on genetic screening, we believe his family members could also be potential donors."

"But he’s unmarried and has no children. His older brother, Yuri Sinclair, is already in his fifties. For one, his age makes the procedure difficult. For another... his status and position are also inconvenient."

"Originally, the old man decided to target Yuri Sinclair’s daughter, Carla Sinclair. But quite coincidentally, last week, the old man gave Rhodes two hair samples."

Simon Adler finally put the pieces together.

"So, the old man thinks targeting Carla Sinclair is too risky, but Mia Grant is also a Sinclair, though the Sinclair family hasn’t discovered her existence yet. In comparison, she’s a very suitable donor."

"That’s right." Mr. Garrison continued, "Actually, choosing Mia Grant carries a greater risk. We’re still in the deliberation phase, seeing if we can find someone more suitable."

"We also tried to advise the old man that Mia Grant’s heart isn’t the best match. She’s young and has no illnesses, but the difference in body size is an unstable factor. Unfortunately, the old man doesn’t have much time left. You’ve probably noticed that yourselves, especially these past two days."

Hayes Hughes spun around abruptly, the report in his hand falling to the floor. His chest heaved. "But Professor, a heart transplant requires the donor to be brain-dead, and Mia Grant is a living, breathing person!"

"Of course I know that!" Mr. Garrison retorted. "That’s why I’ve been stalling! Do you think I want to violate my principles? It’s the old man who wants her dead! It’s her bad luck! If I hadn’t been dragging my feet, according to the old man’s wishes, she would have been dead here this morning!"

"Making a move tonight was the old man’s idea."

"On one hand, it’s because his body really can’t hold on any longer."

"On the other hand, the old man noticed that Carla Sinclair and Mia Grant have been in contact with an unusual frequency, especially since they’re together tonight. He’s worried the Sinclair Family will discover Mia Grant’s identity, so..."

Taking a deep breath, Mr. Garrison looked at his favorite student. "Hayes, I’m more relieved than you are. Relieved that you showed up so timely tonight."

"Some things are beyond our control."

"During this time, I also thought about getting this information to you. But unfortunately, the old man was watching me very closely."

"I know Mr. Adler has met my daughter. But my daughter truly knows nothing about this. I don’t want my family to be dragged into it."

—

Downstairs, Yates Donovan was idly fiddling with his phone.

Kian Keller also had his eyes closed in rest. If not for the Buddha Beads shifting in his palm, one would have thought he was asleep.

In contrast, Carla Sinclair, who was usually composed, seemed rather agitated.

Half an hour had passed.

Carla Sinclair stood up.

As she rose, the two men across from her were caught off guard, their gazes following her.

They watched as she walked straight toward the elevator without a word.

But she was quickly stopped by Silas Grant’s men.

"Get Silas Grant down here. Otherwise, move."

The man opposite her didn’t budge. "Miss Sinclair, Mr. Grant is busy. He may not have time to see you tonight. You can go home for now and come back another day."

With both sides refusing to budge, Yates Donovan smiled, enjoying the show.

Seeing the standoff, he finally spoke up, unhurried. "CEO Sinclair, why don’t you come back and sit down? Instead of arguing with them, you’d be better off saving your energy to slap Silas Grant later."

"Oh, right. And that Adler bastard, too."

"One slap for Silas Grant, two slaps for Hayes Hughes, and for Simon Adler... the full Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms."

"Hayes Hughes?" Carla Sinclair turned back. "He’s involved in this too?"

"No idea." Yates Donovan shrugged, speaking frankly. "I just don’t like the look of him."

"..."

The lobby fell silent for a moment. Mr. Payne gave an awkward smile. Only his young master would joke so recklessly in such a serious situation.

’He seems so carefree.’

Suddenly, his gaze shifted, and he saw Simon Adler appear at the top of the stairs.

"Mr. Adler!"

The shout successfully drew everyone’s attention.

Simon Adler descended the stairs.

Kian Keller’s dark eyes opened, narrowing slowly as he sized up the figure.

Unnoticed by the others, the man’s fingers, which had been moving over his bracelet, stopped and lifted slightly.

Aaron received the signal and strode forward immediately.

Simon Adler was still lost in thought.

He had deliberately taken the stairs instead of the elevator to give himself time to think.

His pace was slow, and he paid no attention to his surroundings.

By the time he noticed Aaron approaching, it was too late.

The first punch landed squarely on his face, the second followed immediately to his abdomen, breaking a rib with its force.

Before the third punch could land, Lee rushed over and blocked it.

Simon spat, cursed at Aaron in Cantonese, and quickly helped the fallen Simon Adler to his feet.

Aaron looked down at the young girl with a baby face standing before him and frowned.

She had taken a fighting stance, looking like she wanted to trade a few blows with him.

It wasn’t that he looked down on her; he just really didn’t want to fight a little girl.

"Alright, alright." Yates Donovan spoke up at the right moment, sauntering out to play the peacemaker. "Come on, it’s not like he did anything wrong. What’s the use in hitting him?"

"Kian Keller, I’m not trying to criticize you, but after all these years, you’re still so impulsive. You should figure things out before you start throwing punches."

"..." Kian Keller’s gaze shifted to his face, a look in his eyes that could kill a thousand times over.

Mr. Payne coughed lightly and discreetly moved to block the terrifying gaze.

’Still, it has to be said, his young master really was asking for a beating.’

’Acting as if he wasn’t the one who just mentioned the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms.’

Yates Donovan went forward and helped Simon support Simon Adler, sighing as he brushed the dust off his clothes. "Oh dear, are you alright?"

"That brute has no idea how to pull his punches."

As he spoke, he pressed down hard with his hands.

Simon Adler’s brow tightened, and he sucked in a sharp breath of cold air. He glanced sideways at him.

The latter met his gaze openly, offering a pure and harmless smile. "What’s wrong? Are you uncomfortable somewhere? How about I go upstairs and get a doctor to check you out?" 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

"..."