Chapter 9 Of Hearts and Intentions

The operating theatre was a hive of activity, the tension palpable. The bright overhead lights cast a stark glow on the surgical table where Mia's mother lay, her chest carefully opened to reveal the beating heart that had sustained her thus far.

Dr. Marcus Hayward, the country's top heart surgeon, stood at the helm. He was a man in his late forties, calm and meticulous, with sharp eyes that scrutinized every detail. Beside him, Dr. Adriel Reyes, the hospital owner and Alexander's best friend, monitored the procedure closely, ready to step in if needed.

"Scalpel," Dr. Hayward commanded, his voice steady despite the high stakes.

A nurse quickly handed him the instrument.

"This donor heart is in excellent condition," Dr. Hayward said, his focus never wavering as he made the first incision. "It's a miracle we found a match so quickly."

Adriel smirked under his mask. "Not a miracle-Alexander Wolfe."

Dr. Hayward chuckled lightly. "I should've known. That man has a way of making the impossible happen."

Another surgeon interjected, "It wasn't just money this time. The donor's family needed a lot of persuasion. I heard Alexander personally spoke to them."

Adriel raised a brow. "Personally? He must care about the patient's family more than he's letting on."

The room fell silent for a moment, save for the rhythmic beeping of the monitors.

"Focus," Dr. Hayward said firmly. "Let's not ruin the miracle he orchestrated. Suction."

As the nurses worked seamlessly to clear the area, Dr. Hayward began to remove the failing heart. "Prepare the donor heart for implantation. Adriel, keep an eye on the vitals. I need this to go perfectly."

Adriel nodded, his gaze flicking to the monitors. "BP is stable. Oxygen levels are good. She's holding on."

Dr. Hayward glanced at his assistant. "Stitch the coronary artery junctions with precision. We can't afford even the slightest leak."

The assistant nodded, his hands steady as he worked under Dr. Hayward's guidance.

"She's strong," one of the nurses murmured. "Most patients don't maintain such stable vitals during such a critical procedure."

Adriel, watching the numbers, muttered, "Strong bloodline, maybe." His thoughts briefly wandered to Mia, her resilience evident even in their brief encounter.

After what felt like hours, Dr. Hayward leaned back, exhaling deeply. "The heart is in place. Let's restart it."

The room went silent as the defibrillator paddles were charged. "Clear," Dr. Hayward said, delivering the first shock.

Nothing.

"Again," he ordered.

The second shock elicited a faint, hesitant rhythm. The beeping of the heart monitor filled the room, soft at first, then strong and steady.

"She's stable," Adriel confirmed, relief evident in his voice.

Dr. Hayward nodded, his shoulders relaxing. "We did it. Close her up and move her to the ICU."

The team erupted in quiet applause, the tension finally giving way to relief and accomplishment.

Outside the Operating Theatre

Mia paced nervously, her hands wringing as she waited for news. When the double doors finally swung open, she rushed forward, her heart pounding.

Adriel stepped out first, his sharp eyes immediately drawn to her. He noted the worry etched on her face, the way her hands trembled as she clasped them together. Ethan was a fool to let her go, he thought. She's a rare gem.

"How is she?" Mia asked, her voice breaking.

Before Adriel could answer, Dr. Hayward joined him. "The surgery was a success," he said with a reassuring smile. "Your mother is stable and is been moved to the ICU for observation."

Mia's knees buckled with relief, and she sank to the ground, tears streaming down her face. "Thank you. Thank you so much," she whispered, her voice trembling.

Adriel quickly helped her up, his grip firm yet gentle. "We're not the ones you should be thanking," he said, his tone laced with meaning.

Mia stilled, her mind racing. Of course-Alexander. She swallowed hard, dread creeping in as she remembered the promise she had made to him. She nodded slowly. "When can I see her?"

Dr. Hayward replied, "She'll need some time to recover, but you'll be able to see her briefly tomorrow morning."

Mia watched as they dispersed, her gaze following the nurses wheeling her mother's bed toward the ICU. A newfound determination burned in her chest. She vowed silently, "I'll get my inheritance back. Ethan will pay for everything he's done."

Later That Evening

The hospital's corridors were quiet, the day's chaos giving way to the stillness of the night. Mia sat on a chair in the hallway, her head resting against the wall. Exhaustion finally overtook her, and she dozed off.

She stirred groggily when she felt herself being lifted. Her eyes fluttered open, and she gasped when she realized she was in Alexander's arms.

"What are you doing?" she exclaimed, her cheeks burning as heat rushed to her face. The usual harshness was

Alexander smirked, his grip unwavering. "You fell asleep in the hallway. I'm taking you somewhere more comfortable."

"Put me down!" she requested; her voice low but audible enough for him to hear, squirming in his arms.

He raised a brow. "Why so polite all of a sudden?"

She bit her lip, her face flushing deeper. "Because... because you saved my mother."

Alexander's lips twitched, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Don't get used to it. I only helped you because I intend to use you."

His words cut deep, and Mia's gratitude quickly morphed into anger. She glared at him, her voice trembling with suppressed fury. "Put me down. I can walk."

"Oh?" he challenged, his tone mocking.

She struggled harder, and with a sigh, he finally set her down.

As she straightened her clothes, he studied her for a moment before saying, "I'm going out for dinner. Care to join me?"

"I'm not hungry," she snapped, crossing her arms. "Why bother showing concern if I'm only just a tool?" She thought to herself.

At that exact moment, her stomach betrayed her, growling loudly.

Alexander chuckled, his deep voice sending shivers down her spine. "Not hungry, huh?"

Mia's face turned crimson as she stammered, "That was... I-"

He smirked, leaning in slightly. "You're terrible at lying. Come on, I wouldn't want my pawn to starve."

Still flustered, Mia followed him reluctantly, her mind spinning with thoughts of what he truly intended for her.