?<strong>Chapter 368:</strong>


    The burden of everyone’s survival rested squarely on Adrian’s shoulders as he grappled with severe injuries and a throbbing headache. “Mr. Miller?”


    Struggling to maintain his posture, Adrian responded decisively, “Prioritize Michael’s rescue. I’ll handle everything else.”


    The tension was palpable; everyone present understood Adrian’s decision to put Michael first, yet no one dared to challenge it. Michael turned noticeably paler, concerned about the predicament Adrian was in.


    “Adrian,” Michael’s hands were soaked with blood. “Give it to him.”


    “Absolutely not!”


    The heart could save Lacey’s life; Adrian and Michael had secured it through immense danger.


    “Michael, just hold on. I’ve contacted Can to send help. They’ll arrive in about thirty minutes.”


    Even though Michael tried to smile, the continuous bleeding that the medics struggled to stop with gauze painted a grim picture.


    “Even when help arrives, the fate of over a hundred lives will still depend on him,” Michael said, clutching Adrian’s hand. “I’ve done a secretpatibility test before. I’m a match for Lacey…”


    Adrian snapped, “Stop talking!”


    Michael shut his eyes from exhaustion. Then, looking at Adrian again, he insisted, “There’s no other choice…”


    Adrian, squatting before him, gazed in disbelief. Having previously lost Reba’s brother, Adrian now faced the potential loss of another friend.


    For a moment, Adrian’s mind nked in denial. Then, he abruptly seized Michael by the cor. “You’re not going to die! Lacey needs you. You must survive and lead a good life. Do you hear me?”


    Each word Adrian spoke was forced out between clenched teeth. Michael tried to nod in agreement, but his strength was fading.


    After a pause, Michael smiled weakly. “Adrian, you need to get back as well. Joelle and Aurora are waiting.”


    Michael’s eptance of his fate brought a tear to Adrian’s eye, highlighting his resolve to face death and leaving Adrian feeling utterly powerless. Adrian found himself torn, knowing he couldn’t disregard the lives at stake or fail to meet his promise to Joelle to return safely.


    “Michael,” he said, tightening his grip on Michael’s hand as if to transfer his will to survive. “Stay strong.”


    With that, Adrian stood, raising his arms high above his head. Exposed on the wide-open tarmac, he stood defenseless, targeted by every sniper. His sole focus was to safeguard his daughter without escting the crisis.


    The exchange went quickly, and Adrian immediately escorted Michael to the hospital with the medical team.


    Back at the hospital, Lacey received the news that she was scheduled for surgery. Overwhelmed with relief, Fiona eximed, “Lacey, Michael and Adrian are back!”


    Lacey sighed in relief. The days and nights haunted by visions of Michael in danger had taken their toll on her. “I need to know they’re safe before I can go into surgery!”


    Within twenty minutes, Adrian reached the hospital. As Michael was taken into the operating room, Adrian paused at the door to Lacey’s room.


    “Adrian! Where’s Michael?”


    Lacey surveyed Adrian from head to toe and noticed his injuries. It dawned on her that if Adrian was hurt, Michael must be in even worse shape.


    Adrian struggled to find the words, offering a smile that seemed sadder than tears. “Michael willeter, Lacey. You should go ahead with your surgery.”


    Lacey pushed away from Fiona’s supportive grip and stepped closer, locking eyes with Adrian. “Did something happen to Michael?”


    “No,” Adrian replied quickly, then looked away without meaning to. His avoidance was enough for Lacey to sense that all was not well.


    “Is he dead?” Her voice escted, tears brimming in her eyes.


    “No,” Adrian insisted again. He was determined that Lacey should proceed with her surgery first; he couldn’t let Michael’s efforts be for nothing.


    “Lacey, Michael has been injured too. He endured a lot for you. You need to have the surgery first, then when you wake up, Michael will be there, healthy and waiting for you.”


    Fiona coaxed Lacey back to the bed while the doctor arrived to conduct the final pre-surgery checks. Adrian watched solemnly as Lacey was wheeled into the operating room.


    Inside, a curtain divided Michael on one side from Lacey on the other. As the anesthetist prepared the injection, Lacey, still lucid, inquired, “May I know the name of the person giving me their heart? I’d like to remember them.” Per Adrian’s instructions, no one responded to her question.


    “Miss Hudson, please try to rx.”


    Unseen, Lacey reached out to draw back the curtain beside her. She first noticed short hair and realized it was a man. As her suspicions grew, she pulled the curtain wider.


    “Miss Hudson!”


    Lacey retracted her hand, having seen nothing definitive. The white curtain fluttered gently, and on the other side, Michael opened his eyes and turned just in time to catch a glimpse of Lacey’s profile for thest time.


    “I’ve admired you since we were young. You said being with you wouldn’t bring happiness, but now…”


    Michael’s lips quivered slightly, tears rolling down his cheeks as Lacey turned away.


    “Lacey, I am truly happy. We are finally together.”


    .


    .


    .