Chapter 337

"Wait, are you serious? Isabella's safe?"

Holden could barely believe it. This was incredible news. If Isabella was back, then maybe Daniel would pull through.

Before he could ask more, Renee, who had come with him, also heard the news. Her voice was thick with emotion.

"Atticus, is it true? Isabella's really back and safe?"

Renee, sitting in her wheelchair, couldn't hold back her tears. Isabella had gone to the hospital for her, and Daniel had found out because of a call she accidentally made to Aaron. It was all her fault.

"If I hadn't been careless and let Daniel overhear Aaron, he wouldn't be in this mess."

Staring at the surgery room, Renee's tears flowed even more. In her darkest moment, Isabella had saved her life and taken her in. Daniel treated her like his own granddaughter. But in one day, she had caused harm to both of them. How could she ever forgive herself?

Renee's face was pale with tension, clearly showing her fear. Holden sighed and tried to comfort her.

"Renee, you're overthinking it. No one blames you for this. Daniel isn't just anyone. If he suspects something, he'll find out no matter what. So, don't beat yourself up too much."

Besides, no one could have predicted Isabella's kidnapping. If anyone was to blame, it was Holden and the other uncles for not being careful enough. Their security measures weren't up to par. Renee didn't need to take all the blame on herself.

Meanwhile, Isabella hurried over after hanging up the phone. After finding out the location, she rushed to the surgery room. She joined Atticus and the others.

After two anxious hours, the surgery room door finally opened. Sean, the doctor who operated on Daniel, came out first and approached Atticus and the others, letting out a shallow sigh.

"Today's surgery was a lucky save for Daniel, but his body has reached its limit. Whether he wakes up now depends on his will to survive."

After all, this was his third surgery this year. Daniel was over eighty, and his body couldn't take much more. Each surgery further drained his physical strength. No one could guarantee his post-surgery condition. Moreover, Daniel was already in recovery when he suddenly fell ill, which was a disaster in itself.

The doctor's words plunged everyone's spirits into the depths. Isabella's eyes immediately reddened, and tears began to fall uncontrollably. No, Grandpa wouldn't leave her like this. It was all her fault. If she hadn't insisted on going out, Bianca wouldn't have targeted her. If she had stayed with her grandpa at the Wilson Family home, none of this would have happened. She had caused this to her grandpa.

Daniel needed to be monitored post-surgery and was sent to the ICU. Standing by the transparent window, Atticus's eyes were dark. After a long while, he turned to Holden and instructed, "Call the others and have them come back."

Everyone knew exactly who Atticus meant.

Isabella panicked. Was Atticus calling the other uncles back to prepare for Grandpa's funeral?

"No! Uncle Atticus, Grandpa's gonna be fine. Sean said the surgery went well. He'll wake up!"

Isabella couldn't accept it. She grabbed Atticus's sleeve, as if stopping him would somehow bring her grandpa back.

Atticus understood what she was thinking. As the eldest son, he felt the same way, but reality was reality, and no one could predict it. He took a deep breath, holding Isabella's hand tightly and gently patting it.

"Don't overthink it. Your grandpa's condition isn't good, and it's just me and Holden here. We need the others to help."

Even though she knew Atticus was trying to comfort her, Isabella couldn't argue. Only endless regret weighed on her heart.

After receiving the call, her uncles returned as quickly as possible.

Three days later, Daniel was moved from the ICU to a private room. The day Daniel woke up, Isabella was the happiest of all.

On the hospital bed, Daniel looked pale and even more gaunt, needing a breathing machine to take each breath. As his five sons gathered around him, Daniel anxiously searched for Isabella. When he finally saw her, he relaxed and let out a long breath.

"Isabella."

Daniel called out weakly.

"Grandpa!"

Isabella rushed to his side, carefully holding his hand. "I'm back. My friend saved me. I'm fine, and the baby is healthy."

She still held onto the greatest hope in her heart. If her grandpa knew she was safe and the baby was fine, maybe he would look forward to the baby's arrival and find the will to survive.

Hearing this, a faint light flickered in Daniel's eyes. As Sean had said, his body was extremely weak, but he still wanted to remove the breathing mask. Seeing his intention, Isabella helped him take it off.

Without the breathing machine, Daniel's breathing became labored. But even so, he insisted on giving Isabella his final instructions.

"Isabella, Grandpa can't stay with you anymore."

Daniel's voice was hoarse and weak, but the worry and love in it were unmistakable.

"But I can't bear to let you be alone, Isabella."

Isabella bit her lip, shaking her head vigorously. She didn't want this. Without Grandpa, she didn't know how to go on.

Daniel squeezed her hand and smiled at her. "Don't be afraid, Isabella. You're the bravest, right? I just had a long dream. Your mother and grandmother were in it. I think they came to get me."

"But I can't leave you until I see you safe at home."

Saying this, Daniel took a breath and looked at his five sons around him, his eyes filled with relief.

"I'm not worried about you. I know you all have your own ideas, careers, and abilities. But Isabella is different. When I'm gone, you need to help her more."

Daniel's words, like a final will, made his sons' hearts ache.