?Chapter 1138:


    Elena replied, “The transfusion itself went smoothly, but I can’t guarantee how long his new heart willst.”


    Lines of worry deepened on Tinsley’s face. “Are you saying my father’s heart might not be as strong as we hoped?”


    A lump caught in Dewayne’s throat as he watched Elena, worry flickering across his face. Had she discovered something?


    Narrowing her gaze, Elena asked, “Tell me, where exactly did His Majesty’s new hearte from?”


    Heart transnts required the rarestpatibility, far more difficult than other organ transnts. Even though the King’s new heart looked strong on the outside, Elena had already sensed something dangerously wrong beneath the surface.


    Dewayne’s eyes darted, and his reply came with practiced evasiveness. “It came from the organ donor registry, of course. A perfectly matched donor appeared at just the right time, so we used that heart.”


    Where those organs truly originated was another matter entirely—one Dewayne had no intention of revealing.


    Not wanting Elena to dig deeper, Dewayne shifted the topic. “You imed the transfusion would bring improvement. Could it be that you misdiagnosed His Majesty’s condition?”


    Across the room, Tinsley watched Elena closely. Though she kept silent, the uncertainty in her eyes spoke volumes.


    Without betraying any emotion, Elena answered, “Within twelve hours, His Majesty will regain consciousness.”


    A breath of relief slipped from Tinsley. “Thank you, Healer. If my father recovers, you’ll have our eternal gratitude—and a reward to match.”


    Brushing off Tinsley’s remarks, Elena lifted her hand. “Hold off on thanks. His Majesty’s new heart remains the real threat. Even if he wakes, there’s little hope he’ll survive another three months.”


    All traces of relief vanished from Tinsley’s face, and dread began to build. Her tone brooked no argument as she turned sharply to Dewayne. “Dr. Nguyen, tell me the truth about my father’s new heart.”


    A storm cloud settled over Dewayne’s features. Certain facts simply could not be revealed. “Your Highness, you have my word—the heart is in excellent condition. If you still have doubts, ask the Duke of ckwood yourself.”


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    Tinsley’s brow creased, almost imperceptibly. Since her father’s copse, the Duke of ckwood had gained unprecedented power in Yoswye. Even she, as princess, was forced to tread carefully around him.


    After weighing her options, Tinsley finally spoke. “Very well. Then let’s call the Duke of ckwood over.”


    This answer drew a surprised frown from Dewayne. He hadn’t expected Tinsley to demand the Duke of ckwood’s presence. But as long as the Duke of ckwood was around, he saw no cause for rm.


    Summoned by the butler, the Duke of ckwood appeared in the doorway just a few momentster—tall andmanding, his presence immediately noticeable.


    Dewayne rushed forward, nearly tripping over himself in his eagerness. “Forgive me for interrupting, Your Grace. I didn’t mean to disturb your rest, but the Healer ims there’s aplication with His Majesty’s new heart. I felt it best to keep you informed.”


    The Duke of ckwood slowly lifted his head and shifted his gaze to the Healer, interest dancing in his striking green eyes. The corners of his mouth twitched in a subtle, meaningful smile.


    Deference crept into Tinsley’s voice when she addressed the Duke of ckwood. “Your Grace, you signed the paperwork for my father’s heart transnt. Was there anything unusual about the donor heart?”


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