Chapter 362

Chapter 362

If left untreated, once the tumor continued to grow or ruptured, spreading internal bleeding, death would come easily.

After reading the report, Caroline's expression grew grave.

Before her own accident, she'd performed brain surgery. She understood Isaac's condition all too well.

After reading the report, only one thought remained in her mind—Isaac needed treatment immediately. "Grandfather, your condition is already very serious. We must arrange treatment as soon as possible."

"But doesn't surgery carry risks too? I've already lived this long. It's enough." Isaac himself was unconcerned, but Caroline grasped his hand. "Grandfather, Layla and Logan are still so young. Don't you want to see them grow up?"

"Great-grandpa!" Layla and Logan flanked Isaac on both sides. Isaac looked torn, then finally sighed. "Trying... wouldn't be impossible."

"Good. I'll tell my teacher about your situation first. If things move quickly, we'll arrange treatment right after New Year's."

With Isaac finally relenting, Caroline breathed a sigh of relief and immediately called Gabriel.

After she hung up, she turned to find Arthur watching her from nearby. She paused, then walked over to him. "What is it?"

"Thank you." Arthur spoke. Caroline froze, then shook her head. "Grandfather has helped me so much. I won't stand by and watch something happen to him."

During those isolated, friendless times when Tiffany made things difficult and relatives looked down on her, Isaac had been the one to silence those voices, firmly standing by her side, allowing her to endure.

Now that Isaac was sick, and she was a doctor, how could she possibly stand by and do nothing?

Perhaps all elderly people liked family reunions, and with Isaac's poor health on top of that, Caroline tried to accommodate whatever he wanted.

So this New Year became a celebration with both families together. Everyone crowded in, with Layla and Logan running around, making it extraordinarily lively.

For Caroline, this was also a rather novel experience. In the past, even during New Year's, Arthur was often tied up with various business matters, with hardly any time to come home.

Back then, before Heidi arrived, Arthur was constantly running around for work. She'd watched it all, only able to handle household matters as best she could so he wouldn't worry too much.

Unlike this time—Arthur not only stayed home the entire time, he even helped prepare New Year's goods.

Watching his attentive actions, Caroline felt momentarily dazed.

Arthur called her name twice without getting a response. He turned his head. "What are you thinking about?"

Caroline came back to herself. "I didn't expect you'd do these things."

"I offered to help you before, but you didn't let me." Arthur said.

Caroline suddenly remembered—Arthur really wasn't that kind of cold husband who completely ignored household matters. But she'd been mindful of how hard he worked, not wanting to tire him out, so she hadn't let him get involved in many things.

At the root of it, the problems in this relationship couldn't be blamed solely on Arthur.

She pushed down the bitterness in her heart. "You should spend more time with Grandfather when you can."

Isaac's condition was more serious than she'd thought. Even Gabriel, after seeing the results, couldn't give an ideal prognosis. He only promised to have Alton try his best, but still couldn't guarantee 100% success.

This New Year might very well be the last one they'd spend with Isaac.

Caroline understood this clearly, so she treasured this time deeply.

"No rush. Let's finish this first, then we'll go together." Arthur shook his head. Caroline didn't refuse.

Watching him skillfully pack everything away, they left together.

Blake was playing chess with Isaac. Their father had died early, and Blake had grown up mostly in an orphanage, often playing chess with the director. Over time, he'd developed decent skills.

Now facing Isaac, he played quite competently.

"Looks like they don't need us." Arthur turned to Caroline with a smile, but Caroline walked over on her own initiative. "Grandfather, I can play with you too."

She hadn't played chess in a while—the last time was with Gareth.

Not having seen him in some time, she wondered how Gareth was doing. With New Year's here, she thought she should visit in a few days.

"Wonderful! Caroline plays the best chess." Isaac nodded with a smile. At home, everyone was mindful of his status—no one dared play chess with him.

This time at Caroline's place, he could finally indulge.

"I'll join too, Grandfather." Arthur looked surprised, then also walked over.

So the three younger people took turns playing chess with Isaac, completely satisfying his chess craving. He played to his heart's content.

Only when Layla and Logan ran out shouting "Happy New Year!" did they realize it was already midnight—a new year had arrived.

Meeting each other's eyes, they all smiled simultaneously.

"Happy New Year!"

As the New Year's bells rang, Arthur's gaze lingered on Caroline.

Following her clear voice, he spoke as well. "Happy New Year."

Isaac was in good spirits. He pulled out gifts he'd prepared in advance and handed them out to everyone without exception.

After distributing the gifts, Isaac started feeling drowsy.

At his age, after playing chess for half the day, he inevitably ran out of energy. He went to his room early to sleep.

Layla and Logan were full of energy, but Caroline didn't let them stay up too late. When the time seemed right, she urged them back to their rooms.

After tidying up the messy living room, she looked up to find Arthur still there, staring straight at her. "In this new year, can you give me a chance?"

Meeting his gaze, Caroline's heart trembled. She turned her head away.

"I can wait—until the day you're willing." Seeing she didn't answer, Arthur wasn't upset. He still smiled gently at her, turned, and headed for the door. Before leaving, he looked back at her deeply. "Happy New Year, Caroline."

Caroline's whole body trembled.

Just as Arthur thought he wouldn't get a response, he heard a sound from behind him, quiet as a mosquito.

"Happy New Year."

He closed the door, the smile on his lips spreading involuntarily wider.

Caroline slept well for once, having pleasant dreams.

But before she could fully wake from those sweet dreams, an urgent ringtone jolted her awake.

She picked up her phone and saw it was Arthur calling. Her voice still carried traces of sleepiness.

"We don't need to get up this early on New Year's Day, do we?"

Before she'd even finished speaking, she heard Arthur's anxious voice on the other end.

"Grandfather's condition isn't good. Is your senior brother available?"