Every Mafia's Favorite Girl novel Chapter 165

Chapter 165: "Care About Him"

When Aren finally returned to the corridor outside the operating room, the number of men stationed there had nearly tripled.

Eduardo had arrived with Gian and Caio, each Don bringing a substantial number of subordinates with him.

Two long hours passed in anxious silence before the head surgeon finally emerged with his team.

Almost everyone waiting outside immediately rose and crowded toward the man, their faces taut with anticipation.

Eduardo was naturally the first to step forward and ask the question everyone else was desperate to hear.

"Doctor, how is my son’s condition?"

"The bullet entered his upper back, just below the shoulder, sir," the surgeon said, looking visibly relieved himself. "It damaged a major artery and caused severe blood loss, which sent his body into shock. Fortunately, we managed to repair the vessel and remove the bullet. He’s stable now and should wake up within thirty minutes to two hours, depending on the anesthesia."

Eduardo’s brow furrowed, his concern still evident.

"No complications, Doctor?"

"None at all, sir." The surgeon shook his head before a knowing smile crossed his face. "Although, knowing your son, he probably won’t enjoy having to wear a sling for the next several weeks. And I doubt he’ll be fond of the months of physical therapy that will follow."

The announcement sent a wave of relief through everyone gathered in the corridor.

The tension that had held everyone rigid for the past two hours finally began to ease, and several men exhaled as though they had only just remembered how to breathe.

Aren and Gian were among the most visibly affected.

The elderly Don clasped both of his daughter’s hands, a relieved smile finally easing the tension from his face.

"Thank God for protecting both my daughter and her savior!" he exclaimed. "I’d gladly give up ten years of my life for this!"

Aren immediately frowned, though she couldn’t suppress her own smile of relief.

"Father, what are you saying?" she scolded gently. "Take it back. Otherwise, I’ll have to pray for God to give you fifty more."

Gian exhaled heavily, a laugh breaking through as he glanced toward the Marchetti men celebrating nearby.

"How can I help it, my dear? I’m simply overjoyed. Not only did I get to watch my daughter compete today, I’ve even witnessed a miracle. What has a sinful soul like me done to deserve such blessings?"

Aren laughed softly and wrapped her arms around him, sharing in the happiness that had finally replaced the fear of the past few hours.

The celebration, however, didn’t last long.

A moment later, one of the Lombardi men approached Gian and spoke in a lowered voice.

"Boss, the dinner with the government officials is approaching. If we leave now, we can still make it on time."

The reminder immediately dimmed the light in Gian’s expression. He turned toward Aren with deep regret.

"Ah, what unfortunate timing. I wanted to stay and thank Jordan personally, but I suppose I’ve already delayed my schedule long enough." He sighed. "I’m afraid I can’t stay any longer."

Aren’s expression fell as well. She squeezed his hands gently.

"Then I’ll text you as soon as Jordan wakes up, Father. Thank you for being here today for me. I’ll visit you next Sunday for the ice cream launch at our restaurants."

"Of course, my dear." Gian warmly squeezed her hand in return. "Then I’ll see you next Sunday."

His attention then shifted to Caio, who had remained close to Aren throughout the entire ordeal.

"Don Caio, I believe my daughter will be in your care?"

There was considerably more warmth in Gian’s expression now, a stark contrast to the lukewarm attitude he’d shown toward Caio at the beginning of the day.

Caio gave a small nod, his voice even.

"I’m taking her home after this."

"Very well." Gian nodded, visibly pleased. "Then I shall take my leave."

He went to congratulate Eduardo before departing down the corridor with the rest of the Lombardi men.

Eduardo followed shortly afterward, occupied with his own responsibilities as Don.

Aren and Caio remained where they were, watching as the two groups disappeared down the corridor.

When the last of the men finally vanished from sight, Caio turned toward her.

"Are you sure you want to stay until that brat wakes up?"

He ran his palm lightly over her forehead, his voice tightening with concern.

"That stimulant should have worn off by now. How do you feel? Is the fever coming back?"

Aren shook her head faintly.

"The fever’s gone, and I don’t feel tired either."

She looked up at him with pleading eyes.

"Can I stay until Jordan wakes up? You could leave first if you have things on your schedule. I’ll take a cab home later."

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