"Forget it. It's not my business!" Alex exclaimed in agitation.Alex passed Evan's deformed phone to Caroline.Caroline looked at the not-fully-shattered phone, then at Alex in shock.Alex explained, "The phone is not shattered completely because it landed on sand. Axel and Tyler will have a way to retrieve the information in Evan's phone. I haven't tried anything yet. The police informed us that the phone's chip is not damaged."Caroline returned her gaze to the phone and picked it up with shaky hands.The phone was still stained with sand and dust.Caroline felt suffocated by the pain in her heart and said, "Thank you for bringing the phone to me, Alex."Alex said, "It's fine. You are Evan's widow. This is rightfully yours."Alex emphasized the word 'widow'.Zeke smiled helplessly.Noticing that Caroline was in deep sorrow, Alex changed the subject. "Oh right, how far have you progressed in this matter?"Zeke explained, "We are preparing for DNA testing for Scott and Mr. J
Scott smirked. "The Price family... isn't much." Alex's body shook in anger when he heard Scott's arrogant reply.Caroline felt uneasy hearing Scott's nonchalant, casual tone.She told Alex, "Stop talking, Alex!"Alex retorted, "You can put up with it, but I can't!""That's enough! Evan is not coming back even if you act recklessly!" Caroline said loudly.Alex glared at Caroline in astonishment.Zeke sighed, thinking, 'Evan had such a sharp mind, yet why is his friend so impulsive?'Zeke feigned cluelessness and said, "Since you're busy, let's call off the lunch, Ms. Shenton."Caroline understood Zeke's intention to keep a low profile to avoid drawing Scott's attention.She nodded apologetically. "I'm sorry, Mr. Jung. I'll get the lawyer to sort out the details of the follow-up contract and send it to you. I'll buy you lunch next time."Zeke nodded, turned, and left.After Zeke left, Caroline approached Alex and looked at Scott. "What are you doing here?"Scott showed the
When the steaks were served, Azure smiled at Scott and asked, "Is there something you want to talk about?"While cutting his steak, Scott asked, "How much do you know about the Prices?"Azure's grip on the cutlery tightened subconsciously upon hearing about the Prices. Her gaze showed clear disappointment before returning to nonchalance. "Our families are rather close, so I know a thing or two about them. Why do you want to know?"Scott replied, "Nothing much. I met Alex today."Azure's eyes glistened. "Did you two speak?""Yes, he was with Caroline. If I'm not mistaken, they mentioned Paige." Scott looked up as he was speaking.Azure's knife suddenly made a sharp screeching sound on the plate while slicing through the steak.Scott observed Azure's rigid movements. "Azure, you fell for someone not worthy of your love. All those years of emotional investment led to a stint in prison."Azure's knuckles turned white from gripping her cutlery too tightly.Scott continued. "In fact
Rebecca glanced at Franklin, who was seated by the side, upon hearing that.Franklin's expression also froze.Franklin thought, 'The land MK rented to us is our largest mechanical production plant. Where are we going to find such a large piece of land now that they want to reclaim it?'Franklin hastily said with a smile, "Azzie, we signed the lease for 50 years, and there are still a little more than ten years left on the lease now.""We will pay the penalty for the breach of contract. You will receive the payment within three days, but I need you to remove all the equipment immediately."Franklin's expression turned solemn. "Is this Mr. Wilson's wish?"Azure said with a smile, "My wish is Scott's wish."Franklin's smile faded. "What's your intention of doing this? We treat you well.""Treat me well?" Azure sneered as if amused. "None of you stepped forward to persuade Alex when I was arrested. Is that considered treating me well?""This is between you and Alex. In fact, you c
Alex was dumbstruck. "What have I done?"Rebecca stood up abruptly and shouted through her tears, "Had you not sent Azure to jail because of Paige, how could Azure possibly hold a grudge against us now?"Alex was confused. "What do you mean?"Rebecca tearfully recounted Azure's earlier conversation.Alex felt a shiver down his spine upon hearing that. Scott came into his mind.'Is he manipulating Azure to strike back at my family? I attacked Scott yesterday, and this happened today! How vengeful is Scott?'"Get out of here! Leave the family!" Franklin snarled at Alex.After leaving the house, Alex raced to MK's building.His phone rang as he grabbed his baseball bat in preparation to get out of the car. He grabbed his phone in rage, but the anger faded slightly when he saw Paige calling.Alex inhaled deeply and picked up. "Hello?"Paige noticed the difference in Alex's voice and asked with a frown, "What's going on with your voice? Did something bad happen?"Alex felt the ur
Alex was stunned. "What do you mean?" Lucas said, "My family still has some vacated factories. I'll talk to your father and get him to move to my factory first. It's not as huge as the one rented by Evan, but it should be adequate."Alex expressed his gratitude, "Thank you, Lucas! Let me buy you a drink!""Yikes, just let it go. If I don't help a good friend in trouble, who else will?" Lucas replied.-Later that night, when Caroline arrived home, she received Paige's text.Paige: [Carol, I'm preparing to come back.]Caroline's joy at reading the message quickly faded as she considered that Paige's reason for returning might not be straightforward.Caroline texted her back. Caroline: [Why did you suddenly decide to come back?]Paige then briefly informed Caroline about Alex's family situation.Caroline sighed.Caroline: [I knew that something would happen when Alex acted recklessly yesterday. I didn't expect it to happen so soon, though.]Paige: [It's not that Alex was r
Caroline couldn't help but crack a smile at the sight of Paige. With enthusiasm, she raised her hand high and waved. "Paige!"Turning toward the greeting, Paige almost couldn't recognize Caroline beneath her heavy makeup.Swiftly, Paige approached Caroline in shock. "Oh my god, Carol. You've changed your style. Are you heading to a club or something?"Caroline wrapped her arm around Paige's and said, "No, it's a long story. We'll talk more when we get into the car."Coming to understand the situation, Paige said, "I know about your situation. Alex filled me in."Caroline's gaze dimmed. "Let's not talk about these upsetting matters for now. Tell me all about your time abroad."Once in the car, Paige avoided mentioning her time in Muricia. Instead, she suggested, "Let's skip the meal first. I would like to meet Azure instead."Stunned, Caroline questioned, "So soon?"Paige took a deep breath and explained, "Yes. I wouldn't have rushed back so soon otherwise. I didn't even tell Al
Azure glanced around subconsciously, and her expression drastically changed when she noticed someone opening the window to peek outside.Suppressing her anger, she commanded, "Come inside and talk!"Paige stood still. "Why? Are you worried that others will learn about what you did?"Azure's entire body stiffened, and she struggled to control her temper. "Let's talk inside!""Do you think I'm eager to step into your lair just because you told me to?" Paige retorted.Azure clenched her fists tightly. "Why are you here?"Paige took two steps closer to Azure. The bodyguard immediately blocked Paige's path.Glancing at the bodyguard, Paige told Azure, "Have them step back if you want to talk properly."Azure breathed to compose herself. "Step back first."The bodyguard made way for Paige. She approached Azure, who subconsciously took two steps back.Paige sneered. "If you're so scared of me, why did you do that to me previously?"Azure lacked the courage to answer Paige, as she h
Reese winced in pain. "Alright, ma'am. I guess I can read your mind? Be gentle!"Liora relaxed her grip at last. "Right, when are we going to that place you mentioned previously?""There's no rush. Your body isn't up for constant actions now. What if you get hurt by those harmful spirits again? I've already committed myself to you out of guilt. If it happens again, I won't have anything else to offer."Liora chuckled. "You make it sound like I'm desperate for your compensation.""What's wrong with that? I'm a strong, handsome man, and everyone loves me!" said Reese, displeased.Liora was astounded by his narcissism.She took a deep breath and said, "Reese.""Hmm?"Liora said, "In truth, I'm not the best choice to be your partner because of my profession. Those spirits may bother me from time to time. I'm the complete opposite of Isaac because of my negative physique.""What happens when you have a negative physique?""Spirits will be drawn to bother me and might cause me a lo
Reese and Isaac couldn't perceive the spirit, but they witnessed a dark mist dissipating before them.Isaac asked in astonishment, "What's happening, Lia?"Liora turned and answered, "The female spirit didn't want to move on, so her soul has been dissolved.""Dissolved? Do you mean her soul has been destroyed?" asked Reese. Liora nodded and looked around. "Uncle Kenny, please help me find the six spirits."Kenny took on the task and brought those fearful spirits in just a few minutes. Liora asked, "Do you want to choose the same option as her or come with me to Cross Chapel?""Cross Chapel!""We would have left long ago if we weren't trapped here by her threats!""She wouldn't let us go even in death. Aren't our lives worth anything?"After Fiery Red was gone, these spirits began to complain in anger.Liora was infuriated by their complaints. "How dare you criticize her! She may be responsible for your deaths, but what about you then? Do you think you bear no responsibil
"That's easy for you to say! Those who caused my death may have become spirits, but I still want to stop them from moving on!" Fiery Red barked. Liora frowned. "So, you're implying that those six students caused your death?""Why would I kill them otherwise?"Liora said, "It's time to let them go now that they've faced your revenge. Keeping them trapped is like trapping yourself. Why bother?""Allowing them to move on is letting them off too lightly!" Fiery Red roared. Liora said, "Your obsession is too strong and is keeping you trapped here. You're constantly hurting yourself with painful memories. If you move on properly, it will be a kind of liberation from your past.""Don't preach to me! I'll make it simple for you. It's either you die or my soul gets destroyed!" Fiery Red snapped. She was about to attack Liora just as she finished her sentence. Liora was planning to call out to Isaac when a figure suddenly showed up. Kenny rushed over and blasted away Fiery Red."Y
Tyler did not comment further upon hearing Liora's reply. In the evening, Isaac returned home from school to find Liora already there. He hurried over, brimming with excitement. "You're back, Lia! How are you feeling? Have you recovered from your injuries?"Isaac's smile stretched from ear to ear.Liora glanced at Isaac meaningfully and said, "Please do me a favor tonight, Isaac."Isaac nodded repeatedly. "Sure, are we heading to the campus?"Liora looked at Isaac in astonishment. "Are you not scared anymore?"The smile on Isaac's face faded slowly. "Spirits are scary, but I don't want to see you bullied by them again, Lia. I wanted to destroy those spirits on the same day after seeing you suffer. However, they told me to respect your decision, so I didn't do that."Liora caressed Isaac's head affectionately. "You've grown, Isaac. You know how to look out for me now."Isaac took Liora's hand and held her hand tightly in his own. "Lia, I've always cared about you. Next time you
Reese said, "Yes, you have been in love with her for 15 years and have invested a lot of time for her. However, haven't you noticed that Lia is a very rational person? As soon as she figures things out, she can move on immediately."Chester's breathing became irregular. He took two deep breaths shakily while staring at Reese. "Yes, she is more sensitive and rational than anyone else."Reese said, "I'm going to give you another analogy. If Lia chooses to be with me, what are you going to do?""Nothing. I said before that I'd respect Lia's choice no matter what. Similarly, you don't have to worry about anything else. I won't harbor any resentment because of love," Chester replied. Reese said, "In other words, you'll continue to be friends with Lia even if we end up together, is that right?"Chester frowned. "Lia and I are friends. If we can't be together, our relationship will remain the same as before. You like Lia, but you can't stop me from being friends with her, Reese."Reese
Reese raised his right arm and said, "My entire right arm was covered in blood at the time. I watched the removal of rotten flesh from your back with my own eyes. I couldn't sleep peacefully for days.""That's easy! Just get the doctor to prescribe sleeping pills to you. You will be able to sleep better, right?" Liora said while giggling. Reese crouched down next to the bed, smiling. "Lia, are you mad at me?"Liora was confused. "Mad at you? For what?"Reese scratched his nose. "If I didn't take you there, you wouldn't have gotten injured."Liora took a glance at him, astounded. "This has nothing to do with you taking me there. It's the ignorant spirits. I'll deal with them all once I recover!""You still want to go back there?" Reese exclaimed. "Yes, of course! Hades will be delighted if I can send the seven spirits to him," Liora said. Reese looked at the joyous smile on Liora's face, feeling guilty. "I was hoping that you'd scold me instead of talking to me so casually."
Reese sent away Tyler and the other, surging them to get some rest while he remained seated, his gaze fixed on Liora.She slept peacefully, her chest rising and falling slowly with each breath. Meanwhile, a nurse approached. Reese noticed her and hastily stood up. "Hello, nurse."The nurse asked, "How can I help you?"Reese said, "May I inquire when Liora can be transferred out of the ICU?"The nurse said, "I'm not too sure about that. It depends on the healing of her wounds and vital signs. She has the most extensive wound that I've ever seen on a girl. She might end up with scars…"The nurse opened the door and walked inside upon saying that. Reese was overwhelmed by a sense of guilt as he thought of the debt he owed to Liora. He knew he could never fully repay it in this lifetime.-Three days later, Liora was transferred out of the ICU.After learning about the incident, Caroline and Evan rushed to the hospital. They were heartbroken to see Liora lying prone on the be
Fear and worry flooded Reese's mind, making it impossible for him to sleep. He opened his eyes and looked at the sky through the skylight. Reese could not help Liora in her profession, so he wondered if he could help out in her safety. He thought about it before he grabbed his phone to text Tyler. Reese: [Can you tell me where Ms. Yelena is staying?]Soon, Tyler texted Yelena's hotel and room number. Reese: [Thank you, my friend.]Tyler sneered.Tyler: [I haven't settled the score with you over Lia's predicament.]Reese: [I'll accept any punishment you deem necessary. It was my mistake, and I'll take responsibility for it.]There was no reply from Tyler afterward.Reese did not send another text, so he started the car and drove to the hotel. -Half an hour later, Reese arrived at the door of Yelena's room. He pondered briefly before knocking on the door. Soon, he heard a response. "Coming."Yelena opened the door and was surprised to find Reese. "Are you the lad fro
Liora opened her palm. The outline of the charm was vague, but she could feel its intense energy. She took a deep breath and stood up. After sensing her movement, the spirits glanced at her. Liora turned to look at them and felt the same feeling that stopped her from leaving again!Suppressing the fear, Liora braced herself to walk out of the door.The closer she got to the door, the more intense the gloomy presence became—she felt as if her soul was being crushed. "Don't be scared, Lia!""Try to walk out, Lia! They won't hurt you!""Lia! Axel, Ty, Mr. Gates, and I are waiting for you!"Αfter hearing their voices, Liora shed tears. She gnashed her teeth and continued to stride toward the door, which seemed so close yet remained out of reach. She took a deep breath, raised her hand with the charm, and attempted to walk closer. This time, the spirits all turned to look at her. They rushed forward in unison when they sensed Liora was about to touch the door. Sensing t