Elvira sneered. "You look seriously ill, with one foot in the grave."Caroline glared coldly at Elvira and retorted, "Don't worry. I won't die before you do as long as you're alive.""You're very confident," Elvira commented."It's enough as long as I'm more confident than you."Caroline walked downstairs, intentionally moving slowly to appear weak, and sat at the dining table. After a couple of bites, she covered her mouth and coughed vigorously.Hearing that, Marie quickly emerged from the kitchen.She approached Caroline to inquire about her condition and noticed a glaring bloody stain on Caroline's palm. Though aware of the situation, she pretended to gasp in fear, keeping an eye on Elvira."You've vomited blood, Ms. Shenton!"Caroline got up and headed to the washroom.Observing this, Elvira approached Marie. "Don't make a scene and yell."Nervously, Marie suggested, "Why don't we stop, Elvira? We'll kill her!""Stop! Just calm down," Elvira retorted. "Aren't you worrie
Scott placed Caroline in the backseat before getting into the car and ordered the bodyguard coldly, "Rush to the hospital now!""Okay, Mr. Hendrix."The car sped along, and Scott brought Caroline into the hospital.Scott summoned the doctor and subjected Caroline to numerous check-ups.Upon reviewing the results, Scott frowned and examined them closely.However, he found no issues and studied Caroline.Caroline was weakly leaning against the chair. She didn't appear to be feigning illness, especially considering Scott's understanding of her.Perplexed, he pulled out his phone and called Marie.After a brief wait, Marie answered.Scott asked, "How's she been lately?"Hesitant, Marie stammered, "Mr. Hendrix, I... I don't know... All I know is that she always puts on heavy makeup when she goes out every day. When she comes back, she'll return to her bedroom in low spirits.""Heavy makeup?" Scott asked."Yes... Mr. Hendrix. That's all I know," Marie hurriedly replied.Her anxi
Scott gazed at Elvira in silence as if anticipating something.Elvira subconsciously touched her other little finger. She sensed that Scott awaited her suggestion about the finger amputation.Cold sweat covered Elvira's forehead, and her head hung in defeat after a mental struggle. "I understand, sir. I'll accept the punishment."Elvira turned and left the bedroom.Scott instructed Marie, "You may head downstairs."Marie replied, "Yes, sir."With the door closed, only Caroline and Scott remained in the room.Caroline looked at Scott nonchalantly and mocked, "Do you believe it's worth harming your trusted subordinate for me?"Scott replied, "My subordinates deserve punishment for disobeying my orders.""Why not kill Elvira then? The bodyguard in the hospital died by Elvira's hand on your order for forcing me to eat! All Elvira gets for cursing me is punishment?" Caroline inquired closely.Scott remained silent. He pulled up a chair and sat next to Caroline, saying, "Status sti
Caroline received an unknown call the next morning.She picked up, and a man's anxious voice was heard."You're Ms. Shenton, right?"Caroline frowned. "Who is this?""This is Campian Marney, an internal medicine doctor at Angelbay Hospital. I received a text message asking me to connect with you."Caroline was astounded by Tyler's efficiency.Caroline wondered, 'Did he make arrangements with the person even before informing me?'Caroline said, "Okay. Since you called, it means you're willing to cooperate. I'm going to need you to help me with…"-At Autumn Villa.Brenda had already been drugging Azure for the past three days as instructed.Brenda served the breakfast she made for Azure.Noticing that it was already 8:30 a.m. and Azure still had not come downstairs, she wanted to check on Azure.After all, she had discovered that Azure did not have a habit of sleeping in. She had a regular daily routine. She would get up for breakfast even when she experienced increased sle
Liora sent a voice message, "There are some scary ones, and they're constantly seeking trouble with me, but Uncle Ben got rid of them."Axel: [Did you get a fever again when they got close to you?]Liora: [Yes. I had a fever yesterday, but it subsided today! Oh, right, there's something else. I'm going to school here, and I made a new friend. I'll introduce them to you next time!]Tyler: [You made a new friend, huh? Are they blind or something?]Liora was exasperated.Liora: [Tyler! Will you stop being so mean to me? What's wrong with me!?]Tyler smirked.Tyler: [See, you lose your temper even before I say anything. It's not easy to make friends in your current state indeed.]Axel attempted to mediate the situation. Axel: [Lia, is your friend a boy or a girl?]Liora: [He's a boy! He brings me snacks every day at school!]Tyler and Axel exchanged a glance right away.Tyler thought, 'Liora has a boyfriend? In fact, he brings her snacks every day?'Tyler: [I can tell that he
Liora couldn't muster the courage to stay home alone after her previous unsettling experience.Benjamin sighed. "Sure, I'll carry you on my back."Ruth interjected, "How do you plan to carry the child on your back? I'll lend you the pedicab so you can fetch the girl.""Sure, thank you so much!"That night, Benjamin rushed to William Willow's house in the village with Liora on the pedicab.Liora had heard stories about William's family.William's son had sought Benjamin's help to check on his father, who had been behaving strangely lately.He would sleep all day and couldn't be awakened, but at midnight, he'd bother others.The children at home were on the verge of breaking down.Upon arriving at William's house, Benjamin carried Liora out of the pedicab.William's son, David Willow, coincidentally walked into the yard.David hurriedly approached Benjamin and said, "Why did you come over by yourself, Uncle Ben? You should have called me, and I could have picked you up on my m
David could tell from the conversation that a supernatural entity possessed his father. He thought, 'This filthy ghost wants to take my father with him? What the heck?'David pleaded with Benjamin, desperation in his eyes. "Uncle Ben, don't let him take my father!"Benjamin nodded, turning to William with a stern expression. "What did he do to provoke you? Why are you bothering him?"William's voice trembled as he explained, "The old man forced my mother into an abortion years ago, leaving me a wandering soul! I've faced torment from all the wild ghosts out here. Do you think I can make peace with that? He owes me a life! Why can't I make him pay?"Benjamin countered, "What's the point of just taking his life? You'll be the one to suffer in the end. Let him pay the price for the sins he has committed. It's not for you to deal with."Silence hung in the air as William struggled internally.Benjamin offered, "If you feel lonely, I'll bring you toys and flowers. It's better than h
"Don't cry. He wants us to remind you not to forget about him, and he misses you very much, too."Luna gently caressed Liora's head. "Good girl, tell me, what else did the child say?"Liora glanced at Benjamin to seek approval.Benjamin nodded.Liora continued. "Remember to place some toys and dolls for him at his grave."Luna retained all the information Liora shared. "Okay, thank you to you and Uncle Ben. Thank you so much!""It's alright. We're very happy to help you!" Liora said with a smile.After returning home, Benjamin instructed Liora to wash up. "Did you see the entity's face tonight, girl?"Liora shook her head. "I couldn't see it clearly, but I saw a dark figure."Benjamin reassured, "It's okay if you can't see clearly, as long as you're safe."-The next day, Caroline woke up suddenly in shock.She was breathing heavily, and the scene of Liora being betrayed by an evil spirit filled her mind.Liora called out, 'Save me, Mommy!', when she was in the evil spirit
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