Benjamin felt guilty and pitiful seeing the large bump on Liora's head and the scrapes on her arms.Hastily, he asked the teacher, 'What happened here?'"The teacher sighed, "It was those kids picking a fight with Lia. She acted in self-defense to protect herself, but..."Footsteps were heard outside.The parents of those children entered with the five boys.Benjamin took an astonished glance at Liora, noticing bruises on their faces.Highly respected in the village, Benjamin received courteous greetings from the children's parents.Shortly afterward, they said, "Our children were at fault, but your child is quite malicious!""Uncle Ben, where did this child come from? What a savage! Look at how she beat up our children!""Uncle Ben, the child has parents too, right? Get her parents to come because we would like to speak to them!""Yes, Uncle Ben. This has nothing to do with you, but we want to demand an explanation from her parents!"Benjamin's expression soured. "It's not
Jimmy said defiantly, "She's a bastard if I say so!"Tyler threw a punch at Jimmy's face, knocking him to the ground.Louise Sloan, Jimmy's mother, was shocked and quickly picked him up.Louis scolded Caroline, "Will you control your own child? Is there no discipline anymore? How dare he hit my child!"Caroline loosened her hug over Liora, stood up, and said with a smile, "I haven't even addressed your child's actions, and you're already pointing fingers at my son."My son is only doing what an elder brother would do to protect his sister. It's not right to hit someone, but I support his actions. If you want to report it to the police, go ahead. Let's sit down and have a good talk about our issues.""You're impossible! How do you go about parenting your children!" a male parent, Colt Best, barked at Caroline.The smile on Caroline's face didn't reach her eyes. "Am I the impossible one? Are you better at parenting your child? Since your children have such good manners, why would
The arrival of the police instantly made them back down.Caroline had no intention of seeking monetary compensation, but she wanted them to apologize to Liora sincerely.Then, they took Liora to the hospital for an examination and asked them to cover the medical expenses.Once the matter was resolved, Liora headed to Benjamin's house with the children.Benjamin's house was small and not properly renovated. It was just an ordinary village home with cement walls.Tyler and Axel frowned upon seeing Liora's living conditions even before entering the house.Benjamin opened the door, revealing the small, neat yard he kept. He led them inside and served them water.Benjamin's gaze changed ever so slightly when he handed water to Scott. However, he did not comment further, taking a seat."I am responsible for not protecting the child and getting her in trouble. I apologize for that," Benjamin said, getting up in preparation to bow.Caroline hastily stepped forward to stop Benjamin. "D
Liora lowered her head. "I don't want to make you worry, and I certainly don't want you to come all the way here to see me. I've chosen this path, so I'm going to persist, no matter how difficult it is."Axel took Liora's hand. "You have your brothers and Mommy as your backers, Lia. You don't have to bear everything on your own, okay?"Liora nodded, tears in her eyes. "I know. I'll inform you if anything happens in the future."Caroline wiped away Liora's tears and embraced her. Liora curled up in Caroline's arms, greedily inhaling her familiar scent. "Mommy…""Hmm?""I miss Daddy so much…"Liora's gaze dimmed, as did Tyler and Axel's. Evan was a painful point for all of them now. Caroline suppressed her emotions and said, "It's fine, Lia. He's going to come back to us for sure."None of them could sleep that night because they knew they would be separated again after parting ways. They couldn't bear to waste time sleeping when they had the rare opportunity to be togethe
Brenda came to perform tepid sponging on Azure once every half an hour. After all, Azure couldn't consume medicine due to her pregnancy.Azure saw Brenda in her confused state and weakly said, "What time is it? Is Scott home?"Brenda replied, "Not yet, Mrs. Wilson. Should I call him?""It's fine. Don't bother him if he's busy with work.""Mrs. Wilson, it's better to go to the hospital and seek consultation from a doctor."Azure breathed heavily and said, "Help me up and come with me to the hospital."As soon as Brenda helped her up, Azure felt dizzy. Something seemed to hit her chest, and the taste of iron filled her throat after she took a breath.She couldn't hold back and coughed up blood.Soon afterward, she lost consciousness and fell to the ground.-Half an hour later, Azure was sent into the ICU.Scott arrived at the hospital just as the Millers received the update from Brenda.They waited for an hour outside the operation theater before the doctor came. "We didn't
Inez exclaimed, "How could you say that?""What else am I supposed to say?" Scott retorted. "Are you deflecting Azure's issue to me because her actions have made you hesitant to confront the Prices? Are you trying to use me to get rid of the Prices?"The weight of Scott's words rendered the Millers speechless."The baby in Azure's womb was mine. I not only have to bear the pain of losing a child, but I also need to take care of the sick Azure. It's already generous of me not to demand anything from you. Now, you're trying to get me to deal with the Prices. Isn't that pushing a bit too far?" Scott's words left the Millers ashamed.-Later that afternoon, Caroline and Paige overheard interns in the secretary's office discussing Azure's situation after they emerged from a meeting."She shouldn't have publicized the news of her pregnancy before the first trimester was over. Now, she lost the baby not long after the good news came out.""Yes! It has only been less than four hours,
Scott's expression was solemn. "I need you to get a full-body check-up!"Caroline was shocked because she did not expect Scott to actually make the request. It seemed that Scott did not suspect her for Azure's incident.Caroline felt relieved and said calmly, "I don't understand what your intention is!"Scott frowned. 'Intention…I don't even understand what my intention is! I just know that Azure coughed up blood after she had a fever, and she was diagnosed with organ failure.'I remember how Caroline coughed up blood a few days after she had a fever, and I feel this sense of panic for no apparent reason.'I'm worried that the doctor might not have accurately diagnosed Caroline's condition at the time. I want to make sure that Caroline's body is fine! Yes… My intention is to ensure Caroline's safety!'Caroline turned cold after noticing Scott's silence."I don't know what you're up to, but I want you to understand one thing clearly! You are the focal point of everyone's attentio
Azure repeatedly called Scott while he sat in the car outside the hospital, but he ignored all her calls. Contrary to this, he stared at the hospital's entrance with concern.In the absence of a response, Azure resorted to texting him.Azure: [Pick up the phone, Scott!]Scott glanced at the incoming text, sensing Azure's distress even from the written words. Despite that, he felt detached, convinced it had nothing to do with him.Annoyed, he contemplated turning off his phone, but another message from Azure arrived before he could.Azure: [Don't you want to know who harmed me and killed our child?]Agitated, Scott powered off his phone just as it began to ring.As soon as the device went silent, Caroline appeared at the car door.Scott frowned deeply, waiting for her to enter. He turned on the car lights to examine a stack of reports Caroline handed him.His eyes narrowed upon reading the last part: The preliminary assessment indicates a slight deficiency in myocardial blood s
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