Axel frowned. "If it's not Uncle Neil, our mentor wouldn't send us this useless video clip.""Yes! He threw a bait at us and forced us to overcome it," Tyler said."However, it is good news that Uncle Neil is still alive." Axel cracked a smile on his tense expression.Tyler nodded and looked at Caroline.Caroline's face was tear-streaked without their notice.Tyler felt his chest tighten. "Mommy…"Caroline looked at Tyler in a daze."Don't cry, Mommy," Tyler said, wondering what to do."Axel and I will try our best to enlarge the video clip and prove that this person is Uncle Neil."Caroline just came to realize that her face was moist with tears. She wiped them away hastily and said, "It's fine. He is definitely Uncle Neil. He looks just like him. It's great that he is still alive…"Tyler said, "I'm sure that Uncle Neil hasn't contacted us in time because he has something to do on his own."Caroline forced a smile. "I believe that. Ty, can you send me the video clip?"Tyle
"Okay, Carol. How about you? How have you been lately?"Caroline and Eira exchanged pleasantries before ending the call.Caroline sat on the bed, repeatedly watching the video clip on her phone.Although she could enlarge the clip, the image became blurry. However, Caroline was convinced it was Neil!Caroline thought, 'Since Neil is working hard to search for evidence against Scott abroad, I have to step up my game too!'-Meanwhile, at Autumn Villa.The bodyguard opened the car door for Scott.He got out, instructing the bodyguard, "Get more people to guard the basement. Caroline might go there."The bodyguard questioned, "Sir, if you're so wary of her, why did you agree to let her come?"Scott replied, "Just do what you're told. Don't ask about anything else."The bodyguard hastily lowered his head. "Yes, sir."Scott sat on the sofa upon returning to his room.He brought up Caroline's photo on his phone, and his cold gaze softened. He traced Caroline's smile with his fin
Caroline observed Alex and Paige with astonishment as they seemed to gradually get along better. Rising from her seat, she declared, "You guys talk. I'm leaving.""Don't, Carol. I bought so many cakes that Paige can't finish alone. Stay and have some," Alex insisted, halting Caroline's departure.Resignedly, Caroline allowed herself to be pulled back into her seat by Alex. As he unwrapped cake slices, Caroline's gaze shifted between him and the faint smile on Paige's face.Caroline was about to voice her thoughts, but Alex's ringing phone interrupted her. Alex glanced at the screen and announced, "It's Lucas." He then put the phone on speaker.Excitement filled Lucas' voice as he shared, "Alex, guess what major news I've just found out?"Setting the phone on the table, Alex asked, "What is it?""My father told me about a rising faction in Spania that swiftly helped the righteous side eliminate a major stronghold overnight!"Alex was taken aback. "What does this have to do wi
Caroline thought, 'In fact, the rising faction is quite baffling. I wonder if Evan, like Neil, is hesitant to intervene unless he has a way to bring down Scott?'Her head began to throb as thoughts consumed her. She propped her elbows on the table, massaging her temples.Paige composed herself and said, "Carol… I was too hasty earlier, but it feels bad to be doubted."Caroline nodded. "I understand. You don't have to explain, Paige. I just need time to believe what you saw because I'm scared that expectations will eventually turn into disappointment."Paige sighed but kept quiet.-Two days later, Caroline learned from Brenda that Scott would be out for a business lunch.She left her company for Autumn Villa.The bodyguards closely watched her upon entering the yard and informed Scott about her presence.After entering the villa, Brenda attended to Caroline, who pretended to drink her coffee while asking softly, "Where is the way to the basement?"Brenda appeared occupied wit
Caroline was startled by the sound of the door opening just as she settled onto the sofa for a brief rest. Alarmed, she made an effort to quell her anxiety and turned to see who it was.To her surprise, Scott had returned.Caroline was taken aback, wondering why he had come back when he was supposed to be out for a meal.Scott might notice something amiss in the surveillance footage if she wasn't quick enough.Her heart raced as she averted her gaze, engrossed in her phone, with no intention of acknowledging Scott.Yet, her trembling fingers betrayed her anxiety as she tapped on the phone screen.Scott, now in his slippers, approached Caroline. "I heard from the bodyguards that you're here, Carol. Have you eaten?"Caroline pursed her lips. "No. I won't eat here.""But you've got to eat your three meals on time. I'll go and make some pasta you like."Caroline refrained from stopping Scott as he headed to the kitchen, wanting him to stay away for now.She feared losing contro
Caroline finally relaxed when she spotted the profile in the photo.Even if she thought so, it might not be until they had reliable evidence.But now that they finally had the evidence, they could wait for Neil to come home."Mommy?" Tyler waved at Caroline, who was momentarily silent.Caroline snapped back to reality.Tyler sighed helplessly. "I called you several times, but you didn't hear me, Mommy." Caroline laughed. "I'm sorry, Ty. I got distracted by my thoughts. What do you want to tell me?""Well, you shouldn't go to Uncle Neil, Mommy.""Mm, I know," Caroline said. "After all, we have to be on guard against Scott, even if we're very secretive about this."Tyler nodded and turned the laptop back to him. "You should delete the video on your phone, and I'll format the video on my laptop."Caroline did as instructed and deleted the video."By the way, about the lock…" Tyler added. "I'm afraid we have to wait a bit since that person hasn't texted me back yet.""It's oka
Bitterness consumed Caroline. "Aunt Greta, I've caused you worry.""Silly girl, we're family. Naturally, I worry about you." Greta led Caroline and the children into the villa.Caroline glanced at the living room's surveillance camera, signaling Tyler with a nod.Tyler got the hint, pulled out his phone, and altered the surveillance footage.With the assurance of safety, Caroline lowered her voice. "Aunt Greta, there's something crucial I need to share. You must listen without taking any immediate action."Confused, Greta looked at Caroline. "Is it that important?""Yes," Caroline affirmed. "Neil is still alive."Greta stood frozen and stared at Caroline in disbelief. "What... did you say, Carol?"Caroline repeated, "Neil is still alive."Greta covered her lips with shaky hands, tears streaming from her red eyes. "Neil... He's still alive...""Yes, he is, but there's something he needs to do. We can't burden him, Aunt Greta.""Is it true, Carol? How is he doing?"Caroline r
Josie left after placing the package on the desk.Perplexed, Caroline opened it and discovered a key inside. She was shocked, wondering why Tyler hadn't informed her about the delivered package.Consequently, she texted Tyler. Caroline: [Ty, I got the key. Thank you.]Before long, Tyler responded to her text.Tyler: [The skeleton key? But the person just informed me that they received the request today. It shouldn't have reached you so quickly.]In a daze, Caroline gazed at the unexpectedly delivered key, lost in thought.She pondered who could have sent it to her.Swiftly, she inspected the box, finding no information about the sender.She speculated that it might be from Neil.After placing it in her bag, she felt it must serve some purpose, given that it was sent to her anonymously.Just as she put her phone down, Paige entered.Anxiously, Paige urged Caroline, "Stop working, Carol! Come with me!"Before Caroline could inquire why, Paige whisked her out of the office.
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