The waiting staff escorted them to a room on the second floor.Seated in the room was a woman in a bright red robe, her curly hair framing beautiful facial features.Upon hearing the commotion, the woman lifted her captivating eyes and stood up with a smile at the sight of Caroline and Zeke."Ms. Shenton, Mr. Jung, I've been waiting here to greet both of you for a while," she said in a charming yet unobtrusive voice. Her presence exuded an indescribable sense of affinity.Zeke greeted, "It's been a long time since we last met, Ms. Crawford."Missy Crawford replied, "I believe that we would have had many opportunities to meet if you weren't so busy, Mr. Jung."Zeke turned to Caroline and explained, "Caroline, this is Missy Crawford, The River Taste's acting director. She is in charge of registration and approval for the business gala."Caroline extended her hand to Missy. "Hello, Ms. Crawford. Sorry for bothering you. Thank you for helping to examine my company's credentials."M
Caroline expressed, "It's not just the outcome of my effort. There's Kenny as well…"A pang gripped Caroline's heart at the mere mention of Kenny.Noticing Caroline's shift in mood, Zeke changed the topic. "You mentioned visiting Scott's residence before. Did you find anything unusual?"Caroline shared her findings in the basement with Zeke.After pondering for a moment, Zeke asked, "You didn't report to the police because you fear Scott's connections, right? That they won't take the case seriously?"Caroline nodded. "Yes. But don't get involved, Mr. Zeke. You've already helped me enough."Zeke smiled. "Okay. I respect your opinion."-A week later, Paige called Caroline early in the morning.Caroline answered her phone lazily. "Hello?"Excitedly, Paige reported, "Carol, my contact found something. Reuben's grandmother is indeed under surveillance."Caroline asked, "Is the person still posted at Reuben's grandmother's house?""Yes, but they take care of her," Paige explaine
Caroline wasted no time reaching out to Tyler when she returned home. She directed him to send a text to Reuben for a meetup. Unfortunately, Reuben missed the meetup on several consecutive occasions.-A week later, Caroline discovered Paige waiting at her office door. She approached Paige and asked, "Why are you standing out here?"Upon noticing Caroline's arrival, Paige stood upright and replied, "Someone's waiting for you in there, Carol."Perplexed, Caroline glanced at the office. "Who is that?"Paige promptly opened the door. "You'll know once you go in and take a look."Inside the office, Caroline found a masked man sitting on the sofa. When he turned to look at the commotion, his turquoise eyes met Caroline's gaze.The man quickly stood up, removed his mask, and identified himself, "It's me, Ms. Shenton."Caroline exclaimed, "Mr. Bloom?"Rowan expressed, "It's good to finally meet you, Ms. Shenton! I might not have had the opportunity if I hadn't run into Ms. Watson."
"Rowan's presence here suggests that Reuben hasn't turned against us," Paige remarked.Caroline smiled bitterly. "I hope he won't resort to such actions.""I believe you've gathered a lot of evidence now. What's your plan?" Paige asked.Caroline sat on the sofa. "Frankly, I have no idea what to do next. Even though the company is growing well, I don't have many connections in Angelbay."Paige thought and said, "Let me talk to Alex. I'm certain he has a way."-That night, Paige met Alex in a restaurant.She told him about Rowan's return and explained the situation in Scott's basement.Alex was shocked. "Rowan is actually an insider?"Paige replied, "Yes. Carol has obtained important evidence, but she's worried reporting to the police won't be effective.""Indeed. He must have some connections with the police. If we can't find a powerful force to counter his influence, we won't stand a chance against him," Alex said.Paige said, "So, this is why I asked to meet up with you to
Alex's expression was tense. "That woman? Have you forgotten how she helped us resolve our family's predicament when Azure threatened us?"Franklin said, "Do you think I'd sacrifice our family business to help her just because she did that little thing?""How ungrateful are you?!" Alex looked at Franklin with an increasingly unfamiliar gaze."No one can make me sacrifice our family business!""I'm going to ask you one last time. Are you really going to stand by and do nothing?" Alex asked in disappointment."Yes! I won't intervene at all!"Alex sneered. "I've misjudged you…"Alex turned and left the villa upon saying that.-After half an hour, Alex showed up at Paige's door.He stood outside in silence for a long time, unable to muster the courage to knock on the door.Shame overwhelmed him, making it difficult to face Paige now.Alex thought, 'Paige came back from abroad without hesitation to help us when our family was in a dire state. In fact, she sacrificed her reputat
Alex reached for his phone to call Lucas after making the decision.Understanding the situation, Lucas remarked, "Okay. I'll talk to my father tomorrow. It's too late now. He's asleep. Speaking of which, Alex, I'm going to be straightforward. Your father is a joke."Lucas nearly blurted out, "Your father is a piece of shit."Alex replied, "No one will help him in the future if he continues like this."Lucas reassured, "Alright, don't overthink this. Rest early."Ending the call, Alex glanced at Paige, who was engrossed in a phone game.After a moment of silence, Alex asked, "Paige, will you still take me in?""You can stay if you want. You visited here often when I wasn't around, right?" Paige was still focused on her game and didn't look at Alex.Excited, Alex quickly got up to grab bedding but paused. "If you're willing to take me in, does that mean we can reconcile?"Paige was not fully attentive and dismissively replied, "Yes, yes. Anything you say is right."Alex was s
Paige seized Alex's tie, compelling him to lower his head, and kissed him.-The following day, Alex received a call from Lucas.Anxiously, Alex asked, "Lucas, has your father agreed to do it?"Lucas replied, "My father mentioned that this matter is of great importance. He intends to investigate Scott's background before taking any action. However, judging by his tone, he seems willing to take charge and assist with the issue.""Your father is easier to talk to, indeed. My father only cares about interests," Alex remarked.There was a brief silence from Lucas. "Honestly, I didn't expect my father to agree so easily. Unlike your father's connection with Evan, he has an ordinary relationship with him. Any idea why he agreed so quickly?"Alex was also puzzled. "Now that you mention it, it does seem strange. Your father isn't usually fond of getting involved in such disputes. Why is he so motivated this time? It would make sense if he was doing it for Evan, yet Evan is gone.""Yes!
Paige nodded. "I know. I'll treat him well since he made such a big sacrifice for me."Caroline refrained from further comments, instead grabbing her phone to text the family chat group, smiling as she informed Tyler and Axel that Liora was returning to Angelbay.-At 3:30 p.m., Paige and Caroline set out to pick up the children before heading to the airport.Not long after the car pulled out, Caroline spotted Reuben by the roadside. He had just exited Scott's car and was about to walk to MK."Stop the car!" Caroline called out to the driver.The driver hastily applied the brakes.Curious, Paige asked, "What's going on, Carol?"After checking for oncoming traffic, Caroline opened the door. "I saw Reuben. Paige, pick up the children from Bayview Villa first."Upon hearing that, Paige swiftly exited the car, and they began chasing after Reuben.Caroline intercepted Reuben's path, saying, "Reuben!"He stopped and looked at Paige and Caroline, who had suddenly appeared. "Ms. She
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