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
Caroline shared Pete's number with Reuben, who then left.Meanwhile, she called Pete to discuss the next steps. Despite Reuben's departure, Caroline didn't stop him. They discreetly left the restaurant through the back exit.-The driver, Paul, switched to the MPV and arrived at the airport with the three children.Liora called Caroline as soon as they arrived, prompting Caroline to answer, open the car door, and step out. "Lia, I'm here. Are you out?""I'm out! I can see you, Mommy!" Liora exclaimed excitedly.Hearing Liora's call, Caroline looked over and saw her daughter letting go of Benjamin's hand before rushing toward her.Liora dove into Caroline's arms, who promptly picked her up. Liora cuddled Caroline's neck. "I missed you so much, Mommy."Caroline patted Liora's back gently. "I missed you too, my dear.""Lia, didn't you miss your godmother?" Paige remarked enviously.Tyler interjected, looking at Paige, "It's pointless to miss you because she can't get in touch wi
Caroline observed the four children playing by the side. "Will Lia join you?"Benjamin replied, "That would be the best. The girl is smart and gifted in that area. It would be best for her to learn through observation and listening.""I'll arrange for a car to send both of you there tomorrow. Where's the location?"Before Benjamin could answer, Caroline intervened, "Benjamin, please don't decline my menial offer."Benjamin assured, "Not at all. The other party said she would come to pick us up.""I see. Alright then. Please stay at my place tonight and have them pick you up tomorrow.""Thank you.""Don't mention it."Meanwhile, Liora asked Siobhan, "Shiv, have my brothers been bullying you?"Siobhan replied with a smile, "What do you consider bullying?"Liora pondered. "Such as speaking harshly, being arrogant, and arguing with others!"Siobhan glanced at Tyler and pursed her lips, considering how to explain the situation. Noticing Siobhan's slow response, Liora pressed, "
"Alright. I'll get Lia to have breakfast," Caroline said.Upon uttering those words, Caroline took Liora to breakfast.Benjamin's phone rang just as Liora finished her meal.He chatted briefly before turning to Liora, who was leaving the dining room. "Girl, the guest is here. We should go."Liora nodded drowsily. "Okay, Uncle Ben."Turning to Caroline, Liora said, "Mommy, I'm going out with Uncle Ben for some errands.""Okay. I'll see both of you out," Caroline replied.The trio walked out of the villa and saw a striking red off-road vehicle parked at the door.The door opened, and a woman in sunglasses got out of the car.A sense of familiarity struck Caroline as she saw half of the woman's face.She realized the woman was Misty when she removed her sunglasses.Caroline wondered, 'How is she acquainted with Benjamin?'Misty greeted Benjamin before turning to Caroline. "What a coincidence, Ms. Shenton. We meet again."Caroline said, "Ms. Crawford, I didn't expect you to be
Scott averted his gaze. "If it weren't for these circumstances, I still wouldn't have a place in your heart, would I?"Caroline retorted, "No 'ifs'!"Caroline turned and prepared to return to the villa, but Scott seized her wrist.Although Caroline struggled to break free, Scott had no intention of letting go. His eyes bore into Caroline, revealing the pain within. "I just want an answer from you…"Caroline retorted, "There's no answer! You've ruined my life. How dare you think you deserve one?! Scott, you're heartless!"Caroline forcefully shook off his hand and entered the villa.Scott's heart wrenched with pain as he watched the door separate them once again.He only realized his feelings for her when he found Caroline attempting suicide, fearing the loss of her.Despite wanting to rid himself of these emotions, memories of his time in Spania with Caroline lingered.Warm, peaceful days filled with joy and laughter—the moments he yearned for.His desire was simple: to spend
Benjamin furrowed his brow. "Change it to July sixth. It's a better day. The grander the opening ceremony, the better. Make sure there's a grand celebration with loud noises."Also, set up a feast with wine, fruits, and bread. Most importantly, give away money on the day before the opening day.""What do you mean by giving away money?" Misty asked, confused."Consider it a donation to inform all beings in the vicinity that this place belongs to you, and you're paying a toll to pass through."Secondly, this land is valuable, but you must learn to give away money to make more money. Give away the small change, and you will get back the larger sum."Misty was surprised—she hadn't expected there to be so much to it.She jotted down Benjamin's remarks. "I'm really grateful that you're here, or I wouldn't have learned all these things, sir."Misty and Benjamin were still talking when Liora suddenly looked in the northwest direction. She saw a figure floating into a corridor and tugged
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