Scott retorted, "You're oversimplifying things, Carol. Evidence alone is not enough to harm me in the slightest. If you really hate me, take my life and avenge them."Scott stood up, moved to the bedside table, and retrieved a gun.Shortly after, he placed the gun on the coffee table before Caroline, taking a seat. "The gun is here."Subconsciously, Caroline wanted to grab the gun, but she stopped herself just a moment before doing so. She had already gathered evidence, and killing Scott now would surely implicate her!Caroline pondered, 'How can I fulfill his wish when he wants to take me down with him in death?'Suppressing her urge to kill Scott, she declared, "I won't let my hands be stained with blood like yours!"Caroline turned to leave. She did not expect Scott to grab her hand just as she took two steps forward."Carol…"Caroline instinctively pulled back her hand, looking at him in disgust. "What the heck are you doing?"She couldn't see Scott's expression with the m
"Caroline, I believe you have something you want help with," Zeke said.Caroline was stunned. "What do you mean, Mr. Zeke?""If I'm not mistaken, you should have gathered quite a lot of evidence against Scott, but you're unsure how to handle it now."Caroline took a sip of water. "Yes, you are right. I can't find someone dependable to hand in the evidence on my behalf."Zeke said, "I understand. Scott must have quite powerful backers to have reached this point. Given your personality, I know you're not one who seeks help when facing difficulties. Hence, I've been waiting for you to come forward."Caroline put down her glass. "Evan's friend looked into Scott's backer and found that the Commissioner of Angelbay Police is his friend. Initially, we planned to hand the evidence to the mayor, but we were worried that the mayor may not accept it.""That is natural. The mayor has always prioritized the city's GDP. If Scott can bring him benefits, he will overlook certain things for him."
Zeke said, "What if I do, and what if I don't?"Scott asked, "Do you think Carol would agree to be with you?"Zeke chuckled. "I'll only do what I should do. The rest is up to Caroline to decide.""It seems you purchased all the shares for Carol.""Everyone has their own goals to pursue."Scott stood up, asserting, "I won't let her go to you, no matter what."Zeke leaned against the sofa slowly. "I'll wait and see."After Scott departed, Zeke's expression gradually turned serious.Zeke pondered, 'He didn't hesitate to take lives to achieve his goal of reaching his current position previously, and now he is willing to abandon his hard-earned achievements for Caroline? Is this just his diversionary tactic? Perhaps he is setting some trap now for someone to walk into it?'Zeke grabbed his phone to text his assistant.Zeke: [Monitor Scott closely and inform me right away if there's any update. Also, reach out to the mayor.]Zeke informed Caroline about Scott's thoughts simultaneo
Caroline wanted to look it up online, yet Paige led her into the hotel.Upon arrival, Caroline discovered that the chosen room was opposite the building.Understanding Paige's intention without needing to give it much thought, Caroline said, "Paige, I don't think you're here for the fashion show. You're using this opportunity to keep watch, right?"Paige sat on the sofa next to the window. "Carol, come sit here. We'll talk."Carol sat down and asked, "What do you want to talk about?"Paige replied, "I don't think the body was Evan's. Even though the physique is similar, its facial features have been nearly destroyed. Are you certain that it's him?"Caroline frowned. "So, you think the death certificate has been falsified?""Yes! Carol, I'm just going to say this again. I believe what I see and not a corpse so damaged that even its facial features were indistinguishable! Don't forget that Ty manipulated your DNA at the time. If yours can be manipulated, why can't Evan's?""This
"I'm sorry, he doesn't have an appointment at 10:00 a.m. Please contact him before coming to meet him."Paige quickly grasped Evan's schedule for the day."He left at this time the other day. Doesn't he usually work at the company?"The receptionist responded, "I'm sorry. The president rarely comes to the company, and I can't provide information on other matters. Please leave."Paige stopped pressing the receptionist and exited the company, pulling Caroline along. After walking for a while, she halted.She turned to Caroline and noticed her teary eyes. Looking serious, she asked, "Didn't you hear and see that, Carol? That staff didn't refute me when I mentioned Mr. Jordan. What does it mean? Evan is right there!"Silently, Caroline kept staring at the company's entrance, wondering if Evan was there.Simultaneously, questions like why he was there and why he had not contacted her since he was alive puzzled her.She wondered if he had any unspeakable trouble or…She didn't dare
After surveying the scene, they advanced and asked, "Could you enlighten us on the process of becoming members here?"The bodyguard glanced at them and replied, "You can't gain entry without a recommendation from someone."Paige's lips twitched. "We have the funds. Why can't you admit us?"The bodyguard remained indifferent. "There are many affluent individuals, and the people inside are very dangerous individuals. Please avoid stirring trouble.""Thank you for the warning. But isn't that rule a bit arbitrary?" Paige protested."I'm just doing my job."Caroline added, "We won't cause any issues for you to let us in, sir. Can you inform us about who can vouch for us?""We won't disclose information about the patrons here," the bodyguard said.Suddenly, a distant bodyguard came to a halt.Even the bodyguard in front of Caroline and Paige adopted a more serious demeanor."Ladies, please don't obstruct the path." The bodyguard nudged them aside.Perplexed, Caroline and Paige gaz
"Mr. Pierce, I have something to ask you. I don't know if you'll agree or not."Keane replied, "Please go ahead, Ms. Shenton.""I've heard about a rising faction in Spania recently. They even assisted the authorities in uprooting an entrenched underground force there. Can you tell me who is behind that faction, Mr. Pierce?"Smiling, Keane remarked, "I admire your courage, Ms. Shenton. You're inquiring about something others wouldn't dare touch."Caroline's face became solemn. "This is crucial for me, Mr. Pierce.""Wait, Carol!" Paige suddenly interrupted. "We don't know each other, Mr. Pierce. Why did you help us get into this place?""It's because we come from the same country, and I'll help if I can. Plus, you came without any bodyguards. I'm sure there's something urgent you need to know. Otherwise, you wouldn't risk your lives."Keane's explanation sounded flawless, but Caroline and Paige found something doubtful."Okay," Paige answered. "Since you said that, do you know ab
"I'm sure it's not that simple. Did you keep something from me?" the man asked.Keane explained, "There's something you need to face. Do you think you can find what you want by staying here in Spania all this while?"The man fell into thought for a while. He then asked, "Will you stay in Spania then?""No," Keane uttered. "I'll also return to the country, but I need to go to another place first."The man did not ask where Keane would go.After sitting there briefly, he got up and left.-A few days later.Caroline and Paige returned to Angelbay City because their investigation was futile.During those days, Keane would text Caroline every night to inform her about the result of his investigation for that day.Although he gained no clues, Caroline was relieved.When she got home, she took the two children out for a meal.They received a group video call from Liora when they arrived at the restaurant.Axel was the first to pick it up and saw Liora's listless face on the scre
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