Alex informed Evan about the accident date without hesitation.After contemplating the date for a moment, Evan asked, "At that time, Caroline was—"Before he could complete his sentence, his phone rang.He answered the call and asked, "What is it?""Sir, Ms. Liora has been possessed!"Evan frowned. "What's happening?"He stood up and swiftly exited the office while conversing on the phone. Alex followed him in a daze.Upon reaching the elevator, Evan hung up, and Alex asked, "What's going on?"Evan replied, "I'm going to check on Lia at the school. She's facing some kind of situation.""Lia? Didn't you send her back to Benjamin?!" Alex exclaimed.Entering the elevator, Evan frowned at him. "Why are you saying the same thing?"Anxiously, Alex warned, "Don't jeopardize your daughter just to keep her close! Everyone knows about Lia's condition. You even had the best psychiatrist examine her before…"Alex recounted the prior incident to Evan.Evan's expression turned solemn. "
Evan approached Caroline, gently pulling her arm away from Tyler in preparation to dress her wound."No need to bother you," Caroline coldly rejected, pulling her arm back.Undeterred, Evan continued to grasp her arm, tightening his grip on her wrist to attend to her wound.With few options left, Caroline decided to call Benjamin.Upon answering, Benjamin spoke before Caroline could utter a word. "I've prepared a charm in advance. You can find it in Lia's backpack. Apply it, and if the spirit persists, scatter some flower petals over Lia's body. She'll know what to do."Caroline was astonished that Benjamin knew before she said anything."Understood, Benjamin. Thank you," she replied."No worries. Lia is the priority. Let's deal with the matter first," assured Benjamin."Okay."Turning to Evan, Caroline instructed, "Please return to your house and bring over Lia's backpack."Evan silently took on the task and called his subordinate after bandaging Caroline's wound.In less t
Liora glanced around before her gaze settled on Caroline, and she called out, "Mommy…"Caroline felt the urge to cry and gently caressed Liora's cheeks. "I'm here. How do you feel?"Liora shook her head slowly. "It's fine, Mommy. I'm used to it…"Tears welled up in Caroline's eyes. She had no idea how much hardship Liora had endured during the time she couldn't see her."I told you not to get out of the car first, but you refused to listen to me!" Tyler couldn't refrain from complaining out of love.Axel cleared his throat to interrupt Tyler and said, "Let Lia rest, Ty."Liora ignored Tyler and looked at a corner of the medical office, blinking."I see you… madam…" Liora called out weakly.The crowd looked over but didn't see anything in the corner.Evan sat on the edge of the bed and asked softly, "Who are you talking to, Lia?"Liora licked her dried lips. "It's the woman who possessed me earlier. She is standing at the corner, staring at me."Evan couldn't help turning to
"Let's not be pessimistic. I know that the living and the spirits have their own lifespans. You have a way to find him as long as his time is not up yet," Agnes said, wiping her tears.Liora heaved a sigh. "Madam, even the spirits' lifespans are time-bound. Some have less than a year before their time is up. You've spent quite some time in limbo, so you must be aware of this."Liora did not fully understand what she was saying. After all, she had learned the explanation from shadowing Benjamin."Please give it a try," Agnes urged."Sure."-Outside, Evan rested for a moment before he said, "I'm on board with Liora's situation."The crowd looked at him in astonishment.Tyler asked, "Is it because of our agreement?"Evan sat upright. "Partially. I have also regained the memories of personally agreeing to Liora's mentorship."Caroline and the two children exchanged glances.Axel said with a faint smile, "It's a good thing that you remember agreeing to let Lia return to Uncle Be
The three of them arrived at the crime scene and sat in the car, waiting for the right time after purchasing the needed items.Liora leaned weakly in Caroline's arms after a few hours of waiting.Evan hardly took his eyes off Liora. He continued to watch her even though they chatted occasionally.Caroline felt Liora's forehead and noticed that her body temperature was slightly higher than usual."Would you like to eat something, Lia? Shall I get someone to buy you food?" asked Caroline softly.Liora opened her eyes lethargically and asked, "What time is it, Mommy?"Evan checked the time and said, "11:00 p.m.""Ah. I'm not hungry now. I'll deal with the matter first…" Liora shut her eyes once again.Caroline and Evan exchanged glances. They kept quiet but began communicating on their phones.Evan texted Caroline first. Evan: [What is Lia's favorite food other than steak?]Caroline: [She loves all sorts of soups.]Evan: [I don't have a nanny at home, but I'll get some from a
After lighting the candles, Liora turned to glance behind her."Madam, you may come out, and I'll summon your son now," she announced.Simultaneously speaking, Liora produced a bell and a lamp.Agnes floated toward Liora with bloody tears streaming down her face. "Thank you for doing this, girl."Responding with a faint smile, Liora handed the lamp to Evan. "Hold this, Daddy. Make sure it doesn't go out."Evan nodded and took the candle-lit lamp. As he contemplated the lamp's endurance, he suddenly noticed souls observing them in the surroundings. Some souls had already floated over, causing the lamp to flicker in the windless night.Concerned, Evan lowered his body and shielded the lamp with his hands.Liora gently shook the bell in her hand and began chanting something incomprehensible to Evan."Chance Kramer... come if you can hear me..."As she chanted, more and more souls gathered around. Despite Evan's apprehension, he observed that the souls kept a safe distance from Li
Liora forcefully threw the candles onto the ground, a ruthless act that echoed her frustration. Turning to Evan, she urged, "Let's go, Daddy."Evan was still protecting the lamp and glanced at it. Before he could speak, Liora said, "It's useless now."Evan nodded, straightened his back, and led Liora back to the car, holding her hand.-An hour later, Evan instructed the chef at The River Taste to serve the soup meant for Liora and the chicken soup prepared for Caroline.While they ate, Evan couldn't shake Chance's words from his mind. 'Chance's mother didn't spend time with him when he needed her. Now that he no longer needs her, she reached out to him.'Involuntarily, Evan's gaze landed on Caroline's tired face. He sensed that she needed him now.'I'm being distant from her now. If I remember our past and decide to seek her out in the future, she might not need me anymore, right? However, I don't know how to embrace her without our memories.'Caroline's voice interrupted Evan
The next day, Evan opened his eyes and surveyed the room.Caroline was seated beside the bed, her bloodshot eyes fixed on him. He frowned and glanced out at the brightening sky. With considerable effort, he propped himself up to sit.Caroline quickly assisted him. "Lie down, don't get up. How do you feel now? Does your head hurt?"Caroline's hand restrained Evan as he complied and lay back down. He asked, "Did I lose consciousness last night?"Caroline nodded. "Yes,. Lia and I were quite frightened. We had a doctor come to check on you. You were fine, so the doctor administered intravenous fluids and left."Evan nodded casually.The memories of Caroline flooded back to him before he lost consciousness. He recalled her walking into the bathroom naked, clutching her clothes, while he sat on the bed coldly, looking away after a brief moment.This scenario played out on multiple occasions, yet he couldn't determine how many times. The thought left him feeling guilty, burdened by an
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