Meanwhile, at TYC.Paige returned to her office after lunch and found Neil sitting there.She exclaimed, "Neil? What are you doing here?""Ah, I'm here to see Carol. Is she around?" Neil stood up with a smile and glanced behind Paige."Did Carol not mention she's sending Lia back to Benjamin with Evan?" Paige grabbed a bottle of water from storage and handed it to Neil.Neil took the bottle and asked, "Have they reconciled?""I don't think so, from what I know. Is there something specific you want to discuss with Carol, Neil?" Paige asked.Neil nodded. "Yes, I was planning to meet Carol to collect the evidence she gathered on Scott's crimes. Someone higher up is coming, and I'm meeting him tomorrow through my connections."A knock on the door interrupted Neil.Paige said, "Come in."Misty entered through the door, greeted Paige, and glanced at Neil. "I didn't know Mr. Xander was here. Sorry for interrupting."Paige stood up to welcome Misty. "No problem. We're not in the mid
Misty covered her mouth and giggled. "You're quiet, so you must be pondering whether my employer is on the righteous side or the opposite, right?"Neil pursed his lips in silence.Misty said, "I can tell you that if my employer wanted to do something, he wouldn't need to wait until today and certainly wouldn't need to spend resources to save my boss."Paige asked, "The more you describe your employer, the more I find your employer's motive to be suspicious. Did he save Evan for no apparent reason just because Evan is Evan?"Misty grew impatient. "You'll know when you meet my employer in the future. I'm not allowed to disclose further without my employer's order. Just know that we won't put my boss, or anyone close to him, in harm's way."The office fell silent after Misty's remark.After a long while, Neil said, "So, we don't have to do anything?"Misty nodded. "Yes, leave it to my boss." Misty continued, "Alright, let's get back to the main topic. We may discuss the next step
They caught a whiff of the rich aroma of food upon stepping into the living room.The dining spread occupied nearly the entire table in front of them.Caroline glanced at Benjamin, who entered behind them.Before she could inquire about any potential guests, Benjamin chimed in. "I timed it so that you'd arrive around this time, and I prepared some food."Evan seemed surprised. "Did Lia inform you that we were coming today?""No! I haven't told Uncle Ben about it, but that's just how skilled he is! He can figure things out just like that!" Liora proudly tilted her chin as she spoke of Benjamin's abilities.The group couldn't help but chuckle at her mannerisms.Benjamin gestured for them to sit and proceeded to pour each of them a glass of warm water."Have some warm water first. We can commence dinner after I serve the soup."In a rush, Benjamin headed to the kitchen while Evan stared out at the windows of the living room.He observed the rain pelting against the windows, stre
Benjamin hesitated momentarily before saying, "Lia, I'm not all-powerful. Nature follows its laws. Besides, I make a living by dealing with the living and the dead. You need to distinguish that."Liora tilted her head and asked, "So, there are things that you just can't predict?"Benjamin nodded in silence.Faced with the impasse, Caroline addressed Evan, "Your bodyguards have been guarding the door the whole time. Can you ensure they respond quickly in case of an emergency?""Do you want to stay as well?" Evan asked Caroline, clearly displeased.Caroline nodded and declared, "Since Liora doesn't want to leave, I'll stay with her for peace of mind."Evan finally gave in after failing to persuade both of them.-At 10:30 p.m., Evan heard a muffled, rumbling sound from outside after concluding a video conference in the living room.His pupils constricted, and he gazed vigilantly into the darkness outside the window.Upstairs, Caroline also heard the commotion outside. In fact,
There was still no sign of Caroline upstairs.Liora's heart-wrenching cry echoed behind her, and a mudslide threatened to rush down in front of him.Evan wondered, 'Do I really have to abandon Caroline and leave by myself?'The memory of her lying injured in the hospital caused a dull ache in his heart.Evan hesitated, 'I just can't abandon Caroline and leave by myself! I know that I will definitely regret it if I do that!'Pushing away the bodyguard's hand strenuously, Evan prepared to rush upstairs.Behind him, the bodyguards exchanged glances and followed Evan.Standing next to him, they apologized, "Sorry, sir!"One of them swiftly hit the back of Evan's neck.Evan fell unconscious and collapsed instantly.The bodyguards carried him into the car with agile movements.Liora looked at the unconscious Evan in fear and said, "What have you done to Daddy?!"A bodyguard reassured her, "Ms. Liora, he has just passed out temporarily, but he will wake up soon. We're taking both
Evan was at a loss for how to respond to Liora.The mere thought of Caroline being missing left him feeling inexplicably uneasy.Determined to take action, he grabbed his phone, called his bodyguard, and promptly arranged for assistance to be sent to Benjamin's village.While awaiting the response team, Evan assigned someone to keep an eye on Liora in the room.Once the arrangements were made, he approached Liora, gently took her hands in his, and assured her with sincerity, "I will definitely bring your mother and Benjamin back."Liora avoided eye contact, looking away in silence.Evan sighed, released her hands, stood up, and left the room.-An hour later, Evan and his bodyguards reached the village entrance.Despite the ongoing rain, it was not as intense as a few hours ago.The village had suffered extensive damage, with submerged crops and shattered houses.As they neared Benjamin's residence, the car could no longer proceed through the ruins, prompting Evan to continu
As Caroline listened, her anger and disappointment gradually faded.She hadn't expected Evan to explain everything so seriously.Caroline thought about Evan's past reluctance to speak much or explain himself, wondering, 'Why is he…'Caroline looked at him in puzzlement and asked, "What's the reason for telling me this?"Evan was stunned. 'I clearly have no feelings for Caroline, so why am I explaining to her anxiously? What does her emotional state have to do with me?'After a brief silence, he said, "I just don't like the feeling of being misunderstood."Caroline lowered her gaze in disappointment and muttered softly, "So, you're only doing this to justify yourself, not actually caring about me…"Evan didn't hear her clearly. Changing the topic, he said, "Lia is waiting for you. Come with me to the hotel, Benjamin, too."Caroline nodded nonchalantly. "I'll pack up. Wait for me downstairs."Ten minutes later, Caroline met Benjamin downstairs."Benjamin, Lia is very worried ab
After arriving at the hotel, Caroline and Benjamin chatted with Liora while Evan took a shower.Benjamin approached Evan after he finished showering. "Mr. Jordan, we fear that we can't repay your kindness in helping the villagers. In truth, the government will come to our aid. You don't have to spend so much money."Evan beckoned Benjamin to sit with him on the sofa while he dried his hair. "To be honest, I'm doing this to ensure that there's someone to look after my daughter here."Benjamin nodded in understanding.Evan said, "Since you're so skilled in predicting, can you help me with something?"Benjamin was surprised that Evan would actually seek his help in this area."Tell me more," Benjamin said.Evan asked, "Do you know someone by the name of Scott Wilson?"Benjamin took a deep glance at Evan. "What difference does it make if I know or not know?"Evan explained, "This person is my enemy. I would like to seek your help to see what will happen to him."Benjamin said, "I
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