Scott arrived empty-handed this time.Caroline set down her pen, stood up, and declared, "Alright, I'll go downstairs to check on him."Caroline found Scott waiting in the living room, engrossed in his phone."What are you doing here?" she asked.Scott looked up, cracked a smile, and asked, "Are you free tonight, Carol?"Caroline rejected swiftly, "I'm not!""Don't rush to answer. I'm taking you somewhere," Scott replied.Caroline frowned in disgust. "You know very well that I won't go anywhere with you. What's the point of saying that to me?""What if I tell you that you will find out some things if you come with me?" Scott asked smilingly.Caroline looked at him incredulously. "What things? Wouldn't it be better if you just said it directly?""You have to visit this place in person. If you come with me, I'll release Zeke. How's that?"Caroline's pupils constricted in fear. "What have you done to him?"Scott chuckled. "Don't worry. He's fine now. He just missed a few meals
Zeke frowned slightly and opened his eyes to meet Scott's gaze. Anxiously, he asked in a weak voice, "Where are you taking her?"Scott looked at Zeke nonchalantly. "This is none of your business, Mr. Jung. I'll have the bodyguard release you after I go out with Carol tonight."You've endured hardships in the past few days, but your insincere words caused this, don't you think? You've also experienced my revenge tactics. Please refrain from such pointless activities next time.""You're despicable." Zeke made a crude remark despite his usually humble manner. "I'm the one who made up an excuse to get you to leave. Why involve Caroline?""I've never intended to target you. I have my own plans tonight." Scott leaned in and looked at Zeke with calm eyes. "I almost forgot to tell you that by releasing you, I don't mean freeing you. I'm inviting you to a show."Zeke stared at Scott. "What exactly do you intend to do?""Don't be impatient. You'll know tonight. Even though you're just a by
Scott placed Caroline on his lap and captured a photo of her sleeping face, promptly sending it to Evan. Simultaneously, he forwarded an address with a text warning: [If you don't come by midnight, I'm taking Carol away from Angelbay.]-Evan was wrapping up a day's work at the villa when he received the message.Observing Caroline's photo, Evan sensed the situation was more complex than initially apparent. It seemed Scott might have drugged Caroline.Furious, Evan dialed Scott's number, only to find Scott's phone switched off.Evan clenched his fists in frustration, thinking, 'What does Scott want? He's definitely up to no good, and it might even pose a danger to me. If I don't act, Scott might take Caroline away, vanishing without a trace!'Evan put down his phone with a steely gaze and turned to seek Caroline, unwilling to delay any further.As he opened the door, Tyler's voice reached him. "Daddy?"Evan halted, suppressing his emotions. After composing himself, he faced Tyl
"I'll attempt to hack into their surveillance system so that we're not left in the dark, anxiously awaiting information," Axel declared."Alright, noted!" Tyler responded.-Evan drove swiftly, even running through a few red lights to reach the harbor without stopping.Upon arriving, he stepped out of the car, and his gaze dimmed upon seeing the huge, brightly lit cruise ship before him.Apart from the bodyguards guarding the boarding entrance, there was no sign of anyone around. The setup clearly indicated that Scott had deliberately chartered the cruise ship and waited for Evan's arrival.The cold wind blew against Evan, fluttering his black trench coat. He turned to look around and felt his phone vibrate in his pocket after a while. Pulling it out, he saw his undercover bodyguard's text: [I'm here.]Evan then walked toward the boarding entrance.He arrived before the bodyguards, and one of them said, "We need to search you."Evan's gaze turned cold, but he cooperated, raisi
Caroline halted abruptly upon hearing the noise.Her heart sank as she noticed Evan, wearing a menacing expression at the door.Evan immediately looked at Caroline and felt relieved since she was safe."Look, Carol. He's here, isn't he? Your speculation is right." Scott chuckled, standing up.Caroline's body began to shake uncontrollably. She ignored Scott's remark and, in agitation, shouted, "Why did you come, Evan?"Evan remained silent but swiftly walked toward Caroline. He reached her and grabbed her wrist, intending to take her away. However, bodyguards rushed over, blocking their path as he turned toward the door.Evan exuded coldness, and Caroline could feel his grip tightening gradually.Caroline turned to Scott. "What exactly do you want?"Scott walked over slowly. "Carol, I invited Evan to join me for a game. Please don't be nervous, okay? You may sit on the sofa and watch to find out if he loves himself more or you."Caroline's face turned ghastly pale.She realize
Caroline came to a sudden halt upon hearing that.Evan glanced at the revolver, sneering. "I don't think I'm the only one doing it, right?""Yes, I will do just the same. After all, I want Carol to know that I'd sacrifice my life for her," said Scott."I don't need you expressing anything here! Can you please drop the dangerous game? Evan, don't listen to him. He said it himself that you can leave if you don't take me, leave then!"Evan pursed his lips, thinking, 'I won't let Scott take Caroline away without doing anything! However, it is very risky to take Caroline away now. There is no telling where the bullet is since the cylinder has been spun!'It is very likely that the bullet will be fired at the first shot. In that case, Scott will take away Caroline. Scott's game is ruthless and cunning! However, I must acknowledge that it's a fair bet!'Ignoring Caroline's remark, Evan asked, "What if you also fired two blank shots?"Scott replied, "Then it's not your concern anymore.
Caroline was terrified. "Don't! Put down the revolver, Evan! Put it down…" Her voice trembled with fear.Tears streamed down her face uncontrollably. Evan's jaw was tense. He ignored Caroline and rested his index finger on the trigger. His heart was beating frantically—he couldn't deny his fear. Nevertheless, he was determined to take Caroline with him!Evan held his breath as he pulled the trigger, and his mind was flooded with memories he hadn't recalled before. Memories of Caroline's smiling face, crying face, distressed expression, and devastation…even her expression when she was disappointed and indifferent…A loud noise startled Caroline, and she shut her eyes.Overwhelmed with despair, she couldn't find the courage to look or listen for a muffled thud. Caroline thought, 'Evan… I thought you didn't love me… Why would you do this for me then…'Caroline bit her lower lip, feeling the intense pain radiating from her heart. The image of Evan lying in a pool of bloo
Caroline's stomach twisted as she relaxed. Intense nausea followed, and the acidic sensation in her throat became unbearable.Scott's gaze gradually turned cold. "I didn't expect you to be so lucky."Evan sneered, the malevolence in his gaze growing. "Lucky indeed. On second thought, I might have to thank you after all."Scott frowned. "What do you mean?""If it weren't for you forcing me to play this lowly game, I might not have remembered things from the past."Scott was stunned. "Have you remembered everything?"Evan raised the revolver, pushing it against Scott's chin. "Remember, this marks the beginning of your living hell. How dare you entertain thoughts about my woman?! What makes you think you have the right to do that?!"Scott gnashed his teeth. "Evan, how many times do you think you can get away with luck?""More times than you, piece of shit. It's your turn now. Do you want me to fire the shot for you, or do you want to do it yourself?" Evan asked coldly.Scott lowe
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