Caroline hadn't anticipated Evan misinterpreting her intentions like this."I just want to go home," she clarified. "You don't have clothes for me to change at your place. Don't overthink this. If you think it's unsafe for me, I can grab a few fresh sets of clothes from home before going to your place.""I'll get the bodyguards to do that," Evan retorted, clearly displeased.'Anyone can get clothes for you. It's evident you're concerned about Scott not freeing Zeke when you insist on going home,' he thought.Evan's anger intensified at the idea of Caroline prioritizing another man's safety.-By the time Caroline and Evan returned to Rothend Villa, it was already past midnight.The two boys rushed out of their room upon hearing the commotion. They were unaware of the incident on the cruise ship due to the inactivity of its surveillance cameras. Their concern was so intense that sleep eluded them.As they hurried downstairs, they were astonished to see Caroline and Evan entering
"Go upstairs and freshen up," Evan blurted before heading upstairs.Misty patted Caroline's shoulder with a smile. "Ms. Shenton, an engaged couple should feel free and comfortable with each other. If there's too much noise, I'll just pretend not to hear anything. The boss' room is the first on the second floor."Caroline was rendered speechless, while Tyler and Axel blushed. They bid Caroline goodnight and scampered back to their room. Caroline hesitated for a moment before heading to Evan's room, suppressing her anxiety. She took a deep breath and entered the room, searching for Evan, but he was nowhere to be found. In fact, even the bathroom light was off. Caroline entered the room in puzzlement, wondering where Evan might be. Without his presence, she could take a shower in peace. Caroline exited the bathroom 10 minutes later and noticed that Evan still hadn't returned to the room. Perplexed, she pondered whether Evan was busy dealing with Scott's situation. Afte
Evan frowned. "You've been quite the busybody lately."Misty sat down and said, "Alright, I won't meddle in your affair with Ms. Shenton. What's your next move, boss?"Evan narrowed his eyes. "I'm going to contact major media outlets and expose Scott's crimes to the public. I plan to escalate the situation to its maximum within half a day."Misty's expression turned serious upon hearing that. "Something seems off, boss."Evan glanced at her. "What are you implying?"Misty was doubtful but didn't express it directly, continuing to probe. "What happened on the cruise ship last night? Why did you choose to blow it up in front of everyone?"I managed to suppress this matter last night. Otherwise, it would have attracted the authorities' attention."Evan asked, "Do I need your opinion on everything I do now?""You know that's not what I mean. You wouldn't have done that if you weren't furious," said Misty.Evan sneered. "He tried to kill me. Do you think I'll let him have a good ti
Misty reassured, "Don't worry, boss. Your safety is our top priority, as instructed by the employer. I shall make preparations to notify the media soon."After she left, Evan grabbed his phone and located Keane's number. Despite recovering his memories, he still had no idea who this person was.Evan thought, 'Keane is a powerful backer with access to channels I've never been involved in. Forces from Muricia, Spania, and even Britania show respect to him. His elusive power makes it hard to grasp his true capabilities.'I won't tell Misty about my memories yet, as it's uncertain whether Keane is on my side. I must observe the dynamics carefully to proactively prepare.'He called Keane, and the latter picked up promptly."What made you think of calling me?" Keane asked.Eva checked the date on his laptop and said, "You're back. Does that mean you've resolved the overseas matters?""Yes, it's almost done. I'm taking you with me, marking the completion of everything after some time,"
Caroline's initial reaction to the matter was that Evan was behind it.Caroline thought, 'Scott's current plight is of his own making. Even if we were friends before, he doesn't deserve any sympathy after the recent events.'Caroline handed the phone back to Paige. "He brought this upon himself."Paige nodded frantically. "Yes, I agree with your statement. He should have considered not to mess with someone like Evan when he was scheming and planning initially."Caroline refused to discuss Scott further after last night's vivid experience. 'I won't feel any pity for him even if he were to die now. I will feel regret for not killing him at most.'Caroline passed the menu to Paige. "Order something."Paige took the menu. "Carol, do you know about the explosion at the harbor last night?"Caroline's movements halted. "Is it in the news?"Paige said, "It is, but they haven't provided specific details on what caused the incident. I thought of asking you if you have any information."
Tyler logged into the software and said, "I'm sending him a message to see if he replies."Tyler located the mentor's contact and sent three questions along with the sentence: [Reply to me when you see this. We need your help, sir. We can discuss the price.]Leaning against the chair, Tyler said, "I hope the mentor will read it soon and we can gain access to Scott's location. This way, we won't live in fear anymore."-Caroline sat on the sofa, scrolling through fashion websites on her phone while checking her chat interface.Despite sending numerous text messages to Zeke, he hadn't replied. Concerned, she called him today and discovered his phone was still turned off.Caroline lacked the courage to check on Bayview Villa by herself.She called Marie, hoping she could check on Zeke, but Marie didn't pick up her call.Caroline then dialed the house's landline, but no one answered.Caroline muttered, "Marie can't be out at this time, yet no one is picking up my calls. Has someth
Axel abruptly halted his actions and turned to Caroline. "What's going on, Mommy?"Caroline proceeded to explain the situation to the children.Axel's expression grew serious. "Understood, give me 10 minutes."Caroline stood behind Axel, anxiously watching him work.In less than five minutes, the surveillance footage suddenly flickered.Soon afterward, a dimly lit room appeared on the screen.Zeke was bound to a chair, his white shirt stained with blood.The bloodstains seemed to be from wounds on his body as if he had been whipped.Caroline's knees buckled uncontrollably.Tyler quickly reached out, holding Caroline's hand. "Calm down, Mommy!"Caroline's eyes welled up with tears. She couldn't see Zeke's face because his head was lowered all this time.Recognizing the severity of the situation, Axel turned to Tyler. "Track the location of this surveillance camera. Focus on the surveillance in Mommy's home and search for any breaches in the firewall last night!"Tyler nodded
Axel leaped off the chair, grasped Caroline's arm, and said, "Take a seat on the sofa, Mommy. I'll check if I can recover the surveillance footage."Caroline shook her head while sobbing. "It's fine. The villa is safe now."Caroline stood up, saying, "Do your best to track Scott at home. I shall head back to Bayview Villa with the bodyguards."Tyler stopped working and tried to persuade Caroline. "Mommy! Even though Scott is not around, what about the security level inside the villa then?" Caroline halted. "He said that he won't target me."Noticing Caroline's determination to go, Tyler glanced at Axel.Axel nodded and sent a text message to Evan.Unexpectedly, Evan had already returned to the villa.After reading Axel's text, he frowned and walked into the villa, asking, "Are you heading to Bayview Villa?"Caroline was stunned. "What brought you home?""Were you planning to go over with the bodyguards if I didn't come back?" Evan asked in displeasure."Yes! So many people
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