Caroline furrowed her brow in confusion. It struck her as odd that Misty would suddenly invite her to a meal.She remarked, "There's no need for you to treat us to a meal when you're Evan's assistant."Misty countered, "I believe you can see my boss' intention. Since he brought you home, it means he values you highly. I hope you can put in a good word for me with him, so he won't burden me with so much work. After all, I haven't even gotten married yet!"Caroline declined, stating, "Stop teasing me, Ms. Crawford. I'm only staying temporarily, and I'll move away once my housing situation is sorted out. Evan hasn't recovered his memories of me, so I can't say much to him. Even if we reconcile, I try to avoid meddling in his affairs."Misty didn't expect Caroline to be so difficult. Unable to convince her with reasoning, she resorted to a softer approach, sighing. "Alright, Ms. Shenton. I'll be honest with you. I'm not from Angelbay, so I don't have friends around here. I invited you
Tyler asked, "We're not familiar with you. Why do you want to meet us?"Keane asked, "Do you still recall the video clip of your uncle that I previously sent to you?"Tyler and Axel's expressions visibly froze.Shortly after, they exclaimed in unison, "Mentor?!"Caroline gazed at them in astonishment."That's me. Do you think I don't resemble him much?" Keane said with a smile.Tyler's eye twitched. "I thought our mentor was someone in his 20s or 30s, not a middle-aged man. I believe you've been in the hacking profession for more than a decade with such proficiency, right?"Keane nodded. "Yes, it just happens that I have a tiny bit of talent in that area."Tyler couldn't help but think, 'Tiny bit of talent? What are we then? A bunch of novices?'Tyler stated, "If you have something to discuss with us in person, go ahead.""Indeed," replied Keane.He turned to Caroline and said, "I need to discuss this matter with you."Caroline looked at Keane, waiting for an explanation.
"No! I need greater capabilities, and I won't be confined to just hacking!" Tyler denied Axel's statement.Caroline's heart raced when she learned about Tyler's ambitions. She had never seen such a determined expression on Tyler's face. She could totally see Evan in him—ruthless yet resolute.Unable to refrain, Caroline said, "So, are you implying that you wish to learn from your mentor?"Tyler replied, "I understand your concerns, Mommy. You're worried that I'm delving into dark areas, but isn't having ambition a good thing?"Some people are disadvantaged from the start, but I've surpassed many of them. Now, I have the precious opportunity to grow even more. Why won't I seize the opportunity instead of just idling away?"Caroline replied, "Ty, I just want you, Axel, and Lia to grow up safe and healthy.""I know that you love me, but you should give me the freedom to make choices, Mommy. I have a long road ahead and need to forge my path."Caroline's lips quivered as she looked
When Evan heard their footsteps, he turned and looked at them with a solemn expression.Caroline felt an ominous premonition and approached Evan with the boys. She asked, "What's going on? Why do you look so upset?"Evan looked at her coldly. "Where's your phone?""In my bag, why?" Caroline answered."Didn't you hear your phone? Do you know how many times I called you?" Evan snapped.Caroline hastily checked her phone and found more than 30 missed calls and 10 text messages from Evan.She admitted guiltily, "I'm sorry. Something happened tonight, and I didn't hear your call. My phone was on silent, and I forgot to switch it back to sound mode."Suppressing the burning anger in his chest, Evan said, "You better provide me with a reasonable explanation!"Caroline subconsciously wanted to talk about the night's events but remembered there was no need to explain to someone with no connection to her."Why should I explain to you?" Caroline asked in a displeased tone.Evan retorted
Tyler clenched his fists and heaved a sigh. "That's not the case, Mommy. I accidentally hurt you with my words because I was too impatient…"Caroline looked at her sons in silence.She suddenly remembered that children were meant to move out when they got older. Even though Tyler was not old enough, he had the mindset of an adult.Caroline felt weighed down on her chest. "Ty, I know that you have your own aspirations. I have my own reluctance similarly. If you really want to go, I won't stop you. You too, Axel. I will try to convince myself to agree with your decision."Caroline got up and left the children's room, suppressing the suffocating feeling in her chest.Axel said to Tyler, "Mommy is very sad, Ty.""I know! Don't you want to become stronger sooner to protect Mommy? Our hacking skills are just barely sufficient, to be honest. How about the other skills that we really need to learn? Are we just going to type away on our keyboards when enemies confront us in the future? Yo
Caroline's lips quivered as she took a deep breath before meeting Evan's gaze."You're acquainted with Keane, right?" Caroline decided it was time to reveal the truth. Οtherwise, Evan wouldn't let her rest tonight.She knew Evan well enough to anticipate his reaction. Evan appeared briefly surprised before furrowing his brow. "How do you know him?""Keane and I met once, just before the gala…" Caroline explained the encounter with Keane and Liora at that time.Then, she continued. "I met with Keane and Misty tonight because she invited me to dinner. Keane told me that he wants to keep the boys close and groom them to become his successors because he is impressed by their intelligence. I wasn't with Zeke. Is there anything else on your mind besides me going out with men?"Evan looked at Caroline in a daze. "So, you're crying because you're reluctant to part with the boys?"Caroline sobbed, saying, "Would you be willing if it were you?"Evan loosened his grip on Caroline's arm, pu
No matter how hard Evan tried to explain or reassure Caroline, it wouldn't outweigh Caroline's own contemplation of the current advantages and disadvantages.Evan removed the blanket, washed up, and walked out of the bedroom.Stopping at the children's room, he knocked on the door.Axel answered after a while, "The door isn't locked."Evan entered the room and found the boys changing. He remarked, "You're up early."Tyler glanced at the door and asked, "Where's Mommy?"Evan replied, "She went out to do some errands. Go downstairs for breakfast first, and I'll take you out afterward.""Where to?" Tyler and Axel asked in unison."Breakfast first."-No one was at work when Caroline arrived at TYC.She sat in a daze until the employees gradually arrived at the company, and Paige entered the office.Noticing Caroline sitting still, facing the window, Paige put down her bag and walked over in puzzlement. She bent over and checked on Caroline.Startled by the sight of Caroline's
Caroline thought, 'However, is Evan really capable of telling Keane to put the children's safety first?'-Evan arrived at The River Taste with the boys at 9:30 a.m.The boys did not look around frantically out of curiosity. Instead, they speculated that Evan was taking them to meet Keane, so their focus remained on that.After their arrival, Evan knocked on the door of a room, and Keane's voice echoed. "Come in."Entering the room, Evan found Keane watching a video clip of his mother playing with the children on the sofa.Tyler and Axel weren't surprised that Keane had the video clip. He could outmatch them easily, not to mention acquiring surveillance footage.When Keane saw Evan and the boys, he turned and smiled. "Come and sit."Evan's gaze lingered on Jamie's face for a few seconds before he forced himself to look away. Although bitterness spread in his chest, he didn't show it.The three of them sat on the sofa, and Keane asked the boys softly, "Would you like to eat som
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