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
"I can see from your expressions that you're unwilling. Don't go if you can't endure it," Evan advised.Axel turned to Keane, aiming to mediate the situation. "Sir, we can agree not to contact Mommy, but can you update her about our situation?"Keane agreed, "I can do that for you. I'll send her a video clip of your current life and update her periodically."The children felt relieved at this assurance."We're just worried that Mommy will fall sick from missing us. Even though Lia is away from home, she frequently keeps in touch with Mommy. If we suddenly stop connecting with Mommy, she will be worried."Keane nodded. "I understand."After chatting for a while, Evan took the boys home. He arranged for someone to complete the withdrawal process from Merlin School for them and considered spending more time with the children and Caroline in the following days.After all, such opportunities would be few and far between in the future.Evan looked at the boys sitting on the sofa in s
Tyler and Axel hastily looked up at Caroline upon hearing that. They were relieved to see Caroline's calm expression.Tyler explained, "We will be going abroad next Monday."Axel said, "We still get to spend six more days with each other. Can you apply for a leave of absence, Mommy?""Of course. I'll spend the next six days with you," Caroline agreed without any hesitation. Axel and Tyler exchanged glances before they smiled.Tyler said, "Mommy, Daddy suggested a family trip. Is there any place you'd like to visit?"Caroline pretended to think about it. "I have no idea where to go, though…"Axel said, "I have a suggestion—"The door opened before Axel could finish his sentence, and a waiter walked into the room with a serving tray.There were two servings of ice cream on the tray. "We're giving away one serving of free ice cream per child today!"Caroline nodded and said smilingly, "Thank you. Please put it on the table."The waiter, Jesse Steele, nodded and placed the ic
"You coincidentally joined me today, and the waiter followed Scott's order to assassinate you."The more Caroline dwelled on it, the more terrified she became.Had Evan not reacted in time, he would probably have ended up like the bodyguard whose throat Elvira had previously slashed.Caroline's gaze landed on the boys as she pondered that.Suddenly, she realized that Scott might ruthlessly target the boys again now that he was lurking in the shadows.The boys might be safer if they left with Keane.Evan's hand moved as if to comfort Caroline, but it would be inappropriate for him to do that now.Evan reassured, "Don't overthink this. I'll deal with it. Just discuss with the boys where you want to go for a vacation before tomorrow afternoon."Caroline could only keep quiet after seeing Evan's calm expression.-Their lunch ended around 1:30 p.m., and Evan headed to the office.A bodyguard opened the office door for Evan. Jesse lay on the floor, barely breathing, blood caked o
Evan opened the messages, glanced at the conversation, and then passed the phone back to the bodyguard."Get Misty to come. Take the phone and have someone investigate the number."The bodyguard reached out to Misty right away.Evan looked at Jesse and sneered. "Your mental resilience has surpassed my expectations."Jesse was stunned. He feigned confusion and asked, "I don't understand what you mean."Evan stood up slowly and walked to the office table.He ran his fingers along the knife the bodyguard had prepared while saying, "You haven't been telling me the truth from the start. I didn't look into your family background. I only used your parents to test you. You pretended to be shocked to go along with what I was saying."Jesse's expression tensed up.Evan grabbed the knife and looked at Jesse nonchalantly. "The text conversation is a ploy to deceive me, trying to see if I'll fall for it."Also, a long-term employee would be reprimanded by the manager immediately after the
Evan averted his gaze from Misty's face and casually discarded the knife into the trash can. "I'll leave the remaining tasks to you," he said.Misty replied with a smile, "Alright. I'll make sure not to disappoint."Exiting the office, Evan headed to the guest room, where Caroline and the boys were taking a break.Caroline was busy selecting a destination with them.Upon hearing Evan's footsteps, they turned their attention toward him.Tyler asked, "Has the person confessed?"Evan sighed. "It's not that easy. I've underestimated these people's loyalty to Scott."Caroline chimed in. "Scott has a way of winning people over. It's normal for them to be loyal to him."Evan changed the subject. "Have you chosen a destination?"Axel eagerly suggested, "Daddy, let's go to the countryside."Evan was slightly surprised. He assumed they would opt for overseas or another city instead. "Where?" he asked.Axel handed the phone to Evan. "We've never been to this place before, but we've h
Scott thought, 'Ever since Evan's return, my plan has become a mess. It's my fault for not planning my retreat well, leading to my current dire situation. However, I won't allow this situation to persist for an extended period.'Scott picked up Caroline's folder and read it again.He thought, 'Without hurting the children, Evan's only weak point is Carol.'-Evan departed from The River Taste with Caroline, the boys, and a driver at night.Caroline looked around and asked, "Are you sure you're not taking any bodyguards with you?"Evan adjusted the seat and said, "Do they need to follow right behind us to provide protection?"Caroline pondered and came to understand that the bodyguards might be discreetly following them.She thought, 'However, isn't he usually quite conspicuous with an entire convoy? Is there a specific reason for the change in his usual practice?'Caroline did not inquire further but sat with the boys, playing with the Legos Evan had prepared for them.Even t
Evan nodded and asked with interest, "That's right. Is there anything else you'd like to add?"Axel suggested, "You'll have some bodyguards leak the information that you've changed the plan, turning our vacation into a business trip where you leave for a different location first. Similarly, you'll arrange for some bodyguards to disguise as you, departing with a sizable group of them."Caroline was stunned as she listened to her sons' analyses.She looked at Evan in a daze, awaiting his response."I think I made the right choice agreeing to let you go with Keane," Evan said.Caroline hastily asked, "So, did the children analyze correctly?"Evan nodded. "Yes. I throw him off by making it too obvious when we leave without bodyguards. Even a fool wouldn't take action. However, if I leave with the bodyguards, he'll realize that it's the perfect opportunity to strike when you're not around.""No! He chased us with a lot of bodyguards and even fired shots the other day. What difference
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