Caroline couldn't shake the thought that Paige's gesture likely betrayed her guilt about texting."Both of you are coming with us today, whether you texted or not!" declared the muscular man, Kenzo Buffet.Paige and Caroline's eyes widened in shock."Who are you? There are surveillance cameras here. Don't act rashly if you're smart!" Caroline hastily pulled Paige behind her."Are you referring to this surveillance camera?" Suddenly, Arno raised his phone.The footage of them in the elevator was displayed on his phone.Soon, the phone screen flashed, and the surveillance system went dark.Paige's legs shook uncontrollably from fear. "Don't resort to kidnapping. We have money and can pay you whatever amount you want. We'll pay you double! We can even do triple!""We don't want money. We are just following the orders of our boss!" said Arno."Boss?" A thought occurred to Caroline, and her expression gradually shifted from panic to calmness.She asked, "Is it Scott?"Arno chuckl
Evan ignored Alex, opened the door, and dialed Paige's number again.Alex followed closely behind. They heard Paige's ringtone just as they left the room.Alex's nervousness, fueled by Evan, quickly subsided.He nudged Evan's arm and said teasingly, "Paige's ringing phone proves that they are here! The women must be playing games with us! We'll deal with them properly later!"However, Evan's face showed no sign of relaxation whatsoever!In fact, the cold face had already turned solemn.He followed the sound of Paige's ringtone to the phone on the floor in front of the elevator with a lit screen.The striking yellow casing of the phone indicated that it was Paige's!Evan made his way to the elevator, followed by Alex, who had yet to make sense of the situation.He stood frozen in shock when the phone's ringtone grew louder as they approached, and Evan picked up the phone."Paige's phone? Why is it here?" Alex took it in a panic.Evan narrowed his threatening-looking eyes. "Go
Evan received the bodyguard's call in the meantime, informing him that Caroline and Paige were nowhere to be found.The police from the foot of the mountain arrived promptly and conducted a thorough search of the hotel's rooms, including every washroom stall.However, there was still no sign of them.Enraged, Evan punched the glass window upon receiving the update.The boys shuddered at the sound of glass breaking and looked at Evan, whose hand was shaking and knuckles were bleeding in shock.Axel and Tyler gnashed their teeth in frustration because they didn't have the time to comfort Evan due to the urgency of the situation.They knew that even if they tried to console him, it would be in vain.Evan stood next to the window with a solemn expression. He was well aware that no one else but Scott could have done this. If someone else were to attempt it, they wouldn't cover their tracks so efficiently.He struggled to figure out where Scott might be hiding Caroline now.Having a
"I need Axel's help to identify the ID that can breach the firewall before we can initiate the tracking," Tyler explained with a frown.Axel replied, "I need half an hour at most!"Even though half an hour wasn't long, every passing moment felt excruciating to them.In fact, Axel began bleeding from his nose after just 10 minutes of intense stress.The crowd was alarmed by Axel's condition.He wiped his nose and continued to stare at the screen, completely unbothered."Don't worry. The doctor said occasional nosebleeds are normal during recovery. I'll rest after we've located Mommy," Axel assured.His explanation relieved everyone.Axel pressed the Enter key after about 29 minutes."Alright, the ID is found. Ty, it's your turn."Tyler replied, "Get some rest and leave the rest to me."Axel nodded and weakly leaned against the chair, his face ghastly pale.Evan picked up Axel, who opened his eyes wearily. "Daddy, I'm fine…""Be good! Sleep, and I'll update you if there's an
"You're delusional! Do you think Evan will let you leave? You're dreaming!" Paige lost her temper once again."It's precisely because I know it's impossible that I want your help," said Scott.Paige glared at him. "What makes you think I'd betray my best friend and them to help you? Are you going to threaten me with my parents' lives? Scott, don't be ridiculous. As far as I know, you don't have many people who can help you now!"Paige's honest words left Scott with a strong sense of helplessness.He said nonchalantly, "Yes, I don't have anybody else now indeed. All I have is Caroline."Paige looked at him coldly. "Do you think appealing to emotions will work on me? I haven't forgotten Caroline's gunshot wounds yet! I also haven't forgotten about your despicable tactics that almost drove her to commit suicide! If you want my help, you're going to have to kill me!"Scott leaned over and propped himself on his elbows. He lowered his head and said, "I knew it would be like this. Paig
Scott pursed his lips tightly.Paige said, "See, even if I make some suggestions, it won't do anything, right? Your fate has already been sealed.""Even if that is the case, I won't give up on Carol. I will figure out a way to prepare everything within three days and leave with Carol. Even though I don't have subordinates to help me, money can still make the world go round!" Scott said while standing up.Scott's last sentence alarmed Paige.Scott could definitely use his substantial funds to grease some palms and take Caroline away in three days!Paige gazed after his departing silhouette and shouted, "Scott, stop being so stubborn! There's no way you will take away Carol!"Scott stopped walking. "It's just two options, isn't it?"Scott opened the door and left after saying that.Paige hastily got out of bed and followed him, but she opened the door to find Kenzo blocking her path.Paige realized that confrontation was not a sensible approach, so she shut the door and returned
Caroline struggled to prop up her weak body by sheer force. Scott, eager to assist, found himself ruthlessly pushed away before his hand could even make contact."Don't touch me!" Caroline glared at him with intense hatred.Scott withdrew his hand as Caroline leaned against the bed."Haven't I made myself clear with the things I said to you? Even a fool would understand by now!" she exclaimed.Scott lowered his gaze. "Understood.""Why do you keep abducting me when I've already been clear? Scott, I've never met someone as shameless as you!" Caroline's agitation grew.Scott pursed his lips, took a deep breath, and said, "Come with me, okay?""Come with you? Where do you think you can go? Do you know how many innocent lives you've harmed because of your stubbornness and selfishness? You should surrender yourself and repent to them in death! Your existence contaminates the air we breathe!""You think they're innocent, but what about me? Don't I deserve any pity?" Pain filled Scott
"Daddy, I found Scott's car! It's at the resort we were staying at before!" Tyler exclaimed.Evan halted mid-sentence, rose from his seat, and headed to check Tyler's laptop.Sure enough, the location was right at the resort they had stayed in previously!Tyler remarked, "Daddy, Scott is really cunning. The moment you pulled everyone back, he chose to stay right there. Isn't this like a challenge to you, suggesting you're foolish? Maybe he thinks he's smart enough and assumes that you won't think of the resort?"Evan said, "Now is not the time to discuss this. I'll send someone over to check if Caroline is there."Evan dialed Misty's number.Misty picked up. "What are your orders, boss?"Evan conveyed, "Look for Caroline at the resort. Ty located Scott's car there!"Misty was astonished that Tyler could find the location so quickly by himself.Holding the phone, she glanced at the tech personnel coding tirelessly next to her.Her lips twitched, and she felt the urge to berate
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