"Have you received approval from your parents?" asked Evan.Alex shrugged. "I've severed ties with them. Their approval is none of my business."Evan gazed at the boys holding Caroline's hands. "I'll make preparations after sending the children abroad."Alex asked, "When are they leaving?"Evan counted the days. "I'll take them back to Angelbay tomorrow, and they will be leaving with Keane three days later."Alex sighed. "Are you not planning on telling your daughter so she can bid farewell to her brothers?""It's fine. She's going to cry," Evan rejected the notion.Alex raised an eyebrow. "The way you care for Lia makes you seem like a doting father. Paige suggested to me last night that you have another child so we can adopt them."Evan stopped walking and looked at Alex in displeasure. "Are you dreaming?"Alex said, "Caroline and you can still have children, but I can't!"Evan scrutinized Alex. "There are medical procedures that may help reduce the risk of the child gettin
Evan's throat moved visibly as Caroline brushed her hair behind her ears, smiling at the speechless Evan. "Things have a way of coming out into the light without intention. You don't have to share if you're not ready. We can discuss what comes next when you've figured things out."Caroline caught up to the boys at the front, held their hands, and walked ahead, grinning.Evan pondered deeply as he gazed at Caroline's figure.-The next day, they packed their luggage to return to Angelbay.Caroline received Zeke's call as soon as she arrived at her villa. Putting the call on speaker, she talked while preparing fruits for the boys, "Mr. Zeke."Zeke's concerned voice echoed. "Caroline, I found out about your situation. Are you alright there?"Evan arrived at the kitchen entrance and heard Zeke's voice clearly. He frowned and displeasedly glared at Caroline's phone on the kitchen island.Caroline said, "You're still well-informed, Mr. Zeke. I'm good, so don't worry.""It's not that
Caroline thought, 'It's Evan who is in a hurry anyway, not me. After so many years, waiting a bit longer won't hurt.'Evan sat at the table in the study on the second floor, feeling stifled. He felt agitated at Caroline's tone when she spoke to Zeke earlier.'Why is she treating someone like Zeke so differently?'He pondered this when Alex called. He picked up the call right away."I suggest you hang up if you don't have anything important to talk about!" Evan said, loosening his tie.Alex was stunned for a while. "Evan, you're already upset upon getting home?"Evan was livid and spoke in an unpleasant tone. "Talk about the matter at hand!""Alright. Lucas called me, suggesting that we gather before he leaves the country in two days," Alex said."I'm not free tonight!" Evan rejected him.Alex said, "It's just for coffee in the afternoon. Are you free for that?"'It's just an afternoon thing. I can still get back in time to meet Zeke with Caroline. I can also take the opportun
After uttering those words, Evan smoothly took the car key from Caroline's hand.Tyler scrutinized Evan and declared, "You're wrong, Daddy. Mommy isn't going on a date with anyone."Evan looked down at the arrogant Tyler. "Then what's going on?"Tyler grinned at Caroline. "Does Mommy need to go on dates when she's so beautiful? There are plenty of suitors out there for her, right?"Axel added, "I heard from Godmother that several executives and managers in Mommy's company are interested in her."Evan's smile turned gloomy. "Your mother wouldn't find a bunch of people with ulterior motives appealing."Evan thought, 'Executives and managers? I might be moving up the agenda of my plan sooner!'Caroline checked her watch. "It's almost time. We'll be late if we don't leave soon. Will the three of you please get up?"-Caroline, Evan, and the boys arrived at the restaurant an hour later. They entered the private room reserved by Zeke and found him already sitting there.Zeke stood
Zeke gazed at Yuliana, expressing his gratitude, "Thank you for your help that day, Ms. Xander."Zeke turned to his assistant, and the latter swiftly picked up a prepared gift and presented it to Yuliana. "Please accept this small token of appreciation, Ms. Xander."Yuliana graciously accepted it and asked, "Can I open it?""Of course," Zeke replied.Yuliana untied the silk ribbon and opened the gift box. Her eyes widened in shock upon seeing its contents. Hastily closing the box, she asked, "How did you get this? Is it personally carved by a master craftsman?""I noticed you wearing a pendant before, so I thought you might like this," Zeke explained."I love it! Carol, Mr. Jung gave me a stone pendant made by a master craftsman! I tried to get one before with Neil's help, but it didn't work out!" Yuliana exclaimed.Caroline was unfamiliar with such pendants and master craftsmen. Still, she smiled and said, "It's great that you love it."Evan's gaze shifted to Zeke, noticing a
Caroline smiled. "Uh, you have to talk to Yulia about this yourself."Zeke raised his glass. "Caroline, thank you for helping me ask Yuliana out tonight."Caroline raised her glass as well. "You have helped me so much, so what is this small favor compared to that?"-Caroline and Evan returned home with the boys.After washing up, Caroline received Liora's call.She picked up and heard Liora's empty voice. "Mommy, are my brothers leaving tomorrow?"Caroline was stunned. "Lia, did your brothers tell you about this?""Yes. When are they leaving tomorrow, Mommy?" Liora asked.Caroline looked toward Evan, who was still showering in the bathroom. "Lia, I'm not too sure about tomorrow's schedule. Will it be okay for me to ask your father after he is out of the shower?""Alright. Let's talk about something else while we wait for Daddy to finish showering," Liora said.Caroline chatted with Liora for about 10 minutes, and Evan came out in a bathrobe.Hearing Liora's joyous voice, E
Caroline tightened her grip on her fork. "It's okay, Axel. You can come and see me if you miss me."Axel was stupefied. "But that side—"Caroline shook her head, cutting him off. "Yes, that's the rule, but there's always a way, right?"After a brief thought, Axel nodded. "Yeah, we can see you in the shortest time as long as we get approval."Caroline nodded with gratification. After sharing a meal with the boys, Caroline ascended the stairs to assist in packing their luggage.Without instructing Evan's men to help, she meticulously placed Tyler and Axel's belongings into the luggage, her inward bitterness and reluctance growing with each item.Finally, she cried and silently cried with her head lowered.Evan was about to descend the stairs when he noticed through the slightly open door that Caroline was sitting on the floor. Her back was against the door, and her shoulders were shaking. It filled Evan's eyes with gloom.He opened the door and approached Caroline. Mistaking hi
Keane smiled and replied, "Evan, I regard them as my grandsons. You don't have to worry that much."Caroline felt relieved because of Keane's promise.They walked to the departing gate.Then, Caroline squatted down in front of the boys and tried her best to smile as she placed her hands on their arms. "You're about to go in another ten minutes. You must take good care of yourselves regardless of who you're with. Don't let yourself suffer a grievance."Tyler and Axel nodded in unison.Tyler said, "Don't worry, Mommy. Axel and I will come back as soon as possible.""Mommy, you should take good care of yourself." Axel grinned and added, "You and Daddy should try and give us a sister."Stunned, Caroline touched Axel's nose. "Your father and I haven't decided on our relationship yet. We'll see how it goes."Evan, who was looking around and waiting for Liora, abruptly looked down at Caroline. He was about to speak up when he heard hurried footsteps from behind him out of the blue."
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