Evan declared, "The core of our relationship is undeniable, Carol. You're the mother of my children, and that is a fact that can't be changed!"Caroline scoffed. "So, you feel the need to start controlling me just because of this connection, is that it? It's my fault for not answering your call, but you can't deny my freedom, either. Moreover, you don't have the authority to dictate what I do just because I'm the mother of your children, don't you think?"Evan was so infuriated by Caroline's words that he shifted gears and raced recklessly toward Rothend Villa.Caroline was so terrified by his speeding that she couldn't make a sound.Evan stopped the car only when they arrived at Rothend Villa.He got out of the car, made his way to the passenger side, opened the door, and carried Caroline before he walked straight to the villa's entrance.Caroline struggled frantically. "Let go of me, Evan!"However, Evan did not show any intention to let go but carried her back to the room and
"Caroline.""Hmm.""Let's get married."Caroline's body tensed, and she gently pushed Evan away.With her head lowered to avoid Evan's gaze, she uttered, "I... feel like we don't need to rush this."In a moment of panic, she stood up and declared, "We'll talk about it later. I'm going to take a shower now!"Evan's gaze dimmed as he watched Caroline flee in a panic.Caroline might have readily accepted his proposal in the past, but now she seemed hesitant.Evan wondered, 'Why is that? Could it be because I haven't sought her family's approval yet?'He contemplated visiting the Xanders tomorrow and stared at the closed bathroom door.-The following day.After taking care of work matters, Evan was getting ready to head to the Xanders when Alex invited him to lunch.It was still early, so Evan agreed and accompanied Alex to the restaurant.Evan remained silent throughout the meal, gazing out the window. This made Alex ask, "What's on your mind, Evan?"Putting down his coffe
Caroline expressed, "He wants to transfer all his shares in MK to me just because I said TYC shouldn't be a subsidiary of MK.""Isn't that good? No one else in the whole of Angelbay would do something like this," Paige said emotionally.Caroline shook her head. "I'm hesitant about getting married precisely because of this. He built his empire by himself, yet he is transferring it to me because of marriage. That doesn't sit right with me."Paige said, "I'm having trouble understanding your perspective. He's doing it out of love, yet you feel like it's a burden to you?"Caroline heaved a sigh. "I don't want that kind of arrangement. We both have our own capabilities. It's not about becoming subservient to each other after marriage. Isn't it better for us to have our own careers? Why does everything have to be handed over after marriage?"Paige said, "You're really independent. Let me ask you this: what if you get pregnant in the future?"Caroline said, "I haven't considered that."
Evan tapped on the tabletop in silence, uncertain about how to respond to the situation.Alex said, "There's no use in rushing things now. Despite the various challenges both of you faced previously, the ultimate obstacle to your marriage is Caroline's personal issues.""Every door can be opened. It's just a matter of finding the right key," Evan remarked."What do you mean?" Alex asked.Evan explained, "Every situation needs its moment, and the moment hasn't come yet. Since she's not ready for marriage, I won't pressure her.""So, are you guys going to get married or not? There's someone waiting in line to get married!" Alex teased.Evan smirked. "Wait."Alex thought, 'Looks like my wedding plans are getting delayed as well, huh!'-Later that evening, Evan met up with Neil at a restaurant.Neil sat across from Evan, looking exhausted. "It has been a long time since we last met, Evan."Evan raised an eyebrow. "Been busy lately? The Xander Group should be quite stable now."
"Yes, a few words from certain people can be more impactful than anything we say, at times," Neil said.Evan lowered his eyes in silence, contemplating Neil's words.The dinner ended.After reaching his car, Evan briefly pondered before calling Benjamin.To his surprise, Liora's voice came through when the call was picked up. "Daddy?"Evan couldn't help but smile. "Have you had your dinner, Lia?""I did! Are you looking for Uncle Ben? He's busy for the moment, but he'll be back shortly," Liora said.Evan replied, "No rush. We can talk about you for the time being.""I just got back, Daddy! What's keeping you so occupied? Your memory seems rather unreliable!" Liora complained angrily.Evan chuckled. "I'm dealing with a tricky problem.""Huh, what is it? Let me analyze it for you for just a dollar!" Liora offered.Evan's eyes filled with affection. "Your mother doesn't want to get married to me. What do you think I should do?""What? Why doesn't Mommy want to get married and
Liora tilted her head. "What is it?""Have you ever promised someone something that you haven't followed through on yet?" Benjamin asked with a smile.Liora pondered for a moment and replied, "Have I ever promised to do something for someone? I don't think so. I don't make promises lightly without a solid foundation.""Think about it. Have you made any promises to someone? It's a spirit, not a man," Benjamin said."Spirit?" Liora was even more confused because she did not recall making a promise to a spirit.Benjamin gently caressed Liora's head. "No rush. Take your time to think about it and head to Angelbay when you remember."-That night, Benjamin's remark left Liora tossing and turning. As she gazed at the moon, she wondered to whom she might have made a promise.Yawning, she fell asleep while contemplating.In her dream, a beautiful fox ran in circles around Liora. Delighted, she chased after it but tripped and fell.Before she could cry out in pain, a gentle hand caugh
Benjamin cast a quick glance at Liora. "Go to school, Lia. I'll handle some matters first."Liora knew Gerri's house was just a few minutes away from school.She nodded obediently. "Okay, Uncle Ben. It's on the way, anyway. You go do your thing while I go to school."-In the afternoon, a dirge emanated from Gerri's house.Liora heard it clearly from her seat next to the window.The dirge distracted Liora, likely due to Benjamin's words from the previous night.Liora wondered, 'Who was that woman in my dream? Why did her words sound so familiar…'"Liora?" her deskmate called out.Liora turned to him in a daze. "What's going on, Chester?"Chester Fox was a clean-looking, slender boy with a fair complexion and refined facial features, unlike the sun-tanned village boys.He spoke in a gentle, soft voice.Liora held a favorable impression of him, particularly due to his calm demeanor.Chester turned to her. "Do you have something on your mind? You haven't been able to concentr
Liora shrugged. "I don't know how to explain it, but it's related to my eyes and body, anyway."Chester was confused.Liora pointed to the window. "Do you hear the dirge outside? This is what I do! I work with spirits! Does that make it clear?"Chester pondered for a while. "I know about Uncle Ben. You're with him, is that right?""Yes! Otherwise, I wouldn't want to part with Daddy and Mommy…"The bell rang as soon as she finished speaking. Liora did not speak more for fear of disturbing Chester from the lesson.However, she observed Chester throughout the lesson and noticed that he was very focused. -In the next few days, Liora faced frequent criticism from teachers. Besides not completing her schoolwork, she was distracted during lessons.The teacher spoke to Benjamin, and after a serious talk with Liora, she still could not concentrate at school.It was as if something was constantly distracting her.-In the school cafeteria on Friday afternoon.Chester and Liora h
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