Evan sat at his desk, tapping slowly as he awaited their response.Axel paused briefly before speaking. "Since you've called us here, Dad, do you have some plans in mind?""That's right. I want to ask both of you, who's willing to take over MK?""I won't do it. My interests lie elsewhere," Axel replied promptly.Evan frowned. "And you, Ty?"Tyler met his gaze. "Your intentions are clear. You want one of us to succeed you, right? Axel's not interested, so if I also decline, you won't be pleased, will you? Especially since you've made plans to travel the world with Mom once Axel and I returned."Evan smiled. "So, you've been doing some digging.""Of course. You don't want Mom to handle her company anymore, so you're scheming to get her to globe-trot," Tyler remarked.Evan nodded. "Since it's settled, you'll take over as CEO starting tomorrow.""Ah…" Tyler responded nonchalantly.Evan turned to Axel. "What about your plans?""I want to start a cybersecurity firm. With the rise
Chester swayed, glancing up at Jason as he walked past.Chester's dormmates, Ethan Mitchell and Liam Bennet, perked up on their beds at the commotion."Jason, what's the big deal about Chester knowing Liora? Why make such a fuss? You punched him, after all."Jason settled into a chair, crossing his legs atop the table. "Stay out of this.""We don't want to interfere, but we'll be roommates for the next few years. Can't we try to get along?" Ethan appealed.Ignoring them, Jason reached for his phone, intent on texting Liora.After some contemplation, he composed a message.Jason: [Are you busy, Liora?]Meanwhile, Liora lay on Caroline's lap, scrolling through her phone with delight.Her mood soured when she read Jason's message, clicking her tongue in disgust.Concerned, Caroline inquired, "What's wrong?"Liora frowned. "Mom, what would you do if someone you're not close to hit your friend?"Caroline fed her daughter a blueberry, contemplating the question. "It depends on th
"Hey Chester, you meeting up with Liora and Jason?" Liam asked, a hint of concern in his voice. "Jason's got a bit of a reputation, so watch your back!"Chester slipped on his shoes, gave a casual nod, and headed out shortly after.Leaving the dorm, he grabbed his bike and pedaled over to the karaoke bar.He spotted Liora and Jason strolling in as he approached the entrance.He hurriedly parked his bike and tagged along with them.Observing them disappear into Room 204, he stared at the door with a furrowed brow.After a moment of contemplation, he made his way to the lobby and booked the room across from theirs.Meanwhile, inside Room 204, Jason sat beside Liora, his nerves evident. "You sing, Liora?""Nah, not my thing. Knock yourself out," Liora replied, her attention on the screen.Jason was taken aback. "What do you do for fun then?""You wouldn't believe me if I told you," Liora teased, a smile playing on her lips."Try me," Jason challenged, intrigued."I work with s
"Did I make you ask me out?" Liora asked bluntly.Jason frowned deeply. "No, you didn't make me, but you didn't exactly object either, did you?""I didn't object. I'm here with you because I want to see your cowardice," Liora complained contemptuously.Jason laughed angrily. "Cowardice? Who isn't cowardly then? Chester?"Liora nodded. "Yes, he's braver than you and trusts me.""If that's the case, why don't you go out with Chester instead?" Jason's fury was evident."Ah, you're mad? You really can't compare to Chester. If you can't control your emotions, don't embarrass yourself in public," said Liora, sneering."Hey!" Jason stood up and glared at Liora, breathing heavily. "Did you agree to go out with me just so you could humiliate me after I hit Chester today?"Liora nodded. "I'll give you credit for having some brains.""Why do you do this to me?" Jason's anger escalated from feeling humiliated.Liora looked at him with disdain. "Do you want a reason? It's simple because y
Chester slipped off his jacket, gently draping it over Liora's shoulders. She blinked in confusion. "What's going on? Why are you here?"Chester's brow furrowed as he silently fastened the buttons of his jacket around her. While he seemed relieved that she was now covered, he didn't offer an explanation, much like before.Meanwhile, Jason had risen from the ground, spitting out bloody saliva, his eyes ablaze with fury directed at Chester. "Did you follow me here?!"Chester turned toward him, his voice calm yet masking any underlying emotions. "You shouldn't have laid a hand on Lia.""She provoked me first! And she did it because of you! I wouldn't be doing this if it weren't for you!" Jason seethed.Chester stood up, firm. "Regardless of the reason, it's not acceptable to harm her."Jason scoffed. "Fine! If you're going to defend her, then you can deal with the consequences!"With that, Jason swung his fist at Chester, who agilely dodged the attack, causing Jason to miss his m
Liora scoffed. "A conversation? What's there to talk about? Life and the future?"Chester gazed at Liora's forced laughter in silence. "Why do you keep avoiding me?""Am I avoiding you? Fine, let's go with that!"The elevator doors parted, and Liora swiftly exited.Chester hurried after her and seized her arm. "Lia, is there a misunderstanding between us?""What does it matter? I detest people who don't keep their promises!" Liora shook off Chester's grip and shot him a cold glare.With those words, Liora dashed out of the karaoke bar, with Chester following at a safe distance.Even as she hailed a cab to depart, he hailed one and trailed behind.Given Liora's earlier remarks, there was clearly a misunderstanding between them. He yearned for a proper conversation about their past, but Liora refused to grant him the chance to explain.Yet, what was the use in divulging it to her?They were worlds apart.-The following day, Liora was roused by a knock on her door. She groggi
Axel shook his head in frustration as he realized they were quarreling again in the morning.Caroline told Evan with a smile, "The house has been especially lively since everyone's return.""It's too noisy. I've decided to move up the plans," replied Evan, displeased.Caroline asked, "Why do you find it noisy? Is it because of Ty and Lia?"Evan smirked casually. "Don't worry. Another person will soon join in the quarrel."Loud thumping noises soon echoed from the stairway.Isaac's voice followed shortly. "Mom!"Caroline tensed up, turning to see Isaac running toward her. Isaac appeared overwhelmed. "Mom, they look like they're about to fight! Please go check on them!"Caroline finally understood Evan's reference to noise upon seeing Isaac's distress. She feigned ignorance and replied, "You're right about moving up the plans.""What do you mean by moving up the plans?" Isaac approached Caroline, confused. "Are you traveling again, Mom?"He resembled an abandoned child, with
Axel dismissed other girls until he accompanied Liora to the lecture hall."What's your major, Axel?" Liora asked."I'm majoring in pharmacy. My academic building is right behind yours. Shoot me a text if you need anything. I'll be around," Axel replied."Alright. I'll head in first." Liora gestured toward the door."Sure."Axel departed after ensuring Liora entered the lecture hall.Several girls hurried into Liora's lecture hall shortly after Axel's departure. They encircled her, seeking Axel's contact information before class began.Over ten girls bombarded Liora with questions about Axel, overwhelming her ability to respond. She feigned a phone call to escape the onslaught.Liora strolled to the man-made lake and settled down, intending to check her phone, when she received a text message from Siobhan.Siobhan: [Busy, Lia?]Liora: [No. How've you been lately?]Siobhan: [I'm transferring to Angelbay University in about a week. Dad and Yulianna are together now. Dad's expa
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