Some spirits briefly observed the scene before departing, seemingly oblivious to Liora's presence.Then, a girl with two braids entered the store.Liora assessed her with a quick glance, noting the bruises on the fair skin of the girl's neck, evidence of a recent strangulation.Approaching Liora, the girl met her gaze with a calm stillness in her eyes. "Spirits Wishing Hall. Is it a place where spirits' wishes are granted? Are there any prerequisites?"Liora clarified, "There are only two conditions. I do not assist with illegal activities, and you must accompany me to Cross Chapel after I fulfill your wish."The girl seemed uncertain. "You don't require payment?""Why would I need money from the underworld?" Liora countered with a smile."Fair enough. It's a deal," the girl agreed.Turning her attention to Isaac, who remained cradled in Chester's arms, Liora nudged him. "Close up shop. Our customer for tonight has arrived."Isaac vehemently shook his head. Clutching onto Ches
Kenny kept his head hung to look at the girl near him as if he was aware of it.Liora told Sabine, "You may go now."Sabine stared at Liora for a moment before nodding. Her gaze communicated a clear warning to everyone present.It was as if Sabine would make Liora uneasy if Liora failed.After Sabine had left, Liora disclosed Sabine's home address to Kenny."Got it. I'll go and check it out. Wait for me to come back," Kenny replied."Okay, thank you, Uncle Kenny," Liora said.With that, Kenny departed.Liora glanced at Chester and Isaac, who were seated nearby.Chester appeared composed, but Isaac gazed at the door with sorrow.Taking a seat, Liora asked Isaac, "What's on your mind?""Lia, why did the man become enraged and murder his wife and daughter over an affair?" Isaac questioned.Liora leaned against her chair. "Self-conceited individuals often deflect blame for their errors onto others. What purpose does marriage serve? It's merely two individuals coming together to
Liora listened to Kenny and closed the store. She asked the driver to drive Chester home first before she and Isaac returned home.Isaac grabbed Liora before they entered the villa. "Lia, I want to go with you tomorrow."Liora asked, "What day is it tomorrow?""Sunday!" Isaac exclaimed. "How could you forget about the day?"Liora agreed, "Okay, I'll take you there. But you can't go with me if it's school hours."They got into the villa.Tyler and Axel were still sitting in the living room.When Tyler realized that both Liora and Isaac had gotten home at nearly 1:00 a.m., he wanted to scold them.But Axel beat him to it and held him back. "Lia, Isaac, have you guys finished your work?""No," Isaac answered quickly. "We'll get real busy tomorrow. Lia is going to crack a case." "Crack a case?" Tyler frowned. "What kind of case?"Isaac looked at Liora, wondering if he could tell them. Liora ignored him and explained what had happened that night."If that's the case, I know
They got into the car. Liora gobbled down two hard-boiled eggs and a bottle of milk.Isaac said, "Lia, Ty mentioned that he had already contacted the people for you before he left this morning. Have you gotten in touch with Mr. Gates?""I did. He will meet us at the funeral parlor," Liora mumbled. "Is Chester not coming?" Isaac asked. Isaac felt more at ease when Chester was around for some unknown reason. He wanted Chester to join them.Liora said, "He can come if he wants but might not be joining us due to his mobility issue."Isaac pouted in disappointment. "Ah."They arrived at the funeral parlor half an hour later. A black Porsche Cayenne was parked by the roadside at the store's entrance. Liora took a glance before turning to open the door. Before she could do it, she heard someone shouting, "Tyler's sister!"Her eyes twitched as she snapped back to reality when she heard the address. A tall young man was walking toward them from around the front of the car. His
The trio embarked on their journey.Just as they settled into Reese's car, a bodyguard wheeled Chester to the entrance of the funeral parlor.Observing silently, Chester witnessed Liora entering another man's vehicle.-Nearly an hour later, they reached the River Neighborhood.Reese parked the car and surveyed the residential area before turning to the others. "Do you have any description of the suspect?""It's easy, but you better not treat me like a fool later," Liora said while glancing at Reese. Reese was confused. "What do you mean?" Liora kept quiet, so Reese turned to Isaac in search of an answer. Isaac said, "Lia is going to ask Uncle Kenny. Please don't ask who Uncle Kenny is, Mr. Gates. Don't intervene later when my sister starts speaking on her own."Isaac was even proud of Liora's ability. Reese scratched his head. "Alright then. Do what you have to do."However, Reese was caught off guard when Liora called out 'Uncle Kenny' loudly right in the car.He fo
"Ah. Brian is home. You may go upstairs," said the woman.Liora could see Reese's jaw drop from shock after the woman left. She scoffed and walked into the building. They took the elevator to the fifth floor. Liora knocked on the door when they arrived at Unit 505."Hey! You're going to startle the murderer knocking like that!" Reese immediately told Liora. Liora confusedly scrutinized him. "Do you want to break down the door? You're not even wearing a uniform! What are you afraid of?"Reese was rendered speechless. Liora ignored Reese and continued to knock on the door. Soon, a voice echoed from the inside. "Who's there?""I'm from property management. Could you please open the door? We're here to inspect the gas pipelines."Reese was impressed by Liora's ability to lie so openly. Brian immediately opened the door for them when he heard about property management. He had dark circles under his eyes, and he appeared low-spirited, clearly drained by the struggles cause
Liora said, "So, you killed Juliet and the child out of anger because you were cheated on?"Brian said, "Initially, my intention wasn't to end her life. All I desired was for her to terminate the affair and build a fulfilling life together with me. I wanted to forgive her. Yet, she told me that she wanted to continue the affair and that she didn't love me anymore. She wanted me to set her free so she could be with that man!"In fact, she told her daughter I cheated on her first and that I treated her that way. The child looked at me like I was the enemy. I raised her for six years, and I got that unforgettable look in her eyes in return! So, I strangled Juliet and her daughter to death in a rage."Reese asked, "Where are the bodies?""In the freezer. I dismembered her and fed her internal organs to dogs." Brian got up and walked to the bedroom. "If you don't believe me, I still have the evidence of Juliet's affair."Reese followed Brian immediately and watched Brian grab his phone
Liora glanced at the gifts and said, "Are you thanking me for helping you out?"Reese chuckled shyly. "Well, sort of. However, the main reason for the gifts is that I doubted your abilities. Please forgive me."Liora said, "It's fine. I've been doubted for my unique abilities on multiple occasions. I can understand that, so you don't have to apologize."Reese said, "No. Others may be different, but I feel that I must apologize. Besides, Tyler is going to berate me relentlessly if he finds out that I doubted you."Noticing Reese's sincerity, Liora said, "Alright then, just put it there. Thank you."Liora glanced at Isaac, beckoning him to take the gifts inside.Isaac took the gifts, and Reese said, "Are you heading out to dinner?"Liora was about to answer when Reese said, "How about I treat all of you to dinner as a form of appreciation for solving the case?""It's fine. We're just going to grab a simple meal. You don't have to spend money for us," Liora declined. Reese said,
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