Caroline remained silent for a while, then stood up and headed to the children's room.Tyler was clearly startled as the door opened suddenly. He hurriedly closed the laptop.Caroline's attention went to the laptop. With a serious look, she asked, "What were you watching, Ty?"Tyler chuckled uneasily. "Cartoons, Mommy.""Since you were watching cartoons, why did you shut your laptop in such a panic?" Caroline asked doubtfully.Tyler thought quickly. "I don't want you to think that I lack ambition."Caroline would never peek at Tyler's secrets. She had always believed that her children should have a space for privacy. However, today's incident was not trivial. The scene was shocking to adults, let alone a child who was not physically and mentally developed.Noticing that Tyler refused to admit it, Caroline inhaled a deep breath and sat before him. "Ty, I don't want you to lie. Even if you're lying out of good intentions, I don't want you to make lying a habit."Tyler lowered
Evan inquired, "If her supporter is truly skilled, who then revealed this? Are you implying my well-paid team is ineffective?"Reuben replied, "The IP address is untraceable, and the individual who dispersed the photos at the event venue remains elusive—""Is this the information I must hear? Inform the tech division that they will be dismissed if they fail to identify the person within three days!" Evan's anger flared.Reuben replied, "Understood, sir.""Hold on!" Evan spoke just as Reuben was about to leave."Is there something else, Mr. Jordan?""Conduct a DNA test on Axel."Evan leaned against his chair and pondered with narrowed eyes. Reuben was confused. "Mr. Jordan, we ran a DNA test on Mr. Jordan Jr. as soon as he was born. He is your biological son—"Reuben came to understand the situation halfway. "Understood, Mr. Jordan. I'll get the hospital to verify the relationship between Ms. Xander and Mr. Jordan Jr.!"*At Xander Residence.Grayson gave Daniella two fie
Axel cautiously informed Caroline about his actions against Daniella.Caroline was taken aback and took a while to recover from the surprise. She could accept it that one of her sons was skilled in hacking, but both of them now?In fact, Axel's skills had surpassed even Tyler's."Mommy?" Axel called out anxiously when he received no response.Caroline regained her composure. "I'm here, Axel... I'm really glad that both you and Tyler did this for me. However, I don't want either of you to get involved or hurt because of adult problems. My only wish is for both of you to be happy and safe. That's all I want."Axel nodded. "I get it, Mommy. There's something else...""What is it?" Caroline inquired.Axel hesitated. "Would you want me to prevent Daddy from discovering our relationship?"Caroline was confused. "Is your father planning something?"Axel explained, "Daddy is planning to investigate my connection with Daniella."Caroline was caught off guard.Evan would surely test A
Axel asked casually, "What are you trying to say, Daddy?"Evan found himself at a loss for words. How might Axel react if Evan hastily revealed that he wasn't Daniella's biological child?Before Evan could respond, Axel added, "Daddy, I don’t like Mommy, but I like Ty’s Mommy. She’s really nice and cares about me a lot. Unlike Mommy, who hits and scolds me all the time. Honestly, I've always wished Daniella wasn't really my mom. I can't feel any motherly love from her."Evan was taken aback. 'Can a five-year-old actually express that?'Yet, he realized it made sense. Axel's exceptional hacking skills hinted at maturity in other aspects, too. It was a reassuring thought.Standing up, Evan said, "Axel, you can go to her place to play if you want. I'll pick you up when you're done. Or, you can stay there if you'd like."Axel remembered, "Didn't you used to say she's not good, Daddy?"Evan's expression turned serious. "Did I? You shouldn't lie, my child."Axel fell silent.Evan wa
Caroline and Neil anxiously waited for three hours in the corridor until Scott emerged from the operation theater. He looked at Caroline, who was visibly frightened and sitting on a bench."Caroline..."Caroline raised her head, a bit dazed, and glanced toward the operation theater before asking, "Where's Ms. Smith?"Scott's gaze dropped. "Ms. Smith was in shock when she arrived at the hospital. The surgery was successful, but she's still in critical condition. Prepare for the worst."Caroline's lips quivered, and she felt a cold shiver. "What do you mean?""She might end up in a coma," Scott said hoarsely.Caroline suddenly felt lightheaded, and she started leaning to the side involuntarily.Neil caught her. "Carol?"Carol snapped out of it, tears streaming down her face. Her eyes were full of guilt. "It's all my fault..."Neil felt a pang in his heart. "It's not your fault, Carol."Carol shook her head, sobbing with her hands covering her face. "I was so focused on revenge
Evan sat in the apartment, where Tyler and Liora remained bound, their mouths covered with tape.Evan was surprised to receive a call. He controlled his urge to smile and asked in a deep voice, "What's the matter?"Caroline pleaded, "Evan, I need your help to save my kids."Curious, Evan asked, "What happened to them?"Caroline recounted the day's events to Evan. "I'll agree to your terms if you bring my children back safely," she implored.Evan's expression and voice turned serious. "Give me a reason to help them."Caroline took a deep breath. "Let me tell you what happened when I had the children five years ago.""Are you negotiating with me, Caroline?" Evan's tone grew cold.He knew Tyler resembled him greatly, yet Caroline chose to hide the truth at this point.Caroline responded. "No, Evan. This isn't the time for that. Please, just consider my plea.""Call me when you've decided," Evan promptly ended the call.Setting down the phone, he looked directly at the children
Caroline was surprised and frowned, asking, "Are you suggesting Evan might have found out about the children's abduction before I did?"Neil nodded. "It's likely the case. Would Evan have spent five years searching for you if he didn't have feelings for you? Since he's unable to move on, he won't stay idle now that someone has abducted your children. Do you understand what I'm saying?"Caroline thought for a moment. After composing herself, she picked up her phone and called Axel.The call was quickly answered, and Axel's voice came through. "Mommy."Caroline asked gently, "Axel, I want to know if your father is away."Axel replied, "Hasn't Daddy called you?"Hearing Axel's words, Caroline became sure."Axel, do you know something bad happened to Ty and Lia?" Caroline asked."Yes. Daddy is out to help them." Axel honestly responded.Caroline then asked, "How long has he been gone?"Axel checked the time and stated confidently, "Three hours. Don't worry, Mommy. Daddy went wher
"What are you trying to say?" Evan asked in a deep voice. Tyler took a bite of an apple leisurely and said, "I can get Mommy to come."Evan smirked. "You're her son. She will come if you say the word.""I'm not referring to her coming to get me. I'm talking about you." Tyler questioned his father's intelligence level."I don't require your help to make her visit me. Sooner or later, she'll come to see you."With those words, Evan went upstairs, leaving Tyler bewildered by his failed plan. He had aimed to assist his mother in resolving the situation, but his attempt had been futile.*Neil had just returned to Xander Residence when he heard Grayson's furious voice. "A group of useless individuals who can't even watch over two kids!"Trying to provide comfort, Daniella said, "Please, Grandpa, try to stay calm. It's not good for your health to get so upset. I'll be okay."Neil's expression grew cold. He entered the living room and found his grandfather struggling to catch his br
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