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
Axel lowered his voice and said, "It's probably because Mommy didn't call."Tyler glanced at Evan and ate his breakfast slowly. He believed Evan deserved what he got because he had refused the help Tyler offered.Evan walked over to the dining table, possibly due to the father-son bond. He stood in front of Tyler and asked, "What's the solution you mentioned last night?"Tyler gazed at him. "I don't feel like telling you right now.""Aren't you eager to go home? Aren't you concerned about your sister crying?" Evan questioned.Tyler grumbled internally. 'So you know about my sister crying, huh? Why didn't you send us home earlier, then?'Tyler turned his attention to Liora. "Do you miss Mommy, Lia?"Liora thought for a moment and replied, "Mommy is busy. I don't want to bother her!"Tyler smirked and glanced at Evan challengingly. "See? We're not in a hurry."Evan's lips twitched, and he wondered where the children got their attitude. 'Do I need to show them a paternity test so
Caroline's heart felt heavy upon hearing her daughter's voice. No matter how exhausted she was from work, she promised herself she would go home to see her children. This marked the first time she had been separated from them.Tears welled up in her eyes. "I'm sorry I couldn't pick you and Ty up.""You're not leaving us, are you? It's just because you're busy, right? And you know Ty and I are safe, right?"Liora's string of insecure questions reached Caroline's ears, and she replied, "Why would I ever leave you and Tyler? I'm well aware that you're safe. That's why I stayed with Lily at the hospital last night."Liora's voice was tinged with anxiety. "What happened to Ms. Smith?"Caroline held back her tears, explaining, "Lily isn't feeling well, so she needs to stay in the hospital for a while. Be good, Lia. I'll come to get you and Ty once I finish. Oh, and is Ty with you?"The call's background was filled with noise, and Tyler's voice soon followed."It's me, Mommy."A smile
Caroline stepped out of the car, her brows furrowing as she approached the roses. Evan's intentions baffled her.Was he trying to win her back after Daniella's betrayal? Or did he see her as a mere replacement?With a scoff, Caroline retrieved her phone and dialed Evan's number.Evan answered, his voice surprisingly pleasant. "Speak."Caroline's displeasure grew. "Mr. Jordan, are you so rich that you've run out of places to spend your money?"The faint smile on Evan's face vanished. "What are you implying?"Caroline's tone turned icy. "It takes quite a childish mind to send flowers as if you're trying to win me over."Evan's expression turned serious at her words.Alex had advised him that no woman would dislike receiving fresh flowers. But instead of being appreciative, Caroline had responded rudely.He had never done this for any other woman, yet she found fault with it.Evan retorted stubbornly, "Do you really think I have nothing better to do than send you flowers?"Caro
Evan said, "I can get you what you want, but you can't answer my question?"Liora stared at him. "You didn't ask the question first before you tried to bribe me. As such, I'm allowed not to answer it, and you're allowed not to buy me dolls."Evan's expression turned solemn instantly. 'It's fine that one of them is troublesome, but the other one is just the same…'*At Bayview Villa.Caroline sold the roses with a phone call, earning a few thousand dollars. After packing her clothes, she hurried to the hospital.Upon entering the room, Caroline spotted Scott resting on the caregiver's bed. Despite her entrance, he remained undisturbed.Caroline first checked on Lily, then turned to cover Scott with a blanket. As her fingers touched the blanket, Scott's reddened eyes suddenly opened. Even in such a situation, his eyes retained their warmth and beauty.Caroline was stunned and pulled back her hands. "You're awake. Would you like to sleep a little longer?"Scott sat upright, massa
The teacher guided the children back to their classroom after playing outside so they could have some water.As Axel reached for his water bottle, he felt moisture on the tip of his nose.Before he could react, Liora shouted, "Axel! You're bleeding!"Tyler glanced over and saw Axel's nose was bleeding. Quickly, he grabbed a tissue and pressed it to Axel's nose. "Hold on. I'll get the teacher."While still holding the tissue to his nose, Axel grabbed Tyler's shirt and shook his head, saying, "It's alright."Tyler looked concerned. "This is serious—"Axel cut him off. "Really, I'm okay. I might just be a bit dehydrated. Don't worry."Worried, Liora asked, "Axel, has this happened before?"Axel pressed his lips together. "I had a similar thing last night, but it stopped quickly."Upon hearing this, Liora and Tyler felt relieved. They assumed that Evan would have taken Axel to a doctor if it had been a recurring problem.Seeing that Axel's nosebleed had stopped after a while, Lio
Scott was taken aback and asked, "What do you mean?"Caroline steeled herself and explained, "We can start being together after Grayson's birthday!"Scott was astonished, his lips trembling as he questioned, "Could you repeat that?"Caroline nervously took a sip of water. "You understand what I'm saying. Maybe it's not exactly fair to you—""This isn't about fairness," Scott swiftly interrupted, his smile growing wider.His clear eyes began to well up with tears. "I've waited nearly six years to hear these words from you."Caroline felt a sense of relief and said with a smile, "I'm glad you're okay with it.""I've always been okay with it! I know you have things to sort out. I'll patiently wait for the day when I can take care of you and your children," Scott said in a reassuring tone.Caroline blushed. "Haven't you been taking care of us all this time?""It's different," Scott said smilingly. *Scott and Caroline visited Lily at the hospital after dinner, just before she r
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