Caroline had still been considering ways to decline the necklace, so she did not notice Scott entering the kitchen. She was visibly startled by Scott's action."I thought I was making you breakfast?"They stood so close that Caroline blushed. Scott chuckled. "I'm just joking. It's not my birthday today."Caroline felt helpless. "I'm not fond of birth parties. We can just invite Paige over for dinner.""You're the birthday girl, so you decide. I'll handle the arrangements.""Sure."Scott grabbed Caroline's shoulders and forced her to turn around. "Go outside and wait for breakfast then, birthday girl."Caroline was kicked out of the kitchen. She had nothing else to do, so she headed upstairs to wake the children.Scott had already prepared breakfast by the time she came downstairs with the children after they washed up.Liora ran over in excitement when she saw Scott. "Papa Wilson! I missed you! Where have you been recently?"Scott picked up Liora and caressed her nose affec
Caroline was relieved to hear Scott's explanation. She nodded and said, "Great then. Otherwise, I wouldn't know what to get for your birthday."Scott appeared slightly frustrated. "You're still acting like a stranger to me."Caroline explained, "No, it's because your gift is too valuable.""Alright, I'm just teasing you. I'll be heading to the hospital later, and I'll come over to celebrate your birthday at night.""Sure."-In the afternoon, Paige called when Caroline had just completed dealing with her tasks. "Happy birthday, Carol!" Paige's excited voice echoed.Caroline said smilingly, "Thank you!"Paige said, "Don't mention it! Don't prepare anything for tonight. I've booked a huge private room at a hotel to celebrate your birthday."Caroline said, "It's just a birthday. No need for such a huge fuss.""No! This is your first birthday back in the country. We must make it grand!"Caroline was rendered speechless. Others would think that she was celebrating her 80th bi
Evan was forcefully brought along to the shopping mall together with the dumbfounded Paige because of his remark. Alex used a brute excuse. "Women understand women best!"Evan did not have any reason to reject it. Paige glared at Alex the entire time as she struggled to walk, trailed by a group of bodyguards.Shortly after, she spotted Evan walking ahead. She lowered her voice and asked with anger, "Why did you invite my boss to come along?"Evan stopped walking and turned to look after hearing the whisper.Paige immediately smiled and said, "How can I help you, Mr. Jordan?"Paige's skillful change of behavior left Alex speechless.Evan did not speak but continued to look around. Paige seized the opportunity to pinch Alex's buttocks ferociously. Alex gnashed his teeth in pain. "What are you doing!"Paige said, "Tell me, why did you invite Mr. Jordan to come along? Don't you know that he and Carol don't get along?" Alex said, "He proposed it, and I don't have a reason t
Scott and Caroline followed Paige to a seat. They were about to talk when they suddenly heard people gasping in shock."Oh my god! It's Mr. Jordan and Mr. Pierce!""Whoa! Is that Mr. Jordan's son in his arms? Gosh, he's cute!"Caroline felt her back stiffen when she heard the voices and looked at the hall entrance in a daze. Evan walked into the banquet hall wearing a black, custom-made suit and holding Axel in his arms.A group of bodyguards following behind him spread into two groups guarding the two sides of the entrance after he entered the hall. The warm spotlight illuminated Evan's elegant figure and enhanced his charm.However, his face was cold and unapproachable, instilling fear in everyone. Caroline was astonished. She turned to look at Paige. "Did you invite him as well?"Paige glared at Alex in the distance and said angrily, "That son of a bitch Pierce invited him! He betrayed me, and I will get even with him sooner or later!"Caroline was embarrassed. "Forge
Caroline stood up with her glass and nodded to everyone. "Thank you for your wishes, everyone."She tipped the glass back and downed its content.The birthday party began officially, and everyone was immersed in the joy of feasting. Liora and Tyler returned and pulled Axel along to feast together joyously. Numerous employees toasted to Caroline during the party. Scott wanted to drink on Caroline's behalf, yet he was distracted by a male employee's inquiry. Caroline took sip after sip, her lips glistening from the alcohol. Her shining eyes captivated Evan, who sat beside her.Caroline was about to sit when two female employees came to toast. "Happy birthday, Ms. Shenton!"Caroline couldn't bring herself to refuse, so she readied for another drink. Just as she was lifting her glass, a person appeared in front of her.Before Caroline could respond, Evan had already finished her drink. The two female employees were stunned before they walked away. Evan put down the glas
Paige grabbed Caroline's arm when she returned to the banquet hall. "Please offer your opinion, Carol. This son of a bitch Alex didn't even touch his drink. Look at his glass…"Paige suddenly stopped talking and stared at Caroline's lips in shock. "Why are your lips red and swollen, Carol?"Upon hearing that, Alex turned his gaze toward Evan. Observing Evan's moist lips, he swiftly realized that Caroline and Evan were up to no good.Caroline shot Evan a displeased look. He was grinning cunningly, clearly in high spirits. Angrily, she remarked, "It's likely an allergic reaction!""Ah, don't drink anymore."Paige paid no attention to that and continued to complain about Alex. Soon, the party ended.Caroline propped up the tipsy Paige and prepared to take her and the children home. "I'll give you a ride."Two voices came from behind her. Caroline looked over and noticed that Evan and Alex said the same thing in unison. "Dr. Scott, you've had some drinks too if I'm not mistake
After returning to Bayview Villa, Neil made Funfetti pancakes for himself and Caroline. Caroline washed up the sleeping children briefly before she headed downstairs and sat with Neil at the dining table.Neil said, "Carol, why was Evan there earlier?"Caroline remembered Evan forcefully kissing her in the washroom at the mention of that. She said, "Alex told Evan, so he came and gave me a watch worth a million dollars as a gift."Neil chuckled. "Evan lives up to his reputation of spending generously."Caroline played with the pancake on her plate and said, "Don't tease me, Neil. Rather than teasing me, you should think about how you're going to confront him next."Neil asked casually, "Ah? How do you think I should confront him?"Caroline said, "You seem relaxed. If Evan learns that we kept in touch but he was kept in the dark, he will come to bother you for sure."Neil said, "That's not a big issue."Caroline was frustrated. "Just be careful in the next two days.""Sure,
Caroline cried out when the call was picked up, "Neil! Evan's father has taken Ty and Lia!"Neil was stunned. "Evan's father?"Caroline recounted this morning's incident to Neil. "What should I do, Neil? It would be easy for him to find Ty and Lia's background!""Don't panic, Carol. I'll figure out a way. Wait for my message!"He hung up in a rush upon saying that. Caroline dropped to her knees. She was scared out of her wits.How could she possibly compete with the ever-powerful Jordans?-Neil dressed in preparation to head to Jordan Residence, yet he received Evan's call before heading out. He picked up with a frown. "What is it?"Evan asked, "Where are you?""I'll hang up first if there's nothing important.""I would like to meet you to talk about Caroline's children! Where are you?"Evan held back his anger. It was apparent that his patience was running thin. Neil calmed down and figured Evan might be the way to take back the children!Neil sent his location to E
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