Caroline observed Naomi's reaction, but all she received was an indifferent nod.She turned her gaze away and gently patted Naomi's shoulder. "I appreciate your efforts. Once the company is in a better state, I'll ensure you receive a raise.""Thank you, Ms. Shenton," Naomi replied.-Caroline hurried back to Bayview Villa and took Jamie outside for some fresh air. Treating Jamie to a meal outside was the key to getting her to take her medicine.Seeing Jamie's improved spirits, Caroline reassured her, "I understand that staying home can be dull, Jamie. However, I need to work to earn money. I promise to take you out every weekend and go for walks with you at night when I'm free. Will that be acceptable?"Jamie looked at Caroline with a touch of sadness. "Carol, did I disrupt your work today?"Caroline answered frankly, "Yes."She didn't shy away from being honest with Jamie because she needed to resolve this situation. Otherwise, she would end up sacrificing her job productivit
Caroline's voice startled Evan, bringing him back to reality. He gazed at her solemnly and asked, "Why is my mother at your house?"Caroline was stunned. "Your mother?"Caroline quickly glanced at Jamie as if recalling something. Evan's eyes resembled Jamie's when compared.A sudden realization hit Caroline—she had been taking care of Evan's mother all along.Evan controlled his anger and spoke coldly. "Are you going to give me an explanation, Caroline?"Evan's rude attitude infuriated Caroline."You're asking me for an explanation, yet you couldn't even watch over your mother? Did you issue a Silver Alert? Have you let me know that you were looking for her?"I discovered her on the street! She had walked so extensively that her feet were bleeding! If you can't care for your own mother, why should I provide an explanation to you?"Startled by Caroline's emotional comment, Jamie quickly glanced up. After a moment of thought, she realized that Evan bore a striking resemblance to
Evan's tired expression deepened, and he said, "Please, let me know right away if there's a problem. I'll arrange for someone to deliver my mother's medicine. Also, I could really use your help looking after Axel for two days while I'm away on a business trip.""Axel is my kid. No need to ask for help. It's my duty," Caroline said, looking at Axel still in the car. She smiled and asked, "You coming out, dear?"Axel picked up his backpack and exited the car. He approached Caroline and said, "I didn't want to interrupt your talk with Daddy, Mommy."Caroline affectionately pinched Axel's cheek. "You don't need to be so cautious when you're with me. Relax and stay here. I've arranged for a doctor to look after Grandma every day."Evan was taken aback by the sight of Axel's smile directed at Caroline. It felt unfamiliar as if he had never witnessed Axel smiling before.While observing their interaction, a sudden thought struck Evan. 'Maybe Axel could change for the better if he stayed
Gregory said, "Even if the child has money, it won't come to our hands!"Jade glanced at Gregory. "It's true that the money won't come to us, but we can give the outfit to our daughter! She's going to look so elegant!"Gregory nodded. "That makes sense!"Jade said, "Moreover, the child looks like a foolish, rich kid. We'll save money if we take him out and make him pay for our meals, right?"Gregory's eyes lit up. "You're smart!""Of course! Let's take him out over the weekend!""Sure! You call the shots!""I'm home, Mom! Please come help me!" Jade and Gregory heard Brandon shout from outside after they had finished scheming.Curious, they hurried outside and were amazed to see a sleek black car parked right in front of the door.Brandon stuck out his head. "Mom, look at my newly purchased car!"Jade approached in shock. She wanted to touch it but did not have the courage to do so. "How much does it cost?"Brandon said, "A little over 100,000 dollars! It looks great, right?"
Jamie's body shook violently, prompting Caroline to embrace her while she gazed in astonishment toward the restaurant's entrance.This reaction from Jamie occurred after she had spotted a man who had already left.Caroline didn't dwell on it too much. She was accustomed to Jamie relapsing whenever she encountered other men.Not far away, in a parked car, Casey stared at Jamie with a cold, calculating look. He recognized the woman beside Jamie as Evan's former mistress.With a sneer, Casey removed his glasses and leisurely cleaned the lenses. He hadn't anticipated that Caroline would still be alive.A moment later, Casey put his glasses back on, and his phone began to ring. He glanced at the caller ID and saw it was Daniella, so he answered slowly.Daniella's voice was gentle as she inquired, "Are you available tonight, Mr. Jordan? Can I treat you to a drink?"Casey smirked. "Sure, send me the address. I'll be there."-At 7:30 p.m., Casey and Daniella met at a hotel's bar.Ca
Draco had grown fond of Jamie and made her his third wife. But Evan's mother, still young, never cared for Draco. She despised him when Evan was a teenager. Thus, she had made significant efforts to seduce Casey, who had only been slightly younger than her.Casey, 29 and full of youthful vigor, had found it hard to resist the allure of such a beautiful woman.However, Casey had made a grave error by succumbing to Evan's mother's advances, engaging in multiple encounters with her.Unable to keep it a secret any longer, Casey finally confessed the truth to Draco.Draco had banished Casey from the country for a harsh 15 years in a fit of anger.Casey looked at Daniella in agony and asked, "Do you think I'm filthy too?"Daniella was shocked but sympathized with him. She shook her head and said, "No. It was her fault, not yours."Casey burrowed his head, sobbed, and said, "Thank you."Daniella felt happy that Casey was willing to talk to her about the important issue, but she also
Caroline stared at her phone, puzzled. Kenny hadn't shared his arrival time for tomorrow.Unable to sleep, Caroline descended the stairs.Upon seeing the Shentons' mess in the living room, she massaged her throbbing head. As she moved toward the kitchen, a terrible smell hit her. Opening the kitchen door, she was shocked by what she found.The floor was covered in chicken waste, and one of the chickens had even hopped onto the counter, spreading waste all over the beige surface!Caroline gripped the doorknob tightly to control herself. She wouldn't tolerate their careless behavior in her house if it weren't for the timing.Once upstairs, Caroline exhaled deeply. It was time to put her plan into action.-Caroline woke the three children at 7:30 a.m.Liora was so lethargic she could not even hold up her head. "I had a tummy ache last night. I can't get up…" she said weakly."Me too, Mommy.""Me too…"Caroline said concerningly, "Is it bad? Would you like me to take you to the
Liora pouted. "It's none of your business that I'm not at school!"Jade stared straight at Axel and ignored Liora. She suddenly laughed aloud after watching for a while. "Handsome boy, you just got here. Please allow me to take you to lunch as the host."Tyler and Liora almost laughed, thinking, 'Who's the host here, huh?'Axel was not good at declining, so he nodded rigidly. Tyler and Liora were shocked. "I'm not comfortable with you just taking Axel out. I'm coming too!" Liora said and looked at Jade vigilantly. Jade was reluctant to bring along the two annoying children. However, she could not care if they were joining since she did not have to pay for their meals. The Shentons dressed up and headed to the restaurant with the triplets. There, they ordered the most expensive meals that filled the table. Tyler and Liora stared at Jade, wondering, 'Did she strike gold or something?'Jade said to Axel courteously, "Handsome boy, eat! The food is expensive!"Axel grabbed h
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