Tyler flicked Liora's head. "Don't think too much. Mommy will handle everything."Liora, teary-eyed, glared at Tyler and accused him, "You're bullying me again!"As the two kids quarreled, Axel remained silent with his head down. Caroline approached him and gave him a comforting hug.Axel was taken aback and whispered, "Mommy…"Caroline spoke softly. "Axel, I hope you'll learn to say no to unreasonable requests in the future. It's great you want to help your younger siblings, but I don't want you to be taken advantage of either."Caroline felt uneasy knowing the Shentons were using her son.Axel hugged Caroline back and promised with teary eyes, "I won't make you worry anymore."-The next morning, Brandon's loud voice woke Caroline up.She quickly got ready and went downstairs, finding Brandon livestreaming with Jade assisting him.When they noticed her, their angry stares met her.Caroline pretended not to notice and headed to the kitchen to prepare breakfast for the child
Caroline received a call from the police at 10:00 a.m. regarding the factory fire incident and headed to the police station.Upon her arrival, Officer Charlie Boyle kindly offered her a cup of coffee before taking his seat and addressing her, "I apologize for the delay in solving the arson case, Ms. Shenton. However, there are some concerning aspects to the incident."Caroline took a sip and urged, "Please, tell me what you've found."Officer Boyle inquired, "Have you noticed anyone around you displaying unusual behavior, Ms. Shenton?"Caroline replied, "My employees have already given their statements. Have you identified any suspects?"Officer Boyle handed Caroline two folders, and she noticed Caleb and Naomi's names inside.With a puzzled expression, she asked, "What's the issue with Caleb and Naomi's statements?"Officer Boyle explained, "The deputy factory manager's statement lacks detail, while your secretary's account of the incident is excessively precise."Caroline mom
Kenny paused for a moment. "What's with your voice? Has the company been very busy during this period?"Caroline massaged her temples. "Kenny, the factory was on fire the day you turned off your phone, and numerous orders were canceled.""What? An accident happened in the factory not long after I left? Who did it?" Kenny shouted at the phone. Caroline moved the phone further to prevent her ear from being deafened by Kenny's shout. Caroline put the call on speaker after Kenny stopped shouting. "We haven't found the culprit yet. I'll tell you the rest when you're back.""Fuck! An accident happened as soon as I turned off my phone. Isn't it obvious that the culprit is turning me into a scapegoat?"Caroline was stunned before she sniggered. "Can I assume that you did it since you're reacting so dramatically?""Hey, G! I'm not an ungrateful person!" Kenny explained in exasperation. Caroline continued to tease him. "Why are you in a rush to prove your innocence?""I'm very sadden
Evan said coldly, "I feel like paying your father a visit."Alex's lips twitched. "Alright, I'll do it!"-At 6:00 p.m., Alex invited Neil out to dinner. Alex made small talk with Neil for a while but could not bring himself to get to the main point. Neil took it upon himself to say, "Just cut to the chase, Alex."Alex rubbed his nose and said awkwardly, "Neil, I have something to ask you indeed."Neil nodded. "Go ahead."Alex asked, "I'm quite curious. Why aren't you and Caroline living together after having two children? It feels unfair to childhood friends that you didn't even invite us to your wedding, don't you think?"Neil smirked. "You want to go to a wedding so badly, Alex?""Naturally, I would like to go to a good friend's wedding. After all, you're the first amongst us, right?"Neil said calmly, "Now is not the time yet."Alex said, "It's been five years, isn't it time? Are you going to break up with her?""Not really. Carol and I agree unanimously we will grow
Alisa asked, "My family taught me all about business management. What's your background?""I don't have formal training, but I am motivated to learn and grow. You're right. Just relying on good designs won't sustain me in this industry forever. Aesthetic preferences change over time. However, I believe in continuous learning."Who's to say I'll stop at my current design theories? Everyone carves their own path to success. My establishment of TYC is a testament to that, isn't it?"Caroline's calm and measured response gradually changed Alisa's expression.After a moment, Alisa smiled. "You possess a unique presence. I've revised my opinion of you.""Thank you for your endorsement. Welcome aboard," Caroline replied, extending her hand.Alisa shook it happily. "I'm looking forward to your performance."Meanwhile, a man in a black suit emerged from the airport.Reuben followed closely behind with their luggage, but Evan suddenly stopped.Startled, Reuben halted the luggage trolle
Caroline snapped at Evan, "Don't act so authoritative without knowing the truth!"Evan squinted at her and retorted, "Am I being authoritative, or are you just reveling in a dumpster fire?""Dumpster fire? Well, if that's the case, then you're a piece of trash, too," Caroline shot back, her laughter tinged with anger.Caroline turned away and pulled Kenny with her. "Let's go! I don't want to stand out here in the cold, arguing with him in the middle of the night."Kenny nodded and told Alisa, "Let's get in the car."Alisa didn't understand what the argument was about. Soon after, the three of them departed, leaving Reuben sighing as he watched Evan's lonely figure.'Why bother, Mr. Jordan? You know Ms. Shenton will always defend the other guys,' Reuben thought.-Caroline and Kenny checked Alisa into a five-star hotel before returning to Bayview Villa together.Kenny noticed the chicken coop in the yard as soon as he stepped out of the car. "Caroline, are you into chicken farm
Jade looked up and hurriedly got to her feet when she saw Kenny. "Who are you? I'm going to call the police on you for trespassing!""Me?" Kenny pointed at himself and chuckled. "I'm your fucking father!"At the same time, he was thinking, 'What the hell? Who in the world snaps at someone else at first glance and even threatens to call the police on them? Do I look like I'm easy to pick on?'Jade pointed at Kenny furiously and yelled, "You fucking bastard! What did you say?""I'm saying that I'm your fucking father!" Kenny said righteously. "Is there something wrong with your ears?" Jade seemed to be confused. Before she reacted, Kenny added, "Fuck off! You're in my way!"After saying that, he pushed Jade to the side.Jade put both hands on her waist and screamed, "Where the hell did you come from, fucking bastard!"Kenny paused in his tracks and smirked at Jade. "Definitely not from the trash, like you!""Y-You!" Jade was at a loss for words at Kenny's sharp retort.Kenny t
Axel picked it up. "Daddy."Evan said, "I'll come pick you up now."Axel was stunned, thinking, 'Do I have to go home so soon?'He pursed his lips. "Can you come later?"Axe's response made Evan frown, and he said gloomily, "Give me a reason.""Mommy went and bought some tasty food for us." Axel recalled Caroline's conversation with Kenny before she hung up and immediately added, "Daddy, why don't you go and pick Mommy up? She's at Anderson's Cafe and doesn't have a car."Tyler and Liora widened their eyes upon hearing that. Evan simply replied, "Okay."After Axel hung up, Liora complained, "Axel, why did you let scumbag Daddy get close to Mommy? He's a bad guy!"Axel's awkwardness made him keep his head hung and whisper, "I'm sorry. I just find Daddy very pitiful." Tyler sighed and comforted, "It's fine, Axel. Just don't do it again, and stop overthinking."Axel simply kept quiet. -Caroline was about to enter the cafe at 11:00 a.m., chatting with Naomi on her phone.
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