Tyler jumped from the chair, his voice icy. "Come upstairs. We need to ask you something."Paige hesitated, preparing herself to follow the children upstairs. They eyed her closely as if she were a suspect."Why are you lying about Mommy being in the hospital?" Tyler's tone remained cold.Liora chimed in. "We saw the surveillance footage. We know Mommy was badly hurt."Axel's eyes filled with worry. "Have you visited Mommy in the hospital?"Their questions dumbfounded Paige. "Please, don't make this difficult. Carol didn't want me to tell you. She doesn't want you to worry."Tyler grunted. "So, you wouldn't have told us if we hadn't asked."Liora asked, "Godmother, how is Mommy?"Axel stared at Paige, awaiting her response.Paige finally answered, "Your mother is strong! She was in good shape when I visited her earlier. She just has some skin injuries. Otherwise, she's fine. She needs rest, so she can only come home after fully recovering."Paige's ears turned red from embarr
Alex entered the smoke-filled lounge and took a seat beside Evan. He noticed Evan's bruised mouth and bloodshot eyes just as he was about to probe for information.He remained silent, opened his liquor bottle, and poured it into his glass. "It's no fun drinking alone. Let me join you," he said, clinking his glass against Evan's.Alex finished his drink in one swift gulp and then poured another glass without a word.After a long pause, Evan finally spoke. "You're here to ask me about Caroline, aren't you?"Visibly frustrated, Alex retorted, "Am I the type of person who cares about everyone but not his best friend?"Evan smirked. "Indeed, you're not. However, that doesn't mean you're not curious.""Evan, I get that you're in a bad mood, but your words hurt," said Alex, frowning.Evan placed his glass down, calmly staring at a spot as he casually stated, "I can't forgive her for what she did.""Are you still suspicious that Caroline was behind Jamie's story being published?" asked
Caroline sneered. "Evan, you suspect that I did it just because I was with your mother? Is this beneficial to me? Did I do it just for the pleasure of seeking revenge?""Or else?" asked Evan. "I'm not a fool! Can't you investigate who did it with your capability? Why would I do it at the risk of being resented by you?"Evan scrutinized Caroline and could not see that she was lying. Noticing that Evan was quiet, Caroline said weakly, "I don't have a reason to seek revenge on you, and you didn't do anything that wronged me either. I don't resent you for not saving me five years ago because of Daniella. I just want to stay away from you!"Evan felt his heart wrench in pain upon hearing that. "Alright. Even if you're not the culprit, I would still want to ask you this. Why did you allow my mother to get onto the Ferris wheel by herself?"Caroline's gaze dimmed when the incident was brought up.She said in guilt, "I'm sorry.""Does saying sorry make up for the mistake you made? Yo
The triplets were heading to school after breakfast when they spotted Evan.The kids and Paige were taken aback."Mr. Jordan," Paige called out.Evan glanced at Paige, nodded, and then shifted his gaze to Axel."Come with me, Axel," he said.Axel gripped his bag tightly, stood with pursed lips, and avoided eye contact.Evan frowned, unable to understand Axel's hesitation. "You used to come when I told you to. Have you suddenly started disobeying after just a few days?" he asked."Axel Jordan!" Evan's voice grew colder, and he seemed displeased."Stop shouting! You always take Axel away, but he's also Mommy's child!" Liora glared at Evan.Evan narrowed his eyes. "So what if he is? I have custody, so I decide where he goes!"Liora was stunned and confused by Evan's words. She could tell he was speaking to her in an unpleasant tone.Liora clenched her top tightly as she remembered seeing Evan fail to protect her mother during the severe beating on surveillance footage. She deci
"Let's go!" Axel grabbed Evan's sleeve and said, "Let's go!"Evan's expression turned serious as he witnessed the scene. 'They're acting like I wrongly accused Caroline of causing my mother's death! Is she so good at pretending that her kids believed she sacrificed everything for my mother? If that's true, why did she let my mother ride the Ferris wheel alone?'Evan turned away, his face tense, and left the villa.-In the car.Axel looked at Evan, his disappointment evident."Mommy didn't go on the Ferris wheel because of me. I'm scared of heights! They would have all fallen to their deaths if I weren't there!"Evan's eyes narrowed at Axel's words as he pictured the scene. Still, he couldn't trust Caroline after she exposed his mother's rape incident.-Two days later, Caroline learned that Axel had been transferred to another school but didn't know which one. Luckily, Axel stayed in touch over the phone.After two days of rest, Caroline could walk, grateful she only had whi
Caroline moved her lips, preparing to say, "Very much."However, she spoke differently, saying, "We're not acquainted, so there's no reason for hate.""Really? So, you don't believe those online comments?" Casey was quite surprised."It doesn't matter if I believe them or not. But I do dislike your family a lot."Casey's expression turned solemn. "What do you mean?"Caroline chuckled, opened her eyes, and looked at Casey. "Haven't you seen my injuries? It's all because of your father!"Casey was unaware of the incident. He frowned and asked, "Could you tell me what happened?"Caroline hesitated briefly before recounting Draco's misunderstanding.Casey looked apologetic. "I'm very sorry. My father is old, and he might be taking things too far."Caroline remained silent.Casey paused momentarily before asking, "Has my youngest brother visited you? You two used to be close, as far as I know."Caroline replied, "It's unnecessary. We'll just end up arguing when he's here."Casey
Daniella turned around abruptly, ready to ask a question, when the door swung open.Yuliana appeared at the doorway, her voice tinged with displeasure. "You've got quite an attitude. Didn't you hear Grandpa calling for you?"Daniella's expression changed dramatically, and she adopted a more polite demeanor. "I'm sorry. I didn't hear because I was on a call earlier. Does Grandpa need something from me?""Can't he call for you if there's nothing urgent?" Yuliana grumbled.Danielle smiled and replied, "No worries. Let's go meet Grandpa downstairs.""No need!" Yuliana crossed her arms, leaning against the door.Daniella observed Yuliana's posture and asked patiently, "Is there something you'd like to discuss?""Yes! Are you going to invite me into your room?" Yuliana glanced at the sofa.Daniella stepped aside. "Please come in."Yuliana entered the bedroom and sat down with an air of arrogance.A hint of disgust flickered in Daniella's eyes, but she maintained a forced smile. "Go
Yuliana sat on the sofa once again. "Can you tell me what the matter is now?""Clear Casey's name of the accusation that he raped Evan's mother!" said Daniella. "No! I won't help you to make things difficult for Evan!" Yuliana rejected it without any hesitation. "Is Evan going to marry you? Even if you don't do this, he still won't regard you highly! I've already made my point. Go home and think about it. The advantage of doing this outweighs the disadvantage."Yuliana barked, "You're trying to make me look bad to Evan! I won't do it!""So you value Evan more than your father, huh?" Daniella said mockingly."Hey!" Yuliana glared at Daniella. Daniella approached with a smile, sat beside Yuliana, and gently held her hand. "Don't worry. The family business will be yours if you can complete this task, not my brother's. I'm not interested in the family business either."Yuliana looked at Daniella in disbelief. After a moment, she said, "You have feelings for Casey, huh?""Yes! T
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