Evan's eyes flashed with sarcasm as Alex hurried out of the villa. 'Didn't I search for evidence? It's a shame it disappeared on the day of the incident!'-The next day, after an entire night of searching for evidence, Alex lay on his bed and received a call from Paige. He intended to make a lie for the situation but accidentally answered the call."Pug! What's the explanation? You disappeared all night! Can't you give a simple explanation?" Paige shouted.Alex scratched his head and sat up, looking exhausted. "Please calm down and hear me out."Paige's anger eased upon hearing Alex's weary voice. "Okay, go ahead."Alex took a deep breath. "Paige, I owe you an apology. The factory isn't mine.""What? But you told me it was yours!" Paige exclaimed.Alex couldn't hide the truth any longer. He had initially tried to locate the journalist, but the latter had vanished with his family and changed his contact details. It seemed like an invisible force was at play, preventing him from
Kenny said, "Ms. Lynch, why won't you answer me?"Naomi said, "The renovation will take at least a month."Kenny frowned. "A month isn't too long, but the factory is giving us a week to vacate the place. The remaining time is the issue!"Naomi kept quiet, and Kenny did not speak further. -Kenny called up Caroline when he returned to the office. Caroline picked up and said anxiously, "Have you checked with the factory manager on the inventory quantity, Kenny?"Kenny said, "I did. We don't have any inventory because the order quantity is too high!"For the first time, Caroline felt having a high order quantity was not a good thing. Alex had yet to update her about the factory situation, so she had no idea what her next step should be.Kenny leaned against the chair and said, "When will you be back, G? I don't feel confident without you."Caroline checked her injuries. "A week…""So long? Have you reached out to the factory owner? What did they say?" Kenny asked.Caroline
Jayden Clothing's factory was the third largest in Angelbay. The clothing factory produced clothes at a fast speed with an attached textile workshop. Caroline would need to figure out a way to get Jayden to help her tonight!-At 4:00 p.m., Caroline instructed Mary to bring her clothes. Mary helped Caroline to change and asked, "Are you going to leave the hospital when your wounds aren't fully healed yet, Ms. Shenton?"Caroline nodded. "I have to attend to some matters. Tell the doctor I'm going home to grab something if he asks.""Do you really have to go? You're going to need new stitches if your wounds open up," said Mary in concern.Caroline smiled. "Don't worry, I'm just attending a business gathering.""Business gathering? You can't drink, Ms. Shenton!" Mary cautioned. Caroline said, "Don't worry. I have my own boundaries."Mary did not comment further when she noticed that Caroline was determined. She called Neil after Caroline got changed and left, but Neil did n
Alex stuffed the photo into the folder and weakly said, "I'm sorry. I won't intervene anymore."He had no choice but to empathize with Evan's situation. If he were in Evan's shoes, he would probably suspect Caroline too. Trying to imagine how Evan felt when he saw the tragic state of his mother's death was nearly impossible.No one could think clearly when faced with such a tragic loss, especially the loss of a mother.Evan closed the drawer and locked it. Then, he stood up, glanced at his watch, and asked, "Is there anything else?"Alex asked, "Would you like to join me for dinner?""I have a business gathering. You're free to go," Evan replied as he picked up his jacket.Alex nodded. "Alright, then."-At 5:30 p.m., Caroline arrived at Regal Restaurant and called Paige from the car.Paige said dully, "Carol."Caroline could hear the difference in Paige's tone and asked concerningly, "What's going on?"Paige said guiltily, "Carol, I don't know how to tell you this. I found
Caroline had no idea that Evan and Reuben saw her.Reuben was stunned. "That person looks like Ms. Shenton, sir."Evan's gaze dimmed."Isn't she in the hospital? Why is she here? Can she drink?" Reuben questioned. Evan frowned and looked at Reuben in displeasure. "Why don't you ask her yourself if you want to know so badly?"Reuben realized he had spoken out of turn, so he hastily looked away. "I'm sorry, sir."Evan walked into the private room opposite Caroline's. -Meanwhile, in Room 303.Caroline and Jayden sat down after shaking hands.Caroline said, "Mr. Curry, I brought you the liquor you like."Caroline placed the bottle on the table and beckoned the waiter to open it.Jayden's eyes lit up. "You are generous indeed. I can't afford this drink on normal days."Caroline said smilingly, "You're so good at joking, Mr. Curry. I heard from your wife you have a collection of good liquors at home."Jayden's smile faded as soon as his wife was mentioned. "Ms. Shenton, a ho
Jayden's hand continued to roam on Caroline's shoulder. "I always enjoy discussing work after a few drinks, Ms. Shenton."Caroline felt anxious—she understood Jayden's intentions.'He just wants me to get drunk so he can manipulate me, right? He'll only agree to work with me once he gets what he wants!'Caroline took a deep breath. "Mr. Curry, you know the challenges my company faces with the incomplete factory construction. Given your experience in this field, you understand the complexities of such issues. If we collaborate now, we can mutually benefit in the long run. Isn't this a great opportunity?"Jayden's hand subtly shifted on Caroline's shoulder, and he chuckled. "Ms. Shenton, my company is thriving. It's you who's facing difficulties."Jayden leaned closer to Caroline, and his alcohol-laden breath washed over her.He lifted Caroline's chin with a lustful gaze. "You need to approach this differently if you want my favor."Caroline's gaze turned cold. "Since you're not i
Evan felt wavering for no apparent reason. "You still owe me an explanation on my mother's matter!"Caroline sneered. "Explanation? Sure, I'll give you one!" Caroline raised her chin at Evan, grabbed his hand, and placed it on her throat. "Here's the explanation! Take it if you want!"Evan's solemn eyes narrowed when he felt the moist warmth of Caroline's body. "Don't make me, Caroline!""Make you? It's not that you've never done this! If you're so sure I did it, kill me then! Don't tell me you don't want my life! Rather than being interrogated over and over again, you might as well take my life so I can die with your mother!" Caroline said shakily. "You want me to acknowledge I caused your mother's death, right? I shall tell you now, then! I did it on purpose. I killed your mother on purpose to seek revenge on you. I want to see your pain. Will that be enough?"She couldn't bear how he repeatedly mentioned his mother. The stress had overwhelmed her ever since his mother's pa
Neil headed to the third floor and discovered Caroline lying face-down on a table as he approached the empty room. He removed his jacket, approached her, and covered her with it.Startled, Caroline only found relief when she sat up and saw Neil. She averted her gaze to hide her swollen eyes, but Neil noticed."Why are you crying, Carol?" Neil inquired.Caroline fibbed, "I reopened my wound, and it hurt, so I cried."She didn't want to mention Evan, fearing it would lead to a fight with her brother.Neil frowned and said gently yet firmly, "Let's return to the hospital. You can't leave without informing someone, no matter the reason."Caroline stood up and agreed, "Sure."-At Xander Residence.Daniella invited Grayson to play chess after dinner.Smiling, Grayson asked, "Why the sudden interest in playing chess with me today?"Pouring coffee for Grayson, Daniella expressed with a sad look, "I'm sorry for causing you worry during this time, Grandpa. I think it's better for me
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