Caroline said, "They can give it a try this afternoon."Scott asked, "You don't mind having a driver with you, right?"Caroline replied, "No, not at all. Let's go together this afternoon."-Evan checked the votes for the clothes at MK at 10:00 a.m. and then called Joan.Joan asked indifferently, "I lost, didn't I?"Evan smiled and reminded her, "Don't forget your promise."Joan asked, "What do you want me to do?"Evan said flatly, "I heard you're in Angelbay. I'd like to meet you to discuss this if possible."Joan replied, "You seem to know a lot about me. I'll text you the restaurant's location. Just come over."Soon, Evan received a text from Joan and replied: [I'll be there in 15 minutes.]He then grabbed his coat and left his office.-At the restaurant.Evan located the private room Joan had mentioned. He opened the door and saw Joan wearing a green shirt and red pants, her makeup heavy, and her hair short.As their eyes met, both were stunned.Joan stood up in be
Joan's smile faded as she averted her gaze and sipped her tea."Evan, you're trying to undermine my apprentice's company," Joan angrily remarked."Well, you could put it that way," Evan replied, crossing his legs and leaning against the sofa.Joan pressed, "Give me a reason.""Designers chase fame, while businessmen pursue profits. I'm simply seeking promising opportunities for my company."Joan retorted, "It's fine if you want me to undermine others, but it's inappropriate to do it to my apprentice.""Why's that?" Evan shot back, "Don't you have confidence in your apprentice?""Evan, I've read about you in the news. You know I can't outtalk you." Joan found it amusing. "Yes, I can assist your company, but I won't target my apprentice."Evan slowly picked up his glass of water. "You can view this as a test for your apprentice.""That's unnecessary. Everyone can see how talented G is.""Don't you want to see if G can surpass you?"Joan fell silent, and so did Evan. If Joan
Scott gently stroked Liora's soft hair and asked, "Lia, did you miss me?"Liora responded with a happy leg sway, saying, "Of course! I missed you so much."Tyler raised his brows and smiled, catching her in a lie. "But I've never heard you mention Papa Wilson."Liora quickly turned and glowered at him. "Tyler, have you never heard of missing someone in your heart?"'Tyler is so annoying!' she complained inwardly.Scott found their interaction amusing. "Are you nervous about going to school later?" he asked.Tyler leaned back calmly. "No, I'm not, but I'm sure Lia is."Liora snorted. "I'm not such a coward!""Who knows?" Tyler replied.Caroline was helpless while watching the adorable and witty children and felt her earlier worries melt away. She looked away and texted Joseph.Caroline: [Mr. Gull, are you at the school? I'd like to come and see you with the kids.]Joseph promptly replied: [Ms. Shenton, could you let me know approximately when you'll arrive?]Caroline checked
Caroline got straight to the point. "Mr. Gull, this is why I'm here today."Her frankness caught Joseph off guard. "Really? Is it the boy who's good with computers? Or are both the kids skilled at it?"Caroline replied, "It's Ty. There's another boy named Axel who's been accepted into this school."Stunned, Joseph now realized that Evan had a son with Caroline. He exchanged a knowing glance with Scott but said no more.He continued. "Ms. Shenton, you don't have to worry if they study here. I'll focus on training them. Also, I received the design of our school uniforms from your company a few days ago. My father was very pleased with it."Caroline beamed. "Thank you for approving my company..."After chatting for half an hour, the two teachers arrived with Tyler and Liora.They surprised Joseph by informing him, "Mr. Gull, they requested an admission test, and we have the results. They both qualify for admission to our school."Joseph sprang up with delight. "Wonderful! Ms. Shen
Caroline chuckled and said, "Neil, don't worry. I'm not that fragile. I just came downstairs to find you since you were taking so long."Neil affectionately replied, "Could I have lost my way?"Caroline teasingly said, "Well, who knows for sure?"Neil countered, "You're sharp as always. Let's head upstairs then."Caroline agreed, and they moved upstairs.Meanwhile, Evan observed Caroline and Neil's exchange from his car parked across from them. Slowly, his fingers clenched on his thighs, and his expression darkened.Noticing Evan's reaction, Alex glanced at Axel. "Should we go, Axel? We're here."Axel remained low-spirited but slowly looked up at Alex and replied, "Okay."Alex slyly looked toward Evan, thinking, 'Yes! Evan's getting jealous again.'He led Axel out of the car and acted nonchalant as he spoke. "Evan, let's go. What are you waiting for?"Evan looked away and reluctantly got out of the car. He silently walked toward the children's restaurant.Meanwhile, Alex sup
That's exactly what Alex hoped Caroline would say.He promptly handed Axel to Caroline. "Sure thing."Afterward, he approached Paige.While holding Axel, Caroline shot Evan a distant glare. "Please, take a seat."Evan glanced at the three men connected to Caroline in some way and scoffed. "Where should I sit?""What do you mean?" Caroline frowned.Evan explained, Evan explained, "Should I sit next to Neil, your current boyfriend, or Kenny, who has a complicated relationship with you? Or maybe next to Scott? Your kids call him Papa Wilson, and he shares an intriguing connection with you?"His words made Caroline narrow her eyes. "Evan, are you—"Caroline stopped herself in time and held back her curses. She didn't want to use strong language with Axel around.Kenny pursed his lips in disdain. "Mr. Jordan, forget it if you don't want to join. Why bother?"His comment earned a cold glare from Evan.Ignoring Kenny, Evan pulled a chair aside and sat down.Axel gently placed his
"No, we're here to celebrate the kids getting into elementary school," Caroline clarified."Tyler and Liora skipped a grade, too?" Alex asked, bewildered. "So did Axel!"Paige rolled her eyes. "I don't think it's about you."Alex countered, "Of course it is. It means Caroline and Evan have strong genes. That's why their kids are so smart. I need to learn from them for our kids to excel, too."Paige blushed. "You're shameless.""Yes," Alex agreed. "I'm planning for our future."Then, he turned to Neil. "Don't you think so, Neil?"Neil suffered in silence while meeting Alex's gaze. "Tyler and Liora are my kids."Kenny widened his eyes slowly upon hearing Neil's statement. 'Have I missed some gossip? G pretends with Neil in front of Evan!'Sensing Kenny's expression, Alex became suspicious. He wondered if Kenny was unaware of it.But that couldn't be...Kenny was Caroline's work partner and friend. Surely, he should know about the relationship between the children and Neil.Al
Casey responded calmly. "Shouldn't you ask Ms. Shenton about this before taking any action against me?"Evan retorted, "I can hit you, and I don't need Caroline's approval!""Alright, we'll see about that."Casey hung up.Evan clenched his phone tightly, his demeanor turning cold and fierce.Even though he opposed Caroline, he wouldn't allow anything to happen to her at Casey's hands.-Caroline stood up, stepped out of the hall, and intended to ask a waiter about the restroom's location when someone suddenly grabbed her wrist. They pulled her into a private room while she was still dazed.Startled, she gazed up to see Evan's furious face as the door closed behind her. She quickly pulled her hand away and frowned. "Evan, do you have no respect for others?""Tell me! What's going on between you and Casey?!" Evan's eyes bore into her with intensity.Caroline remained composed. "Why should I divulge the details of my relationship with Casey to you?""Caroline, he's even more da
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