Caroline scoffed, thinking, 'So, all those talks about Evan worrying about the kids and me are just lies? What is this, playing games with me like a fool?'She turned her gaze toward Alex. "If you don't plan to be serious with Paige, Mr. Price, please let her go!"Alex firmly rejected her plea. "I won't. My feelings for Paige are deeper than you think!"Caroline mocked, "Aren't you concerned about your parents' feelings anymore?"Alex explained, "I just want to spare Paige from any trouble my parents might cause."Caroline probed, "Are you afraid they won't accept her, or do you lack confidence in Paige?"You might not know her well enough. She doesn't back down in tough situations and despises bullies and lies. You can't shield her for her own good."Evan interjected, "You did something similar, didn't you? You kept me searching for you for five years."Caroline grew furious. "Evan, those are entirely different matters. Please distinguish between them!"Evan stared icily at h
Evan couldn't help but ask, "Are you trying to use him or get close to him?"Caroline was taken aback. "If you don't trust me, why bother asking pointless questions?"Evan insisted, "I just want to know the truth!"Caroline snapped, "Must you label everything I say as a lie?" She couldn't control her frustration.'I must be crazy for trying to explain to him earlier. He'll never believe me anyway,' she thought to herself.Evan scoffed. "Are you getting upset because I called you out?"Caroline clenched her fists and took a deep breath. "Will you please get checked at the hospital for paranoia? Stop torturing me! I can't take your constant suspicion anymore!"Caroline stormed out of the room, leaving Evan alone on the sofa. 'Which one is the real her?' he wondered.-In the afternoon, Caroline told Paige about Alex's explanation.Paige replied, "Let him be. I'm going to take a nap."Caroline didn't say more and focused on her work.At 2:30 p.m., Caroline received a message
Scott called Caroline shortly after she sent the last text message. He sounded concerned and asked, "Why do you want to visit the Xanders? Do you need me to keep you company? I'm worried Grayson might pose a threat."Caroline couldn't help but chuckle at Scott's anxious tone. "Why are you more anxious than me?"Scott replied, "How can I calm down after hearing Draco's cautionary tale?"Caroline said, "I don't want you to get involved in this."There was a brief silence, and Scott finally asked, "Is it because you think I can't protect you?"Caroline sensed the disappointment in Scott's voice and felt bad. "That's not what I mean, Scott. I'm worried you might face humiliation too."Scott reassured her gently but determinedly, "I'll stand by your side, no matter what."Caroline felt a warm and comforting sensation. 'It's nice to be protected.'She exhaled and said, "Alright, let's go together on Christmas Eve."Scott agreed, "Sure, I'll pick you up."-At Xander Residence.Da
Caroline and Evan's eyes locked, and she saw the confusion in his gaze.'He must be wondering why I'm here, right?' she thought.Caroline looked away, and Evan approached her.She felt his chilly presence and heard his voice. "I told you not to see Axel anymore."Caroline glanced at him. "Did you establish this school? Are you the sole authority here?"Evan frowned and glanced at the class number on the wall, eventually realizing the situation. He grabbed Caroline's wrist and led her to his car, infuriating her.She wanted to free herself but also to berate him further. Yet, she understood that quarreling with Evan in the presence of many parents would be inappropriate. It would tarnish not only their reputation but also affect the children.After they got into the car, Evan sternly asked, "Did you enroll your children in Axel's class?"Caroline kept her distance and replied, "I didn't enroll them. They were accepted based on their abilities."Evan frowned. "How did they get i
Caroline was getting ready to make dinner for the kids when a young woman stepped out of the kitchen. She had a high ponytail and appeared to be around 20 years old. Her eyes lit up upon seeing Caroline. She flashed a smile, revealing her charming teeth, and said, "Hello, Ms. Shenton! I'm Eira Snow, the nanny Mr. Xander hired."Neil came over from the living room as soon as Eira finished speaking. "You're back, Carol."Caroline was puzzled. "Neil..."Neil chuckled and explained, "I hired a nanny to help you out, Carol. Eira is highly skilled, not just in cooking but also certified in various areas.""Certified? In what?" Caroline was amazed.Neil nodded toward Eira, who went to the foyer and retrieved a card pouch from her backpack. She respectfully handed it to Caroline. "Please take a look, Ms. Shenton."Caroline took the pouch in astonishment and found multiple certification cards inside. Eira was multilingual, a certified teacher, proficient in cooking and nutrition, skilled
Neil assured Caroline, "It's all good. Do what you want. I'll support you no matter what."Caroline felt a warm sensation in her chest. "Alright, I'll go ahead on Christmas Eve then."Neil added, "I'll gather all the information on Daniella. You just need to be there.""Okay."-After dinner, Eira washed the dishes and helped the kids with their studies.Caroline watched for a while, feeling relieved by their harmony. Then, she went upstairs to her study and dialed Dr. Deric Dempsey from Grand East Hospital.Deric answered, "Ms. Shenton, we've been waiting for your call."Caroline apologized, "I'm sorry for the delay. I was unwell and hospitalized."Deric reassured her, "You can always reach out if you feel unwell. Please provide your email, and I'll send Ms. Smith's surgery plan."Caroline shared her email, and Deric promptly sent the plan. As she read it on her laptop, the medical jargon baffled her. She forwarded it to Scott and waited for his call.When Scott rang, Carol
Joy looked at Axel with concern. "Can I make you something else if you don't like this?"Axel's eyes were red from discomfort. "Don't worry about me."Joy nodded, turned, and headed into the kitchen to do the dishes.Axel dropped his spoon and hurried into the bathroom.Once he reached the toilet, he vomited all the food. He knelt by the toilet bowl, trembling. After he finished throwing up, he propped himself up with heavy breathing. However, his legs were so sore that he lost his balance and fell. He felt a sharp pain in his knee and noticed it was scraped, with bright red blood flowing from the wound.Axel grabbed a tissue and pressed it against the bleeding wound, but it didn't seem to stop."Axel?" Joy's voice suddenly echoed.Axel quickly replied, "I'm in the bathroom.""Ah, okay," Joy replied, leaving Axel to frown at his persistent bleeding wound.He realized he must be sick. Nosebleeds, body aches, weakness, and red spots covered his body. 'How do I tell Daddy if I'
"Yes. Casey, I'd like to talk to you," Daniella said.Casey replied, "Go ahead."Taking a deep breath, Daniella continued. "I overheard your conversation with Caroline last night, and I understand your feelings for Evan. Please let me help you. I can go undercover near Evan and keep you updated. If you want to take action, I'm here for that, too. What do you say?"Casey frowned. "Ella, you don't have to do this for me. It can put you in danger if he finds out."Daniella smiled. "Casey, I won't let myself get caught. Trust me, I can handle it.""Ella...""Listen, Casey. I felt sorry when I learned you had to leave your home for over a decade. This is the perfect chance for us to work together. Why pass it up?"Casey looked at Daniella's sincere face. "If you're willing to do this for me, you have my gratitude, Ella.""Don't say that. I just want you to be safe," Daniella replied.She had her own reasons, too. She couldn't stand Caroline's arrogance a few days ago and wanted to
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