Axel coughed up blood as soon as Alex ended the call.Evan's face turned pale, and his hands shook uncontrollably. It was the first time Alex had seen Evan so terrified.-Thirty minutes later, Evan rushed Axel to Grand East, cradling him carefully. He hurried into the emergency department, gently placing Axel on a stretcher.Trying to hide his own emotions, he comforted Axel, "I'll be right outside. Don't be scared."Axel breathed heavily and reassured him, "I'm fine, don't worry, Daddy…"Evan's eyes welled up with tears.Dr. Richie Webber then intervened, saying, "Mr. Jordan, we will take care of Mr. Jordan Jr."They wheeled Axel into the emergency room.As Axel's cold, little hands slipped from Evan's grasp, a profound sense of helplessness consumed him. He watched Axel disappear behind the emergency room doors.Alex approached Evan, patted his shoulder, and tried to encourage him. "Don't worry. He's going to be fine."Evan's gaze remained fixed on the emergency room, his
Caroline glanced at the operating theater after ending the call. An uneasy feeling gnawed at her chest as if something terrible would happen. She battled the sense of suffocation, wondering, 'Am I just too nervous?'Taking slow, deep breaths, she waited for Lily.The minutes ticked by, stretching into what felt like hours.Finally, Scott hurried over to her. He approached swiftly as soon as he spotted Caroline. She looked up, greeted him, and rose from her seat. "You're here," she said.Scott handed her a cup of her favorite flat white coffee. "This should help you relax," he said."Thank you," Caroline replied, accepting the coffee. They sat together, glancing nervously at the illuminated sign above the operating theater.Scott asked, "How much time has passed?"Caroline checked her watch. "Almost 20 minutes."Scott reassured her, "Craniotomies take time. Evan's team consists of specialists from abroad. Everything will be okay."Caroline tried to ease her anxiety but still fe
Twenty minutes later, Axel was admitted to the VIP room. Evan and Alex walked into the room and heard hurried footsteps approaching from the door. They turned and saw Draco solemnly entering the room, accompanied by a few bodyguards. Seeing Axel lying on the bed, Draco snarled at Evan, "I entrusted the child to you, and you've raised him like this?"Evan remained silent as Draco berated him. However, the mention of Axel's illness caused intense pain in Evan's chest, making his entire body tense up.Unable to bear it any longer, Alex spoke up. "Uncle Draco, how can you blame Evan for this? He didn't want this to happen either!"Draco replied with displeasure, "This is none of your business! I'm addressing this defiant child. How has he raised my grandson?"Evan controlled his emotions and said coldly, "If you keep speaking so loudly and disturbing Axel's rest, I'll have the bodyguards remove you."Draco was furious. Reluctantly, he lowered his voice for Axel's sake. "You don't
"It's fine. I'm not leaving until Lily is out," Caroline firmly rejected.As her voice faded, the operation theater's lights dimmed. Caroline ceased her pacing and swiftly approached the theater's entrance. Scott followed closely behind. Soon, Deric gloomily emerged in his scrubs and looked at Caroline. "I'm sorry, Ms. Shenton. The surgery failed."Caroline's heart raced, and restlessness filled her chest. "What do you mean by 'failed'?"The sound of a stretcher being moved echoed, and Deric turned to allow nurses to pass. Caroline was about to check on Lily when she heard the doctor's regretful words. "Time of death, 2.27 p.m."Her arms dropped weakly to her sides. Tears welled up in her eyes as she looked at Deric with disbelief. She asked hoarsely, "What did you say again?"Deric met her gaze with guilt. "Ms. Smith's vital signs were unstable during the surgery—""I don't want to hear this! I'm asking you, what did you say again?" Caroline sternly interrupted, her
"Why? Why is this happening?"Caroline's fists clenched, and she collapsed to the floor. Tears streamed down her face, blurring her vision."What have I done wrong? Why do the people closest to me always get taken away? Why?"Scott knelt beside her. "This isn't your fault, Carol…"Caroline leaned forward slowly. "I couldn't give Lily a good retirement life... I never got to repay her kindness. I caused Lily, my mother, and Jamie's deaths. I'm a jinx, and everyone around me will die because of me!"Scott comforted her, "This isn't your doing, Carol. You need to gather yourself. The children need you."-In the VIP room.Evan received Deric's guilt-ridden call, announcing Lily's death due to a failed surgery.Evan's face turned serious as he pictured Caroline's despair. He gritted his teeth and said, "I paid your team handsomely, and this is all you can do?"Deric explained, "The surgery should have been fine, Mr. Jordan. But the patient's vital signs dropped drastically during
Scott didn't prevent Caroline from entering.Caroline glanced up at the noise and quickly averted her gaze when she spotted Paige. She uttered hoarsely, "You're here."Paige approached and sighed upon seeing Lily. "Carol, please take it easy. I'm sure Lily wouldn't want to see you like this."Caroline stood up and grabbed a white cloth. "Lily endured a tough life. Her husband passed away long ago, and she sent her child abroad to study with her hard-earned money. Yet, he turned out ungrateful. I thought she'd be happier with me, but ultimately, I caused her harm."Paige looked at Caroline with concern. "Carol…"Caroline covered Lily's face with the white cloth. "Isn't it ironic?"Paige inquired, "What do you mean?"Caroline replied, "People around me keep passing away."Paige was genuinely scared. "It's not your fault. Those foreign doctors are to blame."'Foreign doctors…' she thought.Caroline recalled that Evan had arranged those doctors for Lily's treatment. He forcib
Scott advised, "Being excessively emotional isn't good for your health."Caroline took a deep breath. "I won't give up! I'm meeting Evan to clear things up."Neil suggested, "Do what you need to, but we might have to postpone our Christmas Eve plans."Neil turned to Scott. "Go inside with Carol first. I'll make a call."Scott nodded and left with Caroline.Neil's suspicion arose during Lily's first surgery. Why would an oncologist specialist attend a craniotomy surgery? Was it solely for Carol?However, Neil soon dismissed the idea.Even if Scott seemed suspicious, he likely couldn't manipulate Evan's hospital. Furthermore, his love for Caroline would prevent him from hurting her.-The next afternoon, Richie handed Evan the test report.Axel had been diagnosed with intermediate-stage acute leukemia from the expedited tests. Evan's grip tightened upon reading "intermediate stage".He looked at Richie seriously. "Do you have a treatment plan?"Richie replied, "We'll start wi
"I can promise you that," Evan assured. "However, you must behave and cooperate with the doctor during your treatment."Axel felt a wave of relief and nodded vigorously. He was willing to do whatever it took, as long as his father kept his promise not to inform his mother.-After leaving Grand East, Daniella drove to Villa Foresta. Upon arriving, she parked her car and entered the living room to find Casey resting there.She greeted him with a warm smile, saying, "I'm back, Casey."Casey opened his eyes and looked at Daniella gently. "How's Axel?"Daniella blurted out, "It's a bone marrow issue," as she sat beside Casey.Casey paused, puzzled. "Bone marrow?"Daniella quickly realized her mistake and corrected herself, saying, "He needs a bone marrow transplant."She was startled, fearing that Casey might discern she knew his true identity. She decided to keep this information to herself until their relationship had solidified, worried that Casey might turn against her.Casey
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