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
Lily cared for the two children for five years, and they had come to see her as family. When Lily passed away, it deeply saddened the children.Caroline released her hold on the children and said, "Lily's funeral will be on December 25th. I'll take a leave of absence to be there with you."The two children nodded with tears in their eyes.-Meanwhile, at Villa Foresta.Casey offered Daniella a place to stay for the night. She sat in his room, aware that their two-day time limit was about to expire, yet Casey showed no sign of checking his phone.As Daniella undressed in the bathroom, her phone suddenly rang. She quickly picked it up when she saw Hector's caller ID."Hello, Mr. Hendrix?" Daniella leaned against the bathroom door, trying to listen for Casey on the phone.Hector spoke. "I've found the bone marrow, which can be delivered anytime. You can name the price."Daniella didn't hear Casey's voice from outside. She wondered if the room was soundproofed exceptionally well.
Initially, Axel wasn't sure if Evan would agree to it. He didn't expect his father to agree so easily.Axel's eyes slowly brightened, and he said, "Thank you, Daddy."Evan smiled, but he felt a pang of sadness. He hadn't anticipated Axel being so overjoyed about something so trivial.-In the afternoon, Evan took a leisurely stroll through the mall, holding Axel's hand after lunch. Axel had already thought about the gifts, so he headed straight for the shop. He picked out a scarf for Caroline and a thermos flask for Tyler, knowing how much he liked warm drinks. He chose a large doll for Liora that she could cuddle with. Then, he purchased a tie for Evan.Evan was visibly surprised by the gift. "For me?"Axel nodded. "Daddy, you deserve a Christmas gift too."Evan leaned over and gently ruffled Axel's hair.Axel was taken aback because Evan was beaming with an infectious happiness he had never seen before. He couldn't hide the joy on his face and said, "Daddy, you should smile
Tyler lifted the thermos flask, remarking, "I know who sent this."Caroline grasped the scarf-packed gift box, asking, "It's from Axel, right?"Tyler nodded. "I have a gift for Axel too, Mommy. Could you arrange for its delivery?""Mommy, I've got a present for Axel too!" Liora said."Alright," Caroline replied, contemplating who should handle the gift deliveries, when Eira approached."I'll do it! I met the man who came this afternoon! He looks plain, but he has enormous eyes and a graceful face," Eira stated.Caroline realized Eira was referring to Reuben but didn't expect her to describe him as dull.Caroline instructed the children, "Fetch the gifts from upstairs. There's a watch on my bedside table. Please bring it as well."Liora playfully teased Caroline, "You secretly bought a gift for Axel too, Mommy."Caroline affectionately patted Liora's head. "It's the same watch you have."The two children hurried upstairs to retrieve the gifts while Caroline provided Eira with
Kenny hesitated to leave. "What if those bullies bother you?"Caroline glanced at him. "They won't. We're in the cemetery. Neil, Scott, please escort the funeral celebrant."The group noticed Caroline's determination and chose a different path without commenting further.Once they departed, Evan approached the tombstone. Caroline's icy glare met him, and she slapped him without a word.Reuben's eyes widened in shock at the crisp slap. "Ms. Shenton!"Caroline suppressed her anger. "How dare you come here!"Evan turned solemnly, matching Caroline's intense anger with his own cold stare. "Do you realize what you're doing?"Caroline closed in on Evan. "I'd like to ask you: what have you done?"Evan's temples pulsed with veins. "Explain yourself!"Caroline's eyes turned bloodshot. "You sent the doctor to get my consent for Lily's surgery, and she died during the operation!"Evan emanated an eerie presence."Can I control the surgery? Can't you see I hired the best medical team fo
Reuben gazed at Caroline and spoke. "Mr. Jordan isn't that kind of person, Ms. Shenton. You worked for him for three years. Have you ever seen him use such unethical tactics?"Mr. Jordan invested a lot of manpower and money into commissioning the medical team. You've crossed a line today, Ms. Shenton."With those words, Reuben departed.Caroline stood in front of the tombstone, silent.She thought, 'Have I gone too far? I wanted to believe that you intended to save Lily willingly, too. Yet, Lily died during the surgery performed by the doctors you hired! You won't even swear to it. How can I trust that your conscience is clear?'After some time, Caroline walked toward Katie's tombstone, placing the bouquet she had prepared before it. She retrieved a tissue and used it to clean the tombstone."Mom, I'm here. Do you blame me for not visiting in so long?" Caroline managed a weak smile. "I changed my name and hid for five years abroad. I'm a fashion designer now, with a few small ach
Scott casually mentioned, "I glanced back before leaving and remember seeing Carol slap Evan.""What? She slapped that scumbag?" Kenny exclaimed.Neil nodded. "She believed Lily's passing was closely linked to Evan.""I'd think the same if I were in her shoes, given that my boss commissioned the medical team," Paige said between bites of her food.The group turned their attention to Paige.Paige, feeling bewildered, asked, "Why are you all looking at me?""Women think straightforwardly. If the scumbag wanted revenge on Caroline, he wouldn't use such an obvious tactic," Kenny remarked.Scott added, "Vital signs can drop during surgery, resulting in death."Neil chimed in. "True, mishaps occur, but we can't rule out the possibility of tampering."Kenny looked perplexed. "You make it sound so mysterious. Have you been reading too many mystery novels?"Neil asked, "What do you mean?"Kenny put down his spoon and clarified, "The hospital belongs to the scumbag. The person must be
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