Kenny assisted Caroline with her luggage, guiding her to the villa's entrance."Are the children asleep?" he asked.Caroline nodded. "We should head straight to the airport. Is the preparation work there nearly completed?""Yes, once we arrive, we can depart," Kenny confirmed as he loaded Caroline's luggage into the trunk.Concerned about their publicized partnership with Greta, Caroline asked, "Have you arranged for the media to cover our collaboration?"Kenny nodded reassuringly. "You've asked this question countless times. Rest assured, it's taken care of."Caroline was new to philanthropy partnerships, so she couldn't ease her mind, wanting to avoid any mistakes.An hour later, they arrived at the airport, where workers had already loaded the goods into the cargo hold.After verifying the inventory, they boarded the plane in preparation for takeoff.-Reuben informed Evan about TYC's charity work being featured in the media.Evan frowned. "Are they departing now?"Reube
Tyler took the sticky note and read, "Liora, I know that it's very hard for you to get past this incident. You're the bravest child, and you've experienced something that others won't even experience in a lifetime. I hope that I get to see you being mischievous as you usually are when I'm back."Liora clutched the sticky note tightly once Tyler had finished reading it. Tears streamed down her face as she spoke. "Ty, I won't let Mommy worry about me anymore."Tyler nodded and replied, "You're the best, Lia!"-Caroline and Kenny arrived in Staten City early in the morning and left for Fawn County after the workers loaded the goods onto the truck.Caroline immediately called the children when she got into the truck.The call was quickly answered. Tyler and Liora's voices and heavy breathing could be heard. "Have you landed, Mommy?"Caroline smiled upon hearing Liora's different voice. "What are both of you doing? Are you on a run?""Yes, Mommy! We're out for a run with Eira!" Lio
"Kenny, what's wrong?" Caroline asked.Kenny replied, "G, it's raining heavily. The truck driver mentioned it's dangerous. What about yours?"Caroline reassured him, "Tell your driver to be cautious. We'll arrive in another half an hour. Hang in there. We can't stop now.""I'm okay! But, are you scared?" Kenny asked."Don't worry about me. I'm fine," Caroline answered."Got it." Kenny was about to end the call when his driver gasped."Oh no! There's a landslide due to the heavy rain!" The driver looked ahead fearfully.Following the driver's gaze, Kenny spotted soil washing down the mountain.Shortly after, he heard Caroline scream.Kenny urgently shouted into his phone, "G! There's a landslide! Lots of soil is coming down!"A muffled sound followed his words.Kenny traced the sound to see a large rock rolling downhill.The rock was heading straight for Caroline's truck!Kenny's eyes widened in shock. "G! A rock is coming!"The rock crashed down just as his voice faded, a
After hanging up the call, Neil chartered a helicopter at his fastest speed. -At Fawn County.Caroline was taken to the hospital by the medical team.Kenny followed the stretcher until they reached the emergency room."Please wait here," the nurse told Kenny, stopping him from going further.Kenny held onto the nurse's hands emotionally and pleaded, "Please, save her!""We will do our best. Please remain calm," the nurse reassured him.She gently freed herself from Kenny's grip and entered the emergency room. The door closed behind her, leaving Kenny in anguish.He raised his blood-stained hand to his head, thinking, 'I should have prevented her from making that delivery. Why wasn't I more assertive back then? If something happens to Caroline, I'll never forgive myself.'Kenny was lost in these thoughts when his phone rang. He trembled as he pulled out his phone and finally managed to answer Paige's call.Kenny tried to hold back tears and said, "Hello.""Evan here." Evan
"Mr. Jordan, Carol is—"Paige was about to speak when Kenny's hoarse voice interrupted, "Why are you still focused on Carol and Neil's relationship?"He glared at Evan and snapped, "Caroline is fighting for her life in there, and you're worried about trivial matters like this? Isn't it obvious from Neil's reaction? He can only donate his blood if they're siblings, right?"Paige quickly covered Kenny's mouth and retorted, "What nonsense are you talking about!"Kenny pulled her hand away and declared, "I'm not talking nonsense. Caroline is Neil's biological sister!"Paige felt overwhelmed. 'Why is Kenny revealing this secret out of anger?'She turned to Evan, who looked dumbfounded, and cautiously asked, "Now that you know what you wanted to, Mr. Jordan, is there anything else you'd like to know?"Evan swallowed hard and asked gloomily, "Why did she hide it from me?""Do you really need to ask why? It's because of what you did!" Kenny couldn't help but speak sarcastically."Kenn
Neil seemed alright, aside from feeling dizzy and weak. Paige took a seat by his bedside and said, "Neil, Evan is aware of your relationship with Carol."Neil smiled bitterly. "That's alright. He was bound to find out sooner or later."Paige asked, "What about the kids?"Neil sighed. "Let Carol explain it to him when she wakes up. Kenny already told him, didn't he?" Paige nodded. "Even if Kenny didn't, Evan would notice."Neil closed his eyes and asked, "Is he with Carol now?"Paige confirmed, "Yes. Do you want to ask him to leave?""It's fine. It's his call. Plus, having an extra set of hands to care for Carol is a good thing," Neil said.Paige offered, "I'll request the doctor to prescribe iron pills for you."Neil expressed his gratitude, "Sure. Thank you for doing that.""Don't mention it."-Meanwhile, Evan arrived at the ICU after settling the fees.Kenny looked at him meaningfully and said, "I'll entrust Caroline to you as I have other matters to attend to."Eva
"Don't mention it," said the officer. "May I ask about your relationship with the victim?"Evan remained silent momentarily before answering, "I'm the father of her child."Evan believed that was the best way to introduce himself.The police officer then asked, "Alright, what brought the victim here?"-At Bayview Villa.Tyler and Liora anxiously watched the news on their phone. Liora's red nose revealed she had been crying. She asked, "What should we do? How's Mommy?"The pale-looking Tyler replied, "I don't know. Let me call Uncle Neil."Liora nodded, watching as Tyler made the call.After a long wait, Neil's voice came through, sounding tired and hoarse. "Ty."Anxious, Tyler asked, "Where are you, Uncle Neil?"Neil had anticipated the children's call. "I'm at Fawn County Hospital."Tyler inquired, "Is Mommy hurt?"Neil replied, "Yes, she's injured, but don't worry. Just be patient and wait for her return."Liora grabbed the phone. "Uncle Neil, I want to talk to Mommy,
Eira scratched her head in embarrassment and explained with a smile, "I want Dr. Wilson to bring up some drinks quickly."Tyler and Liora understood and went upstairs.Scott stayed with Eira as they walked to the dining room. Eira frowned at him. "Mr. Wilson, your words are scaring the children."Scott looked at Eira nonchalantly. "Which words?"Eira replied, "The critical stage!"Scott took his time pouring the milk. "I was just telling the truth.""It is the truth, but I'm worried the children won't sleep tonight after hearing that!" Eira said.Scott turned to Eira. "Everyone should face the truth, including children. They can't be protected forever."Eira was speechless but still felt it was inappropriate to say that to the children. It would be better for them to know later than anxiously waiting for an update now, especially since she knew Caroline was severely injured.After pouring the milk, Scott smiled at Eira. "Don't worry. I'll keep them company."Eira found Scott'
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