Meanwhile, Neil was discussing the company with Thomas and Greta at the hotel when Tyler's call interrupted them.Neil raised an eyebrow and answered the call. "Ty? Is something wrong? Why are you calling me at this hour?"Thomas and Greta exchanged joyful glances.Sensing their curiosity, Neil put the call on speaker.Tyler's childlike yet calm voice came through. "Uncle Neil, we'd like to visit Mommy."Neil hesitated, replying, "The journey is quite far—"Liora interrupted, "But we have Eira!"Neil was torn. "So, you're not asleep because of this? Your mother is alright now...""Why hasn't she called us then?" Liora questioned.Neil sighed, admitting, "She hasn't woken up yet.""So you're keeping something from us, Uncle Neil!" Liora said.Neil was rendered speechless. "Alright. Come if you want. I'll pick you up from the airport.""Eira is booking our flight tickets right now," Liora happily added."I'll handle it. Will the next available flight work?" Neil asked."Yes
Greta had more questions, but Neil spoke before her. "Let's head to the car, shall we?"The crowd nodded and piled into the car.As they drove to the hospital, Neil explained, "Lia, Ty, your father is at the hospital too. Remember your promise to your mom about keeping it a secret."Liora expressed her sadness, saying, "I know I can't talk to him."Tyler reassured, "I won't spill the secret."Neil was still concerned, asking, "He already knows I'm your uncle. What will you say if he asks if you're his children?"Liora's eyes widened in surprise, "Does Daddy know already? Will he formally reunite with me?""Silly girl! We're not supposed to talk about it. We'll just say we don't know if he asks!" Tyler playfully tapped Liora's head.Liora covered her head, but before she could protest, Greta scooped her into her arms and asked affectionately, "I hope you don't mind a hug, Lia."Liora swung her legs and smiled. "I don't mind at all! You're very pretty, Aunt Greta! What's your se
Evan wanted to express the same sentiment but struggled because he wasn't sure how to connect with these children. After all, he hadn't formally reunited with them yet.Liora tightly held Caroline's hand and tearfully whispered, "Mommy, Tyler and I are here. Please wake up soon."Greta couldn't bear to watch any longer. She pulled tissues from her bag and approached to wipe away Tyler and Liora's tears."Don't cry, my darlings. I understand you must be hungry after rushing here. Will it be alright if I take you out for a meal?"Liora's body shook from her sobs. "Mommy will wake up, won't she?"Greta reassured her, "Yes, she will wake up very soon. Many people are waiting for her."Liora nodded vigorously.Tyler looked at Evan's tired eyes. "Have you been with Mommy this whole time?"The sudden question took Evan aback. He felt his spirits lifted when they looked at him, especially after learning that the children might be his.Evan nodded. "The hospital isn't very clean. You s
Evan's cold voice broke the silence."Why bother saying that?" he asked Paige.Paige impatiently said, "Hold off on speaking for now. Or would you like to say it?"Evan wanted to respond, but Paige cut him off. "I'm not working right now, so don't treat me like your superior. I know Carol better than you do!"Evan glared at Paige. "You'd better wake her up!"Paige seemed slightly annoyed as she turned her attention back to her friend. "Caroline, if you don't wake up soon, your three children will suffer!"Evan seethed with frustration. 'Is Paige completely ignoring me?'Paige continued. "Can you bear to see Ty, Lia, and Axel suffer, Carol?"Caroline's closed eyelids twitched as Paige's voice faded. Evan and Paige held their breaths, silently watching for Caroline's reaction.Finally, Caroline's lips moved under the oxygen mask. With great effort, she managed to open her eyes. Paige immediately waved her hand before Caroline and exclaimed, "You're awake, Carol!"Caroline bli
Joan didn't know Alex, but he had seen her photos before."Joan?" Alex called out.Joan turned, holding a folder. "Who are you?" she asked.Stepping forward, Alex introduced himself. "I'm Alex Price, a friend of Evan's. I'm also the one who asked for your help designing clothing for Paige."Recognition dawned on Joan. "Oh, it's you! Why did you call out to me?"Alex asked, "Are you here to see Evan?"Joan swung her folder. "I want to discuss some details of a new sketch with him. We need to be careful when producing a model…""Evan's not here. Have you tried calling him?" Alex asked.Joan smiled. "Would you believe me if I told you I don't have his contact details?"Alex was shocked but realized he could use this opportunity to meet Paige."If you trust me enough to share the details, I'll pass them along since they're together," Alex suggested.Joan was taken aback. "Isn't Evan with my apprentice…""Did you not hear about Caroline's hospitalization?" Alex was surprised Joa
Then, Paige walked into the room and placed the soup heavily. "What brought you here?"Alex stood up and held up the folder in his hand. "Joan has a few things to review regarding the design sketch with you.""You're really good at making up extravagant excuses like this!" Paige looked at him in contempt. Alex frowned, glanced at Caroline, and said, "Shall we go somewhere else to talk?"Paige wanted to decline but could only relent because it was a work issue. "Mr. Jordan, I'll leave Carol's soup here. Please feed her when she wakes up."Paige walked out of the room, followed by Alex. Paige sat next to the window in the cafeteria after purchasing a sandwich, while Alex sat next to her with a beverage.He passed the folder to Paige and showed her the text message Joan had sent. Paige recorded Joan's listed precautions on her phone. Alex kept her company in silence while she worked. When she was done working, Alex asked, "Can we talk?""There's nothing to talk about!" Pai
The children, Thomas, Greta, and Neil were shocked to discover that Caroline's oxygen mask had been removed.Neil asked, "Is Carol awake?"Evan nodded and replied, "She fell back asleep less than 10 minutes after waking up.""Mommy's awake! Did you hear that, Tyler?" Liora asked excitedly, looking at Tyler.Tyler nodded and turned to Neil. "Uncle Neil, can we talk to Mommy?"Before Neil could respond, Liora called out, "Can you hear me, Mommy? It's me, Liora."Shortly after Liora's voice faded, Caroline slowly opened her eyes.The crowd of people watched Caroline in silence.She looked at Liora and Tyler with affection.With parched lips, she weakly called out, "Lia, Ty."The children nodded and continued calling out to Caroline.Caroline caught her breath and said, "I can hear you."She glanced at Thomas and Greta standing behind the children, puzzled by Greta's presence.Neil noticed her confusion and explained, "Carol, I'll introduce you to them officially once you've r
Evan clenched his fists and took a deep breath, trying to hide his painful emotions."I don't mind if you hide or lie to me. All that matters is your survival, Caroline," Evan said weakly.Caroline was stunned. She looked at him incredulously and asked, "Then why did you question me about the children?""I just want answers about the children's father now that I know you were never in a relationship with Neil," Evan replied.He couldn't ignore Caroline's strong emotional reaction to the topic. Even so, he didn't want to press Caroline further. The children's parentage was less important than Caroline's well-being to him.Caroline looked away, unable to meet Evan's bitter gaze. She felt conflicted and guilty. She was denying her children a father's love to maintain custody.She closed her eyes until her tears were spent, creating a heavy atmosphere in the room.Evan turned to Caroline, his expression softening. "Caroline, how can I make you trust me and stop being so hostile?"C
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