'So Lia lied because she was scared that I would be upset?' Caroline was caught off guard. 'Why didn't I realize that?'"I'm sorry, Lia." Caroline walked toward Liora with regret and knelt down to wipe away her tears. "I was too harsh, and I didn't consider your feelings. Promise me you won't lie to me again, okay? As long as you're honest, I won't stop you from seeing him."Liora embraced Caroline tightly. "It's my fault for lying, Mommy. I won't do it again."Caroline hugged Liora as she sobbed, lost for words.After comforting the children for a while, they ran upstairs to play.Caroline sat absentmindedly on the sofa.Scott sat down beside her, and she mumbled, "I'm being selfish, aren't I?"Scott hesitated for a moment before replying, "Maybe you should listen to your children more."Caroline understood his hint and realized it was time to try to let go.-In the evening, Caroline received a text from Casey, asking her to meet him at a cafe later.Caroline informed the
Caroline clenched her fists tightly."Casey, you're shameless and despicable!" Caroline scolded.Casey replied, "If enduring your brief scolding gets me what I want, it's not a big deal."Caroline wanted to continue scolding, but Casey interrupted, "Think it through. If my father learns the truth, can you keep your children with you?"Caroline questioned, "How do you know about my children's relationship with Evan?"Casey replied, "I can find out if I want to."Caroline muttered curses against Casey repeatedly under her breath."I won't let you suffer any losses. Look at this," Casey said as he handed her a folder.Caroline angrily took the folder, but fear flashed across her eyes when she saw its contents.Noticing Caroline's change in expression, Casey said, "Think it over. I'll wait for your reply."Casey got up and left.After he left, Caroline grabbed her phone and turned off the recording function.-On the way home, Caroline replayed her conversation with Casey in h
Casey let out a soft chuckle. "Relax, Evan. This isn't about having fun. I simply want to marry and raise a child."Evan retorted angrily, "Do you really think I'll allow you to do that?"Casey remained calm as he met Evan's gaze. "Your disagreement won't change anything. Caroline and I can marry if she agrees."Evan was skeptical. "She'll never agree, I'm sure of it!"Casey suggested, "Why don't you ask her yourself?"Evan stood up, his tone threatening. "If you try any tricks, you'll regret it!"Draco interjected furiously, "How dare you treat your older brother this way? Where are your manners?"Evan sneered at Draco. "Manners? You don't deserve any from me."He turned and left promptly.Once Evan was gone, Casey asked, "What's our next move, Father?"Draco's anger subsided as he leisurely sipped his coffee. "Let him come to me. You don't need to interfere. And come back home soon."Casey understood Draco's intent and nodded in agreement.-Outside Jordan Residence.Ev
"Are you getting engaged to him just because of my thing with Daniella?" Evan asked, his disappointment evident. "Is this your way of getting back at me? And you haven't even heard my side of the story!"Caroline sneered."Explanation? Where were you when I needed to hear it? Why should I be led around by you?""Daniella and I—""Right, Daniella isn't a good person, just like Casey to you, right? If you can be with someone like him, why can't I?""Let me finish! Daniella and I are associating because of Axel!" Evan shouted in frustration.Caroline looked stunned, her expression turning anxious. "Axel? What happened to him?"Evan gritted his teeth. "Axel was diagnosed with leukemia, and Daniella found the bone marrow that saved his life. I agreed to let her stay and take care of him until he recovers.""L-Leukemia?!"Caroline's knees weakened, and Evan hastily caught her, pain in his eyes. He knew Caroline might struggle to accept this but had no choice but to tell her now. Other
Evan would never allow Caroline to be with Casey! Never!-Caroline was getting ready to leave at noon after asking the doctor about Axel's condition. As soon as she walked out of the doctor's office, she ran into Daniella.Daniella was surprised and glanced at the doctor's office. "What are you doing here?"Caroline stared at Daniella coldly. "Why is that any of your business?"Daniella's expression changed. "You know about Axel, huh?""Why does that concern you? You don't have a say in my son's matters!" Caroline couldn't help but shout at Daniella.Daniella chuckled. "That's quite ungrateful of you, Caroline. Your son might not be alive today if it weren't for me. Maybe you'd be visiting his grave with flowers now."Caroline slapped Daniella firmly across the face and said sternly, "Shut up!"Daniella covered her face and glared at Caroline angrily. "How dare you hit me again! Do you think I won't fight back?"Daniella raised her arm, preparing to pull Caroline's hair.Ca
Caroline wondered, 'How painful must it be to encounter one's enemy every day?'Caroline rolled down the car window, feeling the biting cold wind, but it did little to ease her agitation."Ms. Shenton, you haven't fully recovered from your injuries. You might catch a cold," the bodyguard cautioned.Caroline shook her head. "It's okay. Just drive carefully."She needed to calm herself to figure out how to tell Evan about the threats she had received. At the same time, she wanted to alleviate her guilt toward him because she knew she was the cause of this situation. However, she couldn't implicate the children.Caroline picked up the kids from school and carefully considered when to break the news about Axel's condition.Tyler and Liora were taken aback.After a moment, Tyler finally recovered from his shock. "He had a few nosebleeds before, so it turns out he really is sick…"Liora nodded. "Yes… He bled a lot…"Anxiously, Caroline asked, "When did you first notice this?"Tyler
Caroline sat up straight on the bed and gestured for Liora to enter.Liora obediently approached and climbed into Caroline's bed, her gaze fixed on her mother.Caroline tenderly stroked Liora's head and asked, "Why are you looking at me like that?"Liora remained silent but switched on the bedside lamp for a closer look."Mommy, your face is all red," Liora exclaimed, placing her hand on Caroline's forehead."Mommy, you have a fever!" Liora gasped in alarm.Caroline was taken aback. She hadn't realized she had a fever but now felt dizzy. She reached for the drawer and grabbed an infrared thermometer.Liora leaned in to see. "Mommy, it's 38°C! You need medicine!"Caroline patted Liora's thigh. "Go outside, Lia. I don't want you to catch it if it's contagious.""Okay, Mommy!" Liora nodded and hurried out of the room.Caroline wondered why Liora was acting unusually quickly today.Liora grabbed her phone and sent a frantic text to Evan.Liora: [Mommy has a fever!]Evan furrow
Caroline took her medicine with a sip of water.Kenny held the glass and took Tyler outside, leaving Evan with a warning glance that went unnoticed.Caroline massaged her forehead and said, "I'm okay. You can go home."Evan leaned forward, concerned. "Why do you have a fever? I'll check your wound for infection."Caroline dodged his approach. "Eira changed my dressing this morning. There's no infection. I might have caught a cold."Evan's expression turned serious. "Why expose yourself to the cold in this weather?"Caroline slowly reclined against the headboard. "I saw MK's official announcement."Evan's gaze dimmed. "It's none of your business. You should rest."Caroline decided to confide in Evan. "I need to tell you something."Evan tucked her in and replied, "I know you're involved with Casey against your will."Caroline looked at him in surprise."You want to know how I figured that out, right? I'm not stupid," Evan grumbled.Caroline stayed silent for a moment. "Aren'
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