"Are you out of your mind?" Evan ripped off his mask and yelled at Caroline, "How could you dance with another man after what happened?"Caroline winced, nursing her wrist, which Evan had hurt. "It has nothing to do with you!"Evan remained furious. "Why not? I used to be your boss. Do you think I'll let you stoop so low?"Caroline's eyes turned red. She wondered if he saw her that way. The pain she had been suppressing for days resurfaced under his prodding."It's Daniella's show today. Go to her!" Caroline snapped. "Why won't you let me go?"She tried to leave, but Evan grabbed her arm once more. "Tell me your plans. Do you want to dance with that man again? Do you enjoy his embrace? Do you know where his hands wander?"Caroline was stunned. She couldn't fathom why he had such thoughts. What about his constant contact with Daniella?Caroline glared at him and retorted, "It's none of your business! Understand?"Evan seethed at the thought of her returning to dance with another
Ten minutes passed, and the orchestra's music came to a halt.The masked host ascended the stage, ready to recount the remarkable achievements of the Xander Group. Then, the host declared commandingly, "Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming our chairman, Mr. Grayson Xander, for his speech!"The audience responded with enthusiastic applause.Clad in a sleek black suit, Grayson approached the stage with a beaming smile. He positioned himself in front of the microphone and expressed his gratitude to the attendees. "Today marks the 100th anniversary of the Xander Group. I have an important announcement to make on this joyous occasion."He gazed affectionately toward the audience and continued. "Allow me to introduce my granddaughter, who will be joining us on stage."In hushed tones, attendees around Caroline speculated, "Is Mr. Xander planning to pass his shares to his granddaughter?""It certainly seems that way. I've heard he holds a deep affection for her."Upon hear
Grayson glared at Caroline as he listened to her speech. "Who on earth are you? And why are you ruining my party?"Caroline approached Grayson with deliberate steps. "Considering your age, you might not be aware that results can be manipulated. Daniella isn't your biological granddaughter. Are you absolutely sure about transferring all your shares to an outsider?""What nonsense are you spouting? Where are the bodyguards? Remove this insane woman at once!" Grayson thundered.Daniella's heart sank when she noticed the unmoving bodyguards. 'Neil… It's Neil who assigned the bodyguards! Are they trying to expose my identity?'Fear gripped Daniella, and she quivered as she stared at Caroline. "Why haven't you left the stage yet?"Caroline sneered and retorted, "What are you so afraid of? Are you trying to get evidence from me?"Daniella was utterly terrified. "What proof do you have that I'm not Grandpa's granddaughter? If you're lying, you'll go against the Xander family!"Caroline
"Hello, testing. Can you hear me?" Suddenly, a childlike and familiar voice echoed through the room. Instantly, the scene fell silent, and everyone's attention turned to the screen. Caroline's eyes widened in surprise, and her body tensed when she saw Tyler's face on the screen. "Ty!""You're not talking, so I assume you can hear me, right?" Tyler smiled. "Who is this child?""He looks a lot like Mr. Jordan! Is he Mr. Jordan's son?""I've never seen Mr. Jordan's child, but I know he has a son.""That must be him! What does he want to tell us?""I don't know. Let's listen!"Tyler cleared his throat. "Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Tyler Shenton, and I'm here because of this unexpected situation. Frankly, bullying my mother is not something to be proud of."The audience erupted in response to Tyler's sarcasm. Evan smirked, thinking, 'He's acting like my son, having the courage to scold these high-ranking individuals. He's bold!'Tyler continued. "Don't you dare def
Daniella's face turned pale, and she looked at Grayson in panic."Grandpa, please save me. I didn't do it!" Daniella crawled toward Grayson.Grayson gazed at Daniella, lost in thought. He felt deeply disappointed upon hearing those vulgar remarks. It had taken him five years to realize that his beloved granddaughter was a fraud.In pain, Grayson closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Leave."Daniella was terrified. "Grandpa—""I'm not your grandfather." Weakly, Grayson staggered backward. "The Xanders' reputation has been completely tarnished.""Grandpa! Don't believe Caroline! She's lying!" Daniella begged Grayson through tears.Caroline stood before Grayson, but he couldn't muster the courage to meet her eyes. Ignoring Daniella's cries and despair, he remained silent.Soon, Neil swiftly took the stage. He locked eyes with Caroline and nodded. Then, he approached Daniella and said coldly, "Now that the truth is out, you have no reason to stay."Daniella clenched her fists a
The yard was filled with trash and filth, assaulting Caroline's senses with a nauseating stench the moment she stepped out of the car. She instinctively covered her mouth and nose, surveying the shattered windows and the injured bodyguards posted at the door.She offered, "Please, take some rest and a refreshing shower tonight. I appreciate your hard work."One of the bodyguards replied, "We've already arranged for cleaning staff, Ms. Shenton. They'll be here shortly."Caroline nodded and proceeded into the villa.Eira and Paige rushed downstairs upon hearing Caroline's arrival. Tears welled up in Paige's eyes as she embraced Caroline."Carol…" Paige clung to her and said, "I saw the news! That villain Daniella finally got what she deserved, Carol!"Caroline gently patted Paige's back and asked, "Have you been frightened these past few days?"Paige shook her head. "I knew you could handle this. You can finally let go of the five-year-old grudge, Carol."Caroline couldn't bring
"Wait for her to come and get you. Finish your drink, then take a shower." Evan handed a glass of milk to Liora."Alright!"-The next day, Caroline woke up and immediately checked her phone online. Upon seeing the positive comments and apologies that had accumulated overnight, she smiled with relief. She was about to put her phone down when Josie called.After ensuring Paige was sleeping soundly, Caroline left the room and answered the call in the bathroom. She asked, "Josie, what's the early morning urgency?""Ms. Shenton! The company…um..." Josie began, excitement causing her to choke on her words.Caroline chuckled. "Have the pre-sale orders increased again?""Yes! It's three times higher than the previous pre-order! Ms. Shenton, we've pulled through!"Caroline said, "This is the result of everyone's unwavering support and hard work."Josie eagerly asked, "So, are we still having the annual party?"Caroline replied, "No. Please create a survey to determine where everyone
Paige licked her lips, trying to calm her anxiety. "It's me. Can we meet up now?""Yes, where are you? I'll give you a ride!" Alex replied promptly."I'm at home.""I'll be there in 10 minutes."-Ten minutes later, Paige waited downstairs until Alex arrived. They both felt too nervous to speak. Unable to bear the silence any longer, Alex gripped the steering wheel and asked, "Is there something on your mind?"Paige swallowed and gazed out the window. "Let's get some coff— juice."Alex was surprised. Paige had never shown interest in juice before, so he wondered why she wanted it today.-At the juice bar.Alex ordered two sugar-free juices and handed one to Paige. "Thank you," she said as she took it.Sitting across from her, Alex studied her expression. He noticed the weariness in her eyes and gently asked, "Have you been having trouble sleeping lately?"Paige took a sip of her juice. "Yes. The chaos at Carol's place has kept me up.""Ah, so are you meeting me becaus
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