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
Caroline sat up straight, her face ghostly pale as the car came to a gradual stop. "I'm fine," she muttered.She turned to the bodyguard and asked, "What's happening?"The bodyguard replied, "I believe we have a flat tire, Ms. Shenton. I'll check it out.""Alright." Caroline nodded and continued speaking to Evan. "I have a flat tire. Can you please take the children back to Bayview Villa later?"Evan asked anxiously, "Where are you?"Caroline replied, "I'm on the coastal highway, not far from the office.""Got it," Evan said before ending the call.Caroline stepped out of the car and bent down beside the bodyguard, inspecting the flat tire. She asked, "Is it indeed a flat tire?"The bodyguard stood up and confirmed, "Yes, Ms. Shenton. We'll need to get it towed. Please wait in the car."Caroline reminded him, "Make sure to set up a warning sign.""Of course," he replied.Caroline returned to the car and patiently waited for the tow truck.While waiting, Caroline received a
Evan informed Caroline, "Your grandfather has been hospitalized."Caroline tightened her lips. "He got what was coming to him."Evan asked, "Aren't you considering returning to the family?"Caroline smiled bitterly and retorted, "Why would I want to go back? Have you forgotten how he nearly killed me?"Evan smirked, saying, "It's probably for the best not to return. Especially since Neil has resigned, and the Xanders' future is uncertain."Caroline raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Resigned?"Evan asked, "Didn't your brother tell you anything?"Caroline frowned. "What do you mean?"Evan explained, "Neil secretly transferred many crucial contracts, leaving the Xander Group a mere shell."Caroline's heart sank. ''Grayson would be livid if he knew about Neil's actions. It would be fine if Grayson were to berate him, but he would be sent to prison if Grayson were to sue him!' Caroline hurriedly reached for her phone to call Neil.Evan questioned, "Are you trying to call him? Are
The maid promptly returned with the children as Caroline and Evan reached Villa Rosa.Caroline stepped out of the car. She was taken aback by the sight of Liora in a pale yellow gown draped with a vibrant red scarf. Liora usually dressed casually, but she looked like a princess today, a striking transformation after just a few days apart. The children noticed Caroline's gaze and beamed at her, exclaiming, "Mommy!""Mommy, you're here!"Liora rushed to Caroline and nestled in her arms. "I missed you, Mommy."Caroline leaned over to pick up Liora, but Evan interjected, "Your clavicle injury isn't fully healed."Caroline's arms hung in uncertainty as she apologized, "I'm sorry, Lia, I can't carry you yet.""It's okay, Mommy. Do you like my outfit?" Liora asked, her head held high, eyes sparkling."It's beau—""Quit being so vain. You check yourself in the mirror every morning," Tyler quipped from behind.Liora glared at Tyler and retorted, "I'm just vain, but you blackmailed
"Caroline, you should know very well that your apology is not what I want," Evan said. Caroline's heart was racing. "I don't understand what you mean."Evan's eyes gleamed with a smile. "Now that we've resolved Daniella's situation, you should see that there's no connection between her and me, then or now."Caroline lowered her gaze and took a sip of water. "Evan, do you think Daniella's acting alone in all of this?"Evan furrowed his brow. "What do you mean?"Caroline continued. "If Daniella was on her own, I'd have exposed her right from the start yesterday.""So you're saying someone else is involved?" Evan asked.Caroline nodded. "I can't be sure, but it's just a hunch.""Do you have a plan?" Evan inquired.Caroline remained silent, already carrying out her plan and awaiting the outcome.-Meanwhile, Daniella had moved back to International Residence. She couldn't muster the courage to leave her home, as the bodyguards stationed at her door prevented irate internet user
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