"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
After ending the call, Daniella quickly texted Casey the address for International Residence.Half an hour later, a knock at the door startled Daniella. She struggled to open it but threw herself into his arms upon seeing Casey. "I'm scared, Casey." She sobbed.Casey casually patted Daniella's back and suggested, "Why don't we talk inside?"Daniella nodded eagerly, leading Casey into the house. They settled on the sofa, with Daniella leaning on him. "Casey, what should I do next?" she asked."You can't do anything right now. I think it's best for you to stay out of the spotlight," Casey said as he wrapped his arm around Daniella's shoulder.Daniella nodded, listening intently to Casey's plan."It's not easy to handle Caroline. Maybe you should consider changing your approach," Casey proposed.Daniella sat up straight. "What do you mean by changing my approach?"Casey replied, "That's something you'll need to figure out on your own, Ella."Daniella shook her head in dismay. "I
"Did he agree to go? He probably doesn't enjoy crowds, right?" Caroline asked, puzzled."At first, he didn't. But he agreed after Alex told him you'd be joining!" Paige chuckled.Caroline said, "You acted without consulting me."Paige replied, "Yikes, what do you mean by acting without consulting? We're going on vacation after Mardi Gras!""Okay…"Caroline ended the call and entered the villa. Liora rushed over and asked with excitement, "Mommy, are you going on a holiday?"Caroline gently touched Liora's nose. "Yes, your godmother is pregnant and invited us to celebrate.""Pregnant? Is she having a baby?" Liora tilted her head in confusion.Caroline nodded. "Yes, she's carrying a baby in her womb. You're going to be a big sister, Lia!""Really? I'm going to be a big sister?" Liora jumped up in excitement."Yes. I'm visiting the hospital tomorrow." Caroline led Liora to the living room, holding her hand.Tyler turned and asked, "Are you going to see the doctor about Axel?"
Axel tightly pressed his lips together, tears filling his eyes upon hearing Caroline's words."It's okay, Mommy. I made it through," Axel reassured her, wiping away Caroline's tears with his hand.Caroline held Axel's hand and confessed guiltily, "I blame myself for not noticing your condition, for feeling helpless when you were in pain during your treatment. I'm so sorry, Axel..."Caroline wept as Axel recalled the pain of his bone marrow extraction and treatment.Axel embraced Caroline tightly and whispered, "No need to apologize, Mommy. I don't want you to be sad because of me. I've worked hard to recover so I can see you happy. Please don't cry, Mommy. It makes me sad, too."Tyler and Liora also shed tears as they witnessed the emotional scene.Liora wanted to join the hug, but Tyler stopped her. She said through her tears, "Don't stop me from hugging Axel...""Don't touch Axel with your dirty hands," Tyler reminded Liora after drying his own tears.Liora retorted, "My hand
Paige and Alex stayed for a while before they departed.Axel hadn't been discharged from the hospital yet, even after coming out of protective isolation. Caroline suggested staying back to keep him company.Evan took on the responsibility of looking after Liora and Tyler.After Evan left, Caroline met with Axel's attending physician. "Dr. Webber, can we travel with the child?"Richie replied, "He's recovering quickly, so a trip should be fine. However, it would be best to have a doctor accompany you."Caroline was relieved and asked, "Will he be discharged tomorrow?"Richie said, "It would be nice to have him home for Lundi Gras. After all, he's been in protective isolation all by himself for a month."Caroline replied with gratitude, "Thank you."When Caroline returned to the room, she found Axel already asleep. She gently caressed his face, and he slowly opened his eyes as if he sensed it.Caroline stopped her movement and said, "I'm sorry for waking you, Axel."Axel shook
Caroline said, "You can come with us. I'd like to spend Lundi Gras with Axel as well."Caroline stood up and announced, "I'm going to the restroom."As she walked past Evan, he reached out to grab her arm, pulling her into his arms before she could react. He held her tightly, not intending to let her go.Caroline's eyes widened in shock, and she blushed, exclaiming, "What are you doing? Let go of me. Our child is here!""Caroline," Evan whispered against her neck, sending a shiver down her spine.A numbing sensation overwhelmed her, and Caroline pushed at him. "Let go of me before you talk."Evan spoke gently, his deep gaze fixed on her. "Let's be together."Caroline was stunned, her body stiffening at his words. Her heart raced, and she struggled to find her words, thinking, 'Should we? The timing doesn't seem right, but I can't find a good reason to reject him.'While Caroline pondered, Evan continued. "You don't have to give me an answer now, but I hope you'll consider my pr
Caroline glared at him. "Why are you sleeping here?"Evan replied, "You should ask yourself why you kicked the blanket."Caroline felt embarrassed and exclaimed, "What nonsense are you talking about!""I wouldn't have to squeeze into the small bed with you if I could stop you." Evan sat up and glanced at Axel. "You can leave the hospital today. I'll drop you off at Bayview Villa first."Axel was briefly shocked before he smiled. "Sure."Caroline glared at Evan, wondering if he had heard her.-At 10:00 a.m., Axel was discharged from the hospital.Evan sent him and Caroline back to Bayview Villa and said, "I'll come over later."Caroline nodded and got out of the car, holding Axel's hand.Tyler and Liora rushed from the living room when they entered the villa.Liora cheered with excitement upon seeing Axel. "Congratulations on getting out, Axel!"Tyler smiled at Axel. "Welcome home."Axel nodded. "Thank you."The kids invited Axel to play in the living room while Caroline
Caroline playfully teased, "Eira and I will be really busy if you don't come."Puzzled, Neil asked, "Aren't Scott and Kenny helping out? Isn't Paige there?"Caroline explained, "Paige is pregnant, so I won't let her help. The kids are with Scott and Kenny, so they can't free themselves either."Caroline thought about how Alex had become overly devoted to Paige.Neil was surprised and asked, "Is it Alex's?"Caroline replied, "Paige has never been with another man besides Alex."Neil assured, "I'm sorry. I'm picking up the drinks, and I'll be there in 15 minutes."Caroline cautioned, "Drive safely."After ending the call, Caroline hesitated about calling Evan. It was almost 5:30 p.m., so he should be done with work. She decided to send a text message.Caroline: [Dinner will be ready soon. When will you be here?]Caroline waited for Evan's reply but didn't receive one. She put down her phone and helped Eira serve the food.-Meanwhile, at Jordan Residence.Evan sat at the din
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