Evan's face grew cold. "Shut up!"Caroline stood up. "Kenny's got a new shirt that's never been worn. I'll show you where you can change.""Yeah, we're pretty much the same size, and I still have many shirts with tags on them," Kenny replied.Evan looked meaningfully at Caroline and followed her upstairs. Caroline located the shirt and handed it to Evan."Change quickly so you don't catch a cold," Caroline advised casually.Evan took the shirt and fixed his gaze on her. "Are you genuinely concerned about me?"Caroline realized she was indeed showing concern for him in both words and actions.Anxiously, she stammered, "H-Hurry up and change. I'm going outside!"Evan grasped her arm. "Do you have a towel? I'd like to take a shower."Caroline nodded. "Yes. I'll get one for you."She withdrew her arm and exited the room, regretting her visible concern for Evan. 'If that's the case, Paige and the others probably noticed it too, right?'Caroline sighed and returned to Kenny's ro
The tipsy Kenny turned to Neil and declared, "Neil, they're up to something indecent!"Neil glanced at Kenny and then at Scott, who remained silent while eating. He sighed and said, "Carol has the freedom to choose. I won't interfere."The three children listened in on the adult conversation from their spot on the rug, where they played after dinner.Liora playfully nudged Tyler and asked, "What are they talking about, Tyler? Are Mommy and Daddy playing a game upstairs?"Tyler and Axel exchanged a glance, and Axel patiently explained, "Lia, they're probably discussing something important."Liora wondered, "Then why is Godmother sneaking upstairs?"Tyler set down the block in his hand. "Lia, you've been wanting to be a big sister for a long time, right?"Liora's eyes lit up. "Can I be a big sister?"Axel smiled. "Do you want a little brother or sister?"Liora replied, "Neither!"Tyler and Axel asked together, "How will you be a big sister, then?"Liora giggled. "I want to be
At midnight, Kenny and Alex set up and lit the fireworks.The crowd of people exchanged smiles as the fireworks illuminated the night sky.Evan glanced at Reuben, who then retrieved three thick gift packets brimming with money from the car. He handed the packets to Evan, who distributed one to each child.Liora touched her gift and beamed, exclaiming, "This is thick. It must be full of money!"Neil and the others walked over and presented their gifts to the three children.After expressing their gratitude, Tyler turned to Caroline and asked, "Mommy, did you prepare gifts for us?"Caroline said, "Don't you already have enough gifts?"Tyler insisted, "Wouldn't you like to give us gifts too, Mommy?"Caroline smiled and began giving her gifts to the children one by one. "Axel, Ty, Lia, Happy Mardi Gras! May you grow strong and healthy!"The three children chorused, "Happy Mardi Gras, Mommy!""Happy Mardi Gras!" Suddenly, Evan's voice echoed from behind.Caroline turned, her face
Neil smiled and said, "Lia looks like me."Caroline chuckled. "I forgot to mention, this is my brother. You remember him, right? You've worked at Xander Residence for so long. You must have taken care of Neil, too."Just as Caroline's voice faded, Tyler suddenly spoke.Caroline turned and followed Tyler's gaze to Liora, who stood there absentmindedly. "Lia? What's going on?"Liora stretched her hand to point at the photo on the tombstone, but she stopped herself, thinking it would be inappropriate."Nothing." Liora shook her head.The person in the photo seemed familiar, but she couldn't recall where she had seen them before.'Was it in a dream?' she wondered.Liora stared at the photo with her head tilted until Caroline finished her visit.Caroline stood up and said, "There's another graveyard next door. Jamie is buried there, and I'd also like to visit her.""Sure. I'll carry you, Axel," Neil replied as he picked up Axel.Axel didn't decline the offer. After all, he was ti
Caroline blushed and thought, 'What was I thinking?'"I'm going with my brother. He's waiting in the car," Caroline informed.Evan remained silent but reached for his phone to make a call.He said, "Follow Caroline's car. I'm going with them."After hanging up, he asked Caroline, "You don't mind me tagging along, right?"Caroline looked at him in shock. He was demanding to come along even though he had a car, and he hadn't sought her approval. Could she still reject him now?They all got into the car, and Evan was visibly surprised to see the three children.Caroline explained, "It's lucky we took the MPV today. Otherwise, you wouldn't have a place to sit. I brought the children so they could visit my parents."She turned to Neil and said, "Neil, he wants to join because he's Axel's father, after all."Neil didn't say much after hearing Caroline's remark.Liora clung to Evan while he played with her. Neil whispered to Caroline, "I didn't expect him to be so patient with chi
After cleaning the tombstones, Neil held Caroline's hand as they placed bouquets of flowers. Neil said, "Mom, Dad, I brought Carol to visit you. I've found her, so you can be at peace now."Caroline felt a connection as she looked at the photos on the tombstones but didn't know what to say. In the end, she softly muttered, "Mom, Dad."Neil smiled at Caroline. "Don't be too tense. I'm sure our parents are thrilled to see you."Caroline didn't know what to say, so she glanced at her children. She waved at Axel and Tyler, then looked at Liora, who was hiding in Evan's arms.She was surprised. "Lia?"Liora's head moved, but she had no intention of showing her face.Evan looked at Caroline. "She's cold."Suddenly, Benjamin's words came to her mind, but she quickly dismissed the strange thought.She took Tyler and Axel's hands and led them to the tombstones.Neil said, "Mom, Dad, these are Carol's children…"Just as his voice faded, a strong wind began to blow, leaves rustled, an
"Don't you find your remark contradicting?" Caroline asked.Evan replied, "I don't think so!"Caroline couldn't help but retort, "If you don't believe in baseless superstitions, why do you care about his gift to Lia?"Evan explained, "I'm concerned that the item might not be clean."Caroline asked, "Could it be contaminated? He doesn't strike me as a careless person!"Axel and Tyler exchanged glances after hearing their argument. They soon sighed and chose not to get involved. Evan still wanted to argue, but Neil stopped him. "Alright, it's just an amulet. I know Benjamin. He's a good person," Neil reassured them.Neil realized that things could have escalated if he hadn't intervened.-Evan and Caroline sulked all the way back to Bayview Villa.As soon as Evan got out of the car, he left with Reuben.Neil carried Liora and, with Axel and Tyler, joined Caroline in entering the house.After setting down Liora, Neil said, "Don't be upset anymore, Carol. I have to return to
"She has a fever?!" Caroline exclaimed.She gently touched Liora's face and asked Tyler to fetch the infrared thermometer for a more accurate reading.Liora's temperature registered at 39°C.Caroline lifted Liora and urgently instructed, "Eira, get the car. We need to go to the hospital.""The hospital?" Kenny's voice interrupted. "On Mardi Gras? Who's unwell?"Caroline glanced at Kenny with concern. "Liora has a fever, and I'm taking her to the hospital.""Oh, no!" Kenny rushed downstairs and slipped on the stairs but quickly recovered. Ignoring the pain, he picked up Liora. "Pass me the child, quickly. Eira, get the car!"Eira nodded. "Of course!"-Upon arriving at the hospital, Liora continued to speak incoherently in her sleep, leaving Caroline baffled. She consulted the doctor, who recommended a blood test after examining Liora.Half an hour later, Caroline handed the test results to the doctor.After a brief glance, the doctor frowned. "Everything appears normal, and
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