The voice-to-text translation was finished once Yuliana shared her location. Neil quickly scanned the text, and the words 'Mr. Hendrix' finally caught his attention.In Daniella's voice recording, she mentioned seeking Mr. Hendrix's help in dealing with Caroline and Evan a few times.'Who is Mr. Hendrix? When did Daniella meet him? Is there some grudge between him, Caroline, and Evan?' he wondered.Neil saved the voice recording in a folder and secured it with a password. Then, he grabbed his phone and headed out to meet Yuliana.-Twenty minutes later, Neil reached Yuliana's location. He found Yuliana standing alone by the street, engrossed in her phone. He got out of the car and asked, "Where are your friends?"Yuliana immediately found an excuse. "I told them to go ahead without me."Neil didn't press further but led Yuliana to the car, and they set off to the ice cream parlor.The ice cream parlor was bustling with customers despite the chilly early spring weather.Aft
Yuliana asked, "Why choose me instead of hiring a professional investigator?"Neil grinned, replying, "You're a seasoned journalist, right? Plus, this is crucial, and I trust no one else with it."Yuliana was amazed. 'He doesn't trust anyone, but he trusts me? It seems that Neil doesn't only care about Caroline but cares about me too!'Touched, Yuliana pledged, "I'll help you, Neil, because of your trust!"-At noon, Caroline and the group arrived at the Hot Spring Resort.Seeing the empty parking lot, Caroline voiced her concern, "It should be busy now, right?"Paige chuckled. "You should talk to my boss about this."Caroline understood. "Did he book the whole place?"Paige nodded vigorously. "Yes, to ensure last time's incident doesn't repeat."Caroline felt grateful for Evan's effort to protect the kids.The hotel manager, Charon Reddick, assisted them with their luggage.After entering, Charon checked them into a spacious three-room suite. Charon asked, "Ms. Shenton,
Caroline couldn't help but think about how Evan still had a firm place in her heart after all this time. 'If that's the case, why am I fooling myself? Instead of postponing it, I should find the time to talk to him.'After lunch, Charon and the service staff took the children away.Caroline and the others had some tea and then headed to the spa zone.Alex saw them off at the door. As soon as it closed, he made a quick escape, found a secluded spot, and called Evan.Evan picked up, and Alex said excitedly, "Evan, they're already at the spa. I'm going to set up the place now."Evan impatiently replied, "I've been waiting for you at the mountain slope for half an hour!"Alex walked to the lobby. "I need to take care of Paige first, right? I'm going to be a father soon!""Quit with the nonsense. Do you think just the two of us can handle this?" Evan frowned at the messy pile of items before him.Alex replied, "Where there's a will, there's a way. I'll do what you can't."Evan said
Caroline did not question further after noticing Paige's reluctance to speak. "Carol…""Hmm?""I envy you so much!" Paige exclaimed.Caroline opened her eyes and turned to Paige, asking, "What do you mean?"Paige explained, "I can tell that Evan truly loves you. People can't control their gaze when they're in love."Paige circled back to a topic that left Caroline uncertain about how to respond."Speaking of that…""What?"Paige continued. "You spent a long time upstairs with Evan on Lundi Gras night, yet Scott didn't seem uncomfortable at all."Caroline looked up at the ceiling and pondered. "Maybe he's moved on?"Paige disagreed, "No, he's been in love and sticking with you for six years. Even if he's figured it out and moved on, a regular person would feel sad, right? There was nothing in his expression except calmness."Caroline confessed, "I haven't speculated about his feelings, but I do feel guilty toward him."Paige insisted, "He's been trying, and you've been rej
Evan unbuttoned his collar. "This is unnecessary," he muttered.Alex's eye twitched. "So, what do you think women actually like?"Evan glanced at Alex. "Just give 'em money, right? They can get whatever they want."Alex let out a forced chuckle. "You're not romantic at all. No wonder your attempts to win over Caroline aren't working."Evan's gaze turned cold. "Shut up!"Alex looked away, annoyed. "Let's focus on work!"-At 5:30 p.m., their masseuses woke up Caroline and Paige. They sat up, still drowsy.Caroline checked her phone and mumbled, "It's 5:30..."Paige yawned and said, "Let me see if Alex is finished with his task.""Task? I thought he was getting a massage?" Caroline furrowed her brow, puzzled.Paige was stunned but recovered quickly, saying, "I misspoke. I meant if he's done with his massage."Caroline looked at Paige strangely. "You better not be hiding anything from me."Paige laughed. "I'd never keep anything from you. I'm a trustworthy friend."Paige cal
All the lights suddenly went out, and the swaying candlelight illuminated the corridor. It was dim yet romantic. Charon said, "Please follow me."Caroline and Paige walked ahead, stepping on the petals. They walked past the corridor and lobby that were meticulously decorated before they arrived at the back garden. The small path decorated with tiny lamps stretched to the hill behind. Caroline's heart was racing. She had a feeling that Evan was at the end of the path. Paige said, "Carol, I'm a little scared to walk inside."Caroline said, "Why?"Paige pointed at the uphill path in fear. "The path looks scary… It's dark."Caroline held Paige's hand. "Don't be scared. Charon is here, so am I."Paige clung to Caroline with one hand and caressed her belly. "Alright then…"They walked slowly, and a muffled bang echoed just as they stepped onto the first flight of stairs. "Gah!"Paige hugged Caroline in fear. Caroline was startled as well. Soon, the sky suddenly burst i
"Would a regular guy be scared of the cold?" Evan asked, smiling at her.Caroline's smile faded. "You're really not the romantic type, are you? You didn't come up with this plan today, did you?"Before Evan could confess, Alex chimed in. "You underestimate Evan, Caroline. He spent a long time searching the Internet for this."Evan couldn't help but think to himself that he wasn't that free to search the Internet for such matters.After a short pause, Caroline said, "You're right. You once gave me a garden full of roses."Evan was rendered speechless, wondering how Caroline had connected the two incidents. But her misunderstanding didn't bother him, as he could see the joy in her eyes.Rubbing her eyes, Paige looked up and asked, "Alex, why did you guys put in so much effort for this?"Alex stuttered, "W-Well, we had our reasons." He turned beet red and glanced at Evan for support.Evan, however, awkwardly looked away and didn't respond.Paige narrowed her eyes and scrutinized
Evan's words left Caroline feeling helpless and speechless. She shifted her gaze away from Evan and quietly contemplated his words. She wondered if she was truly ready for what he had just revealed.Suddenly, a cold gust of wind swept through, scattering the roses that lay on the floor and filling the air with a delicate fragrance. This unexpected change in the atmosphere gradually calmed Caroline's flustered mind.Looking down at the city aglow with lights at the base of the mountains, she realized that she needed someone by her side to brighten her world and provide support. This epiphany brought a sudden sense of tranquility.Yes, she liked him and decided to be bold and accept him once again for the sake of her feelings.She began to form the words to express her decision when Paige interrupted her with an urgent "Carol!"Caroline's courage waned, and she helplessly turned her attention to Paige. "What's wrong?"Paige fidgeted with a backpack she had retrieved from somewhere
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