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
Neil frowned and asked in a chilly tone, "Are you absolutely certain?""Yes," his assistant replied. "The testimonies from those people all match up. I even brought a psychologist as you requested, and the psychologist confirmed they seemed truthful.""Ask them how they were threatened," Neil instructed."Okay, Mr. Xander.""Wait." After a moment of thought, Neil said, "Text me the address. I'm heading over.""Okay."When Neil received the address, he packed a change of clothes and left his bedroom. As he descended the stairs, he ran into Thomas.Noticing Neil's departure, Thomas asked, "Neil, where are you off to?"Neil said seriously, "Uncle Tom, I'm going to meet the individuals who participated in the bidding with Dad in the past."After a brief pause, Thomas asked anxiously, "Have you found any leads?""Yes," Neil confirmed."Who were they?" Thomas asked.Neil answered, "The Jordan family.""The Jordan family?" Thomas turned pale and took a step back. "Could they have
Bernard found himself in a tough spot. "Ms. Love, please don't make things hard for me. I have a family, and I can't afford to lose my job."Although Daniella's eyes were red, she adjusted her tone because she couldn't elicit sympathy from him. "You won't help me, will you? Do you know who's taking charge here?"However, her words only made him chuckle. "Ms. Love, it's unclear who will be in charge here."With that, he picked up the teapot and filled her glass.Anxious, she observed as the tea filled to the brim and splashed onto her hands.With a smile, Bernard gently reminded, "Be careful with this, Ms. Love. It's Master Jordan's prized collection."The scalding water caused Daniella so much pain she felt like ending it all.Grimacing, she glared at Bernard and hissed through clenched teeth. "You'll face divine retribution for doing this to me!"Yet, Bernard merely grinned and offered no response.He finally allowed her to go upstairs at 12:30 p.m., when Casey returned.Hat
"I can't find the exact IP address at all. This person is so cunning," Tyler muttered.While they spoke, Tyler's eyes gleamed with excitement."Let me handle it, okay?" Axel patted Tyler on the shoulder. "You'll get exhausted."Tyler refused. "No, I'm not tired at all. It's rare to find such a challenging opponent."After staring at Tyler for a moment, Axel commented, "Your attitude toward Daddy seems to have changed."Tyler paused his work and looked at Axel, asking, "Why do you say that?""Someone attacked MK's firewall, and you've been busy trying to uncover the culprit," Axel explained.Tyler chuckled. "I don't care about MK. I just want to find out who this elusive person is!"Helplessly, Axel looked at Tyler but kept his silence, respecting Tyler's choice.As long as he knew Tyler's attitude toward Evan had changed.Axel stood beside Tyler and closely examined the few blinking spots, wondering who the attacker might be. At the same time, he pondered why someone would wa
Caroline was about to change into her swimsuit when Greta called her.She glanced at Paige and said, "Take the kids out with Alex and Evan, Paige. I need to take this call."Paige nodded and held Liora's hand, saying, "Come on, Lia. Let's check if your brothers are ready."Liora followed Paige out of the changing room.Caroline answered Greta's call, and the latter asked, "Carol, are you having fun out there?"Caroline sat on a stool and replied, "Yeah, I'm having a great time. What's up, Aunt Greta?"Greta replied, "I'm taking food to the hospital for your grandfather. He's not been well lately."Caroline apologized, "I'm sorry for bothering you, Aunt Greta."Greta comforted her, "We're family, Carol. It's not your fault."Caroline asked, "Why did you call me today?"Greta sighed softly. "Neil went out, and Tom told me he's meeting the people from that year's bidding."Caroline asked anxiously, "Did he go alone?"Greta sounded concerned. "Yes, and it's related to that Jord
Caroline asked, "Did they make you drink?"Neil replied, "No, quite the opposite. I made them drink."Caroline sighed, asking, "Did you obtain any information from them?"Neil responded gloomily. "Let's discuss it when I return. Enjoy these two days."Caroline's heart skipped a beat suddenly. She held the stool's edge tightly, and her voice quivered. "Was it Evan's father, Neil?""Calm down, Carol." Neil cleared his throat. "Just because he threatened those people doesn't mean he harmed or killed our dad.""What kind of threat are we talking about?" Caroline asked in a daze. Neil explained, "Those people claimed that he threatened them to drop the bid."'Threatened…' Caroline instantly recalled what sort of threat it might be.After a moment of silence, Caroline asked again, "Do you think it had something to do with him, like me?" Neil replied, "We lack evidence, and they're not witnesses either. We can't prove it, Carol."Caroline gasped for breath, her lips pursed. "Al
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