The bodyguard approached Caroline and said, "Ms. Shenton, there's someone named Naomi looking for you at the door."Caroline was surprised and wondered why Naomi had come.She stood up and said, "Invite her in quickly."Caroline then went to the kitchen and returned with a glass of juice. Naomi was already greeting the children.Caroline approached Naomi with the glass of juice and asked, "Why did you come, Naomi?"Naomi turned with a gift box in her hands and said, "Ms. Shenton. I brought you a gift."Caroline smiled when she saw the gift. "You didn't have to bring a gift to visit."Naomi replied, "It's basic etiquette to bring a gift when visiting someone's home, Ms. Shenton."Caroline knew Naomi wouldn't give up, given her character. Reluctantly, she accepted the gift. "Thank you.""You're welcome," Naomi said. "You've helped me earn a lot of money."Naomi's words made Caroline tense as she handed Naomi the glass of juice. "You're very straightforward.""Not a problem," N
Naomi pulled the car to the side of the road. "I followed your instructions, Daniella."Daniella's face contorted with anger. "It's not enough! I want to destroy Caroline's reputation! What good is this tiny piece of information to me?"Naomi retorted, "Do I have to let other men into her house to get back at her?""Yes! That's the only way to bring her down!" Daniella's fury distorted her expression.Naomi replied, "Your plan is bound to fail then. There's no way to enter her house."With great effort, Daniella calmed herself. "Keep an eye on her. You're going back to work next week, right?""Yes.""Find a way to tail her daily so that I can seize an opportunity.""Understood."After ending the call, Daniella clutched her phone with malice. Naomi owed her a significant favor from their past overseas cooperation. She was confident that she could make Caroline suffer immensely with Naomi as her spy.-Four days later.Caroline was preparing to discuss the next day's work mat
Caroline asked, "What do you want?""It's quite simple. I'll grant you freedom if you manage to persuade Neil to return," Grayson replied, pausing to catch his breath.Caroline found the idea ridiculous. "I can't alter a choice Neil has made. Do you truly believe he'd change his mind just because I asked?"Grayson's expression grew serious. "If you can't bring him back, no one else can! Are you going to stand idly by as I send your brother to prison? Caroline, you bear the responsibility for influencing Neil's actions!"Ella would be looking after me if it weren't for you! And why do I face humiliation? It's all because of you! None of this would have occurred without your involvement!"You've brought unhappiness to your parents, and now you're causing misery to Neil and me! To what extent are you willing to dismantle the Xander family?"Caroline could no longer maintain her composure. "Isn't all of this your own doing? Would my parents be suffering if you hadn't exiled my father
"My father wasn't a deadbeat! He wanted to work hard to prove himself, but he was murdered," Caroline said, taking a deep breath."He died for his sins. She wouldn't have died if he had agreed to divorce Ellie." Grayson glared fiercely at Caroline.Caroline retorted, "Have you ever considered that you might be the problem at this point?""Get Neil to come back!" Grayson shouted emotionally.Caroline firmly refused, "I can't do it!""Get Neil to come back! I want my grandson back! The Xander Group needs him! I can't lose the Xander family's legacy like this!" Grayson's eyes were bloodshot.After he shouted, he held his chest and began coughing violently, gasping for breath with wide eyes."Stop pretending! No matter how hard you try to act, I won't persuade Neil!" Caroline glared at him resentfully."He-elp…"Caroline realized that Grayson wasn't pretending after he weakly called out for help. Her expression changed, and she pressed the call bell.Soon, doctors and nurses rush
"How is he now?" Neil asked. The doctor said, "He fell asleep after receiving intravenous fluid. He likely won't leave the hospital. Spend time with him."Caroline pulled away from Neil, her gaze distant.Neil nodded at the doctor, who then left.Caroline said hoarsely, "Go back to the Xander Group, Neil.""Carol?" Neil looked surprised.Wiping her tears, Caroline continued. "I don't want him haunting my dreams when he's gone."Neil lowered his gaze. "Maybe I acted too impulsively.""I know you want him to apologize to me, but he'd rather die than apologize due to his pride," Caroline said."Your personality is just like our mother's. She used to be stubborn, too." Neil gently caressed Caroline's hair.-Downstairs, Yuliana disguised herself as a nurse and strolled through the corridor. She glanced at Scott's clinic as she walked by.A passing nurse looked at her in astonishment. "Are you new here?"Yuliana stopped and replied with a smile, "I'm starting at another clinic
Neil requested, "Carol, please give me a few more days to gather the evidence. It was long ago, and the surveillance system wasn't as advanced."Neil's face soured as he mentioned the surveillance system.'Why didn't I think of checking the nearby surveillance footage? Even if it's been deleted, I can have it restored!' he thought.Neil collected himself and said, "Carol, I need to leave. I'll drop you off at home first."Caroline looked puzzled and asked, "What's the hurry?""I just remembered something I need to investigate. Let's go." Neil helped Caroline with her jacket.-Caroline returned to Bayview Villa, while Neil contacted the IT personnel to come to the company.The IT head, Steven Jon, arrived, and Neil asked, "Can you recover the surveillance footage from 23 years ago?""From 23 years ago? Do you have the original file?" Steven was surprised."Yes, I've already acquired it from the police department," Neil replied.Steven hesitated and said, "I can give it a try
"I want to resign," Naomi blurted out suddenly.Caroline halted her steps and asked, "Why do you want to resign when you're doing so well?""Instead of calling it a resignation, I'd call it a change in job position," Naomi replied.Caroline was surprised but said, "Let's talk upstairs."-Caroline placed her bag in her office and asked, "Why do you want to change your job position?"Naomi adjusted her glasses. "Working in the HR department doesn't suit me because I don't enjoy interacting with people."Caroline couldn't argue, knowing Naomi's personality well."Nevertheless, you've been performing exceptionally well in the HR department. It would be a shame to change your job position," Caroline said as she served Naomi a glass of water."I'm not up to it," Naomi insisted.Caroline sighed. "Which department would you like to transfer to?""I'd like to return to my initial position."Caroline frowned. "Secretary? That seems like a waste of your talents." Naomi lowered her
Paige clutched the wall to steady herself, her nerves on edge. Just as she was about to turn and face the person, a sharp, scolding voice cut through the air."Paige! Are you blind?!"Paige looked at Daniella after hearing her familiar voice. Infuriated, she retorted, "You've got some nerve showing your face in public. Aren't you afraid of facing consequences?"Daniella shot back, "What I do is none of your business! Apologize to me right now!""Why should I apologize? It's anyone's guess whose fault it is. I won't apologize to you, you hobo!" Paige snapped.Daniella's face twisted with anger. "Say that again!""You hobo! You hobo!" Paige repeated defiantly.Daniella raised her hand to slap Paige's face.Unfazed, Paige lifted her chin and took a step forward. "Go ahead! If you dare, everyone will witness you hitting a pregnant woman, you hobo!"Daniella's arm froze mid-air. "Pregnant woman?"Paige taunted, "Don't believe me? Need to see the sonogram?"Daniella's gaze shift
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