Caroline noticed that it was 6:00 a.m. and called Kenny. "I don't think he's awake. Do you want me to go over so early and wait for him to wake up?"Kenny replied, "Your eagerness is commendable! Get up now and bring him the contract, quickly!"Caroline hesitated. "But won't it seem like I'm too desperate to get it signed? I don't want to appear that way."Kenny took a moment to think, then said, "You're right. Forget it. Wait until later to go. Just remember to make a photocopy of the contract.""Okay," Caroline agreed before hanging up, though she was wide awake.She understood Kenny's intentions but still found them excessive.Caroline got out of bed, ready to freshen up, when her phone rang again. It was Evan calling.She sighed, wondering why everyone was calling so early. "Hello?"Noticing Caroline's alertness, Evan asked, "Are you up early?"Caroline explained, "Your call came right after Kenny's."Evan shared, "I plan to take the children to Villa Rosa today. I'd rath
In Zeke's office. Zeke said, "I'm sorry, Ms. Shenton. I was too busy this morning."Caroline smiled and said, "It's fine. I took the opportunity to stroll around State City while you were busy."Zeke said, "I'm sorry I couldn't take you on a tour of Staten City. I promise to be a better host next time."Caroline replied, "You're very courteous, Mr. Jung."Zeke asked, "Did you bring the contract, Ms. Shenton? Can I have a look at it first?"Caroline nodded and retrieved the contract from her bag, passing it to Zeke.Zeke examined it and frowned. "One piece of garment costs less than 30 dollars? As far as I know, the fabric material in the workshop isn't cheap."Caroline nodded and explained, "That's true. However, I intend to collaborate with you on a long-term basis, so we can trim our profits.""Let's amend it. You'll be at a disadvantage this way, considering I'm occupying production time that's usually used for other clothes," Zeke handed the contract back to Caroline.Ca
"Sure," answered Kenny. Caroline asked, "How are the children?"Kenny said, "I was too busy with the lawyer yesterday afternoon, so Naomi helped me send the children home. However, I sent them to school this morning."Caroline suddenly raised her voice. "You got Naomi to pick them up from school? Did she hurt the children?""No! I checked them, and they were fine when I got home. Lia told me that Naomi bought them milkshakes," Kenny said.Caroline felt slightly relieved. "Is that so…""You must be overthinking. What if she doesn't have ulterior motives toward the children? I can tell from the factory's fire incident that her target is the company. However, who is her backer if she really is the culprit?" Kenny asked.Caroline said, "I don't know either, and I'm rather troubled by this."She suddenly remembered Josie."I shall end the conversation, Kenny. I need to call Josie to check," Caroline said."Ah, alright."Before she hung up, she said, "I think Evan will be picking
Liora cowered in fear, lowering her head when she was shouted at. "I... I used the wrong name..."Evan smirked, thinking, 'The children know I'm their father, just as expected. Tyler's expression and Liora's subconscious address state this fact.'Evan said with a smile. "I don't mind if you like to call me that."Liora's face blushed scarlet, but she didn't have the courage to speak. She looked at Tyler in silence.Tyler said coldly, "Let's get into the car!"Reuben greeted Tyler and Liora after they got into the car, saying, "Hello, young sir and miss."Liora greeted Reuben because she liked him. "You're here, Mr. Reuben!"Tyler said nonchalantly, "Hello, Mr. Reuben."Reuben complimented them, "You look very nice in your uniforms, young sir and miss."Liora giggled. "Are we going to pick up Axel now?"Reuben looked at Evan, who was getting in the car. "Are we heading to Bayview Villa now, sir?"Evan confirmed, "Yes, we're picking up Axel.""Alright."-They arrived at Ba
Kenny pondered and said, "I think it stands for Give. Why are you asking this out of the blue?"'Give… Giving… Sacrificing…'Evan found himself lost in thought. 'Is she suggesting she's been constantly sacrificing herself? Is this sacrifice related to our relationship or to supporting her parents? If Caroline is G, why didn't she tell me sooner?'No, it's not that she never mentioned it. I just never asked. She's remarkably adept at concealing her identity from the world. Despite her reputation, she insists on growing her company step by step. Her determination is admirable.'Without uttering a word, Evan silently entered the car.Kenny gazed at him, perplexed. "What's going on with him?"-As the children headed to the playroom in Villa Rosa, Evan retreated to the study, contemplating the situation. He decided to call Caroline, and she promptly answered."Hello?"Evan hesitated before asking, "Could you please tell me who 'Give' refers to?"Caroline seemed taken aback. "Who
Caroline was surprised when she opened the door and found Zeke standing there, not Evan. She asked, "Mr. Jung? What brings you here at this hour?"Zeke replied with a faint smile, "I couldn't take you out for dinner tonight due to a business gathering. Would you like to join me for supper if you're okay with it?"After a moment's thought, Caroline agreed, "Alright then. Please wait for a moment, Mr. Jung."Zeke glanced at Caroline in her pajamas and blushed. "I'm sorry. I'll wait for you outside."Caroline nodded, feeling a bit embarrassed, and closed the door. Her heart raced as she hurried to get dressed.She wondered, 'Why did I mistake Mr. Jung's voice for Evan's? How can he be here when he just took the children back to Villa Rosa today?'After composing herself and changing, she opened the door.Zeke was waiting calmly outside and said, "Let's go."Caroline nodded, and they walked out of the hotel and got into Zeke's car. He asked, "What would you like to eat?"Caroline
Caroline replied, "The triplets are five years old."Zeke paused briefly and glanced at Caroline's slender figure. "I couldn't tell that you have three kids and still maintain such great shape.""You're very kind, Mr. Jung. Now that the contract is signed, are you available tomorrow morning, Mr. Jung?" Caroline took a sip of water, her face slightly blushing."I am. I'll have the bodyguard pick you up tomorrow. What time do you usually wake up, Ms. Shenton?" Zeke asked.Caroline answered, "I usually get up around 7:00 a.m."She habitually woke up at 7:00 a.m. to care for her children and only slept in if she was exceptionally tired."Alright. I'll have the bodyguard wait for you at 7:30 a.m.," Zeke confirmed.Caroline nodded. "Certainly, Mr. Jung.""Don't call me Mr. Jung anymore. It's too formal. We're partners, but we can also be friends, right?" Zeke suggested.Caroline found it a bit challenging to address him by his first name.Zeke smiled. "You don't mind if I call you
Tyler furrowed his brow and sat beside Liora, gently running his fingers through her hair."I know you'll feel better after getting an injection later," Tyler reassured her.Axel picked up a warm glass of water and asked, "Would you like some water, Lia?"Liora shook her head, her face contorted with discomfort. "No, I don't feel like drinking. I feel like throwing u—"In an instant, Liora covered her mouth, pushed Axel aside, and rushed to the bathroom.Tyler and Axel quickly followed her into the bathroom.Concerned, Axel tried to recall what Liora had eaten the previous night as her face turned ghastly pale from vomiting. He struggled to pinpoint the culprit.However, Tyler and Axel had no symptoms.Soon, the housekeeper arrived with Reuben in tow.Reuben's eyes widened in shock at the sight of Liora vomiting bile near the bathroom entrance. He gently patted her back and said, "Ms. Liora, I'm taking you to the hospital."Tears welled up in Liora's eyes as she whimpered, "I
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