After lying down for a while, Caroline heard a knock on the door some ten minutes later. It was Lily, carrying a tray of food with a bright smile on her face. "You're finally home, Ms. Shenton."Caroline sat up and offered a flat smile. "I'm just back to get some stuff, Lily."Lily sighed as she placed the food on the bedside table. "It would be great if you stayed."Caroline fell silent for a moment. "Is Daniella giving you a hard time?"Lily forced a smile and remained silent, handing her the cooled-down soup."I can see that you've lost more weight. You should stay here for a while and let me nurse you back to health," Lily suggested.Caroline took a sip of the soup and licking her lips before asking. "Tell me the truth, Lily. Has Daniella been causing trouble for you?""It's unavoidable." Lily sighed. "I often wish you'd come back."Caroline drank another sip of soup and licked her lips. "I can't come back, Lily. But I believe I can chase Daniella out. You must help me with
Caroline made her way back upstairs to Evan's room after finishing her breakfast.Just as she was about to enter, Daniella opened the door and approached her. Her eyes darted toward Caroline's belly as she commented, "You're nearly four months along, aren't you?"Caroline regarded her with a guarded expression. "What are you trying to insinuate?"Daniella put on a gentle smile. "I wonder if you haven't told him because you're afraid he might ask you to get an abortion or if you've been hiding something from him. Say, for example, being pregnant with someone else's child."Caroline scoffed. "Do you think everyone is like you?"Daniella’s face froze for a moment. "Then why haven't you told him about me?""What's the point of telling him now?" Caroline took a step closer, her voice laced with a sense of vindictiveness. "I simply enjoy reminding you from time to time. I want you to live in pain, to see you filled with worry, fear, and anger. It brings me happiness. Daniella, you bett
Caroline smiled. "You’re so generous, Evan. Aren't you worried that I might clash with Daniella when I see her?"Evan narrowed his eyes, his gaze fixed on her red lips. "Don't force me to silence you, Caroline."She was rendered speechless. It was best for her to keep her mouth shut when dealing with a man driven by high testosterone.After he left, she made her way to her old desk.Her hand gently caressed the stationery she had used for the past three years. Memories of her hard work and dedication played in her mind.Before Daniella came into the picture, she had naively believed that she would be with Evan for a long time.Unfortunately, her childish fantasies were shattered by reality.She sniffled softly, composing herself. Then she left the desk and headed to the secretary's office.However, just as she left, Daniella appeared in the corridor.She knocked on Evan's door, holding a bag in her hand.Although her gaze was on the door, she kept a keen eye on the security c
Caroline looked away flatly after saying her piece. She didn't wait for Evan's response and left the office.The thought of Daniella and Evan being intimate made her feel disgusted.Having dinner with him was out of the question. She couldn't peacefully sit and eat with him.She had only asked that question to witness Daniella struggling to suppress her anger.Once she left the office, Caroline took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down.She checked the time. She should have enough time if she went back right now.When she arrived at Villa Rosa by taxi, Lily hurriedly came out to greet her.Lily urged her as soon as she saw her. "Ms. Love is currently taking a shower, Ms. Shenton. I saw her place her phone on the table."Caroline's expression turned grim. "Got it. Please stall for me."Daniella was staying in a guest room without a bathroom. Caroline could use this opportunity to retrieve what she needed.Lily nodded and handed her a piece of paper. "This is the passcod
Seeing Caroline's anger, Evan leaned against the door and asked, "Do you feel better now?"She responded flatly.He turned around. "Let's go. I'll take you somewhere."She was baffled. It was already past 9 p.m., so where was he taking her?*As they reached a halfway point up the northern mountain after a two-hour drive, Caroline had fallen asleep on the reclined seat.After parking the car, Evan looked at her curled up figure in the passenger seat, and his eyes softened significantly.She didn't appear as cold and intimidating when she was asleep.Observing the hair that partially covered her face, he slowly reached his hand out to tuck it away.However, the moment his fingers made contact with her face, he was stunned.There was moisture on the tips of his fingers."Mom... Don't go. I'll listen to you, I won't be a mistress. Don't go..."His heart constricted upon hearing her murmurs in her sleep.Was she insistent on leaving because of something her mother had said?H
Caroline's heart grew colder with each word Evan spoke.She closed her eyes, a helpless smile appearing on her face.Would he believe her even if she explained herself?"Say something!!!" He suddenly yelled.She looked at him with a flat expression. "Would you believe me, Evan? If you won't, then whatever I explain will be meaningless to you!""I don't want to hear all that! I just want you to explain yourself!" The rage burning in his eyes seemed capable of reducing her to ashes."What is there to explain when you're behaving like this?" She turned her head and looked out of the window.She did not want to explain!She had been his secretary for three years. If she wanted to steal the company's information, she would have done it long ago! Why would she wait until now?Evan reached out and forcefully turned her body to face him. His grip was so tight it felt like he might break her arm."I'm giving you one last chance to explain! Don't push me to my limit!" He enunciated eac
After finally descending the mountain, Caroline struggled to move forward, her head heavy and her stomach sick. She lifted her numb feet and trudged toward the distant light. But as she took two steps, darkness engulfed her vision, and she fell face-first into the snow.Back at Villa Rosa, Daniella sat in the living room, her heart filled with panic. Nic had informed her that the confidential information hadn't been sold at all. However, he still demanded the 70,000 dollars from her within three days. She was contemplating how to ask Evan for the money when a commotion outside the door caught her attention.Quickly standing up, Daniella's eyes widened when she saw Evan's fierce expression. Instantly, the thought of asking for money vanished from her mind. She hurriedly approached him and grabbed his arm, her voice filled with concern. "What's wrong, Evan? You look terrible.""Let go," he said coldly, causing her to retract her hands in fear.Timidly, she looked at him, her voice
Caroline wearily shifted her body, turning away from Evan. The mere sight of him was enough to make her wish she could disappear from the face of the earth.Her movement caught the attention of the man who had been engrossed in a document. He looked up, rose swiftly from his seat, and approached the bed. His lips moved, but no words came out. After a moment, he turned to exit the room and called for Lily.Lily hurried in, carrying food, and addressed Caroline. "Ms. Shenton?"Caroline slowly opened her eyes and responded with a flat tone. "Mm.""I'm glad you're awake. You should sit up and have some soup. You've been on drips for days, so your stomach might be upset."Caroline was taken aback and turned to look at Lily. "How long was I unconscious?""Three days, and sir hasn't slept for three days either. He's been using hot towels to clean your body every hour.""Don’t mention him."Caroline interrupted Lily, her eyes devoid of emotion. "I don't want to hear about him or see hi
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