Casey glared at Julian. "Did you take my phone?"Julian said, "Yes!""Give it back to me! It's mine!" Casey walked over to Julian. Julian indifferently conveyed, "My employer has instructed me not to allow you any contact with the outside world."Casey retorted, "Who does he think he is? I'm going to contact my father and have Evan come to me!"Julian apologized, "I'm sorry, sir. The police have already detained your father."Casey, shocked, sought clarification, "What did you say again?"Julian explained, "Your father is suspected of murder, and my employer has sent him to the police station!"'Murder? Police? How can this be possible?' Casey's mind went blank.Leering at Julian, Casey accused, "This is Evan's scheme! Did he set a trap to frame my father? He's a piece of shit for doing this! He lives up to his reputation of being a bastard born of a lowly bitch!"Julian responded, "Your father has been detained because he murdered someone more than 20 years ago, then he kil
Soon after, Yuliana heard an unfamiliar woman's voice.She spoke in Spanish. "Sir, is two weeks enough for the next step?"Not understanding the language, Yuliana used her phone to record the conversation.Scott replied in Spanish, "Two weeks are sufficient. Just follow the same plan for the next two weeks."The woman affirmed, "Understood, sir. I'll make a move first."Scott nodded.The sound of the woman's footsteps gradually approached Yuliana's location.It was too late for Yuliana to grab the metal block—she was shocked.She glanced at the stairway and decided to run downstairs.Observing a seam in the fire door, the woman frowned and picked up the metal block.Scott noticed the woman was still there and asked in puzzlement, "What's going on, Elvira?"Elvira passed the metal block to Scott. "I found this stuck in the door crack, sir. I believe it's intentional."Scott took the palm-sized metal block, wondering, 'Who put this here?'He circled past Elvira, scanning the
Yuliana entered the diner about ten minutes later, feeling refreshed. She tossed her curly hair back and approached Neil. "I almost rubbed my skin off in the shower, Neil!"Neil popped a can of coke and handed it to Yuliana, chuckling. "Have some."Yuliana grabbed the coke, took a huge gulp, placed the can down heavily, and pulled out her phone. She brought up the voice recording and pushed the phone toward Neil. "Listen to this and see if you understand, Neil."Neil listened to the conversation but shook his head to indicate his cluelessness."Send the voice clip to me, and I'll get someone to translate it," Neil said.Yuliana made an 'okay' gesture. "Oh right, Scott noticed me."Neil raised his head in astonishment. "Did he see you?"Yuliana waved her hand dismissively. "He didn't see me because I put on a different disguise every day that I follow him."Neil was relieved. "Let's put an end to this, Yulia. It's too dangerous.""No! I don't want to give up halfway, and I thin
"Carol, have you considered your future with Evan? Ponder the aspects of marriage carefully," Thomas advised.Caroline was taken aback and blushed. "Uncle Tom, we haven't reached the point of discussing marriage.""You'll have to address it soon, especially with children in the picture. Greta and I will find peace of mind if it's done sooner. Take your time, but make sure he's the one," Thomas urged.Caroline replied resolutely, "Yes, Uncle Tom. I've always known he's the one. I won't marry anyone else in this lifetime.""Understood. See you tonight," Thomas said."See you tonight."-After ending the call, Thomas glanced at Greta. Greta asked anxiously, "How did it go? What did she say?"Thomas chuckled. "The Xander kids are decisive. Carol knows what she wants."Relieved, Greta said, "Great. I was worried with all the outstanding men around her."Looking out the window, Thomas felt melancholic. "Ellie would be delighted to know her daughter is getting married soon if she
Evan's face contorted with disdain as he commanded, "Take him away."Julian promptly said, "Yes, sir!"Casey yelled, "You! Evan, where are they taking me? Tell them to release me! Otherwise, I'll make you bow down and apologize to me when our father is released!"Evan halted and addressed Casey, "Do you genuinely believe that day will come?"Casey was bewildered. "What do you mean? Are you really letting our father go to prison? Evan, have you lost your conscience?"Evan sneered. "Do you even have the right to talk to me about conscience? Be patient. You'll understand when we get there."-Half an hour later.Evan and Casey arrived at the police station. They were escorted to see Draco, who appeared disheveled and handcuffed.Casey pushed Julian aside and stumbled forward upon seeing Draco. "Father!"Draco gazed at Casey with a blank expression, his eyes lingering on the bandages covering Casey's body. Despite wanting to approach, the police officer restrained him. "Control y
Draco composed himself and looked at Casey in astonishment. He did not expect that his favorite son would actually say that. He wanted to say something, but Casey continued. "You shouldn't have married that bitch! Everything you've done from that day on has been nothing but a mistake! Had you not married her, a bastard like Evan wouldn't have been born into this world!"'How could Casey say something so disrespectful to me?!' he thought.Draco could feel his body shaking uncontrollably, and his breathing grew heavier. "Casey, you!"Casey stood up abruptly and looked at Draco coldly. "I thought I could use you to torment Evan. Very well, you're of no use to me! I'm disgusted to have you as my father!"Casey's words cut deep into Draco's heart. He looked at Casey with his widened eyes, and his face turned ghastly pale. He was having trouble breathing. His eyes rolled back, and he collapsed. The police officer was shocked and called out to the outside, "The criminal has lost con
Evan arrived at Villa Rosa by dusk, picking up Caroline and the children before heading to Grand Angelbay Hotel.They reached the hotel's entrance half an hour later. Evan carried Liora while Caroline held Tyler and Axel's hands as they took the elevator to the private room.Thomas, Greta, and Yuliana were already waiting there. Upon their arrival, Thomas and Greta eagerly approached Caroline, Evan, and the children."You're finally here. Come and give me a hug," Greta exclaimed with a wide smile as she looked at the children."Aunt Greta, Uncle Thomas," Caroline greeted them. She instructed the children, "Say hi to Granduncle Tom and Grandaunt Greta, my darlings."The children followed Caroline's lead.Greta took their hands and led them to unwrap their presents.Thomas extended his hand to Evan, saying, "It's been a long time since we last met, Mr. Jordan."Evan shook his hand courteously. "No need to be so formal. Just call me by my name."Thomas smiled, then turned to Yuli
Greta was rendered speechless. She had not attended an elite university and was not as good at making money as Caroline. She used to cuss all the time before her time abroad. Yuliana suddenly realized that she couldn't criticize Caroline after the comparison. However, she couldn't make peace with this and still found Caroline an eyesore.Greta held Yuliana's hand. "Yulia, everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Your cousin is no exception. We should learn not only to scrutinize one's weaknesses but also to learn from one's strengths."You grew up in a safe environment with us, but your cousin has led a wandering life out there. It's very rare that she can still think clearly and know what she needs to do under the circumstances."Yuliana sneered. "Think clearly so she can sleep with Evan for money?" Greta frowned. "What if you were in her place, Yulia? Have you ever put yourself in your cousin's shoes?"Yuliana was stunned. She had never considered that and couldn't put hers
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