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
Yuliana nervously swallowed and debated whether to touch it. Neil smiled, saying, "Yulia, Lia's hand is getting sore waiting for you to take hers.""I'm going to!" Yuliana hastily grabbed Liora's hand. Her eyes lit up upon contact. 'I'm holding her hand!'Liora threw herself onto Yuliana, exclaiming, "Hold me, Aunt Yulia!"Yuliana quickly extended her hand to hold Liora, her heart racing with fear of not catching the child in time."Whoa! You smell good, Aunt Yulia!" Liora sniffed enthusiastically. Yuliana felt warm and fuzzy inside. She hugged Liora tightly, saying, "Thank you for the compliment, Lia.""Alright, come and sit!" Greta called out, smiling. -After the meal, Thomas and Neil exchanged glances before Thomas asked Evan, "Now that you've reconciled with Carol, what's the next step for you?"Evan anticipated the discussion and knew how to respond. "I'd like to get married to Caroline as soon as possible, but it also depends on her intentions." Evan looked at C
'Maybe Evan really wants to be with Caroline badly, huh? If that is the case, why am I trying to stop it?' Yuliana thought.Yuliana concealed her emotions and continued chatting with Liora.-After the meal, Caroline and Evan guided the children to bid farewell to the others. Neil approached Evan, adopting a serious tone before their departure. "Evan, let's talk privately."Evan nodded, instructing Caroline, "Wait in the car with the children."Caroline looked concerned but didn't ask further, leading the children to wait in the car.Evan and Neil walked aside, and Neil asked, "How much did you find out about Scott?"Evan asked in puzzlement, "Why bring him up suddenly?"Neil explained, "I started noticing something off with Scott since the end of last year. Unable to pinpoint the issue, I had Yulia follow him recently."Neil played the voice clip Yuliana had sent him on his phone.Evan frowned. "What has he been doing lately?""I'm not too sure, but Yulia mentioned he's m
Evan took a moment to ponder. "Instead of dwelling on it, why not let Alex handle this issue by himself?"Caroline clenched her fists. "This isn't just Alex's concern! Paige is my friend, and I won't stand by if someone harms her."Evan gently held Caroline's shaking hand. "Whatever you decide, I'll support you. But first, think about how to approach the situation."Caroline lowered her gaze, contemplating her next move. Tyler chimed in lazily. "Isn't it straightforward?"Evan and Caroline turned to him abruptly.Axel nodded. "Ty's right. We create a software, get Uncle Alex to download it to Azure's phone, and extract all text message content and history from there."Caroline and Evan exchanged glances.Evan nodded approvingly at the children. "If that's the plan, when can you create the software?"Looking provocatively at Evan, Tyler replied, "If you let me stay up, I'll have it ready tonight."Evan and Caroline rejected it in unison. "No!"Tyler shrugged. "Tomorrow, then..
Alex furrowed his brow. "Us taking the initiative? How?"Evan explained, "Axel and Ty will create software and load it onto a USB drive tomorrow. Your task is simple—insert the USB drive into Azure's phone, and everything will become clear.""I understand. So, you're asking me to get close to Azure and steal her phone data," Alex summarized."That's correct. It's the only way to find out if she's in contact with Daniella," Evan affirmed.Alex fell silent momentarily before saying, "I'll think about what to do then."Evan suggested, "Aren't you skilled in wooing women? Try using your usual tricks with her."Alex chuckled bitterly. "I'm not in the mood for that now."Evan persisted, "If Azure did it for real, don't you want to avenge Paige?""I won't tolerate it if Azure did it! I won't spare anyone, no matter who it is!" Alex's eyes flared with anger. He clenched his hair tightly and added, "What's most distressing to me is that I have no idea where Paige is now!""I'll help yo
The person answered the call promptly.Evan commanded, "Compile the IP addresses you've collected over the past few days into a document file and send it to my phone within five minutes!"Unable to resist, Yuliana inquired, "What is the significance of these addresses, Evan?"Evan met her gaze and explained, "I suspect the places Scott visited coincide with the locations of the hacker attacking my company.""Hmm?" Neil asked. "However, I look at it for a while, and I can't seem to match it."For some reason, Neil felt relieved. "I doubt Scott would attack your company, would he?"Evan sneered. "I don't think he's that straightforward either! However, uncovering his issues might not be easy."Yuliana expressed, "Honestly, I sense something off about Scott too. If he's freelancing on the side, why does he always do it late at night?"Neil fell silent."Could Scott be the one attacking Evan's company?" Yuliana suggested.Neil looked at her in puzzlement.Evan stated, "You've
Alex brought the USB drive and headed to Wild Sides with Lucas at night.Lucas remarked on how Alex seemed like an old man who had experienced life's hardships in just a few days. He couldn't bear to see Alex's stubble and expressed concern about Paige's situation."Alex, I know Paige's condition saddens you, but you can't do this to yourself," Lucas said, grabbing Alex's arm.Alex was mentally exhausted and gazed out the window blankly. "Don't speak anymore.""No, you have to tell me what I should do after meeting Azure. I still find it hard to believe that Azure would actually do that to Paige," Lucas insisted.Still overwhelmed, Alex said, "It's not just you. I don't believe it either."Lucas sighed. "Tell me about your plan. Paige is a nice person, and I would like to help both of you."Alex hesitated. "I still don't know what to do yet. Let's play it by ear and check my text messages later.""Sure," Lucas agreed.The waiting staff led Alex and Lucas to their private room
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