Caroline answered Evan's call with a smile."Hello? Are you coming home?" she asked cheerfully."Caroline, I'm sorry that I can't attend the engagement party today," Evan apologized in a deep voice.Caroline was taken aback. "Did something happen?"Evan explained, "Our company's firewall in Muricia has been breached, and a highly confidential document has been stolen. I need to be there right away."Suppressing the intense dejection in her heart, Caroline lowered her gaze and replied, "Understood, you may go.""I'm sorry." Evan sounded guilty.Caroline forced a smile. "It's fine. I understand the urgency of company matters. We can do the engagement party another day."Evan kept quiet for a moment before saying, "Wait for my return."Although saddened, Caroline agreed, "Sure, I'll wait."After ending the call, Charis noticed Caroline's dejected expression and asked, "Are you okay, Ms. Shenton?"Caroline put down the phone. "You may stop now."Charis asked, "Huh, why?"With
Kenny glanced at Yuliana with displeasure. "You seem insensitive. Would you be in a good mood if you were in her shoes?"Yuliana stared at Kenny and asked, "Must you be so blunt in your words?"Kenny sneered. "Blunt? Am I as harsh as you are in handling things and speaking?"Yuliana declared, "I don't want to continue this argument!""I don't want to quarrel with you either, but I'm just telling you the truth. Do you realize what will happen to G when Evan leaves her like this?" Kenny said.Yuliana frowned. "If you have something to say, just say it!""Their engagement is widely publicized. If Evan doesn't clarify the reasons, how will people view G? She'll be heavily ridiculed when such a commotion is created, but the person involved isn't around," Kenny explained."You're exaggerating. Caroline can come forward and clarify the situation, right?" Yuliana suggested."Clarify? Do you want Caroline to announce that Evan's company is in crisis?" Kenny retorted."She can't talk ab
Meanwhile, Daniella sat on the bed in an unfamiliar apartment. Her hair was messy, her lips were dry, and she chewed her nails incessantly.Daniella's bloodshot eyes were fixed on a corner. Her fingers bore evidence of the self-inflicted damage.Daniella thought, 'I don't understand why Casey gets to go out today while I'm stuck in this place? It's bad enough being confined, but there's nothing to occupy me!'All I get is half a slice of bread each day for several consecutive days! What's Mr. Hendrix trying to achieve? What does he want?'Daniella pondered, breathing heavily. She put down her hands and surveyed her surroundings with intensity."Mr. Hendrix! Face me if you dare! Why keep me locked up? What have I done to deserve this treatment? Why inflict this on me?"Receiving no response, Daniella angrily grabbed a pillow and threw it to the ground."You're a hypocrite, Mr. Hendrix! You can give orders and imprison me, but you can't come forward and explain? Just tell me what
Daniella's body shook. "Caroline and you—""Shut up! All I need is your agreement!" declared the man coldly.Daniella pressed, "Mr. Hendrix! You know Evan is always around Caroline! It's like walking into a death trap for me to do this! How is it any different from being killed by you now?""Evan is traveling to Muricia. This is the best time for you to take action," Hector asserted."Mr. Hendrix, I just want to know if I'll survive this!""It depends on your performance. If you don't do it, I'm going to torture you until you wish you're dead," Hector warned calmly, sending shivers down Daniella's spine.Hector stood up and walked closer to Daniella slowly. "You should know who is the cause of your misery now. Evan would continue to be deceived by you if not for Caroline."On the other hand, Caroline's current comfortable life would be yours too. Think carefully, Daniella. Will you choose revenge or a lifetime of cowardice?"After a long while, Daniella couldn't shake off Hecto
"Are you implying that someone is intentionally trying to sabotage their engagement?" Alex asked.Lucas pondered for a moment and replied, "I believe so.""Even though Evan has some opponents, those people wouldn't have the courage to do that!" Alex countered.Lucas shifted his gaze to Caroline.Caroline lowered her gaze and stated, "Forget it. I'll deal with the media first."Lucas and Alex sighed.Alex said, "Forgive Evan, Caroline."Caroline nodded. "I know. Go and take a seat first, or it will be chaotic once the journalists are here."Alex and Lucas nodded.Caroline walked up to the stage and nodded at Kenny.Kenny left to invite the journalists inside.In less than 10 minutes, the journalists arrived at the banquet hall. They looked at Caroline standing alone on the stage in astonishment.Someone asked, "Is Mr. Jordan not here, Ms. Shenton?""Is Mr. Jordan not coming to his engagement party today?"Caroline glanced at the journalists. "Please calm down and take a se
The woman chuckled, then looked up, meeting Caroline's eyes.Caroline's body tensed as she saw the woman's eyes.'Daniella? How did she suddenly show up here?' Caroline wondered.Daniella stared at Caroline with bloodshot eyes filled with intense resentment. Slowly, she put her hand in her pocket and spoke in a voice audible only to Caroline. "Will you die, Caroline?"Immediately, she pulled out a gun and aimed it at Caroline's chest.Caroline's eyes widened in shock."Carol!" Neil's anxious voice echoed from a nearby area."G! Move away!" Kenny rushed to Caroline swiftly."Mommy!" The three children's voices rang out, but they couldn't react as fast as Daniella pulled the trigger.A loud bang echoed as the bullet penetrated Caroline's chest.Lucas and Alex stood up in shock after witnessing the scene.Soon afterward, Daniella pulled the trigger again, shooting Caroline in the chest once more.Her white gown was instantly stained red.The scene erupted in shock and chaos.
Caroline's gaze drifted away gradually, and Neil's words became distant echoes. "Mommy!" Liora's heart-wrenching cries resonated. "Mommy! Don't leave me, Mommy!"Caroline's eyes teared up. The wind carried Liora's cries to her ears. Caroline pondered, 'Why would I leave the children behind? I won't. I'll wait for Evan's return and witness the children grow old. I'll hold on.'A man at a corner massaged his temples after witnessing the earlier scene. He thought, 'Why did I panic when I saw her being shot?'An uneasy feeling gripped him as if something slipped out of his control.He reassured himself he wouldn't feel this way again—it was time to part ways. He looked away, turned, and left. Meanwhile, Yuliana spotted a familiar figure in a corner of the banquet hall. She took two glances and hurriedly chased after the figure as if recalling something. Neil called Kenny on his way to the hospital after leaving with Caroline. He instructed Kenny to strictly follow Caroline'
"What do you mean by 'what should we do'? Let's go with Kenny's suggestion!" Alex shot him a displeased look.Lucas asked, "Alright. Shall we go to the hospital now?""Yes!"The incident tonight didn't make it to any media platform due to their efforts.Meanwhile, Caroline was in surgery.Thomas and Greta arrived with the children to find Neil shaking. He squatted in front of the operating theater, covered in blood."Uncle Neil…" Liora walked over and said, "Mommy is going to be alright, right? Mommy's surgery will be successful, right?"Neil looked up to see Liora, Tyler, and Axel, sensing intense empathy and bitterness as he saw the children's reddened eyes."Yes!" Neil said with determination.He held Liora in his arms and reassured her, "She's going to be fine!"Liora clutched Neil's top tightly and sobbed softly.Thomas asked, "Neil, how long has Caroline been inside? Has the doctor come out to say anything?"Neil shook his head. "Other than the consent form, the docto
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