"Rowan, leave this company if you make that expression again!"Evan tugged at his tie in frustration. Rowan was remorseful. "Mr. Jordan, I apologize for mishandling the company and causing a significant issue.""How's the data transfer progressing?" Evan asked.Feeling profound guilt, Rowan admitted, "Mr. Jordan, two confidential documents have been stolen. It's my fault for being slow in transitioning to the other compan—"Evan furiously interrupted, "I don't want your apology; I want to know what the IT department is doing!"Rowan explained, "I've gone through several batches of hackers, and now we have the best ones on board. However, the opposing party's capabilities may surpass our assessment."Evan retorted, "Are you making excuses? Do you want to be fired, Rowan?"Shocked, Rowan clarified, "That's not my intention, sir. The opposing party is just too formidable."Evan asked, "Who will bear this responsibility? Can you handle two billion-dollar projects?"Rowan panicke
Reuben reassured, "Don't worry, sir. We've already connected with the best security company in Muricia. They will help you resolve any danger, Mr. Jordan."Evan instructed, "Report to me immediately if you find any suspicious individuals.""Yes, sir."Reuben and Julian exited the office.The office returned to quiet, and Caroline came to Evan's mind.Evan pondered, 'Caroline hasn't replied to my message. Could it be that she doesn't want to talk to me? It's 1:30 p.m. in Muricia, so it should be morning there. Is Caroline not awake yet?'Unable to resist, Evan grabbed his phone and called Caroline.However, Neil was currently holding Caroline's phone.He pulled out the phone and checked the screen when it rang. After a brief moment of contemplation, he answered Evan's call."Caroline…" Evan's hoarse voice echoed.Neil's expression turned cold. "It's me."Evan was slightly startled. "Why do you have Caroline's phone?"Neil made up a poor excuse. "Carol left her phone at the b
Evan furrowed his brow. "Is there a risk of the company's information being exposed once the other party becomes aware of the situation?"The deputy head replied, "Yes, but it will be very difficult to notice under such circumstances.""Do it then," Evan commanded.Elon asked, "Mr. Jordan, aren't you worried about a significant theft of files and technologies if they notice it?"Evan smirked. "Has the opposing party ever breached our firewall?"Elon assured, "If they breach it, Mr. Jordan, we can fix the firewall right away. It will take less than half a minute, so we won't lose much data. However, we won't be able to do anything during the two-minute gap.""Give it a try! There are always risks in everything. Can you guarantee that every decision you make will definitely bring you benefits?"Elon acknowledged, "I understand, sir. We shall go ahead with the plan with your support.""Hmm."-Yuliana observed the Aglaitian woman returning to the address after staking out the lo
Yuliana: [Okay, noted. I will send you the location whenever she stops.]Tyler: [Be careful, Aunt Yuliana.]Yuliana: [Don't worry!]As soon as Tyler put down the phone, he heard Axel heaving a sigh.Tyler looked over and asked, "What's going on?"Axel lay flat on the bed. "Stop searching, Ty. It's useless."Tyler was puzzled, and Liora looked at Axel curiously.Axel stared at the ceiling in exhaustion. "The model of this bullet is widely available from various sellers.""In theory, there shouldn't be too many bullets of the same model during the production of each batch," Tyler commented.Axel covered his eyes with his arms. "I have underestimated the carefulness of individuals on the dark web. They might intentionally distribute a shipment of goods to various sellers on purpose."Tyler frowned. "In other words, our effort in investigating this is futile?""Yes. In addition, there are buyers… It's impossible, Ty."Tyler wasn't discouraged. "It's fine if the lead is useless,
Liora thought, 'There's a dark mass on Uncle Kenny's forehead close to his eyes.'Liora sighed. "Forget it. I'm hungry and want to eat."The crowd didn't pay much attention to Liora's remark, but they were concerned about her well-being.Kenny discussed taking Liora to see an ophthalmologist later.Greta arrived after lunch and helped the children change into fresh clothes. She then put the dirty laundry in a bag before taking the children to the ICU with Kenny.Neil had been sitting outside the ICU entrance the whole time. Upon noticing the children's arrival, he stood up and asked, "Have you all had lunch?"Liora rubbed her belly. "Yes, Uncle Neil. Have you?"Neil nodded. "Aunt Greta brought me lunch, and I had some."Tyler was unable to see his mother due to his height, so he asked Kenny, "Uncle Kenny, can you carry me so I can see Mommy?"Kenny nodded, carrying Tyler to the window.Caroline was connected to a ventilator and various tubes, which remained out of Tyler's vie
Liora sensed Tyler's concern, so she didn't resist and allowed him to hold her."Okay, I won't cry anymore. I'll stay strong and wait for Mommy," she assured.Tyler responded with a thoughtful "Hmm."-At Muricia.Evan exited the company, accompanied by a few dozen bodyguards.Reuben walked beside him, sheltering him under a large, black umbrella.The passersby couldn't help but glance at the formidable lineup.A woman in a hat stared at Evan, then quickly fled upon recognizing him.Observing the fleeing figure, a vigilant bodyguard swiftly ordered, "Capture that woman!"The closest bodyguard chased and apprehended her, bringing her to Evan.Despite her struggles, the woman remained silent. Forced to stand before Evan, she lowered her head, avoiding eye contact.Evan closely examined her and exclaimed, "Paige?"Paige stiffened briefly, then replied, "You've mistaken me for someone else!"Reuben chuckled. "Ms. Watson, you've exposed yourself with your French."Annoyed, Pa
"There's no risk of infection as long as he's not with me. He'll have a happy and fulfilling family in the future, with adorable and healthy children."Evan sneered. "Everyone has the right to choose their own future. Your intention may seem good, but it's actually selfish.""Selfish? How am I selfish? I'm doing this for him!" Paige looked at him in astonishment."You claim you're doing it for him, but you've never considered his mood and wishes," Evan said with a sneer.Paige sniggered. "Is he willing to live with me, surrounded by medicine for the rest of his life? Will he endure his family's opposition for me and choose me at all times? Can he guarantee that we won't argue because of this issue once we're together?"Evan replied, "Firstly, your illness is not a result of your own actions. Alex is aware of that, so he won't argue with you. In fact, he will take care of you because of it."You may ask him in person for the other two questions. He is determined and willing to do
Evan went along with her. "No."Alex remained silent for a brief moment before finally speaking up. "Please tell me if you have any information about her.""Hmm.""Also, how's your situation there? When... are you coming back?" Alex took a deep breath, composing himself."A few more days. I can't be sure of the time to leave yet," Evan replied."Evan... frankly... Caroline..."The mention of Caroline tightened Evan's chest with anxiety. He sensed something was amiss with Alex's hesitation.Frowning, Evan asked, "What's going on with Carol?"Alex gnashed his teeth. "Nothing. It's just that if you don't come back, you might not be able to appease her in the future."Evan's expression turned solemn. "I will apologize to her properly, but she won't take my call nor reply to my text."Alex remarked, "I would ignore you, too."Evan was rendered speechless."Alright, I'm going inside now!" Alex said."Hmm."After ending the call, Evan found himself preoccupied with thoughts of C
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