Elvira approached and asked, "What's going on with you, Mr. Hendrix?"Scott looked up again—his emotions seemed to have reverted to their previous state.He ordered, "Free everyone else and send them to Xander Residence, except Caroline. On the other hand, assign bodyguards to watch them at all times and update me immediately if there's anything."Elvira replied, "Yes, sir."Reuben observed Scott from the side.Reuben pondered, 'I can't figure out Scott's goal of monitoring Ms. Shenton and her children. Now that Mr. Jordan is gone and Mr. Xander is missing, is he still worried that someone might pose a threat to him?'-An hour later, the children and Greta were sent back to Xander Residence. In fact, their phones were returned to them.Greta wanted to send a text to Yuliana when she got her phone.Axel stopped her and glanced at the bodyguard posted at the door and the surveillance cameras in the villa. He said, "Grandaunt Greta, don't do it for now."Greta was stunned. "I h
Greta wiped away her tears. "Don't overthink it. I'll prepare some food for you."Tyler nodded.-Axel walked into the room upstairs, found Liora curling up in a corner, sobbing, and felt his heart wrench in pain. He approached Liora and sat on the floor next to her. As time passed, Liora wiped away her tears and looked at Axel. "Axel, I'm going to be fine. Don't worry," Liora said. Axel smiled at Liora. "You've matured overnight, Lia."Liora burrowed into Axel's arms because she was tired of crying. "I miss Mommy and Daddy so much, Axel. I miss Uncle Neil and Uncle Kenny…"Axel's gaze dimmed. "Hmm, I miss them very much, too."Liora said, "Axel, do you believe that Uncle Neil and Daddy are still alive?"Axel said, "Lia, I believe that no outcome is the best outcome."Liora thought, 'No outcome is the best outcome…'Liora opened her eyes in Axel's cradle, understanding what Axel was implying. "Lia. Frankly, you don't have to feel you're useless because you have an ab
It seemed as though Caroline sought some reassuring information from Yuliana's expression through her eager eyes.Yuliana pursed her lips, appearing sorrowful. "Caroline, we've already accepted the reality."Caroline's lips trembled. "What reality? Are you asking me to accept the fact that my brother is dead? Where is his body then?" Yuliana looked away. "It's not found yet, but you should know that surviving the crash in the river is challenging."Caroline loosened her grip on Yuliana's hand, and her hand dropped to the mattress.Yuliana remained quiet briefly. "Also, you should move on from Evan's matter, too."Caroline's face turned ghastly pale. "Have…"Caroline took a deep breath and said, "Have Evan's remains been found?"Her lips and body trembled as she spoke.Yuliana could see that Caroline was controlling herself with great effort by how tightly she clutched the blanket until her knuckles turned white.Yuliana shook her head. "I don't know, but you can ask Alex and
Yuliana assured, "Understood. Give me some time to figure out how to get both of you to meet."Liora replied, "Alright, I'll wait."Following the end of the call, Tyler and Axel fixed their gaze on Liora.Axel asked with a frown, "Lia, have you really thought it through?"Liora nodded. "I've considered it. I want to contribute and help everyone, too."Axel was concerned. "There's no telling how long you'll be away for your studies. Shouldn't you give it more thought?""Nah, Axel. I want to be capable, too." Liora sniffed and forced a smile."But—""No need to say more, Axel!"Axel attempted to speak but was interrupted by Tyler.Tyler kept his lips tightly pursed and looked away. "Let her go!"Axel was visibly angered and confronted Tyler. "She's only five, Ty!"Tyler met Axel's gaze. "She'll be six soon! Moreover, we'll both be six years old, too!" Axel said, "Ty, Lia is the youngest…""All in all, isn't it our fault for being useless? She wouldn't need to leave us if w
"Mommy… I missed you so much…" Liora cried. Caroline hugged Liora tightly. "Don't cry, Lia. I'm here…"Liora wished that she could squeeze herself into Caroline's arms but held back in fear of hurting Caroline's chest wound. "Don't kill yourself, Mommy. I lost Daddy, Uncle Neil, and Uncle Kenny. I don't want to lose you too, mommy."Caroline sobbed. "I'm sorry, Lia. I was too selfish and weak. It was all my fault…"Liora shook her head. "I know that you're sad, Mommy. However, you still have us, and we need you…""I know. I won't leave you again," Caroline said. "Mommy, I'm going to find Daddy and Uncle Neil. I'm going to find them if they are still alive or I'll find their souls if they are dead!" Liora declared while sobbing. Caroline was stunned upon hearing that. She loosened her hug and met Liora's eyes with a frown. "Lia, I don't understand what you're talking about… How did you learn to talk about finding them if they are still alive or finding their souls if they
Eira held Caroline's hands. "Rest and recuperate so you can figure out a way to gather evidence against Scott's crimes! Do it for Kenny, Neil, and Mr. Jordan! Do it for yourself and the children!"Caroline took a deep breath. "I understand, Eira. I'll make sure to get revenge for this!"Eira nodded. "Take care of yourself, Carol. We stand with you."Caroline kept quiet. Soon afterward, she placed Liora's hand in Eira's."Please take care of Lia! Prioritize your safety while you're on the road. Your well-being comes first," Caroline said through her sobs."Naturally!"-Early morning the next day, Greta sent Liora into Eira's car when the bodyguards were distracted.She placed Liora's packed clothes into the boot.After everything was done, Greta stood by the car and held Liora's hand, unwilling to let go. "Lia, remember to let me know when you get there."Liora nodded. "Grandaunt Greta, please let my brothers know that I'm leaving. Tell them not to miss me."Greta wiped her
At 9:00 a.m., Scott hurried to the hospital upon learning of Liora's disappearance.The bodyguard's impatient voice greeted him as he reached the room's entrance."Do you think my employer will let you leave just because you stop eating? Dream on!"Scott halted, his expression turning to a frown.Noticing the tension, Elvira approached from the side. "Mr. Hendrix, should I get rid of him?"Even as Elvira spoke, Kevin Patton, the bodyguard, continued. "I'm going to force-feed you if you keep refusing to eat!"Scott's solemn expression deepened as he opened the door to enter. A trace of agitation crossed his face when he saw Caroline seated on the bed, staring out the window in silence.Scott's sudden appearance took Kevin aback. He lowered his head and greeted, "Sir!"Scott glanced at him coldly. "I don't remember giving you the authority to treat her like this."Although his tone remained calm, the coldness in Scott's voice was evident.Kevin stiffened. "I'm sorry, sir. I gre
Scott's gaze turned instantly cold upon hearing that. "Don't test my limits, Carol."Caroline couldn't help but laugh. "Are you telling me you have limits? You kill indiscriminately! How dare you claim that you have limits! You shouldn't even be alive in this world! You deserve to die!"Darkness filled Scott's gaze. "Are you sure you want to indulge in momentary pleasure without considering the children's situation?"Caroline's anger faded as she remembered that her children were still with Scott.Scott's malicious presence diminished after Caroline calmed down."I'm here for two things today. Firstly, where is Lia?" Scott asked.Caroline clutched the blanket tightly. She was about to speak when Scott interjected, "Carol, don't try to deceive me. After all, you should know what I'm capable of."Caroline bit her lower lip and truthfully answered, "Lia is off for her studies. You can't hinder my children's progress because of me.""Alright, I can agree not to interfere with Lia's
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