Caroline spotted Scott walking out of the villa when she got downstairs. "Hold on," Caroline said coldly. Scott stopped walking and turned to look at her. "What's going on?"Caroline's attention momentarily wavered as she gazed at Scott's handsome face. In that fleeting moment, it seemed as if he was the same person she once knew, a close friend with whom she shared everything.However, recent events had irrevocably altered that connection.Fists clenched, Caroline asked, "Why are you saving Azure?"Scott met her eyes. "Caroline, I have responsibilities that I must fulfill.""Azure is the one who harmed Paige! Do you really have to add more pain to Paige's suffering?""Carol, I can't control other people's feelings. I know that I must save those who are beneficial to me," Scott said nonchalantly. Caroline sneered. "In that case, are you keeping me alive because you think I'll be useful to you?"Scott's gaze dimmed. Frankly, he was unsure of that.He turned and left the
Franklin's expression soured. "Do you even grasp the nonsense you're spewing?""This isn't nonsense! Paige wouldn't be in this situation if it weren't for me! I won't abandon her under any circumstances!" Alex declared earnestly.Franklin regarded him sternly. "Do you comprehend the consequences of persisting in this?""If I didn't, I wouldn't be here discussing it with you today!" Alex retorted.Franklin looked at Alex with disappointment. "Are you willing to sacrifice your health for a woman?""People deeply in love are willing to share joys and sorrows!" Alex asserted solemnly.Franklin countered, "You may think that way, but are you aware of the girl's thoughts?"At that point, Alex fell silent.Franklin sneered. "Paige has more self-awareness than you do!""I won't be heartless! She can choose not to reconcile with me, but I won't abandon her because of this!" Alex insisted.Franklin remarked, "So, you're going to emotionally blackmail her and make her live in guilt for
"If the Millers support Scott, I won't stand idly by!" Alex exclaimed, his anger evident.Lucas sighed. "This is not for you to intervene.""What do you mean?" Alex asked."How do you plan on intervening?" Lucas questioned."If they join forces with Scott, I'll ruin the Millers' reputation! Don't forget, I haven't exposed Azure's dirty tactics to the media yet," Alex declared."The Millers won't be affected by that.""Why not? Azure is a Miller!" Alex said anxiously."Have you forgotten that Azure claimed to cut ties with the Millers before she was detained? Even if you leak the story, do you think it's enough to impact the Millers?" Lucas explained."How is Scott going to strengthen his position using the Millers?" Alex asked.Lucas' expression turned solemn. "Do you understand what it means to look at the big picture?""So you're saying that some people will still show respect to Scott out of consideration for the Millers' reputation, even if the Millers cut ties with Azure
Alex nodded and said, "Understood, I'll talk to Paige.""Hmm."-After returning to the apartment, Alex pondered the situation for a while before texting Paige.Alex: [Are you busy?]Paige: [Not really. How can I help?]Alex: [Azure is going to be released soon. Scott facilitated it.]Paige was shocked upon reading the text. Overwhelmed with emotions, she found it challenging to continue texting and decided to call Alex.Alex answered promptly, and Paige asked, "How do you know about this?""Caroline told me. How do you feel about this matter, Paige?" Alex replied."If Scott really is going to get Azure released, I won't let them off!" Paige clenched her phone tightly.Alex remained silent before sharing details of his conversation with Lucas."I can offer you my support, but I'm afraid I can't fully protect you, Paige. Public opinion seems to be the only thing that can safeguard you now," Alex explained."I'll do the expose then! I'm not afraid of how others perceive me a
Caroline was stunned. 'Yes, Kenny is not a Cheasian. Why would he be buried here?'Feeling dejected about not being able to visit Kenny's grave, Caroline requested, "Please help me prepare some flowers."Elvira frowned, confused by the flower request.Marie understood the situation and explained, "In our Cheasian culture, we offer flowers for the deceased.""This is really pointless!" Elvira complained in Spanish.Although Caroline didn't understand Spanish, she could hear the contempt in Elvira's tone.Caroline added, "There's something else.""Can't you just say everything all at once?" Elvira impatiently asked.Caroline requested, "Tell Scott that I'm returning to my company. Please return my phone to me."Elvira stared at Caroline for a moment before leaving to talk to Scott.While Elvira was calling Scott, the sound of a car engine was heard from the yard.Elvira ended the call upon seeing Scott's car and headed outside. They entered the villa together soon.Caroline s
Josie: [Don't worry about the company. We're proceeding according to the plan. We'll wait for you to personally review the quarterly report when you're back.]Josie: [We're very sorry for Mr. Hayes' passing.]Josie sent a photo, and Caroline tapped on it. It showed all the employees placing white lilies at Kenny's office. Caroline's eyes welled up with tears upon seeing the photo. Her tears dropped on the phone screen. She wiped them away and replied to Josie.Caroline: [Thank you all for waiting patiently. I'll be back in a few days.]She sent the same text message to the work chat group.The employees boiled over with excitement right away.Employee A: [Are you feeling better, Ms. Shenton? We were almost scared to death when we saw the trending post!]Employee B: [We're really glad that you're back safely, Ms. Shenton!]Employee C: [Sales hit a new high this month, Ms. Shenton! We're waiting for you to come back and celebrate together!]-Caroline felt warm and fuzzy in h
"You're finally back, Ms. Shenton!" greeted the female receptionist as Caroline returned.Caroline replied with a smile, "Yeah, I'm back."Happily, the receptionist held a card and walked toward the elevator with Caroline.While waiting for the elevator, she looked at Caroline and asked, "Are you feeling better, Ms. Shenton?""Thank you for your concern. I'm pretty much recovered." Caroline smiled elegantly."That's good."The elevator door opened, and the receptionist said, "Please go in, Ms. Shenton."Caroline nodded, entered the elevator with Elvira, and pressed a button.Josie rushed toward the elevator doors upstairs upon learning of Caroline's return. Nervously, she smoothed her clothes and watched the elevator ascend.She took a deep breath and greeted, "Ms. Shenton, welcome back…"Stupefied, Josie looked at the woman standing behind Caroline.Caroline exited the elevator, smiling at Josie. "Didn't I tell you not to come and receive me yesterday?"Josie averted her
It was understandable that Evan wielded significant influence and connections in Angelbay.Scott couldn't swiftly take over those connections, so he had no choice but to seek assistance in maintaining his position.Caroline was disgusted. She couldn't imagine Paige's emotions upon receiving the news.-When Alex read the news in the apartment, he promptly called Paige, who quickly answered. Somberly, Alex conveyed, "Paige, Scott got engaged to Azure."After a brief pause, Paige remarked, "Well, bastards are always the perfect match for bitches."Although she sounded calm, Alex could feel her fury.Concerned, Alex asked, "Paige—""I'm fine. Give me Carol's other number, Alex," Paige interrupted.Alex promptly texted Caroline's contact number to Paige. "I've already sent it to you. Do you need me to do anything?" he asked.Paige gasped. "Get someone to keep an eye on Azure. I'm going to hang up now because I need to talk to Carol.""Okay."After ending the call, Paige swift
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