Caroline's eyes snapped open as Scott draped his coat over her. She reflexively sat up straight, staring at Scott with vigilance.However, her reaction seemed to perplex Scott, who frowned as he glanced at the coat now on the ground."It looks like you're scared of me," he remarked tenderly.Caroline slipped into her slippers and reached into her pocket. The touch of the device inside brought her relief."I'm sure everyone will be scared of a murderer!" she retorted, her tone distant and icy.Bending over, Scott picked up the coat and addressed Caroline as she walked into the villa. "You can't regain what you've lost, and it's not good for you and the kids if you're very sad. You should know that."Caroline halted, turned to Scott, and said sarcastically, "Should I know that?"She sneered. "Of course, you can ridicule me all you want as if it has nothing to do with you since it didn't happen to you!""Do you think I've never experienced this kind of thing?" Scott looked into Ca
"Okay, Mommy." After a brief hesitation, Tyler said, "Can you tell Scott to let Axel and me go to school, Mommy?" Caroline wore a puzzled expression. "He didn't allow you to attend school?""Yes, Axel, Grandaunt Greta, and I have been staying within the villa after returning from the hospital.""Understood. I'll contact him later and request that he permits you to attend school," Caroline assured."Okay."After concluding the call, Caroline promptly called Scott.-At present, Scott was accompanying Azure to select a diamond ring.Azure glimpsed at his phone's screen as it rang but only managed to see two words before Scott swiftly picked up the call without informing her."Miss?" The salesperson asked with a smile, "This ring is exquisite. Would you like to try it?"Azure was still looking at Scott and forced a smile. "Let's wait a bit.""Okay," the salesperson replied.Meanwhile, Caroline got straight to the point. "The kids need to go to school. Why are they confined
Perplexed, Caroline turned her gaze toward Josie. "But you've just graduated from college. How much can you handle in terms of alcohol?"Josie chuckled, replying, "Don't underestimate me, Ms. Shenton. I hail from a wine village and have a knack for holding my liquor.""Alright, I'll need you to accompany clients in drinking on my behalf from now on," Caroline said."No problem, Ms. Shenton."Caroline's phone interrupted the conversation, and she promptly picked up.It was her receptionist on the line. "Ms. Miller is here to see you, Ms. Shenton."Upon hearing that, Caroline's mind immediately went to Azure, though the reason for her visit eluded Caroline.Why would Azure have the audacity to visit her?"Let her come upstairs," Caroline instructed."Okay, Ms. Shenton," the receptionist replied.After ending the call, Caroline directed Josie, "Help me prepare some coffee, Josie, and fetch two dark red cups.""Absolutely, Ms. Shenton," Josie acknowledged.-Azure arrived outs
Azure stated, "It appears that you want me to be straightforward."Caroline retorted mockingly, "You can't even explain a simple thing clearly. Aren't you just inviting humiliation upon yourself?"Azure replied, "You don't have to provoke me. You know very well what I mean by what I said."Caroline pretended to be enlightened and added, "Ah, so you have a penchant for troubled relationships, Ms. Miller."Azure's expression distorted in anger, and she shouted, "Hey!""Did I say something wrong? Alex has feelings for Paige, yet you go after Alex. Scott has feelings for me, yet you go after him. When you fail in your troubled relationship, you come seeking trouble with others. You're despicable, Ms. Miller."Caroline looked at her with contempt. "Scott is mine, can't you see that?"Caroline's words shattered Azure's refined demeanor. The office was filled with Azure's sharp shouts, and Elvira frowned, glancing at the office from the outside.Caroline calmly remarked, "Trying to bl
Azure took a deep breath, making a concerted effort to compose herself, before addressing Elvira, "I don't blame you for that. After all, you're abiding by Scott's orders."Elvira inquired, "Are you free, Mrs. Wilson? Can I talk to you?"-Ten minutes later, Elvira and Azure entered a cafe's private room."You're here today because you know about the situation between Mr. Wilson and Caroline, Mrs. Wilson," Elvira stated.Azure massaged her aching temples and replied, "Yes.""Is Mr. Wilson aware of this?" Elvira asked.Azure shook her head. "Don't tell Scott. Keep this between us.""Do you intend to swallow this insult, Mrs. Wilson?" Elvira questioned."Or else? My relationship with Scott is not as close as his with Caroline. Scott is going to be pissed if he finds out that I met Caroline!" Azure exclaimed."In that case, I shall be frank. I think you should figure out a way to eliminate Caroline, Mrs. Wilson. It's clear that Mr. Wilson is too lenient on her."I'm afraid Mr.
Elvira averted her gaze. "I'm sorry, but I can't disclose that."After all, the drug was designed to eliminate influential figures without arousing suspicion."I won't pressure you if you don't want to say, but this stuff is terrifying. It is addictive, yet it causes the consumer to die in pain," Azure remarked."Yes. You will have to take the trouble to retrieve it, Mrs. Wilson. After all, I have to keep an eye on Caroline now," Elvira asserted."Are you sure that they'll give it to me?""Yes. Just say my name, and they'll give it to you."Azure stated, "Alright. In that case, I shall take my leave now. Send me the address when you're ready.""Of course, Mrs. Wilson. Caroline's death won't be far off once we have the goods in our hands." Elvira raised her cup and said, "To our pleasant partnership for Mr. Wilson's future."Azure smiled. "Sure."-Caroline returned to Bayview Villa at night.She ate a few bites before heading upstairs to text her children.It had already be
It didn't take long for Yuliana to reply. Yuliana: [Are you trying to put me in trouble?]Caroline: [Elvira is with me, so I can't seek help from others.]Yuliana: [Alright. I'll figure out a way to connect with my college mates.]Caroline: Thank you for doing this.]Yuliana: [Remember to pay me if you want me to do something!]Caroline chuckled.Caroline: [Sure, I'll Venmo you.]In just a few minutes, Yuliana received 140,000 dollars in her Venmo.Yuliana was shocked that Caroline would pay such a large amount so easily.Yuliana: [I didn't even ask for so much money…]Caroline: [You're my cousin. Moreover, you've been wasting your time watching Scott as well as helping me. You deserve the compensation.]Yuliana: [Don't think about bribing me with money! I'm not buying into your approach!]Caroline smiled after reading the text message.Despite Yuliana's arrogance and unpleasant way of speaking, she proved to be dependable in recent events.Caroline wasn't the only one
"Hello, Mr. Zeke," Caroline greeted.Zeke's sincere yet humble voice resonated. "Have I disturbed your rest by calling you suddenly?"Caroline checked the time on her computer. "You're joking. It's not even lunch break yet."Zeke remarked, "That means I've interrupted your work then.""Nah. I just came out of a meeting, so I'm free now," Caroline explained."If that is the case, do you have time to grab lunch together?"Caroline was astounded. "Are you in Angelbay?""Yes, I'm here to handle some affairs. Are you available?" Zeke confirmed."Yes! I'll make a reservation at the restaurant and send you the location later," Caroline said."It's fine. I've already booked us a place. I'll pick you up from your building at 11:30 p.m."Caroline agreed, "Alright."-At 11:30 p.m., Caroline headed downstairs to meet Zeke, followed by Elvira.Elvira frowned and asked Caroline when they approached Zeke, "Who is this?"Caroline ignored her and told Zeke with a smile, "Thank you for gi
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