Caroline thought, 'However, I can't let my guard down yet. Who knows if Marie is going to turn against me and tell Scott about this? After all, he hired her. It's all a bet… I'm betting on humanity's greed.'-The following morning, Elvira groggily rose from her slumber. She supported her throbbing head and descended the stairs. Upon seeing Caroline was eating breakfast in the dining room, a sense of unease washed over her.Elvira pondered, 'I've always been in good health, so it's impossible for me to sleep an entire day without a hint of sound. Caroline must have done something to me!'Fuelled by anger, Elvira approached Caroline.Just as she was about to speak, Marie emerged from the kitchen."Elvira? Why are you up? I was about to bring food upstairs for you," Marie asked with concern.Elvira, puzzled, observed Marie's actions.Marie set the tray down and gently touched Elvira's forehead. Subsequently, she withdrew her hand and remarked with a smile, "Your fever has subside
After shutting the door, Caroline sat with Marie on the sofa and asked, "What would you like to ask?"Marie sighed. "Ms. Shenton, I don't understand why my daughter-in-law dislikes me so much."Caroline was rendered speechless. Marie said, "I served a few rather reputable families in Angelbay, and I make a few thousand dollars monthly. I also speak a little Ylesirese."Caroline said, "Is your daughter-in-law academically gifted? Where is she working now?""She's the deputy head of operations department in MK," Marie said. Caroline smiled. "Ah, MK. I understand her thoughts now."Marie asked, "What do you mean?"Caroline said, "A person in her position doesn't care how much money you make but how many connections you can bring her."Marie asked anxiously, "What should I do then, Ms. Shenton? Is it pointless for me to make more money?"Caroline said, "If you follow my advice, I can help you to improve your relationship with your daughter-in-law."Marie nodded strenuously. "I
Elvira frowned in displeasure. "Since Mr. Hendrix is paying you so handsomely, you will need to bear the corresponding risks as well." Elvira turned and left upon saying that. Marie pursed her lips as she gazed after Elvira's departing figure. 'They are all exploiting me, just as expected! If it weren't for Ms. Shenton's alertness to come to me, I might be wronged and wouldn't be able to speak up for myself!'An idea occurred to Marie as she looked at the medicine bottle in her hand. Half an hour later, she served milk in a tray to Caroline. Marie spoke louder when the door opened. "This is milk for you, Ms. Shenton."Marie immediately stuffed the item in her pocket with a note to Caroline. Caroline took it swiftly and placed it in her pocket.Then, she told Marie, "Understood. I'll have the milk in my room."Marie winked. "You have to finish it now so I can bring it downstairs to wash, Ms. Shenton."Caroline understood the situation, so she immediately grabbed the glass
Caroline frowned. "Are you implying that I should attempt to create conflicts between them?""Yes. I suspect that Scott not eliminating you may indicate some emotional attachment toward you," Zeke said solemnly, "That would be impossible!" Caroline denied it right away. Zeke heaved a sigh as he looked at Caroline. "Can you tell me why he is keeping you around then?"Caroline said, "He's keeping me alive because he's worried that my death will harm his reputation?"Zeke shook his head. "Have you ever considered that he could orchestrate your demise to appear accidental? It wouldn't affect him, should he decide to eliminate you."Caroline's thoughts gradually drifted. She was stunned for a long while before she muttered, "So, you're implying he is keeping me alive because he has feelings for me?""I can't think of another reason other than this. After all, you have no use for him now," Zeke shared.Caroline tightened her fists, overwhelmed by repulsion at the idea of Scott ha
Axel: [You're awesome, Lia. It's quite impressive that you can make one like this so soon.]Tyler took a glance at Axel.Tyler: [You're spoiling her.]Axel: [It's commendable when Lia makes spontaneous efforts. We should encourage that.]Tyler pouted.Tyler: [That's just lying.]Soon, Liora replied.Liora: [Your words are still as unpleasant as ever, Ty! I hate you! I despise you! Axel is the best. I miss you and Mommy so much, Axel.]Tyler's expression turned solemn.Tyler: [How about me?]Liora: [You don't deserve it because you mock me!]Tyler typed in anger.Tyler: [I won't waste my time talking to you then!]Liora: [You may choose not to talk then!]Caroline's agitation reduced significantly after seeing her two children quarreling. Caroline: [Alright, let's not quarrel anymore. You're amazing, Lia. I shall wait for your protection charm.]Tyler: [You're spoiling her, Mommy. It's scary to bring along the charm!]Liora: [You're so annoying! Gah!]Soon afterward,
On Tuesday afternoon.Caroline saw Scott's car parked at the entrance as soon as she walked out of her company building. She approached, and Scott rolled down the window. The sun hit his brown eyes and added a touch of gentleness to it. He called out gently, "Get in the car, Carol."Caroline's expression turned cold. She opened the door and said while looking straight ahead, "Don't come and pick me up next time."Scott started the car engine and diverted the topic of conversation. "What would you like to have for dinner? We're eating out tonight.""I would like to ask you if all your subordinates are disrespectful," Caroline remarked. Scott thought about Elvira right away and frowned. "Did Elvira speak harshly to you?"Caroline elaborated, "It's fine that she is always watching when I meet with my partners. Yet, why does she insult me with harsh words for no reason? Does she think that the partners don't understand Ylesirese?"Scott's expression turned cold. "What sort of h
Elvira said, "I didn't verbally criticize her, Mr. Hendrix."Scott stared at Elvira. "I'm giving you one more chance to answer."Elvira panicked. "I… might have done it, but only because she refused to let me follow her! So, I warned her— Ugh!"Scott clutched Elvira's throat before she could finish her sentence. His grip was tightening as he warned her coldly, "If you speak to her like that again from now on, it's time to weigh if your life can be spared!"Elvira's entire body was shaking profusely, and she spoke with difficulty. "Understood…Mr. Hendrix…"Scott pulled back his hand while Elvira held her throat and coughed violently. Scott glared at her. "Stay at her company's entrance to pick her up and drop her off for work in the future. You're not allowed to go with her if she is going out for a work meeting."Elvira said, "Yes, sir…"Scott got into the car and left upon saying that.Elvira entered the villa soon afterward. However, Caroline stayed still and waited for E
"Carol," Scott called out.Caroline stopped walking and turned to look at him nonchalantly. "What are you doing here?"Scott stood next to the car and said, "I'm sending you to the school."Caroline's gaze turned cold instantly. 'School?'Soon afterward, she walked to Scott right away. She did not wish to draw her employees' attention at the company's entrance. She got into the car and asked sternly after Scott got into the car, "How do you know that I'm going to the school? Did you assign people to monitor the children at school?"Scott started the car and said casually, "I didn't have them monitored, but the bodyguards informed me when they heard about it."Caroline suppressed her anger. "How is that any different from monitoring? The other students will regard them differently if you do this to them!""You're overthinking, Carol. The bodyguards are only posted at the school entrance," Scott explained. Caroline said, "Even if that is the case, why are you coming with me no
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