"We're both granddaughters of the Joyners, but you have it better than me in terms of food, clothing, and even living expenses. Grandpa only spoils you and not me! I'm only asking you for a small favor, but here you are dragging your feet!"Indeed, Donald favored her more. Sage understood that this affection stemmed from his pity for her lack of paternal love. However, if she and Layla had a dispute, Donald was always rational and never blindly favored her.Susan's influence on Layla was too significant, which led to her deeply held resentment toward Sage. Unable to clarify these matters with Layla for the time being, Sage said, "I'll send it to you in a minute.""You didn't seem interested in Henry at all the last time I saw you. How come you two are getting along so well now?" Sage couldn't help but ask Layla."Mind your own business!" Layla yelled and hung up.Sage was rendered speechless. After sending the screenshot to Layla, she left the sports complex. As she got into the c
"Stay if you want. Just don't make too much noise. If you feel bored, read a book," said Ian.Only a fool would want to stay here, Sage thought to herself. Then, she glanced at him and asked, "Can I borrow your phone for a moment?""Is your phone dead?""No, but I just want to go on Instagram. Don't worry, I have no intention of invading your privacy. I can't see Layla's account, so I want to take a look using your account," Sage replied truthfully.Ian pursed his lips and unlocked his phone, handing it over to her."Thanks." Sage took the phone and opened Instagram, where she immediately looked up Layla's profile. To her surprise, Layla had sent Ian some messages, though he seemed to have ignored every one of them.Pulling up Layla's Instagram profile, Sage confirmed that Layla hadn't blocked Ian as every update she posted was visible to him. Sage couldn't help but feel irritated by this. If it weren't for the fact Layla was family, Sage wouldn't even have bothered caring about
The box didn't seem like it contained jewelry, but rather some kind of ornament. Sage walked over and opened it, revealing an exquisitely crafted bunny-shaped desk lamp. It was made of crystal and red gemstones adorned its eyes.When she pressed the switch, the bunny emitted a soft white glow from its body, while its eyes glowed a faint red. It was a beautiful and unique sight.Recalling that night at the restaurant where she had reached out to touch a bunny-shaped lantern, she thought that Ian must have guessed that she liked bunnies and brought this back for her.Although Sage didn't want to accept anything from Ian, this bunny was undeniably adorable. It would be a shame to throw it away, so she placed it on her bedside table.After a tiring afternoon of training, Sage indulged in a relaxing bath. When she emerged from the bathroom, Wanda informed her that dinner was ready. With a towel wrapped around her head, Sage put on some comfortable loungewear as she headed downstairs for
"Our marriage has been troublesome enough. I don't want to go through another uphill battle by getting a divorce. I'm busy with work every day. I don't want outsiders speculating or questioning the reasons for my divorce, nor do I want to upset Grandma because of it."Although Ian's reasons were quite legitimate, they made Sage chuckle. "That's okay, but signing a piece of paper won't be a hassle. Besides, there's no shortage of women who want to marry you."Sage didn't mention Ivy, so Ian wouldn't think she was talking about her. "I believe your new wife will treat Grandma even better than I do. Grandma won't be upset then."Although Linda cared for her, it was only because Sage was her granddaughter-in-law. Sage was well aware of this.Ian was rendered momentarily speechless by Sage's words. "Sage, what exactly has suddenly made you so dissatisfied that you're in a rush to free yourself of this marriage?"He had made it up to her for missing their fifth anniversary by letting he
Sage didn't dare to sign anything recklessly. So as she took the paper to make the two men lower their guard, she reached into her pocket to grab her phone to call the police.But just as her fingers touched her phone, a hand suddenly reached out from behind and forcefully pulled her back."Ah!" Sage screamed in fright, swinging her fists and kicking with her legs blindly in an attempt to fight back"Hey! It's me!" When Sage heard Ian's voice, she stopped struggling.She looked up and saw Ian's face. However, because of how dim the streetlamps were, Sage couldn't make out his expression clearly."How did you get here? Where are they?" Sage asked, her heart still racing.Ian's voice was grave. "They ran away. Why did you come to such a sketchy place for your walk?"Having calmed down, Sage felt her legs go weak. She sat down on a nearby rock. "I just happened to be passing by! Who knew I would encounter them? Call the police, quickly!"Sage took out her phone, but Ian said coldl
Sage wasn't in the mood to bicker with him. If he wanted to carry her, so be it. She wasn't the one getting tired anyway. Having waited on Ian for so many years, she shouldn't feel bad about benefitting from him for once.With this thought in mind, Sage fell silent and placed her hands back onto his shoulders, leaning back slightly to adopt a posture that suggested she was making him her laborer.Ian understood her intentions, and for a moment, he didn't know whether to be angry or amused. The two walked back home without exchanging a word, maintaining this intimate, yet oddly, distant posture. When they arrived, Sage prepared to get down to change her shoes, but Ian continued to carry her."Are you planning to carry me upstairs?" Sage asked.Ian replied, "It's only a few steps away." With that, he carried her upstairs.Wanda heard the commotion and came out. Seeing the affectionate scene, she smiled like a doting aunt before quickly retreating to the kitchen. All the while, Sag
"Benjamin wouldn't dare touch me!" Priscilla declared."I have plenty of dirt on him. But for the sake of our child and the fact that we're married, I haven't gone after him. If he ever dares to lay a finger on you though, I'll fight him with everything I've got, even if it means using everything I've got!"Sage was touched by Priscilla's protectiveness. Despite their age gap, Priscilla was truly someone who dared to love and hate. She was a friend worth having."Priscilla, don't get too worked up. Ian said he would investigate the matter thoroughly. I'll let you know if there are any updates." They chatted for a few more minutes before hanging up. That night, Ian didn't return to the bedroom even after Sage had fallen asleep. He was really upset by her actions.It was quite a shock for someone who had always chased after him and entertained his whims to suddenly stop caring about him. Anyone in his shoes would have felt a sense of loss.Whatever changes that Donald had mentione
Sage didn't expect Donald to buy a gift for Ian as well. But apart from that, he intended to give it to him under her name. The old man had certainly thought it through.Since Donald had set things up, Sage had no choice but to play along in Ian's presence. She took the box from Susan and handed it to Ian. "Here.""What is it?" Ian asked calmly.She responded equally calmly, "You'll know once you check it out.""Alright now, you can have a couple's talk later. For now, take a seat and have something," Susan said to them. The staff at the revolving restaurant were busy helping customers grill the seafood they ordered. Sage took the nearest seat, and Ian sat beside her. Susan, a lover of heavy foods, ordered a mountain of seafood and had the chefs grill them for the party. Not only that, she requested for them to add more spices and garlic seasoning."Aunt Susan, Ian doesn't take spicy foods," Sage blurted out, her mind still on the gift from Donald. She noticed a faint smile on
Ian said calmly, "I just got back from a business trip and came by to check on Sage."Giselle didn't ask more questions. She explained to Sage, "I just saw Selena over there. I went to her and clarified that this was my idea. Selena said it was okay."Seeing Selena's calm and relaxed demeanor, Sage didn't have the energy to pretend to be friendly with her.She said to Giselle, "I'm going back to the ward," and then headed to the elevator.Ian was at her heels. "Sage, if you're too tired, just lean on me."Sage stayed silent and didn't respond to Ian, just staring blankly at the numbers on the elevator panel.In the hospital room, Tiana had been waiting for Sage for a while.Seeing Ian, Tiana was equally surprised and asked, "What are you doing at the hospital? Weren't you on a business trip away from town?"Ian succinctly said, "I came back once the task was done."Tiana looked at Sage. "How did it go?"Sage nodded numbly. "Pretty good."Tiana could tell from Sage's expressi
Sage paused slightly in her steps and turned to look at Shane. Her voice was slightly hoarse as she asked, "Is there anything else?"Shane felt an indescribable discomfort as he watched Sage's unsteady appearance.But he didn't know why he had to call out to Sage, especially since he didn't remember anything about her."Since you say we are good friends, and I got hurt because of you, why can't you visit me more often?" Shane questioned, finding a reason.“Sorry, she won't be available.”As soon as Shane finished speaking, the door to the hospital room was suddenly pushed open.Sage turned her head and saw Ian's tall, upright figure.He was wearing a custom-tailored black suit, looking like he had rushed over from somewhere, carrying an air of exhaustion.Ian had been on a business trip for the past two days. Why did he suddenly show up now?Sage glanced toward the doorway but didn't see any signs of Giselle.Sage had a faint guess about who was behind this. She gave a self-d
Shane's thought process was quite logical.Sage calmly replied, "You were worried that she was only momentarily taking a step back, so you couldn't fully trust her and wanted to observe for a while."Shane also mentioned that when Sage came to the hospital room two days ago, the way she spoke to him was very familiar. It wasn't like how typical business partners would interact.Sage admitted that they were not just business partners but had become good friends through their interactions."But I wouldn't take a good friend to my mother's grave," Shane suddenly said.Sage was taken aback upon hearing this. Had Giselle told Shane about this, too?Seeing Shane looking at her, Sage calmed herself. "You were deceiving Giselle."It's not just this, but also some of our daily interactions. You embellished the details and even went out of your way to act nice to me in front of her."Shane indeed did that before. Sage wasn't at all diffident to talk about it.Shane could see it, too. "S
Taking a deep breath, Sage knocked on the hospital room door.Giselle walked over, glanced down the hallway, and asked with a puzzled expression, "What took you so long? Where did you go?"Sage forced a smile. "There were a lot of people waiting for the elevator."Giselle saw how broken and fragile Sage looked. Thinking she was worried about meeting Shane alone, she couldn't help but gently pat her on the shoulder."It's okay. Take your time talking with Shane. If Selena returns, I'll tell her that everything was my idea."Sage didn't have the energy to explain further to Giselle. She simply said thank you and then walked into the hospital room.Shane sat upright at the head of his bed, dressed in a hospital gown, with bandages still on his head.His handsome face looked a bit thinner than before. Under the hospital room's lighting, he had the delicate appearance of a frail young nobleman.Shane was also quietly observing Sage as she walked over.She had a slender and delicate
Selena nodded. "It's understandable, Ms. Joyner. However, before you go to see Shane, could you take a moment to hear me out?"Sage was aware that Selena had been deliberately waiting for her.Sage sent a message to Giselle saying she would be a few minutes late, and then followed Selena to the stairwell beyond the emergency exit.The stairwell was brightly lit, with gleaming floors and an overall quietness that inexplicably added a sense of oppression.Sage asked, "Ms. Morrison, what do you want to talk to me about?"As soon as she finished speaking, Selena suddenly knelt down in front of her."Ms. Morrison, what are you doing?"Sage hurriedly went to help Selena, but the injuries on her back hadn’t fully healed yet. The movement caused her wounds to hurt, and she winced in pain, furrowing her brow."Ms. Joyner, please don't help me up. Let me finish speaking."Selena's face showed determination, and her almond-shaped eyes, similar to Shane's, had a hint of tears."I know Sh
Since Giselle already knew, Sage didn't deny it. She asked directly, "So what do you think? Are you planning to go abroad with Shane?""Do you even need to ask? Of course I'm not going!"Giselle was somewhat annoyed. "Nothing's going on between Shane and me! Why would they suddenly want me to go abroad with him?""But your brother thinks this is a good opportunity for Shane to develop feelings for you," Tiana said.Sage also shared Marcus' analysis with Giselle. "Your brother hopes that you and Shane will end up together in the end. If you still have some feelings for Shane, this could be a good opportunity.""I couldn't care less about such an opportunity!" Giselle said. "No matter how much I liked Shane, that's all in the past now."I'm not a martyr. I would never degrade myself just to win a man's affection. Besides, even if I gave him everything, what I might get in return could be resentment, not love.""Giselle, you are truly wise and perceptive!" Tiana couldn't help but s
"However, Elle has become more thoughtful and no longer acts willfully now. I believe that Shane will change his opinion of her."With them spending so much time together, there's a high chance that Shane will develop feelings for Elle."Sage fell silent. People were naturally fragile when they were alone and were easily moved by the care and warmth shown by others, especially considering they would be in a foreign country.Therefore, it seemed highly likely that what Marcus mentioned could happen."Even though my parents agreed to dissolve Elle's engagement, they are quite satisfied with Shane. They watched Shane grow up and know him well."If our two families could be united through marriage, it would be a joyous occasion for everyone."Ms. Joyner, I know that Shane likes you, but he has currently forgotten you. You also understand that it is very difficult for the two of you to be together."Even if Elle didn't accompany him for the treatment abroad, Mr. Morrison Senior would
Marcus put down the gift he was holding and said tactfully, "I've heard about your situation from Elle. I just visited Shane, and I thought I'd drop by to see you as well."Sage thanked Marcus and invited him to sit down. Then, unable to hold back, Sage asked, "How is Shane doing? Is he okay?"Because Shane didn't remember her, and the Morrison family wouldn't allow her to visit, Sage hadn't been able to see Shane in person for the past couple of days.Marcus said, "He's doing okay, more or less. He has multiple injuries, and his hand and leg are not very functional. On top of that, he frequently gets headaches, and his mood is quite unstable.""He probably remembered you, right?" Sage asked intentionally.She could definitely guess that Shane remembered Marcus. However, she wanted to know if Shane still harbored the same hostility toward Marcus.Instead of asking directly because it didn't seem appropriate, she decided to ask a different question instead.Marcus knew what Sage
George acknowledged her with a slight nod, while Simon asked bluntly, "What are you here for?""I heard Shane has woken up and came to check on him," Sage said honestly.Simon's tone was stern as he said, "Ms. Joyner, you should be aware of the current situation with Shane.""We won't hold what happened between you and Shane against you anymore, but we hope you'll stop bothering him in the future and completely cut ties with him."Before Sage could speak, Giselle's voice rang out. "Mr. George, Simon!"Seeing Giselle, Simon's attitude softened a bit.George also had a kind smile on his face. "Have you come to see Shane, Elle?"You see, even though Shane has forgotten so many things, he remembers everything about you very clearly. That shows he still cares about you," joked George.Giselle glanced at Sage and replied with a hint of playfulness, "Mr. George, you really shouldn't joke with me like this."Shane hasn't completely lost his memory, so it's perfectly normal for him to