"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
"Where are you going?" Ian demanded.Sage chuckled and explained, "I'm giving up my seat to Layla. Didn't you hear her earlier?"He commanded, "Sit down." His eyes flashed with a subtle annoyance. It seemed that he wasn't interested in Layla at all.However, Sage wasn't going to shield him. She was about to leave her seat when Susan intervened, "Layla, what are you doing? You're an adult. It's time to stop clinging to Sage and Ian. Come have a seat beside me. I ordered your favorite seafood."Susan and Owen had silently observed the interaction among the three. They picked up on Ian's frustration and did not want to risk humiliating Layla. Susan then added, "Who said Ian and Sage are getting a divorce? They're doing well.""Ian, just ignore Layla's nonsense. She has liked squabbling with Sage from a young age," Owen chimed in with a smile.Ian said nothing in response. When he noticed Sage standing, he reached out to pull her back into her seat.Since it wasn't the right time an
"Layla, what's going on this time? Why have you started rambling again? Sit up and eat your dinner like a lady," Owen intervened angrily."Right, Layla. Don't kick up a fuss. If you're interested in the earrings, I'll just get them for you. Why would you buy a second-hand item? It's not like we can't afford new ones," Susan remarked.Layla couldn't find a way to explain Henry's detestable action to her parents, so she brushed it off. "It's nothing."Sage then said, "Aunt Susan, I sold off the earrings because I thought they were ugly. Layla thought they were unique though, so she bought them for her research and study. She didn't know that I was the seller."Susan seemed convinced by Sage's account and even looked proud of Layla. She said, "Layla might not be the best in academics, but she's talented in design. I'm proud that she's willing to invest her time in it!""I agree," Sage replied. "Aunt Susan, why don't you consider sending Layla to the famous art and design schools in P
"You!" Layla's face flushed with anger. "I heard from Henry that you reached out to him in private. Are you interested in him or something?"Henry had simply mentioned it casually. But even if he hadn't, Layla had seen their chat history with her own eyes. In retrospect, Layla realized that things were a little fishy when Sage readily agreed to Henry's invitation in the parking lot despite holding a grudge against Layla. Sage had even offered to foot the bill. Sage was also present at the sports complex Henry routinely attended. The increasing amount of coincidences made Layla suspicious."Won't you listen to yourself?" Sage jeered. "Use your brain for once. Don't listen blindly to what others say. What would I gain from talking to him in private?"Then, Sage handed her phone to Layla and urged her, "Take a good look at my chat history with Henry."Layla's eyes swept past the screen and noticed that Henry had initiated contact multiple times. Although he acted courteously, anyo
Sage's grin didn't anger Ian in the slightest. It had been a while since she smiled so brightly at him. Usually, she only gave him cold smirks and an occasional gleeful laugh when she pranked him.Sage's smile might have been fake, but it stirred something in him. Her smile, once common, had become rarer lately. He struggled to get used to its absence. "Don't worry. Your card might still be with me, but it's technically still yours," she added in the face of his silence."Sage, don't be childish," he said with a snort. "Didn't I say that you have the freedom to do anything with the gift I gave you? I'm only here to tell you this before I leave: Terry has taken care of the incident last night. It will not happen again." With that, Ian left in great strides, leaving her frozen in shock. Ian's behavior was unusual. Why did he defend her, and why wasn't he angered by her provocation?She decided to put her thoughts behind her. She had never managed to read his mind anyway. Nonethele
Sage nonchalantly leaned back in the face of the trio's mockery. "Why would I want to establish myself in the Holcomb family?"Susan inquired quizzically, "Layla said you wanted a divorce from Ian."Sage chuckled. "Aunt Susan, you always think that only Layla deserves to marry Ian. She won't stand a chance if I don't get a divorce."You should support my divorce and get Layla to try harder. It will be easier to ask for his help if he becomes your son-in-law.""What did you say?" Owen was infuriated. "We'll be a laughingstock if two daughters from the Joyner family marry Ian one after another. Don't you dare dream of divorcing him! Your grandpa might dote on you, but I will not hesitate to knock some sense into you!"Sage didn't want to get into a fight with her relatives at a restaurant. She couldn't do much if they refused to listen. All that mattered was she made her stance clear and received Donald's support. No one could stop her from getting a divorce.…Sage paid a visit t
Michaal explained to Sage, "We met these people when we were singing in bars."Sage smiled. "You may be young, but you sure have plenty of experience."When they approached the stage, Kai and the others spotted Sage and greeted her. The mood in the bar was cheery.After some chitchat, it was time for Michael and his bandmates to perform. They took their seats onstage and started playing. As the lead singer, Michael garnered the most attention. Dressed in a simple yet stylish black T-shirt, he had his hair up, baring his forehead. He sang in a deep and emotional voice as he gazed at the audience, looking princely.After performing two slow numbers, the group decided to spice things up with a few drum beats. The change in energy made even Sage want to perform.When she was ten, she picked up drumming for a few years to relieve her stress from studying. Her drum teacher praised her for being a fast learner with a good sense of rhythm.In her freshman year, she attracted much atten
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