Henry hastily reached out and ended the call when he heard the dial tone. "What's the meaning of this, Ms. Joyner?" He expected Sage to be ashamed of herself after being caught red-handed. Why did she call Ian herself?"Isn't it obvious? I wanted to give him a little scare just to see where I stand with him," she lied through her teeth. He fell silent when he heard that. He had looked into it even though Ivy hadn't told him anything and refused to allow him to probe further. He was aware that Ian didn't care about Sage, so he assumed she was using him to get back at him and hurt Layla at the same time. After all, he had the means to do so.Hence, he didn't mind helping Sage test Ian."So, you're not attempting to ruin my relationship with Layla… you're just using me?" he asked.Sage chuckled. "Sure, whatever floats your boat. However, you're right about one thing—I don't want you to be with Layla because I don't think you're good enough for her."His expression changed slightl
Sage gave Shane a call after she left the sports complex. Although she hadn't spoken to him since he used her to get in Ian's way, Shane was the best person for the job.Even though both of them were present at Mimosa's contract signing, the crowd made it impossible for them to catch up. In no time, his lazy voice came through the phone. "What's up?""Do you have a minute to meet up?" she asked."What's this?" he asked in a flippant tone. "Have you taken an interest in me now that you've given up on Ian?"Sage rolled her eyes and brooded, "I've just gotten rid of an arrogant guy, and here comes another shameless one. Don't worry. I'm not interested in men anymore, especially thick-skinned and conceited ones like you.""Damn. What's got you all worked up?""I don't have time for this. I've got something important to talk to you about.""Come over to my office then."Sage hung up and went straight to Shane's office. When she walked in, he was still as carefree as ever. He had his
"Hold on, I thought you weren't joining us until next month. Why are you so eager to talk about projects now? Is there something you need from me?" Shane asked with a sly smile.Sage didn't beat around the bush. "Yes. I do need your help with something.""I'm listening."Sage laid out her plans openly.Once she was done, she was surprised that Shane didn't object outright. "Why are you setting them up? Do you have a grudge against them or something?""Can't I just dislike them?" she fired back.He stared at Sage for a few seconds before grinning wickedly. "Of course, you can, and this is right up my alley. But you know, you can come straight to me for this favor. There's no need to use the project as an excuse."Hearing his words, she rose to her feet. "I appreciate your generosity, Mr. Morrison. I'll get started on the proposal then.""Hold on. I have one request," Shane responded.Sage had a bad feeling about his request. "What is it?"His forehead creased. "Why are you giv
Was he out of his mind? He used to be so uninterested in her. He wouldn't even spare her a glance when she walked around him in lingerie. Why was he holding onto her waist and giving her that look now?Sage was so angry that she tried to shake his hand off. However, Ian seemed to have caught on and pulled her closer to him."What the hell are you doing?" she fumed.His expression was unreadable. "Why did you call me? I missed it because I was in a meeting.""Don't worry. I accidentally dialed your number.""Were you upset that I left early at the company party last time?" he asked. There were only inches between the couple. Sage pried his hand away. "Let go of me!"Ian didn't budge. "Answer me."Her expression hardened when she noticed that he didn't seem willing to let go of her. "No. Could you please let me go now?"Her tone was cold, and her eyes narrowed. It contrasted strongly with the smile on her face when she first walked into the room.Ian was annoyed. He released S
Eager to draft a proposal as soon as possible, Sage brought her laptop to the adjacent guest room to avoid bumping into IanAfter several hours of work, she realized she couldn't do it. After all, she had not personally gone to gather information, so she couldn't come up with the necessary data. Everything she wrote felt wrong.Sage felt a shadow looming over her as she wondered whether she should visit Collin tomorrow. Looking up, she was surprised to see Ian standing next to her.Sage was about to close her laptop, but Ian had already seen what she was doing and asked aloud, "Why are you collecting data from Professor Braun's research institute?"She realized there was no point in hiding it now that he'd seen it. "I think their drug has potential. I'd like him to give me the distribution rights," she explained."Huh?" Ian frowned. "What's gotten into you all of a sudden?""I'm sure you invested in their institute because you believe their research has potential, right? So why c
Sage was used to sleeping alone, so she wasn't comfortable sleeping beside Ian. Plus, it was too late for Ian to retire to the study. Hence, she resorted to the age-old method of counting sheep to get herself to sleep. When she reached the 800th sheep, she was overcome with drowsiness and slowly drifted off to sleep.Lost in the haze of sleep, she felt herself surrounded by warmth. The oppressive cold from the air conditioner penetrated every corner of the room. However, the warmth enveloping her was immensely comforting, causing her to lean back unconsciously.However, she soon noticed that she was leaning against something stiff and hard. Before she could figure out what it was, she suddenly felt a warm sensation on the nape of her neck. It felt like something was gently sucking on her.Sage tried to move, but she was trapped. She struggled with all her might for a moment and then sat up. Looking around, she realized nothing was holding her down.The room was shrouded in darkne
Why would he call her this early in the morning? He was probably going to stop her from looking for Collin or ask her to join his company's team-building event again.However, she felt like there was not much to say about either of these things. Hence, she decided to ignore his call. He used to ignore her calls as well. It was time for him to feel the same frustration.Sage silenced her phone before heading out. Sage spotted a familiar figure when she arrived at Collin's research facility. It was Ivy. Sage hadn't seen Ivy since she was injured at the Holcomb Corporation's party. She hadn't expected to run into her here.Ivy wore an elegant dress and a tailored blazer. It made her look professional, yet gentle. She had her bangs down, presumably to cover the wound on her forehead. Even with makeup on, she looked frail.Sage couldn't believe how dedicated Ivy was, or that she had only stayed in the hospital for a few days and was already back at work after being hit by a chandelier
Sage wondered if Ivy was trying to get a rise out of her. She was about to say something when she noticed Ivy tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, revealing the earrings on her earlobe. They were shaped like orchids, and the petals were made of diamonds. It was strikingly similar to the ones Ian had left on her bedside table last time.It was clear that both pairs were from the same designer. So, Ian hadn't given her the pair of earrings he had intended to give Ivy. Instead, he had bought two pairs and given them a pair each. This revelation only fueled Sage's growing frustration."Ms. Shekdotter, your earrings are really pretty," she said lowly."You think so?" Ivy touched them and smiled warmly. "It was a gift. I didn't think he'd remember that orchids are my favorite flower.""Orchids are pure and elegant. It suits you, Ms. Shekdotter," Sage complimented. Then, she abruptly changed the subject. "By the way, here's a funny story. I have a similar pair of earrings. I check
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