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
"Oh, I've received the money. Thanks, Ms. Shekdotter! By the way, when you're free, could you go through all the gifts Ian has given you and tally them up? Please don't forget to transfer half of the amount to me."Sage then strolled off toward the research facility. Ivy was at a loss for words. She couldn't help but feel that Sage had changed a lot because she no longer got upset by whatever she said or did. Could Ian's recent change of heart toward Sage be due to this? What was she up to? Who was behind this?Mulling it over, she decided to call Delilah. "I don't care what you have to do, but you need to get back on Sage's good side."Ivy realized that she had underestimated Sage, which was why she was in such a difficult position at the moment. She had to find a way to keep tabs on Sage.…Meanwhile, Sage magnanimously transferred 10 grand to Tiana and texted her."Didn't you mention yesterday that the hospital set up a charity fund? I'd like to donate 10 grand anonymously
Ian remained unfazed despite hearing that. "She's here as well?"Collin was caught off guard as he hadn't expected this to be his response.Sage was aware that Collin had misunderstood her and Ian because of the "cucumber feast" last time. He must've assumed that she and Ian were playing a "cat-and-mouse" game, which was why he jested."Professor Braun," she called out with a smile to spare Collin from embarrassment. Ian turned to look at her when he heard her voice. His dark eyes were as deep and unreadable as ever.Sage ignored him and said to Collin, "Thanks for everything today. I'll be leaving now." Then, she left without stepping into the office.Ian also made his way over to her as she reached her car. Sage assumed that he had visited Collin for business. She wondered why he was leaving so soon.But in any case, she wasn't in the mood to deal with him. Hence, she opened the door to the driver's seat and was about to hop in when Ian stopped her."Did you seriously come t
When she first graduated, she did mention that she wanted to work in his office. She wanted to be close to him and see him every day. Sage was surprised that Ian remembered what she had said.However, she was not interested in working anywhere near his office now. In fact, she wanted to stay as far away from him as possible! However, she was aware he wouldn't buy it. There were less than 10 days left until their divorce. There was no need to argue with him anymore. Hence, she slid into the driver's seat without another word. Sage was about to start the car when Ian got into the passenger seat."Where do you think you're going? I haven't finished talking to you," he fumed.Sage looked at him coldly. "What else do you have to say? If it's about the job, thanks, but no thanks. I'm not interested in any position in your office. Whoever wants it can have it."Ian gritted his teeth when he noticed her impatience. "What the hell do you want, Sage?""I want you to get the hell out of my
"Sage, your Uncle Owen said he was able to seal the deal this time because Ian helped him out. It looks like Ian really cares about you," Donald said with a smile."Grandpa, I know you want to ease the tension between Ian and me, but it's really not necessary," Sage said solemnly. "You were right about what you said last time. I'm very stubborn about the people and things I care about, and I don't give up easily. But once I've made up my mind, I rarely change it."Indeed, I can't just flip a switch and erase all my feelings for Ian overnight, but I've thought things through. I used to be so selfish. I wanted to hold on to the things I wanted. But I've realized that I'll only hurt myself by holding onto them too tightly. So, I'll set both Ian and myself free."His granddaughter's somber expression tugged at his heartstrings. "It looks like my Sage is all grown up now."Growing up was a good thing. It meant that she was more mature and level-headed in dealing with problems. But as he
"What are you worried about, then?" Linda asked knowingly. "I'm assuming you still haven't changed your mind about divorcing Ian?"Sage didn't answer her question. Instead, she apologized. "I'm sorry, Grandma. I didn't realize Uncle Owen and Aunt Susan would go and bother you last time. I must've caused you a lot of distress, didn't I?"Linda let out a soft sigh when she heard that. "I wasn't bothered by their visit. However, I wished what they said was true—that you wouldn't divorce Ian."Sage fell silent because that was something she couldn't do.Of course, Linda understood what her silence meant. "Sage, you promised you wouldn't bring up divorce before my birthday, but you still got your hands on the divorce agreement. Did Ian do something to upset you again?" Linda continued, "I've been waiting for you to confide in me, but you haven't called me until now."Sage used to complain to Linda quite frequently, which caused her a great deal of trouble. Sage apologized again. "Th
However, the situation was reversed at the moment. Sage had turned Linda down despite her offering to help. Sage might actually leave her grandson if he remained indifferent and unattentive.Linda realized that she needed to make them spend more time together. Making up her mind, she said, "Alright then, I won't worry about it anymore. By the way, it's been a while since I've had your mille crepe cake, Sage. Could you make it for me? I'll have someone come over to pick it up tomorrow morning."Sage used to be a spoiled young lady who never did any household chores. But she decided to enroll in cooking classes and learn how to prepare meals and desserts after stumbling upon nonsense like "the way to a man's heart is through his stomach" in books.Consequently, she prepared delicious meals every day for Ian. However, he never showed up, even after the food was cold. Even if he did show up, he only ate very little. Hence, her efforts were always in vain.Fortunately, this skill eventu
Ian, who had been busy in the study, walked in after she showered and finished her skincare routine. Sage didn't want to talk to him, so she closed her eyes and pretended to be asleep.The sound of running water could be heard from the bathroom. Shortly after, it stopped and Ian got into the bed.Sage lay perfectly still, attempting to make herself invisible. But the next thing she knew, the covers were being pulled off her. Before she could react, Ian got on top of her."What the hell are you doing?" she asked angrily, opening her eyes.His arms were propped up on either side of Sage, and his ink-black eyes were unreadable. "Didn't you resent me for not fulfilling my duties as a husband? I'm making it up to you now.""Ian Holcomb, are you out of your mind?" Sage pushed him, but he wouldn't budge.All of a sudden, she remembered the self-defense techniques Michael had taught her. When Ian showed no signs of backing away and looked like he was going to force himself on her, Sage r
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