Hospital? Sage was a little surprised. Was someone injured? Why did he need her there? But before she could ask any more questions, Ian had already hung up the phone. Just then, Terry's voice came from outside the door. "Mrs. Holcomb, please come downstairs when you're ready. I'll go start the car right now."Ian was really efficient. Terry was already outside her room before she could think about it or refuse. Sage changed out of her pajamas, put on a loose T-shirt, and grabbed her purse before heading downstairs.She wondered what on earth was going on for him. Sage got into the back seat, slightly annoyed. Terry was focused on the road and didn't seem like he wanted to talk to her. "Mr. Zane, did Ian threaten you or something? Is that why you're not talking to me?" she couldn't help but ask. Terry didn't dare to utter a word. "Oh, nothing of the sort happened, Mrs. Holcomb. Mr. Holcomb just wants me to do my job properly."Sage didn't push any further because she knew that
Ronald's words were cut short when he noticed Ian emerging from behind the security door. He was on a phone call. "Ivy has been through so much pain, Ian, you have to stand up for her!"Ian looked at Sage, who met his gaze stoically. Sage had put two and two together based on the middle-aged man's words. Ivy had taken the medication Ian bought in the resort, and something had gone wrong. Ivy had her stomach pumped in the hospital, and Ronald thought it was her doing.So, Ian left because Ivy had been taken to the hospital. He called her here because of Ivy."Dad, this could all be a misunderstanding. Please don't put Ian in a tight spot," Ivy said weakly."My poor Ivy, you're just too considerate for your own good!" Ronald said. "Just think about it. How many times has this woman schemed against you and hurt you? I wouldn't have known about any of these things if your Aunt Sandra hadn't told me about what had happened last time!"Ivy gritted her teeth and said, "It was just a scra
Sage had browsed the aisles to avoid running into Ian. "I'm sure you've also found out that I haven't bought any amoxicillin.""That corner is a blind spot for the surveillance cameras," Ian said.Sage couldn't help but sneer at him. "Are you suggesting that I stole the medication from the drugstore and then swapped it out with Ms. Shekdotter's in the car?" Ian remained silent.Sage snorted. "I had no idea which medications she needed. How could I have prepared the warfarin ahead of time?""Why wouldn't you have been able to prepare it? The wound on Ivy's forehead was inflamed. Anyone would've guessed that she'd need anti-inflammatory medications!" Ronald snarled.Sage frowned and shot Ian a cold look. "Do you think so too?"Before Ian could say anything, Ronald snapped, "How could you be so cruel? What has Ivy ever done to you that you'd attempt to harm her over and over again?"The middle-aged man raised his hand and was about to slap Sage's face when Ian stopped him. "Calm do
"Help us!" Ian called out to the nurses in the corridor as he helped Ivy up.The nurses rushed over. "The patient's complexion is too pale! We need to take her back to the ER and have the doctor check on her!"Ian placed Ivy on the bed. She was in so much pain that the color drained from her lips. "I'm fine. Please, check on my father…"The nurses wheeled her to the emergency room while Ian hastily helped Ronald up."Ivy! Ivy, what's wrong? Are you alright?" The middle-aged man staggered as he chased after his daughter. To prevent him from falling again, Ian supported him and guided him forward.Sage stood frozen in place as pain surged through her body. Her husband, the man Tiana claimed didn't want to get a divorce with her, was now chasing after Ivy. He didn't even spare her a glance, let alone care if she was in pain.Blood dripped to the ground. Sage pulled out a tissue from her purse and pressed it against the wound. Then, she took the elevator downstairs. Instead of headin
Sage smiled and remained silent yet again."He deserves to be left hanging. How could he leave his injured wife and accompany someone else?" The doctor dressed her wounds and bandaged her palm with gauze. "Be sure not to get it wet and apply the ointment on time. Otherwise, it'll scar.""Thanks, doctor." Her phone rang again when she was paying the bill. This time, Ian had initiated a video call. Sage declined it and blocked his number.In the past, she would never have had the heart to block Ian. Sage would have found the thought unbearable. But now, she did it without a second thought. It seemed hard, but in reality, it only took her a couple of seconds to do it.Sage walked out of the clinic and hailed a cab back to Solaris Estate. She didn't want Ian to bother Tiana, so she sent her a message while she was on her way home. "My shoulder's acting up, and I didn't bring my medications. Enjoy the hot springs with Wilson, Tiana. I'll be heading back first."Ian called her once ag
Dexter explained, "He decided yesterday. He said he was an old friend who lives in Colville that he hadn't seen in ages. He's sick now, so he's afraid that he won't have a chance to see him again if he doesn't go now."Then, it hit her. In her previous life, her grandfather had an accident on his way to Colville. He was hit by a speeding car and injured his back and legs. Even though he was sent to the hospital in time, he never fully recovered.Later on, he had another fall in the yard while he was sunbathing. The doctors said the nerves in his legs were severely damaged, and the fall caused a comminuted fracture. He was permanently confined to a wheelchair after that incident.Her nose started to tingle, and tears welled up in her eyes as she thought about her grandfather, who was in a wheelchair in her previous life. "Don't worry, Sage. I'll take good care of Mr. Joyner Senior," Dexter said. "Anyway, I'm hanging up now. I need to pack his luggage.""Dexter, when are you guys l
Tiana pondered for a moment before answering with certainty, "I wouldn't. I've done nothing wrong. Why would I run away?"Sage smiled. "That's right. Hold that thought."Tiana was puzzled. "How did we end up talking about me? You haven't told me everything yet!""What else is there to say? Ivy's goal was to make Ian think poorly of me, and now she's succeeded. That's that. Besides, Ian and I are going to get a divorce, so I don't care what he thinks of me."Alright, I have to go now. Catch you later!" Sage hung up before Tiana could respond. She packed a few sets of clothes, added a set of travel-sized skincare and cosmetics, zipped her suitcase, and went to the bathroom.Fortunately, it was her left hand that was injured, so her daily activities weren't affected. Wanda's voice came from outside as soon as she washed her face. "Mrs. Holcomb, are you awake? Breakfast is ready."Sage opened the door and found Wanda outside. "Mrs. Holcomb, what happened to your hand?" Wanda noti
Come home? As if Solaris Estate were her real home. Sage sneered inwardly in response to Ian's pointless questions and left without saying a word.Wanda hurried out of the kitchen and called out, "Mrs. Holcomb, where are you going? You haven't had breakfast yet!""I'm in a rush, so I'm skipping it," Sage said before walking out the door. Her shoulder wasn't fully healed yet, and her left hand was injured, so driving wasn't an option. Sage pulled out her phone to book a ride instead.To her surprise, Ian came out and said, "I'll take you to your grandfather's place.""No—""I'll pay him a visit and bring him some things as well," Ian interjected with a reason she couldn't refuse.Just then, Terry brought out several boxes of expensive supplement gift sets, while Wanda brought her two lunch boxes. "Mrs. Holcomb, you can't skip breakfast even if you're in a hurry. Here are some pastries that you can eat in the car."Then, the driver pulled up in front of them. Sage accepted Wanda's
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