Ignoring Calvin's follow-up text, Ian zoomed into the screenshot. It showed the food photos Sage took and her wefie with Donald, all posted five minutes ago. It could only mean that Sage had been ignoring his texts. At the same time, Ian received the hotel's phone number and Sage's room number from Terry. Without hesitation, he dialed the number.…Sage took a bath with waterproof plastic gloves on and sprayed some medication on her shoulder before settling comfortably in bed.She tapped into her phone's photo gallery to edit some photos for Instagram. She received several of Ian's texts during that time, but she ignored them.Finally, she published the carefully selected photos on her Instagram. She was about to check out the other photos she had taken when the phone in her room rang.Thinking it was a call from the front desk, she picked up. "Hello, what's the matter?"Ian was taken aback by Sage's relaxed voice. Much of his boiling anger seemed to have dissipated at that mom
It was a text from Priscilla. According to her, Benjamin had been released from the police station, and he even went to her home.She wrote, "For some reason, his winery is under investigation. The girl from the orphanage changed her statement and claimed she didn't have voluntary sexual relations with him. Benjamin's like a crazy beast who'd attack at any time, so I chased him away."Sage, I warned him not to try anything funny, but you still need to look out for him because he's got nothing to lose now. Get Mr. Holcomb to accompany you if you're going out."Priscilla thought that Sage's relationship with Ian had improved, as Ian had previously shown up to scare Benjamin away and sent the latter to the police.Sage did not correct Priscilla. She merely assured Priscilla that she was not in town and would not run into Benjamin.Priscilla replied, "I'm relieved to hear that. The police are starting an investigation to collect evidence. If the orphanage girl is telling the truth, Be
"Do you think I'm referring to that?""What exactly are you referring to, then?""Sneak some classified information out of Ian Holcomb's laptop for me," Shane requested with all seriousness."Mr. Morrison, it's illegal to steal. I'm a model citizen, you know.""Anyone else doing so would be committing theft. As his wife, all you're doing is getting some information from your husband." His argument rendered Sage speechless.She was familiar with Shane's working style after collaborating with him for a while. He could not seriously be asking for any classified information. She deduced that Giselle Rosethorn was the reason he asked her for help.After a brief moment of silence, she said, "Hasn't Ms. Rosethorn had enough? What do you want me to do?""You're smart," he said. "Giselle heard from someone that you're starting work at Farsight Investment next month. She wants to join you.""So?""I think you need an assistant.""No, I don't!""We have a deal!" With that, Shane hung u
"Sage, what are you worried about? I'm still pretty healthy. I don't need you to hold me," Donald chirped.Sage rested her head on his arm and said, "Well, just think of it as you helping me to walk!"Donald curiously asked, "Sage, is there something on your mind? Why do I feel like something has changed in you lately?"She did not deny it. "Is it a good or bad change?"Feeling sorry, he patted her on the shoulder. "I don't need you to be understanding and obedient all the time. You can live life any way you want as long as it makes you happy."She felt a lump in her throat upon hearing his remark. Tears brimmed in her eyes. Donald had always doted on her. He'd never blame her no matter what mistakes she had made."Why are you crying? What's troubling you?" Donald inquired.She wiped away her tears and shook her head. "Nothing. I just feel sorry. I only had Ian in my eyes and did not pay much attention to you in the past."Donald broke into a smile. "You little fool. I'm happy
The motorcyclist, whose helmet fell off, was one of the two men from Sage's past life who accused her of being the mastermind in the arson targeting Ivy. He and another man framed her in the police station, claiming that she had paid them to carry out the arson.She recalled getting embroiled in a long argument with the two men, which was why they left quite an impression on her. Never had she imagined that they'd attempt to run over Donald in Colville. Therefore, she speculated that Donald's injury in the past life was premeditated instead of an accident."Ivy, is this how much you hate me?" She clutched her fist until it physically hurt.Not only did Ivy try to lock Sage up in a mental institution, but she also wanted to put Donald in harm's way!In Sage's past life, Benjamin would have fallen for Ivy by this time. Back then, Sage remembered checking out Ivy's Instagram and finding out that the two worked together daily, even having dinners and watching movies. They were almost
After meeting with the police, Zachary sent Sage back to the hotel. He thoughtfully reassured her, "Don't worry. I'll follow up with the police on your behalf and keep you updated on any progress."She thanked him earnestly. Anyone would have dismissed the event as a mere incident. Zachary was the only one who took her seriously and patiently accompanied her in her investigation.When Sage was back at the hotel, she knocked on Donald's door, knowing that he must have been waiting for her update.He answered the door with a concerned look. "Sage, you're back. You don't look well though. Is everything okay?"She shook her head and smiled. "I'm fine.""I called Zack to ask about it. He told me you checked the surveillance footage of the incident. Look, what happened tonight was just an accident. You don't have to be worried about it," Donald comforted her.She remarked, "I just wanted to be sure. It was a freaky coincidence for the two motorcyclists to almost run us over.""Grandpa
Shane, perhaps distracted by some fun thoughts, readily agreed to Sage's plan and promised to carry it out smoothly.After hanging up, Sage laid on the king bed in her hotel room with a lingering fear for what happened earlier that night. She felt thankful that Donald wasn't hurt, otherwise she'd blame herself for it.After lying around for a bit, she heard a text notification on her phone. Terry had texted her. "Unblock my number."She could tell from the tone that Ian had composed the text. After hanging up on Ian the other night, she had blocked his contact on her phone. To hell with his request! His text irked her. If only he agreed to the divorce, Ivy wouldn't have repeatedly stirred trouble for her.Ian called her hotel room number after she refused to reply to his text. Annoyed, she unplugged the landline in her room for some peace. She later thought through the list of tasks to do next before taking a shower and going to sleep.In the middle of her sleep, she groggily he
Sage was nettled by Ian's behavior. Refusing to engage with him, she plugged the landline back and called the hotel front desk.She asked, "Do you have any more rooms available? I'd like to book a new room."Since Ian wanted to stay, she'd let him hang out in her room. She could get a new one for herself.To her dismay, the front desk staff informed her, "Our apologies, Madam. Our rooms are fully booked for the night."Already miffed from being woken up at midnight, she grew infuriated upon learning there were no empty rooms. She barked, "How could you let a man into my room without my permission? Set aside a new room for me, or I'll complain!""Madam, we're sorry. The guest claimed to be your husband, and he didn't want to wake you up at midnight. So, we—"Refusing to listen to the explanation, she hung up on the front desk. Staring at Ian, who had an unreadable look on his face, she knew she couldn't get rid of him that night.She relented. "There's an extra blanket in the clo
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