Besides, Sage thought it would be awkward if she refused to meet Leo when he showed up at her home. She sighed, not expecting to meet her father-in-law before the divorce."If you're tired, it's fine. I'll just let him know you're taking a nap," Ian offered calmly.She secretly lamented and reluctantly said, "I'll change my clothes and join you shortly."Ian did not object. He went downstairs alone to the living room, where Leo was waiting. Leo looked like he was in his fifties. Clad in casual wear, he seemed more muscular and bulky than his son. The serious look on his face underlined his authority and hinted at an unfriendly demeanor.Upon spotting Sage, Ian approached her. "You're here."Leo fixed his eyes on Sage as well. She flashed a polite smile and extended a hand to Leo. "Hi, Dad."Leo merely grunted before taking a sip of his tea, leaving Sage feeling embarrassed. Getting along with Donald and Linda was a breeze, but the serious Leo was a tough nut to crack.Ian took
"Where are you off to? Are you seriously leaving your father alone at the dinner table?" Leo growled.Ian replied, "We will excuse ourselves for now because I'm worried our lack of manners will spoil your appetite.""Ian, you're really something." Scoffing, Leo got up and left. Sage felt uneasy about how the dinner had ended."Ignore him," Ian said to her. "Would you like something else to eat?"She shook her head. "I'm full."She struggled to comprehend how Ian had endured Leo's parenting when he was a child. Despite being born into wealth, Ian's life didn't seem all that rosy.Fortunately, she wouldn't be Mrs. Holcomb anymore, freeing herself from worrying about meeting Leo's high standards.…The next day, Sage and Ian visited Linda. Sage had a headache when she recalled Leo's attitude from last night. If it weren't for Linda's sake, she might have refused to go and confessed to Ian that there was no need to change her, as she wouldn't be married to him any longer."It's
Ian approached Linda without so much as taking a look at Sage."Aren't you busy at work? Why did you show up this early? Missing your wife?" Linda purposely directed the question at him.Sage answered before Ian had the chance to. "Grandma, stop making these embarrassing jokes. Ian and I are soon to be divorced." Linda's eyes remained fixed on Ian. She waited for an answer.Betraying no emotion, Ian replied, "I'm done with work. I came over to see if there's anything I could help with."Linda felt a surge of frustration at Ian's obliviousness. She had set the stage for him, yet he seemed unwilling to play along. She couldn't help but wonder if business was his only forte.Sage understood Linda's intentions and Ian's reluctance to play along. Even if Ian agreed with Linda, Sage wouldn't have believed him.Smiling, Sage changed the topic. "Grandma, let's look through the photos together."Linda barked at Ian, "Why are you standing there then? Come take a seat."Ian sat down by an
"I don't have much feelings for Sage, only guilt for neglecting her as a husband. Without a divorce, I would play the role of a husband better. But if she wants a divorce, I'll sign the papers," Ian explained calmly. "As for reconciling… I don't think that'll happen."Hearing that, Linda put away her walking stick and let out a helpless sigh. Ian was perfect in every way except for his hubris. His life had always been smooth sailing, and he rarely ran into any setbacks. Hence, he had assumed that he could have everything he wanted in life.Even if he realized that he had developed feelings for Sage, he wouldn't admit it out of pride. He might even attribute such sentiments to the natural male instincts of competitiveness and possessiveness.Furthermore, he seemed oblivious to the concept of sacrifice, as Sage had always been the one making sacrifices in their relationship.Linda decided to let Ian learn from his mistakes so that he would learn he wasn't invincible. "Very well. I sh
"Huh?" Sage was taken aback as Thomas seemed perfectly well when she and Donald bid him goodbye yesterday. His voice had been full of energy, but he was gone now."The doctor said it was terminal lucidity," croaked Donald.Sage understood that losing a lifelong friend must have been crushing for Donald. She was also disheartened to learn that Thomas, who had spoken highly of her just the day before, was suddenly no longer alive.After consoling Donald, she went up to Linda. "Grandma, I'm sorry but I can't stay the night. My grandfather is grieving the loss of his friend, and I need to be there for him."Linda replied, "Silly child. There's nothing to apologize for. It's only natural to want to comfort your grandfather in his time of need. I'll have Ian send you back." Then, Linda attempted to make one of the maids get Ian.Sage stopped her. "Grandma, that won't be necessary. Let Ian keep on with his work. I'll hail a cab.""Nonsense. It's only fitting for Ian to pay his respects
Sage immediately recognized the lanky figure as the man who had covered her face with a cloth. Upon realizing she was awake, he chuckled and called out, "Sir, she's awake."As he spoke, he inched to the side to make way for someone else. Soon, they heard a flurry of footsteps as a man with a beer belly and wearing a dark jacket entered the dilapidated room.Seeing Benjamin walk in surprised Sage. She couldn't help but wonder, "Shouldn't he be under police questioning? Why is he here?"Her heart sank. Benjamin harbored a grudge against her and had even gone as far as sending his men to warn her previously. Moreover, Ian had taught him a lesson, which likely deepened his animosity toward her. Now that she was in his clutches, she knew he wouldn't go easy on her."Wow, you look even better in person than in photos," Benjamin remarked with a malicious gleam in his eyes. "Shall I address you as Sage or Mrs. Holcomb?"This was Sage's first time speaking directly to Benjamin. He looked d
"Trying to bribe me now?" Benjamin snickered. "If it weren't for you, I would have signed the deal with Holcomb Corporation by now. I could have achieved financial independence after Mimosa's IPO. How can you ever make up to me?""I don't know what financial independence looks like to you, but as you know, I'm pretty rich and married to Ian Holcomb. Our marriage might be on the rocks, but he can afford to give me a few million. How does 100 million dollars sound to you?" Sage countered, attempting to sway Benjamin. She added, "Mr. Xenith, I know you abducted me here to vent your anger. But even if you beat me up, your circumstances won't improve. Take the money. Isn't that better?""Your negotiation skills surprise me. But do you take me for a fool?" Benjamin scoffed. "I'm aware you'll report me to the authorities once you're freed, and Ian Holcomb won't let it slide. What good is money then?" Benjamin sneered. "The moment I decided to abduct you, I vowed not to be swayed by money.
How could Benjamin pin all the blame on her and retaliate against Ian in such a repugnant manner? Sage felt sick in her stomach and dizzy in the head. She bit her tongue to distract the odd sensations in her body with pain."A mere hallucinogen isn't enough. Let's enhance the experience!" Benjamin's voice dripped with malice as he attempted to force a white pill down her throat.Knowing she couldn't win, she feigned submission and put on a pitiful expression. "Mr. Xenith, I'll behave. There's no need for more pills."A lecherous grin twisted Benjamin's lips as he taunted her. "Woah, look how quickly you've come around. Or are you a slut deep down?"She continued acting weak. "Survival is more important. Mr. Xenith, may I suggest only serving you and no one else? I'm Mrs. Holcomb after all. I want to preserve my dignity, and I don't want to sleep with any rando…"She subtly hinted at Benjamin's higher social status, to his growing delight. "Still concerned about your dignity, I see
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