In addition to the chilling edge in Ian's tone, Sage also sensed a mixture of indignance, irritation, and dejection.She assumed that he was referring to Shane. His misunderstanding of her relationship with Shane must have meant she didn't miscarry. For some reason, she felt relieved.Ian pressed on. "Why are you silent?"She looked up at him. "I told you that I was at fault. What I'm doing now is putting an end to my mistake.""Is this how you go about fixing your mistakes?" Ian took out a few photos and tossed them at her.She lowered her gaze and realized that those were photos of her and Shane checking into the hotel, as well as Shane entering her hotel room.In the photos, Shane held her closely in what appeared to be an intimate position. Shane had set up the scene to fool Giselle, but Sage didn't expect Ian to have witnessed it too.She was slightly taken aback but was not too surprised that Ian had found out about it. If Shane admitted to fathering her child, Ian would r
"If you were so worried about getting pregnant by me, why didn't you worry about it when you slept with Shane?" Ian confronted Sage.Sage flashed him a mocking smile. "Oh, I was worried, but I was too drunk that night. The next day, Grandma wanted me at the Holcomb Manor. After that, I traveled to Morita. I didn't give it much thought because I thought I should be safe after taking the morning-after pills."Ian had personally witnessed Sage drunk. Looking coy and clumsy, she had hugged him and pestered him for sex.He couldn't stand the torturing idea of Sage with other men. Driven mad, he tightened his grasp on her chin. He hissed, "So, you went to Morita to look after me because you felt guilty!""Ouch!" She slapped his hand since he nearly crushed her chin with his strength.He did not loosen his grip even when she teared up from the pain. The anger in him ballooned. "Sage Joyner, why did you do this?"Despite the stinging pain, she refused to back down. "I told you… better to
Soon, Tiana returned with the medicated cream and applied it to Sage's wound. She questioned, "How did you get injured and faint? What the heck happened last night? I dared not ask Ian because he looked very cross."Sage briefly summarized the events at the clubhouse for her. Suddenly, a thought crossed her mind. "Has Shane visited the hospital?"Tiana answered, "You were transferred to your room from the ER when I got the news. I only saw Ian. I have no idea about Shane."Since Sage could call up Shane later, she decided to focus on the more pressing matter. She asked Tiana, "Is the baby… alright?"Sage could guess the answer from Ian's response, but she still yearned to get a confirmation from Tiana.Tiana quipped, "Do you wish for it to be alright?"Hearing that, Sage bit her lip and sank into silence. Before the incident last night, she had firmly decided to get an abortion. To her dismay, she found herself panicking and upset when she felt her abdomen in pain and when she wa
Sage frowned when she heard Ivy's name. "Why is she here as well?" Didn't she call an ambulance then? Did she also arrive at this hospital? Tiana confirmed her suspicions. "Our hospital is nearby, so she was dispatched here too.""How's she doing?" Sage asked.Tiana responded, "She's warded on a different floor. She was hit quite hard on the back, and a lot of her soft tissues were injured. Her spine was also injured quite badly, so she should avoid walking as much as possible and use a wheelchair instead."Sage's brows remained knitted. She wondered what Ivy was hoping to accomplish by taking such a huge blow for her. "I heard that Mr. Zane brought her in and handled the paperwork. Did you get injured together? What happened?" Tiana asked out of curiosity.Sage had only briefed Tiana about what happened last night and had not mentioned Ivy. She told her how Ivy got injured now that she asked. "Ivy rushed over and shielded you from the iron rod?" Tiana was astonished. "Why wo
Sage touched her abdomen and felt her desire to keep the baby growing stronger. She called Shane, but he didn't answer. So, she sent him a message and asked him to come to the hospital when he was free because she needed to talk to him about something. Tiana, who had changed out of her nurse uniform, brought her breakfast right after she put her phone away. "It's time to eat, my lady," Tiana said gently."I told you I'm fine," Sage said, knowing Tiana was still worried about her emotional state. "You've been up all night. Stop worrying about me and go get some rest."Tiana didn't insist. "Then, I'll come over and see you in the afternoon. I've found a reliable caregiver for you. Just let her know if you need anything.""I just need to rest. It's not like I'm paralyzed. I don't need a caregiver""If I say you need one, then you do!" Tiana asserted. "You're always talking about how women should love themselves. This is self-love!""Alright, alright. You're the boss. Whatever you
Terry looked at her, puzzled. "Ian didn't have you bring the signed divorce agreement?" Sage asked.He remained calm and composed as he said, "I haven't received such orders from Mr. Holcomb.""Is he planning to go straight to the court?" she asked again.His expression remained unchanged as he said, "My apologies, Mrs. Holconb. I have no idea what's on Mr. Holcomb's mind."Realization dawned on Sage. Ian was used to being high and mighty. He probably wouldn't be willing to give her a clean break after being humiliated like that.Sage was about to ask Terry to go about his affairs when a caregiver rushed in. "Mr. Zane!"The woman continued, "Ms. Shekdotter's in a lot of pain. She accidentally spilled the breakfast you brought over, and she's asking for a painkiller injection. I couldn't possibly decide for her without consulting you, so I came to ask for your opinion!"Sage smiled wryly when she realized Ian had asked Wanda to prepare breakfast for Ivy. She was merely an after
Sage asked, "Did you come to the hospital last night? Did Ian ask you about the baby?"Shane got all worked up when she brought that up. "I was going to follow you here, but Ian had his men block my car. Someone had already spread the news about us by the time my men cleared the way. I spent the whole night attempting to suppress it to prevent it from affecting the stock market."Sage was perplexed. "What news?""See for yourself." Shane tossed his phone at Sage.Sage unlocked his phone, and a scandalous headline popped into view. "Two Men Vie for One Woman. Farsight Investment's CEO Covets the Wife of Holcomb Corporation's CEO."The photo attached showed the three of them in front of the club. Ian was holding her while Shane was following after them. The publisher had also circled the bruises on Shane's face, claiming that he attempted to steal her but was beaten by Ian.Sage was bewildered when she discovered photos of Shane and her entering the hotel lobby together last time.
Last night's events made Sage realize that Ivy's machinations wouldn't cease as long as she was still married to Ian. Even though she had also set a trap for Ivy, there was no telling that Ivy wouldn't resort to underhanded tactics. For her freedom and the safety of her unborn child, she had to get a divorce immediately.As Ian's current stance was unclear, and it seemed like a clean break was out of the question, the only way was to appeal. Others might have been intimidated by Ian's influence and dared not help, but Shane was an exception. Shane snorted when he heard that. "Sure, I can help you. But you know the deal—you have to help me ruin my marriage."Sage responded, "I'll only play along with you in front of Giselle, Shane. We almost caused a huge uproar this time. I can't imagine how much worse things will get if I intervene in your marriage."He scoffed. "Do you think I won't suffer any losses if I help you out? Do you think Ian's someone who can be trifled with? God kn
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