Sage had determined the shareholding percentage based on the ownership ratio of Holcomb Corporation from her previous life. To ensure success, she deliberately set it half a point lower.Although Farsight Investment might not match Holcomb Corporation's prestige, the percentage was considered optimal, taking into account all factors.Upon hearing this, Shane didn't insist any further. "Do you need me to send someone with you tomorrow?""No need." Sage shook her head. "I think it's better to approach it in a friendly way.""Ms. Joyner, you are more intelligent than I imagined." Shane looked up with a smile, though one couldn't tell whether it was praise or a jest.Sage took it as a compliment. "Thank you, Mr. Morrison."Shane didn't dwell on it. He returned the investment plan to Sage and said, "I'll await your good news."…The next day, Sage got up early to dress up and headed to Benjamin's house.The Xeniths lived in a high-end estate within the city, which featured a courty
The phone was on speaker, and soon Sage heard Linda's saddened voice on the other end. "Sage, are you not willing to accompany me just because you're upset with Ian?"Sage had never heard Linda speak in such a tone, so she quickly replied, "I'm willing to accompany you, Grandma.""Then it's settled. I'll have the driver pick you both up tomorrow!"Before Sage could say anything else, Linda had already ended the call. Her tone sounded noticeably lighter.Sage felt helpless.The next afternoon, Sage received a call from the driver when it was time to depart. Upon reaching the car and opening the door, she was surprised to find Ian already sitting in the backseat.He was wearing a black suit. He exuded an air of cold sophistication as he focused on his laptop. He looked every bit like a successful figure on the cover of a financial magazine.When he heard the door open, Ian glanced at her nonchalantly before returning his attention to the laptop.Sage cursed him in her heart. She
Regardless, since the investment plan was of no use to her anymore, Sage decided to let Bolton Investment use it. She probed, "Can you add an extra ten thousand?"Ian looked at her and said disapprovingly, "Sage, if you love money so much, why did you act so high and mighty before and claim you wouldn't accept a penny for personal use?"When they first got married, Ian had offered her a credit card to cover household expenses. But she had refused it. She had wanted to prove she wasn't in it for the money.Consequently, she used her own funds for gifts and daily expenses. In hindsight, she genuinely regretted that decision."Why don't you compensate me now?" Sage asked tentatively.Surprisingly, Ian scoffed in response. "You're divorcing me. Why should I cover your expenses?"That was a predictable response from a businessman. He wouldn't take any losses.Sage decided not to dwell on the matter. "Fine. One million it is."Ian then laid out his conditions. He said, "You'll have t
"Good evening, Grandma and everyone," Ian greeted gracefully."Ian, you're truly dutiful. You always come to accompany your grandmother, unlike those ungrateful brats in our family who always say they're busy as an excuse not to show up!""No kidding! Can anyone be busier than Ian? He runs such a huge corporation and still manages to make time. I think our grandchildren simply find us bothersome!""Alas, Ian never disappoints. He is both capable and respectful. Mrs. Holcomb Senior is blessed!"As he listened to the aunts' praises, Ian wore a subtle smile. Glancing at Sage, he calmly said, "You all are too kind. I don't have much time to be with Grandma regularly. It's my Sage who spends more time with her."Hearing "my Sage" coming from Ian's mouth made Sage think she was hearing things. Even during social niceties, he had never addressed her like that before!Sage stared at Ian while trying to read his face. However, his expression remained impassive, like nothing happened.Mea
Sage picked out the meaning behind Linda's words, yet she refused to deceive herself. "Linda, you don't have to comfort me. I'm well aware of Ian's attitude."Leaving aside the fact that Ian still despised her, she couldn't allow herself to harbor illusions about him any longer, even if there were a genuine change in his feelings.She did not want to interfere with the tacit understanding and emotions between him and Ivy again in this lifetime.When she saw Sage's determined expression, Linda refrained from further persuasion. Clearly, Sage had experienced enough heartache and disappointment to make such a resolute decision.Linda only hoped that Ian would quickly realize the truth and mend Sage's heart.…In the leisure area of the private room, a group of women discussed their children."My son's birthday is approaching, and he mentioned that Gentlemen's Style's high-end clothes are good. The store sent me a link with several styles; could you all take a look for me?"One of
To avoid dampening Linda's spirits, Sage did as instructed.Before reaching the spot, she was captivated by a blooming orchid by the side. She bent down and sniffed it. The wonderful fragrance caused her features to relax instantly, and a gentle smile graced her lips.Sunlight shone on Sage's delicate face as she leaned toward the pristine orchid. Ian couldn't decide whether the flower or the woman was more beautiful. Almost instinctively, he captured the scene with his phone.After an afternoon of leisure activities, the dinner banquet finally commenced. The family of 20 gathered around a table, which created a harmonious atmosphere.Linda and Aiden Holcomb, Ian's great uncle, were not as energetic compared to the middle-aged and young people present. Thus, they ended up leaving early.Ian found himself surrounded by his uncles, while Sage assisted Linda and saw her off.As she watched the car disappear into the distance, Sage decided against returning to feign affection with Ia
Besides, Ian had removed his suit jacket, and a few buttons on his shirt were undone. With his sleeves rolled up, his fair skin and well-defined arm muscles were exposed.Sage promptly stopped herself from staring. She couldn't afford to be infatuated with his attractiveness again.Shooting him a cold look, she grumbled, "What are you standing here for? You gave me a fright!"Ian wasn't angry. Instead, his tone was gentle as he replied, "Weren't you seeing Grandma off? Why did you come here? I've looked everywhere for you..."Based on his words and expression, Sage confirmed that Ian had had a bit too much to drink.His usual image was one of swift decisiveness, even in situations like this where he seemed a bit slow in reacting. Moreover, he wouldn't normally say something as silly as having looked for her everywhere.There was once in her previous life that Ian had gotten drunk as well. However, he had only slept it off upon getting home instead of making such a fuss.At the t
When Sage realized that Ian had reverted to his usual demeanor and tone, she became even more certain that he had only pretended to be drunk to fool her. Infuriated, she briskly walked ahead and left Ian behind.A faint perfume lingered as Sage's silhouette faded into the distance.Ian sent a text to Calvin. "I'm rejecting the letter of intent to collaborate with Luther Enterprise's gulf project." Then, without waiting for Calvin's response, he switched off his phone.…Concerned that Ian might be too drunk, Terry tagged along with the driver to the restaurant to pick them up. He let the driver wait before approaching the private room.Inside, Ian sat on a bench while supporting his forehead with one hand. His eyebrows were slightly furrowed, and he looked uncomfortable.Terry was about to call out to him when Sage, holding a towel in one hand, discreetly walked over to Ian from the dining table. Her other hand was hidden beneath the towel.Terry wisely kept silent. He watched
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