"But she's the one who killed my baby!" Sage couldn't help but feel like she wanted to drag Ivy down to hell with her when she recalled how she had called her baby a 'ticking time bomb'."Okay, okay. I get it. Calm down," Tiana comforted her when she noticed Sage shaking like a leaf.The former asked the latter to sit on the bed after the latter had calmed down a little. Then, she poured her a glass of warm water and said, "Here, have some water to calm your nerves."Sage shook her head as she didn't want to drink anything. Tiana brought the cup of water to her lips and coaxed her. "Come on… just a little sip. It'll make your stomach feel better."Sage had no choice but to open her mouth and take a few sips. The warm water eased its way into her stomach. Then, she felt her body warm up a little.Tiana set the cup down and helped her lie down. "Don't think about anything right now. Focus on getting better and keeping your emotions in check."Ivy did all this to break you down, not
Sage and Matilda had only seen each other on video call a few times, but they had never talked to each other besides simple hellos. Matilda and Leo had been married for many years, but she heard that they were essentially separated, even though they hadn't legally divorced. Matilda and Leo weren't living together anymore, and she didn't return to Haldon for Linda's birthday. This meant that she had long given up on her marriage. Hence, Sage thought Matilda would be able to understand her and help her with the divorce. The call went through, and Matilda answered the phone. Sage greeted her politely, "Mom, it's me, Sage."Matilda sounded surprised. "Oh, hello. Is everything alright? Why'd you call me?""I'm sorry for bothering you, but I need your help with something." Sage said weakly, "I want to divorce Ian."Matilda was taken aback. "Did something happen? You sound a little off."Her voice was gentle and steady. She sounded like a cultured and intelligent woman. Sage's voice s
"I'm not leaving. Do you think I haven't noticed? You might look like you're fine right now, but you didn't sleep at all last night, did you?"You're going to go after Ivy after you send me home, aren't you?" Tiana said knowingly when she noticed her crestfallen expression. Sage didn't utter a word. She hadn't slept a wink last night. Whenever she closed her eyes, Ivy's taunts and cruel words would echo in her ears. She would also be reminded of her baby, who had been reduced to a pool of blood. Sage couldn't suppress her boiling hatred."Sage, you know very well that your baby won't come back even if you take Ivy out now. She might just be biding her time, waiting for you to seek vengeance, so she can use it to her advantage."Tiana continued, "Think about it. Ivy has always been hiding in the shadows, and she plays innocent no matter what you do. But she's willing to come out and provoke you now. Why do you think that is?"Tiana only found out about what went down yesterday w
The reporters inched closer to Sage when they heard that. "Back off!" Tiana stood in front of Sage and pointed at Ronald. "What on earth are you on about? Your daughter caused Sage to lose her baby!"Tiana then pointed at the reporters. "And you guys! Get the hell out of here right now! Or I'll call the cops!""Go ahead, then!" Ronald wasn't afraid. He even cried out loud, "There were so many witnesses who saw Sage push my daughter into the lake yesterday. I'd like the police to look into this, too! "Let's see what they'll have to say when they see all the injuries on my daughter's body! I'm pretty sure it will be enough for them to charge Sage Joyner with attempted murder!"The reporters' eyes lit up when the words "attempted murder" were mentioned. This wasn't just an ordinary dispute anymore. With a little push, they could turn it into a huge spectacle.Tiana caught on as well. After all, Ivy wasn't in the wrong on the surface, and even if they found the nurse who had given
Ronald frowned when he heard that. "Just answer the question. Why are you attempting to do by asking me questions? Do you think you divert the attention away from you?"Sage remained composed as she said, "Because this question is important. It determines how I should respond to you. "Since you're here to seek justice for your daughter, Mr. Shekdotter, I'm sure you wouldn't mind answering a simple question of mine, right?"Even though Ronald was aware that he shouldn't follow Sage's lead, he felt confident because there were a lot of people around them. It was just a question. What could she possibly do?"Of course, I wouldn't mind. Unlike you, I don't drag my feet when I answer a question. What would you like to know?"Sage remained unfazed as she listened to Ronald's confident tone. She looked at him and said, "Mr. Shekdotter, you claim that your daughter is kind-hearted. She saved me, but I tried to kill her.""That's right! There are witnesses and evidence. You can't get out
"Of course not." Sage smiled when she heard that. "Not only are they close, but they are also business partners. "Ian acquired Bolton Investment, a subsidiary of Holcomb Corporation, specifically for your daughter, Ms. Shekdotter. He also values her a lot. "With such a good relationship, how could it be possible for them to never see each other again because of me?"Ronald saw nothing wrong with that. "My daughter is very capable. Many have asked her to work for them. It's only natural that Ian would want to keep her!""Mr. Shekdotter, considering how great Ian is and how well he treats Ms. Shekdotter, I'm sure the both of them must've hit it off already. "Even if she knows about my existence, it would be hard for Ms. Shekdotter not to be touched or moved by Ian, right?"Before Ronald could respond, Sage added lowly, "Under these circumstances, isn't it possible that I'm seen as a thorn in her side, and someone she wants to get rid of as soon as possible?""I believe it's ver
Ronald was furious when he caught on. "Sage Joyner, you almost killed my daughter, and now you're slandering her and ruining her reputation? I'll take you on, right here, right now!" He then charged at Sage."How dare you!" Tiana wanted to stop him, but she felt Sage tug on her skirt. Tiana instantly understood what she was up to. She allowed Ronald to shove her and stumble sideways. Then, she clutched her waist and groaned in pain.Sage recoiled in fear and dodged him. Ronald was already simmering with anger, and when he noticed that Sage dared to dodge his attack, his anger boiled over. He grabbed her by the shoulder and intended to drag her over.While she cried out, a stern voice rang out from the door of the ward. "Hold it right there!"The people in the ward came to their senses and looked toward the door. The man who spoke was tall and well-built, clad in a tailored black suit. His features were sharp and cold, and he had an intimidating and commanding presence. "What br
Ian glanced at Ronald and asked, "What's got you so concerned, Uncle Ron?""I'm just curious. I'm not concerned!" Ronald puffed out his chest. "I have nothing to hide, Ian. Yes, I hired them, but I did it for Ivy's sake!"Ignoring him, Ian turned to the others and said apathetically, "I want you all to keep this to yourselves. I don't want to see any false reports."Even though his voice was quiet, his words carried a heavy weight. None of the people present dared to challenge him. All of them left the ward feeling disappointed. To their surprise, Ian's assistant and bodyguards were blocking their way outside, and they were told to delete all the footage they had taken that day. The reporters had no choice but to comply.It was only natural that Ronald, who was inside the ward, witnessed this scene as well. He was indignant. He had wanted to cause a scene and teach Sage a lesson, but it seemed like it wouldn't work now.Tiana had already risen to her feet. She ignored Ian and wa
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