Ivy didn't hesitate to jump in and save him when he drowned back then. Even though he was ultimately rescued by someone else, her lungs were damaged as a result of the incident. Ronald couldn't help but worry about Ivy ever since. Ivy might've changed after all these years, but Ian couldn't bring himself to press her about it right now. Hence, he said, "Since you're not in good health, I'll let Uncle Ron stay close and take care of you. I'll cancel some of the collaborations between his company and Holcomb Corporation's subsidiaries." Her expression changed dramatically upon hearing her words. "Ian, are you going to cut off business dealings with my dad's company just because he went to see Sage?"He responded calmly, "Sage is my wife. No one should mess with her. Besides, Uncle Ron is getting up there in age. He doesn't need to work as hard anymore. He should take a break." With that, Ian left the ward.As soon as she confirmed that Ian was out of earshot, Ivy swept everything o
Sage tossed the folder Ian had left to Marcus and said, "Both of you should look at what's inside."Marcus opened the folder, and Giselle leaned over to take a look. When she spotted a picture of herself with a stranger and transaction records made by her housekeeper, Robin, to some stranger, she was confused. "What's with this picture? And why do you have Robin's transaction records?"Sage sneered, "You bribed the nurse in the photo to give me mifepristone and caused me to have a miscarriage. This is the evidence that your housekeeper transferred money to her."Giselle was dumbfounded when she heard that. "I don't even know any nurses! How could I have bribed her to drug you? These evidences must be fake!"Sage wasn't the least bit surprised by her reaction. She turned to Marcus and asked, "What's your take on this, Mr. Rosethorn?"Marcus sealed the folder and responded, "I'll have someone look into this, but I trust that Elle wouldn't do such a thing.""Why wouldn't she?" S
Sage responded, "Maybe I am wrong. I just find it strange that Giselle's housekeeper could be bought off so easily. "Even if Ivy was good at covering her tracks, there's no way Ian couldn't find anything. So, I've been thinking about it, and I think Marcus seems to be the most likely suspect."The way he looked at me at the club that night was creepy as fuck. He looked like he knew me before, and it was too much of a coincidence for him to show up on the same day I got in trouble."Then, there's Ron. Shane said he might've already fled the country. Who else can make someone disappear under Shane and Ian's noses?"Tiana popped another grape into her mouth. "But why would he target you? He doesn't have anything against you. Is he teaching you a lesson on his sister's behalf because you're close to Shane?"Sage forced herself to finish the rest of the apple and laid back down on the hospital bed. "If he were doing it just for Giselle, he could've found plenty of ways to warn me with
Tiana's concerns weren't unfounded. Ian had been very stubborn about not getting a divorce ever since he said he wouldn't let her have her way. Even though she was pregnant with "Shane Morrison's child" and tried to get a rise out of him with her words, Ian hadn't budged. Instead, he forced her to get an abortion and move back to Solaris Estate. Sage bet Ian was less likely to agree to a divorce now that her baby was gone."Sage, have you ever thought about just not getting a divorce?" Tiana continued, "Ivy just wants to break you guys up and take your place. I bet she'll be furious if you don't play into her hands."That was indeed a way to spite Ivy, but Sage felt like she'd be the one getting the short end of the stick. "Thanks for the tip, but I can't just hog the outhouse forever to keep someone else out." Tiana fell silent for a moment after she heard Sage's reply. Then, she quipped, "But you've put in a lot of effort for that outhouse before."Sage responded, "That is e
Tiana returned to the ward with two juicy pieces of gossip for Sage. "Ivy was transferred to another hospital last night. Also, Ian has cut off all business dealings with the Shekdotter family."Sage was surprised when she heard that. In her previous life, Ronald's company had flourished thanks to Ian. Many tried to curry favor with Ronald because they heard that Ivy and Ian were close. He lived a luxurious and comfortable life as a result. Sage was surprised that Ian had actually severed ties with him. "I heard that Ivy had a huge tantrum yesterday and threw a lot of things in her ward. Ronald looked dejected when he left," Tiana continued. The nurses had their own sources of gossip, and most of it was true and reliable. It seemed like Ian had taken action against the Shekdotters."I think the Shekdotters had it coming," Tiana grumbled. "Ivy's father almost clocked you yesterday, but you wouldn't let me stop him. If Ian hadn't shown up, you would've been beaten up to a pulp!"S
Ian was very loud. It was clearly meant for her ears. It was only natural that Sage heard every word he had said. "Just as I had feared. Ian figured out that it was your doing right away, and he's not backing down." Tiana continued, "If he intervenes, the heat will probably die down real soon."Sage laid silently on the hospital bed with a poker face. "Matilda hadn't gotten back to me. She was probably on her way back to Haldon," she thought."Why the long face? Are you worried about the divorce, or are you upset because Ian believes that Ivy didn't drug you?" Tiana asked knowingly.Sage remained silent. Even though she had been mentally prepared, she still felt empty inside when she heard Ian say that Ivy had nothing to do with the nurse. "Ivy always has a way of winning Ian's trust," she brooded.Sage believed that Ian's decision to cut off business dealings with the Shekdotters was just a temporary measure. It was nothing more than a slap on the wrist. He would eventually supp
Ian scoffed. "Why would I take someone like you on?""Ian Holcomb!""What on earth is going on here?" Tiana exclaimed in a stern tone, prompting Ian and Shane to look in her direction. "What's the meaning of this, Mr. Holcomb? Why are you stopping Mr. Morrison?"Ian's expression darkened. "Please don't interfere in our affairs, Ms. Ford.""What about me? Can I interfere?" Sage asked coldly. Tiana quickly raised her phone and allowed Ian to speak directly to Sage. "Tell your men to let Shane go. I want to see him," Sage continued.Ian's expression became grim. "Sage, I've told you not to test my limits! Just because I've let what you've done slide because of your weakened state doesn't mean I'll put up with you for the rest of my life.""As if I needed him to put up with me," Sage scoffed inwardly. "Do I need your permission to see someone now?" she sneered. Ian responded coldly, "You can see anyone you want, just not Shane.""Seriously, Ian? What century are you living in?
Tiana hurriedly dialed Sage's number. "Ian went upstairs to your ward again. I couldn't stop him!"Tiana had a bad feeling about this. "He's very upset, Sage. Please don't attempt to confront him, okay? I'll be right there!" After hanging up the phone, she sprinted up the stairs instead of waiting for the elevator. Meanwhile, before Sage could even put her phone away, she noticed Ian standing at the door with a grim face. "What do you want?" she asked warily before she pressed the call button beside the bed.Ian, on the other hand, walked up to her. There was a cold glint in his dark eyes, and he was shrouded in ice-cold air. It was clear that he was very close to losing it. Apart from the last time Ian was drunk, she had never seen such madness in his gaze. Sage had a bad feeling feeling about this. Soon, a nurse rushed in, probably because she was in a VIP room or because the nurses had caught wind of the gossip and were eager to see what was going on. Sage saw the nurse
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