While the IV drip was running, the doctor and nurse stepped out to prepare the medication. Ian was still busy answering calls outside. Sage took a look around the master bedroom and realized that not much had changed since she left, aside from the additional bedding. The pillows, thin blankets, and fuzzy slippers she hadn't taken with her were still in their original places."You must be hungry, Mrs. Holcomb. I've prepared some oatmeal and chicken soup for you. Why don't you have some?" Just then, Wanda walked in with a tray of food. Even though she sounded a bit cautious, Sage could tell Wanda was genuinely happy to have her back. Sage was frustrated, but she didn't want to take it out on Wanda. Hence, she forced a smile and said, "Thank you, Wanda. I don't have much of an appetite right now. Please just leave it there.""Even if you have no appetite, you should eat something, Mrs. Holcomb," Wanda urged with concern. "Look at you… you were already slim to begin with. But now,
Sage couldn't hold it in any longer. She threw her phone at Ian and yelled, "Mind your own business, and give me back my phone!"The phone hit Ian and landed on the ground. He glanced at the phone, picked it up, and held it in his hand. He then looked at Sage with a grim expression. "Let me guess. You want to contact Shane? I suggest you give up on that idea.""Since you don't need a new phone, just stay here and focus on getting better." He continued coldly, "Forget about going out, or else you'll just end up worse off!" With that, he stormed off. "Ian Holcomb, why don't you go see a doctor if you've lost your mind? Don't take it out on me!" Sage cursed. However, all she got in response was the sound of the door slamming shut. Sage was furious and frustrated. Ian had brought her here straight from the hospital just to prevent her from seeing Shane. After calming down, she laid down on the bed. She had to keep her cool and wait for Matilda's message.…Sage spent the next t
The bodyguard hesitated. "I'll go out then!" Sage said, heading toward the door.Wanda didn't dare to stop her. She could only follow after her anxiously. "Slow down, Mrs. Holcomb! There's no need to rush!"Sage rushed to the front door of the villa. Sure enough, Tiana was waiting for her outside. "Sage!" Tiana tried to walk into the villa as soon as she noticed Sage, but Ralph stopped her. Sage's expression hardened. "If you don't let her in, I'm coming out. It's your call."Ralph hesitated for a moment when he noticed her adamant demeanor. Eventually, he got out of Tiana's way. Tiana walked into the villa, took Sage's hand, and gave her a quick once-over. "Are you okay? Why couldn't I get through to you?"Sage had Wanda go into the house while she and Tiana sat on the chairs in the garden. "That lunatic took my phone and wouldn't let me leave," Sage said coldly."No wonder I couldn't reach him the past few days when I tried to call and ask about your condition. His assis
Sage's expression darkened. How could Uncle Ron get into trouble now of all times? "Do you have the video? Show me!" she urged. Tiana pulled out her phone and played one of the videos. In the video, Owen was being taken away by several uniformed staff members. In the background, Susan was crying hysterically, and Zachary looked gravely concerned. "The reporters said there were serious tax issues, and the authorities have a lot of evidence," Tiana elaborated.Even though Maven Corporation was gradually declining, there were no reports of tax issues. Or else, Ivy wouldn't have passed up such a great opportunity. Sage was sure that this was the result of someone's deliberate action. "What are you going to do now, Sage?" Tiana was concerned. "If this drags on, your family's reputation will be severely damaged."Sage was well aware of that. Her family business was already unstable. If someone took advantage of the situation to kick them while they were down, Maven Corporation would
Wanda hurriedly explained, "I'm not trying to be nosy, Mrs. Holcomb. I'm just worried that Mr. Holcomb will ask me about it."Sage settled into the lounge chair. "It's okay. Just tell him I'm causing a scene and ask him to come home as soon as possible.""But…" Wanda hesitated as she looked at Sage, who was visibly relaxed. "But Mrs. Holcomb isn't causing a scene… Wouldn't this mean I'm lying? Would Mr. Holcomb blame me?" she thought. Sage saw right through her. "If he doesn't believe you, I can start kicking a fuss right now." Wanda was at a loss for words.Sage had already started to doze off after Wanda called Ian. "Mrs. Holcomb, it's a nice day out, but you shouldn't sleep out here. You might catch a cold," she said worriedly.Sage shifted slightly. "Could you please bring me a blanket then?""Of course, I'll be right back." When she returned to the rooftop with a blanket, she found Sage standing beside the glass railing at the edge of the balcony. Puzzled, she asked, "I
Sage remained stoic as she said calmly, "The baby was yours. Stop targeting him because of me."Ian was caught off guard at first. Then, his expression hardened. "Sage Joyner, I can't believe you'd make up such a lie just to help him! Every time I asked you if the child was mine, you denied it! Yet, now you're telling me that the baby is mine? What do you take me for?"Sage felt unfazed as she looked at the raging anger and coldness in his dark eyes. She had seen this coming. Tiana always thought that if she told Ian the truth, he would believe her and stop everything. How ridiculous."Let's get a divorce, Ian. We've dragged this on for long enough." Sage perched one leg on the railing and said calmly, "Or else, I'll jump.""Seriously, Sage? How dare you threaten me with suicide again!" Ian's expression turned grim, and he was shrouded by a murderous air. "If you jump, I'll drag Shane down with you!"Sage smiled when she heard that. Then, she leaped downward without hesitation.
Sage found herself lying in her bedroom when she woke up. Her grandfather and Dexter were watching over her. Donald sat in a chair next to her bed. He looked tired, and his expression was solemn and filled with dread. Dexter handed him a glass of water and a few pills. "Don't worry too much, sir. The doctor said Sage was fine. She just fainted because she was too emotional. She'll wake up in a bit. "Please take better care of yourself. What if you had fallen when you rushed over to Sage earlier?""Oh, please. As if I'd fall that easily. I know my limits." Donald took the pills and swallowed them.Tears welled up in Sage's eyes as she thought about her grandfather's unsteady footsteps and heart-wrenching cry when she landed on the flowerbeds."You're awake, Sage!" Dexter exclaimed when he noticed her eyes open.Donald looked over as soon as he heard that. His eyes, which were filled with worry, instantly lit up with joy. "How're you feeling, Sage? Does it hurt anywhere?""Gra
"Grandpa, I'd like to have a word with Sage first," Ian said.Sage frowned. "We've already said all there is to say. Ian, you promised me that we'd get a divorce right after Grandma's birthday. It's been dragged out long enough. Please, let's just get it done.""Unless we clear a few things up, I won't agree to the divorce, Sage.""Ian Holcomb!" Her brows knitted in frustration."You scoundrel!" Linda swung her walking stick at Ian. "Mind your words! Can't you see what you've done to her?"Ian pursed his lips and remained silent."Why don't you hear him out for a bit, Sage?" Linda continued, "Don't worry. Matilda and I came here because of your divorce. We'll support whatever decision you make.""Sage, if you don't want to talk to him, you don't have to." Donald added, "I can't bear to see you hurt again."A warm feeling spread through her heart. It felt good to have people stand up for her. "I'll talk to Ian for a bit, Grandpa," she said.Since Linda spoke up, she didn't want
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