Henry tossed the pile of papers aside in frustration. "Look, Sage is Layla's cousin. I'm just trying to get closer to Layla. What's wrong with having some connection to Sage?"Ivy scoffed, "You're supposedly pursuing Layla, but you're going to the same boxing gym as Sage and constantly messaging her privately? It seems like you believe Sage is a better option than Layla and want to pursue her too!""Okay, so what if I do?" Henry shrugged, not bothered by Ivy's accusations. "You clearly don't like Sage anyway. If I can take care of her as well, isn't that solving a problem for you?"Ivy had told Henry to do whatever it took to win over Layla, earn her trust, and become part of the Joyner family. But she never brought up Sage.Little did Ivy know, but while Henry was focusing on Layla, he had his eyes on Sage too. There was even plenty of secret communication between them."As if Sage would go for you," Ivy sneered. She couldn't imagine Sage being interested in Henry, especially con
"Henry, never forget that I granted you and Aunt Sandra the life you have now." Ivy's voice carried a cold, cutting edge. "If it weren't for me, your reckless fight that left crippled someone would have landed you in prison." Sandra, sensing the rising tension, hurriedly intervened. "Ivy, calm down. Henry remembers it. We'll do everything we can to assist you." Sandra gave Henry a gentle nudge, signaling him to speak up. "It's useless to blame me now. With the terrible situation now, how can we salvage the company?" Henry responded. Despite the boiling rage within her, Ivy shot a piercing glare at Henry. "Aunt Sandra, please leave us," Ivy commanded. With a sigh, Sandra exited, leaving Ivy and Henry to face each other. "Don't act oblivious. Not even divine intervention can save the company now. Do you how much money I've invested in this project?" Ivy's voice was sharp with accusation. "All these losses were because of your negligence. You must bear the consequences!"
"Sage, you can't keep living in hotels. Find a place near the company, and I'll cover the expenses," Donald suggested. Sage politely declined. "Grandpa, it's not necessary. I can afford to buy my own place." Donald chuckled. "Look at you, all grown up and independent. Wasn't it you who once said you'd never buy a house because you'd always be with Ian?" During her college years, Donald offered to get Sage an apartment in the city for her convenience once she started working.However, she firmly turned him down as she was confident that she would marry and live with Ian. She thought buying a house was unnecessary. Back then, her heart was filled only with Ian, and she believed that they would never part. Reflecting on it now, she realized how naive that was. She could still have her own space even after marriage. "Grandpa, stop making fun of me!" Sage pouted. "Let's not bring up the past." "Alright, alright, no more teasing!" The next morning, Sage entered Farsight Inves
Shane's demeanor soured at the mention of his name. "The doctor rattled off a list of his health issues. But after consulting a specialist, they seem to be merely minor issues." Craving a breath of fresh air, Shane retracted the car's roof. The atmosphere lifted instantly, transforming the sports car into an open-top convertible. "I wonder who told Dad about my ongoing feud with Ian, prompting him to summon me back." Despite his refusal to tell her earlier, Sage's curiosity was piqued. "Why do you have such a strong dislike for Ian?" Shane's voice turned icy. "He owes me, and I plan to settle the score." "What could he possibly owe you?" Sage probed. Knowing it couldn't be financial, given the affluence of both the Morrisons and Holcombs, Sage pressed on. Shane drove on in silence, clearly reluctant to elaborate. Growing impatient, Sage cleaned her hands with a tissue. "Shane, if you've got something to say, just spill it. What's the point in being cryptic?" As luck wou
Sage sighed deeply. "I'm afraid too. Terrified, actually." "Coward—" Shane was cut off as Calvin's car zipped past them. As the vehicle sped by, Sage's eyes instinctively met Calvin's cautious smile, while Ian's expression remained cold and inscrutable. "If you're hesitant to let them go, I could speed up and tail them," Shane teased. Sage shot Shane a disdainful look. "Childish." Driving a good distance ahead, Calvin checked the rearview mirror to ensure Shane and Sage weren't following them. He breathed a sigh of relief, genuinely concerned earlier that Ian might attempt to seize the wheel to crash into Shane's car. While Shane might survive a collision, what if Sage got hurt? Who would bear that responsibility? Noting Ian's quiet demeanor, Calvin jestingly remarked, "Ian, isn't Sage part of Farsight Investment now? She and Shane must have some business, which explains their outing." "Do you discuss business in a sports convertible without a chauffeur or secretary?"
The woman was strikingly beautiful, and her voice was soft and gentle. A glint of concern in her dazzling eyes stirred a protective instinct in anyone who looked her way. Sage flashed her a reassuring smile. "No worries." "What's going on?" Shane ended his call and approached the ladies.Observing the woman's concern for the kitten, Sage chose to keep the minor incident to herself. "It's nothing. Let's go." With a nonchalant shrug, Shane followed her into the teahouse. The teahouse exuded an ageless charm and radiated an air of grace and antiquity. On the ground floor, a harpist played amidst soft fountains and a delicate mist, lending an almost otherworldly atmosphere to the main hall. A waiter led them upstairs to a private room. The second floor was a sanctuary, with antique furnishings and the comforting aroma of tea, which provided an immediate calmness to the soul. Perhaps it was an illusion, but Sage detected another faint fragrance—a subtle, sweet scent. It was per
Marcus remained composed as he spoke. He revealed that Robin had cared deeply for Giselle. She treated Giselle like her own daughter for years. Witnessing Giselle's anguish over her child drove Robin to act rashly. As for the photo of Giselle meeting the nurse, Giselle had accidentally stumbled upon the scene and she was unaware of its context. "Giselle was completely unaware of the whole situation," Marcus explained. "She may be indulgent, but she would never resort to such reckless behavior." Listening intently, Sage's brows knitted together in mild skepticism. Ivy was straightforward. She admitted to causing the miscarriage herself. If Robin hadn't been bribed, Sage wondered, how could she have possibly collaborated with Ivy? "But this is based solely on Robin's account," Marcus pointed out. Sensing Sage's doubts, Marcus continued, "Given the rumors online about your alleged involvement in Ms. Shekdotter's accident, I had Robin's background thoroughly checked. I found
Marcus seemed remarkably well-informed if he was aware of Sage's recent divorce from Ian within just a few days. Sage responded with candor. "I haven't given it much thought. I've just ended a marriage and have no plans to dive into another relationship." "That's okay. I'll wait for you," Shane promptly declared, punctuating his words with a flamboyant romantic gesture. Sage shot him a wry glance before turning to Marcus. "Mr. Rosethorn, it's getting late. We should head back.""Marcus, let's catch up when you're free," Shane added. Marcus offered them a warm smile. "Sure." After bidding Marcus farewell, Sage and Shane made their way to the car. As they exited the parking lot, Sage glanced into the rearview mirror. A subtle change in Marcus's expression caught her eye. It was a hint of detachment she hadn't noticed before. Turning back to Marcus, he appeared as composed as ever. "Why are you staring at him?" Shane asked. "Marcus isn't guided by emotions. He's a typic