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
Sage showed Shane the message Ian had sent her without hesitation. "Why would Ian bring this up? Does he know Marcus as well?" Shane replied slightly dismissively, "Isn't it normal for two influential business figures to know each other?" "Don't worry," Sage reassured him. "You'll be just as influential someday." "Who cares?" Shane scoffed. "The nurse who drugged you was introduced by Ian. You meeting her today and Ian learning about your meeting with Marcus isn't that surprising. "Earlier today, Ian seemed quite upset. He didn't even get out of the car to confront anyone. Could he be adopting a more restrained approach?" Rolling her eyes, Sage pocketed her phone. She didn't want to get further entangled with Ian, regardless of his motives. Later that evening, after dinner with Shane, Sage returned to her hotel. As she prepared to exit the car, Shane handed her a set of keys. "It's a place in Sandar Garden. Everything's ready inside. Feel free to move in over the next f
Soon, Ian approached the elevator with his effortless stride, his long legs carrying him swiftly. When his eyes met Sage's, his expression was inscrutable. "Tiana, I'm in the elevator now. The signal's quite weak. I'll catch up with you later," Sage said, ending her call. After pocketing her phone, she turned to the woman by the elevator. "Excuse me, I'm headed out." Though the woman seemed puzzled, she obligingly stepped back into the elevator to make way for Sage. But just as Sage was about to leave, Ian blocked the doorway, halting her exit. "Could you move, please?" Sage frowned, slightly irritated. Ian's tone was cool and detached. "I'm not stopping you. Go ahead." Despite his words, his imposing stature and stance effectively blocked her from leaving. With a steely gaze, Sage shot back, "How do you expect me to go when you're blocking the way?"Ian's expression remained impassive. "You do you, and I'll do me. Whether you can leave isn't my concern." Growing frustra
With a soft clatter, Sage's bag tumbled to the ground, scattering its contents. "I'm so sorry!" the person exclaimed, quickly assisting her in gathering her belongings. Startled, Sage stepped back, finding herself enveloped in a broad embrace. The subtle scent of cedar filled her nostrils, accompanied by the comforting warmth of the embrace. "Are you okay?" Ian's voice rang out from above. Even with a flirtatious companion by his side, Ian feigned concern. Sage found his act distasteful. Pushing away from Ian as if she were being repelled, Sage brushed off her arms and bent to retrieve her belongings. "I'm fine, thank you." "Sandar Garden," Ian remarked abruptly, picking up a set of keys. His demeanor cooled as he questioned, "Is this Shane's place?" Unaware that Shane lived in Sandar Garden, Sage saw no need to explain. "That's not your concern." Swiftly reclaiming the keys, Sage exited the elevator without a backward glance.Watching her retreating form, Ian's gaze darke