Wilson fell silent for a moment after he heard that. "I don't have to work overtime today. Why don't you come home, and we can talk about this rationally, Tiana?"Wilson was rarely this patient. He was always busy and kept conversations short and to the point. For him to suggest a heart-to-heart like this showed he was being sincere. Tiana didn't respond right away. Sage and Tiana had been friends for ages, so she could tell Tiana was hesitating at a glance. Without a moment's hesitation, she snatched Tiana's phone and said, "Tiana has nothing to say to you, so she's not going back!" With that, she hung up on Wilson."You can't let yourself be swayed, Tiana," she said sternly. "Think about all those hurtful things your mother-in-law said. Think about how Wilson ignores you. "Do you really want to go back and be at their beck and call?"Tiana shook her head. "No, I don't.""Exactly!" Sage continued, "Even if you still love Wilson and don't want to divorce him, both he and his
As soon as Giselle spotted Sage, she followed Sage into her office and asked, "Why didn't you come to work yesterday?""I had some things to take care of." Then Sage asked, "What's up?"Giselle pursed her lips and said awkwardly, "You said you'd teach me how to analyze the data."Realization dawned on Sage. "So that's what this is about." Giselle was the complete opposite of Marcus. She was the epitome of innocence and naivety. Marcus was mysterious, and no one could ever figure out what was on his mind. Giselle, on the other hand, clearly wanted to seek help from her but insisted on putting on a strong front."I thought you said there were plenty of people in the company who were more experienced than me. Why didn't you ask them for advice?" Sage asked deliberately.Giselle snorted. "I don't want to bother the others. I want to bother you! Because you're the one who stole my Shanie!""Do you really think I stole him from you?" Sage asked.Of course, Giselle was well aware t
Delilah's sudden request to meet caught Sage off guard. After all, the last time they crossed paths at the police station, Delilah said she despised her. "Go back to the company on your own, Giselle. I have something to take care of," she said to Giselle.Giselle replied, "Is it urgent? Do you want me to accompany you?"Sage shook her head. "It's alright. It's just something personal.""Oh, by the way, since you consider me your friend now, could I ask you something?" she asked.Giselle nodded. "Go ahead.""How'd you find out that I was pregnant that quickly?" Sage was puzzled. She had found out she was pregnant at the hospital and returned to the hotel within just an hour or two. She couldn't fathom how Giselle got wind of it. Giselle was a little embarrassed when Sage brought up the subject. "I received a message from someone saying you went to the obstetrics and gynecology department at the hospital. "I was skeptical at first but sent someone to look into it. From that,
Sage scoffed. "Delilah, don't you find it ridiculous to even ask for that? After all you've done to me, do you honestly think I'd let you off the hook?"After hearing that, Delilah thought of something and quivered. Then, she pleaded, "I know I messed up, Sage! Could you please forgive me? I promise I'll never come after you again. I'll do whatever you say, just please give me another chance!""I don't need a lackey, nor do I need someone who just blindly follows my orders. If that's all you have to say, I'm not going to waste any more time here." With that, Sage rose to her feet, preparing to leave."Sage!" Delilah called out in a panic. "I didn't want to go after you or your family either. I was forced to—""How'd Ivy force you? Did she hold a knife to your throat?" Sage inquired coldly.Delilah shook her head. "Please help me, Sage. I'm begging you. I promise I'll never do this again…""I will not help you, Delilah," Sage said. "Since you've decided to align yourself with Ivy,
"Please help me, Sage. I know I messed up big time, and I swear I won't ever do it again!" Delilah shuddered, fear evident in her eyes. "I shouldn't have betrayed you or had someone kidnap you. Please forgive me. I promise this will be the last time. I won't pull this kind of stunt again."Observing Delilah's reaction, Sage was genuinely perplexed. "What exactly are you afraid of? Who forced you to come clean to me?" It couldn't possibly have been Ivy, or Delilah wouldn't have revealed her relationship with Ivy. After hearing that, Delilah seemed like she couldn't keep it in any longer and started weeping. "Two days ago, Ian sent someone to tell me that I'd pay a heavy price if I didn't reveal the truth. It's only been two days, and my mom's already had an accident…""You mean… Ian made you do this?" Sage was shocked.Delilah shook her head. "His men didn't flat out tell me what to do, but I know Ian is doing this to me all because of you!"Sage noticed Ian's attitude toward
Delilah sobbed. "I had no choice, Sage. Now that I've told you everything, could you please talk to Ian for me?"Sage snorted. "Do you seriously think you can just talk your way out of this after you've made so many mistakes? If I hadn't been lucky that night, who knows what kind of torture you would've subjected me to!"My family was almost ruined because of your schemes! You'd better advise your father to turn himself in. That might be your only chance for leniency.""That's no different from forcing us into a corner!" Delilah bawled. "How the hell are we supposed to survive after we lose our family business?""People have to face the consequences of their actions. You should've been prepared for the repercussions when you chose this path," Sage responded."Shut the fuck up!" Delilah's eyes blazed with anger. "Stop running your mouth, Sage Joyner! "Without Ian Holcomb, you and your family would be nothing! Everyone knows that your family business has been thriving for the past
Ian stepped outside, answered the call, and asked apathetically, "Why'd you call me at this hour?"While his voice sounded normal, if one listened closely, one could detect a hint of joy. Nowadays, it was rare for him to receive a call from Sage. Hence, it was a pleasant surprise for Ian to receive her call."Did you send someone to find Delilah?" Sage asked on the other end of the line.Instead of answering her, he asked, "Did you go and visit her?""Yeah," she responded. "Her mother had an accident. Was that your doing?"Ian responded, "I'm a law-abiding businessman. I did send someone to talk to her, but I have nothing to do with anything else."Mulling it over, she thought that made sense. After all, he wouldn't stoop to taking action against Delilah's mother. Changing the subject, she asked, "When did you find out that Delilah and Ivy were working together against my family?""A few days ago." His voice dropped a few octaves as he continued, "You were right, Sage. Delilah
After saying that stoically, Ian walked toward the elevator.Terry sighed quietly. He had assumed that Ian's call with Sage would mark a turning point, but it seemed that wasn't the case. Alas, there was no hope of his bonus being restored this month.…Meanwhile, Ian arrived at Calvin's place. The latter had changed into sportswear and was fixing his hair in front of the mirror. He was quite surprised to see Ian. "What brings you here, Ian?"Ian plopped down on his couch and glanced at him. "Where are you off to?"Calvin combed his hair back to make himself look sporty and energetic. "Tiana told me that several hospitals in town will be hosting a volleyball tournament next week. "There aren't a lot of people in their hospital who can play, so they have to invite some from elsewhere. I happen to be free, so I thought I'd join in the fun!"Ian arched his brow when he heard that. "Tiana? When did you and Ms. Ford become so close?"Calvin chuckled. "Tiana said we're friends and
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