Tiana was standing in front of the camera. Behind her, her husband had his head lowered as he looked at the documents in his hands.It wasn't quite a group photo, but Tiana was smiling happily.Sage couldn't bring herself to disrupt Tiana's sweet holiday. After thinking about it, Sage sent a message to Priscilla."Mrs. Xenith, do you have time this afternoon? Would you like to go for a full-body spa day?"I'm not trying to rush you about the matter with Mimosa. I just heard that there's a newly opened beauty salon which is quite decent. I want to invite you to try it out with me."Sage felt that it would be too sudden to tell Priscilla straight away, but she would feel bad if she didn't say it. So, she wanted to see how Priscilla felt about Benjamin before deciding on her next step.After a while, Priscilla replied, "Sure."Sage sighed in relief. After settling on a time with Priscilla, she sent her the address of the beauty salon.Just then, Wanda served lunch."Let's eat tog
When Sage heard Calvin's words, she didn't get angry and embarrassed like she used to.Instead, she asked him earnestly, "You're close to Ian, right? Can you persuade him?"Calvin said arrogantly, "Of course, I'm close to Ian. But I will never persuade him to fall for you!""I mean, help me persuade him to sign the divorce agreement.""I will never—Huh?"Calvin thought that Sage would keep begging him, but what did she just say?"Divorce agreement? Are you saying that Ian wants to divorce you?""No, I want to divorce him." As Sage corrected Calvin, she stuffed the container into Calvin's hands.Then, as she took out the divorce agreement from her bag, she said, "No matter what tactics you use, as long as you can get him to sign this, I'll be very grateful to you.""You… I…" Calvin was so shocked that he could barely think.He wished that someone could tell him what was going on.Why was Sage the one who wanted to get a divorce now?Why would she carry the divorce agreement
To make sure that her uncle and aunt wouldn't be able to protest, Sage would have to become so powerful that she had the final say in things.So, she had to work on her career as soon as possible."When you said that I care about you, you were referring to this, right?"Sage pointed at the container. "I have indeed come here to deliver this to you, but that's because Grandma wants me to make sure that you finish the soup."Ian thought that it was the special concoction from before. He felt a headache coming on as he said, "Take it away. I don't have time to fool around with you."Sage said, "That won't do. You must drink it."When she opened the container, a strong herbal smell wafted out of it."These are body-strengthening herbs Grandma got from a famous doctor." Sage emphasized the word "body-strengthening." Then, she said, "I'll watch you finish it, and I'll also record a video for Grandma."When Ian heard Sage's tone, he thought of something. His expression and gaze darken
Priscilla chuckled. "You know about Ben being blackmailed, right?"Sage was startled. "So, you knew about it, Mrs. Xenith?""Just call me Priscilla." Priscilla had a mocking look on her face. "I don't think the title of Mrs. Xenith suits me anymore."Priscilla said that she had only learned of Benjamin's terrible deeds after receiving the news last night."What do you plan to do, then, Priscilla?"Sage knew that in their more than 20 years of marriage, they were joined by familial ties, children, and benefits. It wouldn't be easy for them to file for divorce.This was also why many women chose to silently endure it even after they found out that their husbands were cheating.It was especially so for people with a high status and reputation like Priscilla. She would be even more reluctant to show her bad sides to the public.Priscilla drank some tea. She didn't intend to hide her decisions. "I refuse to tolerate any infidelity. Ben has to pay the price for this incident."Even
Sage smiled and said, "The company has been at a standstill for the past few years. If it weren't for the fame of the Holcomb family, it'd probably be even worse off than it is right now."Ever since her uncle, Owen Joyner, took over the company, he grew overly ambitious. He had also switched out some veterans and replaced them with his confidants.So, Maven Corporation was doing worse every year.Fortunately, Donald still held some prestige, so many people would give him some credit. That was why the company didn't plummet.However, Donald wasn't in great health, and his energy levels were failing as well. Even though he often reprimanded Owen, the effects were miniscule.Last year, after Sage got married to Ian, Owen signed some partnerships by making use of the fact that their family was in-laws with the Holcomb family. It was only then that business started looking up."We can't depend on the Holcomb family forever. This isn't a long-term solution."Sage continued, "Even tho
Susan said boldly, "While you're at it, ask Ian if he can put in a good word for your uncle with Pacific Group. Owen wants to partner up with them!"It was just as she expected.Sage said straight away, "Aunt Susan, Ian won't listen to me. I won't talk to him about these kinds of things, either."Susan was upset. "Sage, you have shares in Maven Corporation too. Why are you so nonchalant about company matters? If the business deal is sealed, you'll reap benefits too!""How can you ask Sage to ask these things of Ian?" Donald spoke up. "In the eyes of outsiders, our family is already dependent on the Holcomb family, but now, you're troubling them even more."Sage is stuck in between, so think of how she'll feel!"Susan said, a little dejectedly, "Dad, you know how hard it is to run a business these days. Pacific refuses to meet with us, but they have business dealings with Holcomb Corporation."If Ian gets involved, we can seal the deal for sure!"Donald retorted, "They must have
After that, Sage fell into Ian's arms.A faint cedar fragrance entered her nostrils along with his masculine scent. Sage shuddered a little.Recently, she had gotten into a few accidents with Ian, which resulted in some physical contact, but this was her first time getting hugged by him like this.His chest was firm and hot, and the warmth of his skin reached her as it traveled through their thin clothes.Their bodies were close together, and Sage could even feel Ian's thumping heart.She had desired and imagined the hug countless times in her past life. Now, she had finally obtained it.Ian felt Sage's delicate body. He was also very aware of her scent now that she was in his arms.Perhaps because his fever had heightened his senses, he felt as if Sage was like a puddle of water melting onto his body. His breaths turned rough and hasty.As Ian imagined Sage's softness and moistness, something came over him. Turning around, he tried to pin her under him.But then, Sage seemed
Sage was furious as she thought, "What's wrong with Ian? He's being so unreasonable!"Sage knew that even if she tried to drag him out, she wouldn't be able to succeed. So, she dashed over and grabbed the pillow Ian was leaning against."Fine! Stay here all you like! I'm going to sleep in the guest room!"When Ian heard that, he closed his eyes. He was indifferent to her words.With the pillow in her arms, Sage went to check on the guest rooms. The beds were all empty, and there wasn't any bedding to be found. It was only then that Sage realized why Ian didn't respond to her words.Sage could sleep on the couch or a bare bed, but she didn't see why she should suffer.Holding the pillow in her arms, she stomped back to the master bedroom. She wanted to drive Ian out, but then, she saw him on a video call with Donald."Grandpa, Sage is here." Ian aimed the phone at her.Sage hastily put on a smile. "Grandpa, why are you still awake so late at night?""You didn't call me when you
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