After dropping Giselle off at Farsight, Sage was about to head home when she received a call from Priscilla. "Sage, do you have time to grab a bite? There's something I need to talk to you about."Sage recalled how Priscilla had told her she was going to see Benjamin the night before, so she agreed. "Yeah. Where would you like to meet up? I'll head over right away."Priscilla had reserved a table at a quiet private restaurant. She had arrived by the time Sage drove there. After placing their orders, the girls started sipping on some wine. "What did Benjamin tell you today, Priscilla? Does it concern me?" Sage cut to the chase.Priscilla nodded. "It does." She then went on to tell her that Benjamin had actually been incited by someone to kidnap her last time. As soon as she heard that, Sage frowned. "Was it Ivy?"Priscilla's eyes widened in surprise as she looked at Sage. "How'd you know?"So it was her! Sage said through gritted teeth, "Apart from her, I can't think of anyon
Two days later, a scandal involving Shekdotter Incorporated's CEO, Ronald Shekdotter, made headlines in the media. Under the guise of entertaining clients, he got a female subordinate at his company drunk and attempted to force himself on her while sending her home.Caught in the act by the girl's boyfriend, Ronald panicked and leaped off the second floor, fracturing his legs. His subordinate's boyfriend then chased him downstairs and beat him up severely. The incident was captured on video by several onlookers, who promptly posted it online. This salacious scandal quickly went viral, sparked widespread condemnation, and was shared among netizens.A netizen recognized Ronald and took to the comments section, saying he was a widower who could easily find a girlfriend. However, he chose to portray himself as a devoted husband who was deeply in love with his deceased wife. Moreover, he frequently harassed married female subordinates. The commenter speculated that he must have
Dodging Ivy's outstretched hand, Ian frowned. He turned to Wanda and said, "Tell security that from now on, outsiders aren't allowed to enter Solaris Estate without my permission."Wanda hurriedly nodded. "Understood, Mr. Holcomb."As soon as she heard that, Ivy froze. "What's the meaning of this, Ian? When did I become an outsider? First, you forbade me from entering your office without your permission. Now, I can't even come to your house?"Sensing the tension between them, Wanda hastily said, "I'll be on my way, Mr. Holcomb."After Wanda left, Ian walked into the living room and asked impatiently, "What do you want? If it's about the investigation you asked me to do last time, don't bother asking again. I'm under no obligation to help you find the truth."Tears welled up in her eyes when she heard that. "Why are you being so cruel to me, Ian? What have I done wrong? It's not my fault you and Sage divorced!" He sat down on the couch and looked even more impatient. "I'm sure yo
Ian just looked at Ivy impassively. He didn't reach out to take the folder. Ivy unsealed the folder and placed it in front of Ian. "Ian, I figured you wouldn't help me, so I found a friend to do it. Turns out, several of Shekdotter Incorporated's business deals were sabotaged by Giselle's brother, Marcus Rosethorn's, men."Ivy went on to say that she hadn't crossed the Rosethorns before and that Marcus agreed to help Sage deal with her family to make up for the fact that Giselle's housekeeper had drugged her."Ian, I have no idea why Sage doesn't hold a grudge against the real culprit and is instead targeting me—""Are you sure you have no idea?" Ian cut her off coldly.Ivy looked at him in confusion. "Ian, do you know what's going on?"Ian interlocked his fingers and responded impassively. "Delilah Stromberg has been following your orders all along. You had her and her father set up a deal with the Joyners and falsely accuse Maven Corporation of tax fraud. Delilah confessed eve
"Do you remember what you told me when I had a high fever from pneumonia and almost couldn't make it, Ian?" Ivy asked.Before he could respond, she continued, "You said I could always come to you if I ever needed anything, and you'd never let anyone bully me! But now, you're treating me like I'm your enemy!"Unable to hold it in any longer, she sobbed, "Am I seriously that despicable? I admit I've kept some things from you. But I've never harmed you, and I never will!"His brows drew together after he heard that. However, his voice remained apathetic as he asked, "So why can't you just tell me your reasons?"Ivy shook her head with teary eyes. "Don't force me, Ian. I really can't tell you. I hope you'll trust me. I don't want to do this. I'm afraid of losing what we have."Ian's forehead creased. "You've caused Sage and her family harm. Even if Sage is taking action against Shekdotter Incorporated, you're just getting what you deserve. I won't help you with anything. "Since you
Sage was well aware that Wanda thought she was madly in love with Ian. Even though they had been divorced for such a long time, Wanda still believed that she was just being stubborn. Sage didn't have the energy to explain herself anymore. "Why don't you go make the peppermint and chamomile tea, Wanda? I have something to attend to, so I'll be hanging up now."As she put her phone away, a thought crossed her mind. Ivy must've gone to see Ian to talk about her father's issue. Ronald was still detained at the police station at the moment. The scandal wasn't necessarily huge. After all, people would just pay more attention to its moral implications. Knowing Ivy, Ronald wouldn't be detained for long. However, Henry had assured her that Ronald wouldn't come out of this incident unscathed this time. Plus, he wouldn't give Ronald the chance to get back on his feet. Henry had put in a lot of work dealing with the Shekdotters. After all, he wanted to bring them under his control as soon
The next day, Sage spent the morning at Farsight following up on the contract. In the afternoon, she received a call from Zachary. He said the client who had ordered the personalized perfume had arrived in Haldon and wanted to meet up.Sage arrived at Maven Corporation at 2:00 p.m. Zachary was waiting for her at the entrance. "Sage, you're here! The client's waiting upstairs. We've only dealt with her assistant in the past. It's the first time she's come to Haldon in person."Sage nodded. "I see." When she spotted a familiar, petite figure in the reception area, she was a little surprised. "Is that you, Ms. Sutton?"Abby turned around and was equally surprised to see Sage. "Ms. Joyner, what are you doing here?""You guys know each other?" Zachary was astonished. He then told Abby, "The previous perfume was actually formulated by Sage. She's also the perfumer you are looking for.""I can't believe it. You're a perfumer, Ms. Joyner? I thought you said you worked in finance." The lat
Sage and Abby weren't close enough to gossip about each other's crushes yet. So, she smiled and said, "You're such a catch, Ms. Sutton. Whoever you fall for is lucky.""Hopefully." Abby then added sweetly, "But he doesn't know how I feel about him yet."That caught Sage off guard. "Why haven't you told him?" With her good looks and family background, there wouldn't be a man who would turn her down. Abby giggled. "It's just not the right time yet!" Then, she asked, "What about you, Ms. Joyner? You have all these suitors. Are you planning on choosing someone new or an old flame?" Sage chuckled. "I don't have space in my life for romance at the moment.""But if you had to choose between a new love and an old flame, Ms. Joyner, which would you prefer?" Abby asked with wide eyes. Without missing a beat, Sage responded, "Well, people say you shouldn't go back to your ex, so I—" Before she could finish her sentence, she felt someone's cold gaze land on her. Sage turned around and f
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