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
People on the Internet were saying that Benjamin was shameless and despicable. They were saying that he had forgotten his roots. People were saying that the orphanage was using the girls, and others were blaming it on how society currently was.Of course, there were also people who expressed support and satisfaction at what Priscilla had done.Sage was astonished. After what Priscilla had said yesterday, Sage had guessed that she would be taking action. However, she hadn't expected Priscilla to use Benjamin's phone to post such an Instagram story!Now she and Benjamin had completely fallen out. Mimosa could forget about financing. Even their reputation and sales would be greatly affected.Those who envied Mimosa would grab the chance to kick them while they were down. Sage immediately sent a "hug" emoji to Priscilla.The Xenith family must be a veritable battlefield right now. It wouldn't be appropriate for her to call, so she could only use this way to give Priscilla a li
Ivy had analyzed the situation correctly.Whether it was those who had a hold over Benjamin or those who were using the opportunity to lay their own plans, none of them would have leaked this to Priscilla.After all, this wouldn't benefit anyone.However, not only had Priscilla found out about the news, but she had also managed to find evidence of Benjamin's deeds very quickly. She had then taken destructive action that would affect them both. She had made Benjamin become a joke overnight. Mimosa had also lost the chance for financing and listing because of the scandal. The more important thing was that Bolton would also be criticized by those who knew the truth because they had helped Benjamin."It's not true that it won't benefit anyone." Ian's voice was impassive. "If someone knew that they wouldn't be able to get the project, then the only thing they could do would be to stir things up and make a mess."Ivy immediately realized what he meant. "Farsight Investment?"Ian pr
Sage arrived at the sports complex.She was fed up thinking about Mimosa and Priscilla, and she needed to vent.Everyone at the sports complex had great figures, and Sage forgot about her troubles quickly. She was too busy trying to take all the sights in.Of course, she maintained a calm exterior, looking both ladylike and aloof. Many of the people who were working out also glanced over at her. Sage wasn't used to it.In the past, she had been very confident about herself, and she had been a showy kind of person no matter what she did. It was a pity that the indifference Ian had shown toward her had gradually made her doubt herself. She had begun to think of herself as inferior.She had those thoughts every day, and her temper grew worse. Her personality became very peculiar, too. "You're here, miss!"Sage was about to go and get changed when Michael walked toward her. He was wearing a camouflage print T-shirt, and he greeted her politely. "Yes, I had time to come and tr
Michael said hurriedly, "You don't need to pay for classes. I can teach you for free.""Listen to what you're saying! How can you push a client away like that? I chose your classes because I approve of you, and if you don't teach me… Well, I'll change my mind. I don't need you to teach me for free."Sage spoke matter-of-factly, and Michael was persuaded. "Miss, I will definitely teach you well!""That's better."Sage handed the money over. She saw that it was getting late, so after a shower, she grabbed her bag and headed toward her car.Then she saw a burly man rush out all of a sudden. He began swinging punches at someone in front. "You asshole! How dare you take my clients again!" Sage looked up and saw that the attacker was the burly trainer she had followed previously, and the person he was attacking was Michael.The attack had not succeeded because Michael had dodged quickly. The burly man had gotten a pair of nunchucks out of nowhere. He wasn't just trying to look
Ian watched Sage indifferently. Her head was lifted high, revealing her long, slender neck. Her pretty features were especially striking under the lights.The man she was defending was looking gratefully at her with shining eyes. This made Ian feel irritated. "You don't need to sound so righteous. You're just like other women. Your husband is old and ugly, so you signed up for this handsome young man's class to seduce— Ow!"The burly trainer hadn't finished speaking when he suddenly let out a yell of pain. Michael had punched his jaw!"Don't talk nonsense!"The trainer sprawled on the ground, and blood spurted out of his mouth and nose. He covered his mouth, whimpering in pain. "Are you crazy? How could you be so aggressive!"Michael was just a part-time worker, after all. The manager panicked when he saw their full-time worker bleeding."Ken is right. A young and pretty woman like her who is so extravagant in spending is either someone's sugar baby or is married to an old
Ian's way of dealing with things so haughtily nearly gave Sage a heart attack.She didn't want to concern herself with him anymore. Instead, she asked Michael gently, "Are you hurt? Do you want to get anything checked at the hospital?"Michael didn't look too embarrassed. He withdrew his hand and shook his head, saying, "I'm okay, miss. I'm really sorry about today. I didn't mean to drag you into this mess.""What do you mean by that? It was their fault in the first place. It's getting late. You should get back."Michael nodded and said, "Okay."As soon as Michael was gone, Sage looked at Ian rather angrily and said, "Don't you know basic manners? Why did you ignore his hand?""Are you very close with him?" Ian asked instead of answering Sage's question. "Why does he call you 'miss' like that?""So what if he calls me that? Ivy calls you 'Iany,' and I've never had any qualms about it!"Ian was stunned by what Sage said. His face darkened as he said, "Sage, don't be ridiculous.
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