Donald replied, "Ian played a game of chess with me. He said you left a brooch over at Holcomb Manor when you visited Mrs. Holcomb Senior. So, he sent it back here for you."Sage was rendered speechless. She had to hand it to Ian. It'd only been a few hours since she sent the brooch to Linda. But now, it was back at Donald's place. He didn't even mention it when they were at the curio shop."Sage, why aren't you saying anything? Are you mad at me again for talking to him?" Smiling, Donald continued, "Remember, you're only divorced. That doesn't make you two enemies. I can't just drive him away when he comes to visit, can I?"Knowing that Donald had misunderstood her, Sage decided not to explain herself. She ended the call after exchanging a few endearing words with him.After giving it some thought, she decided against calling Ian to ask him about this. He'd made up his mind about letting her keep the brooch. In any case, she could always auction it off and give him the money she e
Sage didn't have the energy to deal with Henry's issues. She said, "Let's get our boarding passes."The seats she booked were in business class, which was relatively peaceful. It was so that she could keep a clear mind. Meanwhile, her bodyguards were in economy class.After taking their seats, Henry scanned his surroundings repeatedly. It seemed like he was watching for something."Henry, did something happen that you didn't tell me about?" Sage asked frankly.Henry shook his head. "No, there isn't. It's my first time flying in the business class. I'm just not used to it."Because of the time difference, it was still daytime when they arrived at Toledon. The moment Sage turned on her phone, she received a call from Shane.She instructed Henry to hail a taxi as she accepted the call. "What's up, Mr. Morrison?""Sage, where did you go? Giselle told me you're not coming to work for a few days."Sage told him honestly that she was at Toledon to deal with some matters."Is this abo
From the passenger seat, Henry said scornfully, "Save your efforts. I passed you the water, but you refused to drink it. Who do you have but yourself to blame?"Sage felt weak all over and was starting to feel groggy. "What… are you… up to?""You'll know when we get there."Upon hearing that, Sage knew she was in danger. She slumped in her seat. Using the last of her energy, she reached for the phone in her handbag.Then, she pressed hard on the emergency dial key on the side of the phone. That was what she and her bodyguards had agreed on—she would inform them immediately when she was in trouble.Feeling dizzy and weak, she had to do it without Henry realizing. So, she had to bite hard on her tongue to keep herself conscious.She glanced at the screen with great difficulty. Her vision was already blurred.Following her instincts, she pressed where the emergency button should have been. Now, it was a matter of luck whether or not the call would get through.The car was still sp
However, Sage didn't expect Ivy to be so harsh to Henry and his mother. Meanwhile, Henry was powerless against Ivy and had never let slip about his predicament to Sage."You asked Layla out once before. Did you also do that because Ivy told you to?" Sage asked.Henry let out a sinister chuckle. He wasn't afraid to let her know his motives. "That was on my own volition. I was thinking if that incident in Damsburg had taken place, Ivy would've let me off the hook."What a scumbag! Sage didn't have the leisure to get angry over that. Instead, she asked earnestly, "Why didn't you tell me you were in such a dilemma? We could've figured a way out together.""Figure a way out together? You'd only want me to suffer more!" Henry snapped. "Don't think I didn't realize that. You look down on me and are only using me!"Sage knew he was referring to the incident with Layla. She said, "Indeed, I didn't want you getting together with Layla."And it's true our relationship is founded on material
Upon hearing that, Henry's face changed. Sage knew she had hit the nail on the head. She continued persuading him. "We came to Toledon together and met with an accident at the same time. Won't that appear more reasonable?"After getting rid of us, who are hindrances to her, Ivy can then resume her life without suffering any losses. She has her father and Shekdotter Inc. behind her, while you are disposable."She continued, "Let's say she allows you to live. You'll have to live the rest of your life in the shadows. How about your mother? And you. Are you willing to live like a rat in the gutters?"Henry fell silent. The smugness and scorn in his eyes faded. Sage felt anxious deep down, but she didn't let that show on her face. She nonchalantly urged, "Ivy's coming. You'd better make up your mind."Finally, Henry looked up. He asked doubtfully, "Will I get to live if I disobey her? I lured you to this place. Will you let me off the hook?"Sage said frankly, "I am mad at your bet
Henry's only talent was in deception and manipulation. He could get things done in a snap by bribing those driven by greed."Make sure they obey your commands. If Ivy tries anything on me later, make sure they treat her the same way!" Sage's voice was cold and resolute.Henry, who also harbored deep resentment toward Ivy, readily agreed upon hearing her words. "No problem. I'll be the first one to act when the time comes!"Henry was also inhumane and unscrupulous. How could he even entertain such thoughts about Ivy, his distant cousin? But there was no time to dwell on this now.Sage suppressed her disgust. "Quick, get the self-defense weapon from my bag." Ivy's next move was unpredictable. So, even though a few of them outside had been bribed, Sage couldn't afford to let her guard down.Henry was worried Ivy would arrive soon, so he loosened the ropes restraining Sage and handed her the weapon. Before leaving, he cautioned Sage, "You're on your own now. If things go wrong lat
Ivy said," Sage, did you know that people can be sold like livestock here? If luck is on your side, you might end up in the red-light district. Given your figure and looks, you could serve some clients once you shed your pride."Ivy spoke casually. It was as if she were discussing the sale of pets. "But if luck isn't in your favor, you could end up with severed limbs or losing some organs. Who knows, you might become a beggar or a plaything. It all depends on your fate."Sage felt a chill run down her spine as Ivy's words sank in. Her tone was gentle and cheerful. Goosebumps rose on Sage's arms involuntarily."Are you out of your mind? Do you think you can just walk away if something happens to me?""Hmph." Ivy let out a cold laugh as she held an iron rod in her hand. She extended it and pressed it against Sage's slender neck. "Sage, you mentioned Ian earlier. Did you think that he can save you?"The icy touch of the iron rod made Sage quiver involuntarily.Satisfied, Ivy smi
Ivy was boiling with anger. Just when she was about to take another swing at Sage, Henry ran into the room after hearing the commotion. "Didn't I ask you to do a search before tying her up? How was she able to free herself?" Ivy questioned Henry in a frigid tone. The viciousness on Ivy's face made Henry shudder. Immediately, he expressed his loyalty by explaining, "I did search her, Ivy!" He took a quick glance at the blade in Sage's hand. It was only about the length of a finger. He continued, "She might have been holding it in her hands all along, even while she was unconscious. So, I might have overlooked it."I'm guessing that she cut herself free from the ropes with the blade too. I'll tie her up this instant, Ivy. I'll make sure that she's bound properly this time!" Henry hurriedly said as he reached out for the ropes. "No need for that!" Ivy shouted. "What's wrong, Ivy?" Ivy put the iron rod aside. A smile spread across her frigid face. "Have you all had the beer fr
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