Ian was dressed in his own clothes, and it was hard to tell if he was just getting some fresh air or had somewhere to go. A flicker of pain crossed his usually cold and indifferent dark eyes when he saw her pushing Shane's wheelchair."What a coincidence, Mr. Holcomb. I didn't know you were staying in this hospital as well," Shane greeted him.Ian ignored him. His gaze returned to its usual state as he looked at Sage as if he had something to say. "Do you need something?" Sage asked.He pursed his lips. "Can I take a few minutes of your time? Let's talk in my ward.""No. We can talk right here," she responded apathetically.Ian looked at Shane and then back at Sage. "It's personal. It's not something for outsiders to hear.""Oh, I'm sorry then," she said. "I'm not free right now. We can talk about this when I'm free."Ian felt a dull ache in his chest when he heard that. Sage wasn't even willing to spare him a few minutes of her time now. "Please step aside. We need to get
Sage couldn't help but chuckle at his anxious expression. "I'm just messing with you."I'm not doing this for Ian. Grandma Holcomb and Madam Matilda have always been kind to me, so I want to help them however I can," she explained.When he heard that, his handsome face broke into a devilish, yet affectionate, smile. "You're truly beautiful inside and out, Sage.""No, stop that." Sage rubbed her arms. "Please just behave like you usually do, Mr. Morrison. Don't smile or say things like that. It makes me feel like you're up to something."Shane sighed inwardly, as he couldn't escape the consequences of his own actions. It seemed like his roguish image was here to stay.…Initially, Sage thought Shane would take her somewhere fun or scenic. However, he brought her to a cemetery. Following his directions, she wheeled him to a gravestone. The photo on the tombstone showed a graceful middle-aged woman who had a warm smile."This is my mom," Shane said. "This whole area is the cemete
Shane nodded. He wasn't sure if it was out of spite or to prove to his father that he could do it, but he had learned a lot of skills while living abroad without relying on his family.Sage felt as if Shane had changed her perception of him yet again. Even though she knew from her previous life that he would achieve great things in the future, he was always so unreliable. If it weren't for her foresight, she might have written him off as another trust fund kid who only knew how to party."I've never told anyone this before, Sage. Now that you know, you'll have to be responsible for me," he said.Sage couldn't help but glare at him. "That's too much responsibility for me to handle.""Then why don't you let me be responsible for you?" His eyes twinkled with hope.Sage was well aware that Shane had brought her to his mother's grave and told her about his past because he wanted her to know about it. In a way, he was also telling her that he was serious about her.Over the years, sh
"Stop spouting nonsense! Sage would never agree to be with you!" His eyes turned ice-cold. "Shane Morrison, you despicable scumbag! You're just taking advantage of the fact that you got injured for Sage to act pitiful and well-behaved in front of her!""Who are you calling despicable?" Shane snarled. "Back in Toledon, you were aware that I was looking for Sage as well, but you kept the information from me when you found her. Don't you think you're the despicable one?""Why should I tell you anything about my wife?" Ian snapped.Shane sneered, "Your wife? You guys divorced ages ago! Don't call her that, Ian Holcomb. I'm getting second-hand embarrassment here.""Shane Morrison!" Ian's expression became grim. "Do you think I won't beat you up just because you're injured?" As soon as he said that, Sage rushed out of the elevator. "What gives you the right to beat him up?" She quickly positioned herself in front of Shane, and her delicate face was stoic. "There are surveillance camera
After asking that, Calvin braced himself for Ian's icy glare. However, Ian remained still with a sullen expression. It was obvious that he had taken a serious blow.Calvin couldn't help but sigh. "Ian, you've definitely let Mrs. Holcomb down this time since you didn't send Ivy to jail. Even Tiana is furious. She has threatened to end her friendship with me if I attempt to get you and Mrs. Holcomb together again."He was in a difficult position, torn between his best friend and his… good friend. He couldn't bear to hurt either of them."Mrs. Holcomb doesn't seem to have any feelings for you anymore. Why don't we… just give up?" he asked cautiously. This time, Ian came to his senses. He looked into his eyes and asked, "What? Do you also think Shane is a better match for Sage?""Of course not! Mrs. Holcomb is such an amazing woman. Shane isn't worthy of her!" Calvin hastily clarified."But why didn't you let Ivy face the consequences she deserves, Ian?" Calvin inquired, puzzled. "D
Even if Leo and Ronald interfered, knowing Ian, he should've been able to do more. Ian had no intention of explaining himself when he heard that. "Do you have any leads on who you suspected was behind Ivy last time?" Calvin asked. "What did you find out that makes you want to start with Ivy?"Ian picked up his document and responded lowly, "Don't stick your nose into things that don't concern you, and don't make wild guesses. It won't do you any good."Calvin was rendered speechless.…Sage and Matilda agreed to meet at a charming café. The waiter led her to a cozy room upstairs. The room was filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, warm croissants, and pastries, as well as wood and leather. Compared to the café where she had met Marcus before, this one was clearly more classy and popular among women."You made it, Sage!" Matilda greeted her warmly."Hello, Madam Matilda." Sage noticed Sandy was also there when she greeted Matilda. The young lady was engrossed in her i
Sage nodded. "Sure, Madam Matilda."Matilda explained, "I'm sure you've heard about Sandy's condition. I need to find a scent that she doesn't find repulsive to help calm her emotions. "Ian's grandmother said you're very skilled at perfumery, so I wanted to ask if you could help create a scent for Sandy."She explained that while there were a lot of professional perfumers both domestically and internationally, Sandy wouldn't want to interact with strangers, let alone cooperate with them to express her feelings. That was why she was asking for her help.Ian had asked her once before at the Holcomb Manor if she could help him create a fragrance to alleviate Sandy's illness. At the time, she had politely declined because she had never met Sandy and was unfamiliar with her preferences. But now that she was looking at the hopeful look in Matilda's eyes and the obedient Sandy, who was absorbed in her iPad, Sage couldn't bring herself to turn Matilda down.She nodded and said, "I'll
"Sandy, how could you follow a stranger?"Startled, Sandy became visibly tense and uneasy. Sage hurriedly hugged her. "Please lower your voice, Mr. Holcomb. You're scaring Sandy."Leo was clearly displeased. "Mind your own business. Who are you to interject when I'm talking to my daughter?""There's no need to be so harsh, Mr. Holcomb. They're just kids," Dale said gently. "Exactly, Mr. Holcomb. Ms. Joyner is just concerned about Ms. Holcomb," Abby chimed in.Leo's expression softened slightly when he heard that."Sandy!" Just then, Matilda hurried over after finishing her call. She first checked on Sandy before turning to Leo. "Sandy has been emotionally unstable lately. Please be more mindful of how you speak to her in the future.""What are you two doing here?" Leo asked lowly.Matilda responded apathetically, "I'm here to have dinner with Sage."His brows drew together before he introduced the people beside him. "This is Mr. Dale Sutton and his daughter, Abby."He then t