Sage calmly replied, "Even if Ian took charge of this project himself, it wouldn't affect me. I've long since lost any feelings for him."Shane still felt uneasy. "Let's switch to another project. The renewable energy sector looks promising.""Renewable energy is fine, but why give up on CureX Pharmaceuticals?"Sage continued, "If, as you say, Ian only got involved because of me, what makes you think he wouldn't do the same with renewable energy? Are you going to give up every project to avoid him?"Shane said, "As long as I'm not giving you up, I don't care about the projects."Sage remarked, "I didn't expect you to be such a romantic, Shane."Shane leaned in closer. "So, Sage, you're admitting we're in a relationship?"Sage refused to entertain his nonsense. "Enough joking around. We can't drop the CureX project."Sage swiftly made a decision. "I'll have Giselle revise the contract and the proposal. We'll call a meeting with the investment team tomorrow."Even if it meant in
Sage started, "I—""Well said. Everyone, keep all of this here!" Shane said, clearly pleased. The staff all smiled and started showering compliments and praise on Shane. Sage wanted to explain, but she couldn't get a word in, so she gave up.Upon seeing this, Shane's smile grew even more dazzling and charming.Changing clothes, picking accessories, and getting hair and makeup done took a couple of hours. But at the end of it, Sage looked in the mirror and had to admit that the professionals had done a remarkable job highlighting all her best features.Shane, on the other hand, had changed into a white suit and slicked his hair back. What could have been a disaster for anyone else looked naturally elegant and striking on him.Once they were both ready, it was nearly time to leave. Shane's assistant carried several gifts and followed them to the parking lot.Owen's birthday party was set at a five-star hotel. The driver pulled up to the entrance. Soon, a doorman and valet came ov
The sudden pull made Sage let out a small cry. In the next second, she found herself in a broad embrace.The slightly familiar scent of cedar reached her nostrils. As she turned her head, she realized it was Ian.He must have just come from the elevator. His handsome face was slightly tense, and his dark eyes were coldly fixed on Shane."Who gave you permission to touch her?" Ian asked in a low voice.Shane's expression was equally unfriendly. "What does it have to do with you? And what right do you have to grab Sage?"Upon seeing the confrontation, Sage pulled herself away from Ian and stood beside Shane. Frowning at Ian, she asked, "What are you doing here?"Ian looked at Sage. Her makeup was flawless today, enhancing her already delicate beauty. She wore a white, form-fitting dress which was simple, yet exquisite. It perfectly accentuated her figure.The dress ended just above the knee, revealing her slender, fair legs. It made her look like an ethereal spirit.Standing next
"Not at all, Sage is very capable—""Grandpa." Ian couldn't bear to listen anymore. He called out to Donald and greeted Owen and his wife."Uncle Owen, happy birthday. Here's a small gift I prepared for you. Please accept it," Ian said as he handed a velvet box to Owen.Susan took it on behalf of Owen and opened it to reveal a fine snuffbox—a favorite of Owen's.Owen noticed and smiled. "Thank you, Ian. That's very thoughtful of you.""I knew you liked this, so when I saw it at the auction, I thought it would be perfect," Ian said with a faint smile."Sage, what gift did you prepare for your uncle?" Ian asked Sage.Sage gave Ian a less-than-pleased look. She was convinced Ian was doing this on purpose.Truth was, she had also prepared a snuffbox, but it was nothing compared to Ian's. She had picked it from a home store, so it was not as exquisite as Ian's.Now that his precious gift had been presented first, how could she possibly measure up?"We've prepared a rather large gi
Sage turned around and saw Zachary."Zack," said Sage with a smile.Zachary nodded and looked at Shane. "Is this your friend?" he asked."Yes. Meet Shane Morrison."Shane extended his hand and greeted Zachary. "Nice to meet you.""Nice to meet you too, Mr. Morrison," said Zachary politely.They made small talk for a moment before Owen approached Shane."Shane, you seem to know a lot about antiques. I have a friend over there who's a professional. Shall we go and talk to him?" asked Owen.Sage was worried that Shane would feel uncomfortable, so she tried to turn Owen down for him. "Uncle … ""Sure! As long as you don't think I'm annoying," said Shane with a smile. "Sage, I'm going to have a chat with them. I'll see you later."Shane nodded at Zachary cordially before walking off. Zachary watched him leave with Owen before saying, "Sage, you told me you would consider someone. Is Mr. Morrison the person you were talking about?"Sage could hear a tinge of bitterness in his vo
Sage asked confusedly, "Didn't he already leave?""He came back." Zachary pointed toward the entrance.Sage looked over and spotted Ian. She didn't know if it was an illusion, but Ian's broad shoulders seemed to sag."Even Mr. Holcomb, who's so determined, chose to leave. It seems like you and Mr. Morrison are affecting him quite badly. Now I feel better knowing it's no wonder I don't stand a chance," said Zachary with a little self-comfort.Sage didn't know what to say. Zachary put his sadness aside and talked business with her. "Ms. Sutton is very pleased with the fragrance you designed for her and recommended another client to us. "However, the new designer we hired isn't experienced enough. I hope you can meet the client with us. Are you free in the next few days?"It was a good opportunity for Maven Corporation to start making customized perfumes, so Sage didn't refuse. Zachary told her that Abby's order was almost completed, and she would pay in full in another week. T
Sage was surprised to hear Donald's words. Ian had gone to see him alone? Sage couldn't tell Donald about what had happened in Toledonese, so she merely said that Ian had gotten into an accident and injured himself."Did he get injured from protecting you?" asked Donald.Sage nodded."And you don't feel touched at all?" Donald asked in surprise.In the past life, Sage's heart would have broken if Ian even scratched himself because of her, much less taken a bullet for her. Now, Sage just felt weary. She said simply, "The situation was complicated. It's hard to tell you everything all at once."Donald thought about it and said, "Sage, I hope that you only get into a new relationship because you love that person. Not because of other reasons."Sage knew what he meant and said, "Don't worry, Grandpa. I'm not accepting Shane just because I'm trying to make Ian jealous."Only then did Donald feel relieved. "Okay. You're really all grown up now."They chatted for a while more until
However, Shane was worried that Sage would ignore him and change her mind on giving him a chance if he pissed her off.Therefore, he had no choice but to hold her hand and say miserably, "Spare me a glance too, would you? Could you like me too?"Sage's heart softened a little, and she did not shake him off. "Zachary confessed his feelings to me a few times, but I rejected him. Today, he told me that he would slowly learn to let go and find a girl who loves him back," said Sage.Shane's eyes lit up. "Did you reject him for me?"Although Sage had never had any romantic feelings for Zachary, it was true that she had only rejected him outright after agreeing to give Shane a chance.She nodded and said, "I guess you could say that.""You could have just told me yes!" Shane wasn't very satisfied with her answer, but he appreciated it nonetheless. "Sage, everyone addresses you like they're so close to you. Can I do it too?" asked Shane.Sage couldn't help but laugh when she saw his