Ian knew that he would only upset Sage like before if he walked over. She was all smiles with Shane, but her expression immediately became cold when she turned to look at him. She even warned him not to pick a fight with Shane. A wave of bitterness washed over him, and he ultimately turned around and walked away. After she was done playing the drums, Sage was practically glowing. Shane handed her a glass of water and said, "I have a band at my bar. Since you enjoy playing that much, why don't you join them and perform whenever you're free?""Are you talking about the bar where you had a bunch of bodyguards surround me to show me who's boss last time?" she asked.Shane was tongue-tied. Why was she bringing this up now?"What would've happened to me if Ian hadn't shown up that day? Were you really going to tie me up and lock me in a storeroom?" she pressed.He felt guilty when she asked him that. "Of course not! I'm a law-abiding citizen. I was just going to scare you a little."
The alluring woman's face fell. "You used to invite me out for dinner and drinks in the past, Mr. Morrison. How could you forget me so quickly?""I don't remember you anymore. Stop bothering me," Shane said, showing no mercy.The woman didn't push it. She walked away sheepishly with her glass of wine. No one paid much attention to this little episode. After all, the guests who attended a party hosted by the Sutton family were either rich or influential, and there were always women eager to get closer to these wealthy young men.However, Shane still came over to explain himself to Sage. "I hope you won't get the wrong idea because I really don't know her."Sage deliberately said, "Mr. Morrison, you're known for being a playboy. I know for a fact that you've had women crash into your car just to hit on you, and you're always surrounded by women in bars and clubs. It's only natural that you have a few close female friends. You don't have to pretend you don't know her.""I seriously
Ian's heart skipped a beat when he heard that. Despite her young age, Sandy was very perceptive. She had also noticed Sage and Shane's close relationship and realized Sage couldn't always come over.He felt an indescribable sadness as he thought about the possibility of Sage having another man in her life in the future. After comforting his younger sister, he received a call from Terry and left her room."I've looked into it, Mr. Holcomb. There's still no sign of the two bikers who almost hit Mr. Joyner Senior in Colville. However, their bank accounts did receive a large deposit a few days before the accident."Terry continued, "But we didn't suspect anything when we initially investigated them because they were members of a racing club and the funds were transferred from the club."This time, I had someone trace the source of the deposit. The club explained that it was a reward arranged by a racing enthusiast. It was funded by them but transferred from the company's account."Acc
Shane, on the other hand, looked drunk. He was currently massaging his temples as if he hadn't fully woken up. He was shirtless, and the lipstick stains on his lips were the same shade as the woman's. There were also several scratch marks on his bare chest. Because the woman had pulled away most of the blanket, Sage could clearly see the messy sheets, the woman's dress, lingerie, and Shane's clothes. The woman's dress and lingerie were torn as if they had been violently ripped apart. It was obvious how hard they had gone at it.Even though it was late and a few guests had left, quite a few people followed them over after hearing the commotion. They were all taken aback by the scene inside. Some even pulled out their phones to capture the scene. Abby snapped out of it and hurriedly instructed the housekeepers to escort the guests downstairs. No one was allowed to come up without her permission. Despite her small stature, her words carried authority. Although the guests were
Shane's expression was ice-cold, and his threat made the voluptuous woman drop her hands from her face. Her voice was filled with grief and a touch of trepidation as she said, "You've got it all wrong, Mr. Morrison! I didn't even offer you a drink tonight. How could I possibly drug you?"I helped you because you were so drunk you could barely stand. How was I supposed to know that you would…" she choked out. "If you don't want to take responsibility, then so be it…"The woman raised her head, revealing the bite marks on her neck. She looked like she had been ravaged, and her sincere and pitiful words would've made any other man feel sorry for her.However, Shane wasn't buying it. "You want me to take responsibility?" He sneered. "Was that why you deliberately approached me?"The woman shook her head and continued to plead her innocence, claiming she had attended the party with a friend and happened to run into him. She insisted that she hadn't deliberately approached him or had a
Abby nodded. "Don't worry, Mr. Morrison. I too want to get to the bottom of this as soon as possible."Shane said nothing more to Abby. He turned to Sage, who had been silent the whole time. "I still have something else to take care of, Sage. I'll have the driver take you home."Sage nodded. Even though Shane handled the situation in time, rumors still spread throughout their circle the following day. After all, there were quite a few people who had seen the two lying in bed together the night before.The voluptuous woman was a rising starlet, while Shane was the CEO of Farsight Investment and the third son of the Morrison family in Northeria. Who could resist the urge to gossip about such a scandalous story?Ian was listening to a report from his subordinates and sipping his cup of black coffee to stay awake when he received a call from Calvin. He had been working until dawn and hadn't gone home. He had also led a meeting that morning, so he wasn't feeling very well at the mom
His first thought was that Terry must've heard wrong. Sage hadn't set foot in Holcomb Corporation since her last visit before their divorce. Why would she come here now?"Maybe Mrs. Holcomb found out that you're helping her look into the Colville incident and came to thank you?" Terry said, hoping to please Ian.After all, it had been a while since Ian had relaxed. His mood would have improved if Sage had taken the initiative to come over. Life would be much easier for everyone when the boss was happy."The cops in Colville told me that Mrs. Holcomb has also asked about their progress several times. It seems like she's very eager to locate those two men," Terry said. "Mr. Holcomb, if Mrs. Holcomb asks you about it later, are you going to wait until we've thoroughly investigated everything before telling her, or are you going to tell her what we have found out so far?"If it were the latter, he might have to organize the information just in case.Ian responded, "We haven't uncove
"Ian Holcomb, when will you stop pestering me? I've told you that I don't have any feelings for you anymore. Everything you do just makes me feel sick!"Faced with Sage's sharp accusations, Ian let out a low chuckle. His gaze dimmed for a moment before going back to normal in a split second. His tone was indifferent when he spoke again. "Is there anything else you'd like to say?" Sage frowned. "If not, I'm very busy. you can see yourself out."Gazing into his dark, impenetrable eyes, she said coldly, "Even though Shane hates you, he has never spoken ill of you behind your back. He was the one who told me about Ivy's ordeal in the mental asylum. "He also told me that you had Sandra beat Ivy up to get revenge for me. He could've easily chosen not to speak up for you! "Shane isn't incapable of playing dirty. He just has better morals and principles than you!" With that, she stormed out of his office without sparing him another glance.Even though the office was soundproofed, she
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