After ending the call, Marcus put away his phone. He glanced casually at the photos on the table and picked them up. He took a quick look and then tossed them into the shredder.…Three days later, Sage found Shane in a private room at a clubhouse. He was drinking and playing dice games with some of his rowdy friends in the spacious room that even had a small stage where a pole dancer was performing.The private room was filled with smoke and noise, with the music blaring loudly. Sage decided not to go in and instead asked a waiter to call Shane out.After the waiter went in, Shane glanced toward the door. He said something to him and then continued drinking and playing games.The waiter came over and told Sage, "Mr. Morrison said he doesn't have time right now. If you need to discuss anything, please go to his office tomorrow."Sage ignored the waiter and went straight into the private room."Shane, can you step outside for a moment?" Sage walked up to him.Shane and his frien
With nothing left to hold in his hand, Shane casually started fiddling with the cigarette box.After he slowly exhaled the smoke, Shane asked in a hoarse voice, "Sage, were you disappointed in me that night?""No," Sage said firmly, shaking her head. "I know you're not someone who loses control because of alcohol."Shane had an ambiguous smile on his face. "You saw me lying naked on the same bed with another woman, yet you didn't show any anger or lose your composure at all. Is that because you trust me?"Sage felt that Shane's smile seemed a bit strange, but she still nodded and said, "Yeah."Upon hearing this, Shane smiled faintly with a sense of self-mockery. "If the same situation happened to Ian, how would you respond?"How would she have responded? Sage was left speechless by the question.When she imagined Ian sharing a bed with a woman, with scratches on his chest made by her and lipstick stains on his lips…She felt her chest tightening at the thought of it.As for he
Sage looked at him strangely and said, "Are you stupid? When I said I trusted you, I meant it. Why would I change my opinion of you because of something like that?""Yes, I'm stupid," Shane shamelessly admitted again. "Sage, go ahead and scold me a few more times!"Sage was speechless. She crossed her arms and said, "There's no rush. First, explain why you've been avoiding me these past few days. If you've decided to give up, then why didn't you just tell me bluntly?"Shane explained nervously, "I'm afraid you would mind, and I care about it too. I kept telling myself not to bother you anymore, but I couldn't help it… I just wanted to hold on for one more day. Maybe if you couldn't take it anymore, you would naturally be disappointed and stop paying attention to me."Sage rolled her eyes at him again and said, "Your way of handling things is truly considerate and special.""Sage, I'm really sorry," Shane apologized sincerely, his eyes seemingly filled with regret. "I won't do it a
There was clear anticipation in Shane's expression, but Sage's initial boldness had faded. She no longer dared to act as she did before.She knew that Shane would be disappointed. Sage lowered her gaze. "Shane, I'm sorry.""Why apologize? It's all because of those two eyesores who showed up right then and there."Shane kissed her forehead and said, "Remember this debt. You'll pay me back double in the future."Sage felt a gentle warmth touch her forehead. It made her look up, only to see Shane quickly avert his gaze inexplicably."I'm suddenly feeling a bit hungry. Let's get something to eat!" He walked toward the elevator, one step ahead of her.Sage was speechless. Shane couldn't possibly be embarrassed, right?He was quite the playboy after all, often seen surrounded by women and enjoying their company.…Meanwhile, in the private room, the atmosphere was quite lively with people drinking.Because Ian never refused anyone, he drank all the toasts offered to him. And althou
Marcus smiled helplessly. He felt a headache as he asked, "Mr. Holcomb, did you and Shane plan this together to doubt me?"Marcus had stated that he was the strictest with Giselle in the entire family and would never do anything impulsive or illegal to protect her."Mr. Holcomb, I'm just an ordinary businessman. I came to Haldon City merely to expand my business, but I can't stand you and Shane constantly questioning me every few days."Marcus put down his wine glass and said, "Mr. Holcomb, if there's anything you want to know in the future or if you need my assistance with something, you can ask me directly. "I assure you I will tell you everything I know. However, I hope there won't be a next time for any baseless accusations or groundless suspicions."Sorry, Mr. Holcomb. I have some other matters to attend to today, so I need to leave early."Marcus calmly departed after he finished speaking.Shortly after that, Ian received a message from Terry."Mr. Holcomb, after I finis
Sage had purposefully mentioned slapping him, thinking that Shane would be speechless and then tell her that he wouldn't bring up Ian again.As a result, Shane listened and surprisingly brought his face close to hers. "Go ahead and hit me," he said.Sage was rendered speechless by his action."Do you think the left side of my face looks too good to hit?" Seeing that Sage didn't move, Shane immediately switched sides and said, "Then hit the right side instead."Sage pushed his head away, saying, "Forget it, you're too shameless. I'm afraid that hitting you will hurt my hand."Shane extended his hand and suggested, "How about I lend you mine so your hand won't hurt?"Sage helplessly thought that this was expected from Shane, someone who never played by the rules.In the end, she never slapped him. Sage decided to "temporarily keep" it, waiting to see what would happen next.After finishing their pasta, Shane drove Sage to the entrance of Bayview. He said he was sending her home,
There was anger, jealousy, pain, and annoyance, all mixed in a surging wave that could come crashing down.Sage felt a faint sense of unease.When Ian showed this kind of expression, it meant that his emotions were on the verge of exploding.Ian saw her trying to kiss Shane earlier at the clubhouse. Just now, Ian also saw Shane's message saying "Missing you". Which meant that right now, Ian was in a really bad mood.Sage calmly took a small step back and said, "Ian, you've had too much to drink. How about I ask Terry to send a driver to pick you up?"Ian remained silent, his expression stern. His thin lips pressed into a straight line, and his deep eyes seemed to be holding back something.Based on Sage's understanding of Ian's demeanor, Ian would definitely lash out at her if she were to say or do anything provocative toward him.When she considered their strength and speed, she could never match Ian.Sage moved back a little, preparing to persuade gently, "Ian—"Just as she
When he saw Sage's guarded expression, the emotions in Ian's eyes seemed to become as tumultuous as a stormy sea, constantly surging.He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but ultimately chose to hold back all the words he wished to say.With a wary expression on Sage's face, Ian emotionlessly handed her a document.Only when Sage took it did she realize that Ian wasn't empty-handed. He had been holding this document all along. She was so focused on looking at Shane's message while she was getting off the elevator that she didn't notice Ian at all, let alone what he was holding in his hand.Although Sage was curious about what the information Ian provided was about, she did not ask.At this moment, the atmosphere around Ian still seemed very tense, so Sage remained on high alert.Perhaps he had noticed what she was thinking, but Ian gave a faint, subtle smile. Without saying anything, he reached out to open the fire escape door and left.Sage stood there motionless, ga
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