Not far away, Shane was chatting confidently with the person in charge of CureX. Giselle couldn't help but comment, "He was nowhere to be seen a few days ago, but today he's full of energy. Have you forgiven him for what happened earlier?"Sage replied, "Forgiveness was irrelevant in this issue. Shane was actually framed from the start."Giselle joked, "Sage, you've only known Shane for a few months, yet you trust him so much. I really admire that."I heard that in the past, any woman who got close to him would be threatened or paid off to leave. If I were to witness an intimate scene like that day, I can't imagine what I would have done."Sage felt a slight pang in her heart. Giselle's feelings for Shane really reminded her of how she used to feel about Ian."Giselle, you love him very much.""Hey, hey, your sentence doesn't make sense. I might have had a crush on him when I wasn't thinking clearly, but now I've got no feelings for him whatsoever. If he doesn't think much of me,
Sage chuckled. Instead of answering, she asked, "What do you think I could be hiding from you?"Shane snorted. "Maybe you're wondering why Ian didn't go to the signing?"Bolton Investment had stepped in, and anyone could see that Ian did it on purpose, so Shane had always been bothered by it.Sage naturally understood that Shane wanted her to reassure him otherwise."Just think of it as me missing him," Sage said deliberately."Sage! You!" Shane was indeed infuriated."Why are you angry? Aren't you the one who said it?" Sage asked.Shane was instantly at a loss for words.Sage finally let out a laugh and said, "You asked the question even though you didn't want this answer. Now you can't handle it. Isn't this your own doing?"Shane realized that Sage was teasing him, and he wanted nothing more than to playfully pinch and squeeze her cheeks."But I didn't dare do anything," Shane said a bit wistfully. "Sage, I'm not angry. I'm just very envious that you and he share so much hi
Shane said, "That's perfect. Shekdotter Inc. previously had some financial-related businesses. Once the acquisition is completed, you can take over and manage it all together."Sage declined politely, explaining that Shekdotter Inc. was currently a project of Farsight, and there was no way she could take it over by herself.However, Shane informed her that the impending bankruptcy of Shekdotter Inc. was originally her doing. He was just helping her this time with the acquisition and had no intention of integrating it into his own company, Farsight.Sage felt somewhat moved, but she still refused, saying, "We should keep public matters and private matters separate. Since Farsight has gotten involved, it belongs to Farsight. You just need to give me my share according to our previous agreement."Sage was very firm, so Shane took a step back and suggested they discuss it further after the acquisition was completed.They temporarily reached a consensus on this matter."Is your unusua
Sage felt somewhat moved by Shane's declaration. Even after she said all that, Shane still wasn't willing to give up.Shane was someone who valued emotions deeply. The death of his mother already caused him a lot of pain. She doesn't want Shane to fall out with his family because of her. If Shane knew that Simon had visited her, the two brothers would definitely end up arguing.Sage said, "Shane, your brother did come to see me, but he didn't force me to do anything. Everything I'm telling you today is my own decision."You know how I used to pursue Ian. I never cared about what others said or thought. If it wasn't my own will, no one could force me to do anything."Shane naturally understood what Sage was implying. He stood up and said, "I'll send a driver to pick you up. I still have some things to take care of, so I can't take you back today."After speaking, Shane turned to leave. Sage knew what he wanted to do and exclaimed, "Shane, don't go looking for your brother! My decis
In the evening, Calvin drove over to pick them up.Seeing Calvin dressed more formally than usual, Sage teased with a smile, "Calvin, I've known you for so long, but it's rare to see you dressed so formally."Calvin looked at Tiana, a gentle smile appearing in his expression."After all, it's my first time meeting Tiana's friends as her boyfriend, so I have to pay attention to my appearance and make a good impression."Sage used to think of Calvin as a rich kid who only liked to indulge in eating, drinking, and having fun, and never took anything seriously.Before she was reborn, Sage wanted to befriend him as a way to get closer to Ian due to his close relationship with him. However, Calvin always avoided her.After her rebirth, she no longer tried to gain any favors. Instead, Calvin started giving Ian quite a bit of advice regarding their relationship.So, in Sage's mind, Calvin was someone with high emotional intelligence who understood women well.At this moment, when she s
Sage instinctively looked up when she heard this name being called out.Outside the private room, a man who seemed to be the manager was politely showing Ian the way in. Ian was dressed in a custom-made black suit, paired with a simple white shirt underneath. He looked sophisticated and remarkably handsome.Perhaps he had sensed Sage's gaze, as Ian glanced over at her with his dark eyes.Their eyes met, and Sage couldn't help but think about the night she fought against him. She quickly looked away.Calvin also saw Ian and called out to him in surprise, "Ian?"Ian turned his gaze to Calvin and calmly asked, "What are you doing here?""Come over and meet Tiana's good friend. It's Priscilla. You might know her," Calvin introduced.Ian then looked at Tiana and Priscilla, and he politely greeted them, "Ms. Ford, Ms. Davis."Tiana reluctantly nodded, while Priscilla politely said, "Mr. Holcomb, long time no see.""If Mr. Holcomb doesn't mind, would you like to stay and have a meal
"First Ivy committed suicide, and then Ian underwent surgery to remove the bullet. Do you really believe such a lousy excuse?" Tiana asked skeptically. She certainly didn’t believe this absurd story.Calvin rubbed his nose and said, "When Ian mentioned it, he seemed really sad. I don't think he was lying to me."Tiana scoffed. "You're even closer to him than his own brother!"Calvin and Tiana got into an argument, while Priscilla looked over at Sage, who seemed lost in thought.Priscilla had heard about what happened to Sage in Toledon, as well as the scandals involving Ivy and her stay in a mental hospital."Sage, are you okay?" Priscilla asked with concern, mistakenly thinking that she was upset.Sage shook her head and said, "It's nothing."Priscilla said, "I don't know exactly what happened, but I don't think Mr. Holcomb would intentionally make you sad. Maybe there's a reason that he can't explain."Now listen, I'm not going to advise you to reconcile. Relationships are li
Donald noticed Sage's displeasure and gently tapped her on the head. "Ian had already made plans with me to come play chess today," he explained.Sage smirked. "Does he come to the house often?"Ian had never been this free before.Donald replied, "He comes once or twice a week. I told him that he could just focus on his own stuff and doesn't need to come by all the time. But he said he enjoys playing chess with me, and he doesn't want me to tell you because he thinks it might upset you."He knew she'd get upset, yet he still came here?Sage still wanted to say something, but Ian had already walked inside the house.Upon seeing her, Ian was slightly surprised, but he quickly composed himself and returned to his usual demeanor without initiating any conversation with her."Grandpa," Ian greeted Donald politely."Ian, you're here. Have a seat," Donald said with a friendly smile. "Do you still prefer Darjeeling tea?""Yes, please. Thank you, Grandpa."Ian calmly sat down in the
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