Sage asked while playing with Thorn, "What is it, Ms. Sutton?"Abby, feeling a bit embarrassed, said, "Leo is really serious about the idea of me marrying Mr. Holcomb."I've heard that Leo's been putting a lot of pressure on him lately. He even reached out to some board members to try to have him removed from his position as CEO."Sage paused slightly while petting the cat. Shane had previously informed her that Leo was contacting shareholders to target Ian and try to sideline him.At that time, Shane also guessed that Leo was trying to force Ian to agree to something. It now seemed that he was correct.Leo wanted to use this situation to force Ian and Abby into an arranged marriage."Mr. Holcomb is not the type to sit around and wait for things to happen."Over the years, he has achieved a lot in Holcomb Corporation, and everyone has seen it. That's why many board members support him. It's just that…"Abby hesitated for a moment.Seeing that Sage stayed silent, she continued
"I thought we became good friends after that. When I heard about your past with Mr. Holcomb, I took it upon myself to try and help you two out."If what I'm doing is making you uncomfortable, I'm sorry."Abby's sincere words made Sage feel like she was making a big deal out of nothing.Was Abby paying attention to her because of these reasons at the housewarming party before?No matter what, once a seed of doubt was planted in someone's heart, it would become very difficult to trust the other person completely.Sage maintained a polite tone. "Ms. Sutton, what I did was just a small favor. There's no need to dwell on it. I would have done the same for anyone else."So, please refrain from getting involved in matters between Ian and me in the future.""Alright, I understand. I'll be more careful in the future," Abby apologized sweetly before switching the topic. "Ms. Joyner, about that issue with Mr. Morrison last time, I still feel really bad about it."I said I would treat you
Hearing what Shane said, Sage felt a slight pang of bitterness in her heart.Shane once said that the people in the Morrison family were quite firm in their beliefs. Sage didn't know if George would relent.But Shane was determined when he arranged to meet her that time, with absolutely no intention of compromise.A lot of unexpected things could happen in a year. Plus, one of the conditions the Morrison family gave Shane likely included reducing or avoiding contact with her. Otherwise, Shane wouldn't be so cautious.Sage understood this clearly in her heart, but at this moment, she couldn't bring herself to speak such harsh words.She also switched to a more relaxed tone, saying, "By then, my career should have stabilized, and I'll probably have time to think about my love life."Just as she said that, Sage sensed someone approaching the door.Lifting her head, Sage saw Giselle there, holding a clipboard, as well as the graceful and composed Marcus.The office door was open, a
"I need to find the person in charge and get this sorted out right now!"Giselle hurriedly left, leaving Sage and Marcus sitting in the private room.Sage felt a bit embarrassed. "I'm sorry for making you spend so much, Mr. Rosethorn."Marcus smiled faintly. "There's no need to be so formal with me, Ms. Joyner. I can see that Elle is very happy working with you."She has become much more cheerful and confident, no longer acting like a spoiled princess and showing more consideration for others. We have you to thank for that."Sage said seriously, "Giselle herself is very talented. Perhaps you didn't notice her strengths before because you always saw her as a child."Marcus glanced to the side and remarked, "No wonder Elle likes you, Ms. Joyner. You are very sincere and have unique insights."Sage smiled. "People on the same wavelength can usually get along. I also like Giselle."Soon, Giselle came back and told Marcus, "Your influence isn't as significant as Mr. Holcomb's."I j
Since the last time Sage overheard Ian and Leo arguing in the study, she hadn't seen Leo at the manor again.She didn't expect Leo to come today.When Matilda saw him, the cheerful smile on her face faded a bit, replaced by a hint of indifference.Maybe because of Leo's strict demeanor, Sandy seemed to have become less cheerful. She moved over to Sage, who was the closest person to her.Sage gently took Sandy's hand to console her as she respectfully called out to Leo, "Mr. Holcomb."Leo's expression was always stern, and his eyes carried an air of undeniable superiority. When he heard Sage's greeting, he furrowed his brow slightly and gave a perfunctory nod."I told you not to come back without a good reason. Look at you, wearing that stern expression. You've scared Sandy," Linda scolded.Leo said, "She's spoiled by all of you, which is why she acts like a child. She's almost an adult now, but she has no opinions of her own and can't take care of herself!"Sandy shivered sligh
"Sage, is it because Ian treated you poorly that you want to be with this guy instead?" Sandy asked softly.Sage looked at Sandy. "Why are you asking, Sandy?""I overheard Grandma and Mom talking. Grandma sighed a lot and said that you used to really like Ian, but he hurt you a lot."Sage remained silent.Sandy continued, "Ian saw this drawing before, too. He seemed very upset and kept staring at it without saying anything."I asked him whether you would still come and spend time with me, but he didn't answer."Sage gently ruffled Sandy's hair and said, "Don't worry. What's between your brother and me doesn't concern you. Whenever I have time, I'll come to see you."Sage didn't know what Sandy was thinking of when her gaze became slightly dim."Mom also said that the issues between her and Dad had nothing to do with me. But I know that's not true."Back in Yremdale, when Dad went to visit Mom, they argued about things concerning me several times. Although Mom tried to avoid le
Sage didn't expect Matilda to suddenly bring this up. She tried to comfort her, saying, "Don't be sad, Mrs. Holcomb. You're taking great care of Sandy."Matilda shook her head, her voice tinged with bitterness and a hint of guilt."If Sandy hadn't been born prematurely because of something unexpected, she could have been very healthy. I can't make up for it no matter how much I look after her now."Although Matilda didn't explicitly mention what had happened, from her tone, Sage deduced that it had something to do with Leo. Otherwise, Matilda wouldn't have chosen to take Sandy abroad by herself.But it didn't feel appropriate to inquire about these personal matters."Sage, Sandy's father wants us to move back to the Holcomb Estate. I won't insist that you go there too."However, I'll still need your help with the incense. I'll bring Sandy to see you when you're available," said Matilda.Sage indeed was not planning on going to Holcomb Estate. But Matilda didn't necessarily have
There was a hint of disappointment in Ian's expression. "Sage, what do I need to do for you to forgive me?"He tried to avoid appearing in front of Sage because he didn't want to upset her. But whenever Sage saw him, she remained indifferent, showing him no warmth at all.Sage had already discussed this with Ian about this several times before and didn't want to talk about it anymore. "It's getting late, so I'll be heading back first.""I'll take you home," Ian said. Afraid Sage would refuse, he added an excuse, "I need to head back, too. I'll drop you off on the way."Sage didn't drive herself here. It was Matilda who sent a driver to pick her up.Even if she refused, Ian would probably just do what he did last time and wait for her in his car.So, Sage didn't say anything and went downstairs.There was no sign of Leo in the living room, and Linda had also gone to the chapel. Sage went inside to greet her before heading back outside.The night breeze blew in. Before Sage could