Faced with Shane's confusion, Sage didn't hide anything and said, "I want to test her."Shane asked, "What about?"Sage thought for a moment and said, "I remember she mentioned to me that she had someone she liked. But she's been in Haldon City for quite a while now and hasn't mentioned wanting to go see him."People who were deeply in love often wished to see each other all the time and be constantly in each other's presence. It was like this for her with Ian before, and it was the same for Shane with her now.But Abby never showed any signs of urgency or longing for the person she was interested in.When Abby mentioned that she had someone she liked, she didn't seem like she was joking. She even blushed and said that the other person had no idea about her feelings."So, I think there are two possible reasons why Abby didn't stop the news about her arranged marriage with Ian from spreading."Sage analyzed, "First, she's deliberately using this news to let the man she likes know
"There's no confirmation it was Abby last night. Even if it was her, the event will be held during the day, and there are so many people around."If she really wanted to deal with me, it would be too risky. She probably wouldn't do it."That seemed to make sense, too."No matter what, you still need to stay safe. How about I go with you on Saturday?" Shane said, concerned.Sage politely declined, "No, I'd prefer to go alone since it's more convenient for me. Besides, aren't you going on a business trip on Saturday?""How did you know?" Shane said with a sudden touch of smugness. "Have you been secretly checking my schedule? You don't need to do that. I'll have my secretary send you a copy of my daily itinerary!"Sage couldn't help but glare at him. "Don't tell me you forgot that Riley called me a couple of days ago. He said you're getting busier and busier, and now you even have business trips on Saturdays.""Why did Riley tell you that?" Shane seemed displeased.Sage rolled he
Sage noticed that there was a small bald patch on Thorn's forehead, exposing red skin and looking somewhat alarming.It used to be fluffy and chubby, but now it was a bit disheveled and thin. It had become more timid and afraid of strangers than before.As Sage reached out, Thorn became so tense that its fur stood up. It let out a warning sound, and its eyes were filled with fear.When it bared its teeth, one was missing, and a scar marked its previous injury at the corner of its mouth.Even though it wasn't her own cat, it still made Sage feel very sad to see it like that."Ever since the last time Thorn got injured, it has become more timid and won't let anyone touch it. I had to use lots of its favorite cat treats before it finally started letting me get close to it again."Abby gently patted Thorn's back with some affection. "So, I thought of taking it out to play for a while and finding it a companion. That way, it wouldn't feel so lonely."Thorn didn't calm down despite Ab
Sage and Abby reached an agreement on how to address each other.Soon after, the driver dropped them off at the event location.The Feline Fiesta was held in a park where a stage had been set up. Around it were various game activities, drinks, and snacks available. Additionally, cat carriers and cat cages were provided.At the spot where they could take photos with the cats, Sage and Abby took turns holding Thorn for a few pictures. They even posted it on their social media.The event had a variety of well-organized activities. Sage and Abby met many fellow cat lovers there, and some even came over to chat with them. The atmosphere was quite pleasant.Compared to everyone's cats, which might be fancy, aloof, or adorably cuddly, Thorn was quite ordinary. It was even somewhat out of place.After all, it was just a mixed-breed cat, and it was injured with its fur not fully grown back yet. So, its appearance was even less appealing than some of the stray cats in the cages.However,
As Sage was thinking this, the kitten bit her finger, causing her to yelp in surprise. Immediately, she tilted toward Ian.Ian swiftly caught her. Perhaps because he was mindful that her arm was still injured, he moved his hand from her arm to her waist after a brief touch.The warmth of his large hand seeped through the fabric to her skin, and she caught a familiar hint of cedar in the air.Despite feeling a bit uncomfortable, Sage didn't push him away. Instead, she leaned against Ian's arm, turning her head slightly to look back.Abby was looking down and talking to Thorn, not noticing what was happening between them.What a waste. She went through all that for nothing!"Sage, is your hand okay?" Ian's concerned voice sounded next to her ear. He even took her hand to check on its condition.Sage pulled back her hand and took a step away from Ian. "It's nothing. The kitten's teeth aren't fully grown yet. It just kind of nibbled a bit."After speaking, Sage walked forward witho
Ian walked up to her. "Sage, the kitten doesn't have a name yet. Do you have any suggestions?""No," Sage said. "It's your cat, so you should name it.""Then let's call it Queen."Upon hearing the name, Sage looked up. Ian was tall, and the sunlight above was a bit blinding, so she could only see the shine in his dark eyes.When Sage was young and learning to drum, she gave herself a nickname she thought sounded impressive—Queen Joy.Back in the day when she was pursuing Ian, she had shared some interesting stories with him.At that time, Ian clearly had no reaction. Did he remember her mentioning it since he brought it up now?Whether he remembered or not, Sage couldn't be bothered to ask further. "As you like," she said.That title was something she came up with during her rebellious phase, so it was fine to use it as a name for the kitten.Just as Sage was looking away, she unexpectedly caught a glimpse of a familiar figure ahead.The woman was elegant and graceful, exudin
When Sage made the suggestion, Ian said before Abby could respond, "Sorry, I don't have time."Abby huffed softly. "Mr. Holcomb, even if you were available, I wouldn't let you accompany me. I'm worried you don't have good taste!"After speaking, Abby said to Sage, "Sage, let Mr. Holcomb keep his own cat company. You come with me to take a look. You promised me that you wouldn't neglect Thorn just because you got another cat!"Unable to refuse, Sage eventually agreed to accompany Abby to see the cat. Although the calico cat was adorable, Thorn didn't get along well with it and was even somewhat afraid of it."Isn't it said that calico cats are the cat world's beauties, and everyone who sees one will love it?" Abby felt a bit disappointed. "Why doesn't Thorn like them?"Sage suggested, "It might not be accustomed to this environment.""Yeah, maybe. I won't try to find a companion for Thorn, then. I don't want it to feel neglected!" Abby said, affectionately giving Thorn a little ki
"If you truly care about Ian, it's best to respect him and stop scheming behind his back."The Sutton family does have a good background, but Ian doesn't like Ms. Sutton. What's the point of forcing them together?"Leo took a puff of his cigar and let out a disdainful chuckle. "What's the worth of affection? A leader and someone in power can't let such a cheap thing as emotions affect their judgment!"Hearing this, Matilda's expression completely changed. She became aloof and proceeded to walk upstairs.…It was Sunday the next day. Sage received a call from Matilda.She said there was an art exhibition in Haldon City, and she was thinking about taking Sandy to check it out. She wanted to ask if Sage could join.Sage hadn't seen them since Matilda moved to Holcomb Estate with Sandy. And, since Matilda seemed to have something to say to her, Sage agreed to meet with them.When Sage arrived at the art exhibition, Matilda and Sandy were already there."Sage!"It had been a long
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