"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
When Matilda asked that, Sage inexplicably felt a bit uneasy.Yesterday, that man showed clear admiration for Matilda. At that time, she was genuinely worried that Ian might misunderstand the situation, so she instinctively kept it a secret."Sorry, Mrs. Holcomb."Matilda smiled calmly and said, "Sage, I don't blame you. You're a kind person."You knew that Ian and I don't have the best relationship and feared he might misunderstand me again, worsening the situation. That's why you didn't dare to tell him."Matilda added, "I've actually known that friend for quite some time. He used to work over in Yremdale, but he just recently came back to the country."Although Matilda didn't explicitly say it, Sage deduced that the man probably returned to the country because of Matilda.Looking at Matilda's calm and gentle demeanor, Sage couldn't help but ask, "Mrs. Holcomb, does he like you?"Matilda smiled faintly. "At our age, we no longer have the passion and impulsiveness to talk abou
Sage politely declined the staff to bring her in and stood alone in the corridor by the lake, gazing at the scenery near the restaurant.The setting sun cast its glow on the lake, making the rippling water sparkle like scattered diamonds.Sage couldn't help her playful mood. She reached out, pretending to cradle the sparkling reflections on the lake's surface and the sunlight together in her palms.Not far away, Shane got out of the car and happened to see the scene.Sage stood in an antique-looking corridor, wearing a casual white knit sweater paired with a light-colored long skirt. Her slender figure and flowing black hair complemented her delicate appearance.At that moment, she was reaching out with her graceful arms, trying to catch something.The orange sunset cast its glow on her, not only illuminating her features but also adding a golden touch to her hair. She looked indescribably delicate and charming.Even years later, when Shane recalled this scene, he would still fe
Seeing the tense standoff between the two brothers, Marcus promptly tried to mediate by advising Simon, "Simon, he's your brother. You should find a better time to talk with Shane."Simon also knew it wasn't a good time for this conversation, so he said to Shane sternly, "I'll come to your place later!"Shane ignored him and walked straight past them, holding Sage's hand.Back at the parking lot, Shane was still a bit upset. "Why did we have to run into them out of nowhere? It really ruined the mood."But Sage wasn't affected because the Morrison family never liked her in the first place. Simon's reaction was quite normal. It wasn't the first time such a scene happened, nor would it be the last."Don't argue with your brother again later when he comes to you. Looking at it from your family's perspective, they're not wrong, either."Sage even proceeded to try to comfort Shane by teasing him."You're a scion from a noble family, after all. There are so many outstanding women out t
Shane said, "No, it's fine. We can talk about it over dinner."About half an hour later, Shane took Sage to a nearby restaurant with a good reputation.The two ordered their food, and once all the dishes arrived, they enjoyed the meal.Only then did Shane fill Sage in. "During my business trip, I reached out to some of Shekdotter Inc.'s previous clients on Breakthrough's behalf."Once they learned about Breakthrough's capabilities, they expressed their willingness to continue working with you. Have your team follow up when the time comes."Sage was completely stunned when she heard what Shane said.Did Shane go on this business trip for her?Shane could see what she was thinking and spoke casually, "It was just a side trip. Farsight also has some projects to follow up on over there."Furthermore, regarding Ivy, my people have found a doctor who can prove that the mental evaluation at that time was fabricated."Shane added, "But Ivy being held in a mental institution isn't much
Sandra Fraser was already a selfish and rude woman.Losing her son already left her hopeless. One could imagine how crazy she must have become now that she lost her grandchild, too.Sage asked Tiana, "How is Ivy doing now?"Tiana explained that Ivy lost a lot of blood from the miscarriage and being stabbed. She was taken to the emergency room since any delay in treatment might put her life at risk."I heard Ronald went to ask Ian for a better hospital and doctor arrangements for Ivy, but Ian did not meet with him," Tiana said. "I guess he might ask Mr. Leo for help, but it's uncertain whether he will actually do anything about it."Leo wouldn't ignore Ivy, especially considering what she had done for him in the past. Moreover, Ronald had been loyal to Leo for a long time. Ivy should be fine.Ivy probably anticipated this outcome, which was why she dared to be so ruthless with herself.Sage spoke with Tiana for a few more moments before ending the call.Shane wasn't interested i
Without thinking too much about it, Sage put Queen back in the carrier and asked, "Did you need something from me?"Ian pulled out two tickets. "I heard from Grandpa that you like this band called Breezewind. They're performing in Haldon City tomorrow. Do you have time to go with me?"Seeing the ticket in Ian's hand, Sage felt a sudden surge of emotion that was somewhere between amused and bittersweet.She had bought tickets to Breezewind's performance in her previous life, too.At that time, she was jealous of Ivy and Ian's relationship. She frequently cried and pressured Ian for answers, which caused significant tension between them.When Breezewind came to perform in Haldon City, she hadn't seen Ian for several days and missed him a lot.During dinner with Linda at Holcomb Manor, she took the opportunity to apologize to him and invited him to watch the band's performance with her.Perhaps it was because Linda was present that he didn't turn her down.That evening, he even we
Shane said he had arrived downstairs. So, Sage went down quickly, and sure enough, Shane was waiting for her.He was dressed quite casually today, wearing a white hoodie paired with casual pants, looking even more handsome and charming.On the other hand, Sage also chose to wear a white T-shirt and jeans for convenience."Does this count as a couple wearing matching outfits?" Shane asked mischievously.Sage glanced at him. "Whatever makes you happy."The two bickered as they went to grab a bite nearby before heading to Haldon Gymnasium.On the way, Sage asked Shane about what happened between him and Simon last night.Shane replied nonchalantly, "It was the same old stuff. I ignored him, and when he realized there was no point, he left."Even though Shane spoke nonchalantly, Sage knew that Simon wouldn't be easily dismissed. Shane was likely to get a stern reprimand.She couldn't change Simon's opinion of her, nor could she persuade Shane to get rid of his feelings, so she had
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