"If you need anything, just call for us. We'll be right outside the door," Tiana instructed.Sage nodded.Soon, everyone in the hospital room left, leaving only Sage and Ivy.When Sage locked the door, Ivy still looked terrified and panicked, shouting in distress, "Go away! Stay back!"Sage didn't rush to talk to her, but instead sat down in a chair and took a look around the room.The walls were painted a bright white. There are simple iron beds, a few coffee tables, and chairs. The ceiling was thoughtfully equipped with movable tracks for hanging IV drip bottles.After finishing looking around the room, Sage then turned her gaze toward Ivy.She coldly said, "Do you think pretending to be insane and being sent to a mental institution is better than serving time in prison?"Shane has found evidence that your previous psychological evaluation report was falsified. Once this evidence is submitted, a professional doctor will re-evaluate you. Do you think you can keep pretending th
Sage unhesitatingly plunged the shard of ceramic into her flesh as Ivy screamed.In her past life, Ivy was the one who caused Donald's death. In this life, Ivy had the audacity to curse her family again. Sage's hatred surged forth instantly.The fabric of Ivy's hospital gown was torn. The sharp edge of the ceramic shard cut her skin, causing crimson blood to seep out.Ivy finally realized why Sage had locked the door. It was to prevent anyone from coming in and stopping her."Sage, you've gone mad!" Ivy said in disbelief.Sage's expression was cold and stern. "Clearly, the mad one here is you!"Isn't it typical for someone with mental illness to engage in self-harm? I believe Ian will also help me prove that all your injuries were self-inflicted!"Ivy knew that Sage wasn't exaggerating. Nowadays, Ian wouldn't show any mercy toward her. Even if Sage were to kill her, Ian would definitely take Sage's side!The wound on her chest wasn't deep, but Ivy was in so much pain that she w
Upon hearing Giselle's words, Tiana's expression instantly turned joyful. She went ahead and put the call on speakerphone. "Really, Giselle? Can you repeat that?""It's true! Selena told me just now that Shane's eyes and fingers moved. After checking, the doctor confirmed that these are signs he's waking up!" Giselle's voice was full of excitement.Tiana looked at Sage. "Sage, did you hear that? Shane is going to wake up. He won't be in a vegetative state anymore!"Sage naturally heard it.In an instant, it felt like the huge boulder pressing down on her chest was moved away. All the strength she had been forcing out slowly faded away.She released her grip on Ivy's hair, letting her other arm fall to her side as the shard of ceramic dropped to the ground.The moment Ivy learned it was safe, she used the cover of her hair to quietly and mockingly tell Sage, in a voice only she could hear, "Your good days are numbered. You and the Joyners have long been targeted!"Sage was startl
Ian gave Ivy a cold look. "You're not in a position to negotiate with me."Even though Ivy understood that there was no chance between her and Ian and knew that he had no feelings for her, Ian's words still hurt her deeply.A mocking look came alive in Ivy's eyes."Ian, no matter what I've done, I've never hurt you! Even though you've reduced me to this pathetic state, I've never thought about hating you!"Right now, I just want you to untie me and stop the bleeding from the wound Sage created when she went crazy. That way, I can talk to you with a bit of dignity. Is that too much to ask?"Ivy spoke with reddened eyes, and her body trembled severely.Ian remained unfazed and didn't even want to listen to her rambling. "The only thing you need to do now is to tell me what you know."Ivy burst into uncontrollable laughter upon hearing those words.After laughing, Ivy dropped her pretenses and said sarcastically, "I told you what I knew a long time ago, Ian. What more do you want to
Now that Sandra was dead, there was no one to torment Ivy anymore. It was time she received the punishment she deserved.Regarding this matter, Riley had already received instructions from Shane beforehand, so it was natural for him to cooperate.After discussing the relevant details, Sage called Donald.She didn't dare to tell him about the dangerous incident because she didn't want him to worry. But, now that things were almost settled, Sage really wanted to hear her grandfather's voice.She waited for a long time, but Donald didn't pick up.。Sage quickly called Dexter and learned that Susan had gone to their house that day.As soon as she saw Donald, she started crying and causing a scene. Now, they were in the study, and Dexter said he didn't know exactly what happened.Out of nowhere, Sage remembered Ivy's vague and somewhat gloating comment from yesterday—that someone had already set their sights on her and the Joyner family.Was Ivy just trying to provoke her, or was the
It wasn't time for the doctor's rounds yet. Tiana also had to step out to handle a phone call because there was some trouble in the nurses' station. If it was her, she wouldn't knock on the door.Who could it be?Sage told Donald that she was hanging up before walking to the door and asking who it was.A woman's voice sounded. "It's Selena. Ms. Joyner, may I come in?"Shane's sister? She was probably here because of Shane.Sage knew that the Morrison family would definitely want to talk to her, and there was no way she could avoid it.Sage said, "Come in."Selena opened the door to the hospital room.Sage heard from Shane that his older sister had a brief marriage before. After the divorce, she had been helping their father run the Morrison family's business in the northern part of the city.She was a typical strong and independent woman.At this moment, Selena appeared noticeably more refreshed compared to yesterday.She wore a black casual suit, exuding a smart and profess
Selena looked at Sage. Although she wore no makeup, her skin was fair and radiant. Her large eyes exuded calmness and were strikingly beautiful yet evoked a sense of tenderness."Ms. Joyner, extreme actions cause severe harm," Selena said. "Shane was deeply affected when my mother passed away."It took him a long time to recover from that blow, and his frivolous behavior afterward was just a way to mask his inner pain."That's why I'm afraid he won't be able to handle it if he faces another setback with you, Ms. Joyner. If you truly loved Shane, I would advise him to take a chance."However, you still seem close to your ex-husband, and Mr. Holcomb is very attentive to you. Shane is bound to get hurt in this relationship."Instead of getting more entangled with each other until you're unable to extricate yourselves, it's better to take this opportunity to part ways early."Sage wasn't surprised by Selena's words. Compared to Simon, Selena was actually quite polite."Ms. Morrison,
In the clubhouse, Ian found Leo in an elegantly understated private room.Leo held a fine cigar in his hand, exuding a commanding presence that came from years of being in a position of authority.Across from him sat a few well-dressed business associates, also enjoying their cigars.A decanted red wine was placed on the table in the middle of them. The liquid in the glass gently swayed, emitting an enticing glow.The cigars' aroma combined with the red wine's scent filled this place with a relaxed and joyful atmosphere.Ian was led to the door by the waiter and quietly called out, "Father."Leo was talking with his friends about Haldon City's economic issues when he heard Ian calling him, which clearly took him by surprise."What brings you here?"Ian calmly nodded at the elders present to greet them, then turned to Leo and said, "I need to discuss something with you."All the people present were very astute and perceptive. Seeing the situation, they quickly found excuses to
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