Chapter 70 Sage's POV My mind spun, a whirlwind of thoughts colliding all at once. Confusion tangled with fury, and I could feel the heat rising to my cheeks. Had he just said, new partner? Ha! When did I ever agree or even consider being partners with him? "You’re insane, Alex," I snapped "If you don’t have anything important to discuss, please leave. Like I said before, I'm quite busy running an actual company" The words dripped with venom, and I knew he'd catch the insult. And if he did, he didn't show it. His face remained infuriatingly smug, that self-satisfied expression only fanning the flames of my anger. It took everything I had not to slam my hand on the desk. "Sorry to burst your bubble, but I’m not kidding," Alex said, his tone calm but laced with a smugness that only deepened my irritation. "I know you'll only believe me when the lawyers show up, but I thought I’d give you a heads-up before that. Honestly, I expected you to throw some terms at me the moment we met.
Chapter 71Sage's POVI stormed into my parents' house, fuming. My mind was all over the place, but one thing was clear, I needed to confront my Dad and get some answers, instantly.As I stepped inside, Mom appeared near the door, looking as if she was about to head out. Her face lit up when she saw me, her smile bright and full of warmth."Sage? What are you doing here?" she asked, sounding delighted. "Not that I’m complaining, of course," She started walking toward me, her grin widening, and for a brief second, I could tell she had no idea about what had happened...yet!"Where's Dad?" I asked, my voice clipped and cold.Her smile faltered and confusion crept into her expression. "Darling, is anything the matter?" "Yes," I said sharply, barely able to keep my voice steady. "And I need to see Dad. Is he up?"Her brow furrowed in concern, and she nodded hesitantly. "He’s in his study. Should I—"I didn't wait for her to finish. My heels echoed loudly as I strode toward the study, my
Chapter 72 Sage's POV I felt like I was going to collapse. It was as if the weight of their betrayal was crushing me. I took a step back, my eyes fixed on them, they looked like they were about to implode from guilt. "How could you?" I whispered, my voice shaking with anger and hurt. "How could you do this to me?" My mom took a step forward, her hands outstretched. "Sage, sweetie, please listen—" But I cut her off, my voice rising. "No! I don't want to hear it! You've been lying to me, manipulating me, using me for your gain. I don't even know who you are anymore!" My dad's face turned red, and he took a step forward, "Sage, please listen to us. We always do what we think is best for the company and for you," But I wasn't having it. I shook my head, my eyes filling with tears. "Does this look good to you? You have no idea what's best for me," I spat. "You never have." I turned and ran out of the room, leaving my parents standing there, looking guilty and helpless. I didn't car
Chapter 73 Diego's POV As I stood in the cellar, pouring myself a glass of scotch, my mind kept drifting back to Sage. She had looked so pale and exhausted when I tucked her into bed. I had considered waking her up for a bath, but she had been out cold, and I couldn't bring myself to disturb her. I took a slow sip of the scotch, the familiar burn sliding down my throat. But even that did little to calm my racing thoughts. Alex. The name alone brought a bitter taste to my mouth, harsher than the scotch. The revelation that he was now a majority shareholder of Phoenix Estates was sickening and unbelievable. And to think that Jefferson Willows had sold his shares to Alex... it was a betrayal of the worst kind. I knew that Sage had worked tirelessly to make the company the brand it was today. She had poured her heart and soul into it, and to see her father sell out like that... it was disgusting. But I knew that this was more than just a simple business deal. Jefferson wasn't that
Chapter 74Sage's POVI woke up feeling like my body was burning from the inside. My skin was drenched with sweat, and my body trembled uncontrollably, despite the covers that covered me up. My head throbbed with a dull ache, and my throat felt parched and scratchy.I didn't need a physician to tell me that I had caught a fever.I stirred on the spot uneasily and heaved a sigh when I couldn't bring myself to shuffle over. It was frustrating as fuck!I blinked to clear the haze clouding my eyes and as I did, I slowly came to. The memories of the previous day's event came flooding back leaving an even more bitter taste in my mouth compared to the one that accompanied the fever. My parents' betrayal, Alex's smug triumph, and the helpless feeling that had consumed me. It all came crashing down on me like a ton of bricks.My chest constricted, and tears pricked at the corners of my eyes. But I bit them back just because I couldn't bear the headache that would come along with crying in this
Chapter 75Sage's POVOh God.What would he think of me now?No, wait... what was he thinking now?My mind raced with multiple questions as Diego worked in silence, his hands were firm yet gentle as he washed me up. He had watched me cry ugly without saying a thing. Rather, when I felt like I couldn't breathe, he held me in his arms to soothe me. It should've been comforting. And it was. But now, all I could focus on was how much of a mess I must've seemed.Did he think I was pathetic? Weak?God, I hoped not.I don't know what came over me. I don't cry in front of people– ever. Something must've come over me. Maybe some kind of witchcraft. I cringed at myself and let out a shaky exhale as the hot water rinsed the soap on my body awayDiego smirked as he moved behind me and then he began washing my hair. His fingers worked through my scalp kneading away tension I hadn't even realized I was holding. A soft, involuntary moan escaped my lips and I froze for a second, embarrassed by how ea
Chapter 76 Diego's POV "Mr. Ivanovna, we have reviewed every security footage around the company building and the results remain the same. The victim was involved in a hit-and-run accident that cost his life. It's quite unfortunate" Inspector Ross said, his eyes darting from me to Nick like he was searching for a reaction. While there was none on my part, Nick snickered bitterly as he shook his head. "What have you found on the driver of that vehicle?" Ross heaved a sigh that was filled with resignation before shaking his head. "We found nothing. However, my men are still on it. I've asked the IT unit to track the car's previous routes. Hopefully, if that is found out, we'll know who the driver was," He responded, but I had a feeling they – on their own – would never find out any more about the incident as it had been cleverly crafted. I had to put my men on this mission as well. After a few words from Nick to the inspector asking him to keep up with the investigation, we walked
Chapter 77 Sage's POV I sat in the living room, surrounded by the faint scent of roses that Tina had thoughtfully arranged in every corner. But the calming fragrance did little to soothe my frazzled nerves. My eyes scanned the company's performance reports, the numbers, and graphs blurring together as my anxiety spiked. The decline was worse than I'd expected. Stocks were plummeting, and our brand reputation was taking a hit. This was a result of Alex's ruined reputation. No one could trust and do business with a man who had his company in shambles already, and now due to that, my company was paying the price. Every downward trend reminded me of my father's decision to hand it out to Alex. I bet he was also viewing the stocks, maybe this would finally make him happy and content. I ground my teeth together as my grip on my tablet tightened. This was unbearable to look at, yet my eyes couldn't stare away. My phone buzzed, jolting me out of my thoughts. I glanced at the device on t
Chapter 120Diego's POVSage kept stealing glances at me throughout the ride back home. Once, I'd caught her and noticed there was a subtle blush across her face as she did. I couldn't help but chuckle at her sudden change of attitude. Usually, she would be bolder after we had sex or made out, but today, she was acting shy. I didn't mind the change, though, but it was new, and she looked fucking cute.I don't think she knew how cute she looked acting all shy. Watching her ride my fingers to find her release was one of the prettiest things I'd ever seen. And I know this was part of the reason she kept stealing glances at me. Had she felt embarrassed? Or was it because she wanted more? It had been there in her eyes when she stared at me but I couldn't take her now. Not when she was still recovering.I turned to look at her as she stared outside the window, frowning at the bandage wrapped around her head that had been replaced by a nurse before we left the hospital. I still wasn't comfor
Chapter 119Sage's POVDiego carried me to the restroom attached to my ward, and the moment he set me down, his lips crashed on mine, capturing them in a slow, sensual kiss that set shivers running through my body. My breath hitched as the warmth of his touch spread through my body, igniting my entire system.I sighed into his mouth, moving my lips desperately to match his pace. It was a rough and passionate kiss, different from the one we shared moments ago. His hands moved to the small of my back, rubbing his thumb in circles, and slowly, he pulled the knot that held the dress as a piece. I melted against him, moaning in pleasure, everything forgotten as that moment, it was just him and I.We broke from the kiss, both breathless but our bodies were ignited with the primal desire for each other. Diego stared deeply at me, his eyes holding a glint of dark desire as he rid my body of the hospital gown. He dipped his head, and kissed my shoulder blade, trailing up to my neck and chin.
Chapter 118Sage's POVWhen my eyes opened after what I believed to be an hour later, they fell on Kian's burly frame in the middle of the room, and before him was Diego, ruffling his hair.I blinked, my eyes taking in his angry expression as he ordered Kian to find someone. Who was he talking about that made him so angry? Kian looked equally agitated, I could see that with the way his shoulders tensed.What were they talking about?"Diego," I called out almost gagging as the scent of hospital seeped into my system, filling my lungs. Gosh! I can't stand the scent of the hospital anymore. I just want to go home.Diego turned to me and the angry expression on his face earlier wore off, replaced by that of worry as he covered the distance to me. My brows shut up, worry filling my system as I thought of what it could be that had been bothering him."Did we disturb your sleep?" He asked, gently as he took my hand. I motioned to my bed and he nodded in understanding, helping me sit up. I sm
Chapter 117Diego's POVSage's lips were moving but my mind was focused on the way her face was scrunched up in faux annoyance. A small smile twisted my lips, when last had I seen her this close and freely? I'd fucking missed her and heaven knows, I would have lost my mind if she wouldn't have survived this.This time, I wasn't going to let her go no matter how much she objected. But I doubted she would, she had said nothing but smile when I told her that. That fucking smile! It had stirred something within me that I hadn't felt in days. God, whatever she had done to me, I liked it. No, I loved it."Diego!" She snapped, her voice cracked but enough to get me out of the trance she'd trapped me in. I blinked, shaking my head slightly and giving her an inquisitive lookThe frown on her face deepened. "Did you hear what I just said?""No, sweetheart. I heard nothing, can you say that again?" I smirked, raising my brows and she gave me an eye roll that made my heart jump."Stop flirting wi
Chapter 116Sage's POVIt was all a daze.I thought I had heard Diego whispering to me but my brain couldn't process a thing. I only knew that somehow, I was safe and still breathing. Still alive.*****My eyelids felt heavy as I attempted to pull them apart. My whole body felt like I was being held down by weights that kept pulling me down no matter how much I tried breaking free. This left my system numb but for some reason, I kept pushing to open my eyes.And I did.I winced painfully as the bright light penetrated my sour and tired eyes. It was as if someone was pointing a flashlight directly at my face. I snapped my eyes shut, my entire system now adjusting to the environment and before I opened them again, my nose had picked up the strong smell of chlorine and bleach, a typical smell of the hospital.I almost gagged at how strongly it invaded my nose.My blurry gaze ran through the room and then to the IV drip inserted in my hand. My head felt heavy and from it came a pang of pa
Chapter 115Diego's POVAs I sped through the highway, my heart pounded in my chest, and my entire system burned with rage. If anything happened to Sage, I would lose it. It felt as though the car chose to drive at its pace and it was getting on my nerves.It was barely two minutes after the call with Sage, but it felt like an eternity, and all I could do while cursing my luck for not being fast enough was hope. Hope that she had fought Theodore. I had heard it when she gasped out his name. How had he gotten inside? How did he breach all that security I placed around her house?I clenched my jaws and my grip tightened on the wheel as a thought hit me. Could one of my men have betrayed me? I cursed under my breath, punching the steering wheel like it were his face. If it turned out that one of the guards helped in, he would have a companion on his way to hell.My mind reeled as I finally got to the estate, Sage's apartment was located and in a minute, I was pulling over roughly before
Chapter 114Sage's POVMy heart pounded in my chest, fear coursing through my being as I squinted in the direction of the figure to make out who it was. The statue looked like that of a man and, somehow, familiar, but I couldn't place out who it belonged to. However, knowing it was familiar, heightened my fear."W.. who are you?" I asked, taking a step back as I flickered my gaze to my phone on the floor. Diego was still on call and he could help me.The person chuckled and I froze on the spot, eyes widening as recognition flowed in. I opened my mouth to speak but he stepped forward, a predatory grin lingering on his lips as he stared at me.I scrunched my face in annoyance and disbelief, gasping. "Theodore!"He smirked, then picked up my phone, ending the call abruptly. My eyes widened as he tossed the phone across the room. Dread settled in the pit of my stomach when he looked back at me. He seemed different and it was terribly. There was an unhinged look in his eyes, like he could
Chapter 113Diego's POVI watched with an intense stare as one of my men tortured the man who had harmed Violet. His face was bloodied and so was part of his body. My lips twitched, satisfied as his screams of agony cut through the air.Initially, he wanted to play it cool like the sadist he thought he was but he had underestimated my men and their methods. They could break the strongest of men with the cruel way they tortured. Most of them had served in the army while others were the finest retirees from the most dangerous mafia families I had connections with.Most people who knew the kind of men I had hired thought of me as some maniac, hence my widespread reputation of being spineless. It wasn't a lie, but only those who crossed me encountered my wrath. But these men were only part of my crew because of my grandfather's close relationship with the mafia and I'd only salvaged this relationship to my benefit.I narrowed my eyes when the man lost consciousness and hung his head. He h
Chapter 112Sage's POVI spent the rest of the afternoon binging a series I found on TV. After the call with my father, I felt less suffocated and in need of alcohol, so the brandy had been set aside and replaced with four big bags of chips and yogurt.I meant to ditch the brandy after the second glass before the call anyway; that stuff was damn bitter. It made me wonder how Diego managed to drink it.‘Thinking about him again?’ The voice in my head treacherously snarked and I scrunched my face. The thought of him has been crossing my mind sparsely whenever a commercial came up and I was back to seriously feasting on my chips.I found it quite infuriating as I had decided to end things. Thinking about him – his hot and ripped body, lips, hands – everything, would just stick with me then. It was a great deal and it was fun while it lasted. However, despite my decision, I couldn't help the subtle tug in my chest that made me wince occasionally. Coming to that conclusion had been heart-w