Shortly, a woman's screams echoed throughout the mental institution. It wasn't a strange thing to happen at a mental hospital. People screamed all the time. That night was anything but peaceful.…The next day, Sage received a phone call from Shane right after she came out from her shower. He said that he was about to reach her place and asked her to wait for him downstairs when she was done. He would take her out for breakfast. Tiana overheard their conversation and teased, "Shane can't survive a day without seeing you now, huh?"Sage rolled her eyes and said, "Don't think I didn't hear you last night. You were talking on the phone with Calvin."Tiana took it calmly. "We call all the time. It doesn't prove anything. You didn't tell me anything about your uncle's birthday. Are you hiding secrets from me?"The night before, Sage had felt overwhelmed and sad after what had happened with Ian. Tiana had been chatting happily with Calvin, so she didn't want to disturb her. Sage j

It was Giselle and Marcus. Giselle was dressed in a simple professional suit. She no longer looked like a pampered young lady and instead exuded the air of a professional businesswoman. Marcus, on the other hand, was dressed in a tailored, bespoke suit. His eyes were deep and calm, and his presence was overwhelming. Giselle's eyes widened in surprise when she noticed Sage and took the initiative to greet her. "Are you guys dining here as well, Sage? What a coincidence!"Sage smiled. "Yeah.""What are you doing here?" Shane asked, peeved."I had no idea you'd be here!" Giselle promptly responded. "My brother offered to take me out for dinner. I hadn't expected to run into you guys!""I chose this place, Shane. It has nothing to do with Elle," Marcus chimed in.Shane snorted and said nothing more."It's been a while, Ms. Joyner." Marcus then greeted Sage with a faint smile.Sage responded cordially, "It has indeed been a while, Mr. Rosethorn.""Since we've run into each othe

Giselle glanced at Sage when she spotted Ian in the reception room. Ignoring Giselle's suggestive look, Sage's brows subtly drew together. It seemed that Shane was right. Ian was indeed planning to personally oversee this deal. Ian was anything but idle. He was engrossed in reviewing the documents that Terry handed him as he sat in the reception area of CureX Pharmaceuticals. "Welcome, Ms. Joyner. The conference room is ready. You may proceed to the conference hall," an employee at the research institution told Sage.Upon hearing this, Ian looked up. His dark eyes were deep, his handsome face was stern, and his presence was intimidating, probably because he was working. When he noticed her, his gaze flickered, but he didn't utter a word."Mrs- Ms. Joyner." Terry corrected himself and addressed her as the employee did. Sage nodded at him before she headed to the conference room with Giselle. As soon as she reached the door, Abby walked toward her cheerfully. "Ms. Joyner!"S

Shortly after, a housekeeper's voice sounded. "Welcome back, Mr. Holcomb."Sage's brows knitted. Why was Leo here? She hadn't run into Leo during her previous visits to Holcomb Manor, and she assumed he wasn't on good terms with Matilda, so he wouldn't come over. But here he was."Let's take a picture, Sage!" Sandy called out cheerily. Sage didn't want to dampen Sandy's mood, so she joined her with a smile.About half an hour later, Matilda came out to look for them and brought Sandy some water and her medications. Sandy obediently took them but was still in high spirits and suggested playing hide-and-seek with Sage.Sage hadn't expected her to suggest such a childish game. After all, the last time she played it was in elementary school.With a smile, Matilda explained, "A few of the housekeepers here treat Sandy like a child and have played hide-and-seek with her when she was feeling well. She probably thinks it's fun and wants to play it with you."Sage was willing to play

Sage was bewildered. Leo wanted Ian and Abby to get married? But it kind of made sense. Ian had mentioned that the Suttons were powerful and had a strong background. The union between these two families would definitely bring them to new heights."No matter how long it's been since I've been divorced, she's the only one I've ever truly cared about." Ian's cold voice sounded again. "I wouldn't mind collaborating with the Suttons, but if marriage is part of the deal, then it's off the table.""Do you really think you're all grown up now, Ian Holcomb? How dare you speak to me in that tone?" Leo was furious. "A real man should seize every opportunity to expand the family business. Indulging in romantic relationships will lead you nowhere!""So, you want me to expand our family business through marriage?" Ian said coldly. "Don't you find it disgraceful to use marriage as a weapon?""Watch your mouth!" Leo snarled. "I'm your father, Ian. How could you disrespect me like this? I've turn