To avoid dampening Linda's spirits, Sage did as instructed.Before reaching the spot, she was captivated by a blooming orchid by the side. She bent down and sniffed it. The wonderful fragrance caused her features to relax instantly, and a gentle smile graced her lips.Sunlight shone on Sage's delicate face as she leaned toward the pristine orchid. Ian couldn't decide whether the flower or the woman was more beautiful. Almost instinctively, he captured the scene with his phone.After an afternoon of leisure activities, the dinner banquet finally commenced. The family of 20 gathered around a table, which created a harmonious atmosphere.Linda and Aiden Holcomb, Ian's great uncle, were not as energetic compared to the middle-aged and young people present. Thus, they ended up leaving early.Ian found himself surrounded by his uncles, while Sage assisted Linda and saw her off.As she watched the car disappear into the distance, Sage decided against returning to feign affection with Ia

When Sage realized that Ian had reverted to his usual demeanor and tone, she became even more certain that he had only pretended to be drunk to fool her. Infuriated, she briskly walked ahead and left Ian behind.A faint perfume lingered as Sage's silhouette faded into the distance.Ian sent a text to Calvin. "I'm rejecting the letter of intent to collaborate with Luther Enterprise's gulf project." Then, without waiting for Calvin's response, he switched off his phone.…Concerned that Ian might be too drunk, Terry tagged along with the driver to the restaurant to pick them up. He let the driver wait before approaching the private room.Inside, Ian sat on a bench while supporting his forehead with one hand. His eyebrows were slightly furrowed, and he looked uncomfortable.Terry was about to call out to him when Sage, holding a towel in one hand, discreetly walked over to Ian from the dining table. Her other hand was hidden beneath the towel.Terry wisely kept silent. He watched

Ian was unwilling to let her go yet. "Beg me properly one more time."Sage was both frustrated and confused. She was wondering why she hadn't noticed so many annoying traits in Ian before. What sort of weird hobby was this?Just then, Sage's phone stopped ringing.Ian was about to pull her even closer. He said, "Perfect. Now, you don't have to—"At the same time, Sage was ready to use violence when the partition suddenly lowered.Terry kept his eyes down as he informed in a business-like tone, "Mr. Holcomb, Ms. Shekdotter says her calls aren't getting through to you. She needs to speak with you."Ian furrowed his brows slightly and took Terry's phone.Annoyed, Sage pushed Ian away and sat back in her seat. She grabbed her own phone. It turned out that she had missed Ivy's phone call as well.Ivy seemed to be well aware of Ian's whereabouts, considering that she had looked for Sage directly."What's the matter?" Ian loosened his collar and asked in a husky voice."What's with

Sage responded, "Okay, send me the address."The location Shane provided turned out to be a bar. It seemed like private clubs or bars were his regular hangouts.If Sage hadn't known from her past life that he had a business mindset and performed reasonably well, she might have thought of him as an idle playboy.Sage drove to the bar and located Shane in a secluded corner on the second floor.The bar played soft music, and with no one else on the second floor, the noise was well-contained in the soundproofed booth. It created an unexpectedly tranquil atmosphere.Shane was lounging with his legs propped on the coffee table. He retained his usual carefree demeanor. However, this time he was without the company of beautiful women. Instead, he was engrossed in a phone call.On the table were beverages and snacks. Sage decided not to disturb him and settled on the couch. She casually picked up a piece of apple and popped it into her mouth."Alright, that's settled. Let me know as soon

Shane's laughter was cold and malicious. "You had the guts to mess with me. I'll teach you a lesson, even if it means breaking the law!"When she saw Shane's fearless attitude and the approaching bodyguard, Sage felt a tinge of regret. She had been too presumptuous. She had thought that her knowledge from her past life could be leveraged to negotiate with Shane.She never considered investigating what kind of person he was.Now, with him turning hostile, she wouldn't be able to escape if he decided to tie her up.With Ian's apparent dislike toward her, she doubted he would intervene. Even if he did, she didn't want to owe him any favors."Hide if you can. Let's see where you can escape to!" Shane stalked toward her. His voice was menacing.The second floor seemed to have been cleared by Shane, and there was no one around to help. Sage's scream for help was rendered useless.Sage contemplated whether it would be more effective to smash a wine bottle and threaten to hurt herself o