Shane cast a mocking glance at Sage. "Do you think Mimosa would abandon such a lucrative opportunity to collaborate with us before Bolton Investment makes an offer?"Sage replied, "Under normal circumstances, no. But with the right influence, things might change.""Oh?" Shane adjusted his sitting posture. He was becoming more interested in hearing Sage's next words.Sage took out her phone, retrieved some information, and handed it to Shane. "This is Mimosa's manager, Benjamin Xenith. I've gathered some background information on him through various channels."It's said that he managed to establish the winery not only due to an exclusive recipe but also with financial support from his in-laws. Therefore, he tends to listen to his wife, who is quite assertive.""Are you planning to convince Benjamin to collaborate with us through his wife?"Shane's tone became lighter, and his patience was running thin. He thought that Sage initiating the collaboration was just for show because she
Sage had determined the shareholding percentage based on the ownership ratio of Holcomb Corporation from her previous life. To ensure success, she deliberately set it half a point lower.Although Farsight Investment might not match Holcomb Corporation's prestige, the percentage was considered optimal, taking into account all factors.Upon hearing this, Shane didn't insist any further. "Do you need me to send someone with you tomorrow?""No need." Sage shook her head. "I think it's better to approach it in a friendly way.""Ms. Joyner, you are more intelligent than I imagined." Shane looked up with a smile, though one couldn't tell whether it was praise or a jest.Sage took it as a compliment. "Thank you, Mr. Morrison."Shane didn't dwell on it. He returned the investment plan to Sage and said, "I'll await your good news."…The next day, Sage got up early to dress up and headed to Benjamin's house.The Xeniths lived in a high-end estate within the city, which featured a courty
The phone was on speaker, and soon Sage heard Linda's saddened voice on the other end. "Sage, are you not willing to accompany me just because you're upset with Ian?"Sage had never heard Linda speak in such a tone, so she quickly replied, "I'm willing to accompany you, Grandma.""Then it's settled. I'll have the driver pick you both up tomorrow!"Before Sage could say anything else, Linda had already ended the call. Her tone sounded noticeably lighter.Sage felt helpless.The next afternoon, Sage received a call from the driver when it was time to depart. Upon reaching the car and opening the door, she was surprised to find Ian already sitting in the backseat.He was wearing a black suit. He exuded an air of cold sophistication as he focused on his laptop. He looked every bit like a successful figure on the cover of a financial magazine.When he heard the door open, Ian glanced at her nonchalantly before returning his attention to the laptop.Sage cursed him in her heart. She
Regardless, since the investment plan was of no use to her anymore, Sage decided to let Bolton Investment use it. She probed, "Can you add an extra ten thousand?"Ian looked at her and said disapprovingly, "Sage, if you love money so much, why did you act so high and mighty before and claim you wouldn't accept a penny for personal use?"When they first got married, Ian had offered her a credit card to cover household expenses. But she had refused it. She had wanted to prove she wasn't in it for the money.Consequently, she used her own funds for gifts and daily expenses. In hindsight, she genuinely regretted that decision."Why don't you compensate me now?" Sage asked tentatively.Surprisingly, Ian scoffed in response. "You're divorcing me. Why should I cover your expenses?"That was a predictable response from a businessman. He wouldn't take any losses.Sage decided not to dwell on the matter. "Fine. One million it is."Ian then laid out his conditions. He said, "You'll have t
"Good evening, Grandma and everyone," Ian greeted gracefully."Ian, you're truly dutiful. You always come to accompany your grandmother, unlike those ungrateful brats in our family who always say they're busy as an excuse not to show up!""No kidding! Can anyone be busier than Ian? He runs such a huge corporation and still manages to make time. I think our grandchildren simply find us bothersome!""Alas, Ian never disappoints. He is both capable and respectful. Mrs. Holcomb Senior is blessed!"As he listened to the aunts' praises, Ian wore a subtle smile. Glancing at Sage, he calmly said, "You all are too kind. I don't have much time to be with Grandma regularly. It's my Sage who spends more time with her."Hearing "my Sage" coming from Ian's mouth made Sage think she was hearing things. Even during social niceties, he had never addressed her like that before!Sage stared at Ian while trying to read his face. However, his expression remained impassive, like nothing happened.Mea
Sage picked out the meaning behind Linda's words, yet she refused to deceive herself. "Linda, you don't have to comfort me. I'm well aware of Ian's attitude."Leaving aside the fact that Ian still despised her, she couldn't allow herself to harbor illusions about him any longer, even if there were a genuine change in his feelings.She did not want to interfere with the tacit understanding and emotions between him and Ivy again in this lifetime.When she saw Sage's determined expression, Linda refrained from further persuasion. Clearly, Sage had experienced enough heartache and disappointment to make such a resolute decision.Linda only hoped that Ian would quickly realize the truth and mend Sage's heart.…In the leisure area of the private room, a group of women discussed their children."My son's birthday is approaching, and he mentioned that Gentlemen's Style's high-end clothes are good. The store sent me a link with several styles; could you all take a look for me?"One of
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
Besides, Ian had removed his suit jacket, and a few buttons on his shirt were undone. With his sleeves rolled up, his fair skin and well-defined arm muscles were exposed.Sage promptly stopped herself from staring. She couldn't afford to be infatuated with his attractiveness again.Shooting him a cold look, she grumbled, "What are you standing here for? You gave me a fright!"Ian wasn't angry. Instead, his tone was gentle as he replied, "Weren't you seeing Grandma off? Why did you come here? I've looked everywhere for you..."Based on his words and expression, Sage confirmed that Ian had had a bit too much to drink.His usual image was one of swift decisiveness, even in situations like this where he seemed a bit slow in reacting. Moreover, he wouldn't normally say something as silly as having looked for her everywhere.There was once in her previous life that Ian had gotten drunk as well. However, he had only slept it off upon getting home instead of making such a fuss.At the t