As soon as Giselle spotted Sage, she followed Sage into her office and asked, "Why didn't you come to work yesterday?""I had some things to take care of." Then Sage asked, "What's up?"Giselle pursed her lips and said awkwardly, "You said you'd teach me how to analyze the data."Realization dawned on Sage. "So that's what this is about." Giselle was the complete opposite of Marcus. She was the epitome of innocence and naivety. Marcus was mysterious, and no one could ever figure out what was on his mind. Giselle, on the other hand, clearly wanted to seek help from her but insisted on putting on a strong front."I thought you said there were plenty of people in the company who were more experienced than me. Why didn't you ask them for advice?" Sage asked deliberately.Giselle snorted. "I don't want to bother the others. I want to bother you! Because you're the one who stole my Shanie!""Do you really think I stole him from you?" Sage asked.Of course, Giselle was well aware t
Delilah's sudden request to meet caught Sage off guard. After all, the last time they crossed paths at the police station, Delilah said she despised her. "Go back to the company on your own, Giselle. I have something to take care of," she said to Giselle.Giselle replied, "Is it urgent? Do you want me to accompany you?"Sage shook her head. "It's alright. It's just something personal.""Oh, by the way, since you consider me your friend now, could I ask you something?" she asked.Giselle nodded. "Go ahead.""How'd you find out that I was pregnant that quickly?" Sage was puzzled. She had found out she was pregnant at the hospital and returned to the hotel within just an hour or two. She couldn't fathom how Giselle got wind of it. Giselle was a little embarrassed when Sage brought up the subject. "I received a message from someone saying you went to the obstetrics and gynecology department at the hospital. "I was skeptical at first but sent someone to look into it. From that,
Sage scoffed. "Delilah, don't you find it ridiculous to even ask for that? After all you've done to me, do you honestly think I'd let you off the hook?"After hearing that, Delilah thought of something and quivered. Then, she pleaded, "I know I messed up, Sage! Could you please forgive me? I promise I'll never come after you again. I'll do whatever you say, just please give me another chance!""I don't need a lackey, nor do I need someone who just blindly follows my orders. If that's all you have to say, I'm not going to waste any more time here." With that, Sage rose to her feet, preparing to leave."Sage!" Delilah called out in a panic. "I didn't want to go after you or your family either. I was forced to—""How'd Ivy force you? Did she hold a knife to your throat?" Sage inquired coldly.Delilah shook her head. "Please help me, Sage. I'm begging you. I promise I'll never do this again…""I will not help you, Delilah," Sage said. "Since you've decided to align yourself with Ivy,
"Please help me, Sage. I know I messed up big time, and I swear I won't ever do it again!" Delilah shuddered, fear evident in her eyes. "I shouldn't have betrayed you or had someone kidnap you. Please forgive me. I promise this will be the last time. I won't pull this kind of stunt again."Observing Delilah's reaction, Sage was genuinely perplexed. "What exactly are you afraid of? Who forced you to come clean to me?" It couldn't possibly have been Ivy, or Delilah wouldn't have revealed her relationship with Ivy. After hearing that, Delilah seemed like she couldn't keep it in any longer and started weeping. "Two days ago, Ian sent someone to tell me that I'd pay a heavy price if I didn't reveal the truth. It's only been two days, and my mom's already had an accident…""You mean… Ian made you do this?" Sage was shocked.Delilah shook her head. "His men didn't flat out tell me what to do, but I know Ian is doing this to me all because of you!"Sage noticed Ian's attitude toward
Delilah sobbed. "I had no choice, Sage. Now that I've told you everything, could you please talk to Ian for me?"Sage snorted. "Do you seriously think you can just talk your way out of this after you've made so many mistakes? If I hadn't been lucky that night, who knows what kind of torture you would've subjected me to!"My family was almost ruined because of your schemes! You'd better advise your father to turn himself in. That might be your only chance for leniency.""That's no different from forcing us into a corner!" Delilah bawled. "How the hell are we supposed to survive after we lose our family business?""People have to face the consequences of their actions. You should've been prepared for the repercussions when you chose this path," Sage responded."Shut the fuck up!" Delilah's eyes blazed with anger. "Stop running your mouth, Sage Joyner! "Without Ian Holcomb, you and your family would be nothing! Everyone knows that your family business has been thriving for the past
Ian stepped outside, answered the call, and asked apathetically, "Why'd you call me at this hour?"While his voice sounded normal, if one listened closely, one could detect a hint of joy. Nowadays, it was rare for him to receive a call from Sage. Hence, it was a pleasant surprise for Ian to receive her call."Did you send someone to find Delilah?" Sage asked on the other end of the line.Instead of answering her, he asked, "Did you go and visit her?""Yeah," she responded. "Her mother had an accident. Was that your doing?"Ian responded, "I'm a law-abiding businessman. I did send someone to talk to her, but I have nothing to do with anything else."Mulling it over, she thought that made sense. After all, he wouldn't stoop to taking action against Delilah's mother. Changing the subject, she asked, "When did you find out that Delilah and Ivy were working together against my family?""A few days ago." His voice dropped a few octaves as he continued, "You were right, Sage. Delilah
After saying that stoically, Ian walked toward the elevator.Terry sighed quietly. He had assumed that Ian's call with Sage would mark a turning point, but it seemed that wasn't the case. Alas, there was no hope of his bonus being restored this month.…Meanwhile, Ian arrived at Calvin's place. The latter had changed into sportswear and was fixing his hair in front of the mirror. He was quite surprised to see Ian. "What brings you here, Ian?"Ian plopped down on his couch and glanced at him. "Where are you off to?"Calvin combed his hair back to make himself look sporty and energetic. "Tiana told me that several hospitals in town will be hosting a volleyball tournament next week. "There aren't a lot of people in their hospital who can play, so they have to invite some from elsewhere. I happen to be free, so I thought I'd join in the fun!"Ian arched his brow when he heard that. "Tiana? When did you and Ms. Ford become so close?"Calvin chuckled. "Tiana said we're friends and
Calvin didn't want Ian to come along because he was genuinely worried about upsetting Tiana. However, it wasn't merely because Ian wasn't invited. It was because he was aware that Tiana wasn't fond of Ian because of what happened with Sage. If he brought Ian along without telling Tiana, she might lash out at him. Even if she could suppress her anger, who'd be able to have a good time playing volleyball when Ian was standing there like a block of ice? Hence, it would be better if Ian sat this one out.Noticing Ian's expression harden, Calvin plastered a smile on his face and came up with a plausible excuse. "Ian, when Tiana called me, she didn't mention Mrs. Holcomb would be there. So you wouldn't be able to do anything even if you went. Why don't you head back to work? After all, you seem quite busy!"Ian glanced at him, clearly seeing right through him. With a stoic expression, he rose to his feet and walked out of the door before Calvin could say anything else."Don't worry