Dodging Ivy's outstretched hand, Ian frowned. He turned to Wanda and said, "Tell security that from now on, outsiders aren't allowed to enter Solaris Estate without my permission."Wanda hurriedly nodded. "Understood, Mr. Holcomb."As soon as she heard that, Ivy froze. "What's the meaning of this, Ian? When did I become an outsider? First, you forbade me from entering your office without your permission. Now, I can't even come to your house?"Sensing the tension between them, Wanda hastily said, "I'll be on my way, Mr. Holcomb."After Wanda left, Ian walked into the living room and asked impatiently, "What do you want? If it's about the investigation you asked me to do last time, don't bother asking again. I'm under no obligation to help you find the truth."Tears welled up in her eyes when she heard that. "Why are you being so cruel to me, Ian? What have I done wrong? It's not my fault you and Sage divorced!" He sat down on the couch and looked even more impatient. "I'm sure yo
Ian just looked at Ivy impassively. He didn't reach out to take the folder. Ivy unsealed the folder and placed it in front of Ian. "Ian, I figured you wouldn't help me, so I found a friend to do it. Turns out, several of Shekdotter Incorporated's business deals were sabotaged by Giselle's brother, Marcus Rosethorn's, men."Ivy went on to say that she hadn't crossed the Rosethorns before and that Marcus agreed to help Sage deal with her family to make up for the fact that Giselle's housekeeper had drugged her."Ian, I have no idea why Sage doesn't hold a grudge against the real culprit and is instead targeting me—""Are you sure you have no idea?" Ian cut her off coldly.Ivy looked at him in confusion. "Ian, do you know what's going on?"Ian interlocked his fingers and responded impassively. "Delilah Stromberg has been following your orders all along. You had her and her father set up a deal with the Joyners and falsely accuse Maven Corporation of tax fraud. Delilah confessed eve
"Do you remember what you told me when I had a high fever from pneumonia and almost couldn't make it, Ian?" Ivy asked.Before he could respond, she continued, "You said I could always come to you if I ever needed anything, and you'd never let anyone bully me! But now, you're treating me like I'm your enemy!"Unable to hold it in any longer, she sobbed, "Am I seriously that despicable? I admit I've kept some things from you. But I've never harmed you, and I never will!"His brows drew together after he heard that. However, his voice remained apathetic as he asked, "So why can't you just tell me your reasons?"Ivy shook her head with teary eyes. "Don't force me, Ian. I really can't tell you. I hope you'll trust me. I don't want to do this. I'm afraid of losing what we have."Ian's forehead creased. "You've caused Sage and her family harm. Even if Sage is taking action against Shekdotter Incorporated, you're just getting what you deserve. I won't help you with anything. "Since you
Sage was well aware that Wanda thought she was madly in love with Ian. Even though they had been divorced for such a long time, Wanda still believed that she was just being stubborn. Sage didn't have the energy to explain herself anymore. "Why don't you go make the peppermint and chamomile tea, Wanda? I have something to attend to, so I'll be hanging up now."As she put her phone away, a thought crossed her mind. Ivy must've gone to see Ian to talk about her father's issue. Ronald was still detained at the police station at the moment. The scandal wasn't necessarily huge. After all, people would just pay more attention to its moral implications. Knowing Ivy, Ronald wouldn't be detained for long. However, Henry had assured her that Ronald wouldn't come out of this incident unscathed this time. Plus, he wouldn't give Ronald the chance to get back on his feet. Henry had put in a lot of work dealing with the Shekdotters. After all, he wanted to bring them under his control as soon
The next day, Sage spent the morning at Farsight following up on the contract. In the afternoon, she received a call from Zachary. He said the client who had ordered the personalized perfume had arrived in Haldon and wanted to meet up.Sage arrived at Maven Corporation at 2:00 p.m. Zachary was waiting for her at the entrance. "Sage, you're here! The client's waiting upstairs. We've only dealt with her assistant in the past. It's the first time she's come to Haldon in person."Sage nodded. "I see." When she spotted a familiar, petite figure in the reception area, she was a little surprised. "Is that you, Ms. Sutton?"Abby turned around and was equally surprised to see Sage. "Ms. Joyner, what are you doing here?""You guys know each other?" Zachary was astonished. He then told Abby, "The previous perfume was actually formulated by Sage. She's also the perfumer you are looking for.""I can't believe it. You're a perfumer, Ms. Joyner? I thought you said you worked in finance." The lat
Sage and Abby weren't close enough to gossip about each other's crushes yet. So, she smiled and said, "You're such a catch, Ms. Sutton. Whoever you fall for is lucky.""Hopefully." Abby then added sweetly, "But he doesn't know how I feel about him yet."That caught Sage off guard. "Why haven't you told him?" With her good looks and family background, there wouldn't be a man who would turn her down. Abby giggled. "It's just not the right time yet!" Then, she asked, "What about you, Ms. Joyner? You have all these suitors. Are you planning on choosing someone new or an old flame?" Sage chuckled. "I don't have space in my life for romance at the moment.""But if you had to choose between a new love and an old flame, Ms. Joyner, which would you prefer?" Abby asked with wide eyes. Without missing a beat, Sage responded, "Well, people say you shouldn't go back to your ex, so I—" Before she could finish her sentence, she felt someone's cold gaze land on her. Sage turned around and f
Sage declined. "Why don't you just hail a cab?"Calvin sighed. "Well, Ian had quite a bit to drink. He just complained about his shoulder and said he had a stomachache. "It'll take a while for an Uber to arrive. Don't worry, Ms. Joyner. My driver is already on the way. We'll hop out once we see him!"At this point, she felt as if she couldn't refuse anymore. Sage turned to Zachary and said, "Head home and get some rest, Zack."Zachary was aware that Ian's friend was doing this on purpose, but he didn't want to put Sage in a difficult spot. He couldn't bring himself to be sarcastic, either. So, he responded warmly, "Alright. Call me when you get home."As Sage nodded in agreement, Calvin helped Ian into the back seat and quickly got into the passenger seat. "Ian gets a little grumpy when he's drunk. I'm afraid he might punch me." He added, "But he wouldn't lay a hand on women, especially you."Sage was rendered speechless. She didn't have the energy to argue with Calvin, so s
"Let go of me!" Sage elbowed Ian's chest and he grunted. Sage hesitated as she thought about the night in Southbend County when his wound reopened while he was protecting her. Meanwhile, Ian seized the moment and tightened his arms around her. In a hoarse voice, he said, "Don't fight me, Sage. Give me a chance…"His hoarse voice, laced with the scent of alcohol, enveloped Sage. It made her heart skip a beat.She wondered if he was behaving like this because of what she had said earlier about never going back to her ex.Her senses were overwhelmed by his presence. Uncomfortable, she pushed him away. "Let go of me.""No. If I do, you'll leave me, and I won't be able to hold you again." His voice was tinged with frustration and desperation. He buried his burning cheeks in her neck and murmured, "I miss you so much, Sage."He did miss Sage. Even though they had spent several days together in Southbend County, even though they had just seen each other a few hours ago, even though