Abby showed up in a soft pink haute couture evening dress with a matching hime cut. Her pink-toned makeup further enhanced her lovely, demure appearance. She linked arms with a man in his 50s.The towering man was dressed in a tuxedo. Though he seemed gentle and reserved, he carried himself with an authoritative air."This is my dad." Abby introduced Dale to Sage. "I forced him to come to the charity dinner because my favorite piece of jewelry is on auction tonight!"She then introduced Sage to Dale. "Dad, this is Sage Joyner. She took care of me when we were at Southbend County!""Thank you, Ms. Joyner, for taking care of Abby," Dale said warmly.Sage replied graciously, "Mr. Sutton, don't mention it. It was no trouble at all.""Ms. Joyner, let me know if you have any piece of jewelry in mind. I'll bid it for you as a thank-you gift!" Abby offered.Sage shook her head with a smile. "It's fine. Think about it, I didn't help you much. Besides, I'm just here to visit a friend, not
Sage nodded. "Sure."Some guests approached Dale for a chat. Seeing that, Sage excused herself and made her way to the balcony.The sky had darkened, and the city's skyline was lit up brightly. Holding the railing, she enjoyed the brilliant night view.Soon, Michael found her on the balcony and joined her. He first apologized for leaving her alone, but she stopped him. Then, he brought up his bandmates, who had been talking nonstop about meeting Sage.Sage readily agreed. "Of course. Let's meet up. By the way, I was thinking of recommending you as a brand ambassador for my friend's distillery.""Mimosa Cellar?" Michael blurted out before blushing shyly. "I remember that brand because you once went viral on Twitter because of how you downed their vodka."Surprised by his memory of such a distant incident, she nodded. "Yeah. I have some stocks in Mimosa. The company is applying for an IPO, which is why it's looking for a suitable brand ambassador to promote the brand."Michael imm
Michael stared at Ian, perplexed. "What's the matter, Mr. Holcomb?""Your suit isn't from the latest season," Ian commented flatly. Now, even Sage was confused by Ian's intentions. Did he stop Michael just to comment on Michael's attire? But Ian wasn't the type who'd pay attention to fashion details.Michael glanced at his suit but did not find anything amiss. He admitted, "Yeah. I've owned this for a few months. Anything wrong with that?""Mike said that he wore this suit to the event because it was meaningful for him," Dave chimed in. "If there are any concerns regarding the suit, we're open to making adjustments."Dave, being a seasoned expert, was acutely conscious of Ian Holcomb's social standing. They couldn't risk offending Ian, someone even the event host sought to please.Ian chuckled and casually inquired, "How meaningful is the suit to you?"Michael replied calmly, "I'm sorry, Mr. Holcomb. I don't feel comfortable sharing details of my personal life with you.""Watc
"You don't remember?" Sage found the notion incredulous. "Ian Holcomb, are you denying what you've done?"She rattled off, "You spent our 5th anniversary celebrating Ivy Shekdotter's birthday. Did you not buy her flowers? You rushed to the hospital at night to visit her when she was injured by a falling lamp. Didn't you buy two pairs of identical earrings, one for her and one for me?"Ian found her accusations ridiculous. "Uncle Ron called me to their place on that day. I had no idea it was Ivy's birthday, so I couldn't have bought her flowers."As for the diamond earrings, I have not bought anything of that sort. The diamond earrings I gave you were from Ivy. "I admit I was wrong to give you a gift from her, but I thought it'd make your day because you seemed moody that day. That's why I accepted the earrings Ivy prepared."Sage was stunned by Ian's revelation. Did Ivy stage the photo with the flowers and add the caption to annoy her?What about the earrings? Sage thought, "Did
Nevertheless, Sage was not going to join him at his table. It wouldn't make sense for her to join her ex-husband.With that in mind, she shifted her attention away from Ian's seating arrangement and headed to the washroom.After spending some time in the cubicle, she heard some excited gossip among some women when she was about to leave."Did you see Mr. Holcomb? Just look at his face, his body, and the way he carries himself. Oh my god!""Right? He beats all the celebrities at this event in the looks department."Sage couldn't help but sigh. Ian would always be the ladies' favorite with those good looks."I heard that Ms. Sutton chatted with him when he first arrived. They seemed well-acquainted, and they're now having dinner at the same table. Do you think they're headed for an arranged marriage?"Before Sage opened the door, another woman said, "I think that's possible, but isn't Mr. Holcomb a married man? There were rumors of him keeping a mistress before this."Another chi
The hall was abuzz with speculation and shock at Ian's bid. Previously, the bidders had merely increased their bids by small increments, but Ian had immediately doubled Abby's.Someone surmised, "Why would Mr. Holcomb attempt to outbid Ms. Sutton, especially knowing her interest in the brooch? Is he planning to win the bid and gift her the brooch to woo her?""I heard the Suttons are interested in a project in Haldon City, and they intend to discuss a partnership with Holcomb Corporation. It makes sense for Mr. Holcomb to display his earnestness toward his potential business partners."Were the Suttons debating on a business partnership with the Holcombs? Sage could not recall this event happening in her past life.Observing her silence, Michael leaned in and whispered, "Ms. Joyner, please disregard the speculations. I think he bid on the brooch for you."Sage smiled gratefully at him. "That's kind of you, but you don't have to comfort me. He has the freedom to give the brooch to
Ian frowned when he noticed his father with Ivy. In contrast, Calvin enthusiastically greeted Leo. "Leo, you're back in the country! I haven't seen you in a while. You haven't aged a day!"Leo carelessly nodded at Calvin to acknowledge the latter's ingratiating remark. He then said, "Calvin, please leave for now. I need to have a chat with Ian."Calvin understood that he should excuse himself. "Alright, Leo! I'll leave now. Let me know when you're free, and I'll throw you a welcome home party!"After Calvin left, Leo marched into Ian's office while Ivy stood frozen at the door. She cast a timid glance at Ian.Leo urged her, "Ivy, come on in. Why are you still at the door?" She hurriedly obliged.Ian frowned. "Dad, why are you back in the country?"Leo growled at him, "If I don't, you might send Shekdotter Inc. into Sage Joyner's hands and let her do whatever she wants with it!"Looking composed, Ian said, "You're overreacting. I have not interfered in Shekdotter Inc.'s matters."
Ian shot her an unemotional look. "What more do you want to say to me?"Still as gentle as usual, she did not fluster under his imposing attitude. She casually took a seat on the couch and began, "Ian, I told you that I was not capable of looking into the Strombergs alone, let alone meddle with the Joyners' business affairs."Ian's expression remained stoic. Under his frosty gaze, she chuckled. "Ian, you don't seem surprised. Did you know about it?"Right. You must have looked into the matter judging from how much you care about Sage. If that's the case, then trust me when I say I didn't comply willingly. I did it on your father's request.""Why did he ask you to carry it out, and why did you accept his request?" Ian questioned.She shook her head. "I have no idea. I tried asking him a few times, but he told me to keep out of it."She added, "Ian, Dad and I owe your father a favor. I have no choice but to do anything he requests. You knew it but never called us out. Is it because