Sage was used to sleeping alone, so she wasn't comfortable sleeping beside Ian. Plus, it was too late for Ian to retire to the study. Hence, she resorted to the age-old method of counting sheep to get herself to sleep. When she reached the 800th sheep, she was overcome with drowsiness and slowly drifted off to sleep.Lost in the haze of sleep, she felt herself surrounded by warmth. The oppressive cold from the air conditioner penetrated every corner of the room. However, the warmth enveloping her was immensely comforting, causing her to lean back unconsciously.However, she soon noticed that she was leaning against something stiff and hard. Before she could figure out what it was, she suddenly felt a warm sensation on the nape of her neck. It felt like something was gently sucking on her.Sage tried to move, but she was trapped. She struggled with all her might for a moment and then sat up. Looking around, she realized nothing was holding her down.The room was shrouded in darkne

Sage wondered if Ivy was trying to get a rise out of her. She was about to say something when she noticed Ivy tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, revealing the earrings on her earlobe. They were shaped like orchids, and the petals were made of diamonds. It was strikingly similar to the ones Ian had left on her bedside table last time.It was clear that both pairs were from the same designer. So, Ian hadn't given her the pair of earrings he had intended to give Ivy. Instead, he had bought two pairs and given them a pair each. This revelation only fueled Sage's growing frustration."Ms. Shekdotter, your earrings are really pretty," she said lowly."You think so?" Ivy touched them and smiled warmly. "It was a gift. I didn't think he'd remember that orchids are my favorite flower.""Orchids are pure and elegant. It suits you, Ms. Shekdotter," Sage complimented. Then, she abruptly changed the subject. "By the way, here's a funny story. I have a similar pair of earrings. I check

Ian remained unfazed despite hearing that. "She's here as well?"Collin was caught off guard as he hadn't expected this to be his response.Sage was aware that Collin had misunderstood her and Ian because of the "cucumber feast" last time. He must've assumed that she and Ian were playing a "cat-and-mouse" game, which was why he jested."Professor Braun," she called out with a smile to spare Collin from embarrassment. Ian turned to look at her when he heard her voice. His dark eyes were as deep and unreadable as ever.Sage ignored him and said to Collin, "Thanks for everything today. I'll be leaving now." Then, she left without stepping into the office.Ian also made his way over to her as she reached her car. Sage assumed that he had visited Collin for business. She wondered why he was leaving so soon.But in any case, she wasn't in the mood to deal with him. Hence, she opened the door to the driver's seat and was about to hop in when Ian stopped her."Did you seriously come t

"Sage, your Uncle Owen said he was able to seal the deal this time because Ian helped him out. It looks like Ian really cares about you," Donald said with a smile."Grandpa, I know you want to ease the tension between Ian and me, but it's really not necessary," Sage said solemnly. "You were right about what you said last time. I'm very stubborn about the people and things I care about, and I don't give up easily. But once I've made up my mind, I rarely change it."Indeed, I can't just flip a switch and erase all my feelings for Ian overnight, but I've thought things through. I used to be so selfish. I wanted to hold on to the things I wanted. But I've realized that I'll only hurt myself by holding onto them too tightly. So, I'll set both Ian and myself free."His granddaughter's somber expression tugged at his heartstrings. "It looks like my Sage is all grown up now."Growing up was a good thing. It meant that she was more mature and level-headed in dealing with problems. But as he

However, the situation was reversed at the moment. Sage had turned Linda down despite her offering to help. Sage might actually leave her grandson if he remained indifferent and unattentive.Linda realized that she needed to make them spend more time together. Making up her mind, she said, "Alright then, I won't worry about it anymore. By the way, it's been a while since I've had your mille crepe cake, Sage. Could you make it for me? I'll have someone come over to pick it up tomorrow morning."Sage used to be a spoiled young lady who never did any household chores. But she decided to enroll in cooking classes and learn how to prepare meals and desserts after stumbling upon nonsense like "the way to a man's heart is through his stomach" in books.Consequently, she prepared delicious meals every day for Ian. However, he never showed up, even after the food was cold. Even if he did show up, he only ate very little. Hence, her efforts were always in vain.Fortunately, this skill eventu