Donald replied, "Ian played a game of chess with me. He said you left a brooch over at Holcomb Manor when you visited Mrs. Holcomb Senior. So, he sent it back here for you."Sage was rendered speechless. She had to hand it to Ian. It'd only been a few hours since she sent the brooch to Linda. But now, it was back at Donald's place. He didn't even mention it when they were at the curio shop."Sage, why aren't you saying anything? Are you mad at me again for talking to him?" Smiling, Donald continued, "Remember, you're only divorced. That doesn't make you two enemies. I can't just drive him away when he comes to visit, can I?"Knowing that Donald had misunderstood her, Sage decided not to explain herself. She ended the call after exchanging a few endearing words with him.After giving it some thought, she decided against calling Ian to ask him about this. He'd made up his mind about letting her keep the brooch. In any case, she could always auction it off and give him the money she e

From the passenger seat, Henry said scornfully, "Save your efforts. I passed you the water, but you refused to drink it. Who do you have but yourself to blame?"Sage felt weak all over and was starting to feel groggy. "What… are you… up to?""You'll know when we get there."Upon hearing that, Sage knew she was in danger. She slumped in her seat. Using the last of her energy, she reached for the phone in her handbag.Then, she pressed hard on the emergency dial key on the side of the phone. That was what she and her bodyguards had agreed on—she would inform them immediately when she was in trouble.Feeling dizzy and weak, she had to do it without Henry realizing. So, she had to bite hard on her tongue to keep herself conscious.She glanced at the screen with great difficulty. Her vision was already blurred.Following her instincts, she pressed where the emergency button should have been. Now, it was a matter of luck whether or not the call would get through.The car was still sp

Upon hearing that, Henry's face changed. Sage knew she had hit the nail on the head. She continued persuading him. "We came to Toledon together and met with an accident at the same time. Won't that appear more reasonable?"After getting rid of us, who are hindrances to her, Ivy can then resume her life without suffering any losses. She has her father and Shekdotter Inc. behind her, while you are disposable."She continued, "Let's say she allows you to live. You'll have to live the rest of your life in the shadows. How about your mother? And you. Are you willing to live like a rat in the gutters?"Henry fell silent. The smugness and scorn in his eyes faded. Sage felt anxious deep down, but she didn't let that show on her face. She nonchalantly urged, "Ivy's coming. You'd better make up your mind."Finally, Henry looked up. He asked doubtfully, "Will I get to live if I disobey her? I lured you to this place. Will you let me off the hook?"Sage said frankly, "I am mad at your bet

Ivy said," Sage, did you know that people can be sold like livestock here? If luck is on your side, you might end up in the red-light district. Given your figure and looks, you could serve some clients once you shed your pride."Ivy spoke casually. It was as if she were discussing the sale of pets. "But if luck isn't in your favor, you could end up with severed limbs or losing some organs. Who knows, you might become a beggar or a plaything. It all depends on your fate."Sage felt a chill run down her spine as Ivy's words sank in. Her tone was gentle and cheerful. Goosebumps rose on Sage's arms involuntarily."Are you out of your mind? Do you think you can just walk away if something happens to me?""Hmph." Ivy let out a cold laugh as she held an iron rod in her hand. She extended it and pressed it against Sage's slender neck. "Sage, you mentioned Ian earlier. Did you think that he can save you?"The icy touch of the iron rod made Sage quiver involuntarily.Satisfied, Ivy smi

The few men beside them were aroused further by this scene. They quickly joined in. Soon enough, the rag in Ivy's mouth was pulled away. But, before she could make any sound, a different kind of filth was being stuffed down her throat. The warehouse was soon filled with the men's sounds of pleasure and forced groans coming from Ivy. Only a couple of minutes had passed. Sage hid herself in the corner as she held onto the iron rod and mobile phone that Henry had kicked to the ground. Her heart was still pounding. She couldn't calm herself down. She watched as the men tormented Ivy in every way possible. If she hadn't convinced Henry to bribe these few people, she would have been in Ivy's position! Ivy didn't deserve any pity. But Sage didn't dare to let her guard down either. She had paid off the men in the room. Even so, lust did not discriminate. She would never know if they would end up diverting their attention toward her. Ivy's men were also standing guard outside. S