"Mrs. Holcomb, I have heated up your breakfast. You can have it any time," Wanda added."Okay. I'll go freshen up first."Sage took a shower and changed into a clean set of clothes. After dressing up, she planned to have breakfast and then meet up with Shane.However, upon walking to her laptop, she noticed that the USB drive plugged into the adjacent port was missing. Sage searched around, but it was nowhere to be found.She had stored the investment plan in it last night, so where could it have gone?Sage went downstairs and asked Wanda, who shook her head. "You didn't respond when I knocked on your door this morning. Since the door wasn't locked, I took a peek but didn't touch your things.""Did Ian enter my room this morning?"Unnerved by Sage's solemn expression, Wanda responded, "Yes, he did. Mr. Holcomb saw your phone in the room and told me you hadn't gone out. Mrs. Holcomb, is the USB drive important? Should I help you look for it?"The USB drive wasn't crucial, but th
Sage shot Ian a cold glance. She found his question ironic. She thought, "Who else could it be besides you? You took my USB drive and did not answer my calls."Ian sensed Sage's dissatisfaction but held back his annoyance. "I've reviewed your investment plan for Mimosa. It was well-executed, given your effort. Considering that, I can offer you an internship opportunity at Bolton Investment."At this moment, Terry astutely presented a document to Sage. She frowned as she took it. It was an offer letter of employment as an intern at Holcomb Corporation."When did I say I wanted to be an intern at Bolton Investment?" Sage couldn't help but chuckle. Thinking she was unhappy with the intern role, Ian patiently explained, "Holcomb Corporation has strict hiring standards. Based on your investment plan alone, you don't meet the criteria for a permanent employee yet."As long as you continue with your dedication to proposal drafting and learn diligently, a suitable position will be arrang
Ian tossed the USB drive to Terry. "Print out the investment plan and send it to Bolton Investment. If it gets approved, reward Sage accordingly."Although Mimosa couldn't be considered a top-tier investment, it was Holcomb Corporation's first acquisition project for Bolton Investment. Therefore, it needed to be meticulously prepared to make a strong impression.That was also the reason why the company's investment analysts had been working on proposals recently. To motivate them, the company even established bonuses for the best proposals.Unexpectedly, Sage also expressed interest in participating and managed to produce a plan that gained Ian's acknowledgment within such a short period.Thinking of this, Terry silently admired Sage's ability and took the USB drive. "Alright, Mr. Holcomb."…"Ms. Joyner, feel free to order anything you like. Don't be shy." In the luxurious and low-key private club, Shane lounged on a soft couch. He casually propped his feet up on the coffee ta
Shane cast a mocking glance at Sage. "Do you think Mimosa would abandon such a lucrative opportunity to collaborate with us before Bolton Investment makes an offer?"Sage replied, "Under normal circumstances, no. But with the right influence, things might change.""Oh?" Shane adjusted his sitting posture. He was becoming more interested in hearing Sage's next words.Sage took out her phone, retrieved some information, and handed it to Shane. "This is Mimosa's manager, Benjamin Xenith. I've gathered some background information on him through various channels."It's said that he managed to establish the winery not only due to an exclusive recipe but also with financial support from his in-laws. Therefore, he tends to listen to his wife, who is quite assertive.""Are you planning to convince Benjamin to collaborate with us through his wife?"Shane's tone became lighter, and his patience was running thin. He thought that Sage initiating the collaboration was just for show because she
Sage had determined the shareholding percentage based on the ownership ratio of Holcomb Corporation from her previous life. To ensure success, she deliberately set it half a point lower.Although Farsight Investment might not match Holcomb Corporation's prestige, the percentage was considered optimal, taking into account all factors.Upon hearing this, Shane didn't insist any further. "Do you need me to send someone with you tomorrow?""No need." Sage shook her head. "I think it's better to approach it in a friendly way.""Ms. Joyner, you are more intelligent than I imagined." Shane looked up with a smile, though one couldn't tell whether it was praise or a jest.Sage took it as a compliment. "Thank you, Mr. Morrison."Shane didn't dwell on it. He returned the investment plan to Sage and said, "I'll await your good news."…The next day, Sage got up early to dress up and headed to Benjamin's house.The Xeniths lived in a high-end estate within the city, which featured a courty
The phone was on speaker, and soon Sage heard Linda's saddened voice on the other end. "Sage, are you not willing to accompany me just because you're upset with Ian?"Sage had never heard Linda speak in such a tone, so she quickly replied, "I'm willing to accompany you, Grandma.""Then it's settled. I'll have the driver pick you both up tomorrow!"Before Sage could say anything else, Linda had already ended the call. Her tone sounded noticeably lighter.Sage felt helpless.The next afternoon, Sage received a call from the driver when it was time to depart. Upon reaching the car and opening the door, she was surprised to find Ian already sitting in the backseat.He was wearing a black suit. He exuded an air of cold sophistication as he focused on his laptop. He looked every bit like a successful figure on the cover of a financial magazine.When he heard the door open, Ian glanced at her nonchalantly before returning his attention to the laptop.Sage cursed him in her heart. She
Regardless, since the investment plan was of no use to her anymore, Sage decided to let Bolton Investment use it. She probed, "Can you add an extra ten thousand?"Ian looked at her and said disapprovingly, "Sage, if you love money so much, why did you act so high and mighty before and claim you wouldn't accept a penny for personal use?"When they first got married, Ian had offered her a credit card to cover household expenses. But she had refused it. She had wanted to prove she wasn't in it for the money.Consequently, she used her own funds for gifts and daily expenses. In hindsight, she genuinely regretted that decision."Why don't you compensate me now?" Sage asked tentatively.Surprisingly, Ian scoffed in response. "You're divorcing me. Why should I cover your expenses?"That was a predictable response from a businessman. He wouldn't take any losses.Sage decided not to dwell on the matter. "Fine. One million it is."Ian then laid out his conditions. He said, "You'll have t
"Good evening, Grandma and everyone," Ian greeted gracefully."Ian, you're truly dutiful. You always come to accompany your grandmother, unlike those ungrateful brats in our family who always say they're busy as an excuse not to show up!""No kidding! Can anyone be busier than Ian? He runs such a huge corporation and still manages to make time. I think our grandchildren simply find us bothersome!""Alas, Ian never disappoints. He is both capable and respectful. Mrs. Holcomb Senior is blessed!"As he listened to the aunts' praises, Ian wore a subtle smile. Glancing at Sage, he calmly said, "You all are too kind. I don't have much time to be with Grandma regularly. It's my Sage who spends more time with her."Hearing "my Sage" coming from Ian's mouth made Sage think she was hearing things. Even during social niceties, he had never addressed her like that before!Sage stared at Ian while trying to read his face. However, his expression remained impassive, like nothing happened.Mea