Chapter 37 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 smile, though one couldn’t tell whether it was praise or a jest. with a 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 courtyard and flower beds on the ground floor. When Sage arrived, Priscilla was accompanying her mother outside to bask in the sun. Sage greeted them gracefully, introduced herself, and presented the gifts she brought. After that, Sage didn’t rush into the discussion about Mimosa. Instead, she spent some time with the elderly lady and enjoyed the sun with her. Then, she joined the two for lunch. Only after the meal did Sage bring up business. “Priscilla, I apologize for bothering you with this matter. I know there are 1/3 +15 BONUS multiple companies interested in investing in Mimosa, but Farsight Investment is undoubtedly the best choice.” Sage handed Priscilla the letter of intent to invest along with the investment plan while adding, “Take a look at the investment amount and shareholding percentage. You’ll see our sincerity.” Priscilla was knowledgeable about the market. She examined the documents carefully. There was a hint of satisfaction on her face. “Alright. I’ll discuss this matter with Ben and the shareholders later today. You’ll hear from me in the next couple of days.” To Sage, not receiving a refusal was already a good start. She expressed her gratitude to Priscilla. “Don’t be so polite. Putting aside everything, you and Tiana are good friends. Of course, I have to help you with this favor.” Priscilla was efficient and straightforward. Putting business matters aside, Sage admired her character. “Once Tiana returns to the country, I’ll come with her to have a meal with you.” “Sure!” After parting ways with Priscilla, Sage called Shane. She updated him on the day’s events and asked him to prepare relevant materials and contracts for prompt delivery when needed. With everything settled, Sage returned to Solaris Estate. While Priscilla had indicated her willingness to help, nothing was certain until the contract was signed. So, as a precaution, Sage decided to create a new proposal just in case. As she was busy with this, her phone rang. It was a call from Josephine. “Mrs. Holcomb, Mr. Holcomb’s great uncle is hosting a dinner tomorrow. Mrs. Holcomb Senior wants you and Mr. Holcomb to accompany her.” Ian’s grandfather, Elijah Holcomb, had two brothers. Each of the brothers had two children, which made it a large family with frequent gatherings. Sage used to enjoy such occasions because, with the elders around, Ian wouldn’t 15 BONUS give her a hard time. Sometimes, at Linda’s request, he would even pick food and serve water for her. But now, Sage didn’t feel like going as she saw no meaning in attending family gatherings when she and lan were going to get divorced. “Josephine, please let Grandma know that I already have plans tomorrow “Mrs. Holcomb, you can tell Mrs. Holcomb Senior yourself,” Josephine interrupted and immediately handed the phone to Linda. Chapter 38 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 lan?” 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 lan 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, lan glanced at her nonchalantly before returning his attention to the laptop. Sage cursed him in her heart. She was annoyed that he insisted on having Linda’s driver pick him up when he had his own personal driver. Not wanting to sit with him, Sage decided to close the door and head to the front passenger seat. “Don’t be difficult. Grandma is still waiting,” lan spoke up upon sensing her intentions. Sage frowned. Wasn’t he looking at the laptop? How did he know what she was thinking? Then, she noticed the driver staring at her and realized her actions were a bit childish. She pursed her lips and reluctantly got into the backseat. +15 BONUS During the journey, Sage was occupied with her phone. She did not speak to lan. He, too, remained absorbed in his work in silence. After a while, the driver suddenly slammed the brakes, which caused Sage to lurch forward. She almost hit her head on the front seat. “Be careful.” lan reached out to pull her back, and she ended up falling into his arms. “Mr. and Mrs. Holcomb, I’m sorry! Someone cut in our lane!” the driver apologized nervously. Ian didn’t say a word, while Sage was now partially leaning against his chest. For the dinner gathering, she wore a short-sleeved apricot top. From his perspective, he could see her delicate collarbone and a hint of her chest. “Where are you looking!” Sage shook off his hand. She was wide-eyed. lan coldly glanced at her and retorted, “Why are you afraid of people looking when you’re dressed like that?” Sage was dumbfounded. Her outfit was pretty ordinary. It was nothing revealing -no cleavage, no exposed back. Why did he put it in such a crude way? “I guess people with dirty minds see things differently,” Sage rebutted without hesitation. lan was taken aback. “Sage, have you completely abandoned your ladylike pretense?” “Oh, so you still see a ladylike side of me? Haven’t you always said I was nasty and without a single redeeming quality?” argued Sage mockingly. lan snapped, “I might not know about your other qualities, but your sharp tongue is truly unmatched!” “I’ll take that as a compliment. Thank you!” At a loss for words, lan didn’t argue further. He picked up his laptop and casually remarked, “Your proposal has been submitted to Bolton Investment. After several rounds of screening by the higher-ups, they’ve decided to use it.” +15 BONUS Sage didn’t expect lan to take her investment plan to Bolton Investment. “Didn’t you understand what I said yesterday? I have no interest in joining Bolton Investment. Also, you can’t use my proposal without my consent!” lan, still focused on the laptop, calmly stated, “You’ll get one million dollars as a bonus.” Immediately, Sage was stunned. She intended to use the 100 million dollars from her grandfather to collaborate with Shane. Meanwhile, she had maxed out lan’s black card previously. Thus, with limited cash on hand, this additional amount would make a significant difference.