A Farewell After Being Reborn

"Do you think I'm referring to that?"

"What exactly are you referring to, then?"

"Sneak some classified information out of lan Holcomb's laptop for me,” Shane requested with all seriousness.

"Mr. Morrison, it's illegal to steal. I'm a model citizen, you know." "Anyone else doing so would be committing theft. As his wife, all you're doing is getting some information from your husband.” His argument rendered Sage speechless.

She was familiar with Shane's working style after collaborating with him for a while. He could not seriously be asking for any classified information. She deduced that Giselle Rosethorn was the reason he asked her for help.

After a brief moment of silence, she said, "Hasn't Ms. Rosethorn had enough? What do you want me to do?"

"You're smart," he said. "Giselle heard from someone that you're starting work at Farsight Investment next month. She wants to join you."

"So?"

"I think you need an assistant."

“No, I don't!"

"We have a deal!" With that, Shane hung up on Sage. She was dumbstruck by his rash action.

She thought, "Damn it, Shane Morrison! Why are you stirring up more trouble for me?"

He arranged for Giselle to be Sage's assistant, even though he was fully aware of Giselle's hostility toward Sage. Sage thought he was insane.

Feeling frustrated, she kicked the weeds by the flower garden. The weeds, seemingly retaliating against her, sprung back. She angrily stepped on them and snapped, "Try me!"

"Pfft!" She heard a chuckle from behind. She turned around and found a friendly-looking man in his mid-twenties. He donned athleisure wear and wore a pair of glasses. He looked familiar.

"Sage, what a coincidence! I never thought I'd run into you here." He approached her with a smile.

From his voice, she finally recognized him as Thomas’ grandson, Zachary Brent. After years of not meeting each other, Zachary had shed his youthful naivete and grown mature. He looked refreshed and warm.

Zachary was four years older than Sage, which was why Donald asked him to see Sage as a younger sister. Such a relationship might have been quite cheesy for others, but he and Sage got along pretty well. Despite years of separation, there was no awkwardness between the two.

She graciously greeted him. "Zack!"

He smiled at her. "Grandpa told me that you and Donald arrived yesterday. I had wanted to pick you up from the airport, but I couldn't make it because I landed at midnight. Sorry about that.”

She replied, "Don't worry about Grandpa and I! You're busy enough. We get around just fine."

Beaming warmly at her, he suggested, "Grandpa must be chatting with Donald. If you have time, do you want me to show you around the hospital?"

"Sure."

The area near the hospital was suitable for walks. The last time Sage met Zachary was in her sophomore year. They saved each other's contacts, but they never stayed in touch. However, they seemed totally comfortable when they went for a walk together.

When they returned to Thomas’ room, the two old men looked delighted at their close relationship. Since Thomas needed to rest in the afternoon, Sage left the hospital with Thomas.

Over the next two days, Sage would go to the hospital with Donald in the morning. In the afternoon, she'd accompany Donald to travel and have fun in some elderly-friendly areas in Colville.

By now, her hand injury had almost healed. She had taken off the bandage. lan had not contacted her since the night he called her at the hotel room.

Three days before Linda's birthday, Sage decided to travel home. On her last day at Colville, she went on a stroll with Donald down a historic cobblestone street while enjoying the scenery. She did not let go of his hand for fear that he might lose his balance and twist his ankle.