Chapter 125

Sage immediately declined his call when she thought of what had happened in his office. during the

day.

Meanwhile, Michael’s ears turned red when he heard her question. “I didn’t mean anything by that, Ms.

Joyner. I just think it’s beneficial for girls to learn some self–defense, just in case they run into trouble.”

Sage chuckled when she noticed his reaction. “Relax! I was just joking with you.”

His ears were still red as he asked, “Did I cause you a lot of trouble, Ms. Joyner?”

“Nope,” she responded honestly. “I was mostly concerned that you would see me through rose -tinted

glasses and fall for me after I helped you last time.”

“Don’t worry, Ms. Joyner. I know where I stand. I wouldn’t dare have such thoughts,” he said somberly.

“Nonsense. That’s not what I meant,” she said solemnly. “Listen here, your current situation is just

temporary. You’re going to make it big someday and gain the support and love of a lot of people.

Besides, why would you ever have those thoughts about me? I’m older than you, and I’m married, so

I’m not your type. You deserve better, Michael.”

Her pep talk made him feel less nervous and embarrassed. He looked at Sage and chuckled. ” Thanks,

Ms. Joyner. I got this!”

“Yup. Just keep doing what you’re good at,” she encouraged. “You’ve got this!”

Sage stepped out of the gym and was about to order a taxi when she noticed a text message from

Henry. “Sage, are you free? I have a few questions about Layla that I would like to pick. your brain on.”

Sage checked her wristwatch and realized it had been sent half an hour ago when she was in the

shower. Mulling it over, she responded. “I was working out and had left my phone in the locker. What’s

up?”

Henry called just moments after she replied.

“Hey!” Sage said when she answered the phone.

“Sage, what should I give Layla as an apology gift? I upset her yesterday, so she won’t even pick up

my calls today.” He sounded distressed.

“What’d you do to upset her?” she asked.

Henry explained that he went to the botanical garden yesterday with Layla and a few of her

classmates. He had invited two of his friends to join him, but Layla wanted to leave after she received a

call.

In the heat of the moment, he said she was being disrespectful, to which Layla said she didn’t care

before she left in a huff.

“I didn’t mean to upset her, Sage. I just wanted to hang out with her because we hardly get to. But she

was ready to bail as soon as she answered that call, and I just… freaked out,” he

continued.

Sage snickered inwardly. Layla was spoiled rotten by Susan and had a haughty personality. She

needed people to stroke her ego constantly.

Plus, she was already in a bad mood after getting an earful from her mother yesterday. Henry must’ve

hit a nerve when he called her out in public.

“I’m sorry, Henry. I’m sure you saw how she was with me the other day. We’re not exactly close, so I

honestly have no idea what she’s into. I can’t help you here,” she said apologetically. “No worries, I’ll

ask her classmates then. Thanks for getting back to me.” He then casually asked, “I didn’t know you

were into sports, Sage. Where do you usually train? I’ve been slacking off ever since I arrived in

Haldon. Do you have any gyms you’d recommend?”

She couldn’t believe his cheek! On the surface, he was asking about Layla, but he was now attempting

to probe her about her whereabouts.

Sage responded apathetically, “Hmm… I don’t know. The gym I go to focuses on kickboxing, which is

probably not what you’re looking for.”