Chapter 176

Jan remained unfazed despite hearing that. “She’s here as well?”

Collin was caught off guard as he hadn’t expected this to be his response.

Sage was aware that Collin had misunderstood her and Ian because of the “cucumber feast” last time.

He must’ve assumed that she and Ian were playing a “cat–and–mouse” game, which was why he

jested.

“Professor Braun,” she called out with a smile to spare Collin from embarrassment.

Ian turned to look at her when he heard her voice. His dark eyes were as deep and unreadable

as ever.

Sage ignored him and said to Collin, “Thanks for everything today. I’ll be leaving now.” Then, she left

without stepping into the office.

Ian also made his way over to her as she reached her car. Sage assumed that he had visited Collin for

business. She wondered why he was leaving so soon.

But in any case, she wasn’t in the mood to deal with him. Hence, she opened the door to the driver’s

seat and was about to hop in when Ian stopped her.

“Did you seriously come to Collin for the distribution rights?”

“Yes, and?”

Ian looked into her eyes. “In that case, why are you in such a hurry to leave? You’re not usually one to

let an opportunity slip by.” Was he implying that he would back her up?

Sage found the situation rather amusing. “I heard this project belongs to Ms. Shekdotter. What

opportunity could I possibly take advantage of?”

Ian frowned. “Ivy’s the director of Bolton Investment. Does it bother you that she came here to

negotiate business?”

Sage was more annoyed with him than with Ivy. Her temper flared when she thought about those darn

diamond earrings.

“Ian Holcomb, do you have anything else to say? If you don’t, get out of my way! I don’t want to listen to

your nonsense!” Her imitation of Ian was spot–on, both in terms of tone and expression.

Sure enough, his expression soured. He made an effort to suppress his anger

and asked, ‘

Why didn’t you answer my call?”

Sage sneered. “Seriously? Why are you asking me that? Don’t you do that all the time? I believe you

know the answer and the reason better than I do.”

lan responded patiently, “I missed your call last time because I was stuck in a meeting. You had already

shown up at the office by the time I got out.”

“Has your memory failed you, or are you suggesting that that was the only time you had missed my

calls?” she asked.

Sage used to call and text him consistently. It annoyed him to no end, so he often ignored

them.

Ian couldn’t help but think of what Calvin had said when she brought up old scores. Women will bring

up every little thing that upset her in the past if you don’t placate her when she’s angry.”

Ian realized Calvin was right. He couldn’t quite put his finger on the emotions that were swirling within

him. It was a combination of annoyance, anger, and frustration.

He was aware that Sage was angry with him, but he was attempting to make things up to her. So why

was she so unforgiving?

“Sage Joyner, are you done? I’m tired of your games.” Ian’s forehead creased. “If you don’t want to

work at Bolton Investment, I’ll let you work at my office. Are you happy now?”

Sage was dumbfounded. “What the hell is wrong with you? I wasn’t playing any games! Besides, when

did I ever say I wanted to work in your office?”

“Is that not the case? Sure, you might act indifferent on the surface, but you always find a way to get

involved in anything remotely related to me. If that’s not one of your games, what is?” Ian seemed to

have had enough. “Pick a position at my company and go to Terry tomorrow. He’ll arrange it.”