Yasmin suddenly sat very close to Blake, which surprised him. "Why are you sitting so close to me?" he asked.Yasmin blushed slightly. "It was an accident."Blake decided not to say anything more and merely grunted lightly. Then, he asked, "Have you had your dinner?""Yes, I've eaten. How about you? Did you have your dinner at the hospital?""Yes." Blake seemed tired and gave a small sigh.Yasmin then looked at him anxiously and asked, "How's Anna?""The report will be out tomorrow."Yasmin hummed in response. Then, concerned about Blake being upset, she gently murmured, "Don't be too worried. Anna will be fine." As Yasmin spoke, she hugged Blake as if to comfort him. Blake's heart skipped a beat, and he suddenly lifted his hand and hugged Yasmin's slim waist. "Thank you for comforting me."But Yasmin simply continued silently hugging him. Then, Blake suddenly asked, "How's your bottom? Is it still painful?"Yasmin felt embarrassed as she replied, "It's much better afte
When Blake brought this up, Yasmin instantly felt a little gloomy. She frowned and said, "I've already given it to him. I'd feel bad asking for it back.""No matter what, get it back." Blake's tone indicated that this matter was not up for discussion. He didn't like to see Ivan wearing the crystal around his neck.Yasmin thought that Blake was weird—he didn't want to wear the energy crystal she gave him, but he didn't like it when he saw other people wearing it."Got it." Yasmin agreed anyway and leaned into his embrace.Finally satisfied, Blake kissed her forehead and gently said, "Go to sleep."And soon, Yasmin gradually fell asleep in his arms.…At dawn, Blake received a phone call. After the call, he anxiously and quickly got out of bed.Yasmin sensed that something was amiss and sat up, asking, "Mr. B, what's wrong?""My mom's report is out. There are some issues, and I need to go to the hospital immediately." Blake rushed into the bathroom to wash up.Yasmin's heart
Ivan was straightforward. After removing the energy crystal from his neck, he took out a gift box, saying, "I can return this energy crystal to you, Ms. Starr, but I hope you'll accept my gift in return.""Huh?" Yasmin was puzzled. "That was your birthday present. Why do you have a present for me?""I'm not used to accepting gifts from people. And if I do, I need to give them something in return." Ivan opened the gift box in his hand.Inside, there was also an energy crystal inside, but this crystal was fixed onto a diamond-studded chain.Without missing a beat, Ivan said, "I specially chose this return gift for you after you gave me that energy crystal. You won't reject my gift, will you, Ms. Starr?"Yasmin couldn't refuse him, so she accepted the gift and said, "Alright then, we'll exchange presents. Thank you, Mr. Burke."The most important thing was that she had her energy crystal back. But she still hadn't expected to receive a diamond-studded energy crystal in exchange fo
Yasmin slowly entered the ward and saw Annalise, her beautiful face pallid and sunken. No wonder Blake was upset after returning from the hospital—Annalise's condition didn't look favorable.Meanwhile, Annalise was undergoing a transfusion when Yasmin entered. "Come sit down," she said gently.Yasmin complied.Annalise looked at the needle at the back of her palm and said softly, "The test results came out today. The situation doesn't look good, and I may need to go for surgery within these two days."Yasmin nodded. She knew that Annalise had more to say, so she quietly listened. "I heard you've been back at Oak Garden these past two days?" Annalise asked.When Yasmin heard this, a shiver ran down her back as she looked at her mother-in-law.So, Annalise knew everything that had been going on.Then, Annalise said lightly, "Are you afraid that I'll suddenly die and won't be able to help you clear your father's name?"Yasmin shook her head. "No, Anna, I've never thought of th
Giselle now had a hold over Yasmin.But Yasmin looked down and coolly said, "It's not that I don't want to divorce him. The one-month cooling period isn't up yet."There were ten more days left until the cooling period ended.Giselle nodded. "I know this. But could you move out of Oak Garden? Don't stay there anymore. If Anna knew this, she wouldn't be able to bear it."Giselle was now using Annalise to threaten Yasmin.She implied that if Yasmin refused and anything happened to Annalise because of it, it would be Yasmin's fault.Giselle was really taking things to the extreme.Yasmin croaked, "Ms. Giselle, can you return the bag you're holding to me?""Huh?" Giselle was stunned and slightly puzzled. "Why do you suddenly want this bag?""Blake wants me to return the money for the bag to him because I sold the bag to you, Ms. Giselle." Yasmin explained, "I now owe him nearly 400 thousand dollars, and I can't leave Oak Garden until I pay off my debt to him."If you want me to l
The elevator doors opened to reveal a tall figure standing inside—it was Erik, and he was dressed in hospital clothes. He was stunned. "Yasmin?" "Why are you here?" Yasmin questioned him. Erik bit his lip. "Blake beat me up at Oak Garden that day. He fractured my rib, so I had to stay in the hospital."Yasmin never expected Blake to be so ruthless. But Erik deserved the beating, so Yasmin didn't feel sorry for him."You came to see Aunt Anna?" Erik asked.Yasmin nodded. "How did you know?""I came to see Aunt Anna too. We're at the same hospital, so I came upstairs to see her." Upon receiving the news that Annalise was due for surgery, Erik had decided to visit her. "You go ahead and see Anna then. I'm leaving now," Yasmin said.But just as she was about to walk into the elevator, Erik suddenly pressed the button to keep the elevator doors open.He wanted to apologize, but he couldn't bring himself to."Yes?" Yasmin stood inside the elevator and frowned at him."Nothing
"Why did you come back with him?" Blake pulled Yasmin into an embrace."I went to ask him for the energy crystal today. Then, he sent me back." Yasmin felt sad and lightly pushed Blake away, wanting to escape his hold.But Blake didn't allow it and hugged her tighter. He then rested his chin on her head and said, "Did you get the energy crystal back?"Yasmin hummed in reply.When Blake heard this, his mood significantly improved. That was more like it.He then held Yasmin's hand and led her into the dining room. "Mary cooked your favorite dishes."But Yasmin didn't reply despite the spread of her favorite food on the dining table."Mr. B, have you had dinner?" she asked in a low voice as she looked at all the dishes on the table."I was waiting for you."Yasmin nodded. Her voice was soft as she said, "Okay. Let's eat together then."It would be their last meal together.Yasmin sat down and put the bag on the table beside her.Blake glanced at her questioningly and frown
Yasmin didn't answer. Blake's breathing became heavy as he lifted her chin, forcing her to look up at him. "Tell me.""Yes," Yasmin looked into his eyes and admitted.Blake's face darkened. "What do you think?"Yasmin was quiet for a while before she coolly said, "I want to leave you."Blake had a horrifying gaze as he asked, "Are you serious?"Yasmin nodded. "Yes, I'm serious about this.""Don't you feel sad to leave?" he asked.Yasmin bit her lip. She didn't want to leave, but it was useless for her to feel that way. Besides, Giselle was pregnant, and her father was waiting for her in prison—her only choice was to give up. So, she said, "I've said so before—I've made up my mind to not love you anymore."Blake was taken aback, and his face instantly paled.Yasmin then seized the opportunity to push him away. Then, she grabbed her bag and ran away.Blake realized what was happening and quickly stepped over with his long legs to catch her. But in the process, he acciden
Pamela thought that Yasmin's voice sounded strange, but since Yasmin was an important client, she didn't dare offend her.Politely, she replied, "It's okay. Please take your time.""Alright, please leave for now. I'll look for you once I'm finished here," Yasmin said in a strained voice."Okay." Pamela left soon after.Once she was gone, Yasmin awkwardly tapped Blake's shoulder. "Alright, stop it. You almost got us caught just now."Blake was now satisfied. A man who had been sated was no longer as surly. He became shockingly gentle, wrapping his arms around her waist and saying, "Join me for dinner later.""Okay," Yasmin weakly agreed. "Please let me go now."Blake finally released his hold on her. Yasmin's legs felt like jelly, and she nearly stumbled as soon as he let go.He steadied her and looked down at the torn train of the wedding dress. The front, however, still looked fine. He smiled and said, "You still look beautiful in the wedding dress."Yasmin glanced at the mir
Blake didn't respond, choosing instead to stare at Yasmin. She had just removed the tiara, letting her long hair cascade over her left shoulder. This brought attention to her fair skin and made her appear as if she was an otherworldly beauty.No wonder Ivan had been mesmerized earlier. A woman in a wedding dress truly possessed a sacred kind of elegance.Blake's gaze traveled down to her chest. She looked exquisite, but something was missing—the ring. His face darkened as he asked, "Where's the ring?""I took it off when I was trying on the wedding dress. I put it in my bag," Yasmin replied. She turned around to retrieve it for him.Maybe it was the way the wedding dress hugged her slender figure, or the graceful way she bent down to pick up the ring, her hips subtly lifting. Either way, the movement exuded an undeniable allure.Blake suddenly felt an overwhelming urge rise from within him. He walked up behind her and placed his hands on her waist as if possessed.Yasmin froze
Ivan sneered in response. "Oh? Do you want to come over and have a drink at the wedding?""There's no need for a wedding toast, but I'll send you a nice little gift soon. You've had Lizzie abducted, and I haven't settled that score yet." Blake's tone was cold and menacing.Still, Ivan wasn't afraid. He took a couple of steps forward, smirking as he said, "Feel free to try—but you should think it through. You have more loved ones than I do. "Besides your mother and Lizzie, there's also your grandmother. I could blow up your mother's hospital today, kidnap Lizzie tomorrow, and have your grandmother killed the day after."Blake's cold laughter came through the phone. "Is that so? Well then, I guess I need to send you a big gift today."The two men continued their exchange from a distance. Yasmin, who was unable to hear the conversation clearly, was trembling with fear. She was terrified of what they might be discussing.It was at this moment when Wendy hurried in from outside. She
Yasmin stepped into the fitting room and changed into the wedding dress. When she emerged, her long hair was elegantly pinned up, and her red lips were vibrant. It made her look breathtakingly beautiful.Ivan saw her and was momentarily stunned. His gaze was unwavering as he stared wide-eyed. Then, he caught himself and smiled. "Yasmin, you look stunning."She gave a slight smile in response, adding to her allure.Ivan was almost entranced. He picked up a crystal-encrusted tiara from nearby and placed it on her head. She glanced upward, her eyes sparkling as she stood there in the white wedding dress. She looked absolutely mesmerizing, and Ivan couldn't take his eyes off her.Meanwhile, Blake watched from across the street with a growing sense of jealousy. The sight of them together made him smirk cynically. Unable to contain himself, he pulled out his phone and called Yasmin.He didn't want to see them looking so perfect together. It irritated him to no end.When Yasmin's ph
Yasmin's heart ached as she listened, her eyes reddening. "You're doing great, Trist. If Mom were with you right now, I'd definitely give you a big hug."Tristan mumbled, "Mom, stop acting like it's the end of the world. You sound so sentimental. I'm doing just fine here. I've got friends to play with and plenty of household staff members to look after me. "You just take care of yourself in Merania, and do whatever you need to do. Once you're in Rimmervale, we'll see each other again."Yasmin nodded. "Yes, we'll see each other very soon."Just then, the door swung open, and there Ivan stood in the doorway. Yasmin jumped in surprise and instinctively ended the video call."Why are you crying?" Ivan asked, noticing her red eyes.Yasmin wiped her tears and smiled. "It's nothing. I just miss Trist."Ivan understood that being a mother made Yasmin emotional whenever she thought about her child. He then asked, "By the way, how was Trist's winter camp? When is he coming back?"Feelin
Yasmin huffed in exasperation. "I just stole his proposal a few days ago, and now he's starting to get suspicious. If I tell him I don't want to take wedding photos, he'll be on to me for sure. If he gets suspicious, my plan will be completely ruined."Blake remained silent on the other end of the line.Yasmin sighed and continued, "It's really not a big deal. This is the last thing I need to do with him. The wedding is in seven days—it'll all be over by then.""When are the wedding photos being taken?" Blake asked.Yasmin hesitated before answering, "Didn't I already tell you? The day after tomorrow, in the afternoon."Blake only replied with a simple, "It's late. Go to sleep." Then, he ended the call.Yasmin could tell he was not all too pleased, but she really didn't want to stir up more trouble than necessary. There were just seven more days to go—Yasmin wanted to get through the final spurt safely and smoothly.…On the day of the wedding dress fitting, Yasmin was having b
Yasmin had no idea what Ivan would do to her if he learned the truth. She feared that if she angered him, he might lock her up somewhere no one would ever find her."I did that because my grandma suggested it to me," Yasmin explained."Your grandma knows about all of this?" Blake asked."Of course. Do you think someone as sharp as her wouldn't notice that every time you visited, we disappeared for hours? She figured it out a long time ago and asked me what was going on between us.""So, you told her everything about us?""Yes, she knows we've reconciled. I even planted a listening device on Ivan. We're hoping to acquire evidence of his illegal activities." Yasmin nodded as she spoke."Did your grandma suggest that to you too?"Yasmin replied briefly, "Yes."Blake let out a soft laugh. "Your grandma is quite the master of strategies.""She really is," Yasmin agreed with a smile. But seconds later, her expression grew serious. "Blake, there's something I need to tell you.""Wha
Yasmin's face turned pale as she realized the extent of the surveillance at the Burke residence."Can the surveillance footage from the study be deleted?" Yasmin asked at the time.The housekeeper shook her head. "It can't be deleted. The surveillance is linked to Mr. Burke's computer. His computer is password-protected, and only he has access to it."Yasmin's heart sank at the news. She knew that once Blake made his move to sabotage Ivan's project, Ivan would inevitably discover that she was involved.Hence, she had already discussed a plan with Imogen to handle the situation. Although the process had been nerve-wracking, everything had gone smoothly. Ivan seemed to believe her explanation.With the project now in jeopardy, Ivan would likely need additional funding, which meant it was unlikely that he would call off the engagement. Yasmin assured herself that Ivan wouldn't do anything drastic to her—not when he needed money from Sander International.After seeing Ivan off, Yasmi
Ivan gently touched Yasmin's face and said softly, "Forget it. Four years ago, you did wrong by him. It's understandable that he threatened you. But don't worry, I've already forced him back to Stanton City."Soon, I'll deal with everyone who has wronged you. I'll make him miserable and ensure he has no time to harass you."Yasmin stared at him in surprise. "Ivo, what are you going to do to those people?""I won't let a single person who hurt you get away with it. However they treated you, I'll make sure they experience the same," Ivan said, his eyes dark with resolve.Yasmin took a deep breath, unable to find the right words.Ivan seemed to realize that his current expression was too grim. He softened his demeanor and asked with a forced smile, "Let me see what you bought for me."Yasmin quickly snapped back to attention and began showing him the gifts she had purchased. Since she had never bought him anything before, Ivan looked somewhat dazed as he looked at the gifts.He pic