Hearing the news, Yasmin felt like she was soaked in ice water, a chill spreading all over her body.Amy's death meant there was no one to prove the truth anymore. She couldn't overturn the plagiarism accusations. And the 50 million-dollar compensation owed to NAS Group would now fall entirely on her shoulders.Yasmin suddenly found herself unable to speak, like she had shut down completely. She sat there and didn't move for a long time.After what felt like a long silence, Erik said, "I'm sorry. I did my best but didn't expect things to turn out this way. Look, Yasmin, I'll cover the 50 million owed to NAS Group for you."Yasmin wasn't sure she heard him right. Erik offered her 50 million dollars, but how could she accept it? It was then that she knew Erik liked her. There was no such thing as a free lunch. Would it mean she'd indirectly become Erik's woman if she accepted?In the end, she politely declined. "Thank you for your kindness, but there's no need."Later that nigh
"Go find her!" Blake's mood was stormy, making everyone feel the pressure.His mind was filled with terrible thoughts and images of her lying in a pool of blood. He was scared she might be dead somewhere in Newphoria Bay.After what felt like forever, he spotted a pair of pale legs swaying in the air.Those legs were hanging from above. Looking up, he saw Yasmin sitting in a large apricot tree, tears streaming down her face.Although she was not in a good state, she was safe—and that was what mattered most to Blake.Blake breathed a sigh of relief, but his throat felt tight.He walked toward her, trying to soften his stern look, and looked up at her. "What are you doing here?"Yasmin was wiping her tears away. Upon hearing his voice, she turned her back to him.She was crying and didn't want to talk. Speaking would only make her cry more. Her chin trembled uncontrollably as she was overwhelmed with regret and frustration over recent incidents.If she hadn't left the studio a
Yasmin felt touched for a long time after that. It was no wonder she fell for him.Even though he always seemed cold—saying that he hated her and that she needed to make amends—he never hit or yelled at her.Sometimes, he would even bring her gifts from abroad. He was a good person at heart.Therefore, Yasmin always looked forward to him coming back. Even if he scolded her harshly or chased her out of his study, his presence always made her happy. She liked to bug him, calling him "Mr. B" like a joyful butterfly fluttering around him.It was just too bad the man she wanted to love forever had someone else in his heart. Thinking about it made her eyes red again.Blake noticed and softly pulled her into his arms, gently asking, "Why are you crying again?""I feel wronged. Mr. B, can you please not leave me?" She clung to him like a child.Blake was moved, feeling a profound warmth in his heart. "Okay."Later, when the bodyguards found them, they were surprised to see Blake sitt
Yasmin's face turned red. She hit him lightly. "You rogue!""Don't forget, you're the one who seduced me first," Blake said.Yasmin could never argue with this. After all, she was the one to fall for him first.Yasmin blushed in embarrassment. She clenched her fists, saying, "And you—you fell for me real hard, didn't you?""Yeah, I did. I can't imagine letting you go now." Blake hugged her tighter and looked at her with affection.Overwhelmed by his gaze, Yasmin looked away. "Let's go, it's getting windy. Feels like it's going to rain soon."She wanted to climb down from the tree but noticed the lights were switched on in the villa. Looking over, she saw people cleaning inside.Yasmin was surprised, "Why are they cleaning the villa?"Several bodyguards were wiping down the furniture inside.Blake glanced over and realized what was happening. It must have been Malcolm's doing.Blake thought to himself, "Malcolm knows me well. It looks like I need to give him a raise." "You l
Just then, the front door opened. Yasmin looked over immediately.Blake walked in from outside, a few raindrops on his shoulders. "It started raining, so I asked them to go back."Yasmin hesitated for a moment. "What about you?""It's raining, so I'll stay here," Blake said with certainty.Yasmin felt too embarrassed to ask him to leave. She lowered her voice and asked, "Do you have clothes to change into?""I've got some in the car." He always kept a change of clothes there. "I'll go grab them.""Wait," Yasmin called out to him. "I think I have an umbrella here. Let me find it for you."Blake thought she was trying to send him back out into the rain, his handsome face frowning.Yasmin found the umbrella at the entrance and handed it to him. "Here, found an umbrella for you."Blake looked at her coldly. "So eager to get rid of me?""No." Yasmin was taken aback, quickly explaining, "I meant for you to use the umbrella to get your clothes."So that's what she meant. He relaxed
Yasmin didn't know how to explain herself. Indeed, she used to act obediently in front of him. She tried to impress him and wanted to make him think she was great because she loved him.However, when Giselle came back, she was so disappointed that she stopped hiding her true self."Hmm? Why did you suddenly become so rebellious?" Blake came closer and stared at her dangerously.Yasmin felt embarrassed and lowered her head. "I grew up. Can't I be a bit rebellious?"He glanced down at her and chuckled. "Doesn't look like you've grown that much."His comment made her blush furiously. She covered her chest and yelled, "Stop being a creep!"She pushed him away, feeling both shy and annoyed. "You're so annoying."Then, she turned and ran off.Blake couldn't help but smile as she ran away.Later, when she went to find him some toiletries, all she found was a pink towel and a duck-shaped toothbrush. She handed them over sheepishly. "Sorry, this is all we have."Seeing the items in
The atmosphere suddenly became dead silent.Blake didn't say a word. He opened the door and walked out.Yasmin was fixing the pillows when she saw him come out of the bathroom. She asked, "Haven't you showered yet?"Blake's face was expressionless. He ignored her and walked away, returning to his usual cold demeanor.Yasmin felt a pang in her heart and chased after him; but Blake had already walked downstairs, slammed the door behind him, and left.Outside, a heavy storm was brewing, lightning and thunder crashing repeatedly. He had just walked into the rain without a word.Yasmin reached the door, not understanding why he left or where his sudden anger had come from.Why was he always like this? Just when things seemed fine, he would suddenly change.She stood at the door, watching his figure disappear into the distance. Tears welled up in her eyes.In the middle of the night, Blake got soaked in the rain and drove the Cullinan away.Lightning split the sky, making it blindi
Blake just wanted to torment Yasmin. But seeing the blush on her face, he couldn't help but lose control himself.He took her earlobe into his mouth and roughly tore off her clothes.Yasmin couldn't escape his kisses. As he continued, she began to lose her mind. She called him softly, "Mr. B..."Blake's gaze darkened as he bit down on her soft skin. "Do you like it?"Yasmin's ears grew hot as he spoke close to her chest. His warm breath seemed to go through her skin and into her heart.She murmured drowsily, "I like it..."At her approval, Blake suddenly became wilder. His cool breath turned hot and intense, making her body tremble with his every touch.She felt as if she had lost control of her limbs, burning under his touch. She clung to him, melting into his lap.Yasmin nearly cried the whole night. And just before dawn, the rain finally stopped.Still unsatisfied, Blake pressed against her and commanded, "From now on, you must obey me…""Mm..." Yasmin was already dazed,
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