"Roxy …" Blake said menacingly.Roxy's heart raced with fear, but she refused to back down. Her eyes were red as she complained, "She hit me first, Blake.""So you're saying she was the first to attack a group of people?" Blake asked coldly.This took Yasmin aback. She didn't expect him to speak up for her. It was a surprise."N-No …" Roxy was pale. She lied, "It's because she stole my man!""And who would that be?""Ivan Burke." He wasn't around, anyway, so Roxy went wild with her lies. She'd had a crush on Ivan for the longest time and already thought of him as hers.Blake's gaze was mocking. He said bluntly, "Would he be interested in someone like you?""What's wrong with me?""You're obnoxious and arrogant. There's nothing good about you."Roxy was stunned into silence. She had nothing to say in retort.Yasmin smirked at this. At least Blake knew his cousin well enough—indeed, she was an idiot without any redeeming qualities. There was nothing about her that would make s
Yasmin was running low on cash right now. It was all she needed to settle the problem. Everyone was taken aback as they turned to stare at her. She smiled. "What? Don't tell me the daughter of an affluent family isn't even willing to compensate me for my medical bill."Roxy couldn't stand being provoked. She held her head high and said, "Who said anything about not wanting to pay you? Name your price.""50 thousand dollars." Yasmin was afraid she would go back on her word and quickly flashed her QR code.Roxy pulled out her phone and scanned it. "There, I've transferred it to you. Check your balance. Don't go around saying I haven't paid you.""It's in." Yasmin was in a much better mood when she saw the additional 50 thousand dollars in her account. Earning such a huge sum in exchange for two slaps was pretty worth it.The atmosphere turned odd. Blake watched as Yasmin took the money, his expression frosty as could be.She didn't linger, turning to leave after getting the money.
After scrutinizing Yasmin for a while, Blake said, "You got what you deserved."This set Yasmin alight. "I got attacked for nothing, and you think I deserved it?""You deserved it because you didn't even think about retaliating despite them ganging up on you."Yasmin was taken aback. "I did fight back. There were just too many of them. Besides, they're all socialites and daughters of affluent families. I'm a nobody. How could I go against them?""Just go all out. I'd like to see whether any of them would dare to come after you."This stunned Yasmin into silence. What did Blake mean by that? Would he protect her? She couldn't understand what he meant, so she looked at him.Blake's face was devoid of emotion. He tilted her head up and applied some ointment on her face. The cooling sensation of it soothed the sting from the slaps.Yasmin was finding him harder and harder to read. He kept saying that he despised her and the Starr family, but he actually treated her pretty well. In t
Yasmin felt ill at ease and wanted to get out of this amorous situation. But with the paparazzi chasing them, she didn't dare to move. She was afraid that they would catch something and blow things out of proportion, affecting the company's share price."Don't be scared." Blake seemed to sense her trembling and wrapped his hand around hers.Yasmin was taken aback when he interlaced his fingers with hers and pulled her even tighter against him. She was even more flustered when she sensed his arousal. "Mr. B …"Blake said in a low voice, "Stop talking."Her voice was so gentle and tender. He couldn't take it."But …" She felt so uneasy. Their bodies were pressed flush against each other, and she could feel him pressing his arousal against her through the material of their clothes. Her face burned.The car would occasionally jolt as it went over potholes and speed bumps, worsening the scenario. It was as if it were spicing things up for them.Yasmin was so flustered that she hitche
Yasmin smiled bitterly. She got off Blake's lap and out of the car. A voice inside her told her to turn around to ask Blake not to go. She tried and failed to suppress it. Finally, she turned around. "Mr. B—"She stopped abruptly. Blake had already driven into the night. Yasmin's expression turned sorrowful. A tear rolled down her face and onto the grass. More tears followed.She stood amidst the chilly breeze as tears streamed down her face. If Blake could leave her behind with a single phone call from Giselle, why was she still holding out hope?After all, he'd loved Giselle for a whole decade.In this moment, Yasmin truly gave up. She wiped her tears and ran upstairs. Then, she packed her stuff and left.…Blake drove to the hospital. When he arrived, he saw Giselle sitting on the bed and rubbing her belly. She looked fragile. When she saw him, she smiled. Her eyes were filled with love as she said, "You're here, Blake."He glanced at her coolly. "Does your belly still hurt?"
When Blake returned to Oak Garden, it was already nighttime. Mary walked out and said, "Mr. Ford, Mr. Arthur's secretary called to ask you and Mrs. Ford to drop by on Saturday night.""Alright," Blake said. "Has Yasmin had dinner?"Mary looked confused. "Mrs. Ford hasn't returned since leaving the house in the evening."Blake was taken aback. He hurried upstairs and saw that her desk was empty. A portion of her clothes had been taken away.Blake's expression turned icy. His handsome features looked especially menacing.…Yasmin had dinner with Eunice at the studio. Eunice bought some beer. As they drank, they talked about the collaboration with NAS Group.Eunice was surprised. "Are you serious? NAS Group is at the top of the luxury brands industry. Do they really want to work with us?""I just can't help thinking that everything's going too smoothly." Yasmin didn't know why she felt this way, but she wasn't really ready to take the risk.Eunice felt the same. "Maybe we should look out
After that, Yasmin sat on the couch and drank her beer silently. Just then, her phone rang. She answered it. "Hello?""Yasmin, it's me." Giselle's voice rang out on the other end of the line. She said demurely, "I have something to ask you.""What is it?""Well, I just wanted to know what brand of condoms Blake normally uses."Yasmin was taken aback. "What?""You've been by his side, haven't you? Do you know the brand and size he uses? He's staying over tonight, so I figured I had to get some ready. But I don't know what he normally uses, so I wanted to check with you …" This was a phone call to mark her territory.Yasmin couldn't bring herself to say anything. Bitterness overwhelmed her as she took another swig of beer."Yasmin?" Giselle was still talking. "Why aren't you saying anything? Has my question hurt you? But you said you and Blake don't have feelings for each other, right?"Yasmin didn't answer. She hung up and cut Giselle's chattering off. She downed her beer and op
Yasmin was drunk, so she felt like she was dreaming. She wrapped her arms around Blake's neck. "You're back, Mr. B.""Sucking up to me won't work." Blake thought she was trying to butter him up. His expression was cold as he reached up to pry her hands away."Mr. B, don't get together with anyone else." She leaned against him and held his face, bringing their faces close together. "I'm better than them, aren't I?"She looked into his eyes. The corners of her eyes were red from her drunkenness. She caressed his face. "I'm obedient, aren't I? Isn't that good enough?"Blake's eyes darkened. "You're the one who's been demanding a divorce, remember?"She pouted. "I feel horrible."Blake couldn't bring himself to push her away now. He held her in his arms and asked her, "Where do you feel horrible?""My heart." Yasmin put a hand over her chest. She mumbled, "I told myself that my family's in the wrong because Dad tricked you, so I can't blame you for how you've treated me. You're inno
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