Blake's dark expression suddenly broke into a smile. "Mr. Burke, do you even know why I'm asking for her? Actually, we can't help wanting to fu—"Yasmin stomped on Blake's foot to cut him off mid-sentence. She would probably have to hide her face for the rest of her life if Blake had finished his sentence. Yasmin then shot him a glare and snapped, "Don't you dare!""Why not? It's the truth," Blake taunted.Yasmin quickly covered his mouth and pulled him toward the stairs. "Alright, let's go! Just keep your mouth shut! "Mr. Burke, we have some matters to attend to, so we'll be leaving now."After successfully dragging Blake out of the restaurant, Yasmin angrily pushed him away. "Why did you have to say that to him?""Why? Are you worried that he'll be disgusted with you if he finds out that you're sleeping with me?" Blake mocked."No!" Infuriated by his words, Yasmin turned to leave. "I'm just not as shameless as you!""Come here." Blake grabbed her arm and shoved her into a
Pleased, Blake started the engine and began driving toward Yasmin's favorite place—Cirrus."What are we doing here?" Yasmin asked."For dinner." Blake parked the car and got out.Yasmin had no choice but to follow him. "But didn't you eat already?""But you didn't, right?" Blake asked. "By the time we get home, Mary would've already gotten off work."Only then did Yasmin finally realize that it was already 9 pm. The two of them then went into one of the private rooms. Blake picked up the menu and ordered a few dishes Yasmin liked.Then, as Yasmin was pouring some water into a glass, she heard Blake ordering the seafood soup she liked.Upon hearing this, she glanced at him.But without saying much, Blake simply reached over to brush her hair aside. Earlier outside, the lighting had been dim, so he couldn't see her cheek clearly. But now that he could see her bruise up close, he realized that her injury was more serious than he'd expected.With a frown, he demanded, "Don't
"What?" Yasmin was stunned. "Wasn't Ivan the one who helped me?""He probably gave you a hand, but our team settled things the quickest."Yasmin was dumbfounded. She never expected Blake to have helped her as well. She glanced at him.Meanwhile, Blake's expression was solemn, and he stayed silent. So, Yasmin asked, "Did you really help me with it?""Forget it if you don't believe me." Blake couldn't be bothered to explain himself.Yasmin sheepishly said, "I do. I just don't understand why you didn't tell me that you were the one who did it.""It wasn't anything worth mentioning." After all, Blake was never one to ask for compliments. Then, he let go of Yasmin and ordered, "Eat up."Yasmin didn't know what else to say, so she simply took a few sips of the soup.Then, she said, "Then again, this entire thing started because of you, so it's only right that you handled the rumors yourself."Blake narrowed his eyes, amused. "You still think I'm obligated to help you?""Your
By the time Blake returned to Newphoria Bay, Yasmin had already gone to bed. He entered her room and sat himself on her bed. Then, he gently lifted her hair away from her face and exposed her untreated, swollen cheek. Frowning, he went to grab some ointment and carefully applied it onto her skin. Yasmin stirred in her sleep, and she instinctively tried to wipe the ointment away. However, Blake stopped her, saying, "Don't wipe it off."Quickly, Yasmin sobered up and was met with a close-up of Blake's breathtaking face.For several moments, she stared blankly at him and forgot to respond. Smiling softly, Blake instructed, "Sleep well, and don't touch your face. I just applied the medicine, so don't rub it off.""What are you doing here?""I knew you weren't going to treat your bruise, so I came to check on you." In the illumination of the lamp, Blake's tone was soft, and his gaze was gentle. Yasmin's nose started to prickle, as if she were about to cry.Although she'd de
Blake snorted. "You're just too dumb."Then, he placed his palm on Yasmin's head and patted her gently. "Go to sleep."Yasmin asked dumbly, "You came all the way here just to tell me to go to sleep?""Mm-hm.""Are you leaving?""Do you want me to stay?" Blake glanced at her.Startled, Yasmin immediately replied, "Of course not. I'm being serious. Are you leaving?""Yeah. I have things to take care of."Yasmin couldn't explain the emotions that had suddenly washed over her. Blake had come all the way here in the middle of the night just to check on her face.Feeling conflicted, Yasmin's face fell as she said, "Bye then.""Rest well," Blake reminded her and got up. Then, Yasmin remained silent in bed.Blake glanced at her again and noticed her sad expression, so he said, "Call me if you miss me."Yasmin pressed her lips together, still keeping quiet.After Blake left, she walked over to the window. She could make out a tall figure charging through the rain and into a c
"Slow down and tell me exactly what happened." Colin was currently attending an event. Eunice quickly explained the situation.Colin pondered for a moment before replying, "Don't worry. I'll handle this."He hung up and looked toward the front of the venue where Blake was sitting in the center.He immediately walked over.Upon seeing him, Malcolm stopped him in his tracks. "I'm sorry, but you need an appointment to see Mr. Ford.""Mr. Ford, I'm Colin Gray. Do you remember me?" Colin shouted.Blake glanced at him and nodded, recognizing Eunice's boyfriend. He asked, "Do you need something?""It seems like something happened to Yasmin. Eunice called me to say that Yasmin was on her way home in the heavy rain. But she seemed to have met in an accident."Blake's expression instantly darkened. "What?"Colin continued, "Eunice said that she heard a loud crash before Yasmin went silent. They were on the phone, and Yasmin said she was almost home, so Eunice thinks something must hav
Blake climbed into the ambulance as well. …Meanwhile, Yasmin remained unconscious. Although there was a haze in her mind, she could make out someone repeatedly calling her name.She didn't know who the person was, but she heard him constantly saying, "Don't fall asleep. Keep your eyes open and look at me. Don't sleep…"The man also kept a tight grip on her hand. After some time, Yasmin felt her body being lifted, and someone shone a flashlight into her eyes. A hoarse voice asked, "How is she?""Her seatbelt and airbag absorbed most of the shock, so she just got a mild concussion," a gentle male voice answered. "Then why hasn't she woken up yet?""Her body's gone into shock from the blood loss, so she'll need to stay in the hospital for a few days for observation."The other man didn't ask him any more questions. Instead, he walked over to Yasmin's bed and held her hand. "You've been asleep for over a day. When are you going to wake up?"Then, after what seemed like a
Blake's voice was so tender that it startled Yasmin."I'm fine. My head just feels tight. What happened to it?" she asked hoarsely. "You're wearing a head wrap because you injured your head and were bleeding." Blake gently lifted Yasmin's hand to her head and grazed the bandage. "Just touch it lightly. Don't tear it off.""Okay." Yasmin felt the gauze and realized what had happened.So, she had injured her head."Does it still hurt?" Blake asked."No. I just feel dizzy, like I have a cold," Yasmin answered weakly. Then, Blake gently told her, "That's normal. You got a concussion from the accident, so you'll have a headache. You'll probably also feel nauseous. "Do you feel like throwing up right now?"Yasmin shook her head.However, when Blake mentioned the car accident, she immediately thought of Bill's scarred face. She grabbed Blake's hand and shakily said, "It was Bill Hawthorne… He was the one who rammed into me…"Blake's expression turned sharp. "I know. I've alrea
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