"Was he taken to the police?" Eunice asked."Blake said he already did that.""That's more like it. That guy's a goddamn scumbag!" Eunice looked at Yasmin and asked, "Yaz, do you want some fruits? I brought you your favorite peaches.""Sure. One would be nice." Yasmin had slept for days and was now starting to feel a bit hungry. Eunice peeled a peach and handed it to Yasmin. "I've begun to notice that Blake actually treats you quite well. He's always stepping in whenever you're in trouble."Yasmin took a bite of the peach and nodded in agreement. "I used to think he was a cold person since he was rarely home. But after seeing him save you so many times this year, he doesn't seem so bad anymore." Eunice's opinion of Blake had started to improve after seeing how well he treated Yasmin. However, Yasmin remained quiet.So, Eunice asked, "Why aren't you saying anything?"Yasmin sighed. "I think he's a pretty nice person too, but…"It wasn't a question of whether or not she wa
"I think he's been caught." Yasmin turned to Blake and asked, "Have you handed him to the police?"Blake replied coldly, "Yes."Yasmin nodded and told Ivan, "They've got him."Then, Blake regarded Ivan indifferently and said, "You've seen her, so you can leave now. She just woke up and needs to rest."Ivan wasn't that oblivious, so he got up to leave.Blake then walked him out of the room and looked at him coldly once the door closed shut. "What do you want from her?""What could I possibly want from her?" Ivan put on a smile. Blake's tone was icy. "That's what I'm asking. One moment you're helping her with her career, and the next, you're playing the hero. "So, what exactly do you want?"Ivan's eyes were cold as he calmly replied, "I see her as a little sister, of course.""Little sister?" Blake snickered with a raised eyebrow. There was no way he believed that.But Ivan merely replied, "That's right. Yasmin and I clicked the moment we met, so I think of her as my younger
"You're lying!" Yasmin continued resisting, clutching her clothes tightly. "What do you think I'm going to do to you?" "I bet you're going to start doing something else once you wash me…"Blake frowned in annoyance. "Do you really think I'm such a beast?"Yasmin pursed her lips and didn't reply. Blake furrowed his brows, but he didn't continue arguing. Instead, he helped Yasmin onto a chair and left the bathroom. "Wash up yourself then. I'll wait outside. Don't fall," he said.Yasmin watched as Blake walked out and closed the door without saying anything.Then, she slowly began to remove her clothes.However, such a simple task had drained all her energy. So, by the time she started showering, she was feeling weak and dizzy. As she leaned against the shower wall, she called out weakly, "Mr. B…"The door swung open, and Blake appeared. He sighed when he saw Yasmin leaning against the wall naked. "I told you you weren't strong enough to shower by yourself yet. You hur
Blake then sat on the edge of the bed and draped another blanket over Yasmin before gently gathering her into his arms and comforting her like a baby. Feeling Blake's familiar warmth, Yasmin instinctively snuggled closer to him. And, just like how she used to, she quickly fell asleep in his warm embrace. Yasmin had always liked Blake's hugs. His body had a faint scent of cedar that always put her at ease.And just like that, the night passed uneventfully. …When Yasmin woke up in Blake's arms the next morning, her eyes were filled with confusion. "What are you doing in my bed?"The beds in the premium rooms were almost five feet wide, so the two of them were able to sleep together without much difficulty. Blake continued hugging Yasmin as he replied hoarsely, "You kept saying you were cold last night, so I had to comfort you all night."Yasmin blushed but didn't respond. Blake didn't continue talking either, but neither did he let go of her. He just kept holding Yasmin
"Did you come just to tell me this?" Yasmin felt bored upon hearing this. There was nothing new at all.Giselle sighed. "Yasmin, I didn't come here to upset you. I'm here to ask you for a favor. "In a few days, Blake and I will be taking our wedding photos. So, please don't cause any trouble. I've turned a blind eye to how you flirt with Blake, but for something this important, I hope you can understand your place.""What do I need to understand about it?"Giselle started, "You need to know that from now on, I'm his wife, and you're his mistress. I'll be the rightful Mrs. Ford. And after the wedding, I'll be living with my mother-in-law. "As for you, if you're willing to be Blake's mistress, I won't stop you. But let me make this clear, Yasmin—remember your status. In public, you can only be Ms. Starr, and I will be Mrs. Ford. For holidays and such, Blake will come to the Ford Residence to be with us. "If you understand this and still want to be with Blake, I'll consider you m
But Yasmin couldn't push Blake away. Then. he hugged her tightly.Yasmin frowned. "What are you doing? Let me go.""Look at you. You fell for it." Blake looked at Yasmin and continued, "She says a few words, and your mood swings right away. "She succeeded."Yasmin was stunned.That's right. She and Blake were fine in the morning, but after hearing a few words from Giselle, she started to feel annoyed with Blake.Blake said, "It's all mind games. If Giselle makes her move, you respond.""How do I respond?""Go along with what she says. Keep being close to me."Yasmin looked at Blake and began to understand what he meant.Just then, Giselle came back with the thermos. When she opened the door, she saw them hugging.Then, her gaze turned cold. "What are you two doing?""We're talking," Blake answered indifferently.Giselle looked at Yasmin.Upon remembering Blake's words, Yasmin decided to hit back.She wrapped her arms around Blake's waist and leaned into his chest. "
Giselle frowned slightly and said, "Blake, I'm pregnant. Isn't it a bit much asking me to do all this?""Didn't you suggest we all live together? Yasmin is younger, so you should be taking care of her. You're so gentle and virtuous. Of course, you can handle the household chores."Even though Giselle was good at pretending, her face turned red with anger and frustration. "But I'm pregnant.""If you think you can't live this way, then why suggest it? Or were you just trying to upset Yasmin?" Blake looked at Giselle, his smile not reaching his eyes.Giselle shook her head. "Of course not. I meant it sincerely.""Then can you take care of both of us?"Giselle couldn't answer, and she felt a surge of anger in her chest.If she said yes, Blake would treat her like a servant. But if she said no, she would have to admit that her suggestion was just to annoy Yasmin.But she wouldn't show her anger in front of Blake. So, she kept up her ladylike facade and said, "I was just suggesting.
Giselle was stunned, and tears started welling up in her eyes. "But it's what your mom wants. She's still sick and can only get up for a bit over an hour a day.""Just appease her for now, but no need to actually plan a wedding. It's pointless.""But I don't like lying." Giselle looked sad, her eyes misty, "I've been taking care of your mom lately, and we've grown close. She's really nice to me, and I genuinely want to take care of her.""You can visit her in the hospital every day to take care of her. Even if you want to be her goddaughter, that's fine by me." Blake knew Giselle would still go to the hospital anyway. Then, he added, "But forget the wedding. You can show your care in other ways, and she'll still treat you well. You won't lose out.""Blake, I just wanted the baby to have a family..." Giselle started crying.Blake replied, "Your baby already has a family. Why look elsewhere? You're his mom, your parents are his grandparents, and you're his closest family. "Sure,
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