"Got it," Blake replied.Then, when Blake was about to hang up, Yasmin suddenly called out, "Blake.""What's wrong?" Blake asked."Do you love me?" Yasmin didn't know what had gotten into her when she asked him this question. She likely didn't want to believe the words in the text messages since Blake had been treating her better lately.If Blake replied that he loved her, she would openly talk about everything with him.However, she was met with Blake's long silence.Yasmin waited for five minutes, but Blake still didn't respond. In the end, he simply uttered when Malcolm came in to urge him, "I need to look into something else.""Okay." Yasmin ended the call.At that moment, she felt like her heart had shattered.She started to doubt if the text messages were telling the truth. Was Blake's kindness merely an act?However, the heart couldn't tell any lies. Blake wouldn't be able to say those words if he truly didn't love her.Yasmin was disheartened, but it helped her m
Half an hour later, Blake walked out of the meeting room.Malcolm said gravely, "Mrs. Ford seems to have left Stanton City, Mr. Ford. Her phone signal indicates that she was on the outskirts one hour ago. However, we couldn't find her when we got there.""Why would her phone signal appear when she isn't there?" Blake asked with a grim expression.Malcolm replied, "Mrs. Ford likely tossed her phone there as she passed by the outskirts."Upon hearing this, Blake's expression darkened. He was quick-witted, so he immediately understood what Malcolm was hinting at. Yasmin had planned her escape beforehand.His expression became serious. "How about the surveillance footage?"Malcolm took out his phone and showed Blake the footage displayed. "Mrs. Ford was wearing a black tracksuit when she left the mall. She entered an Audi and drove away, presumably to the outskirts. She tossed her phone out at precisely this location."Blake stared at the phone. The display revealed a phone bein
"You're her best friend. I'm sure you know." Blake inched closer to Eunice with a cold gaze. Blake's haunting presence frightened her, and she started to grow nervous.She retreated a few steps before saying, "I really don't know. Yaz only told me to collect the items for her. She didn't tell me where she was going!""Are you going to tell me or not?" Blake's bloodshot eyes were horrifying.Eunice was scared out of her wits, but she quickly recomposed herself and retorted, "You should deal with your mom first. She's against Yaz being with you. If you care about Yaz, sort things out with your mom and Giselle first, maybe then she might come back. "After all, she grew up in Stanton City. This place holds a special meaning to her. No one would want to leave their hometown while parting with their friends and family."Blake caught on to the hint he was looking for—hometown.He recollected himself and looked over at Malcolm. "Check the town where Yasmin was last seen in. I want to
While Yasmin had been missing for three days, Blake ceaselessly sent his men to look for her. They searched the town she disappeared into and investigated Cirrus Town. However, their efforts weren't fruitful. They couldn't find her at all.She seemed to have disappeared without a trace. Her phone, debit card, and personal ID were all gone. No one had any idea how she pulled it off.When Giselle heard the news, she was waiting for a prenatal checkup. She smiled brightly. "This is great. That annoying woman is gone now."Annie commented, "You seem to be in high spirits, Mrs. Ford. Are you looking into the menu for the banquet already?""Yes," Giselle said with a charming smile. "But let's not drop our guard. Send our people to follow Blake's men. If they find Yasmin, report back to me immediately."She was searching for Yasmin as well. However, Yasmin had completely vanished. Even she had no clue about Yasmin's whereabouts."Got it," Annie responded. It just so happened that it
The previous nanny of the Starr family, Jessica Miller, stayed at Miller Village.She was 68 years old. After retiring a few years ago, she returned to her hometown and opened a convenience store.It helped her make some money while looking after her grandchild, Chris Miller, who was still in middle school.Yasmin's visit was a pleasant surprise. Jessica asked about how she was doing and even inquired about Stuart's situation.Yasmin muttered, "Jessica, my family isn't doing well. My dad is in prison as we speak…"Jessica was shocked after learning the news. "What happened? Stuart is a kind man. He not only pampers his wife and daughter, but he is also friendly with the housekeepers. He never treated us harshly.""Someone set him up." Caleb had doubled-crossed Stuart. He sold Stuart a batch of cement that didn't meet industry standards.Later, Blake reported Starr Corporation, and Stuart ended up in prison. Since then, Starr Corporation has been in bad shape. In other words,
Yasmin pursed her lips and kept quiet. She felt a little restless.That night, sleep didn't come to her. So she took out her new phone and checked the calendar. It was already the 22nd of December.Annalise's birthday was in two days' time—the same day as Blake and Giselle's wedding. Annalise and Giselle should be at ease after that day, right?While Yasmin was in deep thought, she drifted off to sleep.The next day, the dawn light entered the room.Yasmin heard Jessica taking Chris out of the house.Jessica would send Chris to the village entrance every morning at 6:00 am. Afterward, she would head to town to buy groceries.Once Yasmin woke up, she could hardly get back to sleep. She wore a plain white dress and opened the door on the first floor. Later, she started cleaning around the house.Suddenly, a thick arm hugged her from behind.Yasmin was shocked, and she quickly turned around.It turned out to be the butcher next door, Daniel Ziegler!With a greasy face and a
"Let's head to the hospital in town," Blake ordered."I'm not going!" Yasmin held the car door tightly. She refused to go with him.However, he wouldn't let her run away again. He locked her in his arms, and she couldn't move at all."Blake!" Yasmin shouted while sobbing. "Let go of me!""Cut it out!" His expression turned ugly. He held her tightly and warned, "If you keep doing that, don't blame me for not playing nice.""Let me go!" She kept struggling.Blake was furious. He pinned her on the seat and spanked her. "Stop making a fuss!"It took him quite a while to locate her. When he finally found her, she was still retaliating.He lost all his composure and smacked her hard.Having her hands restrained, she couldn't break free. As she was hit repeatedly, the pain brought tears to her eyes.Upon seeing her tears, Blake stopped smacking her. He instructed Tyler, "To the hospital."Malcolm stayed behind to deal with Daniel; bad things probably awaited the injured man. Howe
Lately, Yasmin had been feeling miserable every day but had no one to talk to. The grievances welled up in her heart, and it was suffocating.Upon realizing that Blake refused to let her go, Yasmin stopped hiding it. She let it all out while sobbing. "You won't be saving my dad. Everything is a lie! You keep me by your side as if I'm your toy. You made me lose the last family member I have in this world. And now, I can't even fend for myself…"She wiped her tears with the back of her hand.A hint of regret crossed his eyes. He wanted to wipe her tears for her, but she pushed him away."Don't touch me! I hate you!" Tears streamed down her face as she sobbed. She yelled, "What else do you want from me? Even though my dad betrayed James, Starr Corporation is already under your name!"My dad is imprisoned, and his sickness has become serious. I'm left with nothing, and you're still not sparing me. I only want to save my dad. Is that so hard of a request?"She fell to her knees
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