Saying that Yasmin wasn't moved would be a lie.Her friend kept her favorites in mind when eating out. Of course, she felt warm and fuzzy after learning about it.Ivan attempted to improve Yasmin's mood. "Unfortunately, I've only found one great restaurant like this after staying in Stanton City for a few months. Since you've lived in Stanton City for many years, do you have any great recommendations?"However, Yasmin wasn't in the mood to talk. She replied flatly, "I'm not feeling chatty today, Ivo. Can you wait until I go back? I'll put together a list of top food spots and send them to you.""Sure," Ivan readily agreed. "After going home from the Ford residence, did Blake trouble you?"Yasmin shook her head and said, "No."Blake merely gave her the cold shoulder. He didn't do anything else.…On the other hand, Blake went to Newphoria Bay. No one was there.He frowned a little. He walked out of the villa and instructed Malcolm, "Find out where Mrs. Ford is."Meanwhile, Yas
Yasmin immediately halted in her tracks. Her eyes reddened.Blake knew why Yasmin was upset. Despite that, he didn't clear things up but accused her unfairly.They had given each other the silent treatment for five days.As soon as Blake returned, he didn't apologize or give her any explanation. Instead, he immediately put the fault on Yasmin.Yasmin was disheartened. It sparked her defiant side. She screamed at Blake, "I didn't ask you to pick me up. Why are you here? I don't want to see you!"His face fell. "So, am I the one making a fool out of myself here?""That's right! You're an idiot. Why did you show up? Scram!" Yasmin scolded harshly. She then turned and walked away.Blake's expression turned cold.Malcolm stood at the side and zipped his mouth. Who would have thought Blake would be told to scram? Even the head of the Ford family, Arthur, never said such harsh words to Blake.Yasmin had a stubborn temper. No one could hold her back.With teary eyes, Yasmin pursed he
Blake still refused to open up.Yasmin looked at his well-defined features. The longer she stared at him, the more disheartened she felt. "I thought you were so thoughtful that you even got me milk. Turns out you were drugging me with sleeping pills. When I passed out, you would extract my blood for Elise. "That's the truth, and you still said it won't affect me. Will you do the same thing to me again when Elise needs blood? Are you going to knock me out to take my blood for her?"As she spoke, tears welled up in her eyes.She pitied her fate. Just because she fell for him, she was being used without mercy.On the surface, he pretended to treat her well. In reality, it was solely due to her rare blood type. Seeing his silence, she felt dejected. She pushed open the door to chase him away. "Leave. I have found out about everything, and I won't forgive you. Just go."Yasmin felt a sharp pain in her heart. However, Blake stood on the spot without budging.She walked over to mo
That night, Blake waited for Yasmin in the yard.When Yasmin went upstairs to draw the curtains, she saw Blake's towering figure leaning against his car. With the withered leaves falling next to him, it gave off a sense of loneliness.He smoked in the yard. Under the dim light, she couldn't see his facial expression.In fact, he rarely smoked. However, he kept smoking one after another that night. His face exuded a melancholic air.On the next day, when Yasmin woke up, Blake was nowhere to be found. She had no idea when he had left. Anyways, she couldn't care less about that.Stuart would be discharged that day.Yasmin didn't want to meet Stuart with a tired look. So, she sat in front of her dressing table and put on some light makeup. Afterward, she hopped into a cab and headed out.In the cab, she saw the news—Windmere Group's investment in medical research had succeeded!The medicine's launch event would kickstart at 9:00 am.Blake had put on a suit. The lonely air around h
Yasmin didn't know what to say.At that moment, a deep voice sounded behind them. "No, Grandma. Yasmin and I just had a small argument previously, but we've made amends."Everyone turned around. They saw the tall and handsome Blake at the entrance of the villa. He was dressed in the same suit he was wearing at the launch event that morning. With that, he exuded a refined aura and outstanding charm.Yasmin was surprised. Didn't Blake go to work? Why did he suddenly come back?Blake walked toward Yasmin and gently held her hand.Yasmin was annoyed. However, she didn't shake off Blake's hand because Stuart and Emelda were around.Seeing that they had reconciled, Emelda was delighted. "That's fantastic. I was planning to have a chat with Yasmin earlier. "I don't want to lose such an outstanding grandson-in-law. Where else can I find one?"Blake put Yasmin in his arms. He flashed an elegant smile. "Don't worry, Grandma. Yasmin and I won't divorce."Emelda was overjoyed. On the f
The document was put on the table.Emelda skimmed through it. She then smiled at Yasmin and said, "Blake is quite generous, Yasmin. With this contract, Stuart is set for the rest of his life."Yasmin felt conflicted. "Stop looking at it, Grandma. Dad might not accept it.""Why not? That's Blake's wedding gift to you. It isn't inappropriate to accept it."Moreover, Starr Corporation is Stuart's life's work. Since he has recovered, he should get back to running it. We don't want him to hunt for jobs at his age, right? He's already 50 years old."Hearing this, Yasmin fell silent.She naturally didn't want Stuart to spend the rest of his life in hardship.However, she was troubled. Those were things she couldn't get over. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't bring herself to forget them.…Upstairs, Stuart pushed the study door open. The room was just like how it was two years ago. He was surprised at first, but he then felt warm and fuzzy inside.Yasmin knew Stuart well.
Acting on impulse, Yasmin suddenly shook her hand loose. "Of course I'm angry."Which woman wouldn't be angry to be treated like that?Yasmin couldn't face him calmly and reasonably, so she said coldly, "Go home. My dad was discharged today, and I don't want to be sad. Go home. We'll talk about this another time.""But your dad asked me to stay for dinner."Yasmin frowned. "He wants to accept your gift?""After all, Starr Corporation held his hopes and dreams. It's his life's work," Blake replied airily.Yasmin didn't know what to say to that. There was disappointment and indignance in her eyes.She didn't want her father to suffer in the future.But she also felt that she would be forever indebted to Blake if her father accepted his present.The more she thought about it, the sadder she felt, and she couldn't stop herself from crying. "Why are you crying?" Blake saw her crying and went to hug her. He gently wiped away her tears.Yasmin wiped her nose and said between sobs,
Yasmin frowned. "Why didn't you tell me earlier?""I didn't know how to tell you. I did take your blood." Blake came closer to her and held her shoulders while he explained gently, "I felt remorseful about doing this a year ago. That's why I was good to you. I was good to you not because I wanted to use your blood to save Elise, but because I felt sorry for you and wanted to treat you better."Yasmin was speechless. She looked up at him. "So you fell in love with me one year ago?""Yes." Blake nodded. This time, he didn't conceal his love. "I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you the first time I met you."Yasmin was stunned. She never expected this. "You never thought of leaving me?""You're so silly. If we had divorced, other men would definitely bully you. How could I bear to see you suffering outside?" Blake kissed her lips gently.Yasmin looked up at his incomparably handsome face.Blake stared at Yasmin until she blushed a little. She didn't know what to say and gru
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