After all, the best marriages were those that received blessings from both sides of the family.…As soon as Yasmin left, Blake received a call. "Sir, a man visited Newphoria Bay this morning. Mr. Starr referred to him as 'Ivan'."Blake was playing golf, and his expression hardened when he heard this. "What was he doing there?""I'm not sure. He was having breakfast with Mr. Starr in the dining room earlier, but Mr. Starr asked me to leave the room, so I didn't hear what they were talking about. "However, Madam left in his car this morning. It seems like Mr. Starr quite likes that man."Blake's face turned grim. So, it seemed like Stuart was trying to match Yasmin and Ivan.…Back in Ivan's car, Yasmin and Ivan were casually chatting. "I heard from your dad that you filed for divorce yesterday.""Yeah." Yasmin nodded. "He even told you about this? Are you two close?""Not really.""Why did he invite you over to our house for breakfast then?"Ivan smiled and replied,
Yasmin smiled. "Mr. Ford, we've already filed for divorce and are living separately, so please stay out of my business."With that, Yasmin hung up the phone.Meanwhile, on the other end of the phone, Blake's face immediately turned murderously frigid.Soon after the call ended, Yasmin and Ivan arrived at Erinnyes. Yasmin unbuckled her seatbelt and was about to get out of the car when Ivan asked, "Did he hire someone to monitor you?""Not exactly. Two household staff back home are employed by him, so they report everything to him." Yasmin didn't bother hiding the truth.Ivan pondered over what Yasmin had said before suggesting, "I have an idea. I can hire two household staff for your dad, so you can dismiss the current ones. "It must be stifling to constantly be under watch."Yasmin was surprised by Ivan's offer, but she still shook her head. "It's fine, Ivo. I don't want to trouble you. I'll dismiss them, and I'll find replacements myself.""Alright then." Ivan didn't push Y
Suddenly, Yasmin found herself in Blake's embrace.Overbearing as usual, he said, "I'll take you back, so don't call for a taxi. We can talk on the way."Yasmin's blood instantly began boiling.That tug from Blake could have been dangerous! Not to mention, she was two months pregnant now!Yasmin's face hardened, and she shot Blake a glare. "Are you out of my mind, Blake Ford? I already said no, so why did you grab me? What if I had fallen?""That wouldn't happen. I'd catch you," Blake nonchalantly replied. Yasmin snorted. "I'd be fine if you hadn't tugged at me. I don't need you to act like a savior after you'd caused me so much trouble."Yasmin then pushed Blake away and insisted on flagging down a taxi. Blake frowned and coldly said, "If you won't let me take you, then I'll take the taxi with you. We can talk on the way."Blake's intentions were clear—since Yasmin wasn't going to give in to him, he would follow her instead.Feeling repulsed, Yasmin's gaze turned colder. "
"Spouses are only legal when both parties give their consent. If one party completely ignores the other, then it's merely harassment," Ivan said, correcting Blake. "I'm sure a courteous man like you wouldn't resort to pestering a woman, right, Mr. Ford?"Blake narrowed his eyes. Then, Yasmin turned to Ivan and said, "Let's go, Ivo."However, Blake kept a firm grip on Yasmin's hand, refusing to release her."Please unhand me, Mr. Ford. I need to go home now," Yasmin said. "Are you really going to leave with him?" Blake stared at Yasmin, his face darkening even more. Yasmin nodded. "That's right."Blake frowned, his displeasure evident. "It seems like everything I've said to you has fallen on deaf ears."He had warned her that there was more to Ivan than met the eyes. And this was why he wanted her to stay away from him.However, Yasmin didn't listen. And now that they'd just gotten divorced, Yasmin was already jumping into Ivan's arms. And although the two of them were sti
Ivan smiled and said, "I had some wine last night, so your dad asked me to stay in the guest room. I didn't disturb you, did I?"After last night, the two men had quickly become the best of friends. Yasmin shook her head. "No. I went to bed early last night, so I didn't even hear you guys.""That's a relief." Ivan smiled and stared out at the yard.Yasmin didn't know what else to say. So, after a while, she turned to go back into the house."Yasmin," Ivan suddenly said. Yasmin stopped and turned around. "Yeah?""Our company is going to organize a design competition, and we'll invite Erinnyes as well. Will you come?" He gave her an expectant look. Yasmin smiled. "Of course."She would definitely go if she received an invitation. After all, if she managed to attract attention with her skills, her studio would finally get the chance to make it big."I'll see you there then." Ivan smiled. Yasmin returned his smile. …Meanwhile, at Windmere Group's regular meeting, Blake s
Yasmin quietly listened to Blake and realized that she wasn't as angry as she used to be.Whether it was because she'd matured or because she'd learned to let go, she seemed to get upset less now. Yasmin pursed her lips and looked at Blake with an indifferent expression. "Is that it, Mr. Ford? If you're done, then please leave. I have a competition coming up, so I'm too busy to listen to your nonsense."Blake's face darkened upon hearing this.Then, Yasmin got to her feet and went to open the door to ask him to leave. However, when she walked past Blake, Blake reached out and pulled Yasmin toward himself.Caught off guard, Yasmin ended up sitting on his lap. "What are you doing? Stop tugging at me all the time. You'll hurt me." Furious, Yasmin tried to get up. However, Blake didn't let her go. His breathing was heavy as he said, "I haven't finished speaking.""I don't want to hear it," Yasmin snapped, still trying to break free from his grip. But Blake was already shor
Blake felt that Yasmin had stopped struggling. So, he turned her face toward him and saw that she was in a daze, numb from any emotions. The sight of her like that reminded him of the night at Meulens as well. It was after that night that Yasmin had made up her mind to divorce him. At that moment, Blake's heart sank, and his face twisted in pain as he felt something tearing apart inside him. Then, he remained motionless for a while.Upon noticing this, Yasmin frantically pushed him away and pulled her sweater back into place.Her face was covered in tears.Blake stared at her and uttered, "Do you really hate me that much?""Yes! I despise you and want nothing to do with you!" Yasmin shouted. Who could possibly like an overbearing arrogant bastard like him?Blake's face fell, and his chest suddenly grew so heavy that he struggled to breathe.After what felt like an eternity, he got up and resentfully left without looking back. After that, Yasmin was left sitting on the c
Ever since that day, Blake seemed to have truly let Yasmin go. He'd stopped harassing her with calls and no longer cared if she contacted Ivan.It seemed like he'd completely lost interest in her. After a short moment of eye contact, the two of them then calmly looked away. "Yasmin."Ivan came out to greet them at the door. He was dressed in a dark suit and was wearing a pair of glasses that emphasized his handsome face.Yasmin smiled when she saw him. "Hi, Ivo."Ivan walked over, and instantly, a wave of journalists swarmed around them for interviews. "Mr. Burke, is she your girlfriend?""Is she one of the participating designers?"NAS Group was a luxury brand company that was often featured in magazines, so the journalists were familiar with Ivan's face.Yasmin, who was standing next to Ivan, found herself being swarmed and shoved around by the journalists until she stumbled and nearly fell to the ground. "Watch out!" With his quick reflexes, Ivan caught her in time.
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