Upon this realization, Yasmin glanced at Blake. He was bathing in the sunlight and going through the documents Malcolm had sent over. He seemed relaxed.When he noticed Yasmin's gaze, he looked over and set down the document that he was holding. "Come here."Snapping back to reality, Yasmin blinked and walked over. "What's up?"Blake grabbed Yasmin's hand and smiled sweetly. "Why were you staring at me earlier? Did my looks captivate you?""Absolutely not," Yasmin said, denying it. "I just felt grateful toward you. That's all.""Why?" Blake raised an eyebrow. Yasmin explained, "Someone from Starr Corporation gave me a call and told me that you've already sent someone to acquire the company. Today, stock prices have started returning to normal.""I'm making a profit out of it as well, so you don't need to thank me. You should be happy that Starr Corporation is worth saving.""Right." Yasmin nodded and fell silent again.Blake then gave her hand a squeeze.Yasmin winced and
"I…" Yasmin didn't know how to answer Blake's question.Then, the room fell silent as Blake fixed an intense gaze on her.He held her close, wrapping both arms around her. Slowly, Yasmin could feel the temperature in the room start to rise.Feeling self-conscious, she turned away. However, Blake grabbed her chin and turned her head back to face him. "Why are you looking away? Are you nervous?" Blake's warm breath fell on Yasmin's face. Yasmin could feel her cheeks heating up and wanted to put some distance between them. So, she said, "Let go.""I don't want to." Instead, Blake did the opposite and pulled her even closer. Yasmin was afraid to move for fear of accidentally hurting him. So, this allowed Blake to position her in front of him. Then, he fixed his gaze on her plump lips. "I'm afraid that you'd run away as soon as I let you go."Upon hearing this, Yasmin looked at Blake in surprise and instantly lost herself in his deep, tender gaze. Then, at the next second,
"That's impossible!" Giselle ignored the pain on her face and snatched the newspaper away.She scanned the text and instantly widened her eyes. She paled as she said, "How is this possible? Brian Ford said that Starr Corporation would definitely go bankrupt…""Of course he'd say that, he's trying to get rid of Blake Ford! But the problem is that he'd gotten into trouble himself. It's been exposed that he'd planted a bomb at the press conference, and the police are searching for him now."Giselle's complexion was ashen.Did that mean that Brian's plan had failed and that Blake had reconciled with Yasmin?"This is all your fault!" Pissed, Callum charged toward Giselle and grabbed her by the neck. "If you hadn't listened to Brian Ford and persuaded me to sabotage Starr Corporation, none of this would have happened! "Now that Starr Corporation has been revived, I've become the scapegoat that failed to take them down. Not only that, I've also become enemies with Mr. Ford!"Callum lo
Giselle was taken aback.Blake continued, "Did he tell you that Starr Corporation was going to go bankrupt and ask you to sabotage the company while he focused on taking me out? Then, if his plan succeeded, Starr Corporation would belong to someone else, and you'd get your share of the cake.""If I died, Yasmin would be left without any money as well. You hate us both so much that his offer sounded like the perfect chance for you to get back at us, am I right?"Giselle paled and stiffened as her wicked intentions were laid bare.Blake had hit the nail on the head.Giselle hated the both of them and wanted to break them apart, preferably through death. She had also been hoping that Yasmin would go broke. That way, she would be able to make Yasmin pay for all the suffering that she'd gone through. But Giselle had never expected Blake to know all about her conspiracy with Brian. "I…" Giselle wanted to defend herself, but she didn't know how to. In the end, she could only come
"That's none of my business," Blake said coldly. Giselle's disbelief was evident. She had told Blake everything, so why was he still being so heartless?Giselle shook her head as tears streamed down her face. "Blake, please help me." She shuffled closer to him, but Blake immediately called for someone, saying, "Send someone in."Immediately, the door was pushed open. Then, Malcolm walked in accompanied with two bodyguards who dragged Giselle out of the room. Stunned, Yasmin stood rooted to the spot. Blake then walked over and wrapped an arm around her. He rested her head on his shoulder and softly asked, "Now you know what's been going on, don't you?"Yasmin nodded. "I'm sorry."It turned out that everything had been orchestrated by Brian. "It's okay." Blake tightly hugged her. "But I hurt you too. I even stole your documents." As Yasmin curled up in his embrace, she could feel the heavy burden of guilt weighing on her conscience."That's different. You were a victim o
That evening, Yasmin didn't go to the hospital. Instead, she stayed home and had dinner with her father.Although Stuart had lost some of his memories, he seemed much happier than before. But it was probably for the better since he didn't seem to be plagued by worries anymore.After dinner, Blake's video call request came in. Yasmin was in the yard when she answered his call. "Hello."On the other end of the phone, Yasmin's beautiful face appeared on the screen. Blake gazed at her, mesmerized. "Why didn't you come over tonight?"Yasmin smiled. "Aren't you about to be discharged? You don't need someone with you all the time anymore, do you?""I just want to be able to see you whenever I want."Yasmin's heart skipped a beat as she stared at Blake's face through the screen. "Just give me a call if you need me. It's not like I'm somewhere far away.""Video calls are different from the real thing."Yasmin was about to ask about the difference when Stuart spoke from behind her,
"Who would dare to say anything about me?" Blake didn't care.Yasmin glanced at his cold face. After all, the entire hospital did belong to him, so who would dare to say anything about him?Yasmin took Blake to her room. Then, she silently opened the door and said, "Be quiet."However, Blake simply ignored her and strode in."Hey!" Yasmin whispered to him, "Can you keep it down?""Are you so afraid that your dad will see me here?" Blake was a little displeased as he turned to look at Yasmin.Yasmin hesitated for a moment before saying in a low voice, "If he was still the way he was before, we could explain the recent events to him. Perhaps he would forgive you too. "But when he was in that accident, it was during our divorce. So, I'm afraid that if we remind him of anything, it might agitate him instead."It was Brian who had instructed Victor to do those things, but Yasmin knew that Stuart didn't know about anything. Moreover, Stuart couldn't recognize anyone at the time,
Yasmin blushed as Blake's fingertip landed on her lips.She hesitated and said, "I saw the news of Giselle's suicide this morning.""Yes, it was done by Callum Robinson.""Do you feel sad?" Yasmin looked into Blake's eyes and tried to guess his emotions."I'm not sad," Blake calmly said. "She'd brought it upon herself with her greed and desire. She has only herself to blame."Yasmin didn't know what to say, so she simply nodded.She wanted to turn her head back to watch the TV, but Blake held her face and didn't let her move. "You told your dad that I'm your friend just now?"Yasmin was embarrassed. "Aren't you a friend?" After all, she hadn't agreed to be his girlfriend yet. So, for now, they were just friends."Are we friends?" Blake asked, biting Yasmin's lip. "Would a friend bite your lip like this?"Yasmin's face heated up, and she pushed him away. "I haven't agreed to be your girlfriend yet. Go away.""I don't want to go. I want to kiss you." Blake got even closer, and
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