Yet, the smile never left Elise's face.Yasmin grabbed Elise by the collar and demanded, "What did you say to my father that day? Tell me!""I won't." Elise grinned despite her bleeding lips. "I'll just kill you then!" Hatred consumed Yasmin, and something inside her snapped.Yasmin then dragged Elise over to the railing and shoved her head down, intending to kill her. She said, "Are you going to confess or not?"Elise's eyes widened in fear, and she stammered, "Y-Yasmin Starr, you'll go to prison if you kill me. Your life will be ruined.""Are you not going to talk?" Yasmin's eyes were red with rage as she got ready to throw Elise overboard. Elise's knees became weak, and she screamed, "Alright, I'll tell you! Let me go!"Yasmin yanked Elise back and glared at her. "Tell me!"Elise was terrified. But just as she was about to speak, a sharp voice cried out, "Elise!"Immediately, Yasmin spun around and saw a young man and a group of policemen rushing over. The man was
Elise fell into the ocean with a splash. Her face paled in fear, but it was too late as the waves blanketed her and pulled her body under. Soon, she completely disappeared from sight.As Elise fell, Carlos cried out in a heart-wrenching voice, "Elise!"Then, he immediately pulled the trigger of the gun he was holding.The bullet hit Yasmin in the arm, and her face turned white from the pain. Nevertheless, she quietly stepped back and awaited judgment. "Elise!" Carlos ran over to the railing and desperately searched for Elise. However, she had already been swept away by the waves and was nowhere to be seen."Find her!" Carlos ordered.With bloodshot eyes, he grabbed Yasmin by the collar and snarled, "Why did you push her?""She owed me that." Yasmin's demeanor was calm. She had already considered the consequences of killing Elise. And since she couldn't get revenge, she might as well just kill Elise. After all, it was an eye for an eye. "How could you be so evil?" Ca
Blake's expression was stern as he came over to wrap his arms around Yasmin. "Aren't you scared at all? What if you do end up going to jail? Are you sure that your weak body can handle that place?""I can just die then." Yasmin chuckled, seeming to have gone numb from her emotions. Shocked, Blake gently kissed her hair. "Don't be silly, there's no way I'd let you die. You should get some rest. I'll take care of the rest."Then, he stood up to leave.However, Yasmin stopped him. "Blake."Blake turned around and found Yasmin quietly and calmly staring at him. "Don't help me anymore."Blake was about to reply when Yasmin added, "I stopped needing your help the day you became her accomplice. So, no matter what you do, I won't be grateful. "Both of you killed my father, and I'll never forgive you for that," Yasmin spoke without an ounce of emotion. Upon hearing her words, Blake's heart sank. He hurriedly walked back to hug Yasmin. "You're wrong. It's not what you think it is."
Blake walked over to the bed and gazed at Yasmin's sleeping face. Her distraught expression was full of sorrow and disappointment toward the world. Suddenly, Blake felt an inexplicable sense of anxiety as he looked at Yasmin. Then, he knelt down and gently caressed her cheek. "Can we stop this?"Yasmin ignored him.She was actually still awake, but she didn't want to talk to him. All she wanted to do now was to give him the cold shoulder.…Throughout the next few days, Yasmin ate her meals and medication while she waited for news of Elise's death. However, things didn't go as planned. Two days later, Elise was found. Apparently, she had been adrift for three days and was barely breathing when she was found.Not long after Carlos had brought Elise to the hospital, Blake rushed over as well.Blake felt a weight lift off his shoulders when he heard that Elise was still alive. For the past few days, he had been afraid that Yasmin would end up going to jail if Elise had die
Blake pursed his lips. "She won't promise you that.""Are you saying that you want me to let her roam free despite knowing that she could hurt me at any time?" Elise resentfully asked. "Does my life mean nothing to you? She failed to kill me, yet she wants me to beg for her forgiveness.""Even if I forgive her, I can't ask her to promise to not hurt me in the future. If that's the case, how will I be safe from now on?"Blake remained silent for a moment before replying, "I'll protect you if she hurts you."…Yasmin had already seen on the news that Elise had been rescued.Elise's rescue had made headlines after coming back alive despite being adrift at sea for three days.Yasmin didn't know how to describe what she was feeling, but she knew that she wasn't pleased with the outcome.When Blake returned, Yasmin was sitting by the window with her eyes devoid of emotions.Blake could tell that she was in a bad mood. He took off his jacket and sat next to her. Then, he softly ask
Blake asked, "Let's go to the hospital tomorrow to apologize, alright? We can end things that way.""We'll talk about this tomorrow." Yasmin's voice was cold. Blake didn't push her. He just patted her head and let her rest.The next day, Yasmin began dressing herself right after she woke up. She applied some makeup to her haggard face and put on a stylish dress before making her way downstairs.Tyler and two bodyguards were already waiting for her at the foot of the stairs.Yasmin acted as though they were invisible as she walked past them.Tyler immediately followed and opened the car door for her. "Madam, Mr. Ford instructed us to follow you from now on."Follow her?Was he trying to protect her or keep an eye on her?Did he have three men tagging behind her because he was afraid she might hurt Elise again?A faint smile appeared on Yasmin's face as she asked Tyler, "Did Blake tell you to watch me?""He's just worried about your safety, Madam," Tyler explained.Yasmin
Blake paled as terror filled him, but he didn't dare agitate her. Patiently, he coaxed, "You don't have to apologize if you don't want to. Come down so we can talk things out properly, please?""I don't want to." Yasmin stared at him with chilling eyes. "I will never listen to you again, Blake Ford. I won't let you control me anymore, and I don't want to owe you any more favors."Although her tone was calm, Blake could guess the underlying meaning behind her words. His chest tightened, and he said with a rough tone, "You don't owe me anything. I just don't want anything to happen to you.""But what if I don't care about what you want?""What do you mean?" Puzzled, Blake was going to ask for explanations when several police officers walked into the mansion."Who called the police?" the policemen asked as they approached."I did," replied Yasmin from atop the tree.Blake didn't understand why she had called the police and was about to ask her when he heard her announce, "I'm s
Blake was truly impressive.He wasn't able to persuade Yasmin, so he changed tactics and targeted Elise instead. Elise also happened to be someone who could swallow her pride and do whatever Blake asked her to do.Yasmin was impressed.However, she truly didn't want to owe Blake anything anymore. As such, she shook her head and calmly said, "I plead guilty."Mortimer's eyes widened in shock. "But you just need to change your statement and you can leave. Why do you insist on suffering?""I don't want to owe him anything." Yasmin smiled softly and changed the subject. "I want to talk to Eunice. Could you call her for me?"Mortimer studied her closely. For some reason, he had a feeling that she had lost the will to live. His expression softened, and he used his phone to dial Eunice's number.He made sure to put the call on speakerphone.Eunice soon picked up. In a choked-up voice, she asked, "Mr. Sullivan, have you seen Yaz yet? How is she?"Hearing her friend's sniffles, Yasmin
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