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
However, Yasmin refused to see him.When Blake heard this, his heart sank, and his hands began shaking. "T-There's no way she won't see me. Ask her again.""Blake!"Mortimer had enough. He dragged Blake out of the police station and said, "Let it go. She doesn't want you anymore, so respect that."Blake's ears were ringing as he felt a dagger digging into his heart. "I've only ever loved one woman my entire life. That woman wholeheartedly gave herself to me and even bore me a child. How do you expect me to just let her go?""But she doesn't want you anymore."Mortimer's words felt like a punch to the gut. Blake felt something surging up his throat before blood spurted out, and he passed out.He had pulled several all-nighters to take care of Yasmin's issue just so he could see her again. Now, his body had finally reached its limit.In his dreams, he saw Yasmin excitedly saying, "I like you, Blake."Then, it changed to, "I don't want you anymore, Blake Ford."Her expression
Six months had already passed.At dawn, Blake jolted awake from a nightmare. He glanced at the calendar on the bedside table. A red circle was drawn on the day, indicating that Yasmin was going to be released from prison.Blake couldn't help but feel a little happy.After washing up, he even deliberately chose a suit that she had bought for him.He then carefully shaved his beard in front of the mirror. He looked at his reflection again and again, making sure his suit was impeccable and his appearance was flawless. Later, he got into the car and headed to the prison to pick her up.When he arrived, Yasmin had just walked out of the prison.She was wearing the same dress she had arrived in, carrying a duffel bag. She walked past the open iron gates with a slim figure and a calm look in her eyes."Yasmin." Blake got out of the car and called her name in a deep voice.Yasmin glanced at him without any expression.At this moment, a car stopped in front of Yasmin. The window
Yasmin eventually realized that something was wrong. Upon questioning, the person told her that Yasmin had offended someone she shouldn't have, and that was why someone wanted to harm her.Yasmin immediately thought of Elise.As it turned out, her hunch was right—Elise wanted to kill her.In prison, Yasmin faced those who were always causing trouble and giving her a hard time. She always needed to stay on guard.Later, Ivan sent people to take care of her, and the situation was resolved."I didn't do anything, don't accuse me so easily." Elise, of course, wouldn't admit to it. She added softly, "You pushed me into the sea, but you still haven't apologized to me.""Stop pretending." Seeing her frail act, Yasmin felt disgusted and said coldly, "I know it was you.""Do you have any evidence?" Elise questioned her, still looking innocent.Elise had done this very discreetly. As such, Yasmin would not be able to point her as the mastermind. At most, she could only voice her suspic
A tall figure loomed in front of Yasmin. "What are you doing here?" Blake fixed a gaze on her that conveyed both affection and curiosity. "Would you believe me if I said I'm here to congratulate Ms. Fletcher on her engagement?" Yasmin asked, holding a wine glass and smiling faintly."Do you think I'd believe that?" Blake looked at her. "Yasmin, what exactly are you trying to do here?"He didn't want her to do anything foolish. His gaze remained fixed on her, trying to see something in her eyes.But all she did was smile. Her eyes were devoid of any emotion—indifferent and distant. "Mr. Ford, we're not that close. You should address me as Ms. Starr," she said.As she finished speaking, she saw Elise going upstairs, so she put down her wine glass and was about to leave.Blake quickly took a few steps forward and grabbed her wrist. "Yasmin."Yasmin's back stiffened, and her entire body tensed the moment her hand was caught. She looked up at him, her eyes revealing disgust. "Mr.
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