Yasmin continued stirring her coffee, smiling serenely. "I suddenly realized that Carlos is quite the charming man. He's good and faithful to his girlfriend. I want a boyfriend like that too."Most importantly, Carlos was Elise's man.Blake frowned, stating concisely, "He was engaged to Elise last night. He's taken now.""So what?" Yasmin smiled and asked back. "They're not married yet, so I still have a chance. After all, who wouldn't like such a good man?""You'll be a homewrecker if you interfere in their relationship.""Wasn't Elise like that before?" Yasmin smirked as if it didn't matter."Elise and I are akin to siblings," Blake corrected. He was dressed in a black suit and sat opposite her, exuding an ethereal charm and dangerous allure.Yasmin pouted. "Oh, is that so? Then I guess I'll be Carlos' sister. After all, siblings can just do whatever they want, right?""Yasmin, I know you're not that kind of person."Blake's gaze was dark and deep as he looked at her. "Don't
Ivan himself didn't know why he came to see Yasmin. Perhaps it was because their lives were so similar, so he wanted all her wishes to come true.As Ivan left the apartment, he glanced back and saw one of Blake's men, Tyler. Blake was still sending people to follow Yasmin.Ivan subconsciously frowned.Before, he would've liked to see this. He hoped Blake would care for Yasmin so he could use her against him.But one day, he suddenly felt uncomfortable with that thought. Perhaps this feeling started the moment he realized that he and Yasmin had suffered a similar fate.When Tyler saw Ivan, he got out of the car and went straight up to him, asking, "Mr. Burke, can I ask you a question?"Ivan didn't answer, so Tyler asked anyway, "What is your relationship with Mrs. Ford?"Ivan smirked. "Did Blake send you to ask me this?""No, I want to ask you about this myself." Tyler stood up straight and tried to reason with him. "Mr. Burke, you're a smart man. You should be able to see how
Yasmin smiled and said, "I was sent by Mr. Burke. I'm working under him now.""Weren't you running your own studio?" Carlos' gaze fell on her fair face. For some reason, he felt that she seemed much more beautiful than before.Did she dress up just to see him?"Yes, but NAS Group has recently acquired our studio. So now I'm part of NAS Group too," Yasmin said graciously.Carlos' expression was complicated. He seemed reluctant to get close to her. He glanced at Blake in the distance.Blake looked cold and indifferent, but he just stood there, making no move to approach them.Carlos didn't want to get close to Yasmin. He walked away with his golf club, not wanting to interact with her any longer.Half a year ago, he had witnessed Yasmin pushing Elise into the sea. He remembered her menacing expression very clearly.She was a vicious woman.At present, Yasmin still didn't give up. She caught up to Carlos with some documents in hand. "Mr. Ferguson, let's discuss the project.""I
The woman was stunned and repeated, "Mr. Ford, did you not hear me clearly? That woman just said you're her lapdog."Blake glanced at her with deep eyes. "So what if I'm her lapdog?""Well..." The woman was dumbfounded.Blake had already shifted his gaze and was looking at Yasmin again.At this time, Carlos choked on his water. Yasmin hurried forward and patted his back. "Mr. Ferguson, are you alright?"She leaned in close, and her subtle scent kept drilling into his heart.Carlos' heart raced inexplicably, and he suddenly pushed her away. "What are you doing?"Yasmin had just been shoved. Blake's expression changed as he walked toward her. But by then, Yasmin had already composed herself and said innocently, "I saw you choking and wanted to help by patting your back.""I don't need your help," Carlos replied coldly. Then, he stomped off to the restroom.Yasmin didn't say anything as she watched his receding back. After he left for the restroom, she took out her phone and tapp
"If you're not giving it to me, then forget it." Yasmin got up and left."Wait." Blake suddenly called out to her.Yasmin turned around and saw him take out a checkbook from his suit pocket. He quickly wrote down the amount and name, tore off the check, then handed it to her.Yasmin was a little surprised by this.She had intended to just piss him off, but she didn't expect him to actually give her the money.But since he offered it to her, she wouldn't refuse. She accepted the check, glanced at the amount on it, and smiled. "Thirty million... Alright, our past grievances are settled. From now on, we're just strangers. Mr. Ford, you don't have to feel guilty toward me anymore, and I won't hate you. Goodbye."She left with the check in hand.Blake's expression changed slightly. He got up and grabbed her hand. "Can we start over?"She laughed. "No, you're not my type. Also, if you stay by my side, who would dare pursue me?"Blake sounded almost desperate at this point. "If you
Elise opened her phone and clicked on her social media page.She questioned Yasmin, "You went to the golf course this morning. What were you doing there? Were you trying to seduce Carlos?"Yasmin looked at the post and smiled mockingly, "What did I do?""What did you do? You've been causing trouble nonstop since you got out of prison. Are you doing this because you hate me and want revenge?"With a shrug, Yasmin replied, "Who knows?" Yasmin refused to tell her what she was up to.Elise laughed and said, "It's useless for you to do this. Carlos doesn't like your type at all. Even if you try to seduce him, you won't succeed.""What? Are you scared?" Yasmin tilted her head and smiled charmingly. "Scared that if Carlos falls in love with me, you'll be left with nothing?"I guess you had already gone to Blake before coming here. You've always liked to tattle to him. But he doesn't pay attention to you anymore, so you had no choice but to come to me yourself, right?" Yasmin circle
Elise's expression froze as Blake's hand tightened around her neck, making it hard for her to breathe. Tears streamed down her face as she struggled to pry his hand away. "B-Blakey..."Blake released her, his eyes devoid of any warmth.Before leaving, he said coldly, "I wish you hadn't woken up back then."Elise rubbed her neck, her eyes completely red.…Later, Elise went to the hospital.Carlos rushed over to check on her. Upon noticing the red marks on her neck, he felt distressed. "What happened, Elise? What's wrong with your neck?""I'm fine." Elise lowered her head, looking fragile. "It's just...""What is it?""Yasmin posted a photo of you on social media." Elise opened her phone and showed it to Carlos. "I went to ask her about it, but she said..."Hearing this, Carlos glanced at the social media post and asked, "What did she say?""She said she wants to seduce you.""What?" Carlos raised an eyebrow. "She wants to seduce me?""Yes, she admitted it herself. I was
After a moment of silence, Carlos said coldly, "I'll have you know that I'm very dissatisfied with you. I want to change to another project manager. Starting tomorrow, you don't need to see me anymore."With that, he ended the call.Yasmin frowned in response. Blake, sitting across from her, glanced over and asked, "Was that Carlos on the phone?""What does it have to do with you?" She put down the phone and continued reading the document in front of her."Judging by your expression, I guess you got rejected?" Blake gloated as he leaned closer, scrutinizing her under the light. "He doesn't want you? Then why don't you choose me instead?"He got close, and the fresh scent of cedar overwhelmed her. Yasmin felt uncomfortable and retreated a little. "Get lost," she spat."What if I don't?""Fine. If you won't leave, I will." Yasmin refused to stay in the same space with him any longer, so she picked up her phone and left.However, as she walked past him, he grabbed her hand and pul
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