"Where are you going?" Michelle asked Carlos.Carlos came to his senses and saw Yasmin give him a faint smile.He felt a slight jolt in his heart and subconsciously avoided her gaze. "Elise has a follow-up appointment at the hospital today. I have to take her there," he replied."You're going with her again?" Michelle was clearly dissatisfied. "She wants you to be with her every month for blood transfusions, help her with work, and even attend fashion shows. Why does she have you do so many things? Don't you care about your own business? "You're practically revolving around her. I'm telling you, Mom and Dad are already unhappy about this. You better stop putting off work to keep her company.""Elise is in poor health, so I must go with her." Carlos insisted on leaving.With a cold expression, Michelle said, "Wait, you can accompany Elise today, but I've decided to have Yasmin take charge of the collaborative project with NAS Group."Carlos paused and turned his head. "What di
It was already late into the evening. Michelle invited Yasmin to have dinner at her home, to which Yasmin gladly accepted.During the meal, Carlos eventually returned. He walked in and saw Yasmin still there. He took off his coat, asking impatiently, "You haven't left yet?"His furrowed brows revealed his annoyance.Michelle stood up and said, "I asked Yasmin to stay. We've been discussing project matters all day and haven't finished yet. Come join us, we can talk while eating."Carlos didn't defy Michelle. He sat across from Yasmin with a displeased expression.Yasmin merely smiled at him.Uncomfortable, Carlos looked away with a cold and indifferent expression.Of course, Yasmin wouldn't do anything to him; excessive flirting would seem vulgar. She maintained her calm smile and sat across from him, eating quietly.Just then, the butler came in and whispered something to Michelle.Michelle's expression turned into one of surprise. She excused herself before leaving the tabl
With Michelle present, Yasmin could only play along. She shook Blake's hand and said, "Mr. Ford, I've heard a lot about you as well.""Then we can get to know each other in private later," Blake said blatantly in front of Michelle.Michelle was momentarily stunned, as if realizing that Blake had an interest in Yasmin.But why did Carlos seem a little unhappy?"No, Mr. Ford is far too esteemed for me. I could never measure up," Yasmin said modestly."Don't be so humble, Ms. Starr. You're the Venus of my heart."Yasmin was taken aback, her face turning cold. This jerk was doing this on purpose!Blake knew Yasmin was trying to build a good relationship with Michelle, so he deliberately showed his interest in Yasmin in front of Michelle. This way, Michelle wouldn't have any ideas about matching Yasmin with Carlos.Blake smiled and sat beside her, intentionally brushing his long legs against hers.Yasmin stiffened for a moment."What brings Mr. Ford here?" Carlos asked Michelle.
Michelle grabbed Carlos' hand when he tried to follow after them. "What are you going over there for?""She seems sick," Carlos said."Don't go. Didn't you notice that Mr. Ford is interested in her?" Michelle stopped Carlos and whispered, "Let Mr. Ford comfort her. We'll just do him a favor."Carlos pressed his lips together, feeling inexplicably restless.Yasmin walked out of the villa in low spirits and hailed a cab.Blake approached her, pulled her into his embrace, and murmured, "I'm sorry, Yaz. I'm sorry..."He knew why she was feeling uncomfortable.After he had given her a sedative at the hospital, she became like this. It was as if she had lost her soul, her gaze hollow and empty.Blake knew that something had been left unresolved in her heart.But he didn't dare talk about their parents' affairs because he knew that once he did, they would never be together.For the first time in a while, Yasmin did not pull away from him. Standing in his embrace, she whispered, "Bla
After some time, Yasmin gradually calmed down. Ivan helped her inside and seated her on the couch. He then handed Yasmin a cup of warm water.As Yasmin felt the warmth from the cup, she began to regain her composure. She turned to Ivan and said, "Thanks a lot, Ivan."Ivan asked, "What happened to you?"Yasmin's gaze fell to the floor. "Something unpleasant surfaced in my mind. I was feeling uneasy."Ivan immediately caught onto something and asked, "Was it Blake?"Yasmin nodded. "Yeah, it reminded me of when my dad fell down the stairs. I was crying and begged Blake, but he insisted that everything would be fine after a rest."With a dejected smile, Yasmin added, "He always tells me that things will get better, but he's consumed by hatred himself. Nothing will ever turn out right."Ivan seemed to be lost in thought. He sat down and hugged Yasmin. "Give me a call next time something like this happens again. I'll come and help you no matter what."Yasmin was worn out. She leane
The emotional turmoil hit Blake harder than he anticipated.In the end, Blake made his way upstairs and rang the doorbell.After finishing the stew, Yasmin looked for fever medicine in her first aid kit. Feeling dizzy, she decided to take some pills before going to bed.The doorbell suddenly rang, and Yasmin thought Ivan had returned. However, when she opened the door, she was met with Blake's fierce glare.Noticing Blake's darkened expression, Yasmin quickly closed the door.But Blake held the door in time. He fixed his cold gaze on Yasmin and challenged, "Why are you shutting the door? Are you hiding something?"Yasmin sneered. "What's there for me to hide?"Blake pushed the door open and asked, "What's there to hide? I know Ivan stayed the night."Yasmin felt her legs giving out under her as she stumbled backward. As she leaned against the wall, she chuckled and said, "It's none of your business whether Ivan stayed overnight or not. We've divorced, and I can spend the nigh
Later into the day, Yasmin sobbed in Blake's arms. "Dad…"Feeling bitter, Blake said in a raspy voice, "I'm sorry, Yaz…"Blake understood that his apology carried little weight, but that was all he could say. Holding Yasmin tightly, he rested his chin on top of her head. "I'm sorry, but I just can't move on from you. Please give me a chance to make it up to you."Yasmin was in a daze and couldn't hear what Blake said.Late at night, Yasmin's temperature finally went down, and her mind cleared up. As she stirred awake, her vision was fuzzy, and she could only make out a blurry face in front of her.Yasmin blinked a couple of times. The once blurry face became clearer—Blake."You're finally awake. Are you still feeling dizzy?"Only then did Yasmin realize she was in Blake's arms. She tried to speak but found that her throat was sore."You've slept the entire day. Are you feeling hungry?""Why are you here?" Yasmin finally managed to speak up even though her voice was raspy.
"Yes," Malcolm replied.Blake had purchased the entire floor because he liked it quiet. This way, no one else would be on that floor, making it a personal space just for him and Yasmin.Yasmin was annoyed by how persistent Blake was.After dinner, Blake went to see Yasmin as soon as he got off work. He took off his coat and gently asked, "Have you eaten dinner yet?"Yasmin was reading a fashion maganize. She glanced over and asked, "Can you go back to your own place?""No, I need to make sure you're okay or I'll feel uneasy." Blake walked over and sat beside Yasmin.As Blake tried to put his arms around Yasmin, she frowned and dodged his touch. However, her attempts to escape were futile as she found herself trapped in the corner of the couch. She coldly asked, "What do you want?""Like I said, I want to make it up to you, Yaz. And I want to win you back." Blake leaned in closer and sincerely said, "Tell me what you want, and I'll make it happen."Yasmin sneered. Just as she
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