Blake's expression darkened, and he fixed his gaze on Elise.Feeling anxious, Elise suppressed her fear and explained herself. "Wait, Blakey, hear me out. Yasmin set this up and tricked me into saying those words."It was only when Yasmin snatched Carlos from me that I lost it. I never had any plans to get back at her in the past.""Here we go with the acting again," Yasmin sneered."Shut up!" Elise furiously glared at Yasmin."You're the one who needs to zip it," Blake stated and coldly looked at Elise. Elise was startled, and tears started running down her cheeks. With a hint of sorrow, she asked, "Why are you into a woman like her, Blakey?"She continued through tears, "Yes, I admit that I fell for you back then, Blakey. Before my dad passed away, he told you to take care of me, so you became the most important person in my life."I don't want anyone else to take you away from me. I felt that way since the beginning, but I couldn't express it. I was scared that if I did, yo
"Do you even know who you're dealing with? What gives you the nerve to reject Mr. Carter? He's Darion Carter of the Carter family.""I'm not interested in who he is." Yasmin insisted on leaving.The blonde man grabbed Yasmin's arm and dragged her to Darion's car.Upon arriving in front of Darion, Yasmin was greeted with a chorus of whistles from a group of guys.The blonde man said, "This is Mr. Carter."With a scrunched-up face, Yasmin asked, "What do you want? I'm not interested in getting to know you.""Why so serious? I only wanted to give you a little gift." Darion handed Yasmin a fancy watch adorned with diamonds. It clearly wasn't cheap.This was Darion's way of picking up girls. He flashed his money around, and the gold-diggers would simper with their eyes lit up.Little did he expect that Yasmin wouldn't even spare the watch a glance. She bluntly said, "No thanks.""Are you not impressed?" Darion looked at the watch in confusion."How about this? You come with us for
The blonde man ran back and dutifully informed Darion, "They're charging you with kidnap, Mr. Carter.""What did you just say?" Darion removed the cigarette from between his lips. "I just wanted to take her to the top of the mountain to see the moon. Why are they accusing me of kidnap?""I don't know. The police said it was Mr. Ford who made the accusation."Darion was speechless. He got out of his car and confronted Blake. "You're Blake, right? I heard you're accusing me of kidnap." Growing up overseas, Darion was fearless. Even though he had heard of Blake's notoriety, he wasn't afraid.Blake was chatting with the police when Darion approached. Hearing him, Blake glanced over with a cold expression.Darion paused for a moment. "I didn't hurt her," he instinctively said.Blake walked past Darion and asked an officer, "Where is she?""She should be in the car." The officer led Blake over.Blake peered into the open window and saw Yasmin sitting inside. She was perfectly fin
Upon hearing Blake's words, Elise collapsed on the ground once more and challenged, "If Yasmin wanted me dead right now, you'd help her out, wouldn't you?""You had your chance and you blew it," Blake nonchalantly stated."Are you so into Yasmin that you'd just leave me to die?""If it weren't for you, Yasmin wouldn't have ended up so hurt."That was the last thing Blake said before he expressionlessly walked out of the lounge.Looking at Blake's retreating figure, Elise bit her lower lip until it bled.Hearing what had happened, Yasmin quietly said, "Elise is right. She ended up like that for your sake.""I didn't ask her to hurt those innocent people." Blake looked intently at Yasmin.Yasmin chuckled. "Elise is a better fit for you than I am. She had gone out of her way for your dad. And my dad—"While Yasmin was still talking, Blake abruptly kissed her and firmly held the back of her head with his long fingers.Yasmin couldn't help but tear up.Yasmin felt Blake's affecti
Yasmin knitted her brows together. When she was about to open her mouth, Blake walked over and kissed her. She didn't have the chance to say anything.Yasmin moaned twice before Blake pinned her to the wall and fervently made out with her.After a while, Blake pulled away from her lips and said in a raspy voice, "Stop asking me to leave." He continued, "From now on, every time you bring it up again, I'll kiss you until you stop talking.""Like I said, I don't—"Before Yasmin could get her words out, Blake sealed her lips with his. His tongue aggressively entangled with hers. The kiss was intense and possessive, yet eager and affectionate.Yasmin was filled with resignation. She pinched Blake's shoulders and tapped it repeatedly, signaling she was running out of breath.Finally, Blake removed himself from her. He breathed heavily, his breath landing on her chin."If you say those words again, I'll take it you want me to kiss you. Got it?"Yasmin helplessly said, "Let me go."
Yasmin asked, "Who's this?""I'm Darion!"Yasmin furrowed her brows. "How did you get my phone number?""I had someone look into it, but that's beside the point. I'm still at the police station. Hurry up and withdraw the charges.""What charges?"Darion was exasperated. "Has it already slipped your mind?"Feeling upset, Darion raised his voice as he bellowed, "Your man, Blake, accused me of kidnapping you last night. I'm still stuck in the police station."Darion fully deserved that.Yasmin's mood lightened up a bit, but she still retorted, "He isn't my man.""If he isn't your man, why all the fuss? Get over here and drop the charges or you'll regret it, Yasmin."Yasmin wasn't keen on arguing with Darion, but his threat got on her nerves. She raised an eyebrow and said, "But you really did commit the crime of kidnapping me.""Just when did I do that?""You didn't get my consent, forced me into the car, and took my phone. Is that not kidnap to you?""I…" Darion ran out of w
Yasmin understood and went with Blake to get changed.On the way, Blake suddenly took Yasmin's hand in his. His warm and large palm held her cold and delicate hand.Yasmin felt a shiver as Blake asked, "Your hand is so cold. Are you worried?"Yasmin kept quiet and didn't respond to Blake's concern.Blake seemed to have read Yasmin's mind. He nonchalantly remarked, "It's just a regular check-up. Don't worry too much."Still, Yasmin remained silent.Blake guided Yasmin to the changing room. The nurses handed them two sets of green protective suits. Blake reached out to take off Yasmin's coat.Yasmin batted her eyelashes in confusion and finally broke the silence. "What are you doing?""I'm helping you put on the protective suit.""I can do it myself." Yasmin unfolded the suit.Blake insisted, "You won't be able to tie the straps at the back, I'll have to help you."Yasmin pressed her lips into a thin line. Meanwhile, Blake continued, "Let's not waste any more time. The speci
Stepping into the ward, Yasmin felt her heart racing.Stuart's face slowly came into Yasmin's view. He was on the sick bed and looking much slimmer. Still, his cheeks were rosy, which indicated he'd been well taken care of.Yasmin stared at Stuart quietly with a serious expression.Next to Yasmin, Blake kept watching her wordlessly.Time passed as the two stood in silence."It's time to go," Joel eventually told Blake as the session was over.The ICU needed to stay sterile. Once the examination was done, everyone had to go."Got it." Blake nodded and looked at Yasmin. She quietly stood rooted to the ground and fixed her gaze on Stuart."Let her stay a little longer." Blake stopped Joel from approaching Yasmin.Joel was understanding. He grinned and said, "Let's head out first."A group of people subsequently left the ward.The stunning female doctor trailed behind, waiting for Blake and Joel to catch up to her.Once Blake and Joel were before her, the female doctor greeted,
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