Michelle and Carlos were at the main table.Yasmin went to greet them, "Hi, Michelle. Hello, Mr. Ferguson." Something shifted in Carlos' eyes. He smiled and asked, "Why are you calling me Mr. Ferguson today? You've always called me Carlos."Yasmin smiled. "You're going to be my superior."Michelle said, "Have a seat."Just as Yasmin sat down, Michelle's assistant approached the table and informed, "Ms. Ferguson, Ms. Fletcher is outside. She wants to see Mr. Ferguson."Michelle's smile froze when she heard Elise's name. "It's her again. What a nuisance!"Carlos, don't meet her anymore. I'm concerned that she'll either try to act pitifully to get your sympathy or outright hurt you. She's sick, and she'll just extort you if you meet her now." Carlos' face was as black as thunder. "Michelle, don't worry. I will never trust her again."Elise was a pathological liar. Other than disgust, Carlos had no other feelings toward her. He turned and instructed the assistant, "Go and chas
Carlos downed a glass of wine and said indifferently, "Pretend I never said that."Elise looked horrified. Just then, the manager came in flanked by security guards. The manager apologized to Michelle as the guards dragged Elise away.Elise's wails echoed throughout the corridor. She was thrown out of the hotel, flushed red with rage.She never expected this day to come. Half a year ago, she had everything she wanted, so how had she lost it all?She wanted Carlos to send her out of the country because her bank account had been frozen.Two days ago, Elise's company was inundated with refund orders after her engagement with Carlos ended and Blake severed ties with her. Someone even claimed that Elise had caused a scandal resulting in losses to the business. Consequently, she faced a lawsuit demanding compensation, resulting in all her bank accounts being frozen.Elise no longer wanted to compete with Yasmin. She only wanted to leave the country. However, no one wanted to help
Blake was on the way home when he saw a hot dog stand by the roadside.Recalling that Yasmin liked the hot dogs from this stand, he asked Malcolm to stop the car and buy some.Blake had gone to a social event where he drank some wine. He loosened his tie and leaned against the door, enjoying the night breeze through the open window. He wanted to let the smell of alcohol on his body dissipate, in case Yasmin disliked the stench.Just then, his phone buzzed.Blake saw a message notification pop up when he looked at his phone. It showed Yasmin being supported by another guy. His face darkened as he clicked on the video. He saw Yasmin leaning against Carlos as he supported her into a car.Blake immediately turned gloomy.Malcolm approached him and asked, "Mr. Ford, they're out of hot dogs. Can we get a cheeseburger instead?"Blake sat in the car blankly. His handsome face was stoic when he said, "No need. Let's go home."Malcolm was stunned. "Didn't you want to get supper for
Blake lifted Yasmin and held her in his arms.Yasmin felt uncomfortable and wanted to push him away—but Blake wouldn't allow it. He held her tightly in his embrace and turned his dark eyes on Carlos, who was stupefied.After a while, Carlos shook his head. "Impossible. She said she doesn't like you.""Those were just words said out of anger when lovers quarrel. You actually believed that?" Blake laughed mockingly. He continued, "Mr. Ferguson, look around the house if you don't believe me. It's not just Yasmin's things here."Carlos took in his surroundings.There were a pair of indoor slippers in the foyer and a couple of matching mugs in the kitchen. A man's coat was lazily thrown over the couch, and there were a few finance magazines scattered around.It did indeed look like a place of cohabitation. Carlos asked in shock, "You're living together?""Of course. My wife's home is my home. If you're done here, you can leave now," Blake said rudely.Without another word, Car
The moan Yasmin let out made Blake feel as if he had been electrocuted. He hadn't made out with her in a long time and couldn't contain himself. "Blake Ford, are you insane?" Yasmin scolded him, horrified by the wild make-out session."Sorry, I haven't done this in a long time…" Blake couldn't stop.Yasmin huffed, "Go away…""Once is not enough." He kissed her again.Yasmin felt like she would break into pieces if Blake continued. She angrily raised her head and savagely bit down on his neck.Unfortunately, this seemed to have the opposite effect as Blake only seemed to enjoy it. He preferred to have some reaction out of her. He pulled her up by the arms and placed her on his lap.Yasmin was stunned. Embarrassed, she desperately covered her chest with her hands.Blake smiled at this. "Why are you covering up? I've already seen everything."Red with rage, Yasmin slapped him hard across the cheek.The slap echoed throughout the silent room.They faced each other. Blake fr
Blake replied with a shrug, "Several times.""You're such a jerk!" Yasmin was furious. He had actually taken advantage of her while she was drunk.Blake retorted, "You seemed to enjoy it last night.""How can you be so sure?""You were hugging me tightly," came his response.Speechless, Yasmin's lashes fluttered. She refused to admit it. "That must have been a physiological reaction. They weren't my genuine feelings.""But you still enjoyed it." His gaze was full of allure as he spoke. Regardless, it was true that they both enjoyed themselves.Yasmin suddenly didn't know what to say. She just felt that letting him stay any longer would be a mistake. He could devour her at any moment.She was about to tell him to leave when the doorbell rang."Who could it be this early?" Blake asked."How would I know?" Yasmin snapped. "Maybe it's Malcolm looking for you.""I'll go check." Blake got up and went to the door, leaving Yasmin huffing alone in bed.As soon as he opened it, C
Watching Carlos' lonely figure from the back, Blake flashed a victorious smile. The pent-up frustration in his heart finally dissipated, and he turned back into the bedroom.As soon as he entered, a pillow flew at him.Blake caught it and chuckled. "Such a bad mood early in the morning?""What nonsense were you telling him just now? Who said that I'm yours?" Yasmin snapped."I said those things because I don't want him bothering you anymore."Blake sat on the edge of the bed. Seeing that she was still furious, he grabbed her chin and turned her face toward him. "Or do you want him to bother you?"Yasmin huffed and remained silent.At the thought that she might want Carlos to pursue her, Blake's expression darkened. "Don't even think about it."Yasmin frowned. What nonsense was he talking about?Before she could formulate a response, he tightened his grip on her chin. His voice was chilling as he said, "Did you hear me? Stay away from him.""Why should I listen to you? Who are
"Here, this is for you." Blake handed the ointment to Yasmin.She glanced at the tube of ointment. "What's this for?""To reduce the swelling there."Her face flushed at once. "I don't need this," she said coldly."Don't be stubborn. I saw it all swollen last night."Yasmin's temples throbbed, so she pressed them with her hand. "Stop talking about it."Noticing that she was uncomfortable with the topic, Blake changed the subject. "Everything's been arranged for your dad. Dr. Myers' people will be moving into the nursing home later.""Okay.""Let's eat." Blake's words were full of concern for her.After an hour, he finally left.Yasmin pressed her throbbing temples once again. Having packed up, she decided to go visit Eunice.Eunice had already returned home for postpartum care.When Yasmin entered the room, Eunice was eating cherries. Seeing Yasmin, she smiled and said, "Yaz, come eat some cherries with me."Yasmin went to see the baby first, then sat down and asked Eunice
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