"Is that gift tree hard to set up?" Blake suddenly asked Mortimer.Joel was taken aback, removing the cigarette from his lips. "Seriously, Blake? You want to do this childish thing, too?""It's quite nice," Mortimer replied, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I can prepare several gifts and hang them on the tree when it's her birthday."It's like opening mystery boxes. She's bound to find a few presents that she loves."Blake agreed, nodding.Next month was Yasmin's birthday, and Blake thought he should start preparing for it.He turned and asked Mortimer for details. The two started talking, leaving Joel standing beside them, biting a cigarette with a puzzled expression.Meanwhile, the women were eating fruit.Michelle said, "There's a saying that a woman's stomach has many compartments. One is for sweets, another for meals, and another for fruits. It's quite accurate.""Absolutely!" Eunice agreed, popping a cherry into her mouth. It was sweet and delicious. She was in an exc
Blake only said, "Let's go inside and take a look.""Sure."Yasmin got out of the car and helped Malcolm unload the wheelchair.Blake sat down in it and told Malcolm, "You can head back. Come pick us up tomorrow afternoon.""We're staying overnight?" Yasmin asked."It's too far to go back tonight.""It's just that this is too sudden, and I didn't prepare anything…" She hadn't even brought any clothes."The place was tidied up by the servants this morning. There are clothes, food, and everything you might need. Don't worry. It's the New Year, so we're here to relax."Blake held her hand. "Didn't you say you like hot springs? There's one here, and you can enjoy the night view of the whole city."Blake led her to the courtyard.He had bought this place specifically for the hot spring pool, where one could soak while enjoying the mountain night view. The high elevation allowed a panoramic view of the city lights."Why did you suddenly bring me to a hot spring?""You used to fus
Yasmin changed into her bathrobe, her slender feet stepping into a pair of cotton slippers as she walked to the door.Blake was waiting outside, already dressed in a bathrobe. When she appeared, he extended his hand toward her. "Come here."Yasmin walked over, took his hand, and glanced at his leg. "Your leg is injured. Can you go into the water?"Blake shook his head. "It's not suitable for me to go in the water. I'll just stay by your side."Yasmin was taken aback. "So, is this hot spring trip just for me to enjoy?""Last time, you couldn't go because of your period. This time… I don't want my leg to ruin the fun."Hearing this, Yasmin felt a gentle ripple in her heart.Sometimes, his words really made her heart flutter.They went to the backyard, where soft, warm light surrounded the area. The servants had already prepared chocolates and champagne on a table nearby.Blake maneuvered his wheelchair toward the table. Yasmin noticed and moved to help him, but Blake stopped her
Blake suddenly got into the water and hugged her from behind."Your leg…" Yasmin said urgently."It's fine. The doctor checked it this morning and said the wound has healed. It's okay to get it wet, but I'll have to be careful not to strain it," he whispered with a husky voice in her ear.Yasmin realized something and blushed. "Did you go to the hospital this morning just to check if you could…"To check if he could be intimate?"Yes." He held her tightly, his body pressing closely against hers, and said seductively, "The doctor said it's okay to get in the water but didn't recommend it.""Then why did you still get in?""Because you're too tempting." Blake kissed her neck from behind. He hadn't planned on getting in, but seeing her in the water, so delicate and alluring, made it impossible for him to resist.As he bit her gently, Yasmin's breathing became erratic. She clung to her last bit of reason. "You should get out. Don't strain yourself…""It'll be fine if you don't mov
The two changed into dry pajamas and embraced each other on the large bed.In front of them was a massive floor-to-ceiling window showcasing the serene mountain forest and the sparkling night sky.Yasmin gazed quietly outside and softly asked him, "Did you buy the villa for this night view?""Yes." He wrapped his long arms around her slender body, resting his chin on her head. "Do you like it?""It's beautiful."The black night sky was filled with brilliant stars, creating a very peaceful and romantic atmosphere.Blake kissed her forehead. "From now on, we can come here for a vacation every year."Yasmin didn't respond, and Blake, thinking she hadn't heard him, looked down at her.She had fallen asleep in his arms, probably exhausted from his earlier antics. She clung to him tightly, sleeping soundly.Blake gazed at her fair face for a while, smiling.They slept soundly until morning.When Yasmin woke up, she heard the gentle sound of rain outside. Blake was no longer in bed
Malcolm stopped the car smoothly. "We're here, Mr. and Mrs. Ford."The back of the car was quiet. They faced the recurring question of whether to return to Oak Garden.Yasmin lightly bit her lip, still unsure if she should go back. Returning might mean getting back together."Yaz." While she was deep in thought, Blake suddenly called her.Yasmin looked up. "Yes?""Shall we go home?" He extended his bony hand to her.Yasmin hesitated, but Blake had already taken her hand a bit dominantly. "Even if you don't agree, I'm taking you home."Yasmin felt a stir in her heart, her eyes clear. Letting him be a bit domineering spared her from overthinking.So, she got out of the car with him.Seeing her get out, Blake's eyes shone brightly.She was willing to go home with him. This meant she had fully accepted him.Blake was so happy he nearly floated. He even refused to sit in the wheelchair, insisting on walking inside.But Yasmin wouldn't allow it, supporting him as she said, "Don't
She was lost in thought when Blake embraced her. "Welcome home. Shall I take you upstairs to have a look?"Blake took her upstairs.The dressing room had also been changed and was filled with jewelry. Yasmin was dazzled by the sight.Blake said, "Didn't you say before that your dressing room was too small? It couldn't fit all your clothes, so I had it expanded by two times. It can now accommodate tens of thousands of garments.""This is too big!""It's great. In the future, when we have children, we can also store some of the baby's things here. There's no need to expand it further."Blake pointed to another door in the dressing room and said, "This is the nursery."When he was doing the renovations six months ago, he had already considered the nursery.But hearing about the nursery, Yasmin's mood sank. The loss of that child was something they could never bring up.Seeing the faint sadness on her face, Blake felt a pang in his heart. He walked over and embraced her again.Fi
Yasmin could see that Russell was a decent person, so she wasn't too angry.That day, the main issue was Nikki's relentless accusations, insisting that she had seduced Darion.But Yasmin hadn't suffered much, so she said, "It's nothing serious. Just tell her not to accuse people without reason in the future. If there's an issue, she should investigate properly before speaking.""Yes, it was all my daughter's fault…" Russell was still pressing Nikki's head down as he presented a gift box, saying, "Mrs. Ford, this is compensation for you. I hope you will accept it."Yasmin figured it was compensation for the expensive wines, so she asked Mary to accept it.After Mary accepted the gift, Russell took Nikki and left.But Darion didn't leave. Yasmin glanced at him. "Is there something else?""Can we talk for a bit?" Darion looked up at her.After learning she was Mrs. Ford that day, he had many questions but hadn't had the chance to ask them.Yasmin thought for a moment, then walked
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