She politely declined his company in a distant manner. Ivan nodded gentlemanly, glanced at Blake, and then left.After he left, Yasmin remained at the ICU door. Since Stuart had just been transferred here, she needed to stay in case anything happened.Blake stood beside her, took off his coat, and draped it over her shoulders. "Have you had dinner?"Yasmin looked at him with a cold gaze.Sensing she was about to say something, Blake quickly changed the subject. "I'll have Malcolm send over some food."Yasmin didn't object. She needed to talk to him, anyway.Blake ordered a few of her favorite dishes. He opened several thermal containers and placed them in front of her, even peeling a few shrimp for her.Yasmin ate quietly.After dinner, Blake noticed the shrimp he had peeled still sitting in her bowl. His eyes darkened with a complicated expression."Why didn't you answer the phone today?" Yasmin asked as she put down her cutlery after he finished eating."I went to the priso
She didn't want to be the shameless woman Annalise described anymore.From the beginning, she knew this relationship couldn't last. It was simply reaching its end now, so she decided to accept it."I've told you, this matter is still under investigation. Even though Elise is dead, we might find something in Merania," Blake insisted.He remembered the dark-skinned Meranian police officer he met there. Finding that person might lead to some clues.Yasmin shook her head. "I know you're investigating, but I don't want to live in humiliation."Today, Anna…" She corrected herself. "Mrs. Ford didn't look well. She's probably worn out worrying about you. You should listen to her."Annalise had previously battled cancer. Although it hadn't recurred, she hadn't fully recovered. Without a stomach, emotional stress could easily cause problems again.Yasmin feared that if they stubbornly continued their relationship, it might worsen Annalise's condition. If something happened to her, Yasmin
Annalise could see that Lizzie and Marie had some hidden motives, but compared to Stuart's daughter, Annalise was more willing to accept Lizzie.Even if the grudges with Yasmin could be resolved, there would always be a wall between them.It was different with Lizzie. She was the adoptive daughter of Annalise's sister, and Annallise thought they had a closer bond.If their families were united by marriage, there would be no typical conflicts that usually happened between in-laws, making them even closer."Alright, I'll have Blake come back tonight. Lizzie, you should seize this opportunity," Annalise said.Lizzie's eyes brightened, and she nodded.…That night, Annalise called Blake back to Stanton Bay, using her health as an excuse.When he entered the bedroom, he saw Lizzie sitting beside Annalise. She was sorting out some medications and reminding Annalise to take them on time every day."Lizzie, you're such a good child," Annalise praised her with a smile.She had met man
It was nothing more than Yasmin lowering herself to seduce him before.If Lizzie could also humble herself, Blake would definitely accept her.Silently cheering herself on, Lizzie went to her room and took out a sexy nightgown. She took a bath, put on the nightgown, brushed her long hair, and even sprayed on some perfume.She looked and smelled charming and seductive.After that, she went back to the first floor.Eddie was already waiting for her, holding a bowl of soup. "Ms. Lizzie, this is prepared for you by Madam Annalise. Mr. Blake is working upstairs. You should go look for him."Lizzie glanced at the bowl of soup, "Eddie, this soup…"Eddie nodded and smiled, "Some herbs that can make a man's blood boil have been added."Annalise wanted to use this to make sure that things between Blake and Lizzie would go to the point of no return tonight.Lizzie's face turned even redder upon hearing this. She took the tray from Eddie and walked upstairs with small, delicate steps.Li
It was a warning.Lizzie looked at him with a pale face, "Roxy is your cousin, your blood relative. Yet, you treat her this way?""She has continuously caused trouble, so she deserves to be punished. Otherwise, she'll continue to think she's very clever," Blake said slowly and lazily.Lizzie's expression was extremely unpleasant. She said in a low voice, "Technically, she didn't do anything wrong. She just handed those things to Aunt Anne; it's a fact."Blake didn't even raise his gaze, his tone unchanged: "What happens between Yasmin and I is none of anyone's business."He glanced at her.Their eyes met, and Lizzie felt inexplicably guilty. She lowered her head. "Maybe she just wanted to help you find your way back.""I know whether she did it for me or herself." Blake lowered his eyes, his gaze falling on the bowl of soup, "Something is in this soup, right?"He could tell at a glance. Previously, Annalise asked Yasmin to give him a bowl of soup too.He could taste an odd med
Ivan said, "You don't need to worry about that. I can arrange for medical personnel and a helicopter. You can leave with them. It shouldn't be a problem."Yasmin was silent for a moment. Then, she said, "Wouldn't seeking treatment overseas cost much money?"She had about a million in her account; she feared it wouldn't be enough if she hired a team of experts to save her father."Oh, you’re worried about that." Ivan smiled and said, "We can negotiate with them. Some teams are developing new drugs. It might be free if your father is willing to participate in a trial. You would only need to pay for hospitalization."Yasmin's eyes glistened. "Is that possible?"Ivan nodded.Yasmin thought momentarily and asked, "Is it risky to participate in a trial?""There is some risk, of course." Iven was blunt with her. "However, it might be worth participating in a trial with your father's current condition; there's a chance he could wake up."Yasmin didn't speak, seemingly hesitant.Ivan s
"Is there anything to eat here?" he asked her.Yasmin turned her head away, avoiding eye contact with him. "I've already said we've broken up. Go home."She didn't want to have anything to do with him anymore.She knew it wouldn't be long before Anna and Lizzie discovered he was there. Then, they would come and trouble her again."I said we're not breaking up," Blake emphasized, closing the door with a backhand and pressing her onto the sofa. His hand wrapped around her waist while the other tugged at her nightgown. He coaxed her with a low voice, "We're not breaking up. Listen to me...""Don't do this." Yasmin frowned, stopping his hand. "We can never be together anymore.""Why? Then, who can you be with?" Blake's eyes were icy, "Ivan? You've changed your mind after meeting him for tonight, huh?""How did you know?" Yasmin wondered how he had found out that Ivan and she had met that night.Blake's lips curved into a sneer, "You kept meeting with him as soon as he returned. You
Yasmin felt exhausted hearing it.It didn't matter if they had the blessing from the Fords—he was determined to be with her.However, Yasmin was tired. Wearily, she said, "Blake."He looked down at her.Yasmin said, "It's over between us. Let go of me."She no longer wanted to have any part of this physically and emotionally draining relationship. She reached out to push him away, eager to leave.However, as soon as she was about to push him away, he pressed her down again. A possessive look lingered in her eyes as he asked, "Did you hear me? I said we're not breaking up."Yasmin's expression changed. She stiffened her stone as she noticed he was forcing his way through. "Blake, I told you—We can never happen."His eyes grew darker and colder at the sound of "never". It was as if he had lost his ability to think straight. He suddenly pulled off her nightgown and kissed his way down.Yasmin's face turned pale. "Let go of me!""I tried to coax you, yet you're not satisfied. I'
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