One of the bodyguards picked the crystal up and handed it over to Ivan. "Mr. Burke, it seems to be an energy crystal.""An energy crystal?" Ivan accepted it, running his fingers over its contours. "Isn't this the energy crystal Yasmin gave you? Back then, Yasmin gave me one too."The chains restraining Blake rattled just then. His eyes were gleaming with a hint of menace as if he could snatch the energy crystal despite his bound limbs.Ivan noticed his agitation and smiled faintly. He tossed the energy crystal aside. "Destroy this thing for me."At his command, Blake struggled harder. "You, give it back to me."Ivan found amusement in his struggle. He crouched to look down at Blake. He smirked. "The always high and mighty Mr. Ford has now fallen. You don't deserve anything from Yasmin. If not for your interference, Yasmin and I would have been together long ago."Ivan deliberately provoked him."I don't believe you," Blake said."You don't believe me? Do you know whose fault
One of Ivan's men shouted, "Mr. Burke, it's dangerous. We have to retreat!"Regardless of the danger, Ivan was reluctant to leave. He was determined to kill Blake today to avenge Maeve.But he had lost his chance. Blake's men had arrived with a dozen armored vehicles, fully armed and in great numbers.If he hesitated for a moment, one of his bodyguards would go down.Amid the chaos, Malcolm finally reached Blake. He used his gun to break the chains binding Blake.Blake sat on the ground, his face dark and cold. He spoke with a deadly calm, "Kill him.""Yes, Mr. Ford."The two groups clashed violently, and gunfire filled the air. The sounds of bullets whizzing by echoed ceaselessly.In the end, Ivan's men were overwhelmed and began retreating. Some even escaped through the windows—Ivan included."Don't let him get away!" At this moment, Blake's expression was icy and menacing. He ignored the pain in his body—perhaps because the pain in his heart was worse. Then, he grabbed hi
Ivan looked at Yasmin's face and asked Cedar Webster, the doctor, "How is she?""Ms. Starr's fever isn't subsiding. There seems to be inflammation in her body," Cedar replied.Ivan's face turned grimly pale. "Get a better doctor over here," he ordered.Cedar was escorted out by Dwight Barlow, the housekeeper. Then, Wendy entered to say, "Mr. Burke, you're still recovering from your gunshot wound. You should rest. I'll stay here with Ms. Starr."Ivan stared at Yasmin's face at that moment.There was a bullet in his arm, and Blake had been the one to put it there.After being shot, he quickly boarded a plane back to Merania. Stanton City was dominated by Blake's influence and was not suitable for a long stay."How are things at Stanton City?" Ivan asked.Wendy replied, "There's turmoil brewing in Windmere Group. Blake Ford is busy dealing with Mr. Neil, so he has no time to look for Ms. Starr."Perhaps it wasn't just turmoil but a complete loss of hope.That day, he deliberat
Ivan admitted, "I didn't just say nothing. I lied to Blake, telling him you and I were together and truly in love. Only then did he agree to let you go.""Why did you say that, Ivo?" Yasmin asked."If I hadn't said that, do you think he would have let you go?" Ivan smiled after he spoke. His eyes were cold yet tinged with amusement. He was once again adorning his gold-rimmed glasses.Seeing his smile, Yasmin felt awkward for blaming him. After all, he had helped her a lot in recent times.After a moment, she asked, "Ivo, is everything okay at Windmere Group?""No worries, their minor issues have been resolved."Yasmin trusted Ivan completely and didn't question him further.In the following days, she continued recovering at Ivan's villa. Ivan visited her whenever he had time, though he was often busy.Sometimes, Yasmin would hear the sound of a piano being played. She listened quietly, thinking Ivan was quite talented with the instrument.After a week, Yasmin finally regained
"Ivo, you've already helped me so much. I really feel bad about troubling you further," Yasmin said."It feels awkward when you speak to me like this." Ivan's tone was calm and steady. "I want to help you on my own accord, not because you're asking me to."Yasmin caught his gaze. She found his eyes oddly profound, and she dared not meet them.Since arriving in Merania, it seemed like Ivan had changed in some way. However, she couldn't quite put her finger on it.… Two days later, Ivan unexpectedly came into her room after knocking on the door. He said he wanted to take her somewhere."Where are we going?" Yasmin was sketching in her room at the time. She had already resumed her work and felt inexplicably relaxed.Ivan stood at the doorway. He looked at her intently as he said, "I'll tell you on the way.""Oh," Yasmin replied. She set aside her sketches and left the room with him.They eventually got into the car together.Wendy wasn't with them today. As such, Ivan sat himse
Vanessa said in mild surprise, "Oh, so she's Ms. Starr." Vanessa's smile widened as he quickly ushered Yasmin and Ivan inside.Yasmin felt puzzled by his behavior. She walked behind Ivan and asked, "Ivo, does this housekeeper know me?"She couldn't shake the feeling that Vanessa had looked at her strangely just now.Ivan smiled faintly. "You'll find out once we go inside."He then walked gracefully into the estate, leading Yasmin onto the property. Sitting behind the arched gates was an elegant and dignified lady with a head of white hair.The elderly lady was busy trimming flowers. Upon hearing the commotion outside, she lifted her eyes.Seeing the lady's face, Yasmin was taken aback. She thought to herself, "Isn't this person Imogen Sander, the founder of Sander International?"Imogen spotted Yasmin from afar and a flicker of surprise crossed her eyes. She smiled as she nodded in recognition, her voice gentle and kind as she asked, "Yasmin?"Yasmin grew even more perplexed.
Yasmin was still lost in thought, but Imogen didn't mind. She simply observed Yasmin with loving eyes."Thank you so much, Ivan. If it weren't for you, I might never have met my granddaughter," Imogen expressed her gratitude to Ivan. She had prepared many valuable gifts for him in return.Ivan shook his head. "Mrs. Morrison Senior, you don't need to be so formal. My mother was very close to your daughter. It was only right for me to help Yasmin.""Oh? Did you have that kind of connection?" Imogen's interest was piqued.Ivan recounted the close relationship between Maeve and Mia. Though in truth, Mia and Maeve were friends but never exceptionally close.However, as he spun the stories, he began to believe them himself. Others started to believe the stories as well.Imogen listened quietly, and her face showed contentment. "I never imagined that after leaving Merania, Mia would have such extraordinary experiences. She made such close friends, found a life partner, and even had a ch
Imogen quietly said to Yasmin, "Good girl."She gently stroked Yasmin's head, her gaze unbearably tender. Imogen thought for a moment and began, "Your mother was unique in her own way—perhaps it was because of my fame. Since she was young, people had high expectations of her."She always had to be mindful of etiquette, poise, and the cameras that followed us because I frequently attended fashion shows. Whenever she was by my side, any slip-ups would be magnified by the media."Although she was a prominent heiress, her life was not as smooth sailing as people thought it would be. I know a bit about her and your father." Imogen glanced at Yasmin every now and then as she spoke.Yasmin sat restlessly on the edge of the bed. She was surprised by Imogen's words. "Grandma, you knew about them?"Imogen's eyes showed a hint of regret. "I didn't know Stuart was your father at first; but having seen him at some events, I guessed that she was with the man from back then."If Imogen hadn't
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