At dinner time, someone arrived at the Sander residence. It was a young girl with long, wavy hair, and large, expressive eyes. She appeared to be fashionable and beautiful.She was Imogen's adopted daughter, Rowena Sander. Rowena's mother had been a close friend of Imogen.After her mother's death and the family fell into hardship, Imogen decided to take Rowena in. They had lived together ever since.Upon seeing Yasmin, Rowena asked, "Mom, is this Yasmin, the daughter of Mia?""Yes," Imogen replied and nodded."Yasmin, let me introduce you to my adopted daughter, Rowena Sander. You should call her Aunt Rowena.""Hello, Aunt Rowena," Yasmin immediately greeted, glancing at the newly arrived person.Rowena appeared to be around 26 years old, just two years older than Yasmin.Later that night, Rowena brought a glass of milk to Yasmin's room for a visit. Yasmin had just emerged from the bathroom, clutching her aching stomach. Lately, her stomach had been feeling unwell and she
Gavin Burke saw Ivan as the next heir and was actively searching for a suitable young woman from a wealthy family for his younger son to marry.However, Ivan had already made his own plans. Bringing Yasmin back meant it was time for him to arrange a marriage with her. As the established heir to NAS Group, he would be the perfect match for Yasmin."You!" Rowena's displeasure was clear. "So, you have no intention of arranging a marriage with me? Do you think I'm not good enough?""I have someone else in mind," Ivan said honestly. His voice was loud enough to be heard by the two people upstairs."Someone else? Could it be my niece, Yasmin?" Rowena asked.Upon hearing this, Yasmin, who was standing in the hallway, felt her eyelashes flutter.Ivan didn't answer directly. He simply replied, "It's none of your business.""It is certainly my business. I was nearly your fiancée, so I have a right to know who you are interested in." Rowena insisted on getting to the bottom of it.In the
At the doctor's words, everyone fell silent. All eyes turned to Yasmin.She was just as confused but realized her symptoms indeed resembled those of early pregnancy. After a moment, she said, "My periods have been irregular. Sometimes they come every two months, other times three."The doctor suggested, "Given your symptoms, it might be a good idea to get a blood test."Soon, they found themselves waiting for the test results.About half an hour later, the report confirmed that Yasmin was 12 weeks pregnant.She was already three months pregnant.The news stunned everyone, including Imogen and Ivan. In particular, Ivan was taken aback to learn Yasmin was carrying Blake's child."Whose child is this?" Rowena's initial shock quickly gave way to disdain. Merania's law was strict. Once pregnant, a woman had to carry the child to term as abortion was illegal.Yasmin's face turned pale. Just as she was about to respond, Ivan stepped in. He announced, "This is my child."Yasmin was
Four years later, Yasmin was now residing in Eulandia. Erinnyes had expanded their business there. Over these years, Yasmin had been focused on business expansion, with Sander International providing strong support.Thus, she drifted further away from home while focusing all her energy on her career. Today, she had become a globally renowned designer.As for her child, Tristan Sander was already three years old. He was a boy, with the nickname Trist.After Yasmin arrived and set things up in Eulandia, she brought Tristan over. He was usually cared for by her assistant, Pearl Carroll.Ivan, on the other hand, had officially become her fiancé.When she gave birth to Tristan, Yasmin experienced severe hemorrhaging and was in critical condition. Ivan was the one who fought desperately to save her.According to Imogen, the doctors had declared Yasmin's situation dire. However, Ivan refused to accept the grim news. He summoned every top doctor available in the area, and it took a tea
Ivan felt a little disappointed but didn't press Yasmin any further. He simply reminded her to be careful on the journey back.When Yasmin returned home, she opened the door to see a few model airplanes flying around. One of which had a speaker attached to it. From the small speaker came Tristan's childish voice, "Oh, isn't this our famous designer, Yasmin? Back so early today, what a rare guest!"Yasmin tried to placate him. She said, "Trist, I'm sorry. I know I've been busy lately and haven't been paying enough attention to you. But with the new product launch, I've been swamped. I'm really sorry."Hearing her apology, the little boy behind the speaker finally relented. He huffed and then used the remote controller to have the plane fly lower, bringing it right in front of her. He said, "Alright. Since your apology is sincere, I'll let you off this time. Here, have some strawberries."The model airplane hovered closer, carrying a small bag of strawberries behind it.Yasmin s
Yasmin's limbs were frozen stiff, her throat tight with anxiety.What terrified her most was the possibility of Blake recognizing Tristan.Together, the mother-son had built a good life abroad. They had enjoyed freedom and wealth, and Ivan had never pressured her. Yasmin had no intention of returning to Stanton City with him.But Blake seemed not to recognize her. He walked past her without even glancing in her direction.Yasmin stood rooted to the spot. She couldn't process what had just happened. It wasn't until Blake had moved far away that she began to recover her senses."Yasmin." Suddenly, someone touched her shoulder.She screamed in fright and almost fell. Fortunately, the man caught her by the waist and prevented her from hitting the ground."What did you see? Why are you so scared?" Ivan asked. His gaze swept the area.Yasmin's face was pale as she looked in the direction Blake had disappeared in. There was no sign of him anymore.At that moment, she wasn't sure if w
Yasmin felt a pang of guilt. Imogen was so old, yet had to wait for Yasmin to return before she could have the surgery. Yasmin felt every bit like an ungrateful grandchild at that moment. "Now that you're back, you won't be leaving again, will you?" Imogen asked Yasmin.Yasmin smiled and replied, "I'll be staying in Merania for a while."She planned to wait until Imogen's condition improved before returning.As they chatted by the bedside, Rowena whispered, "I don't think Trist and Ivan look alike at all."Rowena had been observing closely and felt there was no resemblance between the two.At those words, everyone fell silent.Rowena turned to Imogen and broke the silence, "Don't you think so, Mom? Look, the three of them standing together—Trist does resemble Yasmin a bit, but he doesn't look like Ivan at all."Imogen smiled at that. "Perhaps Trist looks more like his mother.""That's not entirely true either. Only his lips and chin resemble hers, but the eyes and overall f
It had been a long time since anyone had mentioned Blake. He was a painful memory to Yasmin.At first, she would often think of him. However, she deliberately ignored and suppressed her feelings after some time passed.Eventually, he had become a part of her past that she preferred not to revisit.Yasmin lowered her gaze and replied slowly, "He was a decent person, but we were not suited for each other. We just couldn't make it work." Yasmin was unwilling to elaborate further.Imogen sighed and said, "Yasmin, since it's in the past, you should let it go. The child needs a father, and I'm getting old and sickly. I hope to attend your wedding with Ivan before I pass away…"Yasmin didn't respond to this. Instead, she said, "Grandma, don't think such things. You will live a long life."Imogen only added, "Think it over carefully. Since you've been delaying the marriage, the Burke family is considering setting up Ivan on some blind dates."Yasmin covered Imogen with a blanket and the
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