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
Knowing that Yasmin was about to downplay the situation, Tristan spoke up. "Uncle Ivan, Rowena called me a bastard. Mom was just about to teach her a lesson."Upon hearing this, Ivan's eyes darkened. He walked over to Rowena and looked down at her. "Did you just call Trist a bastard?"Under Ivan's scrutinizing glare, Rowena's face went pale. She couldn't find the words to respond.Ivan now had control over the entire Burke family while helping Imogen manage her company. He had become one of the most influential figures in Merania.He was no longer the insignificant younger son of the Burke family he was just four years ago.Rumors circulated that Ivan had decisively removed the Burke family's oldest son from the line of succession. Isaac was left powerless and had to be sent to Rimmervale, where he now managed a less significant subsidiary.The Burke family and its many businesses were now under Ivan's complete control. He held all the power and was not someone to be trifled with
Holding her breath, Yasmin finally managed to speak, "I'm sorry, Ivo.""Yasmin, I'm wondering if you have some psychological barriers up against me," Ivan said after observing her for a long while. His voice was gentle and concerned.Yasmin lowered her gaze as her forehead creased in concern. "I'm not sure.""Is it because he once forced himself on you that you're finding it hard to accept intimacy now?" Ivan asked as he sat down. His soothing voice hovered above her.Yasmin covered her face and spoke in a low tone, "I suppose it is."Ivan was silent for another moment. After some time, he gently turned her shoulders to face him and said softly, "Yasmin, let's see a therapist. Whatever the issue, we should actively address it."Yasmin looked up and saw the concern in Ivan's eyes. Her expression, on the other hand, was conflicted.She wanted to tell him that maybe they should just end this farce.However, she couldn't say it out loud.Ivan seemed to somehow anticipate her thoug
Yasmin fell silent at her son's words. In truth, she did regret agreeing to be with Ivan back then.At the time, she was mostly just touched by his kind gestures toward her. It wasn't until after they were together that she realized some relationships just couldn't work out—and her relationship with Ivan was one of those.It seemed she needed to have a serious talk with Ivan.…The next day, Yasmin went to the hospital to visit Imogen, whose surgery was scheduled for the coming Thursday.Since Tristan couldn't go to the hospital with her, Yasmin had Pearl stay with him at home while she visited Imogen herself.Upon arrival, she found Ivan talking with Imogen in the ward.Imogen was quite fond of Ivan by now. She admired his impressive appearance and dedication amongst other things. In fact, she already considered him a future grandson-in-law.She even entrusted most of Sander International's business to him.Rowena was also there, but her face was bruised and swollen. It clear
Ivan said, "That's why I needed to become the heir to the Burke family. Yasmin, if I give up this opportunity, Isaac will still come after me. We're not full-blooded siblings, after all. "We were destined to be in a constant struggle for power, one where only one of us would emerge victorious. There will be no peaceful end for us both."He explained that he had to fight for this power—the power to not only thrive but also survive.After hearing his words, Yasmin understood his dilemma. If he failed, he would lose everything he had worked for.Ivan suddenly grasped Yasmin's hand at that moment. "So, Yasmin, can you help me once more?""Help you again? Ivo, what do you need from me?"Ivan spoke softly, "Yasmin, I'm just one step away from becoming the Burke family's true heir. What I need now is a wife from a prestigious family of significant social standing. You fit that role perfectly."Yasmin's eyelashes fluttered. "But Ivo, don't you want to spend your life with someone you t
Yasmin thought to herself that it wasn't just a psychological barrier, but rather that she had come to see Ivan as a brother and couldn't imagine loving him romantically.Despite this, seeing the vulnerability in Ivan's eyes, she couldn't bring herself to say just that.After all, a few years ago, she had planned to repay him for his past kindness. Since marrying him could help him gain control of the Burke family's power, Yasmin finally agreed.She slowly nodded, accepting the proposal as a way to repay Ivan for saving her life.Upon seeing Yasmin's sign of agreement, Ivan's eyes instantly lit up.He pulled Yasmin into his tight embrace. "Yasmin, after we marry, I'll treat you well."…The next day, newspapers across Merania were filled with news about their upcoming marriage."Heiress of the Sander family to Marry into the Burke Family, Two Major Families Unite!""Heiress of the Sander family and Heir of the Burke Family Set Their Wedding Date!"Newspapers everywhere featur
Lizzie was feeling inexplicably uneasy. She knew Blake's trip to Merania was for revenge, but she was worried that he might rekindle old feelings for Yasmin upon seeing her again. As such, she decided to call him to confirm his intentions.Blake snorted. "I came to Merania to deal with her."Understanding Lizzie's concern, he coldly added, "Four years ago, she betrayed me. All that's left between us now is hatred."Upon hearing Blake's words, Lizzie felt relief. She nodded and said, "Once you're done, come back quickly. Your birthday is approaching, and Grandma plans to throw you a grand party."Blake seemed to understand Adelle's intentions but didn't comment further. Then, he ended the call.During the past four years, Adelle had hoped Blake would marry Lizzie. However, he had yet to agree. For now, Blake had no interest in those matters.Yasmin and Ivan were about to get married, and he was here to settle the score with them.…At home, Yasmin glanced at the newspaper head