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
Isaac continued, "Yasmin, he's using you. Ivan is only with you because he wants the power of the Sander family.""I know," Yasmin replied after Isaac finished speaking. "What exactly are you trying to tell me? That he's only with me for my family's power?"Isaac was silent for a moment before responding, "Yasmin, I'm not trying to stir trouble between you and Ivan. I'm just reminding you that Ivan is not a good person. If you don't believe me, you can observe him yourself."His secretary is not just an ordinary subordinate as well. Ivan may have genuine feelings for you, but his primary goal is to gain access to the Sander family's power.""Why are you telling me this?" Isaac was Ivan's enemy, so Yasmin couldn't fully trust what he said. He might have had other motives.Isaac answered, "Besides simply reminding you of the truth, I want to form an alliance with you. A massive business like the Burkes' shouldn't be handed over to someone as ruthless and scheming as Ivan."Yasmin,
Ivan said with a gentle smile, "Yes, Grandma. Yasmin and I are getting married."Imogen beamed at him and said, "After you get married, I'll pass on Sander International to you. With you overseeing it, I'll certainly feel at ease."Yasmin paused at the door upon hearing this. A thought suddenly crossed her mind.Over the years, she had been expanding Erinnyes' business in Eulandia, and Ivan had always encouraged her to pursue her career. Previously, she had struggled with her feelings for Ivan, so she readily retreated to Eulandia.During this time, Ivan had been the one taking care of Imogen. As a result, Imogen believed Ivan was trustworthy and had handed over much of Sander International's management to him. Yasmin began to grow suspicious. Was his intention to gain control of her grandmother's successful business?She wondered how Ivan was currently managing Sander International. Did Imogen's subordinates become his own after he took over management? And was he just waiting
Ivan suddenly reached out and tucked Yasmin's long hair behind her ear.Yasmin felt somewhat wary and instinctively pulled away. She quickly adjusted her hair herself and glanced at Wendy, who was standing to the side. Wendy's eyes showed a flicker of jealousy before it quickly disappeared. Ivan's secretary clearly had feelings for him.Yasmin felt a lump in her throat. She wasn't feeling jealous; she simply realized that there were many things she was unaware of. She felt as though she was hidden from the truth, shrouded in secrets she didn't know.But with Imogen undergoing surgery today, Yasmin didn't want to confront Ivan. She pretended everything was normal and sat quietly by the operating room. She silently prayed for Imogen, hoping the surgery would go smoothly and that Imogen would be okay.It seemed her prayers were answered. The surgery went well, and Imogen was wheeled out of the operating room with a bandage over her eyes.Given her age, Imogen needed to stay in the