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
Yasmin's brows furrowed. At the sight of this, Ivan's lips pursed into a grim line. He was about to say something when Wendy came over and informed, "Mr. Burke, something has happened.""What is it?" Ivan asked, turning to look at his secretary with a stormy expression.Startled by his harsh tone, Wendy answered, "MG Group has terminated their collaboration with us."Ivan frowned. "Do we know why?"Wendy inched closer to him and said in a voice that was only loud enough for him to hear, "Blake's behind this."Ivan's face darkened instantly. When he saw Yasmin staring at them in confusion, he quickly concealed the icy gleam in his eyes and stroked her hair indulgently. He told her to go back without him before he rose to his feet and left.Yasmin watched him leave and heard him ask Wendy in hushed tones, "He's here in Merania?" She didn't know who he might be referring to.After Ivan left the hospital, Yasmin called Isaac. He sounded amused on the other line as he asked, "You cal
Yasmin's head grew heavy after she heard what Isaac had to say. She suddenly felt like Ivan had spun a web to trap all of them. She took a deep breath and asked tiredly, "And what about Wendy? Who is she to Ivan?""A woman who loves Ivan and will do all his wicked deeds just to please him," Isaac explained. He paused before adding, "If you believe me at all, Yasmin, come to Rimmervale and meet me in person. "I'll need you to bring NAS Group's trade secrets with you, of course. Let's work together to bring down that sly two-faced fox."His proposition was met with a long silence. He prompted, "Don't you trust me?"She did not trust him at all, but she still didn't know why he chose her of all people to help him with his endeavors. She asked tentatively, "Why did you seek me out?""Because your family is rich, and I need money," Isaac said frankly. Without money, he did not stand a chance against Ivan in the international business scene. "Also, you're as much a victim of his lies a
Yasmin's blood ran cold as fear struck her. She looked at Vanessa solemnly and said, "Vanessa, replace these medications with the ones Grandma really has to take. Don't let anyone see you swap them out."There was no telling who among the housekeeping staff and bodyguards reported to Ivan. Besides, Imogen had only just had surgery, and her movements had to be kept to a minimum. Yasmin would have to lie low and observe how things pan out for the time being.She added for good measure, "Vanessa, this stays between us. Grandma can't know about this."The last thing she wanted was for Imogen to have a heart attack after learning Ivan had been poisoning her. She figured it would be wise for them to hold off the news for now.Yasmin and Vanessa were still talking when the former's phone rang. She jumped in surprise and glanced at the name flashing across the screen. Her mouth ran dry when she saw Ivan's name—like the words had been carved by the devil himself.She must have spaced out,
Yasmin's eyes widened in shock. "Why?""Why? Haven't you heard about what happened four years ago?" Isaac countered, perplexed.Yasmin truly hadn't heard anything. She recalled Ivan telling her that Blake had solved the little hiccup that had occurred at Windmere Group and agreed to let her go. She hadn't asked about the events in Stanton City since.Isaac knew from Yasmin's silence that Ivan had spun her yet another lie. He said gravely, "Four years ago, Windmere Group experienced a crisis after you left. Ivan and Neil worked together to kick Blake out of the board of directors and took away his position as the acting CEO of the company."However, Blake had his own supporters in the company. With their endorsement, Neil could not kick him off the board so easily. But all this was well within Ivan's expectation. After all, his goal was never to rip Windmere Group out from under Blake but to sell off its shares and projects."At the time, Neil had used his position in the company t
Yasmin's heart thundered in her chest. Her instincts cried at her to run, so she did.However, Blake grabbed her by the arm to stop her from fleeing. He chuckled darkly as he drawled, "Where are you running off to? I only just got here, and we have so much to catch up on, don't you agree, Yasmin?"She blanched. The next second, the pungent scent of chloroform invaded her nose, and darkness claimed her.When Yasmin awoke, she found herself lying on a couch in a suite. She felt drained. Although she tried to get up, she couldn't summon enough strength to do so.Just then, the door to the suite opened. A backlit, towering silhouette entered the suite and came to a stop before her. It was Blake, and a sneer tugged his lips as he perched next to her. She could feel his menacing gaze raking over her limp form.Yasmin tried to move, but her limbs felt like they were weighed down by lead. Blake snorted at her effort and said, "Don't bother. The drug hasn't left your system yet."He sat e
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