Yasmin's breathing quickened. "The bodyguards here are all Ivan's people. Don't act impulsively."If Blake came now, Ivan would certainly find out. If it came down to that, things would get even more complicated.Yasmin feared causing more trouble. Right now, Blake was a threat. His presence was hindering her plans, so Yasmin held back her anxiety as she said, "Darling, can I set up the surveillance tomorrow? Just one more night.""No." Blake didn't like this feeling. Either she stayed by his side, or he would storm into her room.Yasmin bit her bottom lip, not knowing how to persuade him.Blake seemed genuinely unhinged now. She believed he might be psychologically troubled. He was full of doubts, was always guarded, and had tremendous mistrust in everyone.Perhaps the events from four years ago had changed him.But now, she was genuinely afraid of him. She feared he might lose control and decide to use a helicopter to bring her back to Stanton City this instant. That would be
Blake's lips curved into a faint smile upon hearing Yasmin's words. He no longer seemed upset. "You finished your shower?""Yeah," Yasmin replied as she leaned against a pillow while holding her phone."I just visited Grandma. She said her eyes don't hurt anymore, but they're still bandaged. She needs to avoid using them for now and have a doctor come daily to apply medication.""That's good," Blake responded.After that, neither spoke for a moment. Yasmin faked a yawn, pretending to be very sleepy."Are you tired?" Blake asked."Yeah." Yasmin stretched lazily. "You wore me out this morning. Then I went out to eat and had to deal with Ivan when I got back. I'm exhausted…"She yawned several times in a row. Tears of fatigue welled up in her reddened eyes. Her neck still bearing the marks he had left earlier in the day.That morning, she was freshening up when he leaned against the bathroom door, watching her intently. On a whim, he grabbed her from behind and lifted her onto the
After finishing her sentence, Yasmin lay back down. She appeared upset and unwilling to talk further.Blake called her name, but Yasmin merely muttered, "Let's stop talking. I'm going to sleep."Yasmin hugged a stuffed animal and turned her back to the video call to sleep.Blake watched her for a moment. Then, he downed the rest of his wine and picked up a file from the coffee table.Soon, Yasmin's steady breathing came through the phone, indicating she had fallen asleep. Blake's gaze lingered on the screen. Yasmin had always been a restless sleeper. She turned over, and one fair leg slipped out from under the covers. Then, she curled up, draping her leg over the blanket. She hugged the blanket as if it were a body pillow.Watching her, Blake couldn't help but smile.Yasmin had the habit of hugging things while asleep. When they slept together, she would cling to him like a koala bear.In the early days, when their relationship was still strained, Blake found it annoying. Even
But with so many people around, Imogen decided to say nothing and nodded for Yasmin to go ahead.Yasmin directed the technicians to install the surveillance cameras in certain places.Having surveillance in Imogen's room was actually a good idea. If Yasmin needed to leave, she could still check on Imogen via her phone. And if they needed to have a private conversation, they could simply unplug the camera. As such, Yasmin didn't mind this arrangement.Installing the surveillance cameras was quite simple. It just needed to be mounted on the ceiling at the right angle.Yasmin noticed Clara standing nearby, watching without leaving. She frowned slightly and asked, "Clara, is breakfast ready? Grandma is hungry."Clara replied, "Yes, breakfast is ready.""Please help Vanessa bring Grandma downstairs for breakfast," Yasmin instructed, trying to get her to leave.Vanessa was a smart woman. She instantly understood Yasmin's intention. She glanced at Clara and said, "Clara, I can't suppor
Blake asked when Yasmin didn't respond, "You don't seem happy?"She wasn't sure how she managed to smile, but she forced out, "I'm not unhappy, just surprised. Why did you move here so suddenly?""I want to be closer to you, that's why."Yasmin feigned concern. "But being this close, aren't you afraid Ivan will find out?""Do I need to be afraid of him?" Blake's eyes were full of undisguised sarcasm.Yasmin responded hesitantly, "Of course you don't need to be afraid of him. You're stronger than him, but Grandma is being watched by his people. I don't know how many of the household staff or bodyguards here are his spies. Please, just be patient for now and don't make this difficult for me, okay?""How am I making things difficult for you?""That's not what I mean. Can you just help me out here, please?" Yasmin pleaded. She was really at her wit's end.Blake was an unstable factor now. He was like a ticking time bomb. She needed to plan Imogen's escape while also managing his fi
Yasmin walked downstairs to find Ivan at the dining table. He was busy talking to Imogen.Imogen was laughing and happily chatting with him. She seemed completely unaware of his ulterior motives. She said with a smile, "Once you and Yasmin get married next month, my wish will be fulfilled. Then, I'll transfer 50% of Sander International's shares to Yasmin, and leave 5% for Rowena to retire comfortably. What do you think?"Ivan's expression was gentle. He kept his thoughts well concealed as he replied warmly, "Grandma, these are your assets. You can decide what to do with them."Imogen patted his hand gently. "Ivan, you're a good man. With Yasmin marrying you and you managing the company for Yasmin, I'll be at ease. After you two get married, I'll retire and enjoy a peaceful life with my grandchildren.""Yes, of course." Ivan nodded. A subtle smile played at the corners of his mouth.Sander International was already under his control. He could have taken it by force, but he prefe
The light yellow jewelry was the closest color to that of the jasmine flower.Wendy presented the jewelry in front of Yasmin, so Yasmin had no choice but to try it on. She sat on the couch, waiting for Wendy to help her with the jewelry.However, Ivan interjected, "Let me help Yasmin."He took the jewelry from Wendy. Hurt flashed in Wendy's eyes as she met Ivan's cold gaze, but she dared not show it and stepped aside.Ivan noticed Yasmin's turtleneck sweater and found it inconvenient. He tried to yank her sweater's collar to the side.Yasmin was startled by his action. She turned and covered her neck in dismay."What's wrong?" Ivan asked, holding the jewelry as his eyes filled with confusion.Yasmin's eyes flashed with fear. She pretended to cough a few times. "Sorry, Ivo. I think I caught a cold. When you touch my neck, it makes me feel chilly. Could we please put it on over the sweater? Otherwise, I'll feel too cold."Ivan's concern deepened. He asked, "A cold? Should I call
Yasmin shivered and said to Ivan, "I have a call. It might be a delivery, so I'll have to answer it."She walked to the backyard to take the call. From this distance, she had a clearer view of the house behind hers.She saw a tall figure moving closer to the sheer curtains. Gradually, a slender, upright silhouette was revealed.It was Blake.Yasmin was startled. She answered the phone just then. "Hello?""Ms. Starr, it's Malcolm. Mr. Ford saw Ivan putting jewelry on you. He's very unhappy and wants you to come over immediately."Yasmin's voice was hushed and tinged with frustration. "Ivan is here right now. How can I just leave? If I go out, he'll ask where I'm going. Tell Blake I can't come right now."Malcolm relayed the message. Then, the phone was handed over to Blake. His tone was commanding as he questioned, "Are you coming or not?"Yasmin felt the onslaught of a throbbing headache. She held back her anger and replied, "I just told you I can't leave right now. I'll come o