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
It was clear that Ivan was guarding against Blake.Yasmin scrutinized the car Ivan got into, noticing that the windows were extremely thick. Yasmin asked, "Ivo, why does your car seem different than the rest?"Hearing her question, Ivan glanced at her and smiled. "I just got this car. It's bulletproof."So he really was protecting himself from Blake's attacks.As Yasmin pondered this, Ivan asked, "Yasmin, things are getting dangerous outside. Do you need some bodyguards to keep you safe?"Of course, Yasmin didn't want that. If she accepted, Ivan's men would be watching her every move. With so many already around the villa, having more would mean losing all her freedom.She smiled lightly and said, "No need, Ivo. I don't like having a bunch of people around when I go out." Her tone remained relaxed and gentle.Ivan's gaze deepened just then. "Yasmin, I'm worried Blake might hurt you.""He won't. If he wanted to, he could have done it last time, but he didn't."Ivan fell silent
Over the years, Yasmin had matured. She no longer considered those who were unsuitable for her.Now, pleasing Blake was just a temporary measure to save Imogen and Stuart. She had no intention of telling him about Tristan. She feared he might take her son away from her.At that moment, she decided to go to Rimmervale and collaborate with Isaac and Imogen's subordinates to reclaim Sander International.Once everything was settled, she would change her identity and live quietly with Tristan. She would make sure Blake could never find them again.Presently, Ivan got into his car and left.Yasmin quickly went upstairs and changed into a sensual dress before seeking Blake out. She knew he was furious now. His mood swings had become unpredictable, and she had to find a way to calm him down.As she walked through the villa's main gate, she saw several cars parked in the yard. Blake's bodyguards were stationed there now. The two men were on edge, appearing to constantly be wary of some
Yasmin retorted, "I already showered this morning.""Yes, you did. But then you met with that man. You let him put jewelry on you, and let his hands touch your neck. You now reek of him and his filth. It's disgusting, so go shower."His words cut like knives.Yasmin never imagined Blake could be this erratic. In the past, he might have said hurtful things out of jealousy. However, he had never gone to his extent.Now, he was utterly unreasonable.Yasmin bit her lip and softly explained, "Blake, I've told you, I can't antagonize Ivan right now. I can't be too resistant to him.""So you let him touch you, hold your hand, and whisper sweet nothings?" He stood up and confronted her. His anger flared as if he had recalled something, and his hatred grew stronger. "Four years ago, you acted the same way with me. You played the victim, letting me do everything for you. But then you turned around and betrayed me. I begged you not to leave, but you showed me what deception and betrayal r
Blake turned Yasmin around, placing the towel on her head to dry her hair.Yasmin swatted his hand away, shouting, "Get away from me!"Blake was caught off guard and stumbled back as she pushed him. He was about to get angry but then saw her red eyes and trembling lips. She looked on the verge of an emotional breakdown.Yasmin angrily wiped away her tears. Her voice filled with loathing as she gritted out, "Blake, you're insane."Blake was momentarily stunned by this. All his anger vanished when he saw her tears. He said wearily, "Yeah, I guess I am insane."He still loved her, but he couldn't forget the pain she caused. From time to time, he would recall those memories and start doubting her sincerity. This would lead to feelings of pain, confusion, resentment, and rage.Maybe she was like a tumor on his heart. He knew she was harmful, but he simply couldn't let her go.In the years Blake spent in Stanton City, he heard rumors of Yasmin's happiness with Ivan.His mind would