In the end, Blake signaled Malcolm over to support Lizzie's other arm as they helped her into the car and drove her to the hospital.The doctor examined her and found no major physical injuries, just a few minor cuts and bruises. However, the psychological impact on her was severe.She trembled with fear, her anxiety evident in every moment.Seeing her like this, Blake felt a deep sense of guilt. He turned to Malcolm and asked, "Have you confirmed it? Was this Ivan's doing?""Yes. After we burned down Ivan's North District warehouse, he retaliated by targeting Ms. Keating. That day, she had just arrived at the hospital to visit Mrs. Ford when the kidnappers abducted her. "She managed to escape briefly and borrowed a phone from a passerby to call you, but when you didn't pick up, they caught her again."Blake's face darkened at Malcolm's words. Just then, Lizzie called out from inside the ward, "Blake…"Hearing her voice, Blake turned and walked into the ward.As soon as he app
Yasmin was reading in her room when Blake's video call came through.As soon as she answered the call, Blake saw her soft and alluring face on the screen.She was lying in bed as she casually spoke to him. Upon hearing that Stuart's safety was secured, she tossed her book aside and hummed thoughtfully."What's wrong? Are you not happy?" Blake asked.Yasmin gazed at his face on the screen and returned a question of her own. "How is Lizzie?"Blake chuckled upon hearing her question. "Are you jealous?""Just a little. Would you be upset if I was?" Yasmin replied.Blake flashed a smile. "No, I'm actually pleased. That aside, the situation has left Lizzie with severe psychological issues.""What happened?" Yasmin asked. She sat up in her pale pink loungewear.Blake's gaze remained fixed on her as he answered, "She almost suffered a sexual assault. Fortunately, we rescued her before it could actually happen.""Why did Ivan kidnap her?""To get back at me. I burned down his warehou
Wendy's eyes widened in shock as she heard the news. "Are you sure?""It's true," the housekeeper confirmed.The corners of Wendy's lips curved into a smile. If Yasmin had betrayed Ivan, then Ivan would surely lose his trust and affection for her.Wendy retrieved the surveillance footage from the Burke residence and handed the tablet over to Ivan, who was in his study. "Mr. Burke, you'll understand everything after watching this," she said.Ivan was cold and detached as he sifted through documents at his desk. "What is it?""Please, see for yourself," Wendy suggested, hoping he would see it firsthand.Sensing something amiss, Ivan stared at the screen for a long time. After a while, he instructed Wendy, "You should leave for now."He finally played the surveillance footage. It showed the corridor on the second floor of the Burke residence, where Yasmin was seen leaving her room—and entering the study.Ivan's expression changed slightly. He quickly turned off the corridor's surv
Yasmin froze for a moment before turning to Ivan with a puzzled expression. "Ivo, why are you asking me that?"Ivan's gaze was intense as he continued to stroke her long hair, his touch cold as ice. "If you truly want to marry me, why did you betray me?""Betray you?" Yasmin's eyes widened in shock. "Ivo, what do you mean?""My Destia New Energy Project was shut down after a report from Blake. Quite a coincidence, don't you think? What do you think this means?"Yasmin's entire body stiffened as she turned to face him. Her eyes filled with panic as she asked, "You already know?""I have surveillance cameras in my study. It recorded you pacing in front of my safe, trying to crack the password. Yasmin, why would you do something like that?"Yasmin's pupils dilated with fear. After a long pause, she finally whispered, "I'm sorry, Ivo. It was me."Ivan's eyes narrowed. "Why did you do it? Haven't I treated you well?"He dared to say that he had been good to her. For years, he had tr
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
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
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 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