Chapter 207
“Don’t get too cocky. I really misjudged you, thinking you were fragile. Who knew your scheming would be this deep, Helen chuckled at herself.
连
Yvette covered her mouth, shickering as she slowly stood up. “Helen, I’ll be leaving now.”
“You’re not going anywhere!” Helen shouted desperately. But Yvette had already left.
As the seconds ticked by, three days after Yasmine woke up, she was discharged from the hospital. Back at the Sanchez residence, Geneva had prepared a sumptuous meal to help Yasmine regain her strength. During dinner, Morgan was glued to his tablet, his brow furrowed, as if something serious was on his mind.
Yasmine asked, “What’s wrong?”
“I recently stumbled upon a piece of land, the Emerald Isle property. It’s a goldmine if we can get it, but who knows if the owner will sell to us, Morgan said, sounding a bit worried.
Yasmine didn’t really understand these things, so she just listened, finished her meal, and went back to sleep.
The next day, just after work, Yasmine bumped into Yonas as she was leaving the campus. Trying to avoid him, she was stopped by Yonas “Yasmine!”
“Mr. Russell, is there something you need? If not, I’ll get going.” Yasmine said, turning to leave.
“Yasmine, can we talk?” Yonas asked.
Yasmine’s tensed spine slowly eased. She studied him intently, her eyes clear with curiosity. “Can I ask you a few questions?” she asked softly.
Yonas looked into her eyes and found himself unable to refuse, after a long pause, he nodded, “Alright.”
“No lying, no deceit, you have to answer truthfully,” Yasmine added.
Though Yonas could almost guess what she was about to ask, he still nodded, “Go ahead.”
Yasmine slowly started, “What exactly are you hiding from me? You must know about that photo of Yoselin and me, right?” Yonas parted his lips slightly but couldn’t utter a word. He swallowed a few times, “I can’t tell you now.”
“Then when can you tell me?” she asked anxiously.
“Yasmine.” He gently called her name.
Yasmine chuckled self–mockingly, “It’s not the right time yet, right?”
Tm sorry Yonas said.
Yasmine was momentarily distracted; she wanted to hear more, but his answer silenced her. She tried to speak several times but ended up saying nothing. Avoiding his gaze, Yasmine said, Forget it. If you don’t want to answer, you don’t have to. If you want to keep secrets from me, I won’t ask.”
After a long silence, she suddenly seemed to remember something and said, “Did you plan this all along?”
“No, Yonas replied.
15:59 Sat, Oct 26 G.
Chapter 207
Yasmine didn’t even know what to feel. She had just wanted to get closer, but now it was like someone had thrown cold water over her. “Got it, I’m going out then.
As she turned to leave, just stepping out, Yonas caught her wrist, but as swiftly as he’d grabbed it, he let go like he’d been burned. I’m sorry, Yonas said.
This left Yasmine a bit puzzled, “What’s going on?”
I want to take you somewhere. Yonas said, averting his eyes and no longer looking at her.
“Where?” Yasmine asked curiously.
Yonas led her to the car, opening the passenger door for her. “Get in.”
Even though Yasmine had no idea what Yonas was planning, she still got into the car.
West Street in Soucrity is the busiest street, yet it’s also very traditional. The items sold here have a classic charm, and the shop names are quite elegant too. The best tailor is Tailor’s Timeless Threads, the most renowned jewelry store is Heritage Jewels, and the most exquisite bakery is Grandma’s Secret Recipe Bakery…
Yonas led Yasmine into a narrow alley with high walls and decorative eaves. The cobblestones were cool underfoot, and a few wild red flowers bloomed at the corner. At the end of the path, Yonas opened a small door and ushered Yasmine inside.
The winding grassy path was all too familiar to Yasmine. This backyard was well–tended, with a sycamore tree on the far west end. As they entered a tall building from the backyard, she instantly recognized where they were.
Anteque Curios & Relics? This place is a famous antique shop, housing items from a thousand years ago up to the Republic era. However, due to the unique nature of antiques, the items here are replicas–treasures of major collectors put on display. Should anyone wish to purchase, the collectors would be contacted. But she was quite curious–why had Yonas brought her here?
“Why are we here?” she asked softly.
Yonas replied in a low voice, “The White family has recently set their sights on Mr. Hunter Ellis’s property.
“You mean Emerald Isle?” A glint of interest sparkled in Yasmine’s eyes.
Yes, Yonas confirmed.
Emerald Isle is a picturesque island adjacent to Soucrity, surrounded by the sea on all sides, but it has always been held firmly by Hunter Ellis, the chairman of the Constant Snrise Group. Originally, no one cared much for this piece of land, but recently the national shipping routes were planned, conveniently passing by Emerald Isle. To support the tourism industry in Soucrity, the local tourism bureau has just announced a new subsidy policy. If Emerald Isle were turned into a resort island now, it would certainly bring in a fortune. Everyone in Soucrity had their eyes on this piece of land, and Irene was no exception.
Yasmine looked at Yonas cautiously and asked, “What does Anteque Curios & Relics have to do with Emerald Isle?”
“Countless people have contacted Mr. Ellis these past days, but few have been able to meet him. His birthday is coming up soon, which is a perfect opportunity. Mr. Ellis loves collecting antiques, and Irene has been looking for antiques lately.” Yonas said with a slight smile.
Yasmine’s expression relaxed. “Are you trying to make the Sanchez family compete with the White family?”
“Your cousin has been researching this piece of land for quite some time,” Yonas added.
“So you want me to buy antiques here to give to Mr. Ellis?” Yasmine asked.
Youas continued, “Mr. Ellis is a Christian and loves al
sorts of rosary beads.”
111
15:59 Sat, Oct 26 BG.
Chapter
207
Yasmine glanced at the various antiques in Anteque Curios & Relics, trying to find the rosary beads among them.
33%
The atmosphere grew heavy as a dark cloud drifted across the eastern sky, blocking the sunlight. Inside Anteque Curios & Relics, there were over twenty elaborately carved rosewood treasure racks, each compartment filled with a precious item.
Yonas was warmly welcomed by the shop owner himself, “Mr. Russell, we have a new collection of antiques that just arrived. Please take a look”
Yasmine followed them to another treasure room, equally packed with numerous treasure racks.
Yonas asked. “Do you have anything related to God?”
The owner laughed and said. “It’s quite strange lately; people have been asking about antiques related to God for several days now. Just a few days ago, we sold a painting of God.” He whispered, “But honestly, many things have been sold, yet not much of the really good stuff. You know, these antiques don’t come with a price tag, and the best items are displayed on the top floor. We don’t usually bring them out, but since you’re here and have the means, we can make an exception.”
Yasmine understood that he was right. Not many people could afford truly priceless items, so they didn’t even bother showcasing them.
But Yonas was different: he had wealth and power.
“Let’s go take a look, Yonas said.
