A Graduation Gift

Inside the Tang mansion, the rooms were lit up brilliantly.

When Rufus and Cassandra returned home, they saw Horace and Jill casually drinking tea in the living room.

The older pair looked up. As soon as Horace spotted Rufus, he greeted him with a splendid smile and open arms.

"Rufus! Good to see you. Have you had your dinner already? Would you like to eat something?"

However, his enthusiasm was not well received. Rufus remained aloof and nodded briefly at the question. Cassandra, who had been hiding behind him, stepped out timidly, facing her in-laws with a forced smile on her face.

"Hi Dad. Hi Mom."

Her voice came out timid. Seeing her, Jill shot up from the sofa, looking positively resentful.

"How is it that you two have come home together?"

Surprised to see them standing so close that their shoulders almost touched, Jill lashed out at Cassandra. Her blatant stare made Cassandra quiver with unease.

She had to look away in order to avoid further questions. Acting composedly was the only way to avoid exposing the truth.

"Well, I was hanging out with some friends tonight. I happened to come across Rufus at the pub's exit. So we came home together. It's no big deal."

guiltless stance and smooth words amused Rufus greatly. A corner of his mouth curled up in a lop-sided grin as he realized that she had no qualms about lying to the faces of her in-laws. She was quite a skilled actress. However, he had no intention of staying back with Horace and wasting time, so he fixed his father with an indifferent look, simply

to the staircase, he cast a profound look in Cassandra's direction. Then, without further delay, he bolted straight to

sniffed silently, deciding to retire to her room

tomorrow. You might need some time to understand how the

her father-in-law wordlessly, wondering if she had heard him right. Horace seemed to have a sincere look in his eyes. She knew she couldn't refuse his offer, as it was out of good intentions. She had no idea

"Sure, Dad."

appreciation. On the other hand, Jill did not look happy at all. She stared at Cassandra with open hostility in

not so

lifted her chin and looked at Jill with her pretty eyes, not saying anything in return. She was not a fool. She knew what Jill was trying to imply. Jill looked suspicious and resentful. Cassandra secretly clenched her

of course

a stern look, finding her reaction over the top. It was good that Cassandra wanted to help Rufus feel more welcomed. Jill was sniffing for trouble where

is new to the business too. She doesn't know much about the

snapped back. As a woman, she was intuitive

today. I think

left, Cassandra exhaled softly. How long would she able

door open. The room was shrouded in darkness. As she was about to switch on the lights, she felt the air in front of her shift as someone

with each other. Yet you dare to claim you don't know

the shivers. She could feel sweat start to form on her smooth forehead, but she didn't reach to wipe it off. In the pitch darkness, she heard the loud pounding of her heart ringing in her ears. Why was he in her room? What did he want? Did he actually get a kick out of giving her a hard time? Was that it? The way he kept pestering her was so uncalled for. She wished he would just leave her alone.