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."

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,

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

to retire to her room as well.

ideal that you go to work with Rufus tomorrow. You might need some time to understand how the company operates. I know you topped in your classes abroad. I

She widened her eyes and stared back at 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."

at all. She stared at Cassandra with open

not so long ago. But you seem to be getting along with him

not loud, but it had a hint of steel beneath it, and Cassandra successfully captured the warning in her tone. She 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

lot of things he needs to learn. Cassandra is his sister-in-law, of course she has a

finding her reaction over the top. It was good that Cassandra wanted to help Rufus feel more

new to the

was intuitive about these

into him today. I think I'll go upstairs now. It has been a long day. Good

under Jill's gaze. Jill just rolled her eyes and snorted with derision. Then, she clutched Horace's arm and sauntered to their room with him. Once they left, Cassandra exhaled softly. How long would she able

on her chest, still shaken by Jill's sharp misgivings. Taking a deep breath, she slowly pushed the bedroom 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 stepped in front of

been so intimate with each other. Yet you dare to claim

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.