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."

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

a profound look in Cassandra's direction. Then, without

the room, Cassandra sniffed silently, deciding to retire to her room as well. However, Horace's

it has been quite some time since you came home from abroad. I think it would be 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.

eyes. She knew she couldn't refuse

"Sure, Dad."

She stared at Cassandra with open hostility in her eyes, as if prying her daughter-in-law's mind

so

tone. She lifted her chin and looked at Jill with her pretty eyes, not

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

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 there was none.

not long ago herself. She is new to

she was intuitive about these things. Cassandra gulped and lowered her head

well. I just happened to run into him today. I think I'll go upstairs now. It has been a long day. Good

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 to hold on to her pathetic lie? Jill had her breaking out in a cold sweat just now. Cassandra shook her head as she marched upstairs. The overwhelming guilt in her heart would eat

about to switch on the lights, she

never fail to surprise me. We have been so intimate with each other. Yet you dare to claim you don't know

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