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."

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

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

her room as well. However, Horace's

tomorrow. You might need some time to understand how the company operates. I know

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 what would be in store, but she had to accept it anyway.

"Sure, Dad."

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

Rufus just came to our family not so long ago. But you seem to

of steel beneath it, and Cassandra successfully captured the warning in her tone. She lifted her chin and

is his sister-in-law, of course she has a responsibility to show him around and teach him about our family business. Cassandra, please don't

finding her reaction over the top. It was good that Cassandra wanted

not long ago herself. She is new to the business too. She doesn't

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

run into him today. I think I'll go upstairs

sounded quite sure of herself, despite the fact that her palms were sweating 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 to hold on to her pathetic lie? Jill had her breaking out in a cold sweat just now. Cassandra shook

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 her. A powerful hand reached out and encircled her waist

been so intimate with

was he in