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."

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

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

sniffed silently, deciding to retire to her room as well. However, Horace's words stopped her in her tracks.

need some time to understand how the company operates. I know you topped in your classes abroad. I believe you would make a difference to the company and its

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,

"Sure, Dad."

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

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

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 imply. Jill looked suspicious and resentful. Cassandra

of course she has a responsibility to show him around and teach him about our family

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

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

snapped back. As a woman, she was intuitive about these things. Cassandra gulped and

into him today. I think I'll go upstairs now. It has been

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

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

never fail to surprise me. We have been so intimate with each other. Yet you dare

her 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