A Graduation Gift

Neon lights blazed in the most bustling street in the metropolis. The night looked seductive with its endless stream of people and rushing traffic.

A high-end restaurant was located on the street, where Horace had booked a box to celebrate Cassandra's return to the city.

On the way to the restaurant, Lionel didn't utter a word to Cassandra. She too kept her mouth shut, having nothing to say.

Horace kept glancing at the pair with worry. What was going on between his son and his daughter-in-law? There was no love between them, but Horace had assumed good feelings would foster with time.

Cassandra just came home from abroad. It was the appropriate time for his son to take the next step in their relationship. If Cassandra could bless him with kids, it would prove to be great for the relations between the Tang and the Qin Families.

Cassandra took her seat once they entered the restaurant. Lionel quickly side-stepped her and sat next to his mother, Jill, without looking at his wife even once.

Cassandra was quite accustomed to this. She wore a neutral expression on her face, unmoved by Lionel's actions. She knew how to play the role of the obedient daughter-in-law in this family, and in her mind, that was enough. Anything more on her part was unwarranted.

"Since everyone is here, I'd like to make an announcement on this good occasion."

The dishes were being served up one by one. Horace cleared his throat. There was a look of dignity on his face even though he felt dejected deep down.

"What's the matter?"

Jill asked, the only person in the room paying attention. Cassandra had no interest in anything that occurred in this family, but she gave a look of faint curiosity anyway.

From the opposite side of the table, Lionel observed the look of false solicitude on Cassandra's face, a shadow of a cold smile playing upon his lips. He clicked his tongue silently. After so many years, the woman's acting was still sharp.

"Rufus will be back tomorrow. I hope each one of you treats him like family."

words were finally out. He had hardly finished speaking when Jill's glass of red wine crashed to the floor with a loud noise.

broken glass, Cassandra froze. Jill rose up from her chair, her exquisitely made-up face full of

way that's happening. I won't allow it! Why didn't you discuss

shrill voice, forgetting where she was. Horace gazed at her coldly, disheartened but not surprised at

you have the right

his deep-set eyes quietening her immediately. Jill stumbled a

didn't affect Lionel in the least, who still sat wearing a not-in-my-back-yard expression on his face. The air around the table turned grave. Cassandra didn't know the man Horace mentioned, though she felt the name a bit familiar. She wondered who he was, and how he could make

"Lionel, take Cassandra home."

was already sick of being in this place, so the

in-laws a forced smile and followed after Lionel as fast as she

issues. Cassandra sighed in relief as soon as she

back door to get inside. She didn't have any

in the car, cautious to maintain a distance from her husband. Lionel got into the driver's seat and looked at Cassandra through the rear-view mirror. He saw the wariness on her delicate face, the defensive stance she exuded and gave out a light,

give you permission to get

said in a husky but ruthless voice, still staring at her image. Cassandra instantly raised her head as a fleeting look of disbelief flashed

so many years, Cassandra, you still know how

face twisted into a sneer as he issued the command.

ears. This man was unimaginably cruel. How

have my purse with me. If you give me some money, I can

very still. The timidness in her expression would have

was actually asking for his money to take a taxi back home? Lionel had always hated her, so he found it easy to look for faults