A Graduation Gift

It is said that a man has gold under his knees - he should never show his weakness by kneeling before another person. Yet here Lionel found himself kneeling to Cassandra, but of course that was because Rufus had made him. He collapsed in a heap, rocking back and forth, trying to find a way to get up off the floor.

Lionel felt absolutely humiliated. He had never kneeled to anyone in his life. The awkward gesture rendered Cassandra startled. She gasped as she covered her mouth with her tiny hands, her eyes filled with surprise.

"Rufus, forget it. I didn't get hurt anyway. Let him go."

Cassandra was afraid that the spectators would make mountains out of molehills. She wanted everything to be copacetic, for everyone to get along. She hated drama. At her words, Lionel broke free from Rufus.

But Lionel was furious and ready for a rematch. Between his impetuousness and Rufus's machismo, they were poised to go at each other again. Fortunately, someone had called hotel security. Security guards arrived just in time to wrestle the two away from each other.

"Rufus, this is not over! Don't even think we are done. I'll get you back for this someday, when you least expect it! And I swear it'll hurt far worse than your weak-ass kick."

Lionel glared at Rufus like a cat gone feral, aching to sink his teeth into some blood and flesh. He gnashed his teeth and pointed two fingers at Rufus as he turned to leave the hotel. Rufus, for his part, kept it cool as Lionel bolted his way out of the door.

Lionel caught one last look at Cassandra as he left. His foul mood had been brewing and demanded that he had to leave now, before his ego took anymore damage. So he looked away quickly and sped up his pace to get the hell out of there.

A sudden and unexpected farce had come to an end. After Lionel left, there was a worried look on Cassandra's face and her eyebrows furrowed. She bit her lips subconciously. Lionel wouldn't give up easily this time. He wouldn't stop until he ferreted out the truth. The man was on a crusade.

If Lionel didn't stop at this incident – if he didn't let go of Rufus during their scuffle and tracked down the clues – sooner or later, he would find out what had happened between Cassandra and Rufus that night in Rome. And if that actually happened, it would be a disaster.

"Don't worry. I'm here with you,"

Rufus said to Cassandra, hoping to bring her a bit of comfort. He could feel her anxiety and worry. Rufus gazed at Cassandra lovingly as he glided toward her. His gentle voice was magical, easing her fears.

Cassandra raised her eyes to meet his and nodded her head.

She didn't know why, but she felt so secure having him around her, as always.

couldn't help but long to depend

Tang mansion blazed with light in

mansion together, Jill walked right up to Cassandra

so fast that even Rufus, who was vigilant at

soothe her stinging cheek. But it was hard to stanch

for no reason? Who gave you the

voice broke the silence. His face took on a

and yelled, "I slapped her for no reason? Really? I'm teaching my daughter-in-law a

plastered with makeup, looked hideous inside and out after saying such nasty words. She glared at Cassandra, imagining tearing her apart, limb by

back. Cassandra's worry

makes you think I am a

From her newly

Cassandra? Lionel told me everything. He said that you and Rufus were having affairs. You've cheated on my son! No wonder you are an illegitimate child, Rufus. The fish rots from the head down. I couldn't care less about your personal life, but this woman is my son's wife!

to badger Rufus and Cassandra. She even had insulted Rufus's

dare say that

to discern his mood, but there was a glimmer of something frightening in

don't you? I tell you what. Both of you are shameless and care

by the furrowed, angry look on his face. But she knew that she was still in the Tang mansion and no matter how angry

by the increasing discontent. Even Cassandra,

out his hands from

it that you want to do to me?

close proximity to her. She stepped back out of instinct as

nuts! You're embarrassing

scary and precarious moment, Horace came out of the