A Graduation Gift

Winter was coming, along with the howling north wind. A branch snapped off a tree in the wind, while another branch of the same tree showed no signs of weakness. In fact it seemed to have been strengthened by the fall of the other branch.

Tang Group was as same as the unaffected branch. Stable in the face of difficulties, the company had become better under Rufus's leadership.

It was time for most companies to invite bids in the winter and Rufus was not only winning bids in G City but also expanding and scaling up operations in other cities.

More and more of the projects also brought Cassandra and Rufus chances to work together.

'Rufus is charming when he's focused at work. He stands out from the crowd by his confidence and charisma. When he speaks at meetings…'

Cassandra shook her head to stop her train of thought. 'He is the last man I could fall in love with.'

Distracted, her thoughts wandered to Lionel, who rarely showed up in the company these days.

'It's a good thing, ' thought Cassandra, as she would have more time and motivation to work.

Beyond the question, Horace was satisfied with Rufus. Although it was the first stint for Rufus working with the Tang Group, he was quite able as a leader. Everyone looked up to him and believed he was someone worthy of staying at the helm of the company.

Going by how well the company was doing, Horace believed that Rufus was better suited than Lionel for leadership. In a short time, Rufus had come up with a new proposal for expansion - a move which would see the Tang Group diversify to other areas beyond real estate.

The increasingly busy schedule for Rufus however got Horace concerned that the young man might have little time to think about marriage.

"Rufus, there is a wine party next week," began Horace, careful in broaching the subject. "I think it's a great event for meeting young people of your age. Who knows, you could find yourself a wife at such events," he added, carefully watching Rufus's reaction.

As much as he could, Horace tried to keep the talk causal. Although he was being implicit, everyone at the table had realized what he meant.

Knowing that Ivy's tummy was getting bigger and bigger day by day, Lionel thought he had the game in his hands. 'I'll take her for an ultrasound scan. If it's confirmed to be a boy, I'll gain an advantage that could take me way ahead of Rufus.'

When she heard Horace's words, Cassandra slowed down, eating as if some invisible powerful claws had gripped on her heart.

But her sister, Cloris was excited. Right off the bat, she requested, "Uncle Horace, may I go to the party?"

Although Cloris' politeness had left a good impression on Horace, it was not enough for him to make the decision at once. In addition, although she hadn't made any terrible mistakes at work, her manager still rated her as impatient and lacking in creativity.

Horace knew she had a long way to go if she was going to last on the job.

Compared with Cassandra who had a strong work ethic and enviable creativity, Horace hoped that Cloris would learn and improve in many areas. She needed chances, and perhaps more experiences.

Recently, Cassandra had earned herself quite a name with imaginative input into the project of the hospital branch. Her attentiveness and talents had greatly facilitated in negotiations with investors into the Tang Group and other partners.

a wife for Lionel. Now he hoped

Rufus, but Rufus seemed to take her

would not help Rufus much in his business, so he was reluctant to approve of her relationship

Horace didn't think Cloris would affect Rufus

be easily convinced by a woman,

go with your sister, and your brother-in-law will

opinion leaders together. For young professionals and entrepreneurs, it would be

face lit up with

Horace! My parents had never gave me a chance to attend the party. They always used my age as an excuse. Since I have

to her naive sister,

trademark - mellow wine, gentlemen in suits and ladies in gowns, was

Cloris was not an

picking one tomorrow? I'll buy you

hugged Cassandra from her behind. She pressed her face against Cassandra's nape and said merrily, "You are the best sister in the world, ever! Thank

admired the lovely chemistry between the

smiled at their harmony.

acting and no

next day, Cassandra received

name and a passage with

dress designer in G City. I have ordered a dress for

at the message. She had not expect that Rufus could be so gentle. Guarded and businesslike

dress designer in G City, maybe she can choose one for Cloris too, ' thought Cassandra.

had sent to her, Cassandra and Cloris arrived at a private

signpost was a well crafted L-shape, modestly done in black at the top and white at

simple that she would not figure out what business

eyes flashed when she saw the unobtrusive

how did you know

Cassandra knew this famous designer. Cassandra was confused because she first heard the

you heard something

wondering why Cloris

that twenty years have passed her designs are

by the fact that the

me to her studio in G City without telling me in advance. What a sweet

surprise, Cloris gripped Cassandra's hand and merrily led her