A Graduation Gift

As she entered Rufus's office with her completed design, Cassandra found him sitting on the sofa, swirling a glass of wine. He seemed lost in thought.

"Mr. Luo, this is my design of the nursing home. Please check it before I submit to our partner,"

she said as she put her work on Rufus's desk and waited for his reply.

Rufus took a sip of wine and closed his eyes, enjoying its flavor and sensation as he swallowed it down his throat.

"How is your father doing?"

asked Rufus instead of acknowledging Cassandra's request. One of his subordinates managed to locate the IP address of the poster. It was in New York. He already sent someone to look into it.

Cassandra's thoughts on the matter interested him.

"My father… He should be punished by what he has done, but I don't think his company should go bankrupt. I am determined to do my best to save it," she replied.

In reality, Cassandra had no idea how to help her father's company. Still, she was not about to show weakness in front of Rufus. She did not need anyone's sympathy, especially his.

Rufus stifled a sigh. He knew everything about Cassandra and her situation. The only way to save her father's company was by paying a fine. It would be impossible for her to come up with such a vast amount of money.

Rufus stood up and gave her an envelope.

"Open it," he said.

Cassandra hesitated. A part of her did not want to take it.

"What are you thinking about? Just take it,"

urged Rufus as he pushed the envelope closer to her.

"No, Mr. Luo, I can't accept your money!"

Cassandra stepped back stubbornly.

She knew that raising the money would be difficult, but she was determined to try.

She would not let the Qin Group go bankrupt. She would sell their villa and rent an apartment for her family if she had to.

Since the villa was bought many years ago, it had already increased in value. It would sell for a good price. Cassandra also had some friends back in Rome who were willing to lend her money. Another option was to apply for a loan.

The last thing she wanted to do was to borrow or accept money from the Tang family. This included Rufus. It would be a huge blow to her ego.

across Rufus's lips when Cassandra

help, so he made sure that the envelope did not contain

not money, but it is something that

her

Cassandra took the envelope and opened

a few seconds, Cassandra's face lit up with excitement.

from the International Architectural Design Competition. Held every five years, it was a stage coveted by

this competition after she graduated, but she completely forgot about its occurrence this year due to the many things that happened recently. It was a

the judging panel, including your previous works. They liked your designs and hoped you can take part in the competition in

with Cassandra's reaction. Still, he did not let his emotions show

is quite large. Winning would definitely give you a

the competition was to open in five days. A part of her felt scared that it was

for it. I might be eliminated at the very

she pressed the notice against her

The topic will be given on the spot and very few people can guess what it is as early as

It seemed that he knew more about the

at the prize money on

than enough to pay off

company will be saved, '

the best gift I've ever received,"

as she started

Rufus didn't

managed to help her while protecting her pride and giving her space to work on

two days. I have a business trip to New York so I

meet the designer who

nodded and felt the sorrow in her

arrived in New York with Rufus.

she got off the plane, Cassandra hurried to the office of the organizing committee. She had impressed the judges

and innovative. We are looking forward to

a judge with a full beard as he gave Cassandra an entry card with her

safe, or you will not be allowed to enter

the card in her hand. 'I will do my best

was already dinner time when she got out. Rufus took her to a famous western restaurant. As

gently excused herself and went to

is an opportunity to study abroad, and I want to sign up. Can you give me some money?"

to ask her for money in such an explicit