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 refused

his financial help, so he

but it is something

assured her

for a while, Cassandra took the envelope and opened it.

face lit up with

from the International Architectural Design Competition. Held every five years, it

forgot about its occurrence this year due to the many things that happened recently. It was a pleasant surprise that Rufus had already

They liked your designs and hoped you can take part in the competition in the United

said, happy with Cassandra's reaction. Still, he did not let his

company, so its prize pool is quite large. Winning would definitely give you a huge

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

too sudden. I didn't prepare anything for it. I might be eliminated at the very first

pressed the notice against

the spot and very few people can guess

reassured Cassandra again. It seemed that he knew more about the competition

at the prize money on

than enough to pay off the fine.

competition, my father's company will be saved, ' she

Luo. This is the best gift

as she started

most was not silver or gold, but respect. Rufus didn't

her space to work on it herself. He was

trip to New York so I will be going

motive was to meet the designer who claimed that his

and felt the sorrow in her

days later, Cassandra arrived in

to the office of the organizing committee. She had impressed the

designs in China. They are unique and innovative. We are looking forward to witnessing your talents in the

full beard as he gave Cassandra an entry card

keep this safe, or you will not be allowed to enter the competition

Cassandra then left the office with the card in her hand. 'I will do my best to win. I have to save father's

dinner time when she got out. Rufus took her to a famous western restaurant. As soon as they sat down, Cassandra received a phone

gently excused herself and went to a silent

abroad, and I want to sign up. Can you give me some

ask her for money