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.

smile spread across Rufus's lips when

help, so he made sure

down. It's not money, but it is something that will help

her

Cassandra took

Cassandra's face lit up

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

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

works. They liked your designs and hoped you can take part in

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

prize pool is quite large. Winning

through the invite, Cassandra found that the competition was to open in five days. A part of her felt scared that it was too late to prepare.

it. I might

said as she pressed the notice

preparation will not work. The topic will be given on the spot and very few people can guess what it is as early

that he knew more about the competition than her.

the prize money on the paper, Cassandra felt

than enough to

competition, my father's company will

the best gift I've ever

said as she started to blush.

not silver or gold, but respect. Rufus didn't give her money, but what he gave her was

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

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

designer who claimed that

sorrow in

arrived in New

as she got off the plane, Cassandra hurried to the office of the organizing

and innovative. We are looking forward to

judge with a full beard as he gave Cassandra an entry card with her name and number on

allowed to enter the competition site," he

her hand. 'I will do my best to win. I have to save father's company,"

her to a famous western restaurant. As soon as they sat down, Cassandra

gently excused herself and went to a silent

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

expect Cloris to ask her for money in