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.

spread across Rufus's lips when Cassandra refused

would refuse his financial help, so he made sure

it is something that will

assured her

thinking for a while, Cassandra took

few seconds, Cassandra's face lit up with

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

in this competition after she graduated, but she completely forgot about its occurrence this year due to the many things that happened

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

he did not let his emotions show

is sponsored by a huge company, so its prize pool is quite large. Winning

to open in five days. A part of

for it. I might be eliminated at the very first

she pressed the notice against her chest,

will not work. The topic will be given on the spot

again. It seemed that he knew more about the competition

the prize money on the paper, Cassandra felt thrilled.

to pay

win this competition, my father's company will be

This is the best

said as she started to blush.

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

her while protecting her pride and giving her space to work on it herself. He was truly a thoughtful

trip to New York so I will be going with you," Rufus

ulterior motive was to meet the designer who claimed that his design was copied

the sorrow in her heart disappear.

days later, Cassandra arrived in

office of the organizing committee. She had impressed the judges

saw your designs in China. They are unique and innovative. We are looking forward to

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

or you will not be allowed to enter the competition site,"

'I will do my best to win. I have to

Rufus took her to a famous western restaurant. As soon as they sat

herself and went to a silent corner.

up. Can you give me some money?" the girl

Cloris to ask her for