A Graduation Gift

The sound of heels clicking on the tiled floor faded as Cassandra watched Ivy's receding figure down the hall. When she was out of sight, Cassandra suddenly felt quite tired.

It was said that people always sympathized with the weak, and in this case—she felt sympathetic towards Ivy. Cassandra had truly felt sorry for her, yet she had no choice but to decline her request.

The heavy feeling in her body made her heart sink, but Cassandra tried to cheer herself up and continued to work on the design of the nursing home. Her attempt was successful as a few hours later she got so engrossed in her work that she even forgot to eat her lunch, which had been sent to her office earlier. Fortunately, her efforts had paid off. When it was time to get off duty, the brief draft was almost completed.

She had just ironed out some details in her work when the door burst open to reveal Victor, who looked cold and emotionless like usual.

"Manager Qin, please get yourself tidy up a bit. There is a meeting to discuss about the application of the Director of the Union. Mr. Luo wants you to go with him," he said in a flat voice.

Cassandra simply nodded in understanding.

Ever since Rufus had entered Tang Group, he had been gearing up for the set-up of the Union of Real Estate in G City. In his opinion, the possibilities were endless when many businesses came together and united. Many hands made the job light, after all.

The board was optimistic about his idea as well, thus, the whole process had been bouncing along.

Now, all the members had been already confirmed. The only thing left was the appointment of the Director of the Union, which would be decided by voting.

The high position was actually just a mere title, but winning it would elevate Tang Group's reputation.

Ultimately, only the strongest group in G City could gain recognition from the most members and win power through the ballot box.

Cassandra knew how much time and energy Rufus had devoted to preparing for the application. She understood that it was a crucial time for the leaders to discuss the matter.

After she finished getting ready, Cassandra went down to the ground floor lobby and walked out of the building. Rufus's Rolls Royce Phantom had already been waiting outside for her.

Upon getting in the car, she was surprised to see someone else was sitting inside as well.

"Michelle! Why are you here?" Cassandra asked. Michelle whipped her head around from the passenger seat.

Her lips curved into a smile, the shocked expression on Cassandra's face making her quite happy.

"Would you mind if I join you? Rufus, let's move!" Michelle said friendly.

Finally, the car engine started and they drove off to their destination. The trip was fairly quiet, but a thousand questions boggled Cassandra's mind. She managed to refrain from asking any of them.

It was apparently Rufus's idea to ask Michelle to accompany them. Although she didn't know why, she still trusted him and thought that to stay silent might be a good choice.

After some time of driving, the car finally halted near the gate of a five-star hotel. Rufus signaled for them to get off, then drove away without a word.

"What? Isn't Mr. Luo going with us?" Cassandra couldn't get more confused. She was told to go with him for a business appointment.

without any explanation.

hand held Cassandra's arm. She turned around to see Michelle, with a smile painted

are the only one we need. Let's go, ' cheered Michelle.

hotel. After a few moments, they

women chatted leisurely inside. A relatively older woman greeted

There you are! Come, come here! We've been waiting for you for a long time! Oh? This is...?" The woman

was clear that she didn't know her. However, Michelle cast her a

recognize her? I thought you would! Lyndsy sent her the dress from my auction. Don't you remember? She's a friend of Lyndsy's!" Michelle said.

nudged

auction as well. They

pretty lady. What's her name? Cassandra? Right?" one

a much younger woman, and her hands clapped excitedly in surprise.

her here to make us feel jealous? You know how much we love

light and casual as the rest of the ladies began to strike up a

Michelle inched closer beside Cassandra. "They are families of some prominent political figures in this city. Take the chance,"

turn, Cassandra understood and

of Union mainly depended on votes, those in the upper management still had the final say on which

bring Cassandra to the hotel to establish a good relationship with these ladies, in case that Tang Group might ask

instantly joined the conversation and had no problems fitting right in. However, Cassandra was still a rookie when it came to these things. She seldom attended such activities and surely had no clue on how to mingle so she didn't say much.

Michelle, Cassandra knew that the relatively older woman

in G City seemed like her fashion circle. She had a lot of friends from the upper

And so, the table was set up. Cassandra was nominated, whether

no, no. I don't know how to play this

game of mahjong before, nor did

no for an answer. "It's okay! I'll sit next to you. I can teach you! Everyone woman is supposed to know how to play it!"

squeezed Cassandra's shoulder to keep her from running away, and then she sat down behind her to offer suggestions during the game.

to say that her life revolved around her designs. She had no spare time and energy to play games

you don't know the rules. I'll be your first teacher in this case!"

her lack of skill in the game.

listen carefully. You know something? When you are older and retired, you could at least play mahjong

was drawing the tiles while happily chatting

I heard that playing it

Michelle was the wife of the secretary of construction committee. It was she who proposed to play

a nursing home in that situation. Oh, speaking of that, rumor has it that a new nursing home will be built in our city. It has been reported

the key words. Wasn't it

might not be a good mahjong player, but she was an expert when it came to the