A Graduation Gift

Rufus turned to Lionel's direction and cocked an eyebrow, expecting some sort of explanation.

"What are you talking about? Cassandra gets the shares because she's earned it. I did not have a hand in this I swear. What does it have to do with me?"

Rufus was indignant at Lionel's mutterings because he knew that Lionel was just trying to rock the boat. Lionel turned to Cassandra, "Cassandra, you're one of us. We can help you manage the vast Qin Group. You won't even have to lift a finger. This is obviously a win-win situation. You realize that, don't you?"

Rufus's answer was irrefutable, so Lionel tried to appeal to a different side of things.

Cassandra sighed deeply, visibly weary and resigned. It was as clear as day the Tang family wanted to take this opportunity to acquire Qin Group. Who could blame her for wanting to protect it?

"Listen, Lionel. I will never, ever, give up my father's legacy to anyone. Even if it is on the verge of bankruptcy, I won't just abandon it at the first sign of reprieve. This is my commitment to my family. You glibly said that I was one of you. Now, I want you to ask yourself, and I mean really think about it, if you have ever seen me as a member of this family."

Lionel was as stubborn as a bull. Cassandra was too tired to face him or Horace. She was weary from all the hurt pent up inside. She had devoted herself to the Tang family, but they never regarded her as part of the family.

"I lost my appetite. I'm going up to rest."

Cassandra stood up and promptly turned around, fully intent on just getting to bed, but no sooner had she taken her first step than Lionel continued to criticize her.

"You're feeling guilty, aren't you? You are a bona fide employee of the Tang Group, yet you also work for Qin Group. I wonder if you have ever used your position to your advantage to seek benefits for Qin Group."

Rufus stared icily at Lionel who was clearly making a fool of himself. He had failed outright in the task Horace asked him to do, so now he was just trying to embarrass Cassandra.

The Tang Group, for so many years, had dominated the industry in G City, but now Rufus saw a slight decline.

He would eventually witness its decline right before his very eyes. Like a frail old man on his deathbed, it would eventually succumb to the long, dark sleep.

A few days later, Cassandra was in her office, burying herself in work. A messenger came by and gave her new commissions. She almost squealed in surprise when she saw that she had received the design commission for the Ferris wheel.

As he promised, Rufus had talked with Dawn Star Group regarding the amusement park project; and Tang Group would be in charge of the construction of the Ferris wheel.

Cassandra's phone vibrated. It was a text from Rufus.

"Congratulations, your dream of designing the Ferris wheel is one step closer to fruition."

Her cheeks turned a bit scarlet red, and she unconsciously closed her eyes and held the phone close to her heart, unable to contain the fountain of emotions.

Good news came when people least expected it. With the river running through the city at its heart, the government was pushing for a tourist-centric area to be built which integrated urbanization, scenic vistas and food culture. Moreover, a film and television base would be built in the ancient site of G City. For a time, the massive undertaking of the industrial area had made headlines.

and solid business in G City, Tang Group had been handpicked by the government as one of the most important construction firms of the industrial area and was invited to attend the opening

Tang Group, Cassandra

said to have won the heart of the largest investor in the undertaking. The investor loved her design so much that he had his assistant hand-delivered the invitation to her in person.

on the other hand, had been in good mood these days. Although he couldn't attend the opening ceremony due to his increasing frailty, Rufus, Lionel and Cassandra would be there to represent him.

ceremony. If the Tang Group could attract

the opening ceremony. Lionel took his wife Cassandra to meet

of eyes burning holes through her at all times.

She needed to endure all of this and force a smile while following Lionel

party came to an end. Cassandra promptly left and stopped pretending to be in good

in front of her car.

that you don't want to be with me. Is it that

Cassandra embarrassed him by refusing him when he

let's not make a scene here, shall we?

and smiled at the passing people, worried

we are and who's watching, we should be

to his car

to drive it back. Lionel, for a long time, I have just seen myself as an

slammed the door shut. She was already some distance away as she

barely contain his anger as he clenched his

ingrate!' he swore inwardly.

and emotionally when she got home. She dragged her tired legs all the way

going downstairs, cradling a glass vase. She stopped to talk to Cassandra when

gave her a hard time when walking.

he's coming home late. I didn't stay with

through. She knew that she was a thorn in Ivy's side, so she

stepped aside to let Ivy pass. Before continuing downstairs, Ivy reached to grabb her sleeve, stretching

know. You're extremely well-known now and have also taken over your father's company. You have enough on your plate. Being Lionel's wife means nothing

smiled all throughout when she said this, but her eyes

wife has never even helped getting me to where I

She wanted Cassandra out of the Tang family,

of being pushed around. She had given it her all to get everything she wanted, and she had a good reason

That I'm good-for-nothing and all I do is

so she could act like a socialite in public, living the high life.