A Graduation Gift

Everyone knew that the wildly successful orchestral concert held in G City a few months ago was sponsored by the Tang Group. If they were ever interested in Amanda's concert, they sure would have made it show by talking with her agent already. Well, it's easy to be wise after the event.

"Mr. Tang, you are such a generous president. It is my greatest pelasure to host a solo concert in G City. We all know this city is rapidly expanding and its future looks bright, so it's an honor to gain recognition by the people here,"

voiced Amanda, her face masked with a smile, hiding her true feelings of disgust in her heart. Everybody knew Lionel was just a vice president, but Amanda called him 'president' to make him feel good. Lionel was easily complacent.

"No, no, no, it's our pleasure to invite such a rising star like you to host a concert in G City."

Lionel returned with a big, fat smile on his smug face.

"By the way, I heard that your wife, Cassandra Qin, has recently been awarded the best design in an international competition. She is so amazing considering she's the first Chinese to win such a prestigious award. You indeed have a good wife."

Amanda pretended that she didn't know about their divorce, mainly because she wanted to embarrass Lionel. 'Well, to be fair, they haven't made it public yet, ' thought Amanda.

Lionel winced slightly when he heard Cassandra's name, but quickly recovered. He recalled the strange feeling in his chest when he saw Cassandra this morning.

"Oh! I just saw your wife having coffee with Mr. Luo at the Starbucks by the corner. They really looked serious and seemed like they were discussing business. Such a dedicated duo!"

Her words were a bombshell. She didn't even give Lionel anytime to think about why she mentioned Cassandra and Rufus.

Upon hearing this, Lionel was speechless for a while. 'Cassandra having coffee with Rufus?'

He remembered Rufus always had Cassandra's back, and he even beat him up just for her. Lionel had always suspected something was up between the two, but he never had any hard evidence to show for it.

'She went to Rufus right after our divorce. Is there something going on between them?' Lionel mused inwardly.'

He didn't betray his thoughts to Amanda. To keep from the awkward situation, Lionel forced a smile and said, "Manager Qin is very busy these days. She was probably just discussing some of her designs with Mr. Luo."

He looked calm when he replied. However, there was turmoil deep inside his mind. He was starting to form a plan to verify his guess.

Although Lionel did well to disguise his agitation, Amanda saw through it easily.

"Please come to my concert, your wife is welcome as well. I'm afraid I must go now,"

Amanda beamed before turning around to leave his office, her back slowly shrinking from the distance.

Lionel's smile faded after she left. He then murmured to himself with a grim expression, "Cassandra..."

tone was cold as ice that

Rufus while we were married, it would all make sense that she pushed Ivy down the stairs for me to divorce her. Kicking her out was too light a punishment. I will have to destroy her entire life, '

affair in the first place, and how they conspired with each other to

promptly taking a sip

design of the amusement park is basically finished, and you can always tell me if I need to adjust any details. I'm

of their divorce agreement—Leaving the Tang Group and no

latter really hurt her career, Cassandra

met her eyes after scanning through

if you really want this job. An agreement is

a frown. He thought Cassandra was taking this too

company that would be taking the hit. She was familiar with how the Group operated, and she had already become the rising star in her department. Her resignation would make

president divorced his wife and thew her out of the company. It was better to keep everything on a low profile.

with Lionel, she wanted to begin a new life with Rufus. She was adamant

of her leadership. She had decided to relocate the company to downtown for more

and I shall honor

Cassandra said firmly.

to a new life, ' Rufus thought as he stared at Cassandra intently.

I can

knew that the Qin Group was in a fine

can handle it,"

thing she wanted was asking for Rufus's help.

marrying me someday, so your business is

placed his hand on Cassandra's hand

you that you will never be alone

deserved to be saved, and he believed he could propel the company to the

father's business, so it's my burden to bear saving it,"

of the little girl who spent all her money just

would cave as soon as the man offered his

me lose my

as he took his hand back and sat up rigid.

the Oak Tree'? It was written

a deep breath, Cassandra started, "If I

a clinging trumpet creeper, using your high boughs

If I love you—