A Graduation Gift

Amanda was astonished at the manner in which the mayor spoke; he seemed a completely different man. She knew the mayor as a family friend. They had discussed about the candidate for the spokesman, and it was sort of agreed on that Rufus would be the one representing the Industrial Tourism District with Amanda. But, why was the mayor acting so strangely today?

"Excuse me a moment, Miss Ke, I am going to announce the results!" Mayor said.

With a formal and polite smile, the mayor stepped onto the stage.

Being the most important part of the ball, all the people hushed, waiting intently for the announcement to be read out.

It would be a great honour for whoever became the spokesperson of G City. Being an integral part of the government, G City could advertise abroad, making it appealing to the tourists trade. In addition, it was to promote and advance one's career, and a great mission to be working with Miss Amanda Ke.

Rumour had it that the favourite to win by a mile would be Rufus.

As the Director of the Union of Real Estate, the Tang Group was naturally a powerful candidate. Amanda having a close relationship with the Tang Group was by no means a surprise if the government chose Rufus.

All eyes were on the centre podium. The mayor, facing the microphone, pulled out the page with a name. Nervously clearing his throat, he began.

"Spokesperson of the G City Industrial Tourism District, is conferred to our local entrepreneur..."

He paused, sort of teasing the audience playfully, and his eyes swept a glance at the audience.

Waiting in silence, Rufus still wore a expressionless mask on his face.

Amanda became a little anxious, stealing a quick glance at Rufus. Fearing Rufus would say a tactless remark as he did last time at her concert. This could embarrass the mayor on today's important occasion.

A very confident man stood beaming in the audience, pushing his already protruding chest out further than before.

"The president of Dawn Star Group, Mr. Arthur Zhuang! Congratulations!"

The mayor resumed in his loud and clear voice, followed by an uncomfortable silence.

'Arthur Zhuang? How could this be? Wasn't it supposed to be Rufus?'

Amanda was astonished. She had been given a reassuring promise from the local government. Rufus would be the spokesperson. How come it turned out to be Arthur instead?

Rufus never changed his detached look, disguising his true emotions which grew more intensive and showed in his eyes.

applause broke the silence, which drew the remaining audience out of shock, before they applauded

smoothed his tie, wearing his confident smile, and strolled onto the stage to deliver his speech. The mayor stood by, smiling decadently, yet stealing a glance

you would never have had a chance, ' the mayor cursed within him. Resentfully the mayor watched Arthur having his moment of glory. 'The wheel turns my friend, I'll be watching you.

been abusing the public funds. If found guilty, the mayor would have to pay back the funds, be publicly humiliated and even loose his position. His family and friends would abandon him. After a lot of deliberation,

man who was delivering his amiable speech, was as vicious as a devil. At the thought

at Amanda, motioning her onto the

smiling back, Amanda walked slowly towards the stage and

and strange. Amanda was at a loss for words unable to respond, throwing an appealing look at

result happened to go as he wished, Rufus however remained nonchalant. He

information behind this result. A mixture of gut and curiosity, would spur him on to disclose the truth behind

the same time, the music resumed, and the party continued as the shock of the event muffled in the excitement which engulfed the hall.

spotted the silhouette standing on the stage was not Rufus, Cassandra wondered what to

advantage for Rufus, ' Cassandra thought. Nevertheless, she was quite relieved that she didn't

their contradicting emotions and thoughts. Cassandra knew she needed to get a grasp on it.

blissfully unaware of a evil plot compiling to destroy her. Ivy was intent of getting even with Cassandra. She blamed her for

cried

some reason. Cassandra couldn't figure out what was happening. Ivy had her knees already on the ground, her hands supporting her body, bellowing accusations at Cassandra.

large crowed had their full

to see the extent of the damage, whispering to each

touched anyone around her. "This woman again, what was she up to now..." There was some little buzz of conversation went among the crowd. "Gee, Mr. Horace Tang's former daughter-in-law is making a scene

up, staring at

Qin! How can you be

accused Cassandra, keep the attention on them. She used a

Don't do this Ivy, you trying to frame me. Why are you doing this? Are you

these lengths, what was more, with such a large

can you do this to me? I'm sorry Lionel has left you,

interrupting Cassandra as she

people moved forward and began to

lady is Cassandra, the present manager of the Qin Group. How could she be so mean

quite a decent girl and having

has been known to be the difficult type. It's been said that when she was

cute. Well,