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.

which drew the remaining audience out of shock,

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

mayor watched Arthur having his moment of glory. 'The wheel

have to pay back the funds, be publicly humiliated and even loose his position. His family and friends would abandon him.

who was delivering his amiable speech, was as vicious as a devil. At the thought of Arthur, he

at Amanda, motioning

slowly towards the stage and finally stood next

strange. Amanda was at a loss for words unable

wished, Rufus however remained

of gut and curiosity, would spur him on to disclose the truth

tomorrow's headlines. At the same time, the music resumed, and the party continued as the shock of the event muffled in the excitement which engulfed

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

a great advantage for Rufus, ' Cassandra thought. Nevertheless, she was quite relieved that she didn't have to see Rufus and Amanda, standing together on the stage. She was vulnerable and knew how

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

evil plot compiling to destroy her. Ivy was intent of getting even with Cassandra. She blamed her for her miscarriage and seethed with bitterness towards her. Ivy who was closing on the little woman, had the assignment

Ivy cried

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

the attention she needed. A large crowed had their full attention squarely

damage, whispering to each other as many

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

at Cassandra with a

can you be so

She used a harsh

frame me. Why are you

Ivy would go to these lengths, what was more, with such a large audience and government officials standing

the divorce agreement. You have nothing to do with the Tangs, but how can you do this to me? I'm sorry Lionel has left you, but you

kept interrupting Cassandra as she

moved forward and began

present manager of the Qin Group. How could she be so mean and play such

Ivy's fault they broke up. She's quite a decent girl and having all these

capable officials can settle their own family troubles. How embarrassing for the Tang family. Cassandra has been known to be the difficult type. It's been said that when she was the manager of the Architecture and Design Department in the Tang Group, she would grab

looks so cute. Well, is true, we