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.

broke the silence, which drew the remaining audience

mayor stood by, smiling decadently, yet stealing a glance at the winner with a glint of resignation in his eyes.

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. When you slip up one way or another

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

delivering his amiable speech, was as vicious as a devil. At the thought of Arthur, he felt a chill down his spine. His face showed no

at Amanda, motioning

smiling back, Amanda walked slowly towards the stage and finally stood next to Arthur.

and strange. Amanda was at a loss for

he wished, Rufus however remained nonchalant. He had no

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

At the same time, the music resumed,

on the stage was not Rufus, Cassandra wondered what to say or

in the position could have been 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

always torn by their contradicting emotions and thoughts. Cassandra knew she needed

so caught up in her mind that she was blissfully unaware of a 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 suddenly.

her dream cloud. Ivy had slumped 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

succeeded in drawing the attention she needed. A large crowed had

of the damage, whispering to each other as many of them knew who they

was a scam, as she hadn't touched anyone around her. "This woman again, what was she up to now..." There was some little buzz of conversation went

up, staring at Cassandra with a

can you be so vicious, you tripped

accused Cassandra, keep the attention on them. She used a harsh tone to express her pain

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

Ivy would go to these lengths, what was more, with such a large

you do this to me? I'm sorry Lionel

she was trying to talk.

forward and began to

manager of the Qin Group. How could she be

a decent girl and having all these people as witness. Such a malicious

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 all the projects herself and left other designers

that true?" "But she looks so cute. Well, is true, we