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.

drew the remaining audience out of shock, before they

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 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

mayor had 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.

mayor, the man who was 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 expression as his thoughts went

Amanda, motioning her onto the

smiling back, Amanda walked slowly towards the stage

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

however remained nonchalant. He had no interest in taking on the position any way.

large amount of information behind this result. A mixture of gut and curiosity,

all scampered to the stage to snap up photos for tomorrow's headlines. At the same time, the music resumed, and the party continued as the shock of

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

great advantage for Rufus, ' Cassandra thought. Nevertheless, she was quite relieved that she didn't have to see Rufus and Amanda,

contradicting emotions and thoughts. Cassandra knew she needed to get

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

cried

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,

the attention she needed. A large crowed had their

of the damage, whispering to each other as many of them

up to now..." There was some

staring at Cassandra with a pathetic look.

can you be so

the attention on them. She used a harsh tone to

frame me. Why are you doing this? Are

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

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

as she was trying

people moved forward and began to

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

up. She's quite a decent girl and having all these people as witness. Such a malicious act it must

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

Well, is true, we cannot