A Graduation Gift

"What? From you?"

Cassandra was stunned, in disbelief. Lionel was thrilled at the sight of her face.

He was so proud of finally being able to surprise her.

"Of course they're from me! What, you think Rufus would ever give you something like that?"

Lionel smiled widely at her, knowing what she was thinking. He just wanted to tease her.

Cassandra couldn't hide her disappointment. Her eyebrows were scrunched together.

She had always thought that these flowers would only ever come from Rufus.

Even if she tried to refuse them, they would still be sent in anyway. He was incredibly persistent that he wouldn't even let her leave.

"Of course they're from me, Cassandra. I know Rufus has been busy recently because he was helping Miss Ke with her concert abroad. But you shouldn't trust him so easily, Cassandra. They could be enjoying a romantic time in Paris for all you know."

Lionel laughed to himself, deliberately trying to provoke Cassandra. He really wanted to see her devastated.

However Cassandra cleared her throat and held her chin up, refusing to give him what he wanted. She suppressed her devastation, trying to not look intimidated.

"We've already broken up, Lionel. There's no need for you to use him against me."

Cassandra kept her tone as calmly as she could, her face devoid of any emotion.

nothing to me; it's easy for me to break up with her. I think you'll like that. I'm nothing like Rufus. I wouldn't cheat on you

a rose, caressing the delicate petals between his

entire stem seemed to have

you're being unfair to

such a thing. Did he

Ivy for a good number of years. I'm getting tired of her, honestly. Of course I loved her at the beginning, but time has taken a lot of things away from me. Her face, for instance. She's starting to show wrinkles, it's disgusting! Isn't she also only staying with me for my money, anyway? She doesn't even make it entertaining

Lionel truly felt about Ivy. To him, Ivy

to feel about the entire situation. It wasn't that long ago when Ivy had confronted Cassandra by insisting that she would never let Lionel go. Now, Lionel was not only saying that he was

were such heartless

that I'm after your

what she had said to Rufus when she first rejected him. She tried to shake

no. I know you'd rather strive to work alone than use other people's money. I

that, for the first time.

after his money, Qin Group would have paid

knew the truth anyway. But why did

fight the tears seeping

sorry, I'll have

gesture Lionel towards

moments later, when Cassandra refused to move, Lionel

where he was seated, before cooly walking past Cassandra without saying

of her and sighed, feeling incredibly tired all of a sudden. She walked over to her desk, noticing the single bright red rose Lionel had

so delicate and beautiful. She suddenly remembered the times that Rufus would send her roses just as exquisite as

she tried to snap out