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.

means nothing to me; it's easy

leaned closer to pluck a rose, caressing the delicate petals

at the stem of the rose. It had been stripped clean of its thorns; the entire stem seemed to have

think you're being

would say such a thing.

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

laughed mischievously. Cassandra could feel how Lionel truly felt about Ivy.

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 sick of her, but also claiming that he was the

really were such

you afraid that I'm

when she first rejected him.

work alone than use other

smiled, genuinely. Cassandra noted that, for

Cassandra really was after his money, Qin Group would have paid off its loan

was unable to describe what she felt at this particular moment. She knew that Lionel was only telling the truth. Cassandra too, really knew the truth anyway. But why did hearing it coming from Lionel make

to live on anyone's charity. She tried to fight the tears seeping out of her eyes by roughly shaking her head and clearing her throat, her attention whirring

But I'm sorry, I'll have to say no again this time. Please go,"

to gesture Lionel

Cassandra refused to move, Lionel gave up. "Fine,"

he was seated, before

a sudden. She walked over to her desk, noticing the single

to her face to inspect it. It looked so delicate and beautiful. She suddenly remembered the

angrily, she tried to