A Graduation Gift

She knew there was no need for her to worry about what they would talk about. No matter what it was, her father would definitely take her side.

Once she was out of the room, Charlie's demeanor changed into a more serious air. He looked at Rufus with a deep, penetrating gaze and asked, "Rufus, are you sure you will marry Amanda?"

Any trace of his earlier cheerfulness was now gone from his face. Charlie had asked Amanda to leave, knowing that she would possibly be hurt by the conversation. Rufus's expression did not escape him. He knew that something was wrong.

Rufus held the older man's gaze with his own. "To be honest, Charlie, I don't want to marry her."

Rufus did not like taking the roundabout way of doing things. After all, Charlie was his mentor. He gave him his answer directly. Now that there was only the two of them, there was nothing holding him back from speaking his mind.

Charlie's face visibly hardened at his answer. "But why did you... why did you stay with her last night!"

Rufus had expected his outburst. The older man's hands shook as he tried to hold his anger.

'Since when did Rufus become such an irresponsible man?! Just last night, he has slept with Amanda, and now he is saying he doesn't want to marry her? What is this bastard thinking?' Charlie cursed inwardly.

"You know perfectly why. I care for Amanda because I think of her as a sister. The woman I love is Cassandra."

Rufus's face softened as he spoke of Cassandra. A gentle expression appeared on his face as he mentioned her name.

"Pfft. Love be damned! You're not thinking clearly. That woman isn't good enough for you!"

Charlie had Cassandra investigated a long time ago. He learned that she had close relations with Rufus despite being married to his brother Lionel. When Rufus's aunt Michelle went to talk to her to put a stop to their relationship, they had a quarrel which ended with Michelle falling down from the third floor.

She was worthless. She had nothing to her name and a torn reputation in everyone's eyes. But Rufus was saying that he loved her! Charlie couldn't believe the ridiculousness of it all.

out from his mouth. He had always respected Charlie, and he had no plans of

but rumors. If you know her better, you would understand. I have never met a more

said. He looked into Charlie's eyes as he spoke,

and returned his gaze with disdain.

"You are with my daughter now, and you had better stop screwing around with other women." He took a step closer to Rufus. "Forget that damned woman. Remember, you are going to marry my daughter,"

that evil woman's trap. It would seem that she was an expert in manipulating rich men using her beauty. She would not be the first. Charlie had seen his fair share

will not forget

a firm tone. That woman had filled his mind, even as he stared into the older

world to think, if that was what she needed. He would wait for her for a

think. You will marry Amanda. Leave that woman and stay away from her starting from this

anything more. There was no way he could take Rufus's words seriously.

thing. Don't go back to G City. You will be coming

want to waste his time discussing about Cassandra with Rufus. That woman only served to sour his mood. He opted instead to speak

"Problems?"

brows furrowed in confusion.

he left the group, he had devoted himself to building a name for himself, and not once did he involve himself in Dark

us that he's involved in some shady business,"

was no way

in the Group, Clark had specifically singled him out and nitpicked his every move. He had to grit

boss, and fighting back against him would only bring worse things.

time to concern himself with making enemies, especially not a spoiled brat like Clark. His