A Graduation Gift

Cassandra returned to the patient ward and sat at Edith's bedside. Her mother was still unconscious. Yet, discomfort was visible in her face. While her body was relaxed, her eyebrows remained creased. Looking at her made Cassandra pain.

How could Clark do such a thing? It all dawned on her now: the kindness he showed them was nothing but a mask to hide his true intentions.

Gazing at Edith in silence, Cassandra fell into deep thought.

Suddenly, the door opened. Clark entered the room bringing with him bags of food. Its aroma immediately filled the room.

"Hey, Cassandra. Are you hungry? Here, you should eat something,"

he said as he handed her a pack of sushi. With the way Cassandra stared into space, Clark could tell that she was very preoccupied with the situation. It was likely that taking care of herself was her last priority.

The salmon wrapped with rice and seaweed looked very appetizing. Still, Cassandra did not have an appetite.

"Just put it there. I'm not hungry. I'll eat later,"

she replied indifferently, without even giving him so much as a glance.

He stood awkwardly, at a loss on how to respond. For a few seconds, he just looked at her. Frowning, he finally managed to find an answer.

"If you don't eat, you'll drain your energy. You still need to take care of your mother. But you won't be able to do that if you don't eat anything."

Without looking too much into Cassandra's coldness, he decided to believe that her indifference was because of her growing concern for Edith's condition.

"I really don't feel like eating. I'm not hungry," she said with finality.

Turning to look at her mother, she did her best to keep her anger hidden. In her mind, Cassandra still struggled to grasp the reality that Clark's invisible hand was above all this. Suddenly, she found it difficult to breathe. It felt as if the air was trapped in her lungs, unable to go out.

Who else could she blame but herself? It was her fault. She trusted the wrong person and fell into his trap.

He had drugged her to damage her throat. He managed to get Edith ill and be hospitalized. What other forms of evil could he possibly be capable of? She couldn't even imagine!

However, she also knew that getting rid of him would not be that easy. If he had the audacity to carry out his sinister plan right under her nose, he must know what he was doing. He had no fear of getting caught.

"Cassandra, please take care of yourself. I understand that you're worried, but you need to lighten up. I've asked the doctor for advice. Auntie needs to take a good rest. Just allow her to stay here while she recovers. As for her show, maybe it's best if she takes a break for now so she can be free from any disturbance,"

he said, feigning sincerity. His suggestion seemed to make sense.

thoughts were quite the opposite.

that one would not even suspect him to be evil. Had it not been for Rufus's

took Cassandra's silence as sorrow. He put a hand on her shoulder and said to reassure her, "Please don't tire

spring breeze, but to Cassandra, the hand on her shoulder felt no different than a magical evil claw that could easily tear all the happiness in her life away

thoughts. The edges of Clark's lips curl ever so slightly, revealing a smug smile. This was the biggest hint of genuine emotion he showed behind his feigned

Cassandra so he was sure that she would not notice his

way, little by little, he sucked out the light in such a way that they would barely

Rufus's mansion gave his several

that his son Rufus would help him in business. With his talent and capability, Horace knew without a doubt that he would be able to lead the Tang

to strip him off of his CEO position in the Tang Group made Horace feel

amount of effort to find the mansion.

seconds after he pressed the bell, the gates opened.

surprised that he was granted access so easily. He was actually prepared for the possibility

slowly walked in, holding a walking stick to support his old frail

were in

on his face had given way to visible signs of aging, which he had no intention to hide. With his pitiful look, he hoped

idea how badly he miscalculated. Rufus watched him from

Horace. Finally, you're here. I will make you pay for everything you've done!' Rufus exclaimed in his heart.

bit, the old man approached the mansion. With every step he took, the smile on Rufus's face

door and pushed it open, he saw Rufus standing in the lobby,

clearly a man at his prime. This was a

finally

found the only beacon of hope. The expectant smile on his face only caused Rufus's lips to curl into a

brings you here? It was you who asked us to leave," he said

instead of 'me.' Obviously, he was referring to someone else as well, but Horace, being occupied with his thoughts on how to convince Rufus to

Board of Directors would find out, so I thought it would

He looked really disappointed with how things had turned out.

to you. Rest assured! I've already taught him a harsh lesson and he now has realized his mistake. Apparently, the

face. He looked very stressed recalling the turn of

son, please come back. You're part of

his head to look into Rufus's eyes with hope and yearning.

would you trust him instead of me if you

shot back, indifferent to the pitiful