A Graduation Gift

From what he had seen, it seemed that Cloris did not really think too highly of her sister. With a mere smile, her fuse blew. He thought of the worried look in her eyes as she told him not to get close to her sister. It was an interesting development.

'If you knew that the family you try so hard to protect and provide think of you as nothing more than an eyesore, how would that be, Cassandra?' Arthur thought to himself as he continued organizing Cloris's things.

'And you silly Cloris. You think Cassandra, whom you have always been jealous of, is trying to take away the happiness you think you have when all she has done is put you before herself.' A cruel smile played on Arthur's lips as he contemplated the situation. 'This should be interesting.'

The Qin family villa was a grand and beautiful sight to behold. No one would have ever guessed that inside the high, polished walls was a storm brewing, with no less than the two sisters at its center.

Meanwhile, in a high-class restaurant, Clark and Ivy were sitting at a table across from each other. They snuck quick glances at each other, trying to guess what was on the other person's mind.

Between them, a candle was giving off a warm and intimate light. Light and shadow danced across their faces. Somewhere in the restaurant, a man was playing soft music on the piano, its melody caressing the ears of its listeners and lulling them.

Anyone would have taken Clark and Ivy for lovers, like the other ones inside the restaurant. But that could not have been more far from the truth. There was no romance in the space that surrounded them, only schemes and plots that sought to take advantage of what the other person had to offer. It was not courtship; it was a game, and a very dangerous one.

"I heard that you were with Lionel from the Tang Group before?" Clark started his attack. "I don't mean to pry, but I'm just curious,"

he said slowly, an unreadable smile on his face.

His question had the desired effect. Ivy was caught off guard and visibly tensed. The first thought that came to her was Amanda.

It must have been her who told Clark!

That woman was nothing but a hypocrite. Despite claiming that the one she loved was Rufus to everyone, she was still fishing for other men! There was no other explanation behind why she would have told this to Clark.

Gathering herself, Ivy quickly controlled her expression and relaxed her shoulders consciously. She had to somehow deflect his question.

past now. Lionel was unfaithful. He cheated on me

Clark would have known about it sooner or later. Her best course of action for now was to

then I think that you don't

around. The red liquid shook in the glass like a beautiful tempest of blood.

with Amanda. It was

idea what Clark meant with his words. Her chest tightened and she felt a cold tingle in her spine as she tried to decipher his intentions. What did he mean

with him a long time ago," she

she was just imagining things

"That's good to hear."

corners of Clark's lips curled into a smile, but

there were plenty of things she knew about the Tang

this in mind, Clark suddenly leaned towards Ivy and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. Locking his eyes with Ivy, he whispered in a low voice, "I want a woman whose loyalty only belongs

in the candlelight and there was an irresistible smile on his lips. It

actions. She looked back at Clark with anticipation.

saying that she would become

he blinked. To say that he was rich was an understatement. If he wanted, he could build a city all on his own. He was a good opportunity. Suddenly, Ivy lost herself to the thought of the things she could buy

said, money made the world go

as she could get herself a rich man, she didn't care

into a smile. She lowered her head slightly, taking in the sight of the

seduce him. This woman really thought she was playing him, but just for now. He just smiled and took a sip of his wine. He couldn't blame her. All women fell for his charms and his money.

but one. Clark's eyes suddenly grew cold as the

he played the part so well that even her mother was on his side. But Cassandra, she was just that stubborn. There was nothing but