A Graduation Gift

Ivy held on desperately to Clark. As of that moment, she deemed that playing pitiful was her best option as she stalled for time and frantically thought of a way out and to clear her name.

Her thoughts were halted with what Clark said next. "Ivy, if you really want to prove your loyalty, then there is one thing you can do."

His words were like an oasis. Finally, there was something she could do.

"What is it, Clark? I swear I'll do anything for you," she said, raising her head to him.

There was a hopeful light gleaming in her eyes.

"Tang Group's bid proposal,"

Clark uttered, drawing out the syllables slowly, as if savoring them. Ivy paled at his words.

The bid proposal!

That meant she would have to steal it.

Her heart raced wildly in her chest as her mind swirled in a whirlpool of thoughts.

Her arms hung stiffly around Clark, then as if on instinct, she retreated one step back from him.

Clark was quick to pick up her hesitation. Sighing, he spoke with a self-mocking look on his face, "I'm sorry. You're right. It's stupid. There's no way you would agree to do such a thing. It would be too dangerous."

His eyes never left her as he observed her face for any sign of reaction.

He was right. What he was asking of her was too dangerous. If she made even one single mistake and got caught, she would end up in prison. She looked at Clark, who was looking exhausted. If she didn't do it, he would not be taking her back, and all her hard work from before would have been all for nothing.

Clark raised a hand to his forehead, putting on an air of tiredness, as if he was clearing his thoughts.

"You should go now. I need to think about things. I'm too tired."

After weighing her options, Ivy had come to a conclusion.

"I'll do it," she said.

Resolve was written on her face. 'If it's just stealing the bid proposal, I won't have to do it myself. There are plenty of others who will do the job for the right price, ' she thought, already forming her plans.

'As long as I can get it for him, then everything's going to be alright. I can win him back with this, and he would not doubt me anymore.'

Looking into Clark's eyes, she could almost see the future she wanted. She was so close. If she could marry him, then she wouldn't have to worry about anything in her life ever again.

Clark seemed to be surprised at her answer, but his expression soon turned into doubt.

"Ivy, this is really dangerous, and not to mention…unethical. Should we just give it up?"

sounded guilty, but his hesitation only served to fuel

taking his hand in hers. "Clark, I will prove to you that

into his eyes as she made her

the room. Once the door closed, Clark's face broke into

Group. If they lost

The project alone was big enough

satisfaction. He could almost taste his victory. He reveled as images of

be useful—a handy tool and a loyal puppet. He was right

as Adrian entered Ivy's mansion. He saw her first, absent-mindely standing by the window, her back to him. With a sinister smile on his

"What are you doing?"

moving to the couch to sit down. Crossing her legs,

you. You'll be

man in front of her with an arrogant face. She knew this gangster well—he was clever and had his own ways of getting the job done. He would be the

"Wow! Now we're talking."

the couch and rubbed

get a lot of money, but it wouldn't be an easy task. Of course, it

mood for his flirtation. All she was thinking about was only

"What is it?"

had thought that after what had happened between them in the garden last time, Ivy wanted

proposal, and I want you to steal

was visibly shocked at her

crazy? This is against the

quite a number of unthinkable deeds, but he had always treaded the line of his job carefully. The Tang group was a big company, and it would not be wise to

find himself in jail. That was absolutely

come round easily, you know," Ivy said simply,

000. You can make

be able to resist the offer, but even if he did, she would just have to

with a wicked glint, and he sprang to the

in the air and he inhaled it like a

long time, even with his lavish lifestyle. There was no question in his mind now anymore.

all too easy. The world was full of crooks,

be a middleman for banned drugs, or commit other small, unnoticeable crimes that could easily be swept under the rug. But jobs didn't come by as often as these days. This job was a welcome opportunity, with its promise of

excitedly about the money when a

Joel to do this? He is more familiar with the Tang Group

to do this, wouldn't it be easier?

just ask

cut him off quickly,

"Do not tell Joel!"

smug look on her face was now replaced

If we work together, it

surprise. Getting Joel's help would speed things up, and this was no small job. They needed all the help