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?"

guilty, but his hesitation only served to

I want to do it!" she said, taking his hand in hers.

as she

walked out of the room. Once

the only hope left for Tang Group. If

to get back on their feet. The project alone was big enough for them to start reclaiming their losses. But neither Arthur nor

or cared about would bring him endless satisfaction. He could almost taste his victory. He reveled as images of hopeless faces of the Tangs—Lionel, Horace,

stupid woman, but she could be useful—a handy tool

him. With a sinister smile on his face,

"What are you doing?"

his arms off and moving to the couch to sit down. Crossing her legs, she sank down on the cushions with

have a job for you. You'll be graciously compensated.

knew this gangster well—he was clever and

"Wow! Now we're talking."

back of the couch and rubbed her shoulders,

money, but it wouldn't be an easy task. Of course, it goes to say that you do it well, and discreetly. No one can

was thinking about was only

"What is it?"

curious. Originally, he had thought that after what had happened between them in the garden last time,

you to steal

shocked at her words.

you crazy? This is

far from a good person. He did not operate under society's morals, and he had actually done 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 make an enemy of them.

find himself in jail. That was

quo. Money doesn't come round easily, you know," Ivy said simply, reaching for a bag under the table and throwing it to

language. Here's the advance. There's 100, 000 in that bag. After you get the job done, I'll give you another 400, 000. You can make your decision now," she said. Noticing his hesitation, she

even if he did, she

expected, the moment money was in the picture, Adrian's decision had already been made. His eyes lit up with a wicked glint, and

The scent rose in the air and he inhaled it like

he would get the full 500, 000—the money would last him a long time, even

been all too easy. The world was full of crooks, and even the well-dressed ones would

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

excitedly about the money

Joel to do this? He is more familiar with the

this,

I can just ask for his

off quickly, not letting him

"Do not tell Joel!"

her face was now replaced

knows the place well. If we work together, it would be so much

in surprise. Getting Joel's help would speed things up, and this was no