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?"

hesitation only served to fuel Ivy's determination instead.

to do it!" she said, taking his hand in hers. "Clark, I will prove to you that

eyes as she made her

a final squeeze of his hand, she turned and walked out of the room. Once the door closed, Clark's face

for Tang Group. If they

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

bring him endless satisfaction. He could almost taste his victory. He reveled as images of hopeless faces of the Tangs—Lionel, Horace, and Rufus, flashed in

a vain and stupid woman, but she could be useful—a handy tool and a loyal puppet. He was right to keep her at

halls 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 face, he

"What are you doing?"

the couch to sit down. Crossing her legs, she sank down on the cushions with all the haughtiness of

for you. You'll be graciously compensated.

knew this gangster well—he was clever and had his own ways of getting the job done. He would be the perfect

"Wow! Now we're talking."

he went to the back of the couch and rubbed her shoulders, giving her a

and continued in a serious tone, "You'll get a lot of money, but it wouldn't be an easy task. Of course, it goes to say that you do it

was in no mood for his flirtation. All she was thinking about

"What is it?"

that after what had happened between them in the garden last time, Ivy wanted him to please her again. But as it turned out, she needed him for something now.

Group has a bid proposal, and I want you to steal it for me," she

visibly shocked at her

you crazy? This is against

he had always treaded the line of his job carefully.

wrong, he would find himself in jail. That

round easily, you know," Ivy said simply, reaching for

you get the job done, I'll give you another 400, 000. You can make your decision now," she

but even

the picture, Adrian's decision had already been made. His eyes lit up with a wicked glint, and he

scent rose in the air and he inhaled it

get the full 500, 000—the money would last him a long time, even with his lavish lifestyle. There was no question in his mind now anymore.

all too easy. The world was

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

the money when a

asked, "Why didn't you just call for Joel to do this? He is

do this,

I can just ask for his

cut him off quickly, not letting him finish.

"Do not tell Joel!"

look on her

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

surprise. Getting Joel's help would speed things up, and this was