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 Ivy's

said, taking his hand in hers. "Clark, I

his eyes as she made her promise.

final squeeze of his hand, she turned and walked out of the room.

hope left for Tang Group. If

them to get back on their feet. The project alone was big enough for them

and taking away everything Rufus loved 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,

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

her first, absent-mindely standing by the window, her back to him. With a sinister smile on

"What are you doing?"

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

you. You'll be graciously

was clever and had

"Wow! Now we're talking."

of the couch and

wouldn't be an easy task. Of course, it goes

for his flirtation. All she was thinking about was

"What is it?"

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

bid proposal, and I want you to steal

was visibly shocked

crazy? This is against

number of unthinkable deeds, but he had always treaded the line of his job carefully. The

find himself in jail. That was absolutely out of

pro quo. Money doesn't come round easily, you know," Ivy said simply, reaching for a

000. You can make your decision now," she said. Noticing his hesitation, she added, "If you

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

up with a wicked glint, and he sprang

scent rose in the air and he inhaled

last him a long time, even with his lavish lifestyle. There was

on her lips. It had been all too easy.

or commit other small, unnoticeable crimes that could easily be swept under the rug. But jobs didn't come by as

contemplating excitedly about the money when a thought struck him.

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

he were to do this, wouldn't it be easier?

I can just ask for his

cut him off quickly,

"Do not tell Joel!"

The smug look on her face was

we work together, it would be so much

speed things up, and this was