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?"

only served to fuel Ivy's

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

looked into his eyes as she

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

bid was the only hope left for Tang Group. If they lost it, they would virtually

other hand, it could also be an opportunity for them to get back on their feet. The project alone was big enough for them to start reclaiming their

He could almost

for Ivy… She was a vain and stupid woman, but she could be useful—a handy tool and a loyal puppet. He was

the 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 approached her quickly and quietly, putting his arms around her in an embrace.

"What are you doing?"

to sit down. Crossing her

for you. You'll be

was clever and had his own ways

"Wow! Now we're talking."

the back of the couch and rubbed her

"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 well, and discreetly.

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

"What is it?"

had happened between them in the garden last

bid proposal, and I want you to steal

was visibly shocked

you crazy? This

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

he would find himself in jail. That

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

the job done, I'll give you another 400, 000. You can make your decision now," she said. Noticing his hesitation, she added, "If you don't want it, I can always find

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

up with a wicked glint, and he sprang to the bag and grabbed it tightly, as if unwilling to let go. Unzipping it,

The scent rose 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.

smug smile curled on her lips. It had been all too easy. The world was full of crooks, and even the well-dressed ones would not be able

the rug. But jobs didn't come by as often as these

was contemplating excitedly about the money when a thought

call for Joel to do this? He is more familiar with the Tang Group than I am.

were to do this,

I can just ask

him off quickly,

"Do not tell Joel!"

smug look on her face was now

place well. If we

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