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

said, taking his hand in hers. "Clark,

into his eyes as

walked out of the room. Once the door closed, Clark's face broke into an unrestrained, menacing

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

alone was big enough for them to start reclaiming their losses. But

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, Horace, and Rufus, flashed

woman, but she could be useful—a handy tool and a loyal puppet.

back to him. With a sinister smile

"What are you doing?"

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

a job for you. You'll be graciously

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 perfect choice for what she needed.

"Wow! Now we're talking."

of the couch and

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 well, and discreetly. No one can know

his flirtation. All she was thinking about was

"What is it?"

asked, surprised but curious. Originally, he had thought that after what had happened between them in the garden last time, Ivy wanted him to

proposal, and I want you to steal it for me," she said directly.

shocked at

you crazy? This is against the

deeds, but he had always treaded the line of his job carefully. The Tang group was a big

things went wrong, he would find himself in jail. That was absolutely

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

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 added, "If you don't want it, I can always

wouldn't be able to resist the offer, but even if he

His eyes lit up with a wicked glint, and he sprang to the bag and grabbed it tightly, as if

rose in the air and he

the full 500, 000—the money would last him a long time, even with his lavish lifestyle. There

watched as his face morphed into a greedy expression. A 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 to

under the rug. But jobs didn't come by as often as these days. This job was a welcome opportunity, with its promise

money when a

Ivy, he asked, "Why didn't you just call for Joel to do

do this, wouldn't it

maybe I can just ask for his

him off quickly, not

"Do not tell Joel!"

sharply. The smug look on her face was

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

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