A Graduation Gift

There was once an Emperor from the Tang Dynasty who asked his men to spur the flying horse at high speed to bring him lychees from miles and miles away all because his favorite concubine was very fond of them. Now, in a similar fashion, Rufus was willing to give Cassandra anything to make her happy.

"You bought this for me?"

Cassandra asked, bright-eyed and pleasantly surprised.

"Yes, and I have something very important to tell you. Actually, I bought this studio for you because I know that you don't want to stay home as a housewife. Let's face it, you love working! That said, I think it would be better for you to start your own business. That's better than working for other people. I got this for you to help you start,"

he replied as he looked at her with loving eyes.

Warmth filled Cassandra. What Rufus did was genuinely sincere and thoughtful.

On the other hand, she could not help but feel that she did not deserve such a wonderful gift.

"Okay, I know you don't want to accept it free, so how about you pay me rent? What do you think?" Rufus immediately suggested.

He definitely knew her very well. The hesitation on her face had betrayed her and Rufus knew exactly how to respond even before she could say anything.

Cassandra beamed with a smile as bright as sunshine.

"You are starting to know me very well," she remarked.

It touched her that Rufus seemed very accommodating to her personal sentiments and was willing to compromise.

"I'm very flattered. Anyway, all you have to do now is think of what you want to do with this place!" he replied with satisfaction.

The smile on her face was enough to put him at ease.

Cassandra's happiness made him feel invincible.

Cassandra cocked her head with thought. There were no ideas at the top of her head at the moment.

"You don't have to answer right now. Take your time! For now, let's find somewhere to eat," Rufus suggested.

Then, he took his coat and led Cassandra out with his arm around her shoulders. Cassandra, in turn, leaned against him as they walked to a restaurant that served Western cuisine.

In its pleasant ambiance, Rufus and Cassandra found a table and took their seats.

Not long after they did, though, Arthur and Cloris walked in.

They immediately spotted Rufus and Cassandra as they entered. Likewise, the couple saw Arthur and Cloris as well.

Cloris rolled her eyes and turned towards the opposite side of the restaurant. She, apparently, had no plans of coming over and saying hello.

With knitted eyebrows, Rufus examined Cassandra's reaction from the corner of his eyes.

"Your younger sister seems to have issues," Rufus whispered.

any consideration for other people. Still, the desolation

too young to understand. I firmly believe that things

to Rufus. She tried hard to understand her sister, but deep down, she could not keep herself

sibling who openly hated her at all times, and Cassandra was no exception. The only thing she kept repeating to herself was

her own prejudice. Eventually, Cassandra

she

the document he stole for her.

cash. Making money was one of Adrian's biggest

really it? Are you serious?" Ivy asked in disbelief.

looked at Adrian with suspicion. It seemed impossible for her that he would manage to acquire it so

my ex-girlfriend happens to be Lionel's secretary right now. Isn't that lucky? The knife

could still recall his own reaction when he found out about this.

her purse when

off the whole building's security system and snuck into Lionel's office without anyone noticing. Just as quickly as he got the keys, he copied

tale. She knew that Adrian was many

me your bank account now,"

400, 000 she had promised. Adrian looked at his bank statement with satisfaction. It felt so good to get work done. Then, he turned his gaze to Ivy.

over her nightgown as her long, curly hair rested softly on her shoulders. Adrian felt an itch on his heart that he could not somehow manage to scratch. Suddenly, he stepped forward,

we did it together. I just completed a very difficult task for you. How about a little

murmured as he kissed her, his breath getting heavier and

escape his embrace. His kisses disgusted her.

alone, Adrian! I've paid you! And we

her new target now.

other. It would be safer

be shy. I know you want it. Don't you remember how you threw yourself

that it felt as if it were going to jump out of

Adrian, don't force me

push him away at full strength but to no

rude to me. Beat me. Curse me. Do whatever you want. I like that. Show

Adrian, please, show some respect! I'm your friend's sister!"

legs to kick him but he managed to dodge them swiftly. He then pushed her

a man does to a woman. I will

said as he let out a

figure appeared and froze at the sight

you doing, Adrian?" the man shouted with

was Joel. He immediately rushed towards them and pushed Adrian aside. Ivy hurriedly got up, wrapped her robe

left still seated on the ground. Joel's arrival was something

your mind? She's my sister! How dare you!" Joel shouted

his wit's end and he

hand, barely looked at him. He calmly got to his feet

reality was that Adrian did not care much for his friend now. With the money he just received, he did not need