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.

desolation on Cassandra's eyes

that things will get better as she

understand her sister, but

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

own prejudice. Eventually, Cassandra found herself accustomed

stay patient and persist. In time, she

at Ivy's house, Adrian passed her a flash disk that contained the document he stole for her. Beaming

glowed as if he were counting cash. Making money was one

really it? Are you serious?"

eyebrows, she looked at Adrian with suspicion. It seemed impossible for

right

recall his own reaction when he found out about this. He could not believe his

when she excused herself to go to the lavatory. Before she could realize what had happened, he had them duplicated and returned.

found a way to shut off the whole building's security system and snuck into Lionel's office without anyone noticing. Just

his tale. She knew that Adrian was many things but not a liar.

account now,"

his bank statement with satisfaction. It

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, pulled Ivy towards him and put his

the last time we did it together. I just completed a very difficult

his

escape his embrace. His kisses disgusted

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

her new target

not know each other. It would be safer

it. Don't you remember how you threw yourself at me last time?" he said in between gasps.

intoxicated him. His heartbeat was so fast that it felt as if it were going to jump out

don't force me to be rude!"

at full strength but to no avail.

Curse me. Do whatever you want. I

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

her legs to kick him but he managed to dodge them swiftly. He then pushed her to the ground and went

man does to a woman. I will give you my all

said as he let out a loud,

door opened and a figure appeared and froze at the sight of them.

doing, Adrian?"

and pushed Adrian aside. Ivy hurriedly got up, wrapped her robe around her and ran to

seated on the ground. Joel's arrival was something he did not

sister! How dare you!" Joel shouted in

at his wit's end and he gnashed

feet and replied with indifference, "Your sister asked me to come over. That's

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