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.

without any consideration for other people. Still, the desolation on Cassandra's eyes made him sorry for her. She still could not seem to let go

to understand. I firmly believe that things will get better as she

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

hated her at all times, and Cassandra was no exception. The only thing she kept

own prejudice. Eventually, Cassandra found herself accustomed to

time, she

the document he stole for her. Beaming widely, he

were counting cash. Making money

Are you serious?" Ivy asked in disbelief.

suspicion. It seemed impossible for her that he would manage to acquire

happens to be Lionel's secretary right now. Isn't that

with a smug expression on his face. He could still recall his own reaction when he found out about this. He could not believe

his ex-girlfriend out for a cup of coffee, and there, managed to steal her keys from her purse when she excused herself to go to the lavatory. Before she could realize what had happened, he had them duplicated and returned.

the whole building's security system and snuck into Lionel's office without anyone noticing.

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

account now,"

promised. Adrian looked at his bank statement with satisfaction. It felt so good to get work done. Then, he turned his

heart that he could not somehow manage to scratch. Suddenly,

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

murmured as he kissed her, his breath getting heavier and

his embrace. His kisses disgusted

I've paid

target now.

she would have preferred to never see him again, as if they did not know each other. It would be

I know you want it. Don't you remember how

as if it were going to jump out

off! Adrian, don't force me to be

at full strength but to no

darling, be rude to me. Beat me. Curse me. Do whatever you want. I like

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

but he managed to dodge them swiftly. He then

just going to respect you. I will worship you as a man does to a woman. I will give you my all and you can count on that,"

as he let out a loud, savage

the door opened and a figure appeared and froze at

Adrian?" the man shouted

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

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

She's my sister!

wit's end and he

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

friend now. With the money he just received, he did not need him anymore. He was not