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.

for other people. Still, the desolation on Cassandra's eyes made him sorry for her. She still could not seem to

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

understand her sister, but deep down, she could not keep herself from being hurt by

only thing she kept repeating to herself was that Cloris was still very young and that she would soon outgrow her irrational

Cloris didn't set aside her own prejudice. Eventually, Cassandra found herself accustomed to her

patient and persist. In time, she believed that

contained the document he stole for her.

Making money was one of Adrian's

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

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

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

recall his own

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

shut 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 the documents and slipped

he told his tale. She knew that Adrian was many

your bank account now," she demanded.

bank statement with satisfaction. It felt so good to get work done. Then, he turned his gaze to Ivy.

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

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

he kissed her, his breath getting heavier

his embrace. His kisses

alone, Adrian! I've paid you!

new target now. Adrian was a distraction.

if they did not know each other. It would be safer too, in case anyone went snooping. When push

Don't you remember how you threw yourself at

His heartbeat was so fast that it felt as if it were going to jump out of

me to be rude!" Ivy shouted.

to push him away at full strength but to no avail. Adrian was just too strong for her.

me. Do whatever you want. I like that. Show me what you've got,"

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

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

does to a woman. I will

out a loud,

opened and a figure appeared and froze

doing, Adrian?" the man shouted with rage.

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

was left still seated on the ground. Joel's arrival was something he did not expect. The interruption annoyed him.

your mind? She's my sister!

was at his wit's end and

to his feet and replied with indifference, "Your sister asked me to

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