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.

he was used to Cloris acting as she wished without any consideration for other people. Still, the desolation on Cassandra's eyes made him sorry for her. She still could not seem

I firmly believe that things will get better

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

The only thing she kept repeating to herself was that Cloris was still very young and that

set aside her own prejudice. Eventually, Cassandra found herself accustomed

she was determined to stay patient and persist. In time, she believed that Cloris would eventually

a flash disk that contained the document he stole for her. Beaming widely, he remarked, "Here you

if he were counting cash. Making

this really it? Are you serious?"

at Adrian with suspicion. It seemed impossible for her

Lionel's secretary right

still recall his own reaction when he found out

managed to steal her keys from her purse when she excused herself to go to the

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

tale. She knew that Adrian was many

your bank account now,"

statement with satisfaction. It felt so good to get work done.

his heart that he could not somehow manage to scratch. Suddenly, he stepped forward, pulled Ivy towards him and put his lips on

it together. I just

his breath getting heavier and heavier.

his embrace. His kisses disgusted her.

paid you! And we are

was focused on her new target now. Adrian was

would be safer too, in case anyone went snooping. When push came

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

heartbeat was so fast that it felt as if it were going to jump out of his chest. Overwhelmed with desire, he could

Adrian, don't force me to be rude!" Ivy

tried to push him away at full strength but to no

be rude to me. Beat me. Curse me. Do whatever you want. I like that. Show me what you've got," he

bitch! Adrian, please, show some respect! I'm

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

as a man does to a woman. I

out a

opened and a figure appeared and froze at the sight of

hell are you doing, Adrian?"

rushed towards them and pushed Adrian aside. Ivy hurriedly got

the ground. Joel's arrival was something he did not expect. The interruption annoyed

you lost your mind? She's my sister! How dare you!" Joel shouted in turmoil.

at his wit's end and he gnashed

looked at him. He calmly got to his feet and replied with indifference,

Adrian did not care much for his friend now. With the money he just received, he did not need him anymore. He was not worth