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.

Still, the desolation on Cassandra's eyes made him sorry for her. She still

firmly believe that

to understand her sister, but deep down, she could not keep herself

with a sibling who openly hated her at all times, and Cassandra was no exception. The only thing she kept repeating to herself was that Cloris was still very young and that she would soon outgrow her irrational aversion

set aside her own prejudice. Eventually, Cassandra

In time, she believed

disk that contained the

if he were counting cash. Making money was one of

you serious?"

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

be Lionel's secretary right now. Isn't that lucky?

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

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

security system and snuck into Lionel's office without anyone

tale. She knew that Adrian

account now,"

with satisfaction. It felt so good to get work

nightgown as her long, curly hair rested softly on her shoulders. Adrian felt an itch on his heart that

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

murmured as he kissed her, his breath getting

escape his embrace. His kisses disgusted her.

Adrian! I've paid you! And we are

on her new target now. Adrian was

be safer too, in case anyone went snooping. When push came to shove, she definitely would not

I know you want it. Don't you remember how you threw yourself at me last time?"

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

force me to

him away at full strength but to no avail. Adrian was just

Beat me. Curse me. Do whatever you want. I

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

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

worship you as a man does to a woman. I

as he let out a

the door opened and a figure appeared

you doing, Adrian?" the man

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

Joel's arrival was something he did

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

his wit's end and he gnashed

He calmly got to his feet and

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