A Graduation Gift

"How's it going with your work?"

In prison's visiting rooms, Vernon sat across Cassandra. He had grown thinner but he seemed to be in high spirits.

"It's doing great, Father. Don't worry about me. As for my mother, she can't come today because she has been very busy, but I'm sure she will visit you next time," Cassandra said.

She made it a point not to bear bad news because she did not want her father to worry too much. It was important for her that he behaved well in prison so he could be let out soon and they could all be together. Because of this, she and her mother agreed not to tell Vernon about Edith's illness.

"Do you have a boyfriend now?"

This was the next question he asked. Of course, this also brought him concern because he didn't want his daughter to grow old alone. It only made sense that he would ask this too.

Cassandra already anticipated this and she was able to prepare an answer.

"Yes, but we haven't been dating long yet. I'd like to bring him so you can meet him when it's time. It's still too early now,"

she replied smoothly without hesitation.

Vernon smiled with relief when he heard her reply. That was good news to him because in his mind, that meant that he did not need to worry about Cassandra too much. There was a man who was taking care of her.

"I'm sorry I haven't been a good father. You and your mother must have been having a hard time recently,"

he started apologetically. He felt sorry for leaving Cassandra the burden of taking care of his family.

Right then, Cassandra suddenly remembered what Rufus told Ivy.

Joel had threatened Vernon to the point of him considering suicide. She realized that Ivy must have done this because of the things happening between them back then.

Cassandra's heart ached. Her father almost died because of her. This filled her with guilt.

"Father, please, no more apologizing. We are family. We're all waiting for you—mother, Cloris, and me,"

she said as she reached out to hold her father's hand to comfort him.

"How about Cloris? How is she?"

It had been a long time since he saw his beloved younger daughter. He missed her very much.

"She's fine. She came back a few days ago and she has a boyfriend now,"

Cassandra replied with a smile.

he like? Is he treating Cloris

question

smiled and replied

the president of Dawn Star Group,

as Cloris's lovestruck face appeared in her mind. The girl seemed

before. She even came back just to see him but they ended up

"Arthur? I know him!"

even more excited. Arthur was part of the business circle. Of course, he knew who

her. Arthur is a very good

that

smile brought Cassandra joy,

should also hurry up with your love life then, Cassandra. By the way, who were you talking about? Who

then asked his eldest daughter. He realized that he forgot to ask who the mystery guy was. A part of him felt bad that he

though, she was actually hoping that he would not investigate as this was a topic she would

father. Hurriedly, she explained, "I know we shouldn't be together. I mean, there are so many odds against us. We've been through a lot, clearly. Mother doesn't like him very much either,

worried that Vernon might object. As best as she could, she explained the situation and put in as many good words for Rufus as possible.

for a few seconds and

ex-husband's brother. What will the Tang family say when they find out that you plan to be their older son's wife?" he

was the Tang family's approval, it was likely that the news about Rufus's identity had not reached him yet. It was a good thing that all

the future, Father. Please let

with

did not even have the time and energy to think about her relationship with Rufus at this moment. Currently, keeping the Tang Group afloat was their

Would

me you'll take care of yourself. Don't allow

he held her hands and

promise. Thank you," she replied.

father's love overwhelmed Cassandra so much that she almost wanted to cry.

would share a moment like this with her father. Sitting across him and holding his hands, she had never felt this loved by him in all

father had always been distant to her and showed obvious favor towards her sister. She could not recall a moment in her childhood where she felt that he loved her. He never seemed to care what she did in

did

the best of her during her bitter days, she would not have reached this moment. She was grateful that she

tell him how she felt, how beautiful these kinds of

of having a

was much more satisfying than

knew it would not be easy to convince him. He was very stubborn and nothing she did or said about this particular

already so deep into their problems. No matter what Lionel did, nothing seemed

to lend a hand. But unfortunately, absorbed by his hatred, he barely showed concern for