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.

like?

question after

and replied patiently.

probably know him. He is the president of Dawn Star Group, Arthur Zhuang. Cloris likes him very

as Cloris's lovestruck face appeared in her mind. The girl seemed so happy and she always looked at Arthur with such

she did not understand, however, was that from what she knew, Arthur broke up with Cloris before. She even came back just to see him but they ended up

"Arthur? I know him!"

more excited. Arthur was part of the business

for her. Arthur

off his face. Realizing that his daughter was dating a great man filled

brought Cassandra joy,

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

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

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

against us. We've been through a lot, clearly. Mother doesn't like him very much either, but I'll introduce him to you, Father,

could, she explained the situation and put in

few seconds

the Tang family say when they find out

the Tang family's approval, it was likely that the news about Rufus's identity had not reached him

energy to think about the future, Father. Please let me just worry about what's

with a

think about her

pain in her eyes made Vernon's heart ache. Would Horace agree if she married his

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

her hands and looked straight into

Father, I promise. Thank you,"

her father's love overwhelmed Cassandra so much that

holding his hands, she had never

as long as she could remember, her 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

imagination did

world. If she had left her family and allowed her hatred to get the best of her during her bitter days, she would not have reached this moment. She was grateful that she did her best to protect it. The love she felt right now made everything worth it.

her right now. She wanted to tell him how she felt, how beautiful these kinds of moments were, and how things

a family and how it

was much more

not be easy to convince him. He was very stubborn and nothing she did or said about this particular matter ever seemed to

problems. No matter what Lionel did, nothing seemed

of the Tang family, it would have been Rufus's responsibility to lend a hand. But unfortunately, absorbed by his hatred, he barely showed concern for