A Graduation Gift

"Don't worry, I'm here. I'll do everything in my power to help you," he whispered softly into her ears.

His embrace was warm, melting away the ice Cassandra felt both physically and mentally from the whole ordeal. Cassandra looked up into his eyes, lost in the tenderness he was giving.

Across town, Ivy had a bright smile on her face. "Here is the document you asked,"

she said, handing over the flash drive she obtained from Adrian to Clark, and Clark's face lit up with excitement.

"Ivy, I cannot believe you took this risk for us. I don't know what to say."

He seemed truly touched by the gesture. Ivy gave a sigh of relief, her uneasy heart finally feeling more settled.

"No, don't worry about it. You know I'd do anything for you."

It should make hay while the sun shines. Ivy hurriedly expressed her attitude toward him.

"Did you get Joel to help you out? Did he get caught?" Clark inquired.

Joel was working in the Tang Group and Clark knew that it was a very convenient connection to have.

Ivy hesitated for a second. It hadn't been Joel who helped her but she wasn't about to tell Clark that it was Adrian who had stepped in and stole it from Lionel.

"He was careful and I don't believe anyone saw him."

she wasn't lying and what Clark didn't know would not kill him.

the wiser, as

he'll be a great fit for the Dawn Star Group. I'll tell Arthur to find a proper position. And he won't be bullied like he was over at the

that Clark so easily offered her

Group fell and Dawn Star Group would rise to replace them. If Joel managed to weasel his

That's so sweet." Ivy faked her sweetest

But he barely noticed, transfixed by the

had not gotten past him. He sneered silently. He would never lay a finger on Ivy. She was nothing to him but a chess piece in his big game and when her usefulness

home. I'll call you when everything

wanted to get her out as soon as possible. Ivy's heart sank, disappointed he hadn't insinuated

have no interest in her, no matter how hard

quietly glanced down at her perfect frame. Any man would feel so lucky, but why did the one man she wanted not even take a second glance at her?

was above a little office romance. Just the other day, he'd made love to Amanda

driver to get you home," Clark

away on the keyboard. It was

after the disappointment, Ivy cracked an understanding smile.

can find my own way home.

knew she'd have to be patient to gain the affections of such a wealthy bachelor. He was not as ignorant as

left the room quietly.

of Clark's lips. He

he needed to bring Tang Group down, and more importantly, turn the Tang family against Rufus. It would be impossible for him to ever win