A Graduation Gift

Ivy, on the other hand, walked inside and closed the door behind her. She headed straight to the bathroom to take a shower. She stood under the warm water, closing her eyes and running her hands over herself obsessively.

Adrian was young and aggressive, and he had been persistent. And Ivy wasn't seeing anyone in particular. She had no good reason to refuse him.

Adrian's young body was like a perfectly ripe fruit, firm and supple, and ready for the taking. It was as if she returned to her youth every time they were together.

Many years ago, when she was a young girl, she held the attention of all men around her, and played with them to her heart's content. But she was not getting any younger as time continued to pass.

Her appearance hadn't changed much over the years, but Ivy knew that she no longer possessed any of the pure, unsullied charm younger women had about them. She knew it better than anyone else, as every day only took away what remained of her luster. And as if to add salt to her wounds, Clark had never shown any interest in her. She was getting older the way pearls changed its colors until it became an unsightly yellow.

Ivy smiled bitterly to herself as she turned the heat higher. The water had turned from warm to hot, and her skin flushed from the temperature. It was only at these times that Ivy felt she was young again, her skin rosy and soft. She let herself linger with the comfort of the illusion.

The taxi pulled to a stop in front of a bar. Adrian stepped out and headed inside, ordering his usual drink. The alcohol arrived quickly, and he took a long, cold swig of the amber liquid.

"Adrian! You're looking good these days!"

A man came over and gave him a small salute. For the past days, Adrian was loose with money, and now the people around were almost certain he had found a rich mistress.

good to hear. When I make a lot of money, I'll definitely remember you, bro!" he beamed, feeling himself swell at the compliment.

the bartender, he ordered the man another of his drink.

to recite flatteries which rang clear in Adrian's ears and lightened his mood. They went on until midnight and walked out the bar swaying back and

movement. His mouth curled into a

sly woman! No wonder Lionel left her. She was about as useful as wet matches. He remembered how she had begged for him, making big declarations about her

she could play him for a fool,

was no Lionel.

dialed a number and gave out orders, "I want information on a man called Adrian Li. Investigate everything

darkness loomed in his eyes like the clouds of a

cousin who had worked for Cassandra before,

last time they met. Despite this, he did not completely

had sensed it, the traitorous streak underneath the pretty face. Ivy was like a ticking time bomb—sooner or later, she

to notice something slipped into his glass. This went on for some time. His days were the same as yesterday, going out at night and returning in the morning. All throughout his seeming surplus of energy, he never once

curling himself up and shivering on the ground in agony, the shadow of a man showed up in front of him and said, "If you want to save yourself, all you have to do is listen to what I say." Adrian looked at him with hazy eyes, struggling to focus on his words. The man crouched over him