A Graduation Gift

"I haven't been feeling well recently. I rarely come out, let alone read the newspapers,"

Cassandra bashfully remarked. Being praised by Cloris was a rarity, so she did not know how to properly respond to the unusual occurrence.

Edith stood up from her seat and went beside Cassandra, effectively disrupting her prior conversation. She prompted her daughter to give her a tour of the place before she pulled Cassandra to a corner and said, "I briefly talked to Rufus just now. I think I've changed my mind about him since even Cloris only spouted praises for him. We've both agreed to leave you both alone, I hope you'll continue being happy with him!"

The meeting with Vernon had indeed been a therapeutic one for Edith. It was her fault that she had forced her docile daughter to marry Lionel years ago, a big mistake that wasted a huge part of her youth; Edith simply did not want a repeat of history. So, as long as Cassandra was happy, she would no longer try to manipulate her decisions.

Cassandra had found a man that she loved the same way he loved her, and Edith was content in recognizing that fact.

Her child was a good lady that was worthy of living her own life, after all. If Cassandra was confident with Rufus, then she was of no position to refuse.

"Mom…"

The beginnings of sniffles broke Cassandra's steady voice as she was overtaken with emotion. She was rendered speechless, and her mother's approval meant much more to her than anything she could have perpetually desired.

"I know, dear. I know what you're thinking right now. I've got no plans of breaking you two apart, I just wish for you to live a life full of love."

embrace Cassandra's trembling form. She caressed a hand to her daughter's face as the first roll of tears cascaded down her reddened cheeks. Mere phrases or sentences could not begin to describe the sheer glee Cassandra was experiencing currently.

Rufus's attention. She looked at the name on the screen

I just heard from the people who were monitoring Cassandra's phone. They said that she's planning to give the USB with the newly revised bid document back today! You have to quickly

The interference around Rufus's house made it exceedingly hard to monitor all calls going through Cassandra's phone. His team

soon? But, aren't there a few days

would gain an easier access to the device she wanted to

think of something! We'll never have

paid off his intention to

he would not

the USB, and if she had guessed it right, it would probably be in Cassandra's bag at the moment. However, the task would be a complicated one to perform, what

her hand in consideration. It was an expensive and highly coveted item that Rufus

will to even refuse such a grand gift despite her obvious hate for Cassandra. And so, it was with a forlorn soul when she had replayed her tactics inside her mind—the only

around the strap, gritting her teeth as she tore the lining apart and grabbed

features, she directed her false perturbation at Cassandra and said, "Sis, look! My bag is broken. How did this happen?! I've only used it for a few days!" She whined, extending the ruined article for emphasis, "It shouldn't be this fragile since it's from a famous brand! I have several of their bags as well, and all

and hummed in agreement while Rufus assessed the scene with a careful,