A Graduation Gift

Inside the Tang mansion, the rooms were lit up brilliantly.

When Rufus and Cassandra returned home, they saw Horace and Jill casually drinking tea in the living room.

The older pair looked up. As soon as Horace spotted Rufus, he greeted him with a splendid smile and open arms.

"Rufus! Good to see you. Have you had your dinner already? Would you like to eat something?"

However, his enthusiasm was not well received. Rufus remained aloof and nodded briefly at the question. Cassandra, who had been hiding behind him, stepped out timidly, facing her in-laws with a forced smile on her face.

"Hi Dad. Hi Mom."

Her voice came out timid. Seeing her, Jill shot up from the sofa, looking positively resentful.

"How is it that you two have come home together?"

Surprised to see them standing so close that their shoulders almost touched, Jill lashed out at Cassandra. Her blatant stare made Cassandra quiver with unease.

She had to look away in order to avoid further questions. Acting composedly was the only way to avoid exposing the truth.

"Well, I was hanging out with some friends tonight. I happened to come across Rufus at the pub's exit. So we came home together. It's no big deal."

of his mouth curled up in a lop-sided grin as he realized that she had no qualms about lying to the faces of her in-laws. She was quite a

staircase, he cast a profound look in Cassandra's direction.

retire to her room as well. However, Horace's words

some time since you came home from abroad. I think it would be ideal that you go to work with Rufus tomorrow. You might need some

wondering if she had heard him right. Horace seemed to have a sincere look in his eyes. She knew she couldn't refuse his offer, as it was out of

"Sure, Dad."

hand, Jill did not look happy at all. She stared at Cassandra with open hostility in her eyes, as

came to our family not so long ago. But you seem to be

teeth. Her voice was not loud, but it had a hint of steel beneath it, and Cassandra successfully captured the warning in her tone. She lifted her chin and looked at Jill with her pretty eyes, not saying anything in return. She was not a fool.

only just come here. There are a lot of things he needs to learn. Cassandra is his sister-in-law, of course she has a responsibility to show him

the top. It was good that Cassandra wanted to help Rufus feel more welcomed. Jill

herself. She is new to the business too.

snapped back. As a woman, she was intuitive about these

today. I think I'll

despite the fact that her palms were sweating under Jill's gaze. Jill just rolled her eyes and snorted with derision. Then, she clutched Horace's arm and sauntered to their room with him. Once they left, Cassandra exhaled softly. How long would she able to hold on to her pathetic lie? Jill had her breaking out in a cold sweat just now. Cassandra shook her head as she marched upstairs. The overwhelming guilt in her heart would eat her up one

hand on her chest, still shaken by Jill's sharp misgivings. Taking a deep breath, she slowly pushed the bedroom door open. The room was shrouded in darkness. As she was about to switch on the

so intimate with each other. Yet

reach to wipe it off. In the pitch darkness, she heard the loud pounding of her heart ringing in her ears. Why was he in her room? What did he want? Did he actually get a kick out of giving her a hard time?