A Graduation Gift

Everyone knew that the wildly successful orchestral concert held in G City a few months ago was sponsored by the Tang Group. If they were ever interested in Amanda's concert, they sure would have made it show by talking with her agent already. Well, it's easy to be wise after the event.

"Mr. Tang, you are such a generous president. It is my greatest pelasure to host a solo concert in G City. We all know this city is rapidly expanding and its future looks bright, so it's an honor to gain recognition by the people here,"

voiced Amanda, her face masked with a smile, hiding her true feelings of disgust in her heart. Everybody knew Lionel was just a vice president, but Amanda called him 'president' to make him feel good. Lionel was easily complacent.

"No, no, no, it's our pleasure to invite such a rising star like you to host a concert in G City."

Lionel returned with a big, fat smile on his smug face.

"By the way, I heard that your wife, Cassandra Qin, has recently been awarded the best design in an international competition. She is so amazing considering she's the first Chinese to win such a prestigious award. You indeed have a good wife."

Amanda pretended that she didn't know about their divorce, mainly because she wanted to embarrass Lionel. 'Well, to be fair, they haven't made it public yet, ' thought Amanda.

Lionel winced slightly when he heard Cassandra's name, but quickly recovered. He recalled the strange feeling in his chest when he saw Cassandra this morning.

"Oh! I just saw your wife having coffee with Mr. Luo at the Starbucks by the corner. They really looked serious and seemed like they were discussing business. Such a dedicated duo!"

Her words were a bombshell. She didn't even give Lionel anytime to think about why she mentioned Cassandra and Rufus.

Upon hearing this, Lionel was speechless for a while. 'Cassandra having coffee with Rufus?'

He remembered Rufus always had Cassandra's back, and he even beat him up just for her. Lionel had always suspected something was up between the two, but he never had any hard evidence to show for it.

'She went to Rufus right after our divorce. Is there something going on between them?' Lionel mused inwardly.'

He didn't betray his thoughts to Amanda. To keep from the awkward situation, Lionel forced a smile and said, "Manager Qin is very busy these days. She was probably just discussing some of her designs with Mr. Luo."

He looked calm when he replied. However, there was turmoil deep inside his mind. He was starting to form a plan to verify his guess.

Although Lionel did well to disguise his agitation, Amanda saw through it easily.

"Please come to my concert, your wife is welcome as well. I'm afraid I must go now,"

Amanda beamed before turning around to leave his office, her back slowly shrinking from the distance.

Lionel's smile faded after she left. He then murmured to himself with a grim expression, "Cassandra..."

as ice that one

her. Kicking her out was too light a punishment. I will have to destroy her entire life, ' fumed Lionel in the deep recesses of

the first place, and how they conspired with each other

showed the design to Rufus, promptly taking a sip of her pumpkin spiced latte

you can always tell me if I need to adjust any details. I'm

agreement—Leaving the Tang Group and no engagement of

hurt her career,

after scanning

always talk to Horace if you really want this job. An agreement is just that...an agreement. You won't be breaking any laws just because you refuse to follow the terms,"

frown. He thought Cassandra was taking this too

with how the Group operated, and she had already become the rising star in her department. Her resignation would make a

image if it reached the media that the vice president divorced his wife and thew her out of the company. It was better to keep

her head in refusal. As she ended her marriage with Lionel, she wanted to begin a new life with Rufus. She was adamant about leaving

Group was in dire need of her leadership. She had decided to relocate the company to downtown for more convenient transportation and more

signed the agreement, and

Cassandra said firmly.

must be really committed to a new life, ' Rufus thought as he stared at Cassandra intently.

anything I can

Group was in a fine mess since major

need. I can handle it,"

immediately. The last thing she wanted was asking for Rufus's

push yourself too hard. You'll be marrying me someday, so

placed his hand on

you will never be

to be saved, and he believed he could propel the company to the top. Cassandra was inexperienced, he was afraid she

you, Rufus. But it's my father's business, so it's my burden to bear saving it,"

little girl who spent all her money just for one doll

different from other women. Usually a woman would cave as soon as the man offered his

my sense of

back and sat up rigid. He looked gentle, a stark contrast

you ever read 'To the Oak Tree'?

breath, Cassandra started,

never be a clinging trumpet creeper, using your high boughs to show

If I love you—