A Graduation Gift

A slight smirk of triumph hung on Horace's mouth. Rufus knew he must have a trick up his sleeve.

He had intended to leave Rufus and Amanda alone in the living room so that sparks might start to fly between them.

But he was mistaken. While Lionel was faultlessly obedient to him, Rufus would never allow himself to be ordered about.

Rufus stood quietly, his eyes never leaving Horace, watching for his next move.

"Miss Ke, I'm so sorry to have missed your last concert. I was feeling quite under the weather. I heard it was a great success, congratulations,"

Ivy exclaimed. She hoped her enthusiasm would hide her dismay that she had in fact, not been invited to the concert.

"Oh, that's fine. Thank you, Mrs. Tang." Amanda said. "I have decided to settle down in G City. Holding concerts is only minor; but it's imperative when it comes to running a piano school. Actually, I want to discuss the construction project with you, Mr. Luo, in the coming days. When do you have time?"

Amanda tilted her head in Rufus's direction, waiting for his answer.

"Lionel is in charge of this, not me,"

Rufus answered indifferently, his face expressionless.

And he wasn't lying. It was Lionel who had signed his name on the contract and was responsible for this project. Rufus did not want to get involved at all.

Amanda was stunned. She knew very well that Rufus was deliberately trying to keep her at a distance.

"From what I've been told, Lionel is busy. He is already responsible for several projects in the tourism industrial area,"

Amanda continued, keeping up the pressure. She felt bad as Rufus rejected her in front of others, but she didn't want him to feel any animosity from her. Clearly, winning his heart back would take more patience.

"Well, speaking of Lionel. Why hasn't he come back yet? Ivy, have you called him and let him know we have a distinguished guest waiting and he should hurry back?"

Jill who had been watching the group obsequiously suddenly realized that Lionel had yet to return although it was already dark.

"Maybe he is still busy with his work,"

Ivy made an excuse. She had called Lionel several times, but he hadn't answered. She grew anxious, not knowing what he was doing.

"Miss Ke, my wife is a fan of yours. She has enjoyed all the music you play,"

Horace tried to change the subject, buttering Amanda up with his sweet talk.

Jill gladly joined in, eager to discuss her 'newfound hobby' with Amanda after cramming for piano music recently.

Horace had told Jill that Amanda had a good relationship with the government officials in G City, but stayed quiet about the investor's expectations. He was hoping that she could put in a good word for them. Jill and Ivy complimented Amanda desperately; while Amanda just smiled, throwing shy glances over to Rufus from time to time.

catch the tension that hung above the room. But looking around, everyone in the room had their own axe

Muffled voices could be heard from the other end of the line. And suddenly, his face fell

are

after him. He didn't expect Rufus to leave in such a hurry.

already nowhere to be seen.

set it up. Her plan

she sneered to herself. 'Well, just

monster growled within Cloris as she adjusted the camera one

corner of the corridor surreptitiously. He'd watched as David came out of the room, opened up an envelope

must have a hidden agenda. But what

door he had just exited. He pressed his ear against the door, hoping to hear what was going

I do?' he thought. 'Should I break in to find out

pretty upset with me. What if the two sisters are just having a regular date...there is just

shake off the uneasy feeling in his stomach.

door, trying to figure out what to do, someone suddenly appeared

you

cold face covered

here? It seemed like more and more people were

on

stammered out an excuse. Now, his curiosity was piqued even

snorted with disbelief but didn't say anything. He turned to the door instead, testing the lock before thumping the door loudly with his fist. The door swung

on, speechless. How was Rufus able to break down the door of a

over. Lionel tried to stop them at the door.

one in the living

straight over and opened the door with as much ease as he'd banged down the door of the room. Cloris looked up at him as he burst

Cloris's eyes were wide

slowly scanned the room, instinctively gulping as his eyes came to the

rushed over, wrapping Cassandra up in

said to Cloris, the words

whole situation

helped Cassandra to put her clothes back on, anger blazing

photos of Cassandra! How could Cloris hate Cassandra so much? They

with his own eyes how kind and caring Cassandra was to Cloris. If she knew what Cloris had tried to do

face as he thought about how

not to tell Cassandra about this, he

behind him. Cloris was still in the living room; trembling with fear, her face pale. Lionel

out of here. We'll pretend this never happened," Rufus said, trying