A Graduation Gift

Rufus's thoughts had wandered off to Cassandra. What would her reaction be when she learned of how he became the man that
he was now?
Would she blame him and get angry with him for not telling her the truth? Or would she forgive him and accept him and his past?
But he had never expected such a result and would never believe it.
He shook his head at his own thoughts. 'No, impossible. She will never do that. I know her. She won't be blinded by money.'
Shivers racked his frame at the thought that he could be wrong. It was a terrifying notion, and he refused to believe it.
Charlie watched him coldly as he answered. He looked at Rufus in disbelief, as if he was telling the biggest joke he had ever
heard.
"You can believe what you want. I told her myself, and I saw how she turned pale when she heard that you might not be able to
inherit the Tang Group." Rufus gave no reply and Charlie scoffed, "You think I'm lying? Listen to reason, Rufus. You are letting
your emotions get the better of you. Whatever feelings you have for her right now are turning you into a blind man. You're the
smartest student I've ever had, and it is ridiculous of you to believe in such a woman!"
Charlie's gaze was burning as he spoke. He shook his head repeatedly as he continued.
"I knew right from the start that she was no simple woman. She chose to marry Lionel for Tang Group's power. Then she left him
just as he was losing his father's favor. It was clever of her to turn her attention to you, the next possible successor."
Charlie did not mince his words about Cassandra. He spoke without holding anything back, regardless of whether it would hurt
Rufus or not. At the same time, Rufus clenched his fists tightly, his knuckles turning white from the force of his grip.
"You're wrong, Charlie," he said back sharply. "She had never wanted anything from me. Not once had she asked for my help.
She stood alone and did everything herself. Whatever she has right now, she worked harder than anybody to get. You have no
idea what she had to go through."
Rufus defended Cassandra without any hesitation, but was cut off by Charlie who now started to feel disappointed.
"Listen to yourself, Rufus! Why are you defending her? Don't be naive! That woman loves nobody but herself! She knows what
my money will bring her, and that's why she drew a clear line between you and her. Stop acting like a dog waiting for scraps from
her!"

The venom in Charlie's voice as he spat out the words stung Rufus. He clenched his teeth in restraint. There was no telling of
what he could do if he was not able to hold his temper.
Seeing Rufus's expression, Charlie knew that he had better stop. Things were quickly getting more and more heated, and it was
sure to erupt once they reach the extremes. From there on, there would be no turning back.
"You have to know. There're more to her than what you think, and I'm sure your eyes will open once you see it for yourself.
Remember what I've taught you, Rufus, and for God's sake, use your head!" He huffed for a moment before taking a step back.
"I'm done here. It's your decision to make. Amanda, let's get out of here!"
Charlie grabbed his daughter's hand as she was still sobbing and headed quickly to the door.
Meanwhile, Amanda had not yet recovered from the shock. She let herself be led by her father to the elevator as she looked
back at the figure behind the glass window. Every step she took felt heavy as she thought of Rufus and how he was dealing with
her father's words.
She tried to pull her hand away once she had regained enough sense. "Father, I need to go back. He's hurt, and I have to stay
with him!" she cried.
She did not want to let her father drag her away from him. She wanted nothing more than to stay by Rufus's side.
"Amanda, listen to me. He would only grow more tired of you if you keep showing up in front of him. I am a man too, and I know
how my kind thinks far better than you. Keeping your distance is much better than being a desperate woman who smothers him
every second!"
Charlie felt Amanda struggle in his grip as he lectured her. He clutched her hand more tightly, in case she ran to Rufus again. He
did not let go of her even when they had reached the ground floor and he dragged her with him out of the Tang Group.
Rufus was left to himself when Amanda and Charlie left. Alone, he finally let out all the emotions he had to suppress. The
anguish and resentment were killing him from inside like knives cutting through his flesh.
With one swift motion, he struck the wall with his fists, trying to relieve himself of the fury that was boiling inside him. The image
of Cassandra came to his mind and he shook at the thought of her betraying him.
'Cassandra, did you really accept Charlie's offer when you knew that I would not be able to take over the Tang group?' he asked
silently in his heart, pleading that it was not true.

'Was Charlie right? Was I wrong about you?' he thought to himself, doubt blooming in his chest with every second.
Outside the door, Victor stood in hesitation as he deliberated whether he should knock or leave. Before he could make a
decision, Rufus sensed his presence and glowered at him.
"Come in! What's this about now?"
Rufus composed himself and looked at Victor with his hands clasped behind his back.
Victor stepped inside, with worry evident on his face.
"Mr. Luo, we have a problem with the theatre project. Can you go and take a look at the spot?" Victor asked in a low voice.
Rufus knew Victor would not be coming here unless it was something serious. It was very rare that Victor could not fix things by
himself. With his appearance at his door, Rufus knew that he had to attend the matter personally.
"Alright, tell my assistant to clear my schedule this afternoon until tomorrow. I'll go there with you," Rufus said briskly.
Originally, he was scheduled to go abroad this afternoon to fulfill a promise to Charlie to train the newly recruited members of
Dark Night Group. The training would require him to stay for a few days.
And thus, he'd better solve this unexpected problem before leaving.
Rufus spent the whole afternoon giving instructions and coordinating with people. It was dark outside when things finally got
settled.
While he was busy with work, Cassandra was waiting for him outside the construction spot. She waited and waited until the last
traces of the sun had vanished. She watched as the people thinned out and went their ways. Even the workers had almost all
left. She shivered as a cold breeze fanned through her, wrapping her arms around herself. As if to add to her growing frustration,
the lamp on roadside blinked and then went out completely. Cassandra could barely feel her legs from standing long and she
stamped her feet to the ground to get some of the feeling back. She craned her neck to the direction where Rufus would come
from, but there was no trace of him.