A Graduation Gift

"Cassandra, are you still keeping in touch with Rufus?"
Stella suddenly asked. The tone of Cassandra's voice baffled her, so she got a little bit worried.
That question seemed to have pulled Cassandra back into reality. Looking at her dearest friends, she thought that there was
nothing to hide from them.
"Yes, I actually am. Rufus told me that, for a while now, Amanda has been so depressed and emotionally unstable. And because
of her condition, he had been backed into a corner and had no choice but to get engaged to her to keep her in check..."
Before Cassandra could finish what she was trying to say, Stella abruptly slammed her hand onto the table and stood up.
"Cassandra, you've always been such a smart woman. How could you easily fall for his sweet lies so easily? The persons
involved would find it hard to see the bigger picture, but from someone who doesn't really have anything to do with it, it seems to
me that Rufus just wants to fool around with both you and Amanda at the same time. And you're actually dumb enough to
believe him. This is getting on my nerves!"
Stella yelled out of anger, with her face burning with intense rage. Since she had been frank with Cassandra, it was plain as day
that she didn't like Rufus. And now, the thought of Rufus playing with Cassandra's emotions was driving her insane.
"Cassandra, you would always think rationally when you're working, but how could you be so ignorant when it comes to your
relationships?"
With her brows deeply furrowed, Lyndsy had the same opinion as Stella. She believed that Rufus was a man who should not be
trusted.
It came as no surprise to Cassandra that Stella and Lyndsy would get bent out of shape. Stretching out her arms, she grabbed
Stella's and Lyndsy's hands.
"As my precious friends, I understand how you feel about this matter. But I have faith in Rufus. This would be the last time, so I'm
willing to take the risk. In any case, there's no turning back for me now,"
Cassandra wanted to reassure her friends that she'd be fine. Stella and Lyndsy glanced at one another, both clearly at such a
loss for words.

"Okay, fine. If that's what you truly want. But please brace yourself for what could end up happening. Just know that no matter
what, I'm always here for you."
Feeling so helpless, Stella just waved her hand. They knew full well that Cassandra could be so hardheaded sometimes, and
whenever she was already dead set on doing something, no one would be able to make her change her mind except for herself.
"Cassandra, something suddenly crossed my mind, but I don't think..."
Lyndsy was somewhat wavering. Glancing at Cassandra and Stella, she had a look of hesitation written all over her face.
"What is it? Don't worry. You can tell me anything."
Cassandra had her eyes fixated on Lyndsy, seeming to be a bit confused. As far as she knew, Lyndsy always spoke her mind.
So, for what reason could she possibly be faltering now?
"Well, as you might know, I'm starring in the film funded by TY Entertainment right now. I assume you're aware that TY
Entertainment is actually a subsidiary of the TY Group, right?"
Lyndsy looked Cassandra straight in the eye, with the latter simply bobbing her head in agreement, but still appearing to be quite
puzzled.
"One of the investors mentioned that he had met face-to-face with the chairman of the TY Group, who was rumored to be one
very young and capable businessman."
Biting her lips a bit hard, Lyndsy was visibly still doubtful. The expression she had on her face gave Cassandra a sneaking
suspicion, making her feel uneasy.
"He also said that the chairman of TY Group has been living under the radar and rarely shows up in public. Apparently, he was
the first major client of TY Securities, so the chairman welcomed him personally. If I remember correctly, I think he said he got
acquainted with the chairman in G City..."
Lyndsy gave Cassandra a worried glance. Cassandra, on the other hand, appeared to be still rather calm.
"During the chairman's engagement party, he saw him once more. His bride-to-be is the renowned and exceptional pianist,
Amanda, or so the story goes..."

As soon as Lyndsy was done talking, Cassandra accidentally tipped over her cup out of surprise. The water got spilled all over
the table and dripped onto her lap.
Caught completely off guard, Cassandra stood up immediately, obviously left dumbfounded, as she didn't even bother wiping the
water stains off her dress.
It was a good thing Lyndsy had the right mind to grab the napkins to wipe her dress while apologizing to her, "Cassandra, I
wasn't sure at first whether I should be telling you about that or not, but since I consider you to be one of my closest friends, I
know what kind of person you are. You're a decent human being. And I wouldn't want you to be taken advantage of. Rufus has
just revealed to the public that he was actually Horace's son. Only a handful of people are privy to the fact that he's the chairman
of the TY Group. I'm not sure what his reason for hiding that information. I thought... Either way, it's something that he shouldn't
have kept from you."
Watching Cassandra get all shaken up, Lyndsy could easily tell, without a doubt, that she absolutely hadn't had the slightest idea
about Rufus's real identity. This surely would come as a shock to her.
However, Cassandra was much too overwhelmed that she failed to hear Lyndsy's explanation. Rufus's true identity astounded
her so much and caused her heart to shatter into a million pieces.
The things she always had a hard time trying to figure out was now out in the open.
No wonder Rufus always seemed so terrifyingly formidable. If he was the actual founder of TY Group, he would undoubtedly
function as the CEO of Tang Group efficiently.