《A Graduation Gift》


 Chapter 1 Savoring

    Chapter 1 Savoring


    Somewhere in the medieval city of Rome, as the moon cast a mystique glow out of the pitch-dark night,


    a white luxurious cruise ship silently transcended the calm torrents of the ocean. The festivity in the


    ship was heightened as it was filled with singing and dancing. Everyone on board was in a sprite,


    enjoying the lively and cordial atmosphere.


    Meanwhile, in a deluxe room of the ship, the silhouette cast on the ss door was blurred by the steam


    of the hot shower, making it mysteriously attractive. The sound of water dripping on the floor strikingly


    contrasted the silence of the night. Inside the room, the ambiance was cozy and charming.


    On the other side of the ss door, a man was patiently waiting. He leaned himself against the board


    of the bed. Between his slender fingers, a half-burnt cigarettey pinched. Sipping his cigar, he felt


    boosted knowing that smoking was regarded as the symbol of masculinity. Gently tapping the ashes of


    his cigar, he took a heavy breath and spluttered out a beautiful array of smoke rings. He regarded the


    yful smokes as an art piece. The man''s wheat-colored skin exuded a healthy glow under the dim


    light. His build was lean and firm without any extra trace of fat. Every aspect of his appearance was just


    so perfect.


    He slightly narrowed his eyes. Those eyes that were so sharp - eagle-like sharp, emanated a strange


    sense of sinisternguidness. His well-sculpted face was so irresistible, with his sexy, thin, and pinkish


    lips nicely tilted with faint mockery. His eyes, zed with fire and desire, fixed the gaze through the


    ss door. He was carefully examining every inch of crease and curves of the woman inside the


    bathroom.


    The door slowly opened. s! The white silk bathrobe worn by the woman showcased her alluring


    figure. She was drying her long ck hair with a towel. Adjusting her robe, she turned towards his


    direction and gave him an enticing smile.


    He was overwhelmed by the sudden burst of hormones at the sight of her. She looked sexy as she was


    still rubbing her hair. Beneath her hair was her adorable face, honed to perfection. It was a definition of


    astounding beauty. That trace of rosy redness on her cheeks was a feast to the eye. He wondered if


    maybe there was something on her skin that made it red after every bath, as he couldn''t keep himself


    from staring. For him, she resembled a delicate flower in full bloom.


    "Awake from alcohol now?" the man asked, still tapping his cigarette which made him feel like a real


    macho. "Yeah," she answered raising her eyebrows an inch.


    Swiftly, the sturdy and handsome man lying on the bed moved to her. His hands were widely extended


    to wee her. He ran his fingers on her back as he gave her a hug. With his lips against her ear, he


    whispered,"Hhhhmmm you smell great." The hidden sexiness of his low voice made her so sensitive


    that she shrank her head back. He did it intentionally.


    Teased by the mischievous man, thedy blushed in red with great introversion. Her head was still a


    little heavy from a tinge of wine. If she hadn''t nked out that night, there wouldn''t be a chance for her


    to have a roll in the hay with this man.


    She remembered that it was already the second half of the night. Before that, she was so drunk that


    she could no longer remember how she got there. The crazy moments with the man, followed by a hot


    bath, almost sobered her up or at least revived her sanity.


    "Please let me go. I must go," the damsel implored the man.


    Her mind was cleared and was gaining full consciousness. Covered under the bathrobe, she felt a dull


    pain in her body and total chaos on her mind. On the night of her graduation, she couldn''t believe what


    had happened to her on this foreignnd with a strange man.


    "My name is Rufus Luo," the man introduced himself instead of attending to her small request.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    Thedy''s cold tone failed to drive the man away, but only induced him even closer. The deep and low


    voice was so enthralling, and the smile on his handsome face was so wickedly tempting and


    charismatic.


    "Look Mr., you don''t have to tell me your name. We''re just satisfying our individual needs. After tonight,


    there''ll be nothing in between us. No strings attached."


    The girl seemed to be annoyed by his action of introducing himself, which for him indicated his interest


    in further development of their one-night rtionship. Thedy turned around, with her elegant, wet hair


    leaving a cool and gentle touch on his skin.


    "You have been great tonight. Will there be a next time?"


    The man named Rufus Luo slightly raised his eyebrows. The smile on his face was so dazzling that the


    woman, who tried so hard to keep a safe distance from him, was somewhat dazed too.


    "I''m sorry. I have to go now." The damsel finally pulled all her strength and decided to leave.


    Without hesitation, the woman took off her bathrobe under the man''s gaze, and quickly put on the


    clothes that were scattered on the floor. When she was dressed, she picked up her purse in panic. With


    her slender hands quivering, the purse dropped onto the floor, with everything in it littered on the floor.


    She frowned and let out a profound rustle. Clipping her long hair on the back of her ear so that it


    wouldn''t block her eyes, she squatted down to pick the scattered things. This made the man draw a


    coy smile on his face. This time, it was a meaningful smile as if he discovered something really


    interesting.


    Crawling swiftly down from the bed, before the woman had any chance to stop him, he picked up a


    passport lying at the corner. Naturally, he flipped through the pages of the passport. His smile couldn''t


    help widening.


    "Cassandra Qin?" he read out the name.


    "Give it back to me!" shouted the youngdy.


    Upon hearing her name being called by the man, thedy who was busy collecting things on the floor,


    sprang up hastily to grab the passport from his hand. Her beautiful eyes were zed with fury and fire,


    ring at the rude man who took her passport without her consent.


    Probably she wouldn''t have anticipated, that what happened next was even ruder. He suddenly pulled


    her into his arms, enjoying the familiar aroma of the woman lingering in his nose. Being held so close to


    the man in her conscious state for the first time, she started to be nervous and her heartbeat


    started to race. Together with her heartbeat was her breathing, which sped up ordingly. Suddenly,


    the senses of that crazy night crept into her mind.


    "Are we having a goodbye kiss?" asked the naughty man in a yful tone.


    Though disguised in the question form, this sentence was actually a statement, to show that he was


    polite enough to ask for the opinion of the girl in his arms. However, there seemed to be only one


    answer for her, for the woman had nowhere to escape. As soon as he finished the sentence, he gave


    no time for the damsel to respond. He sealed her mouth with his sexy lips.


    With his arms around thedy''s waist, the man didn''t give her any chance to resist. After the prolonged


    kiss, thedy could barely support herself, so she had no choice but to continue lying in his arms.


    Staring at the man with her elevated rage, she felt more precarious with each second passing. The


    next instant, she waited no further to escape from the ce, leaving her still scattered pieces of stuff on


    the floor and a tantly wicked smile behind.


    With a loud "bang" of the door, the spacious room now was left with the man, surprised and alone.


    His eyes nced around as if trying to find a trace of the woman''s presence and finallynded on the


    smears of something red on the nket. His smile now turned more mysterious and harder to interpret.


    This man had lived in Rome for many years. Justst night, he was invited to a wine party, where he


    met the enchanting damsel. In his many one-night stands, it happened so rarely that his partner was a


    virgin. Was that considered luck? He couldn''t give himself an answer, at least for now.


    What he knew was, this woman had left an indelible impression on his mind. Until now, he was still


    savoring the crazy night he spent with her as her scent still lingered under his nose.

 Chapter 2 A Married Woman

    Chapter 2 A Married Woman


    The long night in Rome was freezing cold.


    Cassandra Qin ran to the deck in haste. The chilly breeze blew against her hauntingly beautiful face as


    she stared aimlessly into the distant sea. Her past saddened her. She rhythmically tapped her forehead


    absentmindedly. She looked rather bothered with her own thoughts.


    Today was herst day in Rome. She was due to graduate from her university shortly and would soon


    have to bid farewell to this beautiful country.


    The student union had scheduled their graduation ball on the cruise ship. She had been so enthralled


    with the celebration that she had drunk more than she could handle. Things went out of control and


    Cassandra held herself tightly in the wind to ay her fears. She felt herself slide into the past


    memories. ''Why on earth have I done that?'' thought she.


    Her head throbbed steadily thanks to her heavy consumption of alcohol. The hangover didn''t allow her


    to remember much from thest night except for the sharp pain that she had experienced. "Rufus Luo,"


    she murmured the name unconsciously. The image of this man was not quite clear but haunted her like


    a ghost.


    The wind was howling on the deck. She didn''t retreat to her cabin instead, she stood in the cold, to try


    and sober herself. Her mind was a mess, however, old memories shed through her mind


    unexpectedly. It had almost been four years since she came to Rome.


    "Cassandra, it is fine that you decided to go abroad to further your education. However, you always


    need to remember that you are a married woman.


    I am sure you are aware of the things that are expected of married women. There is no need for me to


    nag you with the details anymore."


    Her mother''s words still rang in her mind.


    Cassandra''s lips curled up bitterly as she remembered her mother''s face. Before she came to Rome to


    study, her mother had given her detailed instructions to govern her daily life. Usually, married women


    were not supposed to venture abroad without their families. It was quite umon in her family.


    However, her mother had supported her and eventually, she got to realise her dream. The cruise ship


    continued its course on the calm ocean. Stars shone brightly above Cassandra''s head as she was lost


    in nostalgia. The night breeze seemed to be chronicling the past against her ears.


    Cassandra Qin suddenly realised that she was married and her face twisted in a scornful smile. ''How


    ridiculous, '' she thought to herself, ''I am indeed married to someone.'' The funny thing was, she had


    been married for almost four years now. However, she only met with her so-called husband four times.


    The whole marriage thing was just a farce for her.


    They were married not because of love but for the union of two families. In order not to disappoint her


    parents, she had to contract an alliance with a wealthy man. However, she had no feelings toward him.


    Simrly, he couldn''t care less about her either.


    "The only thing I can give you is a marriage certificate. Apart from that, do not expect anything from


    me,"


    said Lionel Tang, the man whose name was written against hers on the marriage certificate. The irony


    of the situation was not lost on her. His cold words shed through her on her wedding night and he


    was serious. He never touched her. The marriage certificate was just a piece of paper. It brought


    Cassandra no joy whatsoever. The thought of Lionel Tang depressed her. She quickly shook her head


    against the wind, trying to rid her of her foul mood.


    She had absolutely no impression of Lionel Tang. He was a total stranger to her before the wedding.


    After four years of marriage, the situation was still the same.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    He hated her guts. Cassandra Qin had no idea why he was so hostile towards her to start with. ''Some


    questions might never be answered, '' she thought as she sighed and gazed at the dark swirling ocean.


    What aplete and utter joke her life was! Without any warning, she had unintentionally lost her


    virginity to a stranger ten hours ago. She didn''t even know him!


    She had cheated on her husband!


    The thought exploded in her head like fireworks. Cassandra Qin buried her face deep in her palms.


    What had she done to herself? Her head now ached like hell. She agonized over the thought and the


    fact that she did not have the guts to face the consequences.


    The overwhelming guilt was devouring her. Cassandra''s beautiful face twisted. She closed her eyes in


    agony and stumped her feet on the deck. She was agitated and didn''t have any clue as to what to do


    next.


    All she could remember was the steaming hot sex she had had with Rufus Luo. She was the one who


    took the initiative and waspletely indulged in the lust. The way she moaned in the bed...


    Cassandra couldn''t believe what she did back then. Horrified by her own crazy drunk behavior, she bit


    herself really hard in the bottom lip. Blood came out but she didn''t have the time to wipe it away. Her


    mind was fully upied with her own stupid farce.


    She, as a married woman, had dared to sleep with aplete stranger on the cruise. How could she


    possibly do this to her husband? How drunk was she? Cassandra shook her head rapidly, hoping to get


    rid of the unbearable shame. Why did she keep picturing herself with Rufus Luo? ''What is wrong with


    me?'' thought Cassandra shaking her head vigorously. The image was so vivid that every time she


    closed her eyes, she could see his handsome face and fit body. The way she had felt when she had


    been underneath him... Cassandra''s eyes suddenly widened. She couldn''t carry on thinking about him


    anymore. This needed to stop right now.


    She med the whole incident on the alcohol. She should have never drunk more than she could


    handle. She should have known better. The alcohol had made her do crazy things like that. She didn''t


    know that such a pliant girl like her could actually be capable of such wild things under the effect of


    alcohol.


    Her study in Rome had, now,e to an end. Tomorrow she was scheduled to depart and return to her


    home country. Was this one-night-stand a gift from her fate? How interesting it was! Her graduation gift


    was "this unexpected intercourse" on the cruise ship.


    How was she going to face her husband and his family? Cassandra looked around herself and was


    d that the incident had taken ce far away from home. She couldn''t bear the consequence of her


    husband finding out the truth. Thankfully she had trespassed her own boundaries in Rome. The Tang


    family would never know about what happened here. Cassandra sighed softly as she thought about


    Lionel''s wrath. She was sure that he would literally kill her.


    Tossing her hair back against the wind, she tried to calm herself down. It was now critical for her to


    think of a solution in case things got worse. She found it quiteforting that she was still in Rome, not


    back at home. Right now, it was essential she buried this secret. No one should ever know about her


    one-night-stand. If the Tang family knew about the scandal, her family would suffer greatly.


    She couldn''t hurt her mother. The scandal would literally kill her. Cassandra thought about her mother''s


    hurt face and took in a deep breath. She made a promise to herself that under no circumstances would


    she tell the truth to anyone. Cheating on her loveless marriage was almost inevitable, however, she


    could get away with it if she yed it carefully. Tomorrow she would leave this ce forever and the


    incident would not bother her anymore. She should imagine it was a beautiful dream. For the sake of


    her old mother, she couldn''t afford to tell anyone about her Roman incident.


    The night was long and the ocean was calm. Apart from the sshing sound from the waves beneath


    the deck, the only sound she could hear was her own steady breath. It was time for her to move on.


    Cold yet determined, Cassandra calmly made up her mind. She would never ever let anyone else know


    about this cruise. Her life depended on its secrecy. She would never let anyone ruin it.

 Chapter 3 Cassandra Was Back

    Chapter 3 Cassandra Was Back


    The sun beat down hard at the airport in G City, making everyone sweat with its oppressive heat.


    Summer in G City was always like this. No one ever looked their best; women''s hair frizzed up, and


    their makeup slowly began to slide down their faces. Men bore sweat stains in their armpits, and their


    clothes clung in ces they''d rather they didn''t. But at the airport''s exit, a beautiful woman, seemingly


    untouched by the elements, strode out, pulling a huge suitcase behind her. This heat wasn''t getting her


    down. She was in a great mood.


    "Cassandra! Here!"


    A middle-aged woman dressed in a stunning dark-colored floral print cheongsam waved her arm,


    calling out to Cassandra. Clearly, she was excited to finally see her. The older woman looked quite


    elegant for her age and had a shapely body. Her name was Edith Fang, and she was Cassandra''s


    mother.


    "Hi, Mom!"


    Cassandra immediately spotted her mother through the throngs of people waiting to be picked up by


    their loved ones, and waved back. Though she hadn''t heard it in four years, she was far too familiar


    with her mother''s voice to not recognize it.


    Edith Fang was already past 40 years old, but you couldn''t tell by looking at her. It was obvious she


    went to great pains to take good care of her skin and body; she didn''t look a day over 30. She wore a


    loving smile on her face and had a twinkle of pride in her eyes when she looked at Cassandra. The two


    easily could have been twins; they wore the same expressions on their faces. Yes, it had been four


    long, excruciating years without any meeting between them. They missed each other like hell. It was


    hard for most people to imagine the pain of being away from your family for so long, especially your


    mom. It was a bittersweet reunion. But at the time Cassandra went away, there simply was no other


    choice.


    Cassandra excitedly ran towards her mother, dropping her suitcase on the ground. She threw her arms


    around her, hugging her tightly. She never wanted to be away from her mother again. As soon as they


    touched, tears started streaming down Cassandra''s face. She was so choked up with emotion that her


    voice became shaky.


    "Mom, I''m finally back! I missed you so much!"


    They locked in an embrace, breathing in each other''s familiar scent. Four years ago, Cassandra


    married Lionel Tang to please her mother. She endured all the harsh conditions and rigid rules the Tang


    family had imposed upon her but finally achieved her dream of studying abroad.


    During the past four years studying abroad, she hadn''t been allowed to contact anyone in her own


    family. For Cassandra, the most important person in her life was her mother. That was why she missed


    her most of all. She couldn''t believe she was seeing her mother in the flesh after all this time. To be


    able to touch her and see her face brought her so much joy.


    "You are back now. That''s all that matters, my baby. You are finally back."


    Edith Fang''s own voice, too, was shaky and overwhelmed with emotion. Neither of them could stanch


    the flow of tears from their eyes. Edith Fang looked at her daughter, her vision blurred by the stream of


    tears. This was really her Cassandra. At longst, her Cassandra was here. Edith Fang gasped, but no


    words could escape from her throat. Cassandra, too, was speechless at the sight of her blubbering


    mother, though she shed a knowing smile to Edith Fang.


    The brief reunion was interrupted by the ring of Cassandra''s phone. They reluctantly let go of each


    other, trying topose themselves. Wiping her tears with her sleeve, Cassandra took a deep breath


    and reached for the phone in her pocket.


    Cassandra subconsciously raised her head and nced at her mother as she saw the name of the


    caller on the screen. Cassandra turned the phone so Edith Fang could see the caller''s name, as if to


    silently ask whether she should answer it. Something indefinable flickered in Edith Fang''s eyes, but she


    quicklyposed her face and nced back at her daughter.


    "Now that you are back, there are things that you just can''t run away from anymore. You just have to


    face them. But pick up the call first,"


    Edith Fang said in a gentle voice. Cassandra nodded her head, picked up the call and put the phone to


    her ear. A powerful yet gentle voice spoke to her.


    "Cassandra, I have a very important meeting today. That''s why I couldn''te and pick you up myself.


    I have already told the driver to pick you up at the airport."


    The man behind the voice was Horace Tang, her so-called father-inw, her husband Lionel''s father.


    "Oh, that''s all right. My mom is already here to pick me up. I can go back myself. No need to bother the


    driver,"


    she said quickly. Her voice was polite but distant, as if she was speaking to aplete stranger, not


    her father-inw for over four years. Clearly, she didn''t consider this man her family.


    "That''s nice to hear. Then I don''t need to worry about your transportation arrangements. I''ve already


    arranged for us to have dinner together. Spend some time with your mother. I know that you haven''t


    seen each other in a very long time."


    Horace''s tone was still gentle and caring, just like how it usually was.


    "Okay. See youter,"


    Cassandra hung up the phone. She tried to pretend the call hadn''t taken her aback, that hearing her


    father-inw''s voice hadn''t rattled her. She slipped the phone back in her pocket, and acted like nothing


    happened. She clung to her mother''s arm tightly like she was still a young girl waiting to see what her


    mother would surprise her with next.


    Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    "Mom,e on, let''s go. There are so many things I have to tell you."


    Edith Fang nced at her daughter with adoring eyes. She knew the past four years had been tough


    on Cassandra, but she didn''t know a fraction of the things Cassandra had endured. Her heart ached for


    her daughter. She didn''t mention Horace''s call and didn''t try to pry with any questions. All she wished


    for her daughter was to have a happy life. That was all she ever wanted.


    Cassandra and Edith Fang got in the backseat of the waiting car. During the drive, Cassandra regaled


    her mother with funny stories and interesting things that had happened to her during her years abroad.


    Edith Fang listened intently, evenughing here and there at some of Cassandra''s tales. Seeing her


    daughter''s happy smile after four years, Edith Fang''s eyes couldn''t help but redden again. She felt


    guilty.


    She knew Cassandra wasn''t happy that Edith Fang married her off to the son of the Tang family. But


    seeing Cassandra had finally achieved her dream of studying abroad, Edith''s guilt diminished a bit.


    Cassandra''s educational goal was her only sce.


    "Cassandra, tell me. During your years abroad, have you ever..."


    Edith Fang''s voice trailed off. She scrunched her face because she knew she really shouldn''t be asking


    this question.


    Cassandra''s pretty smile suddenly disappeared when she realized what she was asking. The


    handsome stranger''s face shed through her mind, and she was suddenly reminded of the hot night


    of their passionate lovemaking. Cassandra grew flushed and panicked.


    "Mom, of course not! What are you talking about?"


    Cassandra ced her hand on Edith''s tofort her. She looked uneasy, but only for a moment, so


    Edith Fang didn''t notice. She calmly smiled at her mother through the panic inside her.


    "Cassandra, I''m so sorry. If it weren''t for me, you wouldn''t have had to..."


    Edith Fang''s eyes welled with tears again. The mix of the awful past and the joyful present was a


    jumble of emotions Edith Fang couldn''t quite parse. Cassandra immediately interrupted Edith Fang


    before she could finish her words.


    "Mom! It is all in the past. Besides, it was my own choice. I have a good life now, and I will continue to


    be happy in the future. Please don''t worry about me."


    Cassandra held her mother''s hand tightly. She didn''t want her mom to feel guilty over things that


    couldn''t be changed now. Cassandra had made her way back home to her and everything would be


    fine.


    Yes, she didn''t really have a choice in her marriage. That was something she couldn''t control. But it


    didn''t mean that her life would automatically be a tragedy. Marriage was simply a part of her life, and


    she still had plenty of other things to concentrate on.


    She believed strongly that as long as she worked hard enough and became powerful enough in the


    future, she could break free from all her shackles and provide her mother and herself with a fabulous


    life.


    Meanwhile at the presidential suite of a grand hotel, two lovers frolicked on a big red bed.


    They made out with a fiery passion and then took a breather. The woman, lying seductively on the bed,


    began to pout to the man in an overly sweet voice.


    "I heard that Cassandra is back? Huh? She still came back, after four years?"


    The man scoffed and snorted.


    "That''s not important. Why do you care?"


    The man''s voice was breathless from their rigorous activities. But she discerned the disdain and


    coldness in his voice at hearing his wife''s name.


    "Of course I care. She is your wife, Lionel."


    But the woman''s mood immediately lightened after hearing Lionel''s cold attitude towards his wife, and


    her now sing-song tone reflected that.


    "She is just a puppet. She has nothing on you,"


    Lionel said with a smirk on his face. He didn''t bother waiting for her reply. He just flipped her on her


    back and started kissing her passionately while his hands explored the rest of her body. Instinctively,


    she pushed her body against his and moaned seductively. The air in the room began to feel like a


    sauna again.

 Chapter 4 The Wife And The Husband

    Chapter 4 The Wife And The Husband


    The darkness fell upon the city in soft waves, as if mirroring the soft ebb and flow of the sea that


    surrounded its borders. The scent of salt, sand, and sea breeze, wafted into the open windows of


    citizens retiring for the day, and G city was lulled by the calming sound of waterpping the shore.


    In the midst of the seemingly unbreakable calmness, a white car was driving leisurely to the center of


    the city. A young woman in dark sun sses, a loose, casual shirt and light blue jeans was sitting at the


    passenger seat, watching the line of the horizon from the window. She closed her eyes, and breathed


    in, her long hair cascading down her shoulders.


    She spent the daytime with her mother, and now it was time for Cassandra to go back to the Tang


    family. From time to time, she still felt as if she was living inside a dream. The fact that she was now


    back to the country where she used to live floated like the sound of distant music in her head.


    Gone was Rome and its basilicas and cobbled streets that shone under the zing streemps. Now,


    she was in G City, a ce that was both familiar and foreign at the same time.


    Cassandra was pulled out of her musing when the car made a sharp turn and entered her destination.


    A widewn greeted her as the vehicle drove into one of the best vis in the city. The whole ce was


    designed in the Gothic style. The red iron gate opened to wee her visit. Flowers of all kinds


    bloomed in the garden, lending a warm and cozy atmosphere to the area.


    The owner, the Tang family had undeniable prominence. Many considered them to be the most


    powerful in the city.


    The mansion rose like an imprable fortress - inspiring awe to anyone else who stood in its midst.


    The walls gleamed against the sunset, and bright lights flowed from the ss windows. Cassandra felt


    her stomach churn despite the magnificent view that unfolded in front of her. The Tang family, despite


    their coveted status, had brought her not a single tinge of happiness. She steeled herself as she felt the


    car roll to a halt. Once again, she was back to this wretched ce.


    "Mrs. Tang, we have arrived," the driver called to her quietly.


    After parking his car, he ceremoniously stepped out to open the door for thedy.


    Cassandra gave the gentleman a polite smile and alighted. Taking off her sun sses, she stared at


    the castle-like house, with a hint of a cold smile barely visible on her lips.


    ''Mrs. Tang, '' she scoffed inwardly. ''It seems as if they are still keeping up with the fa?ade.''


    "Cassandra''s back," a voice announced the middle of the room.


    Standing in front of her was none other than Horace Tang, the head of the family. Age had left its


    telltale trace on the old man''s face - deep lines stretching on his forehead and crinkling the corner of


    his eyes, but rather than the old look, it gave him a mellow charm, akin to aged wine. A gentle smile


    was on his lips as he weed her.


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    "Cassandra, you''re finally back!" he eximed upon seeing her, opening his arms, but before he could


    put them around her, a sharp exmation echoed from the back. "Oh my goodness, what are you


    wearing right now?"


    Dressed in a soft flowing dress that usually characterized women of ss, Jill Xie walked towards


    Horace''s side, raising a perfectly arched brow at Cassandra''s clothes. She did not even bother to


    conceal her distaste as she gave her a once-over.


    Jill Xie was Horace''s wife, ady of very high esteem. It was unthinkable for her to appear dressed as


    such. She trailed an appalled eye over Cassandra, lingering on the cotton shirt and denim, as if their


    very existence was an unthinkable offense. It was absolutely uncharacteristic for ady of her position


    to dress herself in rags.


    "Father, Mother,"


    Cassandra greeted her father-inw and mother-inw courteously, speaking as if Jill Xie had said


    nothing just now.


    It was Horace who spoke up. "You must be tired from traveling. Take a seat first. Lionel will be back any


    moment now," he said.


    Cassandra nodded her head. Unlike his wife, Horace was much moreid-back. His calmness was a


    stark contrast to Jill Xie''s rough and stern words, but as of the moment, her mind was fixated on the


    name that Horace had just uttered. How long had it been since she heard the name? She felt her heart


    skip a beat as she thought about the man who the name belonged to.


    It had been so long. She had almost forgotten how the man on her marriage certificate looked like.


    The three of them crossed from the hallway to the living room. Cassandra sat on a single sofa alone


    while the older couple sat across from her. They waited in silence for the man who connected them all


    together to arrive. Jill Xie''s displeasure had not left her face and she looked to the side, as if seeing


    Cassandra would be an eyesore. Horace sank into the soft leather, leaning his back. As far as


    Cassandra could remember, Horace was the kindest to her among the whole of the Tang family. She


    sat down and kept silent. She would behave herself ordingly, if only for him.


    Shortly after they sat down, the unmistakable sound of a car pierced the wordless space among the


    three of them. Cassandra started to feel uneasy, as if there was a premonition of something


    unpleasant.


    "Mr. Tang is back,"


    the servant duly reported. At his words, the old woman abruptly stood up and walked towards the door,


    leaving Horace and Cassandra sitting in the living room.


    Cassandra felt her chest hammering as her mind raced with all sorts of thoughts. Uncertainty gripped


    her as she counted the seconds until the inevitable. It had been four years since she hadst seen


    Lionel, her husband, the man who was supposed to be the closest person to her in the world. However,


    there was no excitement or joy in this meeting for her. She felt the sour bite of rejection and bitterness,


    emotions she thought she had buried with time.


    As Cassandra was still buried in the agony of her thoughts, a tall figure showed up at the door. He


    strode with lithe, graceful steps, with impatience clearly written on his handsome features. Right after


    he entered the house, his hands pulled at his tie and he threw it down on the sofa. The ck pools of


    his eyes shone with a cruelty that was only amplified by the coldness of his smile.


    The younger couple''s eyes met, and Cassandra felt as if her body would be thrown back by the force of


    her heartbeat. She recognized this feeling, and her hands clenched involuntarily, waiting for the


    emotion she knew would undoubtedly make its presence known. The pain came slowly, reluctantly, like


    water slowly eroding the surface of a stone, and then it forced its way to her. She felt as if she was


    submerged in ice even as she felt her inside burn.


    For reasons she couldn''t fathom, she was nervous. She broke the gaze quickly, and turned her eyes


    elsewhere. She could feel her hands moisten with sweat and she swallowed to relieve the dryness in


    her throat.


    "Lionel, Cassandra is back," Horace said nonchntly.


    The tension was palpable and the pressure rose in the room, but it was as if his calm exterior was


    imprable. The seconds trembled like a ticking bomb in the strained silence, as if the slightest


    disturbance would cause an explosion.


    Lionel walked slowly, taking small, graceful steps towards Cassandra, as if taking his time to observe a


    stranger''s face. Then he took off his coat in seeming disinterest.


    It had been four years. He had known nothing about the wife who only existed as a name on the


    marriage certificate, and he had not changed his mind. He had not the slightest interest to have


    anything to do with her.


    Still, he was taken aback to see her dressing in such a crude manner. He observed her, and their eyes


    averted from each other''s. She had pale skin, and her lines of her face curved from a smooth forehead


    to her cheekbones and sloped down to the gentle point of her chin. He had to admit, reluctantly, that


    even in her unmade-up state, she had a pure loveliness about her.


    But her presence brought no tender feelings as such that would have been sprung from their meeting.


    Instead, there was a venomous burn at the pit of his stomach. He hated her, and four years time did


    nothing to make him forget.


    "I''ll go up to shower first," Lionel said coolly.


    He didn''t even greet his wife on paper, andpletely ignored her as if she was no different than a


    parcel of air. Without so much as a second nce at his wife, Lionel took his leave and strode towards


    the staircase, leaving Cassandra embarrassed.


    "Lionel!"


    Horace called after his son. He was about to reprimand his discourtesy when Cassandra pulled at his


    hand, and spoke to him in her gentle voice, "Father, I have brought you and mother some souvenirs


    from Rome. Would you like to take a look?"


    She spoke softly, but Lionel was able to capture the warm timbre of her voice. ''Is she trying to save me


    from my father''s scolding?'' he wondered. He refused to be affected, despite the possibility. Then,


    another cruel thought formed at the back of his mind. ''Or maybe this is an attempt to win my favor?'' It


    seemed that he had an answer. With the belief about her intentions cemented in his mind, a cold,


    scornful smile found its way to his lips.

 Chapter 5 Rufus Was Coming Back

    Chapter 5 Rufus Was Coming Back


    Neon lights zed in the most bustling street in the metropolis. The night looked seductive with its


    endless stream of people and rushing traffic.


    A high-end restaurant was located on the street, where Horace had booked a box to celebrate


    Cassandra''s return to the city.


    On the way to the restaurant, Lionel didn''t utter a word to Cassandra. She too kept her mouth shut,


    having nothing to say.


    Horace kept ncing at the pair with worry. What was going on between his son and his daughter-in-


    law? There was no love between them, but Horace had assumed good feelings would foster with time.


    Cassandra just came home from abroad. It was the appropriate time for his son to take the next step in


    their rtionship. If Cassandra could bless him with kids, it would prove to be great for the rtions


    between the Tang and the Qin Families.


    Cassandra took her seat once they entered the restaurant. Lionel quickly side-stepped her and sat next


    to his mother, Jill, without looking at his wife even once.


    Cassandra was quite ustomed to this. She wore a neutral expression on her face, unmoved by


    Lionel''s actions. She knew how to y the role of the obedient daughter-inw in this family, and in her


    mind, that was enough. Anything more on her part was unwarranted.


    "Since everyone is here, I''d like to make an announcement on this good asion."


    The dishes were being served up one by one. Horace cleared his throat. There was a look of dignity on


    his face even though he felt dejected deep down.


    "What''s the matter?"


    Jill asked, the only person in the room paying attention. Cassandra had no interest in anything that


    urred in this family, but she gave a look of faint curiosity anyway.


    From the opposite side of the table, Lionel observed the look of false solicitude on Cassandra''s face, a


    shadow of a cold smile ying upon his lips. He clicked his tongue silently. After so many years, the


    woman''s acting was still sharp.


    "Rufus will be back tomorrow. I hope each one of you treats him like family."


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Horace exhaled in relief once the words were finally out. He had hardly finished speaking when Jill''s


    ss of red wine crashed to the floor with a loud noise.


    At the sound of broken ss, Cassandra froze. Jill rose up from her chair, her exquisitely made-up face


    full of vehement anger.


    "There is no way that''s happening. I won''t allow it! Why didn''t you discuss this with me first? I don''t


    want him toe back. Absolutely not!"


    Jill yelled at Horace in a shrill voice, forgetting where she was. Horace gazed at her coldly,


    disheartened but not surprised at her reaction.


    "You think you have the right to say no?"


    His words were authoritative and sent a shiver down Jill''s spine. She halted in her actions, his deep-set


    eyes quietening her immediately. Jill stumbled a bit and went back to her seat, sniveling a bit at her


    grievance.


    The sudden, explosive argument didn''t affect Lionel in the least, who still sat wearing a not-in-my-back-


    yard expression on his face. The air around the table turned grave. Cassandra didn''t know the man


    Horace mentioned, though she felt the name a bit familiar. She wondered who he was, and how he


    could make Jill, a most arrogant and domineering woman, panic like this.


    "Lionel, take Cassandra home."


    Horace''s voice cut through the tense silence as his eyes swept to his son. Lionel was already sick of


    being in this ce, so the minute his father finished speaking, he was on his feet and walking toward


    the door of the restaurant.


    Cassandra shot up, gave her inws a forced smile and followed after Lionel as fast as she could.


    It looked like Horace and Jill needed some privacy to deal with their issues. Cassandra sighed in relief


    as soon as she stepped out of the restaurant. It had been suffocating in there.


    As Lionel pressed open the car with his remote keys, he still didn''t look at her. Despite his indifference,


    Cassandra bit the bullet and pulled open the back door to get inside. She didn''t have any money on


    her, so she couldn''t call a taxi. Besides, it was a long way home from here.


    She sat in the car, cautious to maintain a distance from her husband. Lionel got into the driver''s seat


    and looked at Cassandra through the rear-view mirror. He saw the wariness on her delicate face, the


    defensive stance she exuded and gave out a light, mocking chuckle.


    "Did I give you permission to get in my car?"


    Lionel said in a husky but ruthless voice, still staring at her image. Cassandra instantly raised her head


    as a fleeting look of disbelief shed in her eyes.


    "Even after so many years, Cassandra, you still know how to act. It''smendable. Now get off!"


    Lionel''s handsome face twisted into a sneer as he issued themand.


    Cassandra inhaled deeply. She couldn''t believe her ears. This man was unimaginably cruel. How could


    she have married him?


    "Dad asked you to take me home. I don''t have my purse with me. If you give me some money, I can


    call a taxi,"


    Cassandra said unemotionally, sitting very still. The timidness in her expression would have roused pity


    in any other man, but Lionel thought it was ridiculous.


    This woman was actually asking for his money to take a taxi back home? Lionel had always hated her,


    so he found it easy to look for faults in anything she said or did.


    Cassandra looked like she was deep in thought. Before Lionel could refuse her request, she jerked up


    her head and looked at him curiously, her mouth forming a question.


    "Hey, who is Rufus? The man Dad was talking about just now?"


    Lionel''s face morphed into a strange expression as soon as the name of this controversial man popped


    up. Instantly, he turned around to look at her, studying her impatiently with his keen eyes.


    "Why? What are you nning? Cassandra, you better know who you are. You''re a married woman


    now, even though I haven''tid a finger on you yet!"


    Lionel scoffed in a way that suggested he was mocking her. But for Cassandra, his behavior was a


    common urrence.


    She had long stopped caring.


    "Fine. Just give me the money. I want to go home and sleep."


    Cassandra looked at him with innocent eyes, reaching out her tiny hands for the taxi fare. She had just


    thrown a casual question at him. Why did he have to react so violently to it?


    She didn''t respond to his veiled usation. Cassandra promised herself not to react at all, no matter


    how hurtful his words were. Theck of reaction to his words frustrated him. Senseless anger swelled


    in his chest as he red at her.


    Reaching into his pocket for his wallet, he took out a hundred dor note and threw it at her


    unceremoniously, saying in a deep and inexplicably furious voice, "Get off my car right now! I don''t


    want to look at your infuriating face."


    Cassandra picked up the money and opened the car door. Her feet hit gravel and she red at him


    through the rolled-up, tinted windows. Who wanted to stay with him in his car anyway? She detested


    breathing the same air as him.


    He didn''t want to look at her face? Well, she felt like punching him whenever she saw his!


    Cassandra walked to the footpath and began waving to hail a cab. Lionel sat frozen in his car, hands


    clenched around the steering wheel. His furious eyes held equal parts of amusement and contempt in


    them as his cold smile slowly began to fade away.


    It seemed to him that this woman had changed a lot sinceing back from Rome, although he never


    really knew Cassandra that well...

 Chapter 6 The New Member Of Tang Family

    Chapter 6 The New Member Of Tang Family


    G City, international airport.


    ck leather shoes clicked on the floor, as a tall figure in ck cut his way through the swarming


    crowds.


    He stopped and leaned his angr face to the side. His expression was hidden by dark, expensive-


    looking sunsses. Despite the pushing crowds, a stream of space remained around where he stood.


    A ck stretch Lincoln was waiting at the gate of the airport. As soon as he stepped outside, he was


    surrounded by a group of imposing men in smartly pressed ck suits. They turned to him and bowed


    their heads in respect.


    "Wee back, boss."


    The tallest of the men stepped forward, gesturing to the man and speaking in a clear, low voice.


    The figure remained silent, but his thin sculpted lips pursed and lifted into slow, crooked smile. Slender


    fingers took the sunsses from his face. And underneath them, his eyes held a frightening,


    challenging depth.


    After ten years, he was finally back. The city was both strange and familiar to him. As the figure strode


    towards the car under the protecting of his guards, his eyes roamed around. And his lips pressed again


    into a thin smile. Something about him made the people walking past unable to look at anything but


    him, until he turned his gaze to them and they hastily scurried away.


    He, Rufus Luo, was finally back.


    In Tang house, Jill sat in the quiet living room, gently sipping a cup of cosmetic tea.


    Meanwhile, Horace paced back and forth across the floor, contstantly checking the phone gripped


    tightly in his hand.


    To anyone looking through the window, the scene fromst night might not have happened. The house


    seemed still.


    When Cassandra had returnedst night, she had gone straight to the guest room. Lionel did not


    bother her after that. On the first night in Tang house, she slept peacefully. All she wanted now was


    calm, and stability. That alone was enough for her.


    As she came down the stairs, she was surprised by the stillness in the living room. ''In the Tang family, I


    should be a good daughter-inw, clever and gentle, '' Cassandra kept reminding herself as she


    stepped into the role.


    "Good morning, Mother and Father."


    Cassandra softly greeted the two people in the living room. Without even looking her way, Jill snorted


    derisively. She was always not satisfied with this daughter-inw. From the slight nod that Horace gave


    her, she gathered that he had something on his mind.


    Lionel was already at work, so the three of them were alone in the house. Cassandra looked at the two


    people in front of her and realised that something unusual might have happened. She thought she felt a


    tension in the air. And she tried not to let her nervousness show. Curious though she was, Cassandra


    knew better than to ask if anything was wrong. In any case, she had never felt the need to make small


    talk.


    "Cassandra, make a phone call to Lionel, and tell him toe back now."


    Cassandra was about to slip out of the room when she heard these words, and realised that Horace


    had been speaking to her. She turned to look at him. Why would he ask her to call Lionel?


    "Lionel has gone to work, why do you want him toe back? You think he should be here to wee


    back that dirty bastard?" snapped Jill.


    She sat back against a cushion to sip her tea, and Cassandra saw a look of disgust sh across her


    usuallyposed face.


    ''Wait what? A dirty bastard? Coming back?''


    Cassandra blinked her eyes innocently. Was the person they were referring to...Could it be that Horace


    had a secret son?


    "Hold your tongue! Rufus is my son. You will not speak of him in this manner. Why should Lionel not be


    home to wee his elder brother?" Horace growled.


    Whilst he spoke in low angry tones, Cassandra thought about what she had heard. ''Wow, Lionel''s older


    brother. So he must be the eldest son of Horace.


    But what would cause Jill to call someone of his age and position something as harsh as a bastard?''


    Cassandra''s eyes shone clear and bright as she thought. The mention of this person had sparked her


    interest. She had known that the Tang family had aplex and difficult dynamic, but to find out that


    Horace had another son! Lionel''s elder brother....


    Her thoughts were interupted by the ring of Horace''s phone. Horace''s face transformed into a joyful


    smile. He ced it to his ear and beamed.


    "Rufus, my son! Have you arrived yet? I''lle and collect you!"


    Everyone in the room could feel the joy radiating from the man. After hanging up, he put away his cell


    phone and waved to the servants of the Tang family. They arranged themselves in a neat, practiced


    row and inclined their heads respectfully.


    "Jill,e out with me to wee Rufus."


    Horacemanded. Hearing his tone, Jill reluctantly pushed herself up from the sofa, and followed


    him out of the room. As she turned her head away, Cassandra saw the look of resentment on her face.


    "Cassandra, what are you waiting for, call Lionel and have hime back as soon as possible."


    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    Horace called to Cassandra from outside the room. Cassandra nodded her head at once, and tried to


    shake the remaining sleepiness out of her eyes. Before she could do anything, however, she saw the


    young master of the Tang family through the window, approaching the doorway. She was amused by


    how quickly she had gone from learning about a new member of the Tang family, to seeing this person


    standing before her.


    Cassandra rubbed her forehead. The slight pain she felt there ensured her that it was not a dream. For


    some reason, she was exhilerated at the idea of this new person''s arrival.


    She asked the housekeeper to make a phone call to Lionel. Then she straightened up, and stood by


    the doorway to wee the neer. She ran a nervous hand through her hair, and her eyes shone


    with curiosity.


    "Rufus, you''ve worked so hard abroad all these years."


    Horace''s gratified tone warned her that the group was arriving, and Cassandraposed herself. He


    was here!


    A line of people were approaching the living room, granting the house a new kind of vigor and energy.


    Cassandra smoothed down her blouse onest time, and then raised her head.


    She nted a polite smile on her face, hoping that her delicate features would make her seem amiable


    and easy to approach.


    "Hi..."


    Her eyes met the dark eyes of the figure who had entered the room. And Cassandra felt as if she had


    been struck by a bolt of lightening out of nowhere. The words that she had carefully prepared got stuck


    in her throat, and she found herself frozen in ce.


    This man, Rufus, raised again the samenguid smile that had filled passers-by with a sense of


    foreboding at the airport. He raised a smug eyebrow at Cassandra''s shocked expression, radiating


    calm in contrast.


    ''Oh my god! How could it be...him?''

 Chapter 7 Ample Opportunities

    Chapter 7 Ample Opportunities


    "My name is Rufus Luo."


    "You have been great tonight. Will there be a next time?"


    "My dear, you''re so hot."


    All of a sudden, the passion and gentle touches that night in Rome flurried into Cassandra''s brain. She


    could still hear the charming, sexy voice of the mysterious man, and his hot breath when he blew into


    her ear. It was as if she had returned to that night. Her ears turned red as she went further into her


    memories.


    It had been a night of madness. She had lost her virginity to the man she never met before and never


    thought she''d see again. It felt like a dream that was not real, yet that very dream hade to life, and


    was now standing right in front of her. The same wicked, yful smile was painted on this man''s face,


    reminding her that the night had been all too real.


    Their gazes fell on Cassandra, who looked dazed and baffled. Horace coughed intentionally to distract


    her, pulling the girl out of her memories.


    "Cassandra, this is Lionel''s older brother. So he is your older brother as well."


    Horace''s voice was not loud but fell on her ears like thunder. Her heart raced in rm. She had no


    choice but to ept the harsh reality - that the man she had slept with the other night was in fact, her


    brother-inw. Trying her best to suppress her shock, she squeezed out a weak smile. However, her


    lips, along with the rest of her face, had turned abnormally pale at this point, revealing that she was not


    as calm as she pretended to be.


    "My name is Rufus Luo. Nice to meet you."


    Before Cassandra had the chance to greet him, the man introduced himself once again. His every


    feature was familiar to her - his sexy, intimate voice, his rakish smile, his slender and strong hand that


    was stretched out in a greeting. Her mind lingered on the four words that were so heavy with meaning -


    "nice to meet you". She knew he said it on purpose, as if it was really the first time they were meeting.


    "Wee, brother Rufus,"


    Cassandra said. Too shy to look into his eyes, Cassandra lowered her head and shook his hand


    politely. Just as she was about to withdraw, he pulled at her palm in a small gesture, making it


    impossible for her to retreat from his firm grip.


    Her nerves went haywire and her palm was now sweating in his. The man seemed not to notice as he


    raked a finger down her palm surreptitiously, his enchanting smile growing deeper.


    At the intimate gesture, Cassandra''s ire knew no bounds. How could he be so daring? He was


    caressing her right in front of the Tang family! She tried to force her hand back, with stronger pressure


    this time, but to no avail. He would just not let go!


    "Rufus, this is Lionel''s wife, Cassandra."


    Horace''s enthusiastic voice sounded in her ears again as he introduced her to Rufus gaily. He was


    clearly oblivious to the ufortable atmosphere between the two.


    "Really?"


    the man asked as the family walked indoors. By now he had released his grip and Cassandra had


    taken her hand back. His manner had been careless throughout this encounter, but at Horace''s words,


    his eyes zed in Cassandra''s direction. The fiery light in his eyes was the same as the one from her


    memory.


    Others might not have been aware of the wordless exchange, but Cassandra could feel the intensity of


    his gaze. His eyes never left her. As her panic elevated, she had little choice but to follow everyone.


    Keeping her head bent, she remained silent all the way.


    However, her silence didn''t turn the set of burning eyes away from her, up to the point that she could no


    longer bear the sensation of being so tantly stared at. "Mother, Father, I''m feeling unwell. I''ll go


    upstairs to rest. I''ve called Lionel. He said he would be back soon."


    As the others gathered around the sofa, Cassandra mustered the courage to leave, finding herself an


    easy excuse.


    Seeing his daughter-inw''s pale face, Horace nodded, signaling to Cassandra that she could go.


    "You don''t look so good," the head of the family said, concerned for her. "Do you have a fever? All right,


    take some rest. Rufus hase to stay with us anyway. You two will have ample opportunities to get to


    know one another."


    The phrase "ample opportunities" thumped inside Cassandra''s heart, morphing into a whirlwind that


    threatened to catch her in its vortex.


    She dreaded being around this man. Horace said his crisp words as if they carried the best news in the


    world - that she''d have plenty of chances to interact with Rufus.


    "Yes, Cassandra. We will have ''ample opportunities''," Rufus reminded her, as if the awkwardness was


    not enough.


    Sitting right in the middle of the sofa, he was like an emperor, proud and dictatorial in his own right. His


    eagle-like eyes suggested an additional meaning to his words that only she could understand. His


    smile curved up significantly, chilling Cassandra to the core.


    After getting consent from her father-inw, she scuttled away, escaping from her tormentor as fast as


    she could. As she finally reached her room, she could barely support her trembling legs. Downstairs, if


    she hadn''t made a conscious effort to remain standing, she would have probably kneeled over in front


    of everyone.


    Shutting the door and making sure it was locked securely, she leaned against it, gasping hard as air


    filled up her lungs. She put one hand over her chest and closed her eyes.


    Her heart was palpitating so fast that it could have jumped out of her mouth.


    She would never have imagined that her one-night stand partner in a foreignnd was none other than


    the older brother of her spouse. It was just too dramatic to be true. With this absurd story, a ywright


    could easily make a hit drama. Actually, it would be a rather tragic one.


    What should she do?


    It was the only question hovering in Cassandra''s mind. Everything had happened so fast and caught


    her off-guard. She had been utterly unprepared and couldn''t calm down for one moment to think this


    through.


    One thing seemed certain. Rufus seemed like a man with status and power, so he would probably not


    boast around about the strange encounter with her. Convincing herself that the shameful story would


    remain concealed from the Tang family, Cassandra breathed in relief.


    However, thinking that she had to live under the same roof as this man who held her most dreadful


    secret, Cassandra felt shockingly nervous and terrified. The tad bit of assurance that she had managed


    to find ebbed away.


    Rufus was like a hidden time-bomb which could explode at any moment!


    "Brother? I need to call a man born out of wedlock my older brother?"


    While she was immersed in her thoughts and haunted by the idea of living together with Rufus, a


    roaring sound suddenly emerged downstairs, kicking her out of her reverie.


    She knew that voice. It was Lionel.


    "Lionel, mind yournguage when you talk to your brother!"


    Horace scolded his son fiercely. The overwhelming curiosity inside Cassandra''s heartpelled her to


    open the door quietly. With great caution, she sneaked out of her room and hid at one corner of the


    staircase. Making sure that she could not be seen, she peeked at what was going on in the living room


    downstairs.


    Lionel stood beside the table, anger bulging out the veins on his forehead. His finger was pointing at


    Rufus, who did not react to the hostile gesture.


    Jill joined in to side with her son. Normally she was a bit scared of Horace, but right now, in the


    presence of Lionel, whom she agreed with on this matter, she enjoyed the rare sense of superiority.


    "My dear, after all, he is an illegitimate child. Can you imagine how the media would report this?" asked


    the wife. "Lionel has devoted himself to thepany for so many years. You should know that better


    than anyone else. Now you are saying you want to hand thepany over to this bastard? Lionel is


    our flesh and blood. How can you make this unfair decision in favor of the son of your mistress?"


    Offensive words like "illegitimate child" and "bastard" slipped from the woman''s tongue so easily. She


    seemed to have no respect for the new member of the family. Cassandra began to feel sorry for the


    man being insulted by his family, despite the fear she had felt when his gaze had been focused on her


    some minutes ago.


    From where Cassandra was standing, she could only see the back of Rufus and was unable to get a


    clear view of the expression on his face. She assumed he was very angry.


    "Do you know the definition of an illegitimate child? I am Lionel''s older brother. That means my father


    met my mother before you. So let me ask you, who is the illegitimate child in this scenario?"


    Rufus shot back in his undisturbed tone, hurling a nice counter-attack. His opponent was rendered


    speechless, so he took it as a temporary victory andughed softly. Suddenly, he turned his head,


    meeting a pair of mystical eyes, belonging to the woman who currently hid at the corner of the stairs.


    Once again, Cassandra saw him smile at her in a sinister fashion. She caught the thirst that shed


    across his eyes and instantly quivered in fear.


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Their eyes met for a brief moment, but the frightening look in his gaze felt like it was suffocating her.


    She had been maintaining her squatting position for too long and the tension in her leg caused her to


    lose its strength, making her fall forward. Heart in mouth, she suddenly felt herself tip over the stairs,


    and she rolled down before she could catch herself.

 Chapter 8 She Is My Wife

    Chapter 8 She Is My Wife


    The loud noise hushed down the argument, and the sudden silence in the living room was deafening.


    Cassandra rolled down the stairs, soon to hit bottom. The sight was so chilling that the people in the


    room stared, not knowing how to react.


    The frightful scene had robbed them of speech.


    It all happened too fast. One moment she had been hidden upstairs, eavesdropping on their


    conversation, and in the blink of an eye, she was rolling down towards them. The stairs creaked as she


    hit the floor, and everyone stared at her with their mouths agape. Cassandranded with a thump. Only


    when she stopped rolling andy still on the floor did the pain hit her hard. She grimaced at the sharp


    sting that settled in her muscle and bones. How could she have been so careless? Right, she had been


    distracted by a pair of eyes. If she hadn''t been in agony, she would haveughed at herself. The Tang


    family fixed their eyes on her, all too shocked to move.


    Suddenly, footsteps echoed in the giant room as someone walked in her direction. Cassandra curled


    up in a ball and moaned in a small voice. Her entire body hurt. She cursed inwardly at the humiliation of


    it all, feeling everybody''s stares on her. Sensing that someone was near her, she slowly opened her


    eyes and looked up, her eyes focusing on the familiar face of the man she had slept with.


    "Are you okay?"


    Rufus, who was the first to react to Cassandra''s fall, stood over her. He looked down at the silly woman


    whoy on the floor, groaning in pain. The corners of his mouth twitched in amusement, but he held


    back and didn''tugh at her misery. This woman was rather interesting. But right now, she was clearly


    hurt, and she needed help.


    The room was still quiet except for Rufus'' words. No one made a sound. Even Lionel, who had been so


    angry before, stopped arguing and stepped aside, watching the scene in front of him with attentive


    eyes. He stared at Cassandra, an unreadable looking over his face.


    ''What is this woman up to again?'' he wondered as displeasure crept up on him.


    What Rufus did next shocked everyone present in the room.


    The man crouched down and picked Cassandra from the floor easily, as if helping out a stray cat stuck


    in a tree. He pulled her closer into his arms and all of a sudden the clean, fresh scent of mint filled her


    nostrils and drowned her senses, making her feel even dizzier.


    Cassandra was in shock. Never in a million years would she have imagined Rufus would do something


    like this in front of the Tang family.


    They were in the center of the Tang mansion, where Horace and Jill were both present, along with her


    so-called husband Lionel. Besides, there were the servants, who looked at them with unabashed


    interest. Rufus had actually picked her up from the floor in front of these many people. Everybody


    looked scandalized. Mortified, Cassandra hoped the ground would swallow her. Or at the very least,


    she wished that it was all a dream. When she blinked her eyes, however, she found it to be true.


    Rufus held Cassandra bridal style, their bodies in close contact. The heat radiating between them was


    palpable as they breathed each other in. As their senses took over, the familiar awareness sent them


    back to the passionate night they had shared.


    Perhaps Cassandra was too shocked, or maybe she was just intoxicated by Rufus'' scent, but she was


    suddenly struck dumb. Her mouth parted in vain, and her brain seemed to have stopped functioning


    altogether. The pain in her body pulled her out of the trance. She closed her eyes tightly and settled


    into the arms that held her, dodging her family''s appalled eyes.


    "Prepare the car. She needs to get to the hospital immediately."


    Rufus turned to the door with Cassandra in his arms. His voice was low but sharp -- the kind that made


    everybody want to obey him. He scanned the shocked faces around him withzy but dangerous eyes,


    daring them to defy his order.


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Hearing Rufus'' words, Horace finally came to his senses. He walked over to Rufus while


    simultaneously waving one hand to the butler, gesturing him to go outside and prepare the car Rufus


    just asked for.


    "Cassandra, are you all right, dear?"


    Horace asked, looking down at Cassandra with concern in his eyes. He didn''t understand how she


    could have fallen down the stairs in the first ce, but hoped she didn''t hurt too much.


    Cassandra didn''t answer. Her eyes were shut tight as she whimpered in a pained voice, like she hurt


    too much to reply. She was positive that her body was injured, but she was in sound mind to talk to her


    father-inw. She just didn''t want to open her eyes and look at their faces.


    Two small hands grabbed Rufus'' clothes in a tight grip, both in warning and in a plea. All Cassandra


    knew was that she didn''t want to open her eyes. She could keep pretending she was seriously hurt if it


    meant that she didn''t have to face the people in this room.


    "Move out of the way! She''s feeling faint. I am taking her to the hospital."


    The corner of Rufus'' mouth lifted into a small, hidden smirk. He could tell that she was silently asking


    for his help.


    Her bizarre actions made him want tough out loud. She was an interesting woman indeed. He


    couldn''t wait to get to know her better.


    And if she really needed his help that much, he would be d to do it. It was not a big deal to him.


    Besides, he could always ask her to repay him in the future. She would owe him a favor, and he could


    think of a few imaginative ways to get what he wanted.


    Just as Rufus lunged towards the door with Cassandra in his arms, another man stepped forward to


    block his path. Lionel, who had been the silent spectator all this while, stood in front of him, a clear


    challenge in his hard eyes. His cold smile was belittling.


    "She is my wife. Why do you care about her so much?"

 Chapter 9 Are You Really That Desperate

    Chapter 9 Are You Really That Desperate


    The two men, equal in stature, stood scowling at each other with Cassandra in between them.


    The atmosphere in the living room quickly turned hostile. Even Horace was at a loss for words. The girl


    who pretended to have cked out in Rufus''s armsy still, quietly determined to carry on her


    performance until the veryst minute.


    "Oh?"


    Rufus''s thin lips curled into a careless half-smile, his eyes radiating nonchnce. He gave a little


    chuckle in response to Lionel''s question.


    "Cassandra," Lionel began in a stoic, dangerous voice. "Get up! You are in another man''s arms right in


    front of your husband! Do you have any shame? Are you really that desperate to getid?"


    He seemed to have seen through Cassandra''s ruse. As Lionel nted his eyes at her, he moved to pull


    her out of Rufus'' arms roughly.


    Almost at the same time, Rufus retreated one step back, with Cassandra tucked safely in his arms. He


    red at Lionel with piercing eyes, cutting him with his silent gaze. Lionel retracted his hands quickly,


    as if shed by a knife.


    "You think she rolled down the stairs deliberately, because she was desperate?!"


    An intimidating look came over Rufus'' face. They were nearly at daggers drawn. Horace had been


    cautiously watching the vtile exchange and now stood up in haste. He held Lionel back, who


    seemed to be humiliating Cassandra on purpose.


    "Don''t argue anymore! You had better take her to the hospital right now!"


    Without sparing another nce to Lionel, Rufus marched straight to the door. Cassandray


    comfortably in his arms. The car was already outside, waiting for them. Horace heaved a long sigh


    before following them.


    The pungent smell of disinfectant pervaded the hospital.


    Cassandra cracked open her eyes slowly, looking around the room like a thief who had been caught


    doing wrong. She looked like she was searching for somebody.


    "What is it? Are you looking for me?"


    A man''s voice came from nearby. The very next second, a devastatingly handsome face materialized in


    front of her.


    Cassandra felt the terrible pounding of her heart when she realized that they were the only ones in the


    ward.


    Suddenly, a sentence shed through her mind: it is dangerous to have a man and a woman in the


    same room.


    "So, thank you, for your... just now,"


    Cassandra stuttered awkwardly, not making any sense. She struggled to sit up and braced herself


    against the headboard, abstaining from meeting Rufus''s eyes.


    "Thank me? For what?"


    Rufus arched his dashing eyebrow at her as he plopped down on the bed. He grabbed her chin gently,


    nudging her closer. Their breaths seemed to mingle as the distance dissolved between them.


    For a moment, Cassandra''s mind went nk at the closeness. She inhaled sharply, wondering how this


    man could be so rude and so bold at the same time. She was his sister-inw, for heaven''s sake!


    "You want to thank me? You don''t look like you mean it."


    Rufus was not the artless type. He said it like it was. He never expected to meet Cassandra again in


    such a way. This delicate, lovely woman turned out to be the nominal wife of his younger brother!


    More ridiculously, his sister-inw had lost her virginity to him.


    His shoulders shook with silentughter. It was confusing, but intriguing. She was an entertaining


    woman.


    Rufus jerked forward and Cassandra flinched. He reached out and put one of his palms against the


    wall next to her head. Within moments, he had her caged in his arms.


    She tried to feign indifference even as she made an effort to control her breath. Her face flushed and


    her mind drew a nk once again. Fortuitously lifting her eyes, she found his dark brown gaze already


    upon her.


    Cassandra''s eyes widened in shock as he drew even nearer, a hint of a yful smile dancing around


    his lips. Suddenly, she shoved the man away with a strength that surprised even herself. Heughed at


    her quietly and moved back a few inches.


    "Rufus! Stop! Please behave! I, I am your sister-inw!"


    Cassandra wrapped her arms around herself, gazing at him with guarded eyes.


    How bold he was! The Tangs coulde to visit her any moment now. If they had caught them red-


    handed, all her efforts so far would have been in vain.


    "Oh? Why didn''t you tell me you are my sister-inw on that passionate night?"


    Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    He taunted her, a hand stroking his lips in curiosity. He still smiled, and there was no hint of anger in his


    expression.


    Cassandra was tongue-tied. She looked at him, shocked to the core at his words. How dare he mention


    that night? An inexplicable sense of doom swept over her. She kept her wary eyes glued to the man


    who would apparently determine her fate.


    She was not very familiar with Rufus. How could she be certain he would do her the favor of concealing


    that episode from her family? She didn''t want anyone toe to know what had happened that night.


    If it came to the knowledge of the Tangs, disgrace would befall the Qins. Her reputation would be


    completely destroyed.


    She thought of her mother, who would be devastated if she got to know about this. No, that could never


    happen. She must keep this secret from the Tangs at any cost.


    Suddenly, there was a sharp rap at the door that pulled her out of her thoughts. Cassandra quickly


    covered herself with the quilt. The door opened and in came Lionel, hot under the cor.

 Chapter 10 What Exactly Do You Want

    Chapter 10 What Exactly Do You Want


    The crisp sound of footsteps made Cassandra sink deeper into the bed sheets. She closed her eyes


    and felt a headacheing on. She wondered what in the world was happening. Why did she keep


    running into problems ever since she got back from Rome?


    As Lionel walked into the ward, his eyes swept indifferently over the woman hiding under the sheets


    before theynded on Rufus.


    "What''s going on? You took over Tang Group the second you came back to the city. Now you''ve set


    your sights on my wife too?"


    Lionel said, sarcasm dripping from his tone. He crossed his arms as he red at Rufus. His attitude


    toward his half-brother had always been hostile. Rufus just came out of nowhere, and his father treated


    him with utmost respect and admiration. His brother''s alienating and cold eyes only pissed Lionel off


    further, since he was used to being proud and arrogant.


    In the aisle outside the ward, Horace had just announced that Rufus was about to take over Tang


    Group. He would be the new CEO of thepany.


    In the past few years, Lionel had been looking after everything at Tang Group. His position might be


    inferior to his father''s, but he had been in charge of all the significant business decisions. There was


    only a difference of the title between them.


    At first, Lionel couldn''t believe his ears when Horace made the announcement. In a matter of minutes,


    he handed over thepany to this illegitimate bastard who had materialized out of thin air. It was


    completely unfair to Lionel, who was the presumed heir of the Tang family. In his mind, he should have


    been the CEO of thepany - the one who would hold the highest power.


    He could not allow Rufus to rece him.


    Rufus made no response to his ironic question and simply ignored his younger brother. He didn''t bother


    gracing Lionel with a look. His half-brother simply had no effect on him.


    "Rufus, I don''t know what you said to my father to make him hand over thepany to you, but don''t


    you ever forget that I''m the rightful heir of the Tang family. You will never win!"


    Rufus''s cavalier attitude was beginning to infuriate Lionel. He looked like he had no care in the world.


    In all of Lionel''s privileged life, no one - be it a servant or the president of a multinationalpany -


    had dared to treat him in this careless manner. He approached Rufus with a clear warning in his eyes,


    the sharp sound of his shoes echoing in the ward. Lionel raised a threatening eyebrow at his older


    brother.


    "Right,"


    Rufus repliedzily. Their demeanor was in sharp contrast - Lionel was almost shaking with anger while


    Rufus was sitting on the bed leisurely as if he was on a vacation.


    Lionel felt frustration rise up in him like never before. His eyes narrowed in anger and his lips curved up


    in a taunting smile. Once again, he issued his brother a slow warning.


    "We''ll see. Watch your back, brother."


    Lionel pivoted on one foot and walked out, in his irritation mming the door with a violent thud. He


    paid no heed to the patient in the room.


    Watching Lionel leave, Rufus looked at the swaying door and smiled a little. His face was an


    unreadable mask; his intentions unclear.


    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    It was like a battlefield without any smoke. Cassandra had been hiding under the quilt all this while,


    listening to Lionel''s tense words. The news was unexpected. Horace had handed over Tang Group to


    Rufus, who had only just returned home.


    Cassandra knew Horace was far from recklessness. He must have his reasons for this. Was he trying


    to make up to Rufus, mending the bond between them? Or did he have a secret agenda?


    "How much longer will you hide?" Rufus asked her when it became clear she wouldn''t speak.


    He threw back the quilt and saw the little woman curled up in bed. The sudden light hurt her eyes and


    she made a sound of annoyance. When she raised her head, a pair of beautiful, wicked eyes smiled in


    her direction, calming her nerves a little.


    "Rufus, we have to talk," Cassandra said.


    She gripped the sheets tightly and in the next moment rxed her hold, realizing that she was showing


    all the signs of being anxious. Lifting her chin, she looked him in the eye bravely, adopting a


    determined stance.


    "Uh huh?"


    Rufus raised one curious eyebrow at her, tilting his headzily.


    "About that thing that happened in Rome...could you keep it secret?"


    Cassandra said in a small voice after hesitating for a while. Her cheeks flushed in embarrassment.


    "Which thing are you talking about? The fact that you were still a virgin despite having been married for


    so long? Or are you referring to us doing the deed that night?"


    Rufus chuckled and brought his arm closer to her, lessening the gap between them.


    Cassandra couldn''t help but shrink back. She could smell the danger he emanated and had no doubt


    that he was silently scheming against her. She was lost for words. He always said things she had no


    idea how to respond to.


    "It would be of no good to you if this information goes public. You''re going to inherit Tang Group soon.


    Your reputation would take a hit and your inheritance could be in jeopardy. Do you really want the


    media to know that you slept with your brother''s wife?"


    Before Cassandra could think twice, she voiced out the ugly truth, loud and clear. She knew Rufus was


    clever enough to know what to do. Surely, he would step back, wouldn''t he?


    But Rufus justughed. "You are funny, Mrs. Tang."


    Her forthright words amused him. He reached out and pulled her into his arms, holding her by the


    waist.


    "Nothing and no one can threaten me, never."


    Deliberately, he emphasized each word, suggesting that he didn''t care about any of the issues


    Cassandra just mentioned. It also seemed to imply that he might never let her go.


    "What exactly do you want?"


    Cassandra panicked, starting to be afraid of him. His eyes were wild and fierce as they looked into


    hers. She didn''t know what his purpose was, or why he had returned home.


    She could tell he didn''t hold affection for any of his family members. If he did, his eyes wouldn''t hold


    such callousness when he looked in their direction.


    Cassandra didn''t want to get involved in this domestic war. She was scared that she was only a tool in


    Rufus''s eyes, to be used at his dispense.


    "Come to this ce tonight. If you do, I will keep that night a secret between us."


    Rufus pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket. He still wore anguid, sinister smile, and one could


    not tell what was hidden in the depths of his deep, dark brown eyes...

 Chapter 11 Something Meaningful

    Chapter 11 Something Meaningful


    Standing in front of the thirty-six-floor building, Cassandra held the scrip that Rufus gave her crumpled


    in her hand. With her long hair streaming in the the strong gust of wind, she wore the determined


    expression of someone ready to fight for her life. Neither the biting cold nor the sheer danger of being


    outside on the streets at this hour of the night mattered. Those things didn''t scare a person anymore,


    when his or her life was literally on the line.


    Coming here was thest straw of hope she had for a solution to the looming danger, and she had


    prepared to do whatever Rufus asked her to do.


    Nervously, Cassandra licked her dry lips and dragged her heavy feet. In spite of how she felt, she had


    to keep going. Braving the biting cold, she forced herself forward slowly in the winds, with a heavy


    heart.


    She had to face him anyway, hoping Rufus would let her alone, once and for all. For that she kept


    reminding herself that everything would be better, even though she wasn''t sure of anything.


    Sometimes, we just have to take things as theye.


    And while she was mulling, struggling and trudging along, Rufus was standing in front the French


    window at the top floor of the same building. In a white slim fit shirt, unbuttoned halfway down his


    chest, he peered at the darkness outside with his deep eye, and cracked a wicked smile.


    The breathtaking horizon at the top floor of a thirty-six-storey building made him feel like a giant who


    dwarfed everything under his feet.


    Rufus liked the feeling of controlling everything, just as what he did to the Tang Family and what he


    was doing to Cassandra now.


    "Boss, she''s here," the mechanical voice of the keypad speaker on the door suddenly announced.


    The smile on his face grew even wider. He moved back to the table, took his half-full ss of red wine


    in the left hand, holding it leisurely with only the thumb and index finger, and drained it in one gulp.


    Everything was as perfectly going ording to the n. Surreal, so to speak, like he was was watching


    a movie, and he could predict the story-line and tell exactly was next.


    "Let her in," he said.


    In that low voice, eyes still fixed on the nightly view outside the window, he sounded somewhere


    between sensual and sleepy. No one had expected that Rufus, who just recently returned to G City,


    would own such an imposing building on the city''s skyline.


    When Cassandra entered the building, she was met by a man in ck suit and earphone. Careful


    about the earphone, as if it was an IV drip on which his whole life depended, the man led her to a door


    made of red sandal wood. After pressing a series of password, the door opened to both sides


    immediately. With a slight, respectful bow, she thanked the man.


    "Pleasee on in, Ms. Qin. Mr. Luo is waiting for you," the man said politely and showed her the


    room.


    A foggy expression written on her face, Cassandra nodded to the man, and then hesitatingly dragged


    her weight in, wondering what was waiting for her.


    Although she was born into a rich family and married into an even richer one, the room''s immense size


    alone made Cassandra''s jaw drop.


    Equally breathtaking were the furniture and decor around the room. The look and feel of every single


    piece was a statement of the owner''s sense of art. The luxury must havee at an astronomical cost.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Thevish interior of his room made the presidential suits in any five-star hotels pale inparison. It


    was ridiculous of him to call her here just for a one-night stand.


    Cassandra was old enough to understand what would happen between her and Rufuster. Since he


    asked her toe here alone inte night and there were just the two of them here, she was not at all


    surprised.


    If it could guarantee her peace and end her mother''s misery, Cassandra would be willing to sleep with


    him, for one more time.


    Thinking of her situation, Cassandra sighed and felt sore in her heart. Silently, she wished she had the


    power to decide what she could do with her life. But from experience, life had beaten her into epting


    whatever fate threw at her.


    "Here you are," Rufus said from behind her.


    Suddenly he stood right behind her, catching her by surprise. But before she could react, he wrapped


    his arms around her waist from behind.


    Out of fear, her whole body began to shiver forcing her to take a deep breath, trying topose


    herself.


    "Hmm, right. I''m...here," she responded in a low voice.


    Desperately, she tried to open her mouth to speak, only to find she was too tensed to sound natural.


    "Rx, honey! This being our second night, aren''t we supposed to be more rxed with each other?"


    Rufus whispered in her ear.


    The obvious sarcasm in hisugh forced Cassandra back to her sense immediately. On instinct, she


    turned around, mustered all the strength she could and pushed him away.


    Infuriated by his abrupt and smug approach, she stared at him with the ferocity of a trapped lioness.


    "What do you want from me? If you called me here, just to humiliate me, I''d rather leave now!" she


    confronted him.


    As she turned around and feigned to leave, Rufusughed out loud. When Cassandra looked at him


    keenly, she read a strange drowsy expression on his face which she couldn''t understand.


    In an instant, he grabbed her arm and pulled her into his arms, so fast that she let out a startled


    scream. They were so close that it made her flush. The smelt of his familiar scent, mixed with the wine


    he had just drank, reminded her of the first night they had spent together.


    "Since time is short, let''s do something meaningful together," Rufus whispered.


    He cracked a crooked smile, lifted her in his arms and carried her to the other side of the room.

 Chapter 12 Being Fooled

    Chapter 12 Being Fooled


    Hearing his footsteps echoing and breaking the dead silence of the night made her feel nervous and


    uneasy. The silence was so deafening that her heavy breaths were so audible. Tensed as she was, she


    couldn''t feelfortable at the odd smell of the room. She couldn''t even tell what it was that made her


    feel unsafe.


    She had no choice but to endure it all. To ensure her safety, she had to follow his instructions and meet


    him there in such ordeals. For the first time in her life, she felt extremely humiliated. As a well-educated


    married woman, she knew for herself that it would be hical for her to meet a man privately, alone,


    and veryte at night.


    "Wait!"


    The moment Rufus stopped, Cassandra suddenly opened her eyes in disbelief. A king-size blue


    waterbed came into her view!


    She couldn''t believe her eyes. Before she continued, she noticed that the sheets resembled an ocean


    wave. She felt rippled and drifted before actuallyying her back on it to have an actual feel of the bed.


    Rufus froze momentarily. He motioned her to face him and with one slight pull held her to her arms. He


    didn''t n toy her down on the bed. Looking down at her innocent eyes, he waited for Cassandra to


    say something.


    "I don''t trust you. I can''t just let you do this without any solid contract. I have to make sure that my life


    won''t be threatened by you. We have to make an agreement."


    Cassandra med herself for almost forgetting it. She should have brought it up when she entered the


    room, but she was too nervous. Luckily, she remembered it at that crucial moment before anything


    worst happened.


    "Youngdy, don''t you think it''s toote to start a bargain?"


    Rufus said as a sinister smile slowly climbed onto his lips. The moment after, he suddenly and forcibly


    threw her onto that big water bed.


    "Ouch!"


    Cassandra automatically hollered. But it was nothingpared to the pain that came to her next as he


    threw himself over her. It made her eyebrows cross. With her eyes tightly closed, she cursed Rufus a


    million times in silence.


    "Rufus, don''t be such an asshole! You can''t do this. You have to make a contract with me to make sure


    that you won''te bothering or threatening me, otherwise, I won''t..."


    She was making an effort to push Rufus as she exined her condition. She had turned into a helpless


    angry prey overpowered by his predator.


    "You won''t what? You won''t have sex with me?"


    Rufus stopped her and finished her sentence with a smile.


    "Oh, it turns out you really want to have sex¡­ with me?"


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Rufus pulled himself up from Cassandra. Holding his hand next to her head, he looked her straight in


    the eye.


    He acted innocent and surprised as if his guess on Cassandra''s thoughts was right.


    Hearing his words, Cassandra had a flush of embarrassment. She had obvious reasons to believe that


    Rufus wanted to have sex with her since he asked her to meet him privatelyte at night.


    Moreover, he threatened her that he wouldn''t let her off the hook if she refused.


    "But if you would fancy...if you really want it, I can do it for you even if I don''t want to," he teased her.


    Rufus stared at her adorable face. It was flushed as red as a freshly-picked tomato. He lowered himself


    and pressed his body onto hers, making her shift a little with his weight. He was so charming that


    Cassandra couldn''t help but held her breath. The warmth of his body created tiny ruffles of electricity


    that crept all over her body.


    He bit his lips and was about to kiss her. Right at that moment, Cassandra suppressed the palpitation


    of her heart and turned her head to the side with a determined look.


    "Rufus, I think you had enough of fooling me around. What on earth do you want?"


    Cassandra almost cried. She could hear her clear voice faltered with little sobs. She had never been


    fooled and embarrassed by others like this before. To Rufus, she probably was just like a toy to y


    with.


    He noticed the sudden breakdown of the woman who was under him. His smile weakened. ''Am I


    crossing the line? I was only ying a joke with her, '' he thought.


    "You have nned for this to happen when you asked me toe over. Please do it quickly. I''ll have to


    go back home,"


    Cassandra said straightforwardly in a cold voice and reached out to rub her eyes. She red at him,


    fighting her tears from gushing out.


    Rufus narrowed his eyes, hearing her words. Slowly, he extended his hand to give her face a slight


    caress.


    In his dark brown eyes, reflected the innate image of Cassandra''s face. Her beauty was close to


    perfection as she looked meek and vulnerable right now. Getting up, he took the remote on the side


    table and pressed a button. As the screen on the wall lit up, he said, "Well, let me show you something


    interesting."

 Chapter 13 A Different Kind Of Comfort

    Chapter 13 A Different Kind Of Comfort


    The man''s voice wasced with amusement. Maybe, it was the amusement at Cassandra''s startled


    reaction. When she heard something and raised her head, a sex tape was ying on the big screen in


    the room. A man and a woman were passionately making love. The man was thrusting himself hard,


    making the woman moan loudly, filling the room with sounds of love making.


    Still sitting on the bed, Cassandra was too shocked to say a word.


    Even more insulting was that Rufus yed the clip at full volume, assaulting her ears with the irksome


    noise. ''What the hell is he up to, by showing me the video?'' she wondered. But then, suddenly, the


    angle of the camera changed, clearly showing the face of the man in the video. It was a familiar face to


    Cassandra.


    Holy crap! The man on the screen was none other than her husband, Lionel.


    "What''s your reason for showing me this?" she asked now feeling both insulted and confused.


    Though there was no love in Cassandra and Lionel''s marriage at all, it was still not a pleasant feeling


    seeing her husband cheat on her. It was a humiliating p in face to watch the two on the screen


    making love. She was aware of Lionel''s hatred towards her and has suspected his phndering. Lionel


    wasn''t a faithful man by any standards, and to be honest, she didn''t give a damn. He could do


    whatever he wanted to do as long as he left her alone. But seeing the evidence of her husband


    cheating was another thing. And the whole ordeal felt much worse being shown to her by Rufus -- a


    third party.


    In an instant, Cassandra''s pretty little face became pale, her lips trembled. She couldn''t stand watching


    the video for another second. She turned her head to re at Rufus, who was sitting aside watching


    her with a smirk.


    "I was very confused at first. Why were you a lonely woman, when it''s barely four years of your


    marriage to him? But now I finally realize just how unfaithful Lionel has been to you,"


    In a casual, carefree tone, Rufus spoke as if he didn''t know how hurtful his words were. But as much


    as Cassandra was angry and humiliated by his words, he was only being honest. What he said was


    true. The only problem was his gleeful manner of going about it.


    "What joy could you derive from gloating over my heartache and pain? Are you so twisted as to


    celebrate the falling apart of your own brother''s marriage?"


    Cassandra''s hands tightened on the bed sheets. Beads of sweat forming the brow, her jaw tightened


    and her lips thinned into a grim line. Seething with anger now, she raised her head and with a


    threatening re confronted the voyeur.


    "Whatever weird and unpredictable games you''re up to, I''m not interested," she blurted out honestly.


    "It''s been barely two days of your return to this city, and here you''re, kicking up a storm. Do you think I''ll


    be naive to trust you any more?" But looking at his face, smug like he didn''t give a damn about


    anything, Cassandra suspected Rufus was hiding something. Usually, this kind of attitude would throw


    Cassandra off, but she chose to y along just in case he could be tricked into giving away whatever


    he was being cryptic about.


    ''Why is he doing this? What does he want from me? To begin with, there must be a reason he''s


    showing me this video, '' Cassandra quietly mulled.


    Clearing his voice, Rufus replied, "Well, you know, I am only interested in you."


    Like a predator watching its prey, his fixed, stony gaze gave Cassandra the creeps. It dawned on her,


    he was not kidding. At that very moment, he read her incredulous look for a signal to his sinister


    motives, he moved closer to Cassandra. Then he spread his hands, caging her between him and the


    bed. The corners of his lips curled into an enticing smirk.


    But there was a threatening look on his face. Like a fierce beast, he seemed to give the subtle


    message that he was in control and he''d get whatever he wanted, even if it meant doing so was


    against Cassandra''s will. The coldness in his gaze made her heart sink.


    In her gut, she had a feeling that Rufus was a devil in disguise and not as simple as she had assumed.


    ''This is a dangerous man from whom I should keep distance, '' she thought to herself.


    "Anyway, now that I''ve seen the video, and it iste, I have to go," Cassandra began. "If I don''t get back


    home on time, they will get concerned, and I don''t want anyone to start worrying about me. Am I free to


    leave?" Cassandra added, trying to remain as calm and watchful as possible.


    At heart, she was deeply anxious and didn''t want to stay here trying to guess what was on Rufus'' mind


    anymore. As soon as possible, she just wanted to get away from this creepy man.


    "I just want to tell you that you don''t need to kick yourself for what you have done. What I''ve just shown


    you is only but one example of Lionel''s unfaithfulness, and you have every reason to get even with


    him," Rufus said in a surprisingly gentle voice.


    Though Cassandra didn''t want to admit it, she agreed with him. For the pain of putting up with an


    unfaithful husband, she even felt vindicated in her tryst. When she first slept with Rufus, she had felt so


    guilty that she wanted to crawl back into Lionel''s arms and make their marriage work. But now, after


    watching the video and listening to Rufus, she wished Lionel would just disappear from her life and


    leave her alone.


    The only worry on her mind was that she couldn''t tell what Rufus was up to. She wished for


    superpowers to see through this man in front of her, read his motives and understand a whole bunch of


    stuff about him. Wasn''t Rufus only trying to take advantage of her failing marriage? Did he have any


    sincere care for her?


    Cassandra knew she was not quite herself ever since the incident with Rufus. She just couldn''t help


    herself. She felt anxious and afraid of being found out, especially when she knew that Rufus was her


    brother-inw. But why did Rufusfort her in a quite unusual way? Cassandra didn''t want to spend


    more time dwelling on this.


    "Thank you for your concern. Can I go back now?"


    To be honest, Cassandra''s head was in a mess. But she still pretended to be calm and collected in


    front of Rufus, trying to hide her nervous heart from him.


    "Yes, you can. Let me drive you back,"


    Rufus said, leaning towards her again, bringing his face way too close. He tried to put on a charming


    smile, but Cassandra just didn''t have the time appreciating it.


    All that she wanted was to get out of here as quickly as possible. Hearing Rufus'' permission, she


    immediately got up from the big bed, and started straightening her clothes.


    "Thank you, but I can go back by myself. I just hope that you can keep your promise and also keep my


    secret,"


    tly, she refused Rufus'' kind gesture to drive her home. Whenever he was around, there was a way


    she always felt nervous, and on this particr night, after the fact that he had disappointed and terribly


    unnerved her, she wanted to be away from him at the first opportunity.


    "If you really want to keep your secrets, you''ll have to stop looking so nervous around me. If you keep


    acting like this, you may fool a few people, but soon, someone in the Tang family, or close enough will


    surely sniff out something irregr. So, for your own good, I''d advice you to pull yourself together."


    Putting on a contemtive look, Rufuszily folded his arms across the chest and just stood there


    motionless.


    In a way, he was right. Lately, Cassandra knew pretty well she had been acting somewhat fidgety, as


    she struggled to hide her guilt, especially from Lionel''s family. Maybe Rufus was not nning to


    ckmail her, as she had suspected in the first ce. But that did not necessarily mean he was going


    to help her. However, she decided she wasn''t going to get bogged down with either of the two brothers


    or the whole Tang family.


    After a moment of reflection, she calmly answered, "I see." Then she took a deep breath and added,


    "Don''t worry. I will be careful of my actions from now on. Good-bye."


    Then she turned to walk towards the door. But Rufus immediately walked up, following her all the way


    to the door.


    "I''ll go with you. We are heading the same way, aren''t we?"


    His deep, raspy voice sounded so rxed, almost alluring. "Actually, I''m also staying in the Tang family


    house for now,"


    Rufus added, taking quick strides. Cassandra thought he only wanted to catch up with her, but he


    walked past her without so much as looking back. Helplessly, Cassandra stared at his back for a few


    seconds with an incredulous look clouding her face. She let out a silent sigh, quickened her steps and


    tried to follow him as closely as she possibly could.


    On the big screen in the room, the video was still ying though there was no one watching. The


    strange sounds of Lionel and his fling making love echoed across the big room. N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

 Chapter 14 Walked Into The Wrong Room

    Chapter 14 Walked Into The Wrong Room


    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 inws 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 havee home together?"


    Surprised to see them standing so close that their shoulders almost touched, Jillshed out at


    Cassandra. Her tant stare made Cassandra quiver with unease.


    She had to look away in order to avoid further questions. Actingposedly was the only way to avoid


    exposing the truth.


    "Well, I was hanging out with some friends tonight. I happened toe across Rufus at the pub''s exit.


    So we came home together. It''s no big deal."


    Her guiltless stance and smooth words amused Rufus greatly. A corner 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 inws. She was quite


    a skilled actress. However, he had no intention of staying back with Horace and wasting time, so he


    fixed his father with an indifferent look, simply announcing, "I am going upstairs."


    As he walked to the staircase, he cast a profound look in Cassandra''s direction. Then, without further


    dy, he bolted straight to his room upstairs.


    Watching Rufus leave the room, Cassandra sniffed silently, deciding to retire to her room as well.


    However, Horace''s words stopped her in her tracks.


    "Cassandra, it has been quite 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 time to understand how thepany


    operates. I know you topped in your sses abroad. I believe you would make a difference to the


    company and its future."


    His words surprised her. She widened her eyes and stared back at her father-inw wordlessly,


    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 good intentions. She had no idea what would be in store, but


    she had to ept it anyway.


    "Sure, Dad."


    Her acquiescence pleased him and he nodded at her in appreciation. On the other hand, Jill did not


    look happy at all. She stared at Cassandra with open hostility in her eyes, as if prying her daughter-in-


    law''s mind to see if she was hiding something. She did not trust Cassandra.


    "Well, good for you, Cassandra. Rufus just came to our family not so long ago. But you seem to be


    getting along with him rather well!"


    Jill uttered the words from between her teeth. Her voice was not loud, but it had a hint of steel beneath


    it, and Cassandra sessfully 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. She knew what Jill was trying to


    imply. Jill looked suspicious and resentful. Cassandra secretly clenched her fists.


    "So what is the harm in that? He has only juste here. There are a lot of things he needs to learn.


    Cassandra is his sister-inw, of course she has a responsibility to show him around and teach him


    about our family business. Cassandra, please don''t feel shy to help Rufus as much as you can."


    Horace threw Jill a stern look, finding her reaction over the top. It was good that Cassandra wanted to


    help Rufus feel more weed. Jill was sniffing for trouble where there was none.


    "Nonsense. Cassandra came back not long ago herself. She is new to the business too. She doesn''t


    know much about thepany,"


    Jill gritted her teeth and snapped back. As a woman, she was intuitive about these things. Cassandra


    gulped and lowered her head demurely.


    "I don''t know my brother-inw well. I just happened to run into him today. I think I''ll go upstairs now. It


    has been a long day. Good night, have a good rest."


    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    Cassandra sounded quite sure of herself, 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 day.


    Cassandra put 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 lights, she felt the air in front of her shift as someone stepped in front of her. A powerful


    hand reached out and encircled her waist tightly. In the darkness, she heard a familiar voice snigger


    quietly.


    "You never fail to surprise me. We have been so intimate with each other. Yet you dare to im you


    don''t know me well?"


    His voice gave her the shivers. She could feel sweat start to form on her smooth forehead, but she


    didn''t 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? Was that it? The way he kept pestering her was so uncalled for. She wished he would just leave


    her alone.


    "Rufus, could you please go? Why can''t you just back off?"


    Despite being fed up, she kept her voice low in order not to attract unnecessary attention in the


    mansion. On a silent night like this, even a tiny sound could raise hackles. Thest thing Cassandra


    wanted was for someone to find out they were alone in a dark room.


    "Really? It seems to me that you are the one taking initiative here..."


    He had hardly finished speaking before the room suddenly lit up. Rufus had switched on the lights. His


    eyes shed triumphantly and he studied her face, patiently waiting for a response.


    The sudden light almost blinded her. Cassandra had to blink a few times to adjust to it. When her eyes


    finally focused on her surroundings, she let out a gasp. It was not her room at all. She had totally made


    a fool out of herself by identally walking into Rufus''s room!


    Deeply mortified, Cassandra opened and closed her mouth like a fish - not knowing what to say next.


    The tension in the room grew by the second. She wished she could just slip out this very instant.


    However, her feet seemed to no longer belong to herself. She scratched her temple and said, "Rufus, I


    think I walked into your room by ident. Sorry to bother you. I am leaving now."


    Cassandra gave him a trembling smile and tried to move back. She knew it was her fault this time. His


    overwhelming presence was making her increasingly uneasy. Carefully, she reached for his hand


    around her waist and tried to wriggle out of his grip.


    She peeped at him from the corner of her eyes and was surprised to find a wide grin on his face. He


    was so strange. He was clearly not sleeping, but why did he turn off all the lights in his room while he


    was inside?


    As if he could read her mind, Rufus sniggered softly and loosened his grip. This time, he decided to be


    kind and not tease her further.


    As soon as she was released from his capture, Cassandra dashed to the door. She wrenched it open.


    However, just as she was about to step out, she saw Lionel walking in her direction. He hadn''t seen her


    yet. Almost instantly, she made a decision.


    She stepped backward and closed the door in haste. Her face had turned pale, as if she had seen a


    ghost. Swirling around, she bumped right into a hard chest.

 Chapter 15 This Is Our Wedding Room

    Chapter 15 This Is Our Wedding Room


    Lingering through her soul, the familiar scent of the warm man invaded her incessantly, just like how it


    was in her dreams. Once again, she saw the wicked smile from the mischievous face, so familiar and


    unforgettable. Scared, Cassandra extended her quivering hand to cover Rufus'' lips. The sexy, thin lips


    which always left her wanting for more, were so soft and enticing. She gestured him worriedly to stay


    still and be silent.


    The sound of footsteps drew closer and gradually faded away. It was then that Cassandra''s racing


    heart began to calm down.


    She was so nervous and terrified that shepletely ignored the awkward way how she held Rufus.


    Their bodies were so pressed together and their faces almost touched. It was only after she regained


    her senses that she realized how inappropriate it was to be that close to him.


    The awkwardness was heightened when she realized that she was covering his mouth with her bare


    hand. It was as if a sharp needle hung between them slowly vanished, and was reced by the soft


    touch from her smooth and delicate hand. His deep eyes once again found the path towards the


    alluring face of the woman. He was not missing any details of the interesting expressions on her face.


    "I think he''s gone,"


    the woman confirmed as she walked away from Rufus and pressed her ear against the door to listen.


    It was quiet and not a single sound could be heard from outside. Lionel should be back to his room by


    now. Heaving a deep sigh of relief, she pulled down her weary hand over Rufus'' face, releasing her


    tension. But, that was not the end of her agony. All the while her attention was focused on the man


    outside the room, and apparently, she had forgotten that there was another man inside, who was


    equally hard to deal with.


    With his typical yful smile, he fixed his eyes at the woman.


    She, however, didn''t notice that. Cautiously, she opened the door slightly and peeked her head out like


    a thief. The silence in the corridor reaffirmed her assumptions and soothed her mood.


    "He''s gone. Absolutely gone. Whew! That was scary,"


    she murmured softly as she gently patted her chest to relieve the tension. Oblivious to the presence of


    another man, she was ready to leave.


    The instant she opened the door, the man who had remained silent and cooperative throughout the


    incident, abruptly mmed the door and pushed her against it.


    Out of her natural reflexes, she screamed out because of the sudden change of mood. Abruptly, she


    realized that she was too loud. Consciously covering her own mouth with her hand to avoid making


    more unsolicited screams, she gazed at the rude man. Confusion welled up in her eyes.


    "What do you think are you doing?"


    the woman asked in anger, deliberately keeping her voice low. ''Now Lionel has left. Why wouldn''t he let


    me go?'' she asked herself.


    "What am I doing? I just helped you out. Don''t you think that you should pay me back?"


    The mischievous man teased with a sly grin on his face, which made thedy blush in shyness.


    "Oh, well, Rufus, thank you so much. But it''s alreadyte. I won''t disturb you anymore. Goo¡­Good


    night,"


    Cassandra stuttered as she could no longer hold his intense gaze and diverted her eyes aside. Her


    voice was almost as low and soft as a whisper.


    Her timid reaction aroused the man''s infatuations, which elevated to the point that he wanted to grab


    her tight and gave her a long and wild kiss.


    "So you owe me one for this. I''ll take back what you owe next time,"


    the man asserted. A wicked smile crept on his cheek as he slowly let go of the woman. It was no


    surprise, actually, that he didn''t continue with the inappropriate and outrageous n on his mind,


    considering he was a man with self-control, and not to mention that he was in this ce, the Tang


    family house.


    He knew, better than anyone else, what the consequences of his actions would be. It would do no good


    other than creating a disaster.


    Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    Unwilling to stay longer, the fretted woman didn''t even wait for the man to finish his sentence and ran


    out of the room like a prisoner having a chance to break out.


    To him, the action of the panicky woman was so hrious. He couldn''t help smiling. He smiled despite


    being hurt inside, and without knowing it he enjoyed the confusing emotions. Alone in the room, he felt


    strange of himself and turned the smile on his face into a frown.


    He had the bestid ns. But Cassandra, a distraction, just ran into his n without any prior notice.


    What scared him right now was that he enjoyed whatever was happening between Cassandra and him.


    ''This woman is indeed cute and innocent, even irresistible, but she''s still part of the Tang family!'' he


    thought.


    Meanwhile, in Cassandra''s room, she was so relieved as soon as the door shut, which signaled her


    separation from the outside world. Her tired and drained body slumped to the floor. She didn''t even


    have the extra energy to turn on the light that was within her reach.


    ''If not for my swift action, I would have been caught flirting with my brother-inw!'' she thought.


    ''Pooh! Pooh! Pooh! It has nothing to do with flirting!'' she quickly assured herself and shook her head.


    It was a total mess for the brain as she was imagining and anticipating things. She heaved a sigh of


    fatigue and remorse, her hand rubbing her own hair with worry. ''Why Rufus was the person I had the


    one-night stand with?'' she asked, ming herself.


    It waspletely dark in the room. As Cassandra was still mourning for her pitiful fate, the light was


    suddenly turned on, which scared her. She sprang up and looked around warily.


    Soon, her cautious eyes found their target. It was Lionel, sitting elegantly andfortably on the sofa,


    crossing his arms. The man eyed her with his usual coldness and indifference.


    "It''ste. Where have you been?"


    inquired the man. Cassandra was stunned to see her husband in her bedroom. That was so unusual


    and unexpected. The question from him made her heart skip a little.


    "You¡­Why are you in my room?"


    she said, answering his question with another question.


    At that instant, Lionel stood up from the sofa and walked towards her direction. He faced Cassandra,


    with no intentions of hiding the intense hatred he had for her. The expression of his disgusted face


    turned even colder.


    Raising up his hand, he lifted her chin and slightly raised her pale head. He ridiculed her saying, "Your


    room? Hey, Cassandra, let me remind you this is our wedding room. It''s our


    room."

 Chapter 16 A Warning From Lionel

    Chapter 16 A Warning From Lionel


    Lionel''s words echoed through therge bedroom, ringing in Cassandra''s ears. Cassandra looked


    around, irritated. ''Doesn''t Lionel dislike me? Why would hee to my bedroom at such a time?'' she


    wondered.


    ''Unless¡­Unless he saw me in Rufus'' bedroom just now!'' The thought made Cassandra nervous.


    "Cassandra, you haven''t answered my question! Where were you just now? It''ste." Lionel''s question


    broke through Cassandra''s thoughts and snapped her back to attention.


    Lionel gripped Cassandra''s chin harder, forcing her to look into his eyes and answer him. Cassandra


    shifted ufortably, trying not to whimper from the pain. She returned Lionel''s gaze, raising her chin


    in angry defiance, then took a deep breath.


    "I had a meeting with my friend tonight,"


    she spoke slowly, trying to calm herself down.


    Cassandra knew that she couldn''t tell Lionel the truth right now. After all, she knew that what she had


    done was wrong.


    "Your friend? Funny...After all those years you spent in Rome, I''m surprised that you still have friends in


    G City."


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Lionel raised his eyebrows and snorted sarcastically. Clearly, he didn''t believe Cassandra. The calmer


    she stood before him, never breaking his gaze, the more she could see his anger rising.


    Cassandra had always been good at hiding her feelings. And cunning women angered him the most.


    "Can you please let go of me? You''re hurting me!"


    Knowing that Lionel was suspicious of her, Cassandra tried to distract him with her weakness so that


    she could change the topic. The truth was that she was actually overwhelmed by the pain in her chin.


    This infuriated her. How dare he treated her, or any woman, in this aggressive manner! She was


    determined to show him that she wasn''t just a puppet in his hand.


    Lionel looked at her for a few seconds, as if considering what to do. He unfurled his grip and released


    her face. Breaking free from his grip, Cassandra breathed a sigh of relief. She turned immediately and


    headed for the bedroom.


    "It''ste now. Is Mr. Tang still going to stay in my room?"


    Cassandra asked cooly as she walked inside to the bedroom. Once again she could tell that her


    indifference made his blood boil.


    In two long strides he caught up with her.


    The sound of his steps falling struck fear into Cassandra. She turned to look at him, afraid to ask what


    he wanted.


    Before she could say a word, Lionel had lifted her roughly into the air and thrown her onto the bed.


    "Stop! What are you doing!"


    Cassandra was frozen with fear. She could feel her heart almost jumping out of her chest. The thought


    of being touched by this man filled her with horror, and she looked around to see how she could


    escape.


    The two were a married couple in name only. There had never been any physical contact between


    them. This was the first time.


    A familiar sardonic smile crept across Lionel''s face. He sneered down at Cassandra.


    "Isn''t it why you married me? Huh? Why pretend to be so reserved now?"


    Lionel''s words were like des, carving patterns of pain into her skin. Cassandra instinctively bit her


    lips. Then she gathered all her strength to push Lionel away.


    "Hmm? Will you finally be honest with me, dear wife? Why would Rufus look at you like that when he


    had firste back to the family? Could it be something to do with the time he spent in Rome? Did the


    two of you perhaps...know each other in Rome?"


    Cassandra pressed her lips together defiantly, causing Lionel to be angrier and angrier. Lionel


    had been asking around, and it turned out that his brother had been to Rome just before he came back


    here.


    So he wondered about the interesting reaction that Rufus and Cassandra had towards each other


    when they first ''met''.


    "Now, tell me the truth, Cassandra. Why would that man care about you so much? Could it


    be...because you slept with him in Rome?"


    The question made Cassandra jump up from the bed. Pale and silent, she regarded her husband for a


    second.


    Then she pped him.


    "You bastard!"


    In the silence that followed, Cassandra regretted not being able to control her anger. She watched as a


    look of astonishment spread across Lionel''s face. He raised his one hand unconsciously to where she


    had just hit him. He seemed shocked, unable to believe that he had been pped...by a woman.


    "How dare you?!"


    Lionel was furious. He rushed at Cassandra and caught her neck, pinning her to the wall.


    Cassandra knew better than to struggle. She tried to control her breathing and not to cough or give


    away that he was hurting her. Through the pain, she managed to bring the indifferent look back into her


    eyes, and red at him frigidly.


    "Choke me, I dare you!"


    Cassandra managed to croak, adding fuel to the fire. As Lionel became more angry, his grip on


    Cassandra''s throat tightened.


    He brought his face close to hers. "Do you think I wouldn''t do that? You disgust me. Even if you


    stripped down naked, and threw yourself at me, I wouldn''t even bother to look at you. But if you think


    that means you can just seduce as many men as you want, I will show you how wrong you are. You


    had better watch what you do. You can''t hide anything from me. If I find out that you are whoring


    yourself out to other men, then you and your entire family are finished. Do you understand me?"


    After he had snarled hisst words, he let go of her and turned to leave. Cassandra dropped to the


    ground, unable to lift her head to defy him. Shey with one side of her face on the carpet, dumb with


    humiliation, trying not to gasp for breath.


    Lionel took onest disgusted look at her, and mmed the door shut behind him. Finally out of his


    sight, Cassandra let herself copse into shuddering, gasping sobs.

 Chapter 17 Old Memories, New Hopes

    Chapter 17 Old Memories, New Hopes


    "You have no right to say no. As the daughter of Qin family, you should be thinking about how to serve


    the family well. This marriage is a step forward for all of us. Whether you want to marry or not is not up


    to you!"


    "Stop being selfish! Marrying into the Tang family is not a sacrifice."


    "You must marry!"


    "Cassandra, I''m so sorry. Forgive me, but I have no choice..."


    Cassandra shot up from her bed, her body covered in damp sweat. The nightmares hade back -


    old, painful, memories that held the burn of words. She thought she could feel her mother''s wet tears


    and hear the haunting voice of her apology echo in the room and reach her. She took deep breaths,


    trying to steady her breathing. Lying back down on her bed, she wrapped the quilt around her, as if it


    gathered her own sufferings as well.


    Prompted by her earlier remembrances and unable to sleep, she let herself surrender to memories


    from farther back. Four years ago, it was supposed to be a time of hope. She was a senior high school


    student who was about to graduate. The future ahead of her was painted in bright warm colors.


    However, life isn''t always what one likes, is it? That year, the Qin family suffered huge business


    failures. It was teetering at the edge of closing down when projects failed, one after another.


    Soon, their business partners had terminated agreements, and the banks refused to grant them loans.


    Thepany was close to biting the dust, and it was as if the world was taking her future away piece


    by piece. It was at this time of crisis that the Tang family appeared like ast thread of hope, offering a


    helping hand to the Qin family.


    But of course, it came with a price - her hand in marriage to the Tang family''s son. In retrospect, the


    Tang family did not simply extend their hand as an act of graciousness. The two families had been


    intertwined inplicated rtionships. To put it simply, the fall of the Qin family would have adverse,


    albeit indirect, damage to the Tang family''s interests, so they could not just watch as they fell down and


    in turn pull them a few steps down as well. In the end, they figured out that marriage would be a simple


    way to deal with theirplex positions.


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Marriage would solidify the pact established between the two families, as other families sometimes did


    to gain a more favorable position. Finding no other alternatives, the Qin family grasped tightly at what


    seemed to be theirst thread of hope for survival and agreed.


    Cassandra was the cost of the sacrifice. At just 18 years old, she found herself in a strategic marriage


    with a man she had never met, and she was powerless to say otherwise.


    She remembered how she had desperately tried to escape, rejecting the marriage and running away


    from home. At that time, she felt as if the world was ying a cruel joke. First, take away everything


    that she had, and then offer a sliver of hope at the cost of her freedom. She was determined to live her


    own life, but she could do nothing else when her weeping mother knelt in front of her and pleaded for


    her to agree. The image of her mother''s tear-streaked face and trembling voice were still haunting her


    to this day. It was as if her heart was ripped from her chest, and with closed eyes, she faced her own


    despair to save her family from theirs.


    Perhaps it was for the best, she thought that time.


    The day of her wedding came. It was small and simple. Horace''s original n was to have a grand


    wedding, as was the tradition of their family, and of course to prove the Tang family''s power. However, it


    was strongly opposed by his son, Lionel.


    From Lionel''s attitude, Cassandra could tell without any other indications that he was in the same boat


    as her - he was also forced into a marriage with a stranger for the sake of families. It was all so very


    ironic that such a happy event would bring two young people nothing but grief and loss.


    On their wedding night, Lionel drowned his despair in alcohol and was dead drunk. He kicked the door


    of their wedding room open and staggered inside, grabbing Cassandra by her wedding dress and


    staring down at her. His eyes spilled out his disgust as he looked at her.


    "Because of you, the woman I love left me. You''re no different from a prostitute, selling yourself for


    money. You think you won? You think you could be happy by marrying into my family?" He choked on a


    bitter, drunkenugh as he continued, "I will never touch you. I promise you, you will have a miserable


    life. You may be my wife on paper, but you''ll never get anything from me!"


    Cassandra was dumbfounded and hurt. She could almost feel the venom in his words, but a part of her


    also understood why he was acting this way. The marriage cost him his happiness, and he was now


    bound to her instead of the woman he loved. She could feel his anguish from his fingertips as he


    gripped her arm, ignoring that she was also a victim of the marriage.


    With those words, Lionel pulled away from Cassandra, as if touching her skin burned him. Then, he


    slumped on the couch beside the bed and slept there.


    Sleep evaded her that night, thinking of how unfair everything was-her family, his family, and even him.


    She felt as if she had already lost everything. She too, was a victim. Cassandra recalled his earlier


    words: "You think you won?" She waited for the morning, sitting still on the bed with her hands and feet


    as cold as ice. She had never known how cold the world could be.


    Emotions crashed over Cassandra with the painful reminder of her memories, and finally, she


    sumbed to the tears she was keeping at bay. She wrapped the quilt tighter around her, letting out all


    the bitterness she harbored for years. She tried to think of the brighter times to cast light into the gloom


    she was feeling. A month after their wedding, her mother helped her request the Tang family to let her


    pursue her studies in Rome.


    Those four years that followed were the happiest days in her life. She basked in the freedom of the


    present, pursuing her dreams and carving off her pain. It was as if the towering basilicas and the


    stained ss windows breathed new life into her, filling her life once more in warm colors.


    But even as she was in bliss, she knew that she had a time limit, and that she had to go back


    eventually to the dreary reality of G city and the life she left behind there. After her graduation, she no


    longer had any reason or excuse to stay, and so, she painstakingly packed her bags and the four


    years, hoping to bring them along as she went back to face her past and the reality.


    As dawn slowly painted the world in its soft light, the old memories dissolved into dust.


    Cassandra took a deep breath, her pillow still wet with her tears, and she knew that she had to be


    strong and move forward. She felt the dampness on her pillow, and resolved not to let her tears go in


    vain.


    The bright rays of the sun fell on the ground and warmed everything they touched. Gone was the girl


    fromst night, scared of her own shadows, Cassandra faced the day with a determined smile on her


    face.


    She started to prepare for her first day at work. She chose a well-fitting whitece shirt and a ck


    knee-length sheath skirt, and tied her hair in a high ponytail, which made her look fresh and


    professional.


    Inspecting herself in the mirror, she nodded at her own reflection approvingly and encouragingly. The


    Tang Group was a real estatepany. Cassandra studied architecture in Rome, and she was


    especially good at designing. She had even won awards in various international designpetitions.


    Needless to say, she had received offers from several establishedpanies even before she


    graduated. However, she rejected them all.


    Her position as the wife of Tang family''s son left her no choice but to go back to G City, so she could


    not ept offers from elsewhere. Despite feeling weighed down by this connection, she did not waver.


    She was going to make something of herself wherever she was.


    Besides, taking aside her rtionship with the Tang family, the Tang Group was actually a good ce


    for her to start and demonstrate her capabilities. Gathering her courage, Cassandra decided to devote


    herself into hering work with hope for a new start.


    She was standing in front of the Tang Group'' building. Taking a deep breath to cheer herself up,


    Cassandra walked inside with her shoulders squared and a bright smile on the face.

 Chapter 18 Lionel Sneered At Cassandra

    Chapter 18 Lionel Sneered At Cassandra


    Located in the centre of G city, the Tang Group, a giantpany also known as the ''Imperial


    Consortium'', had almost be thendmark of this city.


    Many people dreamed of working at the Tang Group, thus making great achievements in their own


    career. Standing in her own office, Cassandra looked around with purpose in her eyes and thought,


    ''Anyway, it is a new beginning for me.''


    Cassandra graduated from the program of architecture. Upon being employed by the Tang Group,


    Cassandra served as the manager in the Architectural Design Department. Nobody in thepany


    knew that their new manager, Cassandra, was the wife of Lionel. It was because Cassandra had asked


    Lionel not to share her real identity.


    In this way, Cassandra would be free from the implications of her identity as the wife of Lionel. She


    believed that everyone should keep their personal and professional life seperate. All she wanted was to


    do good work.


    Cassandra believed that business is business. For her, she only served one purpose when being


    engaged in thispany. She hoped to be the manager instead of being Lionel''s wife while working


    here. Cassandra ced her belongings on the desk. Shortly after, a young man in a white T-shirt stood


    at the office door and knocked politely to get her attention.


    Upon hearing the knock, Cassandra quickly raised her head and then saw the man bowing politely to


    her with a smiling childish face.


    "Hello, Manager Qin. I''m your assistant. You can call me Joel. Can I help you with anything?" Joel


    asked politely.


    Joel left a good impression on Cassandra at first sight. She thought to herself, ''Well, Joel is my


    assistant. That''s good.'' Cassandra smiled and said, "I have just joined recently, so I am not very


    familiar with thispany. If you have time, you can show me around here. I''d like to get familiar with


    our work environment and the other colleagues."


    Joel understood what she needed and nodded immediately. He had been working for thepany for


    two years and was, infact, older than Cassandra herself. But due to his babyish face, everyone thought


    he was an intern.


    "Of course, anytime," responded Joel.


    Cassandra quickly arranged her belongings on the desk. Then she picked up her phone and followed


    Joel out of the office, ready to tour the Tang Group.


    "Eh, why are there only a few people in thepany today?" asked Cassandra.


    Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    Stepping out of her office, Cassandra found that the Tang Group was much bigger than she had


    imagined. She thought, ''The Tang Group pays more attention to efficiency and systematic function but I


    don''t see many colleagues in the departments today. It''s so strange.''


    "Manager Qin, you must not be aware that our new president ising into office today, so everyone is


    out to wee him at the gate of thepany," Joel responded sincerely.


    Joel thought, ''Coincidentally, two senior executives are to start working at the Tang Group today. This is


    the first time that the Tang Group has recruited two senior executives at the same time.''


    Cassandra subconsciously raised her eyebrows and recalled what Lionel had said angrily to Rufus


    earlier in the ward. Originally, Cassandra thought that Horace had only agreed verbally to let Rufus


    stand for the president of the Tang Group but she failed to realize that Horace would actually appoint


    Rufus for the position.


    "Oh? I see," said Cassandra.


    Cassandra smiled coldly without revealing that she had no interests in this matter.


    When Cassandra was surveying the various departments, she suddenly heard Joel exim loudly,


    "Good morning, Mr. Tang!"


    She turned around to find Lionel standing with his hands pushed sourly into his pockets. His face


    looked even more gloomy in contrast with his grey-blue suit. At the same time, Lionel looked at her with


    cold eyes.


    Cassandra quickly looked away, pretending not to have seen Lionel.


    "Manager Qin, this is Mr. Tang," Joel said.


    Unaware of the rtionship between Cassandra and Lionel, Joel was eager to introduce them to one


    another.


    Before Cassandra could say hello to Lionel, Lionel gave her a jeering snort, looking at Cassandra with


    eyes full of disgust.


    "The Tang Group never depends on a good-for-nothing. Don''t expect to rely on others. You''d better not


    embarrass me too much!" Lionel said venomously.


    His sarcasm dampened Cassandra''s motivation to get well along with him. She conjured an aggressive


    smile in her rosy lips and met his gaze fearlessly.


    "Well, I suggest you wait and see how I will make a great contribution to thispany," Cassandra said


    confidently.


    Lionel and Cassandra shared hostility towards each other. Standing on the side, Joel waspletely


    confused about this situation. He sensed that Mr. Tang seemed to know the new manager, Cassandra.


    Lionel took azy look at Cassandra and said nothing. Cassandra stood here with her head held high


    and looked as if she had nothing more to say to Lionel.


    As Lionel and Cassandra parted in opposite directions, a cheerful voice came from behind them.


    "The president ising. Wee the president," chanted a happy chorus of people.


    In an instant, both Cassandra and Lionel looked back. Not far away, Rufus, in a ck suit, was walking


    towards them in thepany of the crowd. His suit was tailored superbly, thus making Rufus taller and


    hunkier. Like a god from Greek mythology, Rufus exuded a kind of innate royalty.


    Cassandra discreetly watched Lionel''s face. His eyes became sharper and crueller than earlier. A rage


    shed momentarily across his handsome face. If Cassandra was not watching Lionel, she wouldn''t


    have seen that sh of anger.


    The next second, Lionel quickly turned and left. He unconsciously balled his fists which had been


    jammed in his pockets. It seemed that Lionel channelled his anger by doing this. Lionel thought


    belligerently, ''This position should have belonged to me! But now father has appointed this bastard out


    of nowhere as the president instead of me.'' The more Lionel thought, the more he felt angry. Lionel


    thought, ''Anyhow, I will not give up what I derserve this easily!''

 Chapter 19 You Missed a Button

    Chapter 19 You Missed a Button


    Lionel Tang left the ce, his annoyed strides echoing off the floor. Cassandra saw Rufus Luo walk


    toward her. His shoulders were squared and he had a regal posture, a meaningful smile ying on his


    lips. He locked gazes with her and she found herself staring back into his dark brown eyes.


    They had the texture of the chocte, and it was as if she was being pulled into his gaze.


    "Hello Mr. Luo, wee!" Joel said, standing beside her, and immediately she pulled herself out of her


    trance. She heard Joel as he continued to speak to Rufus, and extending his hand, "I am Joel. It''s a


    pleasure to meet you!"


    Cassandra lowered her head and waited without a word until Rufus approched closer. She tried the


    best to keep herposure.


    Rufus watched her from the corner of his eye with an amused smile. He did not miss the slight dusting


    of pink on her cheeks even as she tried her best to be discreet. She looked very docile, with her head


    down and avoiding the eyes of others. He was pleased with the sight of her and unable to stop himself


    from whispering as they passed by.


    "You missed a button, sweetie," he said, murmuring in a low voice that carried a teasing lilt.


    Cassandra''s head shot up, her eyes wide at hisment. Her eyes immediately flew to her clothes,


    and her face turned bright red at what she saw.


    Her shirt was buttoned all the way to the top! That meant she did not miss a button and¡­


    Asprehension dawned upon her, Cassandra''s brows furrowed, and she turned, ready to shoot an


    angry re at the man who yed tricks on her. However, Rufus was nowhere to be found. He must


    have already walked to somewhere else.


    ''Unbelievable! What an egotistic man.'' Cassandra thought indignantly. Her eyes swept the floor, trying


    in vain to see which direction he had headed.


    "Manager Qin, your face is burning. Are you feeling alright?"


    Once again, Joel''s voice brought Cassandra back to reality. The floor was littered with the sound of


    hurrying footsteps as more and more people were walking back and forth with tasks that they had to


    aplish. Taking a deep breath, she calmed herself. She would have to just let it go for today.


    Offering Joel a friendly smile, she said, "Yes, I''m perfectly fine. Let''s go, Joel. We still have some


    ces to check."


    The day went by quickly as Cassandra ran to and fro talking to different personnel and checking data.


    Back in her office, she closed the door and nearly slumped to the floor. Puffing a breath, she threw


    herself onto a couch and kicked off her high heels. Her feet screamed with relief as they were finally


    free from the constricting footwear, and lying on the couch, she caught a long-wanted breath.


    Thepany was beyond her imagination. She winced as she remembered how her day went -


    running up and down the floors to meet with all the departments. Despite her exhaustion, she lightened


    up when she thought of the staff. She could tell that the atmosphere here was definitely wonderful -


    every person seemed to have a great dream which they aspired for. The energy was contagious, and


    she felt herself more inspired than ever.


    This was exactly the kind of ce she had always wanted to work at. It was only her first day, and she


    felt almost overwhelmed by tiredness; but at the same time, she felt at ease, like she belonged here.


    "Beep¡ª"


    The ringing from her telephone broke the silence in the room. Cassandra sat up and rushed barefoot to


    her desk to pick up the phone.


    "Hello," she said, barely managing to reach the phone in time, "this is the Architectural Design


    Department. Cassandra speaking. May I know who''s calling?"


    She spoke in a warm and friendly voice. If she was going to stay here, she wanted to try her best and


    give everyone the best impression of herself.


    "Cassandra,e to my office now. I have an important document for you," a man''s voice replied tly


    on the other end.


    Then the phone gave the tell-tale click that came when the call was finished. Cassandra''s smile left her


    face.


    She knew who the caller was. Without a doubt, it was Lionel. Cassandra furrowed her brows slightly


    while putting down the phone. ''What document could it be?'' she wondered.


    Without having any clue about what the call was about, she put her shoes back on and walked to his


    office, ignoring the slight pain from her feet.


    While walking around, she started to realize just how big thepany was. She had tried looking for


    the sign ''Vice President'' on the doors as she passed by, but to no avail. In the end, she had to ask


    otherpany personnel for directions.


    By the time Cassandra finally found the office, the slight pain from her feet had already turned to a


    screaming soreness. She had walked around for a long time.


    Despite this, she was determined to be professional and do her job properly. Her feet could wait. As of


    the moment, her mind needed more of her attention to face the person on the other side of the office


    door. Standing in front of Lionel''s office, she took a deep breath and knocked. To her surprise, the door


    was unlocked. It slid open silently when her finger touched the wooden panel.


    It seemed strange that it was open, but she still thought it to be proper to knock before entering.


    As Cassandra was about to try again, a woman''s voice floated from the room.


    "Lionel, I miss you so much. I haven''t seen?you in such a long time. What have you been so busy with


    lately?" the female voice purred in a satiny voice.


    Cassandra paled at the sound and she was left feeling uncertain about what to do next. ''There''s


    someone else in Lionel''s office. Should I knock now? Or should I juste backter?'' she asked


    herself, thinking of the best course of action.


    If anyone saw her, they would think that she was mulling over a very serious problem as her brows


    creased on her forehead and her hand hung near the door. Then, as she was agonizing over what to


    do, her aching feet gave in and she lost her bnce, staggering forward and pushing the door open.


    She fell on her knees to the floor as she inwardly screamed at herself. Now what had she done?


    The people inside were obviously not expectingpany. The woman to whom the earlier voice


    belonged was sprawled all over Lionel like some kind of wanton octopus. Cassandra''s eyes also


    caught the way their clothes had been loosened. Several buttons on Lionel''s chest were open and his


    shirt was untucked at the waist.


    Already having some idea of what had transpired, Cassandra felt herself flush from her toes to her


    hairline. Gathering herself, she slowly raised her head and blinked at them.


    Then, she forced a smile to her lips and said, "I''m sorry for the disturbance. I should not havee in.


    I''m leaving now. You two can continue with whatever you were doing¡­"


    Ignoring her screaming feet, she stood up quickly, ready to run as fast as she could, but Lionel stopped


    her.N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    "Stay there, Cassandra," he said in that cold and emotionless voice.

 Chapter 20 Make Things Difficult

    Chapter 20 Make Things Difficult


    Lionel''s voice reverberated on Cassandra''s ears, which caused her to halt her steps. With her hand


    covering her face in frustration, she slowly turned around.


    "I really didn''t see anything,"


    she eximed, feeling remorsefully humiliated. Not a single trace of jealousy could be heard from her


    tone, which was extremely odd for a couple like them. It came naturally for her. Knowing that their


    rtionship existed only for the legalities and was made on the paper - a false front, made her


    completely forgot how she was supposed to function as a wife catching her husband having an affair


    with another woman.


    "Lionel, is this your wife?"


    the morous, lipstick-smeared woman asked with her eyebrows raised. Even if she knew the real


    identity of the woman who just barged in the office, she had shown no intentions of leaving Lionel''s


    side. Judging Cassandra from head to foot, she managed to draw on a meaningful smile.


    Such a tant question made Cassandra suspicious. ''Aha, so he wanted me toe to his office


    because he nned this sham for me?'' she wondered. Remembering why she came in the first ce,


    she quickly cleared her thoughts and braced herself.


    "Mr. Tang, may I know where the documents are?"


    she asked in a polite tone,pletely ignoring the woman''s inquisitive look. She nced coldly and


    calmly at Lionel, who now had a vague expression on his face.


    For reasons he couldn''t tell, his wrath towards Cassandra was bellowing. As he stood up, he gently


    pushed the beauty in his arms away, grabbed the files on the table, and walked towards Cassandra,


    counting his steps.


    Cassandra, on the other hand, felt somewhat uneasy to see the disturbed look on Lionel''s face. The


    turmoil was manifested as a frown, but she tried to keep herself calm andposed, waiting for him to


    say something.


    "Howe you have no reaction for that? Any feelings at all?"


    Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    The man sought with displeasure as he faced and looked down on her. He was astonished. To his


    surprise, the woman was not disturbed at all by his act of infidelity. He was not expecting that. With his


    eyebrows crossed, he tossed the documents to Cassandra nonchntly.


    She held herposure and maintained her skeptical expression. Fixing her eyes at Lionel and with a


    strange look on her face, she took the documents.


    On the first day of her work, her husband brought his mistress boldly to thepany, totally ignoring


    her feelings. Moreover, he did it on purpose and really made sure that she would see it, to make her


    feel futile and worthless.


    However, Lionel made a mistake - he overestimated himself and underestimated Cassandra. It was so


    hrious that he plotted something for someone who didn''t even care for him at all.


    "I guess I''ll just proceed with my work now," Cassandra excused herself as soon as she received what


    she needed.


    It was disgusting and awkward for her to stay there any longer.


    She remained cold and distant throughout, which made Lionel fall into deep thoughts. He didn''t expect


    such actions from his wife.


    "You haven''t answered my question,"


    the man reminded her. He was discontented by Cassandra''s behavior of ignoring him and the scene


    that she had just witnessed. Normally he was well-respected by his employees because of his power


    and authority. No one dared to leave his office without getting his consent. Obviously, this woman was


    not one of those who would regard him as her superior. She simply didn''t care.


    "Mr. Tang, I''m sorry to interfere with what was happening between you and your girlfriend. I didn''t


    intend to do so. But please calm down, your secret is safe with me. I won''t tell anyone in the family.


    After all, this is in thepany, not a hotel. Please mind your behavior, Mr. Tang,"


    Cassandra replied with a disdainful smile. ''This man acted childish. Was he scared of me telling Horace


    about it? Why did he ask that question? Well, I''m not interested in those childish tricks.


    But bringing his mistress to thepany is something way crossing the line. Even if he is so


    shameless to do so, I simply just don''t care, '' she smirked as these thoughts crossed her mind.


    "What do you mean? Who do you think you are?"


    the man questioned in anger. He nned to make things difficult for her. With the failure of his first


    attempt, he hastened to block the door, not allowing her to leave.


    "You think I enjoyed minding your business? Now, please excuse me. I have work to do," the woman


    demanded.


    Cassandra now was really pissed off with Lionel, who acted even more like a child.


    "Lionel, since Mrs. Tang wants to leave, please let her go," thedy who had kept silent for quite a


    while suddenly bade for Cassandra. Then she turned to Cassandra and exined herself, "Mrs. Tang,


    please don''t get us wrong. We''re just normal friends."


    Sitting on the desk, the bewitching woman crossed her arms and smiled. Her intentions were charming,


    but in her friendly voice, there seemed to be a hint of possessiveness.


    Cassandra didn''t care. She didn''t thank the woman or even looked in her direction. It fed her curiosity


    to know that they were good friends. ''Maybe I have been abroad for too long that I don''t quite


    understand what it means by friends around here, '' she thought. ''Well, it seems that an intimate


    rtionship can happen between friends.


    That''s really something new for me.''


    "Please make way. I am leaving!" Cassandra demanded again.


    She red at the man with her fiery eyes and raised her voice.


    The other woman, who received no gratitude or even a little attention from Cassandra, slowly reced


    her smile with an imperturbable face. Clenching her fists, her eyes were welled up with enmity.


    "Oh, you want to go out? Cassandra, I thought you are a powerful woman, aren''t you? If you are really


    able to make things happen, why don''t you crawl between my legs?" the man challenged Cassandra.


    Leaning against the door, the yful smile of the man started to turn strange and unfathomable.


    As soon as he finished his words, Cassandra''s face turned angrily red. Hearing such humiliating


    remarks from the man who was so mean to her, she could no longer contain her fury. Her resentment


    leaked out from the calmness andposure she tried to hold.


    Just as Cassandra was about to burst out, a gentle and low voice interfered. Together with the voice


    came a familiar scent. She nced around with confusion, desperate to see who was speaking.


    "Mr. Tang! I see that you like to flirt with your female subordinates. I''m sorry to inform you that


    Cassandra works under me. She''s the wrong target to mess with, I have to say."


    It was Rufus! With the presence of this man, strangely, her intense feeling of hatred slowly vanished


    into tranquility. She appreciated his timely help, though their rtionship was a bitplicated. Staring


    at the man who had just protected her, for reasons unexinable, she felt somewhat safe, warm, and


    assured.

 Chapter 21 Being My Woman

    Chapter 21 Being My Woman


    "She''s my wife!"


    Lionelpletely lost his temper as he saw that Rufus had saved Cassandra from embarrassment yet


    again.


    He had borne a grudge against Rufus ever since the man came into the Tang Group. Lionel could not


    believe that this man - a bastard - had taken his ce, and every intimacy between Rufus and


    Cassandra reminded him that he was being reced. Rufus couldn''t fool him. Lionel believed that his


    brother coveted his wife.


    "Careful, Lionel. Don''t forget where we are,"


    said Rufus with a faint smile. Compared to his seething brother, Rufus radiated calm. Lionel understood


    the subtle warning.


    This was in the Tang Group, and Rufus was his superior. The icy silence between them seeped through


    the office, as the brothers sat with their eyes locked on one another.


    Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    "Lionel, did you forget about our lunch date? Let''s go before the cafe gets too busy!"


    The tension was broken with the graceful appearance of the woman, whoid a hand on Lionel''s


    shoulder. Her eyes grazed automatically over Rufus, and she smiled slyly.


    Rufus met her gaze for a second. "I have some businesses to discuss with my subordinate," he said as


    he nodded to Cassandra, "so I''m afraid we''ll have to leave now. Hope you have a good day, my vice


    president."


    Rufus looked in Lionel''s eyes as he entuated the words ''vice president''. Then he turned his eyes to


    Cassandra.


    Understanding his look, Cassandra followed Rufus as he left the room. Humiliated, Lionel mmed the


    door shut behind their retreating figures.


    "How did I do?"


    Rufus stopped suddenly and turned to Cassandra. Still revelling in the pleasure of putting Lionel in an


    ufortable position, Cassandra didn''t notice that Rufus had stopped walking. She nearly bumped


    into him. Rufus smirked.


    It took Cassandra a moment to realize what he meant. When she realized, she turned her head away


    to hide her grin.


    "No one in thepany knows the rtionship between Lionel and me."


    Cassandra''s voice betrayed a touch of insecurity, and Rufus suddenly felt the urge to protect her. He


    knew she must being going through a difficult time.


    "I do."


    Looking up, Cassandra found that the grin was gone from Rufus'' face, and he was gazing straight at


    her with an intensity that made her heart beat faster.


    "It''s okay that you know about it,"


    Cassandra murmured. This was not the first time that Rufus had saved her from embarrassment, and


    for some reason she felt that she could be honest with him. No one else knew the rtionship between


    Lionel and her, so she should be able to continue working at thispany as if nothing had happened.


    "Yes. Since you and I have such a close rtionship."


    Rufus stepped closer as he said this, his voice taking on a different tone. That faint smile was ying


    on his lips again, and Cassandra feared that if he got any closer, he would be able to hear her racing


    pulse.


    She remembered that they were in the workce, and took a few steps back, in case anyone saw.


    "Rufus, you can''t do this here..."


    Cassandra red up at him as he had her backed up against the wall.


    The blush creeping across her face brought back Rufus'' signature smirk, and he gazed even deeper


    into her eyes. Then all of a sudden, the yful expression melted from his face. He reached past her to


    ce one hand against the wall, trapping her with a serious look.


    "Lionel has neither appreciated you nor cherished you as he should. You shouldn''t have to put up with


    him."


    Cassandra lowered her head, unsure what he meant. Eyes searing, Rufus leaned in close to her and


    murmured, "Be my woman..."


    He was curious as to how she would react to this.


    Upon hearing this, Cassandra''s face darkened. As grateful as she was for Rufus'' help, she did not feel


    like to be made fun of.


    She had expected better from him.


    "Rufus, you are acting the same way as Lionel did. Please pay attention to your behavior and stop


    harassing me, or I will make you regret it,"


    Cassandra raised her chin at him, with a warning clear in her eyes. She pushed past him and walked


    briskly back to her office.


    Still staring at where she had stood, Rufus smirked at the memory of her angry face.


    He just wanted to test her, and her reaction was beyond his expectations.


    Rufus had never paid such attention to any woman, but Cassandra sparked his lust for conquest.


    Nonchntly, he turned and slipped his hands into his pockets. Watching her retreating figure, Rufus


    smiled to himself.

 Chapter 22 Rufuss Confidence

    Chapter 22 Rufus''s Confidence


    As darkness fell outside, a wisp of white smoke floated upward beside a french window in the


    presidential suite.


    "I want her reputation ruined to the extent that the Tang family has to get rid of her. Understand?"


    A woman in a wine-red robe was talking on the phone, exhaling smoke with her fluttering full red lips.


    Her curvy figure was silhouetted by the dark light and the white smoke.


    She was the one who chatted excitedly with Lionel in the office during the day. In G City, their


    rtionship was known to all. Everyone knew she was Lionel''s girlfriend, Ivy.


    Ivy hung up the phone, and the cigarette was still burning between her tapering fingers. She stared into


    the distance fixedly, and her full red lips curled in an evil grin.


    The sound of running water in the bathroom suddenly stopped. The beauty stubbed out her cigarette


    and twirled around with a charming smile dancing on her pretty face.


    The man walking out of the bathroom only wore a towel covering the lower part of his body. Lionel


    shook the drops of water that clung to his hair. The air was thick with cigarette smoke which made him


    frown.


    Lionel walked to the woman. He wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, and whispered, "Ivy,


    please...quit smoking."


    Ivy gave a snort and avoided Lionel''s kiss.


    "Why do you stille to me when your dear wife hase back?"


    Ivy asked, green with jealousy. She would never forget Lionel''s words from earlier: "She is my wife!"


    "Are you jealous?" I just did that to warn Rufus. No one can take my woman even if I am not interested


    in her. You are the only one I love. You know that,"


    Lionel chuckled.


    "It''s surprising that your father gave that bastard so much control in thepany,"


    Ivy squinted her eyes as she mentioned Rufus.


    "The situation is only temporary. The whole Tang Group belongs to me. My father is not a risk-taker,"


    Lionel scoffed. He seemed confident of his prediction as if he knew some ssified information.


    Lionel''s words reassured Ivy and her face rxed. As long as Lionel didn''t lose everything, her life of


    opulence would be guaranteed.


    "It''s a beautiful night. We must not let those annoying things ruin it. Ivy, I love you..."


    The next morning, at the conference room of Tang Group


    "Cassandra is responsible for our new design project. I want every sector to assist her whenever she is


    in need,"


    sitting in the centre of the conference table, Rufus ordered in a low voice with his eyes sluggishly


    scoured the room.


    The managers of the Tang Group were shocked. It was too risky to leave a new entrant such a vital


    case.


    Even Cassandra herself was surprised by his decision. Lionel objected before Cassandra could speak.


    "Cassandra is a green hand. I don''t think it''s a good idea to have her in charge of such an important


    case. What if she screws it up?"


    It was Cassandra again. Lionel was sure there must be something going on between Rufus and her.


    He defended Cassandra in personal matters and now he did the same when it came to office matters.


    "Firstly, even though Cassandra had just joined thepany, she is the Manager of the Architectural


    Design Department. I have learnt that her works had won numerous international awards. She is


    definitely capable of handling the case. Any objection? Or can anyone suggest a better candidate?"


    His low and deep voice echoed across the room with his bitter mouth outlining the shadow of a smile.


    There was silence, and no one said anything.


    "Thank you, president, for giving me this chance. I will do my best,"


    Cassandra announced to the silent room. She stood up and made a deep bow.


    "I will appreciate all your assistance."


    Her perfect confidence and courtesy proved how well-educated she was and left no space for anyone


    to object the decision. Lionel gave Cassandra a look of contempt. ''What an arrogant woman!'' Lionel


    thought to himself.


    "Now that no one objects, I guess it''s been finalised. That''s all for today."


    The pen swirling between his fingers stopped, he stood up and strode to the door. His assistant


    followed him immediately.


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Cassandra packed her stuff with a joyful smile. She had been interested in the case but didn''t try for it,


    since she had just joined thepany and felt it would be hard to win everyone''s confidence.


    She didn''t expect Rufus would assign her the case at all, which could be a good chance for her to


    prove herself. Cassandra didn''t want to show off. What she wanted was just an opportunity to shine.


    "I see you are pretty happy. Is it because you got the case or because Rufus favours you so much?"


    Lionel scoffed as Cassandra was getting up to leave with her things.

 Chapter 23 I Feel So Hot

    Chapter 23 I Feel So Hot


    With time, Cassandra had gotten used to Lionel''s rude attitude and his constant ridicule.


    So, as the little woman took the documents, she swiftly walked out of the room without bothering to


    take another nce at Lionel. Shepletely ignored his presence.


    ring at Cassandra''s back as she left, he could do nothing but to curse in fury. From the moment he


    took over at the helm of thepany, he had gravitated towards a reign of terror. No one could


    challenge his word, and he made employees scamper at hismand. He was only a few steps from a


    completely irrational despot, who would ruin thepany if he was not axed sooner thanter. Here,


    he was like an emperor. However, this little, gutsy woman stubbornly refused to toe the line. It was


    driving him mad.


    "Damn! You will regret it!"


    Lionel ground his teeth as he watched her walking away.


    The spacious office was fitted with crystal-clear floor to ceiling windows that allowed a panoramic view


    of the outside. After she returned to her own office, she concentrated on her work. She was getting so


    deeply immersed that she forgot about the time, until it was already dark outside.


    "Manager Qin, it''s time to go home," a man''s voice gently reminded.


    It was Joel, paying a courtesy call on his boss before getting off work.


    In the mean time, Cassandra was still working on the design. It was half-way through, and innovative


    ideas were freely flowing. Afraid that her insipiration might be gone, she wanted to go on. After all,


    ideas didn''te easy, and as an artiste, she knew how to seize the moment.


    "You go ahead. I will be done after I finish my drawing," she replied, without taking her eyes off the


    drawing.


    It struck Joel as odd that his new boss - a woman, was such a workaholic. By experience, working


    overtime was a quality he hade to associate only with men. But this woman was proving him


    wrong. When she ignored his reminder, Joel stood there, awed by her diligence. After a moment, he


    nodded in admiration and quietly left.


    Then, darkness fell.


    Anticipating that she might workte into the night, Cassandra called her father-inw so they wouldn''t


    expect her toe home early. Horace, though surprised to hear that Cassandra was so keen to work,


    was impressed with her attitude.


    The elegant golden clock, beautifully matching the milk-white wall, ticked quietly. Architectural wonders


    across the city''s skyline put on spectacr disys of various shades of light that lent an enchanting


    feel to the otherwise dark night. Under the bright light of the office, Cassandra put all her energy into


    her sketch. She was too absorbed in her work to take note of anything else; she forgot about time, and


    forgot about her fatigue.


    "Hi, Manager Qin, you are still here!"


    A familiar voice abruptly interrupted, pulling her out of her reverie. Squinting, she raised her head and


    was startled to see Joel again.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    "I thought you had left..." Cassandra said as she stretched her back and arms, trying to shake off the


    the strain of sitting in one position for long. "What brings you back again?" she added, feeling doubtful


    about his intentions.


    The drawing was almost done. All she needed was just some fine-tuning, and that would be it. Then


    she took a glimpse at the wall clock. ''Oh my! It''s almost ten!'' she thought.


    "I was having dinner with my friends nearby. Then I thought you might still be working, so I brought you


    some food. I guess you haven''t had your dinner,"


    Joel answered. Then he handed the package of food to Cassandra with one hand, and closed the door


    behind him.


    He carried himself so naturally that Cassandra didn''t notice anything odd about him. She eyed her


    assistant with appreciation and happily took the food he had bought for her. His kindness was so


    unexpected and timely. ''It''s so nice of him to bring me dinner, though this is only the first day we met, ''


    she thought.


    "Thank you, Joel," Cassandra thanked the man.


    With a grateful smile, she reached for the cup of coffee he brought together with the food. Just then,


    she suddenly realized how thirsty she was.


    Without a second thought, she downed the cup in just a few gulps. Joel closely watched her gobble the


    coffee, his eyes darted around the room, furtively checking if there was anything that could ruin his


    sinister motives.


    Before Cassandra could put her cup down, while her head was still up, Joel secretly dropped


    something into the pen container on the table, and walked slowly towards her.


    As soon as she drained the coffee, the woman started to feel a burning sensation in the gut. The air-


    conditioner was functioning and she could feel it spew a steady stream of cool air. Why did she


    suddenly feel so hot?


    "Manager Qin, what''s happening? Are you okay?"


    Joel asked as he was drawing even closer to Cassandra.


    Now she could barely keep her eyes open. Touching her head with the back of her palm, she felt


    feverish.


    "I feel like I''m burning up! I''m also dizzy!"


    she murmured, in a panicked, weak voice. Everything around her was quickly turning foggy. Unable to


    continue to support herself, she leaned back to the high back seat behind, beads of sweat forming over


    her face.


    "You must be working too hard. Are you feeling tired? Can I give you a massage to calm your nerves


    down a little?"


    A crafty smile crept up his cheek, and without waiting for her consent, he moved behind Cassandra,


    ready for his nefarious scheme.


    Now, not only Cassandra, but the air in the room seemed to turn warm. It was the atmosphere he


    wanted. As he was about to start his next move, the phone on the table suddenly rang, stopping Joel


    dead in his tracks.


    Vaguely, Cassandra heard the phone ringing, but she couldn''t correctly identify where she had ced


    it, and even if she did, she could not control her own body well enough to pick the call. Luckily, her


    unconscious movement happened to press on the answer button with speaker mode on. Joel wanted


    to stop her, but it was a little toote.


    "Um...so hot, so dizzy! Help me. Help me, please..."


    the little woman murmured, which struck the man on the other end of the call. It was none other than


    Rufus.


    He had heard from Horace that Cassandra was working into the small hours of the night. Out of


    concern for her, Rufus hade to thepany to check on her. He was standing right at the main


    entrance, and his call was just to confirm whether she was still in the office or not. Nevertheless,


    whatever she mumbled on phone was hysterical, and very rming.


    "Are you in your office? Heck! I''ll be right there,"


    a man''s deep, raspy voice replied, sounding firm but urgent. Caught off guard, Joel was mortified. That


    was a close shave! He was near to aplishing his plot, but the man who called had screwed it all


    up.


    Now Cassandra was lying on the seat like mud, as if she was going to melt. After pondering for several


    seconds, he had another n.


    The next moment, looking back at the beautiful woman, Joel cursed the idental caller for busting his


    scheme. But he managed to leave one thing behind - the mini camera that he had ced in the pen


    container, it would be good enough for his next move.


    Taking swift action, Rufus rushed to the lift to the floor that housed Cassandra''s office. While waiting in


    the lift, he felt uneasy and couldn''t stop worrying about the woman.


    When he finally managed to open the door to her office, he rushed to the chair and scooped her into


    his arms. He cuddled her tightly and quickly cast a nce here and there, alerted that some danger


    could be lurking in her office.


    "I feel so hot...I feel like I''m burning up. Oh Rufus...help me, please!" Cassandra pleaded.


    Like an octopus, she wrapped herself around his wide frame, with both hands and feet. Feeling the


    familiar hug, she held him even tighter. It was a passionate hug of a woman craving for lust. She was


    hysterical, distressed, and far from her usual self.


    Rufus frowned. He could tell that Cassandra had been drugged.


    How could someone have the guts to drug her in her own office! The mere thought of it brought a


    sudden rush of terrible, blood-thirsty anger through his system.

 Chapter 24 Are You Expecting Something Between Us

    Chapter 24 Are You Expecting Something Between Us


    Cold sweats trickled down the man''s forehead. Driven by his wild emotions, he was raging with


    extreme sexual urges. He was puzzled, however. When looking down, he saw a pen positioned


    awkwardly on the floor.


    Picking up the pen, he examined it and scrutinized the tiny ck object equipped with it. The device


    was not new to him; it was not an ordinary pen.


    It was a pinhole camera!


    Rufus was right all along. Someone was putting Cassandra under surveince and wanted to


    deliberately frame her up.


    With several quick steps, he strode to the water dispenser in the corner of the room. He effortlessly


    lifted the barrel of water with both hands.


    Hesitant at first, he frowned and then poured the water directly onto Cassandra''s body, soaking her


    head to foot. Rufus took no pleasure in doing that, but he had to do so.


    The sudden chill made Cassandra instantly open her eyes. But before she could respond, Rufus


    sshed the cold water onto her again.


    Once, twice, three times, he repeatedly sttered her with water. He didn''t stop until the barrel was


    emptied.


    Rufus stood beside the table, holding an empty barrel in one hand. Cassandra, lying in the middle of


    the table, had been soaked to the skin. The drops of water dripped down the corner of the table and


    flooded the office.


    Cassandra turned as pale as death, spitting water out of her mouth. The cold water brought her to her


    senses, but she was too weak to exert herself.


    "Are you all right? Have you sobered up?"


    Rufus asked as he felt sorry for the embarrassment he caused the fraildy. He stretched out his hand


    and gently tucked her long falling hair behind her ear.


    Cassandra opened her eyes weakly, but fatigue totally shut her eyes down before she could catch sight


    of the man''s face.


    When she woke up again, Cassandra found herself lying in a bed. The nk ceiling greeted her eyes.


    As she was trying hard to open her sleepy eyes, Horace''s face came into view.


    "Where am I?" Cassandra asked with a feeble voice.


    Her head was throbbing with pain.


    "Last night, thepany''s security man found you unconscious in the office and sent you to the


    hospital in time. Cassandra, you are my daughter-inw. You don''t have to work so hard."


    Horace''s words made Cassandra draw a serious expression. She slowly got herself up and leaned


    against the bed, her eyes searched around the room as if she was looking for someone.


    To her dismay, she was alone with Horace.


    Cassandra leaned back nkly as if in a trance. The picture ofst night shed back to her mind. She


    remembered clearly how Rufus sshed the cold water onto her.


    "Hey Cassandra, wake up!"


    Cassandra wrinkled her eyebrows as the memories ofst night crowded her mind. She was a bit


    confused.


    ''I should me it to that cup of coffee!'' she thought.Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    "Cassandra, what''s wrong? Are you all right?"


    Horace asked in a tinged voice full of worry, seeing that Cassandra was dazed.


    Horace''s voice drew Cassandra back to reality. She blinked her eyes and spoke with a deep nasal


    voice - she had a cold.


    "Dad, did youe alone?"


    Finishing her question, she coughed uncontrobly. Horace hurried forward to give her back a slight


    pat.


    "Rufus also came. He''s going through the paper works outside," Horace replied. "Look, Cassandra, I


    advise that you don''t work so hard after this. If your family knows about this, they might think that our


    family abuses you."


    Horace gave Cassandra a fond fatherly look. He was pleased with his daughter-inw very much. On


    her first day of work, Cassandra passed out in her office because of exhaustion. ''She must have a hard


    time at work, '' Horace thought.


    "Okay. I promise I won''t overwork again. Thank you, dad."


    Cassandra didn''t bother to ask about what happenedst night, because it had already shed back to


    her memory. She didn''t know how Rufus managed to solve everything, but she was grateful to him.


    Cassandra was in deep thoughts of Rufus when the door was pushed open. She lifted her eyes


    reflexively and looked in the door''s direction. Rufus came in with a wry smile on his face.


    "All right, I have to go. Rufus will send you home after you feel better. Luckily, it''s just a minor cold.


    Take care. Cassandra, don''t work so hard."


    Horace looked at his watch and bade her goodbye.


    "Don''t worry, dad. I''ll take her home."


    Rufus''s voice was aszy as ever. After Horace left, Rufus and Cassandra were deafened by the


    silence of the room. She caught Rufus''s eye and immediately looked down to avoid eye contact - she


    was hesitant.


    "What''s wrong? Has your fever been gone?"


    Looking at Cassandra''s blushing face, Rufus joined his brows with worry. He sat on her bed, stroked


    her forehead with one hand.


    On their way to the hospitalst night, Cassandra''s body temperature suddenly mounted - she had a


    fever as the result of the coupled functions of cold water and medicines.


    Rufus''s warm palm touched Cassandra''s slightly cool forehead. Her head was kept low, and her


    cheeks were even more crimson.


    "Don''t worry. Your fever has been gone."


    Rufus breathed a sigh of relief. His strung-out nerves were rxed.


    "Last night, we¡­"


    Cassandra stuttered as she still wanted to figure out the whole story. She raised her head and bravely


    met Rufus''s eyes. There was a sheepish look on her face.


    "You seduced mest night."


    Rufus grinned wickedly, and the charm on his handsome face grew irresistible. With a casual tone, he


    told Cassandra what happenedst night in a low voice.


    "No, I didn''t!" Cassandra contradicted immediately.


    She was emotionally agitated. She bit her lower lip and was full of remorse at the thought of the


    incident. She couldn''t convince herself that the cravings and the aggressiveness were initiated by her.


    "Do you still remember the way you hugged me? How your slender fingers ran on to my back? Can you


    still feel the warmth? Eh? I loved the way your body was pressed to minest night! Do you still


    remember that?"


    Rufus teased her. He watched Cassandra''s rich expressions with amusement. He felt excited to see


    her angry, and the way she was biting her lip raised Rufus''s lustful desires.


    "Shut up! You mongrel! You gave me a cold bathst night. Do you remember?!"


    Irritated, Cassandra got up from the bed and red at Rufus with her striking eyes. There was a


    sinister smirk on his face.


    "I needed you to stay rational. I had to do that. There was no other way."


    Rufus yed innocent, one eyebrow cocked. He showed his teeth in a grin, and his dark brown eyes


    showed rare pleasure - he was enjoying the moment.


    Cassandra was lost for words to respond. This man saved her, but why did she me him?


    "Well, I see¡­ Are you assuming that something wild, pleasing, and erotic happened between usst


    night?"


    She jerked at his words, making her totally distracted. With her back against Rufus, he gently caressed


    Cassandra''s waist and slowly yet passionately wrapped her in his arms¡­

 Chapter 25 Abrupt and Unexpected

    Chapter 25 Abrupt and Unexpected


    Cassandra felt her blood pound in her ears as Rufus walked closer to her. The sound of her heartbeat


    was deafening in the silent room. Her breath came out in short gasps. She gathered up some courage


    and closed her eyes, breathing in deeply as she put her hands on his hard chest and tried to push


    when he stepped up to her.


    "Go away!"


    It happened in the blink of an eye, but Rufus seemed to have foreseen her move. He retreated swiftly,


    still staring at her. A sly grin surfaced on his face. Cassandra lost her bnce, staggering forward a few


    steps. Her arms iled as she reached out for support.


    Just as her body was about to hit the floor, she tried to grasp at anything that would break her fall. Her


    hands gripped on the sleeves of the man, though it was not her intention. The sleeves weren''t strong


    enough to entirely support her, so the ident urred anyway. Cassandra''s firm grip identally


    pulled Rufus forward and he lost his footing. They went down together with a thud.


    Clumsily, Rufus fell right on top of her. It all happened so fast that he had no time to catch himself.


    Cassandra had originally intended to push him away, but instead pulled him closer. Lying on the floor,


    she felt his heaviness press onto her and groaned in pain.


    "Seems to me that you''re alwaysing up with new ways to touch me,"


    Rufus teased her, although he knew the fall wasn''t intentional on her part. He shed her a wicked


    smile as he looked down at her. They were so close that he could feel her breath on his skin. Before


    she had a chance to push him away once again, his lips descended on hers.


    It was an abrupt and unexpected kiss. His lips moved against hers with urgency.


    She kissed him back with fervor, but he pulled away at once.


    "It''s not very appropriate to do this here. Don''t you think?" He gave her a naughty grin when he posed


    the deliberate question.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    Cassandra opened her eyes as if waking from a dream, suddenly realizing that they had been kissing


    wantonly. Her face flushed with anger and shame as she pushed his chest once again. This time, she


    seeded. Rufus swayed back as she sprang up and straightened her clothes, flustered.


    "You shameless man!"


    she shouted with raising voice. What the hell was he up to? Once again, he had taken advantage of


    her. Her heart fluttered; whether out of guilt or excitement, she didn''t know. She registered with shock


    that she hadn''t, in fact, been averse to the kiss. Had she actually enjoyed it?


    "You obviously enjoyed that,"


    Rufus pointed out as if he had read the question in her mind. Cassandra blinked at him, too


    embarassed to admit the truth. He was trying to put her on edge. She turned her head to the side to


    show her discontent. Rufus bit the insides of his cheek at her petty behavior. It was entertaining to see


    her so embarrassed and unsettled because of him.


    "Enough of that! You molested me! Don''t think that I should be grateful to you just because you have


    saved me!"


    His teasing smile flustered her even more and she narrowed her eyes at him. He wasn''t wrong. She


    couldn''t deny to herself that she had indeed enjoyed the kiss.


    Rufus was still looking at her when he was reminded ofst night. His nted eyebrows snapped


    together in realization. At the moment, he looked like an eagle hunting for its prey. The mini camera on


    the table, the drug in her drink, and the assistant who was waiting on her, they all added up now. It was


    a trap, a carefully designed plot to defame Cassandra, Lionel Tang''s wife.


    It would damage her reputation beyond repair if someone caught her throwing herself at a man in the


    office.


    ''She just returned to the city. Who could have possibly done it?'' Rufus wondered. Obviously, the


    perpetrator was able to enter Tang Group at a time of his or her choosing. He or she must be at a high


    position to have that kind of clearance. Rufus put the pieces together. Cassandra kept waiting for a


    response as Rufus indulged in his train of thoughts. After what felt like a lifetime, she finally turned to


    face him again, finding his silence bewildering.


    "Why are you so quiet?"


    she asked with curiosity. Rufus snapped out of his thoughts. The expression on his face turned solemn,


    recing the previous carelessness.


    Cassandra drew back a little. She had never seen him look so serious before. It made her slightly


    ufortable.


    "Your assistant is gone. Did you know that?"


    he asked her out of the blue. After he took Cassandra to the hospital, Rufus took a look at the


    surveince recordings of the night. He found that Joel was the only person who had entered her office


    that night.


    Cassandra was stunned. Someone had obviously put the drug in her coffee yesterday, and Joel was


    the obvious suspect.


    However, it was all so strange. She had never met Joel before and couldn''t have possibly caused him


    any trouble in the past. Why would he do such a thing on her first day of work? At first nce, he had


    seemed so sunny and amiable.


    "Yesterday was the very first time I met him. Why would he do this to me?"


    Cassandra blurted out. She found herself in a conundrum and couldn''t make head or tail of what had


    happened. Why would Joel hold a grudge against her?


    "There are two possibilities. One is that he was enchanted by your beauty," Rufus smirked, "the other is


    that he was assigned by someone else. Of course, the possibility of the former happening is almost


    negligible. Anyone in his right senses wouldn''t be a victim of such an outrageous thought."


    Folding his arms, he looked over the woman in front of him with an imperceptible smile on his face.


    Cassandra shed him a contemptuous look. Suddenly something struck to her, making her turn pale


    immediately after.


    "I know who it is!"


    She suddenly had an idea of who had orchestrated the entire episode.


    "Oh? Who would that be?"


    Rufus asked, feigning interest. He had already knew who it could be. After all, he had just handed out a


    massive hint to her.


    Cassandra was struck dumb. Her lips quivered and she suddenly lost the strength in her limbs.


    Retreating to sit on the couch, she twined her fingers in herp and cast Rufus - who himself seemed


    unperturbed - a worrying nce.


    "We both know that someone put the drug in my coffee. If you had not been therest night, I would not


    have been sitting here right now. The most horrific thing could have happened and been recorded on


    the camera. Someone wanted the evidence of me being disloyal to Lionel, so that my reputation would


    be ndered and I would be kicked out of Tang family."


    She finally had a clear picture of why it had happened, thanks to Rufus''s meddling. Tears began to well


    up her eyes. She had a name in her mind. Only someone with a lot of hatred and disgust for her could


    have done something so cruel.


    It was someone who truly loathed her, and someone who couldn''t stand her presence in the family.


    It could only be one man.


    "You mean, someone wanted to defame you, so you would be thrown out of the Tang household?"


    Rufus repeated her words, although he had known that already. He just wanted to prompt her to speak


    out the truth.


    "That''s probably it. I didn''t know his hatred for me was so great that he would resort to this disgusting


    method to get rid of me,"


    Cassandra stated in a daze. Disbelief still lingered in her tone, although by now she had deemed her


    assumption to be a fact. Unknowingly, she bit her lower lip and shook her head, as if to deny what she


    had just uncovered.


    A marriage without love, to her, was the most grievous tragedy - where two people bound by sacred


    law lived like strangers under the same roof.


    "You think it was Lionel?"


    Rufus finally brought up the name in her mind.


    Cassandra still looked absent-minded. She looked back at him but did not reply. Herck of response


    was an answer in itself. They came to a silent conclusion together. Except for Lionel, she couldn''t think


    of anyone else who could detest her enough to do this. She still found it hard to believe that Lionel


    could be so cold-blooded. How could he carry out something like this inside the office?

 Chapter 26 Someone Set Her Up

    Chapter 26 Someone Set Her Up


    In the box under the feeble light, the smell of the alcohol mixed with the smoke, making the room seem


    even more suffocating. Suddenly, the curtains were torn open, and a beam of sharp light pierced the


    shadows.


    "So, you''re telling me that you failed?"


    The light fell on Ivy''s mouth, curled into a smirk. She snapped her head around, fixing her gaze on the


    man behind.


    Joel stood fixed to the spot, a trace of panic frozen on his young face. He seemed wary of Ivy, reacting


    sharply to every move that she made. Last night''s n had started out perfect. He thought he had


    made it foolproof. And then Rufus had appeared...


    "I...I''m sorry, sis. It was my fault...I should have been more careful." He hung his head, unable to meet


    her eyes. "I didn''t know that Rufus would be there...That man is something else. He somehow


    smoothed everything out...I don''t really know what happened,"


    Joel mumbled his exnation, grasping for reasons as to why he had failed. He couldn''t raise his head.


    Joel knew that he owed everything to his older half-sister. She had provided him with everything he


    needed all these years. She was the one who had arranged his cement in the Tang Group, after he


    had graduated. He had never actually intended to get involved in her schemes, but at some point he


    had found himself unable to stop. The more he saw of Cassandra, the more he craved for this woman.


    He couldn''t seem to keep his eyes from roaming greedily over her, and he thought thatst night might


    be his chance to finally have her. That was...until Rufus showed up.


    "Who do you think you are to call me sis! You careless moron! How could you even mess up such a


    simple task! You really disappointed me this time...and now thepany is suspicious. Luckily, no one


    knows we are rted. We want to keep it that way. If anyone finds out I''m behind this, then we will both


    be screwed!"


    Joel jumped as a wine bottle exploded on the wall beside his head. He whipped his head to see Ivy


    seething at him silently, her temper as unpredictable as ever.


    She had beenying the groundwork of this n for so long. She had waited for the optimal time where


    she could deploy Cassandra''s assistant to seduce the Tang family''s daughter-inw into adultery.


    Cassandra would lose not only her face, but everything that she had ever held dear.


    "I am sending you abroad, toy low for a while. Don''te back until I give the word, understood?"


    Joel nodded silently. The look in Ivy''s eyes made it clear that there would be consequences if he failed


    at this. His inability to control himself around Cassandra had nearly cost them both everything. Now


    she could no longer use him within the Tang Group. She had lost a valuable tool. She had toe up


    with a new n.


    ''Rufus...''


    Ivy slowly sat herself down on the sofa, rolling the man''s name across her mind. She frowned, crossing


    one long leg over the other. She reached for the crystal goblet of wine on the table beside her, unable


    to get the name out of her mind. Her glossy red nails clicked on the wooden armchair.


    ''What was this man like?'' Anyone that she knew so little about immediately roused her curiosity. ''Why


    was he still at Tang Group at thatte hour? Besides, why brought him to that woman''s office


    interrupting our n?'' From what she had seen, and what Lionel had told her, anytime when


    Cassandra had a problem, Rufus just happened to be around to save her.


    Ivy wondered about the rtionship between Rufus and Cassandra, ''Why would hee to her rescue


    if they had only known each other for a short period of time?'' There must be something between them


    that she didn''t know about.


    Ivy pondered, and her eyes fixed on a spot far away. After a moment, her hand tightened on the goblet,


    nails scraping against the crystal. She narrowed her eyes and threw the wine down her throat all in one


    go.


    At the Tang Group


    Lionel strode angrily into a room. "Rufus and Cassandra, neither of them came to work today?"


    He looked around usingly for an answer. He wanted the details about the case that Cassandra had


    been working on, in going to her office he found it empty.


    Lionel hadn''t gone home the previous night, but had assumed that she was there the whole time. The


    discovery that she had gone somewhere without his permisson enraged him.


    "Yes. I heard that Manager Qin worked overtimest night and fainted in her office due to exhaustion.


    She was found by a patrolling security guard, who then called Mr. Luo. It was the president who took


    her to the hospital in time,"


    The assistant was puzzled. He did not understand why would Lionel be so angry at such a small


    mishap - when employees got sick, they would need a day or two off.


    Hearing this exnation, Lionel''s hands balled into fists. Rufus, again! It could not be a coincidence


    that wherever Lionel searched for Cassandra, Rufus was there! Was it really a coincidence?


    Rufus and Cassandra had returned to G City around the same time. They had entered the Tang Group


    the same time. And...most suspiciously...he knew that they had both spent several years in Rome.


    And suddenly they were so close...and inseparable. Where the one went, the other followed. A thought


    ured to Lionel that made his expression grow dark. Could it be that Rufus and Cassandra had


    known each other before arriving here? Had they known each other in Rome?


    "Find out which hospital Cassandra is in,"


    The change in Lionel''s tone made the assistant uneasy. The man speaking before him was cold and


    controlled, opposite to the furious man from before, as if the person who was so furious just now was


    not him. Lionel raised his head and looked into the distance, still absorbed in his thoughts. Something


    unreadable shed through his eyes.


    Why Rufus? Even though Lionel wanted nothing to do with his wife, he would do anything to ensure


    that Rufus could nevery his eyes on her.


    The room was soaked with the smell of disinfectant. Her fever already abating, Cassandra had started


    to sort through her things. She wanted to leave the ce as soon as possible.


    The fuss around her was frustrating. She had been dealing with these small bouts of sickness her


    entire time living alone abroad. If Rufus hadn''t been taking her to the hospital, she would have simply


    gone home to sleep it off -- she didn''t need to be taken care of.


    Rufus had left the hospital a few minutes ago, answering a phone call that had made his face fall.


    Cassandra was alone in the room. She thought about the events ofst night. ''It must have been


    Lionel, '' she thought. She had told Rufus about her suspicions, but to her surprise he said nothing.


    Cassandra packed her things roughly, mming the briefcase once she was done. How could he have


    done something so vile? Even knowing how Lionel hated her, she couldn''t believe that he was capable


    of this. After all, she was still his wife. They were still a couple -- or at least people thought they were. If


    his n had seeded, and word of her having an affair had gotten out, wouldn''t it shame him too?


    Cassandra just couldn''t understand it. Would Lionel really shame himself and his family, just to


    humiliate her? What kind of monster was he?


    "You work for one day and drop down as if dead...Are you really that fragile? You''re useless, nothing


    but a piece of crap."


    Cassandra froze at the voice that pierced the room. She whirled around to face him, determined not to


    be intimidated.


    ''Speak of the devil, '' Cassandra cursed Lionel in her heart. He was thest person she would expect in


    her hospital room.


    As she stared at him, it ured to her that he hadn''t even bothered to knock, simply storming into her


    room. Her eyebrows creased. ''How dare he.'' She watched as his eyes roamed around the hospital


    room, as if searching for something.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    Cassandra fumed. She wanted nothing more at the moment than to stride across the room and p


    him, but she decided this would be unwise. She steeled herself to talk to him.


    "What are you looking for, Mr. Tang?"


    ''She''s alone in here? How can it be?'' Lionel couldn''t help but furrow his eyebrows in confusion. ''Why


    wasn''t Rufus here?''


    "I wonder if my wife is so desperate that she will cheat on me and hide another man in her room?"


    Lionel took one step closer to Cassandra, and then another. He wore his usual cruel smirk, eyes fixed


    on the woman standing in front of him. His voice was low and teasing. The trace of danger in it showed


    that he wasn''t joking.


    "Lionel. I thought we had agreed that we would live our separate lives and not bother one another. Isn''t


    that what you want? That I don''t bother you?"


    If Lionel wanted to have it out, she was fine with it. She was not his property and she would not let him


    treat her so viciously.


    "Ha ha. You''re a naive little girl, aren''t you? Oh, wait a minute. How foolish of me! How can you be


    naive? You are clearly a calcting and cunning woman."


    The disdain was clear in Lionel''s eyes. He came to stand in front of her, breathing down on her and


    smirking still.


    All the fear that Cassandra had felt about Lionel was seared away by the rising anger within her. ''How


    dare he mistreat me! How dare he set me up! How dare hee to me and try to intimidate me!'' Her


    hands tightened into fists, and she dug her nails into her palms to try and keep control.


    "I am your husband. I will do whatever I want, I will sleep with whoever I want to sleep with - there is


    nothing you can do to stop me! But you...all you will ever be is just Mrs. Tang. Unloved, lonely. No other


    man will ever touch you. I have told you this from the start: You will get nothing but an empty marriage!"


    Cassandra''s stubborn silence only served to infuriate Lionel more. He seemed to have forgotten why


    he hade here in the first ce - he wanted nothing more than to see her flinch.


    "I know that. Now, if you have nothing else to say, please leave."


    Cassandra drew a deep breath. Now was not the time for things to get nasty. And yet, she could not


    keep the disgust from her face. She turned her head away.


    "You''d better keep your distance from Rufus. If you don''t, you''ll find out the consequences for meddling


    in the Tang family the hard way. Or if I find out there is anything between you two, be sure, Cassandra,


    that I will make you suffer!"


    Cassandra could no longer stand the menace that Lionel injected into his words. The sound of her p


    rang throughout the room all of a sudden.


    She, Cassandra Qin, had pped Lionel Tang in the face!

 Chapter 27 Are You Missing Me

    Chapter 27 Are You Missing Me


    There was a dull sting on the hand that Cassandra had just put down. It was expected, as she put all of


    her strength in that one p, making sure that her retaliation would mark its way into his skin. Lionel


    was ring at Cassandra, and their heated gazes met. He could feel his skin warm with irritation.


    It was not the first time she hit him. He resisted the urge to bring a hand to his cheek to provide some


    relief for the biting pain on his skin. It would definitely leave a mark, but he refused to allow her the


    pleasure of seeing him affected by it.


    ced at the center of his silent but evident fury, Cassandra began to feel uneasy, her earlier grit


    wavering. "You insulted me first. I just returned the favor," she said, trying to modte her voice to keep


    it from shaking.


    She could sense his anger. It seemed to rise and thicken the air around them. She took a few steps


    back to create a distance between them. Lionel''s eyes did not leave her even as he remained in stoic


    silence. ''Did I overreact?'' Cassandra wondered to herself.


    "Cas-san-dra Qin,"


    he finally spoke, pronouncing her name syble by syble, as if taking each syble in his mouth and


    crushing it, then walked towards her step by step. He moved forward; she retreated. It was a slow


    chase as the distance between then gradually shortened. Cassandra could feel fear upy the


    crevices in her chest.


    Her hands grew cold as they touched the wall behind her - she had no more space to back up to.


    Cassandra had nowhere left to run. She raised her head in defiance, clenching her fists at her side and


    meeting his eyes. Her heart was hammering in her chest, awaiting his next move. ''I have hit him


    anyway. Nothing can change this fact. There''s no use worrying, I''ll see what he will do, '' she thought to


    herself.


    Lionel towered over her and bent his head. "No woman has ever dared hit me. And you have already


    done it twice," he hissed. "Are you sure you''re ready for the consequences?" He was leaning forward


    so close that she could feel his breath on her skin.


    He wore a brutal expression. The coldness of his eyes as he looked down on her rivaled that of a


    winter storm, and Cassandra could almost feel herself freeze under his gaze. She was petrified, unable


    to move. Fear was gripping her heart, squeezing it with cold, mmy hands.


    Despite this, she did not avert her gaze and challenged, "I can''t change the fact that I pped you. It''s


    already done. If you feel that it''s unfair, you can hit me back. If you''re a man then act like one. I''m not


    like those who would use despicable moves to frame others."


    It was the only thing Cassandra could think of to make things even. She did not expect any


    graciousness from him. She raised her face, as if preparing herself for what was toe, and her eyes


    met his with all the audacity she could muster.


    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    "You think I''m not going to do it?" he threatened her back.


    His anger rose to uncontroble heights. The nerve of this woman! He had never hit a woman before


    nor thought about doing it - he was better than those lowlifes who would raise their hands against


    women - but his patience was sorely tried by this one particr woman in front of him.


    "Then do it. If that would make you feel that we''re even. But please, consider your actions better in the


    future. Even if it''s just on paper, I am still your wife in name. Are you that eager to see me getting into a


    rtionship with another man? Aren''t you ashamed of yourself?"


    Cassandra hurled her anger at him without holding back. Lionel was baffled by her words. ''What the


    hell was she talking about?'' But before he could question her, she started throwing an onught of


    questions which allowed him no chance of speaking.


    "I know you hate me. Do you think I wanted this? If not for my own family, do you think I would have


    married you? I don''t care what you want to do. I won''t bother your life, but can''t you at least leave me


    alone when we''re at thepany?" She was breathing hard, and tears were running down her cheeks


    as more words fled from her lips. "I won''t even ask you to treat me well, but don''t you think that it was


    too much to try to drug me?"


    Thest question sounded pitiful, even to her own ears, but Cassandra could not stop the anguish that


    was boiling inside her chest. It was just wrong. She did not even think he was capable of that.


    If not for Rufus, there was no telling what sort of scandal would have ensued. ''Was he that bent on


    destroying her?''


    "What the hell are you talking about?" Lionel snapped, cutting her off from her thoughts.


    He put a finger under her chin and forced her to hold his gaze.


    At this, she gave out a bitterugh. Now he was refusing the responsibility. "What? Mr. Tang, I didn''t


    know you had such a bad memory?! What a pity, right? Sadly, your n fell through. Were you


    expecting me to end up at the hospital with a bottle of champagne so you can celebrate? Too bad."


    Herugh was a scathing sound in the room. Her tears still streaming, she heaved, trying to catch her


    breath as the reality that she was alone dawned on her. She was barely keeping herself upright on her


    own two feet. ''What have I done wrong exactly?''


    "Cassandra Qin, what exactly are you talking about?"


    Lionel grew more and more perplexed with every passing second. He had absolutely no idea what she


    was talking about.


    He had spent his night with Ivy, so it was just impossible for him to have done anything to her. He was


    callous, true. But she should have been used to that by now.


    Lionel felt himself being pushed back and he disentangled himself from his thoughts. "Get off me,"


    Cassandra spat. "You disgust me."


    Cassandra already knew that he had hated her from the beginning, but everything that happened was


    a low blow. She tried to be as civil as she could, despite his attitude towards her, but if this was how he


    wanted things then she was prepared to return every favor. Grabbing her things and turning around,


    she hastened to leave, not wanting to even be in the same space with this despicable man.


    But before she could get to the door, Lionel had moved to block her. "Tell me clearly what did you


    mean," he demanded.


    He was not letting her go without getting to the bottom of this, and he would make her tell him.


    Cassandra wiped a hand harshly on her cheeks to dry her tears. Then, she met Lionel''s eyes, the fire


    of her rage burning.


    "Last night, the assistant you assigned to me drugged my drink. I lost consciousness and my sexual


    desire was heightened. He put a mini camera in the office. You should know the rest of the story," she


    said usingly. "If you want a divorce, then please talk to your father. If he agrees, I certainly won''t say


    no. I won''t hold you back. In fact, it would be a blessing to be free from all this. You think I like you? You


    think that I want to marry you? You absolutely disgust me!" she screamed at him.


    Her eyes were aze with wrath and resentment. She had enough of everything, and she would let


    him know now.


    Lionel''s face turned thoughtful.


    But before he could speak, Cassandra shoved him aside furiously and walked out of the room.


    Lionel was left inside, alone and nonplussed. He scrunched his eyebrows as he tried to make sense of


    what she had just told her, the words bouncing off repeatedly in his mind:


    "If not for my own family, do you think I would have married you...


    You think I like you... You absolutely disgust me...


    If you want a divorce, then please talk to your father...Don''t you think that it was too much to try to drug


    me?"


    Her face appeared back into his mind. She looked tired, defeated. Lionel felt his chest tighten as an


    unfamiliar feeling came to him. He hated this woman, so why did what she said matter? It unsettled him


    how her words impacted him. He felt strange, then confused, and irritated. Choosing to focus on the


    matter at hand, he decided to divert his attention to what had happened.


    ''Drug? Sex? Camera?'' he thought to himself.


    He stood motionless as he thought for some time. Finally, he slowly took out his phone and made a


    call, giving out direct instructions, "Help me look into something."


    ¡­


    Darkness fell and embraced the city in somber colors.


    Inside the Tang family''s house, Horace had finally returned after some time of absence. Rufus,


    however, was no where to be seen.


    Dinner proceeded in silence, save for the asional clinking of tableware. The young husband and


    wife ate wordlessly, not exchanging even the smallest of nces. There was an obvious tension


    between the two, but it was as if the older couple who sat with them had already grown ustomed to


    the awkward atmosphere that they brought with them. They continued their meal as if everything was


    perfectly normal, until the older man spoke, "Lionel, Cassandra, you two are not young anymore. You


    should be making ns to have a baby soon."


    The words were just a murmur, but Cassandra felt as if she heard porcin shattering in the silence of


    the room.


    It was unexpected, and the subject had never been brought up before. She was so caught in surprise


    that she almost coughed her food out. A baby with that man? They could not even stand to be in each


    other''s vicinity without negative feelings, let alone touching each other. It was out of the question.


    Lionel, on the other hand, was much moreposed and continued his meal without responding to his


    father.


    Jill however, did not take kindly to Cassandra''s reaction. "What? You are not willing to? Four years ago


    you wanted to study in Rome, and we said yes. Now that we have granted you that favor, don''t you


    think it''s your turn to give back by giving an heir to the family?" she derided.


    Cassandra found herself unable to reply.


    Her eyes wandered, as if there was something missing. It was then that she realized that a space in the


    table was unupied. Rufus wasn''t back yet. It was strange. She wanted nothing else but for him to be


    away from her when he was around; but now that he was absent, she felt somewhat uneasy and


    worried.


    Unable to bear the situation she found herself in at her mother-inw''s words, Cassandra decided to


    take her leave. "I''ll think about it," she replied politely. "I''m done. Thank you for the meal. May I be


    excused?"


    She carefully put down her chopsticks, and stood up to walk to her room.


    Lionel didn''t say a single word at all throughout. He ate and listened, and when Cassandra rose to


    leave the table, he watched her from the corner of his eye.


    "Look at that woman. What''s that supposed to mean? As if we owe her something!"


    the old woman scoffed the moment Cassandra was out of earshot. Horace just warned her with a


    nce hinting her to stop. She fell quiet at once and continued eating.


    Cassandra opted to take a shower to calm her nerves. When she finished, she dressed herself in her


    sleepwear and rested her head on the window frame, her thoughts wandering. She felt a mist gradually


    creeping on her eyes, as if she was in a mirage.


    ''Where is Rufus?'' she asked herself. In the hospital, she had already sensed that something was


    wrong. There was traces of panic in him, far from his usualposure. To make matters even stranger,


    he didn''t return home tonight. Horace never mentioned him as well.


    ''Where has he been?'' she kept thinking.


    Cassandra sighed.


    There was a very strange feeling in her chest as she realized how much she had been thinking about


    him. Since when has she started to care about that annoying man?


    "Are you missing me?"


    a masculine voice spoke from behind, flowing in smooth octaves, as if from a dream. She spun around.


    For a second, she thought her ears were ying tricks on her.


    But she was wrong. There was Rufus standing behind her. ''Gosh! How long has he been here and how


    did he get in?''

 Chapter 28 The Silent Farewell

    Chapter 28 The Silent Farewell


    "How did you find your way into my room?"


    Shock written all over her pretty face, Cassandra sprang up. Feeling dazed, she blinked, unsure


    whether she was in a dream or not.


    Gazing at her with lustful eyes, Rufus sauntered to her, with a mischievous half- smile on his lips as


    usual.


    "What...are you up to, Rufus?"


    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    As soon as he stopped beside her, he spread out his arms and wrapped her in such a tight embrace


    that made her blush and instinctively lower her voice.


    Without uttering a word, moving or blinking, Rufus kept her in his arms. For the moment he just enjoyed


    the warmth with a yful smile on his lips.


    The air around them began to fill with passion. Caged in his tight arms, she was forced to lean against


    his chest. She could hear his heartbeat, which was very steady. ''Is he distressed? Tonight, he looks


    restrained, unlike his usual cheerful self.''


    She gave up the attempt to break free from his arms, not sure whether it was because she feared he''d


    ckmail her or she actually enjoyed the warmth of his hug. With an innocent look, she lifted her eyes


    to read his moods, but the nk look on his face gave no secrets away.


    "What''s wrong with you?"


    unable to hold herself back, Cassandra finally asked.


    Narrowing his eyes, Rufus replied, but apparently not to her question, "I like the fragrance of the


    perfume you''re wearing."


    The charm of his deep, husky voicepletely disarmed her, sending a tingling of electrical current


    through her body. Her heartbeat raced up.


    Blushing at her unintentional response, she struggled and quickly freed herself from his arms. She


    innocently rolled her eyes at him.


    "Rufus, it is veryte. Someone might find out about youring here if you don''t leave now. I just


    hope you''re not nning to embarrass me that way,"


    she muttered, well aware that deep down she was beginning to long for his affection, almost like an


    addiction.


    In an attempt not to meet his eyes, she looked away.


    With his sensual eyes, Rufus scrutinized the girl''s face, a captivating smile spreading over his face.


    In a low whisper, he assured her, "You don''t have to fear anything. By the look in your eyes, you''ve


    fallen in love with me, and it will only be fair if we stop hiding."


    At his remark, Cassandra shuddered. Involuntarily she jerked up her head, and through knitted


    eyebrows she wondered why she was nervous instead of angry at this moment.


    It felt like her deepest secrets were beingid bare before the whole world.


    "You are so brazen! Get out right now, or I will raise an rm!"


    Cassandra said in a panic, throwing her hands up in frustration. To suppress the turmoil inside her, she


    tried to feign indifference.


    "As you please. I don''t mind,"


    Rufus shrugged. A look of amusement lightened up his face temporarily as he walked toward


    Cassandra.


    "I''d advice that you stop right there," she warned.


    But she didn''t raise her voice, feelings of love already clouding her judgement. The biggest worry on


    her mind was for anyone in the Tang family to find out Rufus and her stayed in one roomte at night.


    "There''s nothing much I want other than simply hugging you, just for a short while,"


    Rufus said, trying to calm her nerves. In all honesty, he had no ill motives.


    Somehow, his tone softened, although Cassandra couldn''t stop wondering what was wrong with him.


    Something about him was out of ce tonight.


    Self-consciously, she reached out to fiddle with her long hair, darted her eyes everywhere, while


    avoiding his face.


    Meanwhile, Rufus observed her, a hint of a smile making his lips curve at the corners, and his eyes


    gleaming with sincere adoration for her.


    Suddenly, he threw his arms around her waist, and pulled her into his arms. When she raised her eyes


    to meet his gaze, she felt a flutter of pure affection in her heart.


    In haste, she looked away blushing. Her pulse raced up, heart aching to be forever wrapped in his


    loving arms.


    "Cassandra,"


    he sweetly whispered her name, and Cassandra''s heart skipped a beat. So as not to let Rufus know he


    had swept her off her feet, Cassandra changed the subject.


    "Are you drunk?"


    She asked with genuine concern.


    "No, I''m not,"


    he answered in a gentle voice, a faint smile forming on his lips again.


    Looking fluttered, Cassandra was at a loss for words. Through misty eyes., she kept her gaze on him.


    "We are at the Tang family house, you know..."


    she reminded him for obvious reasons. At heart, she wondered what drove her to entertain his


    advances over and over again. There was no question that she''s been steering him in the wrong


    direction - slowly opening her heart to him when she wasn''t even sure about his intentions.


    And she felt like an Idiot, for the audacity of getting involved with this man, while she was still legally


    married to his brother.


    "You silly," after watching her mulling for a moment or two, Rufus chuckled, then leaned forward and


    gave her a brief, gentle peck on the forehead.


    In an instant, Cassandra froze. The way he went about, hugging, touching and kissing, just swept her


    off her feet.


    Everything about him had the feel of a prince charming and made her wish she was not tied by


    marriage to his ungrateful skirt-chasing brother. Fantasies of Rufus and her in the rose bushes yed


    through her mind - The dappled shade dancing on his body, pollen falling all over them and softly


    settling on his eyshes.


    Involuntarily, she closed her eyes and savored his kiss, feeling the thrill course through her lips to


    cheeks and sending a jolt power through her head. High voltage power that threatened to literally blow


    her mind.


    When she opened her eyes after a minute that seemed like an eternity, Rufus realized the brilliance of


    her gaze was subdued by a hint of tears.


    Puzzled, he frowned, eager to know what was going through her mind. Was it this one little kiss that


    had moved her to tears?


    "What''s wrong?" he asked, trying to read her mind, although he was genuine in his intentions.


    The question, and his now affectionate, soothing manner only prompted her to freely rolling tears. A


    floodgate had flung opened!


    With inconsble sobs, her shoulders began to shake so violently that Rufus panicked.


    "What is the matter?"


    he asked, gently wiping away her tears with his fingers.


    "Can you...just stay away from me, please?"


    Suddenly she lifted her face, eyes puffy and red from crying.


    She was fearful, and uncertain; afraid of falling in love with this man, and confused because he was


    supposed to be her brother-inw.


    It was his unannounced appearance into her life that cost this little woman sleepless nights and


    highlighted her frustration with Lionel. Not sure how to bestfort the woman with her head drooping


    and shoulders hunched, Rufus watched her silently. He wished he could scoop her into his hands, wipe


    away all her tears, ay her fears and hug her forever in his loving embrace.


    But he was careful not to overstep, so he simply stood there watching, until she finally spoke between


    her sobs, wishing him a good night.


    Then, ignoring her words, he reached out his hands and cupped her chin gently between his huge


    palms.


    After a moment, Rufus reluctantly shifted his eyes off her, and quickly walked to the window. Before


    Cassandra could realize, his flexible body had leaped out of the window.


    Cassandra was shell shocked. She tried to scream, but all she could muster through her parched


    mouth was a muffled hissing. Rubbing off her tears, she called out hoarsely, "Rufus!"


    Without a reply, he just gave her a smile before turning around and heading toward the gate. In the


    faint light, she spotted some cars which seemed to have been waiting for long.


    A sense of doom suddenly crept over her.


    Recalling his words, his kisses and his look earlier in her room, she realized he was bidding a farewell,


    only that she had failed to read his mind. ''Where is he going...'' A barrage of questions began to run


    through her mind. Hard, nudging questions that she didn''t have the slightest idea on how she was


    going answer.

 Chapter 29 A Long Embrace

    Chapter 29 A Long Embrace


    The morning came.


    Rufus took offst night, leaving Cassandra in the arms of a restless sleep.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    She opened her eyes at first light. Still too early, but it was impossible for her to go back to sleep.


    Cassandray awake in bed, waiting for the tell-tale signs of morning to rouse her from her half-asleep


    state. That morning at breakfast, there was still no trace of Rufus. Hadn''t he returnedst night?


    On the table were only two people - Horace, wearing a glum expression and Jill who was her usual


    grumpy self. Lionel''s seat remained empty, too. Cassandra had no idea where he was.


    "Good morning," she greeted the older couple politely.


    Neither of them responded, as if they didn''t hear her. Cassandra proceeded to sit down ufortably,


    watching her motions as if fearing that the smallest movement would disturb the two. She took a ss


    of milk and drank it with uncharacteristic attention, as Horace and Jill continued to sit wordlessly.


    After a while, the silence became too excruciating and Cassandra could not help but ask,"Where is


    Rufus? Haven''t seen himtely?"


    Jill''s head shot up at her words, as if she had said something unforgivable. She looked at Cassandra,


    her eyes silently speaking in daggers.


    For some imcable reason, Cassandra felt as if she had made an offense. She lowered her head,


    waiting for Jill''s reproach, although it was not clear what upset her. But instead, Horace spoke, letting


    off a heavy sigh as he looked at Cassandra.


    "He is not here. He probably won''t be home for a long time," he said sorrowfully, his eyes drowning


    Cassandra with an unknown grief. He closed his eyes and continued,"This is all my fault."


    It was rare for Horace to be in such low spirits. He seemed to be holding in something.


    "What happened?" Cassandra pressed.


    She had not been able to shake the feeling fromst night. She had been ill-at-ease, as if something


    was not right.


    "Don''t me yourself. That woman died of illness. You are not to me,"


    Jill, who had been quiet, said with a sour tone. Cassandra''s paled at her words.


    That woman? Died of illness?


    Horace turned to Jill sharply and said,"You! Do not involve yourself in matters that do not concern you!


    Rufus is preparing his mother''s funeral abroad, so he won''t be home for some time. I owe him and his


    mother everything..."


    Horace heaved another rueful sigh, and Jill spoke nothing more of the matter.


    At this time, the atmosphere turned from ufortable to ustrophobic. Cassandra''s mind reeled


    from the realizations, and somehow, a part her ached.


    Rufus''s mother died. It was no wonder he acted so oddlyst night.


    Although Cassandra didn''t know much about their rtionship, she guessed that Rufus wouldn''t take


    the circumstances well. It was clear, especiallyst night, that he was grieving. There was a tight


    squeeze in Cassandra''s chest as she remembered his lost expression.


    "Dad, will you attend the funeral?"


    she spoke too quickly, not having time to think her words over. The moment she uttered her words, she


    realized her mistake. Jill was ring at her. Cassandra could almost feel herself burned by her angry


    stare.


    "Cassandra Qin!" she said coldly. "May I remind you that you are Lionel''s wife. Why are you so


    concerned with that? This is none of your business. You are NOT in a position to talk about these


    things!" Jill admonished, cing a fist strongly on the table.


    Cassandra looked down once more, if only to avoid the woman''s eyes. ''Jill is really unreasonable. Why


    be jealous of a dead person?'' she thought to herself, but wisely kept her mouth shut.


    The two women were startled when Horace burst out eximing,"Why are you yelling at Cassandra? I


    don''t want to hear you speak of Rufus that way ever again, watch your mouth!"


    Jill flinched at the anger in his voice, said nothing but to give Cassandra a resentful nce, her tears


    quivering in her eyes. She stormed upstairs, wiping at the corner of her eyes.


    At the sight of the usually callous woman''s tears, Cassandra felt guilty. She didn''t know it would upset


    her that much, and voiced out an apology,"Dad, I''m sorry. I had no idea..."


    She turned back to the food on her te. Even the rest of her meal looked cold and unappetizing, as if


    it had caught the bitterness of that morning''s tension.


    "No, you could not have known..." Horace replied gently, his eyes growing distant as he continued.


    "Even I want to see her one more time, but Rufus wouldn''t allow me..."


    Horace stood up, slowly shaking his head and walking away from the table with heavy steps that


    echoed through the room. Cassandra watched him leave the room. His hunched shoulders made him


    seem much smaller and older.


    Left alone on the table, Cassandra blinked absently, a strange feeling brewing up from inside her.


    At thepany


    The day proceeded as usual, and the halls were filled with footsteps and murmurs of employees going


    over their tasks. It seemed as everyone was blissfully unaware of the events that transpiredst night.


    No one even mentioned a word about the seemingly abrupt change to her assistant. it was as if


    everything had settled back into its old flow, and as usual, there was plenty of work to be done and


    deadlines to beat. The buzz of the activity calmed her as Cassandra effortlessly melded with everyone


    else and continued to work.


    The assignment Rufus had given her was almost finished, and shepleted the rest that day.


    Now all she needed was his approval. After his review, the design would be ready to be delivered to the


    clients.


    If they found the design satisfactory, it would mark the sessfulpletion of her first project in the


    Tang Group. She lightened up at the prospect, leaning back on her chair and smiling to herself.


    However, her thoughts unknowingly drifted, and she found herself


    thinking about Rufus again.


    Images fromst night shed in her mind - his tired, dispirited eyes, and the silent desperation when


    he held her in his arms. A frown subconsciously appeared on her face.


    She could not even imagine the depths of his sorrow.


    From her stay in the Tang''s house, what little she knew about him consisted mostly of that he was


    Horace''s son, with another woman, and that he had been living alone with his mother. It must be a


    heavy blow for him to lose the only one person he could call his family.


    At first nce, he appeared to bezy and evil, like he cared about nothing, but Cassandra could


    clearly see that Rufus was definitely not a simple man. This time, he was willing to return to Tang


    Group, probably with his own purpose.


    ''How is he doing now. Is he alright?'' she wondered. Cassandra''s thoughts upied her brain. She was


    biting her lip subconsciously, the delicate lines of her face drawn into confusion and worry.


    An abrupt knock on the door brought her back to reality.


    Cassandra jumped a little from her seat at the sudden sound. There was a man standing respectfully at


    the door, as if waiting for her attention.


    "Hello, Manager Qin, I''m Mr. Tang''s assistant. He is asking for you in his office,"


    he said directly.


    Lionel. Upon hearing his name, Cassandra felt slightly disconcerted.


    What would he want now? As far as she was concerned, they had nothing to talk about. Giving off a


    small sigh, she rose from her chair and answered,"Alright. I will be there."


    Cassandra pushed her personal feelings aside as she walked to his office. She was his employee, and


    in thepany, she had to act ordingly as his subordinate.


    It was better to draw a clear line between private and business matters. This was one of her basic


    principles, and she was determined to be one of the best in her field.


    "Mr. Tang, Manager Qin is here," the man announced when they arrived at the door of Lionel''s office.


    His assistant opened the door and she walked inside, seeing Lionel busy ying shooting games.


    Once she was inside, the assistant closed the door behind and silently left. Now, there were only the


    two of them in that wide office. Despite the big space, Cassandra felt constriction in the atmosphere.


    "You asked for me?"


    she asked in a cold and distant tone, getting straight to the point.


    Lionel stopped ying and met Cassandra''s cold stare with his own. Unceremoniously, he stood up


    and went to his desk, taking out an envelope from a drawer.


    She narrowed her eyes, trying to make sense of what he was doing.


    He turned to her and flung the envelop on the table.


    Cassandra wordlessly looked down, and gingerly picked up the envelope to see what was inside it.


    "Take a look," he said, smirking.


    Her fingers shook as the image that came into view was the photo of Rufus, with his arms wrapped


    around her.


    Her eyes went to the rest of the photos in envelope, revealing more images of him and her

 Chapter 30 The Love Affair

    Chapter 30 The Love Affair


    The photos were taken under dark light. In the night shadow, the two figures seemed to be standing


    close and gazing at each other with affection in their eyes. Cassandra bent down to pick up the


    evidence of her offense. She tried to actposed in front of Lionel.


    "These photos were taken on the same day you graduated from Sapienza University in Rome. Didn''t


    you tell me you didn''t know Rufus before? Then how is it possible that you and he showed up on the


    same cruise?"


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    Lionel''s lips twisted in disdain, his anger barely restrained. He had gotten hold of these photos by


    ident. Apparently, on the day of Cassandra''s graduation, Rufus had been with her.


    They had known each other for a long time, and his wife lied to him about it!


    However, Cassandra knew nothing about when these photos were clicked. She had been drunk that


    night and could not remember what she had done until she became sober.


    She had no idea Rufus was on the cruise that night. As for the photos, she didn''t know how they were


    taken and by whom. She wasn''t even aware they existed till now.


    "Cassandra, you better exin this to me!"


    At her prolonged silence, Lionel grew more and more furious. His sharp, cold eyes were locked on


    Cassandra''s face as he forced her to answer his question.


    "There were a lot of guests on the cruise. I didn''t know that Rufus was there. As you can see, these


    photos were taken from that angle on purpose. And even if he was on the same cruise, I swear I didn''t


    meet him that night,"


    Cassandra said unemotionally. She wasn''t nervous or flurried at Lionel''s harsh voice. He couldn''t


    intimidate her. She slowly lifted up her chin and looked at Lionel defiantly, adding, "If you don''t believe


    me, just wait for Rufus and ask him face to face. Or you can make this a bigger issue and tell your


    father that Rufus and I are having an affair. You''d like that, wouldn''t you?"


    The expression on Lionel''s face turned inscrutable at the sarcasm in her words. Cassandra was clearly


    threatening him. She didn''t believe that he had the courage to do just as she said.


    "Cassandra, do you really think I will believe your words?"


    Lionel wasn''t a fool. He knew that whoever was behind the camera took these pictures on purpose.


    However, it didn''t change the fact that Cassandra and Rufus had met each other in Rome.


    "You''ve never believed me though, have you? No matter what I say, it is all futile because you never


    listen to me. I have nothing to say about these photos. You can investigate them if you like. You and I


    are married, Lionel, in case you forgot. Hate me as much as you like, but please don''t use me as a tool


    to help you get rid of Rufus!"


    Cassandra had never been as rational as she was now. She could see things clearly: Lionel wasn''t


    mad at her because of those photos. He didn''t care that it put their marriage at risk. He just wanted to


    find an excuse to remove Rufus from the Tang Group!


    Lionel stared at Cassandra with his mouth open, surprised. For the first time in years, he felt that the


    woman standing in front of him was smarter than he thought. The ghost of a smile hovered on his thin


    lips.


    "Cassandra, I''ve underestimated you."


    Lionel decided toe clean. He stepped closer to Cassandra and touched his chin, staring at her with


    interest.


    "If there is nothing else, I should get back to my work."


    Cassandra didn''t want to talk to Lionel anymore. She whirled around as soon as she finished speaking,


    ready and eager to leave. However, the very next second, her arm was caught by Lionel. She gasped


    in surprise.


    "Cassandra, how about we cooperate with each other for once?"


    Lionel stopped her in her tracks. Perplexed, Cassandra frowned as she turned to look at Lionel. She


    nted her pretty eyes at him.


    "I don''t understand."


    She dropped her head and looked at Lionel''s hand which was still grabbing her arm. She shook it off,


    feeling disgusted.


    Lionel slowly stepped forward and leaned over her shoulder. "Haven''t you been dreaming about a free


    life? I''m offering you an opportunity to seize your dreams. As long as you admit to an affair with Rufus, I


    promise you I will provide you with whatever you want. You will be free as a bird,"


    he whispered in her ear, his lips curved in an evil smile.


    Cassandra could feel his hot breath caressing her skin. She stepped back out of instinct, eyes wide


    open as she stared at Lionel in disbelief.


    She didn''t expect Lionel to be this vicious. How could he havee up with this idea? He was insane if


    he thought she would agree to his schemes.


    "Cooperate with me. I promise nothing will happen to your family. You and I will get a divorce too. You''ll


    be free to do whatever you like. Isn''t that what you want? What do you think?"


    Lionel fixed his gaze on Cassandra and quirked an eyebrow, waiting for her answer.


    Time seemed to stop in the office. The air was rife with tension as Lionel still stared at her. Cassandra


    gave him a cold smile.


    It was true that what Lionel had just offered was what Cassandra had been dreaming of, the Qin


    family''s safety, her freedom. But for some reason, achieving it this way made her feel sad and empty,


    and she was overwhelmed by mixed feelings.


    "How can you be so cruel, Lionel? You are willing to trade your wife and brother''s reputation to satisfy


    your own desire. I can''t stay with you for one more second. You make me sick. Don''t pull me into your


    fight with Rufus. I won''t participate in your shameless and vindictive schemes. I''m not as despicable as


    you are!"


    Cassandra nced at Lionel with derision. Her dislike for him was evident on her delicate face.


    Her acerbic words felt like a hard p to his face:


    "I won''t participate in your shameless and vindictive schemes. I''m not as despicable as you!"


    Thest two sentences had Lionel''s eyes narrowing in rage. He caught Cassandra''s chin in his grasp


    and red at her, his thin smileced with threat.


    "What did you say?"


    Lionel''s grip on Cassandra grew harder. She gnashed her teeth together as she felt the sharp ache in


    her jaw. However, she still lifted her eyes to him daringly, doing her best to hide any signs of pain.


    "I said that you are shameless and vindictive. You are cruel to your family! No wonder father decided to


    ask Rufus to be the CEO of Tang Group, even though he came back just a few days ago."


    Her words angered Lionel beyond belief and his other hand shot up in warning. Cassandra closed her


    eyes and smiled at him coldly. She despised him from the bottom of her heart.


    She expected him to p her, but the moments passed and he did nothing. Cassandra opened her


    eyes atst. Lionel let go of her and dropped his hands to his side.


    He didn''t touch her again.


    "I don''t hit women. But Cassandra, you will regret what you said to me today. That''s not a threat. It''s a


    promise. Now get out of my office!"


    Lionel regained his breath even as his eyes burned with anger. He pointed to the door to make her


    leave.


    Without another nce at Lionel, Cassandra spun around and walked out of his office.


    As she made her exit, she realized that her legs were shaking. She had thought Lionel would actually


    hit her. Cassandra inhaled slowly, trying to make up for her guilty conscience.


    After all, Rufus and she¡­


    The thought made her face lose all color. With her hands on the handrail next to her, Cassandra tried to


    catch her breath.


    She didn''t think Lionel could be so single-minded in his zeal for power. Rufus just left, and Lionel had


    already devised a n to kick his brother out of his position.


    Lionel and Rufus were brothers. They shared the same father. Did that mean nothing to Lionel?


    "Cassandra?"


    Suddenly, she heard a young woman call out her name and it snapped her back to reality. Her thoughts


    skittered away from Lionel and Rufus. Cassandra turned around. She saw a woman in a ck and


    white dress standing not far away from her, a sweet smile on her face.


    Confused, Cassandra furrowed her brows in an attempt to identify who she was.


    Before she could do so, however, the woman had run up to her and enveloped her in a cozy hug. She


    sounded ted when she said, "Oh my gosh! Cassandra, it is you! I can''t believe my eyes!"

 Chapter 31 She Missed Him

    Chapter 31 She Missed Him


    Cassandra''s mind went nk. She blinked in confusion at the sudden hug. The young woman let go of


    her, her eyes shining with excitement.


    "Don''t you remember me? I''m Ste Mu. We went to high school together, remember?"


    The woman''s tone rose as she exined upon seeing Cassandra''s bewildered expression.


    Cassandra frowned and racked her brain for the name. Soon, a girl with pigtails who wore ck-


    rimmed sses materialized in her mind. Whenever that little girl grinned, her braces made an


    appearance.


    "You are Ste Mu?"


    Cassandra asked with hesitation. This youngdy standing in front of her was so beautiful that it was


    hard to connect her to the girl with braces from her memory.


    Ste beamed at her words, thrilled to hear that her friend remembered her. She reached out and


    touched Cassandra''s hand ecstatically.


    "Yeah, I''m Ste! d you remembered me! I didn''t expect to meet you here at Tang Group. Gosh, we


    haven''t seen each other for years. I haven''t seen you since we graduated from high school. Where


    have you been?"


    Ste talked on and on as if she never nned to stop. Cassandra realized that she hadn''t changed a


    bit. Her friend was still as lively and talkative as before.


    She was still surprised at meeting a childhood friend. "I went to Rome to study. Came back not so long


    ago. You are so beautiful, Ste."


    Cassandra smiled at Ste, sighing pleasantly at the change in her friend.


    "Oh," Ste blushed. "of course, you went abroad! I should have guessed. Why didn''t you keep in


    touch? Have I ever told you that you were my idol in high school? You were so beautiful and scored so


    well in exams. I admired and envied you."


    Ste''s excitement at meeting an acquaintance from years ago still hadn''t dimmed. She wanted to


    catch up on everything they had been up to in the past several years.


    Cassandra was a bit embarrassed. She gave Ste a smile and lowered her head. Time is cruel and


    strange. She had gotten engaged that year when she finished high school. Then, she went to Rome


    after getting married, without telling anyone.


    Time in Rome had seemed to slow down. Her days were not as smooth as she had hoped for. She had


    endured a lot of loneliness in the foreignnd. But eventually, she had made friends, and now she had


    left her social circle in the country behind.


    Ste Mu was the first friend she had met aftering back to G City.


    The two old friends soon got caught up in their conversation. They chatted for a long time. Cassandra


    learned that Ste was a fresh graduate and working in the marketing department of Tang Group. They


    might not be in the same division, but at least now they were in the samepany.


    Cassandra and Ste became good friends in only a matter of days. Ste was active and lively, while


    Cassandra was calm and distant. Their personalities were in stark contrast to each other. However, it


    did not hinder them from bing good friends.


    A few days passed, and Rufus still had note back.


    One day, Cassandra and Ste were meeting each other at a cafe. The inviting smell of coffee lingered


    in the air. "What''s on your mind, Cassandra?"


    Ste asked in a low voice. She wondered what was troubling her friend. Cassandra seemed to be lost


    in her thoughts.


    Cassandra snapped back to reality upon hearing Ste. A worried expression surfaced on her pretty


    face. She had been thinking about Rufustely. She missed him dearly.


    Why had not hee back to G City yet? It had been so many days now.


    "Do you have a boyfriend? You look so lost. Do you miss him?"


    Ste raised her eyebrows at Cassandra. Her friend was so aloof. She never talked about her personal


    life. They had been hanging out a lot in thest few days, but they merely swapped stories of their


    childhood and reminisced on old times. The subject of their personal affairs hadn''t been breached yet.


    "Oh, no. I was just thinking about my work,"


    Cassandra denied Ste''s assumption. However, the demure shake of her head and the guilty tone in


    her voice were in direct contradiction to her words.


    She did not tell Ste about her marriage. She had made an agreement with Lionel before she started


    working at Tang Group to keep their rtionship a secret with the employees.


    "You haven''t been back for long, so it makes sense you don''t have a boyfriend. Neither do I. You know


    what? The new president is super handsome. I heard he''s been away on business."


    Ste picked up the steaming mug of coffee in front of her. She took a sip and gossiped away


    obsessively.


    The new president she was referring to was Rufus.


    "Really? When would he be back?"


    Cassandra winced in regret as soon as the question spilled out of her mouth. She sounded incredibly


    desperate to her own ears. And how would Ste even know when he would be back? She hardly


    knew him.


    "I don''t know. I''m not his secretary. But I''m friends with his assistant. Do you need me to inquire


    around?"


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Ste smiled at Cassandra, her eyes twinkling shrewdly. She seemed to beughing at her, as if she


    had seen through Cassandra''s ruse.


    "Oh, no...It''s none of my business," Cassandra started, and then paused. "All right, time to go back to


    work. We should leave."


    She hurriedly changed the subject in an attempt to hide her feelings. Her eyes shifted down to look at


    her watch. Immediately, she shot up from her seat and walked out of the coffee shop without waiting to


    see if Ste had followed.


    Ste, too, left her seat and caught up with Cassandra, wearing a guileful smile on her face.


    "Wait up, Cassandra! You know you are beautiful. It would be a piece of cake for you to get the man.


    Better win him over quickly. Then I would get promoted, thanks to you."


    Ste''s words only embarrassed Cassandra further. She flushed a bright shade of red. Her wanting to


    win Rufus over was a ridiculous idea. Only Ste would consider it a possibility.


    As soon as they returned to the office building, they were informed that an emergency meeting was


    about to be held in the conference room.


    Neither of them had any idea what the meeting was about, but they still went back to their workces


    and prepared for it.


    Inside the Conference Room


    Cassandra saw that almost everyone was seated when she walked into the meeting room. She moved


    to her seat, her arms loaded with various files. The moment she sat down, her eyes met Lionel''s dark


    gaze by ident.


    Lionel red at her with disdain. Cassandra turned her head to avoid him. She did not want to spare a


    second to her vindictive husband.


    The seat at the center of the table remained unupied. Rufus had note back yet. Was this


    urgent meeting Lionel''s idea?


    Cassandra was still brooding when the door to the room jerked open. Rufus walked in, wearing a dark


    blue suit.


    She was stunned to see him. He was back! When did he arrive?


    It had only been a few days since he left, but somehow, she felt like a century had passed. Cassandra


    raised her eyes and locked her gaze on his striking face that held no emotion on it.


    Inexplicably, her wringing, restless heart finally had a moment of peace. She felt happy to see him


    again. It puzzled her. Self-consciously, she straightened up in her seat, peeking at Rufus from the


    corner of her eyes again and again.


    Strangely, Rufus had not met her eyes since the moment he entered the room. It was like she didn''t


    exist. Something was different about him. A sense of strangeness engulfed her as she mulled over the


    possibilities.


    There was a heated discussion going on before Rufus''s arrival. However, once he showed up, the


    voices in the room hushed down. He walked over to the center of the table and sunk in the CEO''s seat,


    looking around with distant eyes as he waved one hand to the assistant standing behind him.


    The assistant understood his signal and turned on the projector in the conference room. Details of Tang


    Group''srgest project, that they had signed this year, appeared on therge screen.


    A few people in the room paled at the sight. Not one of them had suspected that Rufus had called the


    urgent meeting because of this.


    Cassandra did not understand the intricate details of the project, but she sensed the atmosphere in the


    room turning for the worse. A deafening silence ensued.


    "For those who are responsible for this project," Rufus''s loud voice reverberated the hall, "you all can


    go to the finance department and draw this month''s sry. Then make your exit from this building. You


    are fired."


    His words were dispassionate but decisive. Nothing but coldness could be seen in his dark brown eyes.


    In an instant, the relevant personnel all stood up from their seats, panic in their voices as they begged


    for forgiveness. Even Lionel''s face betrayed the horror he felt.


    Others in the meeting room exchanged nces. Everyone knew that those were Lionel''s men. How


    could Rufus dismiss them without a second thought?


    "Get out right now!"


    Rufus turned a deaf ear to their pleas. His eyes were narrowed to slits. The tension in the air was so


    thick that everyone found it difficult to breathe.


    It''s said that a new broom sweeps clean. Was Rufus the new broom? Was this the start of his fight


    against Lionel?

 Chapter 32 Going On A Business Trip With Him

    Chapter 32 Going On A Business Trip With Him


    "They carried out all the work under my approval. I''m the one responsible. Mr. Luo. If you''re going to


    fire everyone involved in this case, am I included?"


    Lionel probed provocatively as he sat up with his two hands on the conference table. His gloomy eyes


    stared coldly at Rufus, who was upying the center seat.


    With an insignificant smile on his face, Rufus raised his head slowly and tapped the table with his index


    finger.


    "Thepany had lost arge amount of money because of this case. They screwed it up. The


    solution they''ve provided was ineffective and only worsened the situation. I didn''t know that the staff at


    such a bigpany like Tang Group could be so ipetent!" Rufus emphasized, creating an


    apprehensive atmosphere in the room. "However, it was not just aboutpetence. Worst still, there


    are people attempting to take advantage of preferential treatments and fill their own pockets with the


    company''s money,"


    Rufus added gravely without giving much attention to Lionel. His voice was low but stern and steady.


    He intended to present his ideas logically. Thus, everyone present could clearly understand his point


    and no one dared to say anything to oppose him.


    Discerning Rufus'' words, Lionel''s face grew darker. Lionel narrowed his eyes at the few staff members,


    who had just been fired. They lowered their heads to avoid the furious eyes of their superior.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    Until then Lionel realized that these people had been feathering their own nests. It infuriated him to


    think that he had no idea of what they had done. Realizing that he was somewhat in the wrong, Lionel


    sat down silently with a baffled expression.


    "So I guess we should call it a day. That''s all for today''s meeting. As for you guys, what you have done


    has vited thews. The legal department will decide what to do with you. I hope that everyone in the


    Rufus emphasized, with a demanding voice. He wore a light smile on his face and his brown eyes


    looked less drained. His aura bore an air of authority, which no one dared to challenge.


    It was like beating the dog before the lion. Lionel, as the vice president of Tang Group could say


    nothing to argue with Rufus.


    Casting a resentful nce at Rufus, Lionel stood up and took the lead in leaving the meeting room.


    He knew that Rufus was trying to use this incident as a pretext to crack down on him. But he was not a


    man that could be easily defeated.


    Then everybody left the room in session. Rufus sat still in his seat. Cassandra, on the other hand,


    slowly gathered the papers on the table while stealing nces at Rufus.


    After a moment, there were only two of them left in the room.


    "Do you have something to tell me?" Rufus asked smilingly as he walked towards her with his eyes


    fixed on her charming face.


    Instinctively Cassandra lifted her head and her eyes met Rufus ever alluring eyes. Feeling her heart


    throbbed faster, she quickly lowered her head and asked, "Are...are you all right?"


    Those simple worlds betrayed the abundance of her heart.


    Undoubtedly, she was showing concern for Rufus.


    He had been gone for several days and returned suddenly without any traces of mourning. Cassandra


    had learned from Horace that Rufus''s mother passed away several days ago. He was supposed to be


    in the hollows of losing his mother, but he acted as if nothing had happened.


    "What do you mean? You think I shouldn''t fire those staffs?"


    Rufus inquired as he tidied his sleeves and pulled her closer so that she could face him.


    Cassandra jerked at his touch and shivers were running down her spine. Rufus misunderstood her.


    However, she was in no mood to exin herself. She quickly took her papers.


    "Nevermind, I''m going back to work."


    With that, Cassandra turned towards the door and hurried herself out before Rufus reached to her


    again. He stopped and looked at her, gently putting his hands in his pockets.


    The smile on his lips vanished as Cassandra walked out of his sight. The friendly expression on his


    face turned into rage and vehement. In his thoughts, the war between Lionel and him had just begun.


    "Wow! He is so handsome and so cool!"


    Ste bursted out. She was openly expressing her admiration for Rufus at Cassandra''s office.


    Cassandra on the contrary just smiled and shook her head at the careless girl.


    "Isn''t he, Cassandra? Such a man like Mr. Luo is really attractive! Did you see Lionel''s poker face! I''ve


    never seen him so frustrated. Ha-ha..."


    Ste chuckled excitedly, cradling her head in her hands and recalled what had happened at the


    meeting.


    "By the way, Ste, what are you doing here? Don''t tell that you are just here to tell me how infatuated


    you are with Mr. Luo,"


    Cassandra asked, rolling her eyes at Ste then back to her monitor to continue with her work.


    "Yeah, yeah, you''re right. Well, I''m not busy at all today. I''ve got lots of time. Would you like to go out


    with us after work? We''ll just eat and sing our hearts out. It would be fun. I''ll introduce you to the


    handsome guys in my department," Ste said with a warm smile.


    Ste was a ''Silent Beauty'' type of girl. When she was not talking, she looked pretty and elegant.


    However, once she opened her mouth, and words kept popping out as if she couldn''t control them, it


    made her look like a noisy sparrow.


    "Thank you for the invitation, but I have to work overtime,"


    Cassandra rejected politely, with a little bit of tired expression on her face. She was a married woman,


    not as free as single girls like Ste. Usually, she went home directly or worked overtime.


    She preferred to stayte at thepany rather than go home and pretend to be the meek and well-


    behaved daughter-inw.


    Thinking about it, Cassandra couldn''t help but feel sad for herself.


    "Okay, then. You now own the crown of the ''real workaholic.'' I''m going back. In case you change your


    mind and would love to unwind for a while, just let me know,"


    Ste said with a tone of regret. Then she stood up and walked out in a hurry as she noticed the time


    on the wall-clock.


    "Okay," Cassandra replied while raising her head. She was amused to see Ste running away. With a


    smile on her face, Cassandra sighed and reckoned, ''Ste has no enthusiasm for work until it bes


    urgent.''


    Just as Cassandra braced herself and was about to continue with her work, a man came at the door


    and said politely, "Excuse me, Manager Qin." Cassandra recognized the man. He was Rufus''s


    assistant. He came with him into thepany.


    "I''m Mr. Luo''s assistant, Leo. Mr. Luo is going to negotiate with a partner about the case mentioned in


    the meeting. You''re going with him, since you''re our chief designer. Here is the air ticket for the flight


    tonight."


    With that, Leo put the ticket down in front of Cassandra and then walked away. Cassandra sat there


    silently,pletely baffled and didn''t know what to do.


    The news hadpletely taken her aback. "Going on a business trip with Rufus tonight?" she


    murmured.


    She was not sure whether she understood Leo right. But before she could think about confirming the


    information, Leo was already gone. She picked up the ticket on the desk and frowned at what she saw.


    It was indeed true that she had to leave for a business trip with Rufus.


    Imagining Rufus'' face, she became nervous. She convinced herself that they were just going for work,


    but that couldn''t relieve her tension.


    On the other hand, Lionel had just returned to his office. He furiously shoved all the items off the desk,


    littering them on the floor.


    "Shit!" he cursed loudly.


    His secretary was too scared to move and just stood by silently. Lionel''s face turned red out of anger.


    He was so furious of his subordinates. They did something against thew and dragged his name


    through mud. Rufus found out about it and took advantage of the situation to push him down thedder


    of thepany''s totem pole. That was a solid p on his face.


    The p in return taught him a lesson.


    "Keep a close watch on our staffs. Tell them that if anyone dared to misbehave behind my back, they


    would have the worst days of their lives. I''ll make them suffer!"


    Lionel shouted at his secretary as he kicked over the bonsai to the ground.


    "Yes, Mr. Tang. I''ll assure you such case will never happen again,"


    the secretary nodded, hesitant to say something more.


    "What are you waiting for! Get out!"


    Lionel shouted again. His anger was once more triggered by the secretary. But the secretary stayed


    and slowly said something. Her words were stammering.


    "Mr. Luo has taken over the case. He will take the flight tonight to meet with the partner. And, and, and


    Manager Qin will go with him..."


    The secretary closed her eyes, not daring to see the towering rage brewing on Lionel''s face.

 Chapter 33 An Unexpected Kiss

    Chapter 33 An Unexpected Kiss


    When his secretary finished, Lionel squinted his eyes, moping.


    His secretary knew the rtionship between Cassandra and Lionel. Lionel, who had stamped with


    rage, now suddenly became quiet. He stood there, pulling his vexed expression together. He didn''t say


    a word because he seemed to have something on his mind.


    "When, exactly?" he asked.


    Lionel barely made it to the sofa by the French window, then plopped his tired body onto it. It was


    impossible to guess how he was feeling because his voice had gone soft.


    "8 o''clock tonight,"


    the secretary replied. Now she finally had the courage to lift her head to look at Lionel, but cautiously


    with fear.


    Lionel asked no more. He stretched his arms to both sides of the sofa. He seemed to think deeply


    about something or even be contriving some sort of plot.


    The night was especially dark. But as a white Bentley drove to the airport, neon lights lit up the


    roadways, and the whole city sparkled and dazzled with life.


    Cassandra had been notified to get into Rufus''s car when she got done with work. She got in and sat in


    the back seat with him. She didn''t have time to change out of her business suit into something more


    casual.


    On herp was a mess of business files. She read them, straining her eyes, using the lights outside the


    car to help her read. She squinted a lot to catch key words. Rufus had fired the relevant staff. Since


    she was not involved in this project, she now had to fit herself in and get familiar with the case.


    Rufus rxed beside her, looking dashing as always. He fixed his gaze on Cassandra, who was quietly


    absorbed in the documents. He didn''t disturb her. He just sat there, watching her quietly.


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    She seemed to sense his burning gaze, so she lifted her head. When their eyes met, she felt an


    immediate, irresistible palpitation of her heart.


    To break the ufortable gaze, she darted her eyes to view the scenery outside the window. ''Why


    can''t I focus when Rufus is sitting next to me?'' she thought.


    "Are you afraid to be with me on a business trip?" Rufus blurted out.


    He couldn''t help but inch his body closer to her. His low, maic voice lingered in her mind, making


    her heart beat faster.


    "Not at all. It''s just a business trip," she answered.


    She tried desperately to erase the panic from her face, to make herself look fearless. Subconsciously,


    she started to rub her hands on the documents in the files.


    "Don''t waste your time reading those. Just ask me anything you want to know,"


    Rufus''s voice boomed. His presence was very powerful wherever he was, not to mention in such a


    small car. Cassandra let out a long-held breath at his words. She wished silently over and over that he


    wouldn''t approach any closer.


    The night wind tickled her face as it blew through the rolled-down windows. She closed her eyes to


    enjoy the gentle touch and grew sleepy at its hypnotic rhythm. Rufus reveled in watching her obvious


    bliss and didn''t say a word. Though a faint smile secretly creeped onto his lips.


    In a magnificently decorated presidential suite, a man and a woman were lying on a dark red king-size


    bed. The constant seductive groans and grunts were endearing for a while. But the yful noise had


    given way to breathless silence.


    "What''s going on? You seem very distracted,"


    said Ivy, who was lying cradled in Lionel''s arms. Tonight, Lionel seemed especially agitated. He


    seemed to need to blow off some steam.


    "I doubt that Cassandra is having an affair with Rufus," Lionel said.


    His eyes heavy with anger, Lionel remembered that Cassandra was going on a business trip with Rufus


    this evening. He suddenly broke out in a gust of anger he couldn''t hide.


    As Ivy looked at the expression on Lionel''s face, her eyes began to brim with curious, radiating vigor.


    Then she said yfully, "Are you jealous? To be honest, Cassandra is really good at this kind of thing.


    Rufus just joined the Tang Group and she has already hooked up with him."


    Ivy''s words added fuel to Lionel''s mes and his anger mounted. His raised his voice, "I refuse to be


    jealous for a woman like her. Even I won''t lower myself to have sex with her, but that doesn''t mean that


    she has any right to cheat on me! And with Rufus, of all men! Argh!"


    The mere mention of Rufus''s name made Lionel gnash his teeth in anger. He would never forgive


    Rufus for humiliating him at the meeting today. He would take his revenge when he got the precise


    opportunity.


    "Okay, then. Don''t get so angry. Rufus is a different sort of man. I don''t think Cassandra has anything


    special to make Rufus want her more than any other woman. He probably just does it to humiliate you


    on purpose, to make you frustrated in your business dealings. And perhaps he wants to use Cassandra


    to hurt you more. Before he makes any further move, I think we''d better ride before the hounds."


    Although Ivy spoke in a thin voice, her words had hidden meanings, which contrasted with her innocent


    look.


    "Continue," Lionel said.


    Ivy''s words rmed Lionel. He furrowed his eyebrows in an attempt to think things through, to devise a


    n to mess with Rufus for revenge.


    Ivy threw him a radiant smile, leaned toward him and opened her mouth to whisper into his ears.


    The night was moonless, pitch ck, and thick as a tree shadow where there was no slight gap of light.


    A sudden whooshing of the wind brought faint shes of city light, but soon the night turned as ck as


    before.


    After a bumpy flight, Cassandra and Rufus arrived at the hotel that had already been booked for them


    for this trip.


    Cassandra was exhausted, and she had already dozed off on the way to the hotel.


    She leaned her head against Rufus''s shoulder with her mouth slightly open. He could hear and feel her


    feeble breaths.


    Rufus stared into the lights of the city. asionally, he turned his head to throw a gentle look at the


    woman who was enjoying her slumber.


    ''It must have been a tough business trip for her since I sprung it on her sost minute. She was


    probably already beat after work, '' Rufus thought. She had dazzled him and his business partners on


    the previous case, so he didn''t give a second thought to have here along again on this important


    case.


    To a certain degree, this was a pretty rare trust between a man and a woman.


    Cassandra seemed to enjoy herself in an infinite dream. But asionally, she murmured things out


    loud. Rufus couldn''t figure out what she was saying, but he felt some semnce of peace with her that


    he had never felt before.


    He feltforted, like staying with his mother when he was a young boy.


    Peaceful and eased. That seemingly peaceful memory soon turned sour, though. A burst of indignant


    hatred always rushed into his body whenever he thought of his mother. He had loved his mother more


    than anything or anyone in the world. He nearly died emotionally and spiritually when her life was


    stolen from this earth far too soon. As long as he was alive, he would never let anyone involved off the


    hook.


    "...Ouch."


    Rufus left his evil thoughts at the sound of a soft voice. Cassandra had just awoken. Oops! Rufus


    realized that he had pressed against Cassandra''s hair identally when he was ruminating about his


    mother.


    As Cassandra awoke and found her head against Rufus'' shoulder, she immediately sat upright on her


    side of the seat, coughing mildly for a quick distraction. She was too embarrassed to look in Rufus''s


    direction.


    "Cassandra,"


    She probably expected a response to the awkward situation they''d found themselves in, so he finally


    called her name.


    With coy surprise on her face, she slowly turned to look at Rufus with her bright blinking eyshes.


    She could suddenly feel the evil emanating from the man next to her. Rufus now looked different. His


    eyes grew fierce, evil but passionate.


    When she realized he wasn''t going to talk anymore, Cassandra broke the silence. She asked him with


    long eyshes blinking, concern apparent in her tone, "What''s happening?"


    Rufus''s eyes grew wide, as if holding in a great secret. In a blink, he lifted her chin gently, bringing her


    lips to the edge of his, biting slightly. Then his tongue dove in as he gave her the most fierce kiss of her


    life. The moment disoriented her a bit. How could she regain herposure after such an unexpected


    kiss?

 Chapter 34 In The Bathroom

    Chapter 34 In The Bathroom


    As the night grew freezing cold, Cassandra and Rufus shared a kiss that burned passionately.


    Cassandra nked out by the overwhelming passion she felt. She could feel nothing but the burning


    desire of the ardent man. With her eyes wide open, she gave him no resistance and just let him do


    whatever he wished.


    His mouth covered the fullness of hers and they were biting and exploring each other''s lips. Cassandra


    didn''t want that to stop. Rufus, however, let her go for he could no longer catch his breath. He looked at


    her so intensely that he was still biting his lips savoring the taste of thedy. The woman was left


    bewildered. The kiss felt so long and so pleasing up to the point that she couldn''t remember what she


    was doing.


    "We''re here,"


    the man whispered in her ears. Their bodies were pressed against each other. They were so intimate


    that when the man spoke with a low and charismatic voice, the woman felt totally ted. Looking at her


    eyes, he couldn''t hide the mirth and pleasure he felt deep inside.


    It was then that Cassandra realized what had just happened. Feeling the intense heat and the intimate


    position they were in, she gave him a gentle push and cursed in a cute voice, "Bastard!"


    Her voice was mixed with anger and shame. Even though she was cursing him, deep inside she knew


    she enjoyed the feeling. Despite the fact that it was too embarrassing for her to admit, she loved the


    way Rufus kissed her. She hated the idea that she liked the kiss and wanted more of it.


    ''Why did I even let the kiss happen?'' she asked herself.


    Escaping from the strange thoughts, she quickly got off the car and rushed into the hotel, totally


    ignoring him who was just following her closely. Her lips were quivering as an aftermath of the torrid


    kiss.


    ''Cassandra, what have you done?'' The question kept on bugling her mind.


    Rufus who was just walking behind Cassandra, casually with his hand inside his pockets. He couldn''t


    help smiling at the sight of her murmuring to herself.


    For him, the night became more charming and interesting because of this woman.


    Inside the deluxe room of the hotel, sprinkles of hot water from the shower trickled down onto the floor.


    Cassandra immersed herself in the hot water, letting the water flow from her head, to her face, down to


    her breasts, her waist, and her legs. The water was way hotter than the normal bathing temperature but


    she didn''t seem to mind. She felt numb and careless.


    She was merely standing there staring nkly at the floor. Her mind was preupied with the earlier


    kiss and the emotions she felt associated with that kiss.


    Rufus'' face kept on lingering through her mind. It was glued and tattooed on her mind and she didn''t


    know how to shut it out.


    ''Cassandra, did you enjoy that kiss?'' she asked herself.


    The woman gently touched her lips with her fingers, remembering how Rufus'' soft lipsplimented


    hers. Cold shivers run down her spine at the thought of it. Bracing herself, she pinched her cheeks a


    little to shut out the absurd thoughts on her mind. She reminded herself that she couldn''t continue with


    such a state of mind. She felt silly and out of her mind, which was very unusual for her.


    The unforeseen kiss from Rufus had been torturing her. Now she couldn''t even think properly, but


    worse was to follow - she was kind of expecting something more intimate than a kiss.


    ''What are you expecting?'' she asked herself once again.


    Quickly she med herself for consistently thinking of him. When did she be so attached to him?


    It was just a kiss? What was the magic of that kiss that would trouble her until now?


    With all these thoughts on her mind, she hadn''t noticed that she was still standing under the hot


    shower. The bathroom turned disturbingly hot as steams hanged in the air. Cassandra''s cheeks were


    now crimson red caused by the heat from the water coupled by the warmth she was feeling inside


    thinking of Rufus.


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    Unconsciously, she lost track of time. The heat was now creeping into her senses. But she stood still


    without moving an inch away from the shower. She couldn''t think clearly, her brain was in total chaos


    and her visions were clouded by the thickening steams.


    Strangely, she couldn''t breathe normally. The temperature of her body continued to rise. She was


    starting to feel dizzy.


    ''Am I going to die?'' she wondered. That was herst thought before she copsed. She could no


    longer support herself that she fell on the floor with a loud thud.


    Snap! Her heart leaped in shock by thepact.


    She felt a searing pain in her back. Luckily, the pain awakened her senses. However, even as she


    temporarily regained her senses, her bodycked the strength. She felt weak and exhausted. She


    wanted to grab onto something so that she could stand up, but failed. She was so weak to even raise


    her arm.


    ''Why am I so dizzy?'' she asked herself. Shaking her head, Cassandra tried to stay awake. But that


    didn''t help. Desperately, she bit her lip to lessen the numbness of her face. She went too hard and


    droplets of blood smeared on her lips.


    She was struggling to save herself, but suffocating in the heat, especially with the heightened smell of


    blood diffused by the steam.


    Feeling totally weak, she had given up all efforts to get up. She let herself lie on the bathroom floor with


    the shower still spraying hot water over her. On the contrary, she felt better lying on the floor. The floor


    felt cooler, giving her a temporary remedy from the burning sensation.


    ''I guess, I''ll just lie here for a while, '' she told herself. ''The door was locked. No one would be able to


    save me now. The best I could do was just to do nothing for the meantime and rest on the floor until I


    could gather some strength to get up.''


    Thinking of that as a bright idea, she then closed her eyes with no intentions of falling into sleep on the


    wet floor. The hot water was still spraying on her.


    ¡­


    Soon, somebody was knocking on the door outside her room.


    It was Rufus. In order to catch the flight, they didn''t have time to eat. So Rufus, after taking a brief rest,


    came to invite Cassandra to have dinner with him.


    He had been knocking on her door for quite a while, but there was no reply from her, not even a single


    sound from the room.


    With each passing second, his face was turning dark. Abruptly, he felt a surge of panic.


    Cassandra, to his knowledge, was not a woman who would throw random tantrums. Refusing to open


    the door, or even refusing to tell him that she didn''t want to open the door was definitely not something


    she would do. ''Could it be that she is avoiding me because of the kiss?'' he began to doubt.


    Finding a possible reason for her abnormal behavior, Rufus settled down a little and asked a waiter to


    send some food to Cassandra''s room.


    Shortly after he returned to his room, the waiter he had talked to came back.


    "Mr. Luo, I have knocked at the door of Miss Qin''s room for several minutes and there was no


    response."


    Upon hearing the bad news, the panic that he managed to contain engulfed him. His face turning bleak,


    he hurried back to her room.


    As he knocked at the door incessantly, he ordered the waiter to get the spare ess card from the


    reception.


    "Cassandra, are you inside?" he shouted out loud. "Open the door!"


    Now his impatience and worry heightened, and his knocks on the door grew stronger and louder.


    However, the response from inside the room was still dead silence.


    It didn''t take long for the waiter to retrieve the ess card. Narrowing his eyes, he soon opened the


    door and entered the room in a swift motion.


    Cassandra wasn''t in her bedroom.


    Standing in her empty room, he was swallowed by his anxiety and worry.


    The vague sound of flowing water reminded him of something. Hastily, he rushed to the bathroom and


    knocked at the door.


    "Cassandra, are you inside?" he shouted.


    There was again, no response.


    The man felt something was wrong. Forgetting about the possibility that she could still be showering,


    his anxietypelled him to open the door without her consent.


    Blows of hot steam surged out, making him frown. Amidst the water vapor, the woman was nowhere to


    be found.


    His face turned grimmer, and heat was spreading across the room. His calmposure was gone and


    was reced by a nervous panic.


    "Hmm, it''s so hot. So hot¡­"


    His visions were clouded by the steam so he hadn''t noticed that someone was lying on the floor. It was


    her voice, weak and vulnerable; he knew it was her. Hearing her voice made him assume that she was


    safe and wiped all his worries away.

 Chapter 35 Revive the Old Romance

    Chapter 35 Revive the Old Romance


    The windows of the bathroom were misted up with condensation. With his eyebrows scrunched up,


    Rufus looked at the sight in front of him. He picked up the bath towel hanging on the rack and took a


    step forward.


    When he saw that Cassandra was about to fall asleep on the floor, his face ckened, hiding concern


    in its depths. He bent down and covered Cassandra''s body with the towel in his hands, before lifting


    her up from the floor and into his arms.


    Still in a daze, Cassandra felt her body leave the floor. She realized that someone was cradling her in a


    warm embrace. An intoxicating scent prated her nostrils.


    She subconsciously clutched the man''s shirt in her grip and unconsciously shook her head. Her mouth


    parted and the words came out were vague and fragmented, making minimal sense. Rufus couldn''t


    figure out what she was saying.


    Looking at her state, Rufus guessed that she had suffered from anoxia while taking the shower. The


    temperature in the bathroom had been far too high. He felt suffocated even as he had entered it.


    "Are you stupid?"


    Rufus left the bathroom with Cassandra in his arms. Her body was covered with tiny droplets of water.


    Her delicate face was rosy, her head arched back and her lips parted suggestively.


    Rufus was a hot-blooded male. The sight aroused him, but he suppressed his urges. He gently


    dropped Cassandra on the king-size bed of the hotel room. She was still wrapped in only a bath towel.


    Rufus stood by the bedside and looked down at her. His dark brown eyes were clouded with an


    unreadable emotion.


    "Hot¡­I feel hot¡­"


    Cassandra writhed on the bed helplessly. She was slowly losing consciousness.


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    "Cassandra, do you know what you are doing to me right now? You''re ying with fire."


    Rufus lifted the thin quilt tucked in the bed and threw it on Cassandra fiercely.


    All of a sudden, she cracked her eyes open and saw his enigmatic face looming above her. She


    giggled loudly, the sound like a tinkling wind chime. Rufus sucked in a breath and stared at her lying on


    the bed, utterly absorbed by the sight of her. He had never seen her like this.


    "You''re asking for it."


    Rufus could not resist his impulse any longer. Nothing could stop him now.


    He bent over, with his fathomless eyes looking into hers with an intensity that was profound. Suddenly,


    it became hard for him to breathe.


    His body was charging up. He had eyes for nothing but her.


    "Cassandra, who am I?"


    Rufus whispered in her ear. His hot breath blew at her hair softly.


    It didn''t matter she was drunk or suffering from anoxia, Rufus wanted her to know who he was.


    "I know you. You''re Rufus."


    Cassandra giggled again. She tilted her head back and stared at him openly. Her eyes sparked with


    something hot.


    She was in a trance, but she could still tell that the man here was Rufus.


    She felt a sh of fear, but rxed instantly. She was utterly secure in his presence.


    Given her identity and her rtionship with Rufus, she could hardly admit to it. Nominally, she was his


    sister-inw. Last time in Rome, she hadn''t known who he was. How could she make the same


    mistake again now, when his true identity had been made clear to her?


    "Do you want this or not?"


    Rufus was smart enough to know where this was going. Words weren''t required for what was going to


    happen next.


    But he would still respect her choice, so he waited for an answer. His eyes were still locked on hers...

 Chapter 36 Bleeding Red

    Chapter 36 Bleeding Red


    Cassandray in bed and looked into Rufus''s eyes. He hovered over her as his husky voice called out


    her name, the emotion in it evident.


    "Cassandra."


    Rufus lowered his head further, still gazing into her eyes.


    She bit her lower lip softly and frowned.


    Rufus saw her lips twist in pain and lifted the quilt that covered her body. A scarlet stain marred the


    sheets.


    His eyes shifted once again to the woman in bed who groaned out in pain. Instantly, he knew what the


    problem was - she was on her period. The desire in him was snuffed out like the me of a candle.


    "My belly hurts."


    Cassandray huddled up on the sheets, still feeling hot. She couldn''t control the reactions in her body


    as her abdomen squeezed in pain once again, and the heavy period leakage made the already scarlet


    stain even deeper. Rufus''s face darkened as he gritted his teeth in frustration.


    It had been the beginning of a wonderful night. Of course, her period decided to make an entrance and


    interrupt them at a most crucial moment.


    Cassandra was fully awake at this point. The sharp pain in her belly overrode the desire she had been


    feeling previously. From the corner of her eyes, she saw Rufus still standing and watching her by the


    bedside. Pissed off at the motionless man, she grabbed hold of a pillow next to her and mmed it in


    his face.


    "Oh god, why are you still standing there? Go and get me a sanitary napkin immediately!"


    Rufus nched at her audacious request. She must be kidding. It was atrocious of her to demand that


    he buy her a sanitary pad!


    "Fine," he said in a low voice, not revealing his true thoughts.


    Even if it was ridiculous, Rufus had no option but to go out and get the pad. It would be even more


    irresponsible to keep her bleeding on the bed like that, without offering any help.


    The entire episode had diposed him.


    Rufus grabbed his jacket and left the room, ncing at her with a dark expression on his face.


    After he left, Cassandra got up from the bed slowly. She wrapped herself in the thin nket and walked


    into the bathroom, almost doubling over in pain.


    After a while, the door sprang open, and Rufus was back. He headed straight to the bed, but then


    slowed down when he found it empty and the sheets messy. The scarlet blood stain looked like a lone


    tree on a wide expanse ofnd, mocking him coldly with its odd presence.


    "Rufus, I''m in the bathroom. Did you get the sanitary pad? Just pass it through the crack in the door.


    Oh, and my clothes too. They are in my luggage."


    Cassandra said from inside the bathroom. Rufus had never been obedient to a woman like this, but


    right now he was experiencing a kind of vulnerability he never had before.


    He was still scowling as he grabbed her clothes and threw them along with sanitary pad into the


    bathroom.


    He heard her yelp when he hit her with sanitary pad identally. Regardlessly, Rufus walked out of her


    room the next instant. He could not linger around any longer and be a servant of her.


    Besides, he could barely control himself in her presence!


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    "Are they together?"


    The man asked casually, holding a burning cigarette to his mouth. He sat with his slender legs crossed


    inside the private room of a mboyant bar.


    "Yes, they are. Someone witnessed Rufus going into Cassandra''s room. His clothes were all messed


    up when he walked out. You know what could go on between two consenting adults behind closed


    doors."


    Ivy hugged Lionel''s arm, her voice sickly sweet in its insinuation. Her red lips were turned up in a


    triumphant smile.


    Lionel put out the cigarette the moment he heard what Ivy said. He gnashed his teeth together as his


    eyes turned red. The resentment in his heart zed fiercely.


    ''Cassandra, you bitch, '' he thought. ''How dare you sleep with Rufus!''


    His nostrils red. The idea of Cassandra hooking up with his arch-enemy, while she was still his


    lawfully wedded wife grated on him terribly. Lionel could not help himself when the image of her lying in


    bed with Rufus rose to his mind. He grabbed the bottle of wine in front of him and smashed it on the


    floor.


    The scarlet liquid posed a gruesome picture, smudged the pieces of broken ss. Ivy, still holding


    Lionel''s arm, turned pale in horror. She had never seen him so furious.


    "Lionel, what''s wrong?"


    Ivy blinked in confusion. He had shaken off her arm, but she still reached out to touch him.


    Her hands caught empty air as Lionel stood up from the sofa the next instant. He stared fixedly ahead,


    his eyes burning ame with malice.


    "I have something to deal with. I won''t stay here tonight."


    His voice rung coolly before he headed straight for the exit without waiting for Ivy''s response.


    As soon as he walked out, Ivy''s eyes shed with jealousy and spite. Her red lips trembled and her


    fingers clenched into tight fists. The profound hatred she felt for Cassandra was undeniable...


    "Mr. Tang, are you sure you want to leave for H City sote in the night? There won''t be many flights at


    this time."


    Harry, Lionel`s assistant, rubbed at his sleepy eyes, having been rudely woken up by Lionel''s call. It


    was two o''clock in the morning.


    "I don`t care. Book the flight ticket for me right now. I have to be there straight away."


    Lionel''s hard voice didn''t warrant further discussion. He hung up the phone, still bristling with rage.


    Harry, sitting alone on his bed, was struck dumb.


    Next Morning, in the Sunny H City


    Getting up early this morning, Cassandra sat and applied minimal makeup in front of the dresser. She


    had to apany Rufus to the partner''s office for somemercial negotiation today.


    The youngdy took out her pink lip gloss and glided it across her lips carefully. Suddenly, her hand


    trembled, making the lip gloss slide to the outside of her lips. Cassandra stared at the pink stain with a


    frown. It reminded her ofst night.


    Rufus had moved her into a new room, but It was clear to her what was about to happenst night -


    they nearly had sex again. Fortunately, her period came right on time and prevented it from happening.


    Cassandra felt ashamed when she remembered her response to Rufus''s desire. It was quite mortifying


    to get a period right when they were about to have sex. He was probably shocked to see the messy


    scene. She winced at the prospect of seeing him again.


    She slept with Rufus in Rome, but had been embarrasing herself in front of him ever since they met


    again.


    Cassandra decided that she ought to restrain herself.


    It was difficult to beposed around Rufus, but she could behave herself. She twirled the lip gloss in


    her fingers and stared at her reflection in the mirror absent mindedly.


    A sudden knock on the door interrupted her self-reproachful musings.


    "Cassandra, it is time to go. Please get ready."


    It was Rufus! She was shocked to hear his voice and rose up from the dressing chair in panic.


    Although Cassandra had butterflies in her stomach, she had no option but to pretend to beposed.


    Taking in a deep breath, she straightened her clothes and walked up to the door.

 Chapter 37 From A Girl To A Young Woman

    Chapter 37 From A Girl To A Young Woman


    In the five-star ballroom, among the lively chatter, Cassandra, with her superb insights and ideas,


    unexpectedly closed a deal that few had expected would go through.


    Even Rufus started to admire Cassandra. Aftering out of the hotel, the woman still felt


    embarrassed aboutst night''s fling. However, Instead of talking about it, they drove straight to the


    party.


    "Miss Qin, you''re indeed the most unique designer I have ever seen, and your ideas are refreshing. I


    had already given up the coboration with Tang Group, but your insights have rekindled my desire to


    work with them,"


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    holding a ss of wine in his hand, the boss from the coboratingpany did not hesitate to praise


    Cassandra and said.


    Cassandra lowered her eyes, her face showing a light but sweet smile. She was not good at handling


    the tion of such an asion.


    "I''m ttered. Thank you for giving Tang Group another chance," she answered in her natural


    courteous manner. "I will do my best to carry through it."


    With the echo of colliding wine sses, the rising sound of a piano started to y in the ballroom.


    Turning away, Cassandra immediately met Rufus''s gaze.


    The throbbing of their hearts in that moment of glory was synchronized. They had finallypleted a


    major task together.


    Standing next to her, Rufus''s face beamed with a satisfied smile, his eyes lighting up with appreciation.


    This woman always looked confused in a lovely way. However, in the workce, she looked calm,


    mature and intelligent, which surprised Rufus a lot.


    "Mr. Luo, we look forward to a sessful coboration. Miss Qin is a really gifted, intelligent woman. I


    think you two are a match made in heaven,"


    The boss again joked. In the process, he took note of Rufus and Cassandra''s moment of interlocking


    gazes upon each other.


    "Mr. Wang, we are not..."


    Being praised like that made Cassandra somewhat uneasy. But before she could exin their


    rtionships, Rufus interrupted, "Thank you, Mr. Wang, we also look forward to working with you."


    Then slowly, he raised the rim of the ss to his thin lips and guzzled down the red wine inrge gulps.


    When he spoke, unmistakable joy crowned his husky, confident voice. A smile formed at the corners of


    his mouth and his deep eyes were set on Cassandra, with a hint of yfulness that made her blush.


    "Since our work here is done, can we return to G City?"


    After the party, Rufus and Cassandra sat inside the moving ck Lincoln Continental. Riding alone with


    Rufus in the same car gave Cassandra such a feeling of flutter in the belly that she spoke so softly,


    almost in a whisper.


    Just before she was called on for her business pitch, she had butterflies in her stomach and wondered


    whether she was going to make it. But thankfully, she pulled through without a single hitch. So when


    she went to the dinner party she tried to mollify her nerves with an extra ss or two of wine, more


    than her usual light intake. Now, it was causing her to bloat.


    The feeling made her sit ufortably next to Rufus who kept stealing nces at her with his thin lips


    rising slightly into a enchanting smile.


    "The night view of H City is quite breathtaking. Can I take you there for an experience?"


    It was a request, but his tone made it sound like a statement.


    "No, let''s go back as soon as possible. I, um, I want to..."


    Looking straight at his face, Cassandra started to breathe heavily. She declined his offer, and quickly


    turned to face the window with a sort of guilty haste, trying to avoid looking at Rufus.


    "If you don''t want to go out tonight, it''s understandable. Maybe you want to do something else with me


    instead?"


    Rufus was deliberately teasing her. He appeared to enjoy being around her.


    "Rufus! We are on a business trip, not on a vacation,"


    said Cassandra objecting to his suggestions. Although soon she found herself fantasizing about him in


    bed. In that brief instant she had to suppress her resistance.


    "If it wasn''t for your period, you would have been all over mest night," said Rufus, smiling.


    As he raised one of his massive hands over Cassandra''s seat, the fragrance of the perfume he was


    wearing engulfed her in an instant.


    "Enough! Stop it!" Cassandra warned. "How dare you flirt with a married woman like this, Rufus? That''s


    shameless. Don''t you think so?" she added, eager to know if he had any scruples about their


    rtionship.


    Last night was too crazy. Cassandra simply just didn''t want to think about it. Feigning toughness, she


    red at Rufus who was wearing an evil, insouciant expression on his face.


    "From a girl to a young woman...in deed...I am honored to participate in the most important


    development work of that," Rufus teased.


    He raised his eyebrows in an instant, and the smile on his thin lips became more and more reckless.


    As soon as his sentence was dropped, Cassandra got so angry that she was speechless.


    Interrupting her line of thought, Rufus announced, "We will go back tomorrow morning. How about we


    just celebrate and enjoy our time together tonight?"


    The tone of his words was more serious this time round. Probably he had woken up to the fact that she


    was determined to return home straight away, if he didn''t give her a good reason for staying out tonight.


    As if in a trance, Cassandra felt she was floating in the air, a dark, gloomy cloud driving her into the


    halo around Rufus.


    Like a sudden jolt of thunder, she remembered the death of Rufus''s mother. In essence, she realized


    that he was still grieving and as a coping strategy, he kept pushing himself, to more and more work.


    Thinking about this, Cassandra''s heart to go back to G City was not as determined as before.


    Aware of his predicament, Cassandra thought to herself, ''I''m having my menses. Would that guarantee


    that we can hang out for the night without making love?


    I can take it as a causal date with a friend. That would be good, just to enjoy hispany onest


    night.''


    "Okay, but you have to promise me not to take advantage of me, again," she demanded.


    That line alone immediately changed the atmosphere inside the car with Cassandra''spromising


    voice weakly heard. The charming smile on Rufus''s face reappeared, beaming even brighter than


    before.


    At this point, it was already twilight outside. In the distance, the setting sun emitted an awe-inspiring red


    glow. The wind blowing on their faces through rolled-down windows was cool and soothing. And it was


    sheer pleasure driving through the scendscapes.


    Meanwhile, at the lobby of the five-star hotel "I''m sorry, Mr. Tang.


    I''m afraid that we can''t give you confidential information about our customers. That''s against the


    company policy," the receptionist exined to Lionel at the front desk. Eventually, Lionel had rushed to


    H City, and quickly arrived at the hotel where Rufus and Cassandra stayed.


    "I don''t need any information from you. You just need to tell me if they stayed in the same roomst


    night!"


    The mission was to track them down here and catch them in bed. Lionel seethed with anger while his


    assistant standing next to him had been calling Cassandra.


    "I am sorry, we can''t provide this either,"


    A youngdy at the front desk told him uneasily. She didn''t recognize Lionel. Although she was


    somewhat apprehensive of his status, he made such unreasonable demands that she really could not


    do it.


    "So where are they now?"


    Turned down by the receptionist, Lionel sought to escte the issue directly to the manager. This hotel


    was owned by a colleague and friend of his, so he had thought he could get whatever information he


    wanted from the receptionist using the connection.


    By all means, he needed evidence and witnesses, proving that Rufus and Cassandra were really


    togetherst night. ''Once I get my hands on those information, I could easily get rid of Rufus and


    Cassandra, '' he thought in hubris.


    But why did he feel so ufortable and angry when he thought about the affair between Cassandra


    and Rufus?


    "Mr. Tang, the call went through."


    At this time, Harry, who had been making the call, handed the phone to Lionel. Blinking in surprise,


    Lionel quickly took the phone, from which came Cassandra''s familiar voice.


    "Hello, this is Cassandra. Who''s calling?"

 Chapter 38 Behind Lionel s Back

    Chapter 38 Behind Lionel'' s Back


    In the VIP Reception Room of the Hotel


    When Cassandra and Rufus entered the reception room, they saw Lionel already sitting there. He had


    been waiting impatiently, and the anger in his eyes was obvious.


    After that call, Lionel discovered that his wife didn''t even have his phone number saved. It greatly


    wounded his pride.


    "What are you doing here?"


    Cassandra stared at Lionel, her face puzzled. Rufus and she came here for the project. Why was


    Lionel here in H City?


    A teasing smile hung on Rufus''s thin lips. He was wearing an air of nonchnce, with elusive


    expression in his dark brown eyes.


    Cassandra''s words added fuel to the fire that already zed in Lionel''s heart. Fury shed in his eyes.


    Lionel stood up from the sofa. A vicious sneer curled the corners of his mouth.


    He nced at Rufus who remained silent beside Cassandra before walking up to his wife. What he did


    next was unexpected.


    Lionel slowly reached out and pulled Cassandra in his arms, right under Rufus''s nose. Cassandra


    yelped with astonishment as she was mmed against his chest. She pushed against him furiously.


    "You are my wife. Do I need a reason toe and see you, huh?"


    Lionel whispered in her ear as he held her. His voice was low and gentle, and every word seemed to


    indicate his endless affection for her.


    Cassandra knew he had something up his sleeve. "Lionel, what are you doing? Let go of me!"


    A mild blush appeared on Cassandra''s cheeks. Embarrassed, she stole a nce at Rufus. For some


    reason, she felt guilty that he had to witness this and she tried hard to wriggle free from Lionel''s hold.


    "Come on, hon! We''ve been married for years now. You are so feisty in bed with me. I want to show off


    our for each other. Why do you feel shy in front of our brother?


    When Cassandra showed no signs of yielding, Lionel tightened his grip. Shaken and winded by his


    strength, she stopped struggling.


    ''Was this man neurotic? What was he talking about? Since when I was feisty and passionate in bed


    with him!? We''ve never even had sex before.''


    "It''s funny. If you''re such a passionate couple, why is Cassandra resisting you?"


    Rufus, the silent spectator so far, drawledzily. Feigning indifference, he narrowed his eyes at them.


    Cassandra still looked ufortable in his arms. Lionel''s deliberate provocation was ridiculous.


    His eyes zeroed in on the hands that touched Cassandra. He was unable to bear the sight of it. A


    sense of anger had been stirred up inside. ''How dare him!''


    "Oh? Tell me, Rufus. Do you always insist on being the third wheel between a husband and his wife?


    Don''t mistake yourself into believing that if you bring my wife on a business trip, you can do whatever


    you want with her!"


    Lionel said, an insinuating and ironic smile spreading over his face. A sh of disdain passed in his


    eyes as he red at Rufus.


    "Lionel, that''s enough!"


    Cassandra raised her voice, her bright eyes zing with anger. She couldn''t stand it anymore. He


    wasn''t listening to her at all.


    Lionel was being unreasonable and needlessly malicious.


    He turned his gaze to her, his expression stormy at her sudden shout. Lionel loosened his grip, his


    chilly eyes narrowing at Cassandra. The look he gave her could have turned water into ice.


    "I knew there was something between you two. Cassandra, I didn''t know you were so wanton. You are


    so lonely that you can''t get through one day without touching a man, aren''t you?"


    Lionel''s ruthless words were like a knife shing right at her. Her jaw dropped and she blinked her


    eyes in surprise.


    She had listened to him slinging mud at her many times, but it was always in private. Now, he was


    humiliating her in front of others.


    "Be careful with your words, Lionel! Who do you think you are! Don''t nder me like this in public. Your


    usations are a pack of lies!"


    Cassandra trembled with anger. She stood where she was, hands clenched into tight fists, but the


    expression on her face was calm. Her gaze was cold and a bitter smile lingered on her lips.


    Rufus stood by, his eyebrows raised, ying the role of an onlooker. Cassandra''s reaction had


    surprised him. This woman might be tiny, but she was plucky.


    "Someone told me that Rufus entered your roomst night. When he left, his clothes were disheveled.


    What was that all about? Care to exin?"


    Lionel frowned at Cassandra''s frosty behavior and decided to jump right to what he suspected.


    Retreating his footsteps, he sat back on the sofa and crossed his lean legs.


    "Since when did the Tang family begin to listen to others and believe in rumors? Or has it always been


    the case? Do you have any evidence of what you just imed? I don''t care if you smear my reputation,


    but Cassandra is your wife,"


    Rufus chuckled lightly and leaned gracefully against the wall, his eyes looking back at Lionel coldly.


    The veil of charm on his handsome face hid a deep sense of contempt.


    "Rufus, I''m warning you," Lionel said, gritting his teeth as he cocked his head to look at him. "She is my


    wife! Even if I detest her or want to dump her one day, you would never get in the picture. I will look into


    this. If you have done something behind my back, I won''t spare you, I promise."


    Rufus''s calm demeanor was in sharp contrast to Lionel''s fury, and it only frustrated thetter even


    more.


    A sense of exasperation enveloped him. Lionel refused to take his defeat lying down. Rufus, born out


    of wedlock, hade out of nowhere and taken everything that was supposed to be his. Now, he even


    wanted to covet his wife whom he scarely deigned to nce at.


    He would never let that happen!


    Thwack!


    A loud sound rang out. Time seemed to still all of a sudden, and the temperature in the room seemed


    to have dropped...


    Neither of them expected Cassandra to hit Lionel. Again.


    A stinging p resounded across his cheek. Cassandra''s fury knew no bounds. Her body started


    shaking and her face turned white as a sheet of paper.


    His insults were unbearable. She could not endure his outrageous behavior any longer.


    Cassandra stood there, arms dangling. Pins and needles surged through her fingers. She had put all


    her strength into the p.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    "Cassandra, you are dead meat!" Lionel red up.


    This woman had pped him more than once now, and this time, she actually dared to do it in front of


    Rufus! Suddenly, Lionel threw himself at Cassandra like a wild beast.


    His wrath was unmatched. It almost turned his eyes blood red, and he extended one hand as if to p


    the woman who had offended him again and again.


    Cassandra simply closed her eyes, unafraid of what Lionel would do to her.


    Rufus had been leaning against the wall and staring with his mouth agape at the scene in front of him.


    He rushed like a gust of wind to protect Cassandra. Flinging out his fist, he hit Lionel hard in the face.


    Lionel was knocked down to the floor. Blood oozed from the corners of his mouth, and the metallic


    taste of it made him want to vomit.


    Cassandra''s eyes opened as if in a trance, and they immediately widened at the sight. Her eyes flicked


    towards the man standing protectively in front of her. Her heart, that had long been frozen, began to


    thaw in the presence of his warmth.


    Luckily, she had Rufus on her side.


    Lionel was furious. He lifted himself up from the ground and raised a fist at Rufus. Rufus dodged him


    nimbly and grasped his hand, twisting it behind his back. Lionel howled in pain.


    "A gentleman must use reason rather than resort to force. You actually want to p a woman. How


    could you still call yourself a man?"


    Rufus lifted an eyebrow and bent one knee, kicking Lionel swiftly in the leg. "Ah!" Lionel lost his


    bnce and knelt in front of Cassandra. Beads of sweat were beginning to form on his forehead due to


    the sharp pain he felt.


    "Apologize!"


    Rufus scowled, his voice resonating with quiet fury. He left no room for Lionel to disobey hismand.

 Chapter 39 A Clown Being Watched

    Chapter 39 A Clown Being Watched


    It is said that a man has gold under his knees - he should never show his weakness by kneeling before


    another person. Yet here Lionel found himself kneeling to Cassandra, but of course that was because


    Rufus had made him. He copsed in a heap, rocking back and forth, trying to find a way to get up off


    the floor.


    Lionel felt absolutely humiliated. He had never kneeled to anyone in his life. The awkward gesture


    rendered Cassandra startled. She gasped as she covered her mouth with her tiny hands, her eyes


    filled with surprise.


    "Rufus, forget it. I didn''t get hurt anyway. Let him go."


    Cassandra was afraid that the spectators would make mountains out of molehills. She wanted


    everything to be copacetic, for everyone to get along. She hated drama. At her words, Lionel broke free


    from Rufus.


    But Lionel was furious and ready for a rematch. Between his impetuousness and Rufus''s machismo,


    they were poised to go at each other again. Fortunately, someone had called hotel security. Security


    guards arrived just in time to wrestle the two away from each other.


    "Rufus, this is not over! Don''t even think we are done. I''ll get you back for this someday, when you least


    expect it! And I swear it''ll hurt far worse than your weak-ass kick."


    Lionel red at Rufus like a cat gone feral, aching to sink his teeth into some blood and flesh. He


    gnashed his teeth and pointed two fingers at Rufus as he turned to leave the hotel. Rufus, for his part,


    kept it cool as Lionel bolted his way out of the door.


    Lionel caught onest look at Cassandra as he left. His foul mood had been brewing and demanded


    that he had to leave now, before his ego took anymore damage. So he looked away quickly and sped


    up his pace to get the hell out of there.


    A sudden and unexpected farce hade to an end. After Lionel left, there was a worried look on


    Cassandra''s face and her eyebrows furrowed. She bit her lips subconciously. Lionel wouldn''t give up


    easily this time. He wouldn''t stop until he ferreted out the truth. The man was on a crusade.


    If Lionel didn''t stop at this incident ¨C if he didn''t let go of Rufus during their scuffle and tracked down the


    clues ¨C sooner orter, he would find out what had happened between Cassandra and Rufus that night


    in Rome. And if that actually happened, it would be a disaster.


    "Don''t worry. I''m here with you,"


    Rufus said to Cassandra, hoping to bring her a bit offort. He could feel her anxiety and worry.


    Rufus gazed at Cassandra lovingly as he glided toward her. His gentle voice was magical, easing her


    fears.


    Cassandra raised her eyes to meet his and nodded her head.


    She didn''t know why, but she felt so secure having him around her, as always.


    She couldn''t help but long to depend on him.


    The Tang mansion zed with light in the night sky.


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    When Cassandra and Rufus arrived at the mansion together, Jill walked right up to Cassandra and


    pped her in the face.


    It happened so fast that even Rufus, who was vignt at all times, didn''t have time to react.


    Cassandra was dumbstruck as she brought her hand up to soothe her stinging cheek. But it was hard


    to stanch the flow of tears, as she didn''t understand why this had just happened.


    "What the hell! Why did you just p her for no reason? Who gave you the authority to attack someone


    out of the blue like that?"


    Rufus''s demanding, booming voice broke the silence. His face took on a menacing look, and his words


    felt threatening.


    Even Jill, who was fierce and had just made a very bold move, took a step back out of fright. But soon,


    she channeled her inner toughness, pointed her fingers at them and yelled, "I pped her for no


    reason? Really? I''m teaching my daughter-inw a lesson she should have learned by now!


    Cassandra, you are such a whore. And you''re making a fool out of my dear Lionel. You deserve it!"


    Jill, whose face was always stered with makeup, looked hideous inside and out after saying such


    nasty words. She red at Cassandra, imagining tearing her apart, limb by limb.


    Obviously, Lionel had said something to Jill when he came back. Cassandra''s worry was right. Her


    head was filled with panic again.


    "What makes you think I am a whore?"


    Cassandra said calmly, as she lifted her head to look Jill squarely in the eye. From her newly


    composed demeanor, no one would have believed Jill had just pped her moments earlier.


    "Are you still trying to lie to me, Cassandra? Lionel told me everything. He said that you and Rufus


    were having affairs. You''ve cheated on my son! No wonder you are an illegitimate child, Rufus. The fish


    rots from the head down. I couldn''t care less about your personal life, but this woman is my son''s wife!


    You crossed the line!"


    Jill grew more rude and feisty as she continued to badger Rufus and Cassandra. She even had


    insulted Rufus''s mother.


    "Don''t you dare say that again!"


    Rufus said, dropping his words slowly, one by one. It was difficult to discern his mood, but there was a


    glimmer of something frightening in his chocte eyes.


    "What? You feel like you want to take a swing at me, don''t you? I tell you what. Both of you are


    shameless and care nothing about your reputation. But that''s not the case with my son and the Tang


    family. You''d better mind your behavior!"


    Jill was startled by the furrowed, angry look on his face. But she knew that she was still in the Tang


    mansion and no matter how angry Rufus was, he dared noty a finger on her.


    A cloud of anger filled the room, making the atmosphere suffocating. But Rufus was fueled by the


    increasing discontent. Even Cassandra, who was standing next to Rufus, could feel his anger.


    His face was also lit up by the room''s energy. He took out his hands from his pocket and smiled coldly.


    Then he walked towards Jill.


    "What is it that you want to do to me? Rufus, what are you doing?"


    Jill was really frightened this time, especially with Rufus in such close proximity to her. She stepped


    back out of instinct as she looked around and asked for help.


    "You''re nuts! You''re embarrassing me!"


    In this scary and precarious moment, Horace came out of the bedroom suddenly. He grabbed Jill''s arm


    and pushed her away.


    Jill lost her bnce and fell down on the floor. Horace stared at her, warning her not to speak another


    word.


    Jill wasn''t stupid. She knew it would do nothing good if she continued this argument, especially in


    Horace''s presence.


    "Rufus, please don''t be mad at Jill. After all, she''s an elder. I sincerely apologize to you for what she


    has said," Horace begged.


    Horace''s apology made him look inferior to Rufus. He was a full head shorter than Rufus. Now, he


    didn''t look like Rufus''s father at all. Instead, he looked like a child who had identally shit his pants


    and tried to beg for his parents'' forgiveness.


    Rufus loosened his fists, but kept biting his lips. His sharp eyes softened a bit.


    "If anyone ever insults my mother again, no matter who it is, he or she will pay for it!"


    He sounded oddly indifferent yet calm. But his voice was as scary and threatening as usual. Then


    Rufus looked at Cassandra and said to Horace, "When you use someone of screwing others over,


    you need to show some evidence. Clearly, Jill has no proof. What are you going to do with her? She


    just pped Cassandra."


    Rufus was smart. He didn''t forget about Cassandra and ced the onus on Horace to deal with Jill''s


    behavior.


    Horace was embarrassed to look at Cassandra. But when he mustered the courage, he saw her with


    both hands on her face. Tears had welled up in her eyes, and Horace could see she was trying mightily


    to hold them back.


    "Cassandra, Lionel confided those things to Jill. Please don''t be mad at her. After all, she''s just


    concerned about the health of your marriage. Let me apolo¡­"


    Before Horace could finish the word, Cassandra stopped him, "Dad, I''m okay. There''s no need to


    apologize,"


    Cassandra said slowly and forced a smile. She was tired of being stared at by the onlookers to the


    fight, so she walked to the stairs. Somehow, she had be a butt of the proverbial joke.


    The secret Cassandra had been keeping to herself haunted her, torturing her constantly. She felt on the


    verge of copsing. She was having trouble catching her breath. But then, she pulled herself together


    because she hated feeling this way: trapped in a secret she absolutely had to keep.


    She wished this was all just a nightmare and eventually she would wake up happy. As she passed


    Rufus, he saw the tears in her eyes.


    His heart sank, because he could feel her sadness and loneliness. He wanted desperately to be the


    one to erase her despair.

 Chapter 40 A Dirty Story

    Chapter 40 A Dirty Story


    The night unveiled a dirty story. Lionel and Ivy were nning something.


    "I can''t believe that you actually went to H City,"


    Ivy said, feigning indifference. But as Lionel watched her reactions, a fleeting hint of jealousy and her


    shortness of breath betrayed her.


    "What about it? Are you jealous? I only went there to get a scoop on Rufus, so that I can kick him out of


    the Tang Group more easily," responded Lionel.


    The whole night, he appeared a little absent-minded. Every time he reyed the humiliating scenes of


    Rufus forcing him to kneel before Cassandra and kicking him out afterward, Lionel''s anger against his


    brother kept on boiling.


    At heart, he swore that he would have Rufus paid the price!


    "So, did you find anything?"


    Ivy''s question was tongue-in-cheek. She didn''t take Lionel''s words seriously.


    In response to her teasing, he simply sneered, turned over in bed, and snuggled closer to her.


    Wearing a sensuous shade of red lipstick, Ivy whispered into his ears, "Lionel. I''ll soon get the


    evidence."


    It was veryte. The darkness was gathering outside, just like Lionel''s moods. It was time to hit the


    sack, hoping that tomorrow would be a better day. For the fretful day it had been, Lionel had feared he


    would turn and toss for the better part of the night. But by some stroke of luck, he went out like a light


    and slept quite peacefully.


    Early in the morning as the first rays of sunlight lit the horizon, Lionel convinced himself that the bright


    day would banish his mncholy and he would lift up his head again.


    The eminentndmark of G City, the Tang Group towers, with its ssy blue finish sparkled in the


    morning light.


    In good time, Cassandra arrived at the offices and headed straight to her own department. The few


    staff members who had made it earlier weed her with congrattory messages for her feat in


    sealing the multi-million dor deal for thepany.


    "Manager Qin, that was incredible! I can''t believe you made the deal, quick and easy. Someone is


    going to get a promotion," enthused one colleague.


    "Yeah, I''ve always believed Manager Qin''s credentials. With charisma, brains and go-getting attitude,


    Manager Qin deserves the position," chipped in another.


    "We feel privileged working under you. You have a lot for us to learn. Together we will make a


    difference to outpany." added yet another.


    ¡­


    Thepliments were endless, overwhelming. By now, a small crowd had formed around her, among


    which were some unfamiliar faces. For a moment, she just stood there, not sure how to react. It began


    to feel awkward.


    Thank goodness, someone intervened. "Ladies and gentlemen, why is everyone standing here?" a


    calm female voice called out. "I suppose, it''s time for work, right?"


    That sudden interruption was timely. When Cassandra turned around she was relieved to see it was


    Ste who had came to her rescue.


    "Hi, Ste,"


    Cassandra cheerily greeted as the crowd dispersed with disappointment.


    Excited to see Ste in thepany, Cassandra walked over for a hug.


    Smiling, they headed to Cassandra''s office.


    "Ignore them, Cassandra. They''re just trying to tter you."


    Ste was above ttery. But she knew this case was a tricky one. No one in thepany had


    expected Cassandra, just new in the department, would be able to mend the case.


    "I know,"


    Cassandra said without emotion.


    "You know what? The president is going to hold a victory banquet tonight. I''ve also heard that the


    chairman woulde. I''m so proud of you, Cassandra," Steplimented sincerely.


    Thinking about the crowd she had just dismissed, she knew Cassandra would be on everyone''s lips for


    quite sometime.


    To Cassandra, mention of the victory banquet came as a surprise. Why hadn''t Rufus mentioned it to


    her? Cassandra was confused.


    "Could we go shopping for some dresses for the party after work? What do you think? Who knows, we


    might meet our Mr. Right at the bash. We need to dress up." Ste indulged herself in fantasies,


    chattering on, without giving Cassandra a chance to respond.


    "To be honest, I don''t have an idea. I''m not so good with that when ites to formal events.


    Personally, I''d wish to dress more casually."


    That was true. On any day, Cassandra would prefer a casual style. Being an experimental designer,


    she rarely dressed formal attire. Minimalist T-shirts with jeans were her favorite, but to break monotony,


    asionaldies chino pants with a nnel shirt or a cardigan sweater did her justice. Onlytely had


    she started wearing suits to work, once in a while.


    To ease the apprehension, Ste patted Cassandra on the back and assured, "It''s alright, dear. You


    have an experienced colleague to hold your hand as you learn the ropes. I''ve got your back for the


    night. There''s one particr store that I know of. They have quite a collection of dresses and I''d


    suggest we check with them after work.


    Anyway, we should get down to work now. See youter," with a broad smile, she finished and ran


    quickly to the door. ''That''s yet another oddity, '' Cassandra noted.


    When Cassandra opened her mouth to say something, Ste was already gone. ''What was the hurry,


    that she couldn''t even wait for an answer?'' as Cassandra reflected, she furrowed her eyebrows, shook


    her head and looked around the room. Everything about Ste began to feel pretty creepy.


    In the president''s office, which sat on the top floor, Rufus, dressed in a handmade ck suit, was


    standing in front of the french window. However, in spite of the stunning view outside, he cast a rather


    forlorn look. No one could tell what he was thinking.


    "Boss, I got some news,"


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    A man with a ponytail came in unannounced and reported in a husky voice.


    It was Victor, Rufus'' most trusted confidant. Their friendship hadsted for many years, through many


    business deals and personal matters. Victor came in handy both at work and off. Eventually, Victor was


    recruited to the Tang Group, where now he was working as Rufus'' personal assistant.


    "Go ahead,"


    talking with his back facing Victor, Rufus said with his face still despondent.


    "You''re right. Someone wants to get Miss Qin into trouble,"


    Victor dered staidly, almost like a robot that was devoid of emotion, filling in a very mechanical


    report.


    "Okay, I got it."


    Rufus replied, smiling. Confident, he already got a n. He ran his long fingers around the ss


    window in a rhythmic way.


    "So what about tonight''s victory banquet?"


    Victor asked seeking for Rufus''s instruction.


    "It will be held ording to schedule. Why don''t we make it a present for Lionel and Ivy?" he added.


    Then, Rufus turned around and burst into a wickedughter.


    As the saying goes, courtesy requires a return of visits received. Rufus liked to treat others the way


    they treated him. Since Lionel and Ivy wanted to y games, he would love to give them a taste of their


    own medicine.


    In a high-end fashion studio


    Ste urged, "This is it. Cassandra, you have a good shape. This dress will look perfect on you."


    When Cassandra hesitated, Ste picked up a long strapless white dress and asked her to try it on.


    But Cassandra frowned. It was a low cut dress that would expose a little too much cleavage. That was


    not Cassandra''s sense of fashion, not to mention her marital status. Even with the problems she had


    been through, she still leaned somewhat on the conservative side. Besides, Horace and Jill would be at


    the banquet too. It would be more appropriate to carry herself with decorum.


    "Why are you hesitant, Cassandra? Go to the dressing room and try it on. We haven''t done our hair


    yet. You''d better hurry up."


    Seeing how much Cassandra was reluctant, she handed her the dress and nudged her anxiously.


    At longst, Cassandra was literally pushed into the dressing room. Feeling embarrassed, she yed


    along, to avoid unnecessary drama.


    A few minutester, she emerged from the dressing room. The floor-length gown looked stunning on


    her.


    She was perfect,bining the dress, her minimalist make-up, and her shoulder-length hair. She could


    easily steal the show tonight.


    "Is it bad?"


    she asked when she realized all eyes around were fixed on her.


    The question brought Ste back to attention. Blinking, she came over and put a hairpin on Cassandra.


    "You know what, Cassandra? You''re gonna rock tonight, girl," she praised.


    Then holding hands, she led Cassandra to the full-length mirror.


    Perfectly, the dress entuated Cassandra''s curvy shape.


    "Well¡­I''m not sure. Don''t you think it''s a little...sexy?" she asked softly.


    Through all thepliments, Cassandra still felt worried. What if she dressed like this and saw Rufus


    on the banquet...


    Wait, what? What was she doing? Why was she thinking about Rufus?

 Chapter 41 Bring A Mistress To The Party

    Chapter 41 Bring A Mistress To The Party


    The party was held at a five-star hotel in G City. It was no ordinary party. This one was the biggest


    celebration ever hosted by the hotel. Everyone present was either enjoying the free-flowing wine or


    busy having small chit-chats. The atmosphere in the hall was starting to get overwhelming. The night


    was still young, but the hall was already crowded with guests who were enjoying the soft music in the


    background. Dressed in designer clothes, everyone was unting themselves to meet new


    acquaintances.


    The party was a celebration of the sess of a recent project which had made a huge profit for the


    Tang Group. The big win was the reason behind the smiles of almost everyone attending the party.


    Instrumental piano music echoed in the big hall as Rufus entered the hall. Looking great in his jet-ck


    tailored suit, he had all the reason to be happy. He was the one in charge of the project and yed a


    crucial role in gaining that huge profit.


    His dramatic entrance made every head turn towards his direction. He always fancied the color ck,


    for him it was elegant and mysterious at the same time. Wearing one this evening made him look


    bolder and superior. There was a serious look on his well-sculptured face that made every woman in


    the room swoon at his sight.


    Since he became the CEO of the Tang Group, one could say that he became famous overnight. There


    was no doubt that the handsome and mysterious CEO had turned out to be the newest, sought-after,


    bachelor in G City.


    "Mr. Luo is really an excellent CEO. You must be proud as his father, Mr. Tang,"


    One of the shareholders of the Tang Group said to Horace, congratting him for having such a


    remarkable son.


    Everybody knew that Rufus was Horace''s son out of wedlock. But no one dared to point it out. As


    shareholders, they were all wise enough to keep their mouths shut. Obviously, Horace wouldn''t be d


    if they would call Rufus a bastard.


    "Rufus is still very young and has a lot to learn from you guys,"


    Horace replied, but he just couldn''t hide his proud smile hearing the shareholder''s words. He was


    aware of howpetent his son was, and extremely proud that Rufus made the cooperation n


    worked. It was indeed a very smart idea to make him the CEO.


    After exchanging a few more words with the shareholders, Horace looked around the hall. He seemed


    to be looking for someone. His eyes shone with excitement as soon as he spotted Rufus, who was


    sitting by the bar, drinking. He excused himself from the shareholders and made his way to his son.


    "There you are, Rufus, my son! What a sessful cooperation n. Thanks to you and Cassandra,"


    Horace acimed when he stood beside his son, giving him a gentle pat on the back. In fact, he rarely


    had a chance to be alone with Rufus. He had two sses of wine in his hands, and gestured for Rufus


    to take one.


    Hearing his voice, Rufus raised his head and took the ss from Horace''s hand and politely took a sip.


    "It''s a good decision not to give the task to Lionel. He couldn''t have achieved it well as you did. I am


    really proud of you, Rufus."


    In the binge of being drunk, Horace was more talkative than usual. He had patted Rufus'' on the back


    for several times now and the smile on his face could never seem to cease.


    Rufus was just silent all this time. In fact, he didn''t have anything to say to his father. He was still


    holding a grudge against him. Especially after his mother''s death, he felt nothing for his so-called father


    except hatred.


    "Where is Cassandra? I haven''t seen her around yet. She''s supposed to be here by now."


    Horace emptied the ss in his hand and ced it on the table to look around in search of Cassandra -


    - the other secret weapon for the sess of the business venture. Tonight''s party was held to thank


    her as well, but she was not around the hall yet.


    Hearing Horace mentioning Cassandra''s name, Rufus slightly raised his eyebrows. He turned his gaze


    on his wrist to check the time on his watch. There were only five minutes left before the party would


    start. Why wasn''t she here yet? Did something happen to her? Rufus couldn''t help but feel worried


    about Cassandra.


    "Don''t worry, Rufus. Lionel wasn''t here too. Maybe they''ll be here together. They are a couple after all,"


    Horace said as he saw the worried expression on Rufus'' face. He said those words in an intention to


    also give him a reminder. Honestly, he really wanted to talk to Rufus about his rtionship with


    Cassandra. Rumors about them were spreadingtely in thepany. Obviously, there was something


    unspeakable between them.


    Most people in thepany had no idea that Cassandra was Lionel''s wife. That was the reason why


    the rumors incited, which was not good for both Rufus'' and Cassandra''s reputations. Besides, Lionel


    took the rumors personally and was really unhappy about it. That was given, after all, no man in his


    right mind would want to be cheated on by his own wife under his nose.


    "Rufus, listen to me, son. There''s something I want to talk to you about. You and Cassandra, the two of


    you..."


    Horace''s words trailed off because he didn''t know how to express his thoughts. He just didn''t know how


    to tell Rufus to keep his distance away from his sister-inw without making it sound awkward. But


    before he could finish his words, Rufus stood up from his seat carelessly, not minding the chair that


    was toppled over as he stood. He red at his father with his deep and dangerous eyes.


    "Cut it out. You have no right to interfere with my life!"


    His voice was full of sarcasm. The cold re and indifferent tone made it clear that he didn''t like


    Horace''s words. Hearing his words and judging his response, Horace''s face suddenly changed. He


    was held speechless as Rufus turned around and disappeared in the crowd.


    Realizing his own son''s disrespect towards him, Horace couldn''t help furrowing his eyebrows. The


    nk expression in his eyes grew more unfathomable. Unconsciously he tightened his grip of the wine


    ss.


    ''It seems that... Rufus will never forgive me, '' he med himself.


    "Could you please drive faster? When will this traffic jam end? We are going to bete!"


    Ste and Cassandra were both sitting in the backseat of the taxi, waiting for the car to move. Seeing


    the unmoving cars ahead of them, Ste began to feel desperate. They were seriously going to bete


    now.


    It was evening rush hour, and unfortunately, they got stuck in the terrible traffic. Tonight was just not


    their lucky night. The celebration party would be starting in a while, and they were still stuck on the way.


    Ste was extremely anxious because she didn''t want them to bete and miss the party.


    "Look,dies. I want to get you two to the ce as much as you do, but I just can''t move! There''s


    nothing I can do. The traffic is really terrible,"


    The driver eyed them through the rear view mirror and exined in a helpless tone.


    The night slowly darkened, and the street lights were on. Looking through the steady lights by the


    window, Cassandra was calm and quiet. She was not in a hurry to be at the party. She rolled down the


    window to feel the chilling wind of beautiful evening softly touching her face. With her eyes closed, a


    content smile was drawn on her face.


    She was startled, however, when her phone rang. Seeing the name of the caller, a flicker of both panic


    and happiness shed through her eyes. Her face turned red.


    She secretly nced at Ste before epting the call.


    It was Rufus.


    "Where are you now? Why are you not at the party yet?"


    The voice of the man on the other side of the line was low and familiar. It was soforting that


    Cassandra felt secured hearing his voice.


    "I am stuck in the traffic jam,"


    Cassandra replied in a helpless tone, looking at the cars ahead that hadn''t moved an inch.


    "Traffic jam? Where are you now?"


    Rufus asked in despair after hearing her response. He wasn''t expecting that traffic was her reason for


    beingte.


    "I am on 8th avenue right now. We arepletely stuck and I have no idea when the traffic will start


    moving,"


    Cassandra said, smoothing up her cute lips. She was already in a good mood, and Rufus'' call made


    her feel even more ted. Being stuck in the traffic jam was not a big deal for her anymore.


    "All right, I see,"


    Rufus replied in a gentle tone, then he hung up the call. His words sounded like he was nning


    something.


    After the call, there was a blush on Cassandra''s face. She didn''t know that a phone call from Rufus


    could make her feel a mix of pleasing emotions. Her spirits were uplifted immediately. She put down


    her phone and leaned her headfortably on the back of the seat. She was lost in her own world,


    and totally immersed in her fantasies. Her eyes betrayed her mirth.


    "Was it a call from your boyfriend? Why are you so happy?"


    Ste''s sudden question startled her, pulling her out of the trance. She had forgotten she was not alone


    in the car. Straightening to hide her awkward reaction, she nced at Ste with a wry smile saying,


    "No! Of course not."


    Cassandra was quick to deny. She didn''t want Ste to know that the call was from Rufus. But clearly,


    her denial was weak. Ste didn''t even believe her and persisted on asking her who the caller was. Of


    course, Cassandra wouldn''t tell her anything. She kept her mouth shut and didn''t say a word. Then,


    Ste started tickling and teasing her, trying to make her tell the truth.


    Soon the two of them were giggling andughing inside the taxi, forgetting about the traffic jam.


    Meanwhile, at the celebration party, Rufus asked Victor to go and pick up Cassandra, who was stuck


    on the way, from the 8th avenue after hanging up the call. Hearing his words, Victor widened his eyes


    in shock, giving Rufus a surprised look. But he quickly nodded to signify that he was going.


    As far as Victor concerned, he was Rufus'' personal assistant - he only did things for Rufus and Rufus


    only, no one else. Picking up a woman stuck in the traffic jam had never happened during his working


    years with Rufus. Never in a million years would he imagine that one day, his boss would ask him to do


    something for a woman he only knew for a short time.


    Not long after Victor took off, Lionel finally showed up in his magnanimous royal blue suit. Of course,


    he would be present at the party and wouldn''t miss it for the world. Besides the party was hosted by the


    Tang Group, there would be no reason for him to skip it.


    His presence didn''t add up to the excitement of the night, because everyone was expecting him to be


    there. Entering the hall, everyone''s head turned towards his direction. What made everyone gasp in


    surprise was the woman he brought with him and the way he held her by the waist.


    Thedy was none other than his girlfriend, Ivy.


    She walked in wrapped in Lionel''s arms. Her long red dress unting her sexy curves was a feast for


    eyes of men. There was an enticing smile on her pretty face as she walked with confidence, iming


    as Lionel''s significant other.


    Horace''s face hardened after seeing his son walking in with a mistress. He felt so humiliated. It was a


    celebration party, and Lionel was supposed to be with his wife. Instead, he came to show off his


    mistress.


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    ''How could he be so rude and insensitive? He is a married man for God''s sake!'' Horace cursed under


    his breath. Everyone knew that he was married but only a few knew who his wife was.


    Those in the Tang Group who knew that Cassandra was Lionel''s wife stood still in surprise. All eyes


    were on him and his mistress. It was clear that they were looking forward to seeing more drama as the


    nightmenced. The celebration party was getting more and more exciting.


    At the far end of the hall, Rufus, who also saw Lionel and Ivy, narrowed his dark brown eyes. The


    corners of his thin lips lifted into a mocking smirk. A brilliant idea shed through his mind, making his


    mysterious face look even more dangerous.


    "Huh!" he snarled.

 Chapter 42 Amazing Beauty

    Chapter 42 Amazing Beauty


    "Lionel, where''s that pretty wife of yours?"


    asked Ivy. Holding onto Lionel''s arm, she searched for herpetitor in the busy crowd. She was


    smiling proudly at him, with her lips slightly parted and her face as enchanting as always.


    She hoped that she could finally meet Cassandra for the first time - thest time in Lionel''s office didn''t


    count. All she knew about Cassandra was from the photograph, plus what Lionel had told her. She


    wasn''t worried, however. No one can be a threat to a woman like Ivy.


    "Is everything ready?" Lionel asked, shaking off her smile with a serious look.


    The name Cassandra ignited his anger as always. He couldn''t forget how that woman had insulted him


    by pping him and stepping on his pride. Tonight was his revenge. He was bringing Ivy to the


    celebration banquet, knowing that it would humiliate Cassandra.


    "Lionel, have I ever let you down?" the woman assured him. "I am very close with the owner of the


    hotel. Trust me, everything will go to n."


    Ivy''s alluring tone and eyes hypnotized Lionel, subduing his anger. He was delighted to hear her


    assurance, and in a sudden rush of jubtion, kissed her right then in front of everyone.


    The other members of the Tang family stiffened in surprise and displeasure. It was such an immoral act


    from a married man, as if he didn''t care at all about disgracing his family. Horace''s face creased with


    anger, and he stepped toward his son.


    "Horace, just leave him be. It is too elegant an asion for us to quarrel in public. He''s still young and


    it''s natural for young man to fall for many women."


    Jill stepped out in front of her husband to pacify his anger. Lionel was her precious son, and she had


    always wanted him to have anything his heart desired. This time was no different.


    "I can''t believe he brought his mistress here, to such a formal asion! How am I supposed to exin


    this to the rest of the family? And what about Cassandra? She will lose face!"


    Horace disdained his wife''s constant coddling of their son. Because of her, Lionel was weak,


    ipetent, and spoiled. Horace''s eyes burned with fury at the fact that his son had failed to meet


    expectations yet again.


    Jill tried again to calm him, "So what, Horace? You can yell at him now, but do you really want to make


    a scene here for others to see? Will you expose our family to ridicule? In any case, nobody else knows


    that Cassandra is Lionel''s wife. We can settle this better at hometer."


    Jill couldn''t care less about how Cassandra would feel. She had disliked her daughter-inw since the


    moment Cassandra had married to her son. As time psed, this dislike had only grown - Lionel had


    told his mother about all the not-so-secret flirtations between Cassandra and Rufus. In fact, Jill wouldn''t


    mind seeing Cassandra get a taste of her own medicine - to see Lionel unting his mistress. She


    wanted to see where this would lead.


    Despite her cruel intentions, her words did make some sense. Horace took a deep breath and sighed in


    frustration. They could not make a scene out here. Losing face for Horace or Lionel meant losing face


    for the entire Tang group.


    ***


    "Are you Mr. Luo''s secret guard? I know his assistant, Leo...You know, I even feel like I''ve seen you


    before...and now you''re the person that Mr. Luo assigned to pick us up! That is very kind of you, to offer


    your service like that. If not for your help, Cassandra and I would certainly bete,"


    Ste chattered to Victor as they approached the lift to the banquet room. She seemed in high spirits,


    looking around her and at Victor.


    Victor, however, held a poker face throughout, hiding any emotion. With some embarrassment,


    Cassandra poked at the chatty Ste, hinting at her to quiet down.


    Ignoring the obvious cue, Ste continued, "Why are both of you so quiet? We are so honored to have


    Mr. Luo''s guard to lead us the way to the event. Cassandra, don''t you feel excited? I think this is so


    exciting!"


    Ste''s excitement was running over. Victor, wary of being close to such a wildly exhrated person,


    took a step back.


    This was the first time he had seen a woman so chattering.


    Before Ste could find anything else to be excited about, the lift stopped. They reached the level


    where the banquet room was.


    Victor led the way to the room, with the women following side by side.


    Everyone was watching as the door of the huge room opened to wee another guest. Through this


    door stepped a vision of white, and it took them a second to recognize who it was. Cassandra


    appeared in a stunning white gown that clung to her curves and widened out below the knee. As she


    turned her head to look around, her morously styled hair fell across her exposed back and shoulders


    in waves.


    She radiated youthfulness and elegance, like a mermaid stepping ontond for the first time. She had


    used makeup to entuate her eyes, and as she nced around the room everyone could see her


    expression sparkle.


    Cassandra drew stares and nces as she glided through the crowd, smiling and greeting everyone in


    turn. She seemed somehow taller and prouder, despite her small stature.


    Cassandra noticed that there were a number of eyes on her.


    She nervously tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, and then decided that she would not let the


    attention bother her. The melody of the piano filled the room, mingling with the buzz of the crowd.


    "Oh Cassandra, everyone is looking at us! You must be the most radiant person in this room!"


    Ste half-whispered, giggling, into her friend''s ear.


    Cassandraughed along with her, winking slyly. She swept her gaze across the crowd, in search of


    one particr person.


    It didn''t take her long to spot who she was looking for - Rufus.


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Just as she found him, their eyes locked together. He was standing still on the other side of the room,


    with a dark red drink in his hand. She thought she saw his eyes widen for a second, and a slight blush


    rise to his cheeks. But she must have imagined it. Rufus was never ruffled.


    He looked at the vision across from him. His breath had caught in his throat - he didn''t know what to


    do. No words could be used to describe her beauty; nothing he said would be worthy of her attention.


    He felt a warmth rush through his blood. He was intoxicated by the sight of her. He wanted more.


    Seeing her out of her sensible work clothes, and robed in so much grace, Rufus felt a passion ignite


    within his blood.


    She was as calm andposed as ever, and she must have no idea of the effect she had on him. All


    Rufus could think about at the moment was taking her into his arms, pressing her body tightly to his. He


    wanted to stake his im on her, and show the world that she was his.


    He felt a prick of annoyance at having to share her beauty with the rest of the fools in this room.


    And so they stood, locked into a stalemate, unable to break their mutual gaze away.


    Eventually Cassandra realized what she was doing, and a blush blossomed across her face. Luckily a


    pair of her work colleagues came to her and struck up a conversation. Only then was the spell broken


    and she was able to look away.


    "It seems that I''ve married a very pretty woman,"


    Lionel murmured to himself. Even he, who would normally never touch Cassandra, was in awe of her.


    Unconsciously, he started walking towards his wife. Ivy saw the look on his face and grabbed his arm,


    holding him back.


    This was not how Ivy had expected the night to go. She had thought it would be easy to humiliate


    Cassandra. The tiny woman was enchanting, and all eyes - including Lionel''s - were on her. Ivy felt the


    envy bubble up within her. Not letting go of his hand, Ivy tilted her head to the side, batted her


    eyshes, and intoned mockingly, "So you''re going to her now huh? You just can''t wait to tell everyone


    she''s your wife, can you?"


    Lionel could sense the jealously emanating from her, but he realized the truth in her words. It would not


    be wise to approach Cassandra right now.


    Ivy was right.


    "If you want to go, then let''s go together,"


    the envious woman suggested, as if she could read Lionel''s thoughts.


    He considered it for a second, and then agreed. The thought of how they would punish Cassandrater


    brought a smile to his face.


    "Honey, you know me so well. How can I not love someone as smart and cunning as you?"


    Lionel leaned in close to her and whispered in her ear. Assuming that he was mocking her, she just


    scoffed and strode toward Cassandra with him.


    Past experience had taught her not to expect any better from men. She knew it would be pointless to


    try and stop him being attracted to other women.


    If Lionel wanted to get close to Cassandra, then she would let him do it.


    On the other side of the room, Cassandra was trying to stay focused on the conversation with her


    colleagues, but her attention kept wandering off. She found herself ncing away from time to time,


    trying to spot the one man that was always on her mind.


    At some point she turned her head again to look, and a man was standing in front of her. It was Lionel,


    with his mistress, Ivy, standing behind him.


    "Manager Qin, I havee to congratte you on the excellent job that you have done on the recent


    case. What would Tang Group do without you?"


    Cassandra bristled at Lionel''s insincere tone and smile, and even more at the woman staring at her


    smugly from over his shoulder.


    Ivy looked her rival up and down, and was surprised at the other woman''sck of envy at the sight of


    her presence as the mistress. Either Cassandra truly felt nothing for Lionel, or her power of deception


    was to rival even Ivy''s own.


    Either way, Ivy suspected that there was more to the tiny woman than met the eye.


    "Thank you, Mr. Tang."


    Cassandra matched her husband''s false politeness.


    "Come, a toast to Manager Qin!"


    Lionel lifted his ss, indicating for Cassandra to drink. His eyes sparkled with malice.


    Cassandra''s smile froze. She knew that she had an unnatural intolerance to alcohol, and would be


    tipsy after a few sips. Last time she drank was the night in Rome, and it didn''t take much to get her


    completely drunk.


    There was no way she was letting that happen again, not here, not now.


    "Thank you."


    She smiled. She raised the ss to her mouth, careful not to let any of the wine actually touch her lips.


    But this didn''t shake off Lionel, as she had hoped that it would.


    Ivy, meanwhile, was growing indignant at Cassandra''sck on interest in her. The other woman had


    barely given her a nce, treating her as no more than a puff of smoke.


    Ivy''s pride could not allow her to be ignored like this, and she tightened her grip on Lionel''s hand.


    "Manager Qin, this is quite unfair. I have finished my ss, yet you have barely touched yours. Am I


    not good enough to have a drink with you?"


    Lionel tried to provoke her. He was increasingly frustrated, not only at the fact that she wouldn''t drink,


    but also at how unbothered she seemed by seeing her husband unting his mistress so publicly.


    He once again thought of the rtionshio between Cassandra and Rufus. His suspicions were driving


    him crazy.


    "I''m sorry, Mr. Tang. I don''t drink,"


    Cassandra refused firmly. She was determined not to give in to Lionel''s pressuring.


    Lionel''s face soon turned bleak. Before he could say another word to intimidate her, he was cut off by a


    familiar voice, "I''m her boss. If Manager Qin cannot drink, then I shall drink for her stead."


    Rufus slipped in softly from out of nowhere. He took the ss from Cassandra''s hand and - to the


    surprise of everyone around him - emptied it with a swig.

 Chapter 43 Obscene Video

    Chapter 43 Obscene Video


    The air suddenly seemed to freeze, and Lionel''s face had turned grim. After Rufus finished his wine, he


    glimpsed at the couple in front of them casually, before turning to give Cassandra a reassuring grin.


    Cassandra was touched. Warmth began to rise in her heart. As she gazed at the man who stood


    beside her, her eyes couldn''t help but turn watery.


    No one had ever protected her like Rufus. No matter how desperate the situation was, the man


    seemed to materialize out of nowhere to defend her. She felt so safe around him.


    "Mr. Luo, it looks like you care a lot about your subordinates. How magnanimous of you,"


    Ivy spoke ironically, breaking the awkward silence among them, while casting a meaningful nce at


    both Cassandra and Rufus.


    "Rufus, you''ve gone too far!"


    Lionel said out loud, unable to keep calm any longer. This man had, once again, shown too much


    concern for his wife. Not once, not twice, but many times now. Though who else could he me,


    except for himself? It was he who had always pushed his own wife away.


    "Well... She already stated that she couldn''t drink. Why was it so important for you to press her into


    submission, just because you''re her superior?"


    Rufus questioned, his voice dripping with contempt. To him, Lionel''s actions were simply childish and


    naive. He already brought his lover along to publicly humiliate Cassandra. Now, he was even trying to


    get her drunk. It pissed Rufus offpletely.


    The words rendered Lionel speechless. How could he argue with that? He fumed silently, unable to get


    another word out. All he could do was to re at his wife fiercely.


    When he found nothing to say, Ivy pounced on the opportunity. "Mr. Luo, do you have some sort of


    affection for Manager Qin? Is that why you are protecting her? I wouldn''t find it surprising. Manager Qin


    is young and beautiful. It''s quite natural for you to fall for her, isn''t it?"


    Ivy thought she was being clever, but she was only adding fuel to the fire. Lionel''s entire body became


    tense at her words. He wondered how Rufus would respond to what she said.


    ''Perhaps, '' he thought, ''keeping my marriage to Cassandra a secret from the Tang Group employees


    has been a mistake.'' He opened his mouth and was about to say something when Cassandra beat him


    to it. She had been silent for some time, but now she nced at Ivy disdainfully and jeered, "Would you


    mind reminding me of who you are?"


    Cassandra smiled at her disparagingly. The arrogant woman had been provoking her and Rufus


    throughout this encounter. At first, Cassandra didn''t care to take notice, but now she was increasingly


    getting annoyed.


    Ivy was stunned. She didn''t think Cassandra would ostracize her so publicly, and she red back at


    her in disbelief.


    "This is a celebration banquet for Tang Group. How did someone irrvant like you get in here? Or are


    you here as Mr. Tang''s arm candy?"


    Cassandra continued derisively. She crossed her arms across her chest as the cold grin on her face


    widened. She was Lionel''s wife. Ivy, nevertheless, was only his mistress! How could a mistress who


    held no status in the Tang family insult her like this?


    Ivy was caught by surprise. Never had she imagined that Cassandra could be so severe and


    straightforward. The very next moment, her arrogance was gone, to be reced with pity and grief.


    Hugging Lionel''s arm, she said, whining, "Lionel, I was just speaking the truth. How could Manager Qin


    insult me like this?"


    Lionel, on the other hand, was surprisingly not mad at Cassandra''s rebuke. In fact, he was delighted.


    His disturbing thoughts were forgotten. He stared at his wife, tilting his head to the side. It was the first


    time he had seen Cassandra being so harsh to someone. Thrilled, he assumed that she was jealous.


    A surge of inexplicable joy rushed into his heart at the thought.


    "The banquet has begun. I have some things to take care of. Sorry, but I have to leave."


    Cassandra quickly excused herself, utterly disgusted at the woman who painted herself as a victim.


    She couldn''t stand to be in her presence for another second. She turned around and left without


    waiting for a response.


    Rufus glowered at the pair silently before turning to follow Cassandra.


    "Cassandra! Are you upset?"


    he asked. His voice was low and sensual, but it wasn''t enough to make Cassandra, who was still


    furious, turn around.


    "Do you think I was jealous because that woman was cling to Lionel? Or because he brought her with


    him?" she said scornfully.


    Cassandra paused for a second before resume walking. She impressed him. He was now convinced


    that she was not a weak woman by any means. Nothing and no one could bring her to her knees.


    "I just didn''t like what she said. It had nothing to do with Lionel."


    Her previous response had failed to garner a reaction from Rufus, so she turned around and further


    exined herself.


    For an instant, a brilliant light shed across his fathomless dark eyes. His lips were curved seductively


    as he gazed at the beauty in front of him with quiet intent.


    "What? Why aren''t you saying anything?"


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    the woman asked, perplexed. His strange, hot gaze made her flush all over. She couldn''t understand


    why she felt the need to rify her stance to him. Was it because she didn''t want him to misunderstand


    her lousy rtionship with Lionel? He was just her husband in name. ''But what does that have to do


    with Rufus?'' Cassandra scolded herself mentally.


    "You look gorgeous tonight," he finally said.


    Confused about where thatpliment came from, she blinked her eyes ingenuously. It enticed Rufus


    even more. Unable to resist his impulse, he unknowingly extended one hand. Just as he was about to


    touch her, he withdrew self-consciously and made a low sound from the back of his throat, "Hmm." It


    was as if he had caught himself in time and was utterly lost for words.


    Cassandra blushed instantly. Their eyes were met, burning passionately. The moment was abruptly


    interrupted by the host, whose voice reverberated through the microphone, "Next, let us all watch a


    video together. This is the proposal Tang Group pitched for our new client''s coboration. It has been


    put together by Manager Qin. Let us give her a big round of apuse!"


    As soon as he finished his speech, a sh of light was thrown on Cassandra. She was suddenly the


    focus of attention. Not used to the scrutiny, her body quivered a bit. Rufus sensed her anxiety and gave


    her a reassuring smile, infusing her with much-neededposure. Slowly, she calmed down.


    She bowed to the guests in courtesy. The crowd pped loudly and the screen lit up.


    Meanwhile, Ivy, who sat on the front seat, leaned towards Lionel. Her seductive lips curled up in glee


    and she whispered in his ear in a yful tone, "Hon, the show has begun."


    He raised his eyebrows at her and gazed at the huge screen on stage. Perhaps today, he hoped, he


    would finally defeat his adversary, Rufus, and his annoying wife, Cassandra. He could already envision


    his imminent triumph.


    The apuse began to fade as the audience fixed their eyes on the screen. The first few minutes of the


    video detailed general information on Tang Group. When the office building of Tang Group was shown,


    the screen suddenly turned pitch ck before jumping to another picture.


    Puzzled, the attendees exchanged curious nces, hoping that someone would offer an exnation.


    The crowd was unsettled and the whispers grew.


    The picture on the screen resurfaced and stunned everybody in the room. It was obviously a scene


    from a hotel room, with a huge canopied bed covered in rose red sheets.


    A man and a woman were on the bed, their faces reconstructed into digital mosaics that rendered them


    beyond recognition. The obscene sounds they made echoed in the entire hall.


    Their faces had been concealed on purpose. However, the voices of the pair sounded familiar.


    Cassandra''s pupil contracted and her mouth opened wide with astonishment. She was stunned.


    Blinking her eyes repeatedly, she twisted her head to look at Rufus, who had an indifferent look on his


    face.


    Their eyes met again and she read on his face that what she suspected was true. Suddenly, she felt


    like she was frozen all over and unable to move. Rufus had shown her the video before. The two


    protagonists in this scandalous video were none other than Lionel and Ivy¡­

 Chapter 44 Going Back Home With You

    Chapter 44 Going Back Home With You


    Obscene moans could be heard continually from the video on the screen. Some of the employees


    blushed with embarrassment and the whispers in the crowd grew heated, resulting in an increased


    commotion.


    When the words ''Lionel Tang'' showed up on the screen, each one of them turned to look at Lionel, who


    was sitting in the front of the room.


    Lionel had turned pale the moment he saw the video. Now, seeing his name on it, he jumped out of his


    chair. Rushing to the stage, he plucked the remote out of the hands of the stunned emcee.


    Pointing it at the screen, he turned off the video and furiously looked around.


    "Who is responsible for this prank? And what are you people looking at? Close your eyes, goddammit,


    all of you!"


    Lionel''s eyes shed with rage like mes of fire. Ivy''s face had gone white. She waspletely


    dumbfounded at what just happened. How did the video get switched to this?


    She had arranged the video in the ylist, the one of Rufus and Cassandra entering and leaving the


    hotel room in H City. How did it get swapped for the footage of her and Lionel in bed?


    The erotic video spoiled the celebration banquet. Everyone had been having a great time until now, an


    awkward tension lingered in the air. Horace was trembling. He wanted to go up on the stage and p


    his disappointing son.


    "What a shame! How disgraceful!"


    Jill put an arm around Horace and patted him on the chest in constion. She was red with


    embarrassment too.


    People were whispering once again. Cassandra blinked and looked around, not sure what to do next.


    She gulped hard, feeling like she had lost the ability to speak.


    "Did you do that?"


    she somehow asked Rufus, who stood next to her. His face had been expressionless ever since the


    video began. He didn''t let out so much as a gasp. Unlike others, he wasn''t shocked or scandalized.


    He was always calm in the face of all kinds of situations, no matter how startling they were. But why


    today? Why did he decide to y the video in front of all employees in the Tang Group at the victory


    banquet? It was quite a real blow to Lionel.


    "I''m just reciprocating an act of kindness."


    Rufus sneered, not answering her directly. The curl of his lips sent a chill down her spine.


    His words dripped with insinuation and it puzzled Cassandra. What was he ying at? The very air


    around him was daunting.


    "Isn''t¡­this a bit too much?"


    After a long pause, Cassandra mustered up her courage and asked him the question, wringing her


    hands.


    "Is it, though? You think I crossed a line?"


    Rufus asked her pointedly without looking at her. His voice was cold and indifferent.


    He sighed internally. Cassandra didn''t know about Lionel and Ivy''s n. If he hadn''t changed the video


    himself, she would have been the one humiliated in this scenario.


    "It''s just¡­tonight was meant for celebration. I don''t think it was appropriate to y that video,"


    Cassandra said lightly, attempting to exin her point of view. She had sensed the displeasure in his


    words.


    "Cassandra, the truth is much crueler than you think."


    Rufus smiled mirthlessly and left her side without another word. He strode toward the stage, meaning


    to clean up the mess he had created.


    Cassandra looked at his receding figure until it gradually escaped her view. She blinked in confusion,


    not understanding what he had meant to say.


    She always knew that Rufus was not a simple man, but he seemed to be an enigma. She had no idea


    about the secrets he hid deep inside his heart.


    Back at the Tang mansion, a terrible silence pervaded the living room.


    "Tell me. What the hell was that video? I always turned a blind eye to your flings with those women as


    long as you didn''t do anything unforgivable. Now, the entirepany knows about your affairs! You''ve


    embarrassed our family!"


    Horace sat in the middle of the room and red at Lionel. His face was dreadfully grim. His son had


    failed him utterly.


    However, Lionel turned a deaf ear to Horace. His eyes were fastened on Rufus, who sat next to Horace


    impassively, dismissive of the scene he was witnessing.


    "Rufus, you''ve impressed me. You got what you want. You''ve sessfully caused me to lose face. Are


    you satisfied now? Did you really think you could kick me out of thepany, out of my family?"


    Lionel med Rufus entirely for what had happened. If it wasn''t for his half-brother, he wouldn''t have


    been so humiliated tonight.


    At Lionel''s words, Horace tried topose himself. He coughed a little and looked at Rufus,


    embarrassed.


    Horace wasn''t a fool. The ylist had been set for the banquet. Few people could tamper with it. Rufus


    was mature and rational. Horace refused to believe that he would do such a thing to disgrace his


    family, especially during such an important event.


    But who would be capable of doing this, except for Rufus?


    "Rufus, you must have spent a lot of effort for tonight''s banquet. You and Lionel are biological brothers.


    If you two have problems, it''s better you talk them out openly, instead of going behind each other''s


    backs. I don''t want to see you both..."


    Rufus interrupted him before he could finish. Crossing his legszily, he cast Lionel a frosty nce and


    said in a low voice, "You suspect me. And where''s the evidence? Everyone could see that Lionel


    brought his mistress to thepany party tonight, despite the fact that his wife was at the banquet too.


    If he can do such a thing, what other shameless things is he capable of? What are you trying to


    achieve by ying the martyr, Lionel? Huh?"


    Rufus''s face was expressionless. His words were emphatic, and they hit Lionel like stones being hurled


    at him.


    Comprehension dawned on Horace''s face. ording to Rufus, Lionel meant to humiliate Cassandra


    by broadcasting the video to the public, so that he could reveal that the woman he had brought along to


    the banquet tonight was his mistress.


    "Screw you, Rufus. This isn''t over! I still remember that you kicked me in the hotel that day. Sooner or


    later, you will pay for what you have done, and I''ll be there to collect my revenge."


    Lionel was pissed off. He no longer wanted to continue arguing about the video.


    He went for wool and came home shorn. He had failed this time. Afraid that his family would find out


    about his and Ivy''s n if he continued to argue, he dropped the subject and


    turned around to leave the mansion. His visible fury caused the servants to scatter like roaches. No


    one dared toe in his way.


    Watching Lionel leave, Horace heaved a long sigh.


    The same time, Cassandra walked downstairs in worry, having heard the argument. She had just


    finished showering and was dressed in cotton pajamas, holding an empty ss in her hand.


    "Dad, are you okay?"


    Her concern was genuine. She could feel the tension in the air and wanted tofort Horace.


    After all, it was not right for Horace to get involved in the problems between the two brothers. He


    seemed to have aged tonight, as if the episode at the banquet had taken a toll on him.


    Rufus cast Cassandra a look, still peeved about the displeasure she had expressed about the leaked


    video.


    "Cassandra, Lionel¡­we''re sorry. You did a lot to help us with the project. What do you want as a prize?


    No matter what it is, I promise I will make it happen for you,"


    Horace said, forcing a small smile on his face. Her arrival had lightened up his mood.


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Cassandra had not thought about what she truly needed. However, there was one thing she had been


    wanting to do for ages. She had been too busy to do it before.


    "Dad, can I go home and visit my mother?"


    Home. The word was both strange and familiar to Cassandra. If it wasn''t for her mother, she probably


    wouldn''t have wanted to go back again.


    "Sure. You can go whenever you want. I will ask the butler to buy a present for your mother. But I''m


    afraid Lionel cannot apany you,"


    Horace said yes to her request without hesitation. He failed to hide the disappointment in his eyes at


    the mention of his son''s name.


    "That''s fine. I can go by myself¡­"


    Cassandra beamed, an exciting little smile spreading over her face. Before she could finish, however,


    Rufus interrupted her with a husky voice.


    "I can apany Cassandra. I heard that the Qin family is quite far away from here. It wouldn''t be safe


    for a woman to go alone¡­"


    Cassandra''s head jerked up at his words. Their eyes met and something sparked between them. Her


    heart hammered in her chest and her brain seemed to turn foggy. The way he made her feel was


    beyond words.


    Somehow, her heart just couldn''t help but look forward to going home with Rufus¡­

 Chapter 45 Cassandra Is Back

    Chapter 45 Cassandra Is Back


    A white Bentley sped on the road, its tires gliding smoothly over the pavement. The woman in the front


    passenger seat rolled down the window and closed her eyes, a blissful expression on her face. She


    breathed in deeply, a big smile lighting up her features. She was filled with anticipation, and her heart


    pounded rhythmically in her chest as the engine hummed.


    "Someone''s in a good mood,"


    Rufus said lightly, his eyes crinkling as he sat behind the wheel. He nced at the woman beside him,


    and then turned his attention back to the road.


    Cassandra''s smile grew wider at his remark. She turned to him, her face almost gleaming with joy.


    "Of course. Finally, I''m on my way home. It''s been a long time," she replied cheerfully and drew a long


    breath. "I can hardly wait."


    Since her return from Rome, she had only seen her mother, Edith, once. After four years of separation,


    it was nowhere near enough. She hadn''t gone back to visit her family for many years, and even if that


    ce held no good memories, a significant part of her past stayed there, in the house where she grew


    up.


    The smile on Rufus'' lips vanished as he listened to her. He gripped the steering wheel and drove on,


    falling back on instinct as thoughts swirled inside his head. Home. What an obscure concept. To the


    likes of him, home was a luxury.


    ''No, it was once a luxury, '' he corrected himself silently, fighting off the bitter taste the word left in his


    mouth. Now he didn''t need it at all.


    He had no need for it after the only person he could call his family was already gone. When his mother


    died, she took with her all the warmth he had ever known in his life. Now, he was truly orphaned. Alone,


    and homeless.


    "You don''t look well. Are you all right?" He was pulled back from his gloomy musings by Cassandra''s


    voice.


    She kept staring at him, concern written all over her face, as if she was waiting for an answer from him.


    After the party, the two seemed to have an unspoken understanding, as if they had known each other


    better.


    Cassandra''s heart beat faster at the thought. Rufus found himself unable to break off from the deep


    pools of Cassandra''s eyes. Holding her gaze, he caught a glimpse of the red light and hurriedly


    mmed the brakes to stop the car in time.


    He let out a relieved breath. Cassandra was surprised at the jolt. Her concern grew as she wondered


    whether Rufus was alright.


    "Brother, is everything okay?"


    Cassandra asked again, moving close to Rufus. Rufus''s profile filled her eyes as she turned to him. He


    was breathing a little harshly, and then he turned his head to meet her gaze and brought his hand to


    her cheek.


    Cassandra was a little startled at the touch of his fingers. "What are you doing, brother? Are you sure


    everything is alright?" she repeated.


    The space between them was gradually disappearing as Rufus found himself, for the thousandth time


    that day, staring into her clear, bright eyes.


    "What did you just call me?" he asked softly.


    "Brother,"


    Cassandra said again.


    Rufus winced at the word, as if something had stung him. The hand on her face pressed more firmly as


    he spoke.


    "What?" he asked again, his tone rising.


    "Rufus, what''s wrong?" Cassandra said. Rufus was her brother-inw, wasn''t he? Why was he acting


    this way?


    She held her breath as she felt him move closer. Instinctively, she closed her eyes, only to hear him


    say, "Remember, I don''t like you calling me ''brother.''"


    As the light changed to green, the drivers behind beeped their horns annoyingly. After that, Rufus


    looked with satisfaction at Cassandra''s face. Then, he dropped his hand and ced them back on the


    steering wheel, driving on with a wicked smile on his face.


    Nothing happened!


    Cassandray back on her seat, breathless, after Rufus had released her. She almost thought he


    would kiss her. Her face warmed at her thoughts


    and she pped her forehead with a hand. Gosh, what was she thinking? Why did she expect Rufus to


    kiss her?


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    While driving, Rufus cocked an eyebrow and threw a quick ce at Cassandra. Just a moment earlier


    she was practically gleaming with happiness, and now she was sitting back, her arms crossed over her


    chest. He chuckled inwardly at her annoyed expression.


    Cassandra could feel his eyes on her and that made her blush. "Concentrate on driving and stop


    looking at me," she told him off, hiding her embarrassment in her dismissive tone. "What? You''ve never


    seen a beautiful woman before? Am I that pretty to look at?"


    She said in a challenging tone, still not meeting his gaze. She glued her eyes to the other side of the


    window and let the air cool her heated cheeks.


    A slight breeze rose, carrying the scent of flowers. It lightened the atmosphere in the car, and suddenly,


    it wasfortable. Rufus had the same feeling whenever he stayed with Cassandra. He let himself be


    wrapped in the feelings offort as they drove on in a cozy and warm silence.


    That evening, Lionel finally returned home.


    As soon as he entered, he began looking for Cassandra, walking to and fro while calling her name


    insistently. What happened at the celebration party had be theughing stock in the Tang Group.


    ''Cassandra and Rufus must have nned it together.'' He huffed in irritation.


    Lionel''s attention was caught when his father''s voice boomed in the hallway. "You have got a lot of


    nerve toe back!"


    Horace shouted, purple with rage. Part of him wanted to give him a beating.


    Lionel pulled back his annoyed expression at the sight of his father. "Father, where is Cassandra?"


    he asked in a controlled voice.


    It was her day off today. She should be at home. However, he had called for her more than a few times


    and she dared not answer. It got on his nerves even more that she had the gall to not face him.


    "Do you remember who is Cassandra?" his father retorted sarcastically. "And do you even remember


    that you are married? You bring shame to our family!"


    Horace shouted, burned with anger. He knew his son as well as he knew the back of his own hand, and


    this knowledge worried him. To his great relief, a good woman appeared, and he took matters into his


    own hands to marry his son to someone who would do him a great deal of good.


    Cassandra''s charm and abilities were obvious to anyone with discerning eyes, but apparently, Lionel


    had failed to see even this. He was about to reproach him more when his wife''s voice called out to him


    sharply.


    "Horace, please... Our son finally came back, and the first thing you do is scolding him,"


    Jill brought a bowl of hot ginseng soup from the kitchen and walked up to Lionel, speaking to her son


    gently.


    "Son, you must be tired. Come and have some soup. I made it for you."


    She led him to the sofa and then put the bowl on the tea table. There was a stark contrast between


    how Jill and Horace treated Lionel. In her eyes, Lionel could do nothing wrong.


    "Mother, where is Cassandra?"


    Lionel ignored his father''s earlier scolding and turned to ask his mother instead when he didn''t get an


    answer from him.


    At once, Jill''s face fell into a grimace. That woman''s name hurt her ears. She snorted contemptuously,


    "She has gone back to visit her family...with the illegitimate son."


    She spoke thest words slowly, dropping her voice almost to a whisper. Then, she looked at Horace


    and gave him a long gaze.


    "What?"


    Lionel jumped up from the sofa at Jill''s words. With the uncalcted movement, he banged his knee


    painfully against the tea table, knocking off the bowl of hot soup from the table. The sound of porcin


    as it hit the floor was harsh and stinging. Almost half of the ginseng soup fell on Lionel''s legs.


    "Ouch!" Lionel winced as a stabbing pain fell on his leg. Jill turned pale with fear and hurriedly asked


    the servants to sweep away the shards.


    "Son, are you all right? Do you get burnt? Let me see,"


    she asked him hurriedly. Lionel said nothing to her and ignored the burning sensation on his skin as he


    red threateningly at Horace.


    "Was it you who allowed Rufus to take Cassandra back?"


    he asked through gritted teeth.


    "And what of it?"


    Horace snapped back, challenging him. Lionel was too proud to see logic. The Qin family lived far


    away from the Tang family, and it was not safe for Cassandra to go back home alone. What was more,


    Lionel never spared a nce for Cassandra. He wouldn''t have gone to visit the Qin family with her


    anyway, so why was he acting like a neglected husband now?


    "You old fool! I am Cassandra''s husband!"


    Lionel bellowed in fury, the pain in his leg forgotten. He red at his father with reproachful eyes, and


    then rushed out without waiting for Horace''s answer. Jill called pleadingly after him, but her cries fell on


    deaf ears.


    After several hours'' drive, Rufus and Cassandra finally arrived in the northernmost part of G City, where


    Cassandra''s family lived.


    People from the Qin family had been eagerly awaiting her arrival. They stood at the gate with watchful


    eyes, ready to greet her with open arms.


    As the white Bentley approached, Edith standing on the side, finally let out a relieved smile.


    Cassandra was finally back¡­

 Chapter 46 I Am Here

    Chapter 46 I Am Here


    Cassandra''s heart pounded as she saw the silhouette of people waiting for her, their features bing


    more and more distinct as the car came near the entrance. Her eyes found her mother''s, and she


    almost leapt out of the car as soon as it came to a halt. She ran to Edith and wrapped her in her arms.


    "Mother," she said in an almost choked voice. Her joy was unexinable as she felt her mother''s own


    arms gather her. She took a deep breath, letting the familiar scent lull her.


    It was a very warm reunion. The other members of the Qin family had gathered together to wee


    Cassandra, their delight for her return was evident on the bright smiles on their faces. Vernon, however,


    stood silently on one side as if it was nothing special, even if he hadn''t seen his own daughter for so


    many years.


    Standing next to Vernon was a woman who had a face that was strikingly simr to Cassandra''s. They


    had the same bright eyes and high nose, but she wore her hair in a chin-length bob, giving her a doll-


    like look.


    That was Cloris, who was a spitting image of her older sister. However, her attention was pulled away


    from Cassandra to the handsome stranger who came with her.


    He was standing silently behind her, tall, and handsome. It was impossible not to notice him, despite


    his quietness. And although Cloris wasn''t familiar with her brother-inw, she knew that the man


    behind Cassandra was not him.


    Turning to her sister, she greeted her warmly and took her hand. "Cassandra, you came home. Finally!


    We have all missed you so much. Who is the handsome man behind you?"


    she asked enthusiastically.


    Cassandra nodded her head at her father and greeted him politely. Cloris and she did not grow up


    together, as they lived in different ces, but she was d for her warm wee. As if in response to


    her question, she turned around and met Rufus'' eyes. It was as if the world stopped for a split-second


    as they smiled at each other at the same time. Before she could speak, Vernon said with his heavy


    voice, "Alright, let''s go inside."


    Upon that, Edith grabbed her daughter''s hand and walked inside. Bright voices filled the air as the


    familyughed and talked on the way back to the mansion.


    Everyone settled in the living room with some hot tea and biscuits on the table. Amidst the


    conversations, Vernon stared at Rufus who was sitting across from him.


    "I have heard a lot of things about you, Mr. Luo. We are very much impressed by your achievements in


    the Tang Group¡­ Thank you for apanying Cassandra here today."


    The courtesy Vernon showed in his words was devoid of any warmth, as if he was keeping a distance


    between them.


    "My pleasure, Mr. Qin. Besides, it was my father who asked me to do so,"


    Rufus replied, choosing his words wisely. He understood the cause of Vermon''s actions, and picked up


    on the silent question that belied his uncharacteristic civility, as everyone else in the room might be


    thinking the same thing. For it was he, not Lionel, Cassandra''s husband, who was with her today.


    "Father, Rufus takes care of me a lot, whether it is in thepany, or at home. Therefore¡­"


    Cassandra found herself exining, but hesitantly her words trailed off. She caught a weird feeling and


    decided against borating their connection.


    "Lionel must be very busytely,"


    Vernon said after a pause. He coughed looking meaningfully at Cassandra.


    "Well¡­I guess so."


    In fact, Cassandra knew nothing about Lionel''s work, not to mention whether he was busy or not.


    "I see. Now I understand why he didn''te home with you and asked Mr. Luo instead. That''s alright.


    Men should focus on their career,"


    Vernon continued, his voiceced with disappointment despite his unchanged expression.


    "Father," Cloris interjected, ncing at Rufus, "I think Mr. Luo is as good as his brother. Hello, Mr. Luo.


    I''m Cloris, Cassandra''s sister."


    Compared to Vernon, Cloris was much more weing in her treatment of the man who came with her


    sister. She put her hands around Vernon''s neck, acting like a spoiled child. Her beautiful eyes were


    fixed on Rufus the moment he stepped in the mansion.


    Vernon remained silent since his favorite daughter had made a statement. Seeing how her father


    treated Cloris brought a sting in Cassandra''s chest. He was visibly enamored by her, and Cloris knew it


    too, from the way she so easily persuaded him, as if it was something ordinary and familiar. Cassandra


    lowered her head and pulled her eyes away from the two of them as she struggled against the ache


    that grew inside her.


    As memory of childhood came to her mind, she remembered that she had never had such interactions


    with her father. The two of them were more like strangers than father and daughter. In Cassandra''s


    impression, Vernon was someone who was always serious. It was only now that she saw him disy


    such emotions, when she found herself looking at the two of them and noticed the disparity between


    the way he treated her and her sister.


    He had never looked at her so tenderly before.


    "Dinner is ready. I bet the two of you are hungry after such a long journey. Should we go to the dining


    room?"


    Edith said, pulling Cassandra away from her thoguhts. Her gentle voice wasforting and Cassandra


    felt some of the pain dissipate with her mother''s voice.


    They all headed to the dining room. Rufus stood up and looked at Cassandra, his chest tighten as he


    watched her expression.


    Her eyes had lost their usual brightness. Her lips fell in a t line when she walked slowly, as if she was


    being careful in her own home. Rufus was a stranger to the Qin family, and he knew nothing about


    Cassandra''s rtionship with them. He felt a heaviness as she walked, oblivious to his gaze.


    Cassandra, the woman who looked tough and strong outside, must be carrying her own secret


    sorrows.


    After dinner, Cloris kept pestering Rufus, smiling at him cutely and trying her best to coax him into more


    conversations. She had been stealing looks at him all throughout the time.


    Rufus replied to her questions and smiled at her politely, but he made no effort on his own to talk to her.


    He didn''t seem to be attracted by Cloris, and yet he didn''t reject her, which made Cloris even more


    interested in this elusive stranger.


    On the other side of the room, Edith made a discreet gesture at Cassandry and the two of them


    disappeared into the bedroom. Edith sat on the bed and motioned Cassandra to the spot next to her.


    She held her daughter''s hands, with an anxious expression on her face.


    "Cassandra, how can you came home with your brother-inw? This is the first time you came home


    after your marriage. Your father is happy about this," she said.


    Edith sounded anxious. She seemed almost disappointed at Cassandra.


    "Mother, I don''t understand."


    Cassandra was taken aback and confused at her mother''s words. She didn''t expect her, of all people,


    to say such things. She pulled back her hands indifferently.


    "Well, don''t be mad at me. I was just trying to tell you that you should havee back with Lionel, your


    husband. After all, it''s the your first visit after the marriage. Even if Lionel was busy, or on off the


    chance he didn''t want toe, it wasn''t proper that you brought another man here. What would others


    think about our family if they find out about this?"


    Edith had already sensed that her daughter''s disappointment, but she still decided to speak her mind.


    "Alright. I got it,"


    Cassandra said, levelling her voice to prevent it from rising. She didn''t want to argue with her mother,


    especially now that she had juste back.


    Edith softened her tone as she saw Cassandra''s clenched fists. She reached out once more and gently


    rubbed her hands with hers.


    "But, how can Lionel ask his brother to do such thing for him? He should be the one escorting his wife


    no matter how," she said.


    Cassandra couldn''t help the bitterness that rose to her throat. A part of her screamed for her to stop


    what she was about to say next, but the words flew out before she could think otherwise. "What do you


    expect? You know that Lionel and I didn''t have feelings for each other. When you decided to trade me


    to the Tang family, you should have anticipated this," she stood up from the bed abruptly and stated in


    her icy voice. "I''m sorry for being an embarrassment on the first day back."


    For a moment, she wanted to take back her words when she saw her mother''s expression, but it was


    toote. The damage had been done, and she could no longer hold back the ill feelings she tried so


    hard to bury. The past few days had been especially difficult, and she had to go through everything


    alone. Any warmth she had felt upon her return was withering, and in its ce, the resentment she had


    harbored over the years was threatening to boil over and flow like flood.


    "Cassandra..."


    Edith was left wordless by her daughter''s words. She looked at Cassandra hesitatingly, her lips


    opening, then closing again.


    "If father isn''t happy about this, then let him be. I don''t think I''m indebted to him in any way, after he had


    already decided my life. Was that not enough? What else does he want from me?"


    She had never wanted to punish or me her mother for the things she had no control over.


    Cassandra knew that it wasn''t her mother''s fault, but she couldn''t stop herself fromshing out. She did


    not know how else to stop the anger frompletely iming her.


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    If she knew that things would go like this, she would have chosen not to return.


    Unable to bear the suffocating atmosphere, she turned around and walked out of the bedroom. With


    tear-filled eyes, Edith watched her daughter flee from the room, her head bowed.


    Evening came. Moonlight washed over the Qin mansion, lending it an ethereal silvery light reflected on


    the wall. ''Would my family be able to own and live in this mansion if I didn''t marry Lionel?'' Cassandra


    thought to herself as she took in the sight. Despite the glimmer, she found none of the wonder that


    would havee over anyone else at such a grand sight.


    She was walking alone in the backyard of the mansion. It felt both foreign and familiar. After all, she did


    not live in this ce long enough to be able to call it home.


    Her childhood days were spent with her grandmother. She lived in the countryside - with verdant grass


    sprawling like an endless carpet under her feet, the smell of the fields in harvest season, and the stars


    that shone like distantmps in the sky. Those times were probably the happiest in her life. She didn''t


    move into this mansion until her grandmother passed away. Back then, the floor was made of concrete,


    the halls echoed empty, and the ring lights of the chandelier were poor substitutes for her stars.


    Then, as if to make things even worse, Vernon traded her for his business, marrying her to the Tang


    family. Any remaining happiness or hope that she had deserted her when her own family offered her


    like they would any other merchandise. And yet, not once did shein. She chose to save them


    from the suffering and imed the entirety of the burden. Hot tears flowed as she thought of all the


    things she wanted to fling at them. She thought, they would at least be understanding, but she was


    wrong.


    She ced a hand over her mouth as she sobbed, not wanting her sobs to reach the ears of the


    people inside the house. Even now, she had to contain her grief alone, in the ce that was suppossed


    to be her home. She sucked in deep breaths and her shoulders heaved as she wrapped an arm around


    herself to contain her quivers.


    "Cassandra,"


    a familiar voice called from behind her. Cassandra turned around to the silhouette of a man, her tears


    falling down from her face.


    All at once, she was enveloped in strong and steady arms. Before she could say anything, Rufus pulled


    her to his chest, murmuring softly in her ears, "It''s alright. I''m here."


    At his words, Cassandra felt the full weight of her sorrow crash upon her shoulders and she finally let


    the storm of her emotions go in Rufus'' arms.

 Chapter 47 Delicateness

    Chapter 47 Delicateness


    Night spread over the small space like a dark canopy as tears clouded Cassandra''s vision and made


    everything dimmer. Her tears, flowing like waterfalls, traced wet paths down her cheeks.


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    Cassandra surrendered to her sorrows as Rufus held her in his arms. She had reached the end of her


    tether, and it was as if her past was catching up to her, along with everything she tried so desperately


    to bury and leave behind. Letting herself be lulled in his embrace, she closed her eyes and clung to the


    comfort he was giving her like it was air. She knew that she shouldn''t let him hug her like this - she was


    a married woman and he was her brother-inw. However, she just couldn''t prevent herself from


    reaching out to him as sobs wracked her frame and shivering from the coldness that sprang from her


    chest.


    Rufus felt her shivers and wrapped his arms tighter around her, stroking her hair gently. His chest


    constricted at the sight of Cassandra''s tear-stained face. Another tremor shook her shoulders. At that


    moment, if he could take away her pain or somehow find a way to free her from it and im it for


    himself, he would not have hesitated. He remembered her smiles as they drove on the road here, and


    wanted so desperately to bring it back, the image of her face almost gleaming against the light of day.


    The tremors eased and he felt her shoulders rx as she continued to breathe deeply. "Why are you


    crying?" he finally asked. "Aren''t you happy that you are back home?"


    He looked down and Cassandra raised her head slowly to meet his eyes, not speaking a word. Rufus


    looked into her eyes, and he found himself unable to tear his gaze away from the pain in her eyes, as if


    it was speaking to him. He watched once again as tears filled her eyes to the brim, flowing down her


    face in wet trails.


    "Silly girl," Rufus sighed and gave her a fond smile.


    He did not know why he had done this - taking her in his arms andforting her as the emotions


    raging inside her. All he knew was that even before he couldprehend it, his feet were headed to


    her, and arms reached out holding her to him. He didn''t understand it himself, but it seemed that when


    it came to this woman, he dropped all his guards. Slowly and carefully, he raised his hand and held her


    face. His touch was careful, as if he was touching delicate ss. Cassandra felt his warm fingers wipe


    her tears as his eyes never left hers.


    At once, more tears flowed out, as a sudden wave of sorrow washed over her. It was as if that small


    touch released more of her sadness. "Rufus..."


    She called him, her voice shaking.


    She didn''t know where to begin and what to tell him. Her head was a whirlwind because her pain had


    wrung her chest, squeezing out whatever was left of her.


    Rufus didn''t say a word and just looked at her, patiently waiting, until she could find the words to start.


    He kept wiping her tears away. There was a desire inside calling him to protect her, keep her safe, and


    hide her away forever from anything that could have hurt her. It was an alien feeling, one that he had


    never experienced before, and yet unmistakable, like a mark brandishing itself in his mind.


    The Cassandra he knew was strong and stubborn, but now looking at the woman in his arms, she was


    so fragile and hurting. He wanted nothing more at that instant than to be the one to protect her.


    Nothing could have prepared him for what happened next. His mind stopped for a moment when he felt


    her soft and warm lips on his own. Cassandra was standing on her tiptoes and wrapping her arms


    around Rufus'' neck when she pressed her lips on his, pulling him closer desperately.


    It was as if everything else stopped around them. Everything Rufus knew that moment winded down to


    Cassandra''s lips and the bitter taste of her tears. It was as if he could hear the world''s heartbeat as it


    pulsed silently around the two of them.


    Cassandra kissed Rufus. That was what happened.


    In the next second, he put his arms around Cassandra''s waist, holding her even closer and tighter. He


    kissed her and answered her lips with a fire of his own.


    They knew nothing but their lips on each other, arms clinging as though they were both trying to


    memorize each other through the kiss. They forgot where they were and what they were here for. They


    forgot about everything. Everything, except for their knowledge of each other, faded into the


    background.


    For once, Cassandra let herself go wild. Rufus filled her mind and she drowned herself in his scent, his


    touch. She felt intoxicated with the man who was kissing her, his arms giving her warmth she did not


    know she so desperately craved.


    Unexpectedly, a sound of someone''s voice came from a distance.


    "Sis, are you there? Sis?"


    The sudden voice made them stop what they were doing.


    Cassandra felt dread when the weight of the events that had just transpired dawned on her. She pulled


    away from Rufus immediately, mumbling apologies, "I am sorry... I am really sorry..."


    She was about to cry again. Her sister''s call pulled her out of what she was feeling.


    What the hell had she done just now? What was she thinking? They were still in the house of the her


    family for God''s sake! One small mistake and they would have been in big trouble. Was she out of her


    mind?


    "Stop apologizing," Rufus cut her sharply.


    Hearing her apologies left an unpleasant taste in his mouth even as his lips still tingled from the kiss.


    Rufus could practically hear her thinking as she stared fixedly down to avoid his eyes. As always, she


    was considering everyone else''s feelings but her own. It made his heart ache fore her, despite his


    irritation. Frustration grew in his chest as he looked at her, knowing that she was locked in a marriage


    with someone else. He wanted to snatch her from his brother and keep her forever.


    The way she answered his kiss and sank in his arms...The way she made everything seem so simple


    and familiar...It felt as though they belonged together.


    "Are you in the back yard, sis?" Cloris'' voice ripped him away from his thoughts. "Lionel is here. We are


    all waiting for you."


    When she heard no response, Cloris called out again. She was afraid of the dark, so she chose to


    stand outside the back yard, waiting for her sister to answer her. Her sister''s voice filled the


    atmosphere with an urgency that mirrored the turmoil of Cassandra''s thoughts. What she did was


    wrong - kissing Rufus, the man who was not her husband, was terribly wrong. She raised her head to


    look at him, her eyes blown wide with confusion. His gaze mirrored her surprise, and none of them


    spoke, as if waiting for the other to break the guilty silence.


    Neither of them had expected that Lionel woulde at this hour. Why did he decide toe here in


    thest minute?


    It was Cassandra who spoke up first. She turned her head away from Rufus, feeling shame at her


    actions. She was a married woman, but had acted so wrongly. She quickly wiped the tears that were


    still on her cheeks, then said in a leveled voice, "I am going in now."


    Rufus was left to stare at her as she quickly walked towards the direction of Cloris'' voice. He watched


    as her figure disappear into the darkness. Cassandra walked with quick strides and soon, she was


    inside the house. The corners of Rufus''s mouth lifted into a knowing smirk. She kissed him first. It


    warmed him, relishing the implications that sat behind her action.


    It was obvious that her flustered reaction made him extremely happy.


    Meanwhile, Vernon and Edith sat on the sofa in the living room. Across from them, Lionel, who rushed


    here thiste, faced them with a charmingly apologetic smile on his face.


    "I am really sorry to bother you thiste. There was so much work to do so I wasn''t able to apany


    Cassandra. Please forgive me for my impoliteness,"


    he said in a sincere tone. Courtesy was something that came easy to him, having had to deal with all


    sorts of people. He could y the part of the loving, devoted husband if he wanted to, and it would fool


    everyone in the room. If it weren''t for his cruel attitude towards Cassandra before, one could easily


    mistake this man for a dedicated husband who adored his wife.


    Vernon was obviously delighted upon hearing him. "That''s all right. We are very happy that you can be


    here. You must be tired and hungry rushing here thiste. I asked the cook to prepare something for


    you to eat. Do you have any preferences?"


    he asked kindly, a beaming smile on his face.


    "I will ask the maid to prepare a room for you. Oh, that''s right. How silly of me! You can just sleep in


    Cassandra''s room with her,"


    Edith chuckled embarrassedly at her mistake. Still, she felt something was amiss and couldn''t help but


    nce at the direction of the back yard. Why hadn''t Cassandrae in yet? What was she doing in


    the back yard?


    At that moment, Cloris burst into the room with Cassandra following her. "Sis, my brother-inw really


    cares about you. He immediately rushed here as soon as he finished his work. And it''s sote! He is


    really a good husband. You are making me jealous!" she said, feigning envy, but almost swooning at


    the sight of Lionel.


    She also wanted a husband who cherished her and loved her. In her eyes, Lionel was the perfect


    husband, going to great lengths for her sister.


    Cassandra didn''t reply to her sister''s words. In all honesty, she didn''t know what to say. Telling her the


    truth was obviously not an option, but she didn''t want to lie either. It in fact concerned her that Lionel


    was here, for she had no idea why he came. She kept silent and just smiled, hoping Cloris would drop


    this subject.


    "By the way, where is Rufus? Have you seen him?


    He said he was going to use the bathroom just now, but he still hasn''te back." Cassandra felt as if


    a bomb had detonated in her mind at hearing her sister''s question. She struggled to keep herself calm


    and said, "Um. I don''t know. I haven''t seen him."


    The mention of his name brought back the guilt that she felt about what she had done. She didn''t dare


    to make eyecontact with Cloris, afraid that her eyes would betray her. Her cheeks warmed and she


    licked her lips, subconsciously. She could almost feel his lips on hers again. Even as she felt herself


    wanting to crumble in shame, in one corner of her heart, there was an emotion that had evaded her for


    so long: happiness. It was as if the warmth in his arms reached her heart, thawing the cold pain held


    captive for so long.


    Cloris continued to chatter as they made their way to the three in the living room, but her words couldn''t


    register on her sister''s mind. When Cassandra''s eyes met with Lionel''s, she caught a very strange


    sight. He was sitting on the sofa, with a gentle smile that she had never seen before.


    Despite her surprise, her expression did not change. She had already known from Cloris earlier that he


    would be here, and so she had been able to brace herself for the encounter. She just hoped that he


    could y nice and not embarrass her in front of her family.


    She greeted her parents as she always did, as if nothing was unusual. Then she walked towards Lionel


    and sat down on the sofa beside him, carefully keeping some distance between them.


    Lionel turned to her, his eyes shining. He almost seemed happy to see his wife as he gave her an


    affectionate smile. Cassandra felt him move closer and erase the distance between them on the sofa.


    "Sorry I''mte, honey,"


    he said softly. Saying that she was shocked was an understatement. An unreadable look appeared on


    Cassandra''s face as she struggled to make sense of what was happening. Did she hear him right?


    Lionel really called her ''honey''? She wasn''t dreaming, was she? Besides, what was wrong with him?


    When did he ever use such a gentle tone to talk to her? What was he trying to do?


    Questions poured into Cassandra''s head, making her turn her head to look at the man who was sitting


    beside her. She wore a normal expression but surprise was evident in her eyes. Lionel looked at her


    with tender eyes, still smiling softly. But as soon as his gaze moved down to her swollen lips, the smile


    on his face withered, and his eyes turned into cold steel.

 Chapter 48 Leaving Cassandra With Lionel Alone

    Chapter 48 Leaving Cassandra With Lionel Alone


    With Lionel''s eyes pierced at her, Cassandra felt uneasy as if she was sitting on thorns. Her eyebrows


    crossed as she averted her eyes away from him, pretending that he wasn''t there.


    "Since this was Lionel''s first time to visit our home, why don''t you show him around, Cassandra?"


    Vernon suggested.


    He noticed the distant look and the uneasy treatment between his daughter and her husband.


    Suggesting something for them to do and let them spend some time together might make things


    different.


    "Father, it''ste. It''s been a long day and I need to go to sleep now," Cassandra rejected without a


    second thought.


    It was pitch dark outside and she didn''t think it was a good idea to y as a tourist guide and give


    Lionel a tour around the house.


    "Please don''t bother. We would be staying here for long. I believe that Cassandra must be very tired


    and she needs to take a rest. It was rude of me toe over untimely. Please go back to sleep. I''m


    fine," Lionel said sincerely.


    He sounded like a polite gentleman, which made Vernon nod repeatedly to show his agreement.


    "All right, take care of your husband for us, my dear daughter. Good night!" Vernon didn''t insist.


    He stood up and smiled at Edith, and she knew what he meant. It seemed that they had anguage


    that only the two of them could understand. They went back to their bedroom without any more words.


    They thought that it would be better to leave the young couple alone.


    Edith winked an eye at Cloris, implying her to go to her room too before she closed the door of their


    room. Lionel and Cassandra were left alone in the living room.


    The moment his inws were out of sight, Lionel loosened the cor of his shirt and put on the


    expression that Cassandra dreaded the most. He extended his arms and suddenly grabbed her chin to


    force her to look into his eyes. His face was aze with rage and pure hatred.


    "Tell me! What''s wrong with your lips? Did someone bit you?" he asked in a low voice.


    Cassandra felt suddenly cold and tiny shivers were running down her spine making her quiver. He fixed


    his eyes on her like a lion clenching his prey under his ws, ready to devour at any moment.


    Cassandra''s eyes dimmed and she bit her lips out of her instincts. Doing that, she managed to calm


    herself. The panic and tension in her eyes slowly developed into overpowering confidence.


    She responded calmly, "Why did you take the trouble toe here at such a time? Knowing you? I


    don''t think you''re kind enough to put on a show in front of my parents. Seriously, I don''t need it. I''m


    pretty sure you know what I mean!"


    She felt awkward with any kind of body contact between them, despite the fact that they were married,


    but she was unable to get rid of his hold. All she could do was turn her face away from him, avoiding


    his fierce eyes.


    "Is that so? Then can you just tell me how it feels to bring Rufus here? Tell me! Just tell me, my lovely


    wife! What was it like to cheat on your husband in your parents'' house?" Lionel asked coldly.


    He sounded a little sour, but the grinding of his teeth betrayed his temper. Cassandra knew that he was


    about to explode.


    "A kiss is nothingpared to your sex video! Am I not right, Lionel?" she asked contradicting his


    usations.


    Lionel could see the rising anger on her face. Although she titled her head away from him, the disgust


    and sarcasm in her watery eyes were clearly evident.


    Her words didn''t deny that fact that she kissed Rufus. This gave Lionel a death blow right on the face.


    "You two are having an affair! I knew it!" he shouted with a suppressed voice.


    Lionel felt like his heart was exploding, but when he was about to burst out into his tempest toast,


    Rufus, who was supposed to be at the back yard, showed up in front of them.


    "Do you think it''s proper to treat her like that in her parents'' house?" he sneered.


    He sounded like having a casual chat with Lionel. He was careless but not insinuating. He was leaning


    comfortably against the wall, and there was a smile on his face. His actions confused Lionel about his


    intentions.


    Lionel let go of Cassandra right away. He stood up slowly from the sofa fixing his resentful eyes


    towards Rufus.


    The next second, they were facing each other.


    "I didn''t know that Mr. Luo was so busy running my business. It turned out that you''re not only dealing


    with Tang Group for me but also looking after my wife. But let me remind you, Mr. Lou, that this woman


    is my wife, and please stop meddling into our marriage!" Lionel demanded. "Or, is it just that you have


    the preference of collecting other people''s properties?" He added, slowly stressing each syble in an


    effort to show his authority.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    Lionel, however, was constraining himself because they were inside the house of Cassandra''s parents.


    To his dismay, his unkind remarks did not take any effect on Rufus''s face, not as he expected.


    He was so desperate that he wondered what was in Rufus''s mind now.


    All of a sudden, Rufus raised his head and looked at him with the gloomiest expression he hadn''t seen


    before. Lionel quivered at the sight of his eyes as if a bitter wind went through him. The hostility that


    Rufus was giving out now froze into his bones even though he didn''t utter a word.


    "No matter it is the Tang Group or the woman behind you, they will be mine as long as I want them."


    Rufus dered, leaving Lionel dazed and confused. "I find it ridiculous of you to talk about these things


    with me. Considering that all of us are aware that you''ve been sponging off your parents all these


    years,"


    Rufus added in a low authoritative voice. His words were stated clearly and stiffly as from awyer


    defending his client in court.


    He snorted at Lionel, who he had never allowed himself to regard as his rival.


    Obviously, what he said provoked Lionel. He felt like his dignity was trampled on the ground. No one


    dared to speak like this in front of him before. Nobody treated him as if he was a piece of shit. He felt


    ridiculed and angry at the same time because of everything about Rufus, thepany and Cassandra.


    His mind was now blowing with different thoughts.


    "You''re so dead meat, Rufus!," he said, gnashing his teeth in hatred.


    He widened his eyes and clenched his fists, and he gave the impression that he would throw his fists


    on Rufus'' face. All he ever wanted, for now, was to give the man a solid punch in the face.


    "Oh really, I don''t think so. I''m sorry, Lionel, but what can you do with me!" Rufus said in no hurry.


    He had made up his mind that Lionel would lose his face before the night ended. There was a sharp


    contrast between the two men, one was hovering in rage, and the other was careless and indifferent.


    On the other side of the living room, Cassandra was burying herself in the sofa with a frowned face.


    She went curious as to what was going on between Rufus and Lionel. Their voices were inaudible that


    she wasn''t able to hear their conversation. The peculiar atmosphere around her brought her heart


    beating wildly, and it was about to jump out of her chest when she saw Lionel cackling his hands.


    They were both staring at each other and were on the verge of breaking out a fight. At the moment


    when Lionel lost control of himself and was about to grab Rufus by the neck. Cloris showed up at the


    door unexpectedly.


    "You''re here, Rufus! I thought you were in the back yard!" she eximed.


    Her sweet voice broke the tension between the two men.


    Cloris had no idea what was going on. She ran over to Rufus and put her hands around his arm


    happily, switching her eyes from Rufus to Lionel.


    "Rufus,e and y chess with me! You haven''t forgotten what you just promised me, right? A


    promise is a promise! Look, I''ve brought my father''s favorite chest board here!" she chuckled.


    Lionel took a deep breath and loosened his grips. He turned around and walked back to Cassandra


    after casting a warning nce at Rufus. He had to bear up his tail since they were at the Qin House.


    He had to be considerate of Cassandra''s parents.


    Rufus''s attention was not on Cloris now. His eyes followed Lionel to Cassandra who was sitting on the


    sofa.


    Even he himself didn''t realize how much he cared about her just now. He began to hate himself for not


    being able to protect her from such an asshole. He wished that he could be with her all the time, free to


    hold her in his arms, kiss her and sleep together. It had to be him and should have been him, not


    Lionel.


    "Cloris, it''s been a long time since we''ve been together, right? How about I sleep in your room tonight?


    I have a lot of stories and let me tell you one before you go to sleep," Cassandra suddenly suggested.


    She was worried about how to deal with Lionel now, and apparently, she didn''t n to sleep in the


    same room with him. Cloris saved her and made a perfect excuse to avoid Lionel.


    Cloris nodded her little head in excitement. She ran to her sister immediately, buried her head into


    Cassandra''s arms, and looked at Lionel with a sweet smile.


    "Please don''t be angry, Lionel! I miss my sister a lot. We haven''t seen each other for such a long time.


    Can we sleep together tonight, please?" she asked pouting.


    Lionel frowned at the idea for he had nned to teach Cassandra how to respect her husband when


    they would be left alone in the room. However, he couldn''t find any excuse to refuse his sister-inw.


    "Please, Lionel, please! I promise I won''t disturb youter! Just let me have my sister for one night!"


    Cloris kept on pleading.


    She had seen the expression on Lionel''s face, making her pout her lips and plead for Lionel repeatedly.


    Lionel was left with no choice but to give in. He didn''t say anything but just nodded his head to her.


    There would be a long way ahead for him and Cassandra. The days were long to count for him to deal


    with her. ''Her wife-lessons would be best taughtter, '' Lionel presumed. He needed to make her


    realize who her husband was by making love to her, for he had never touched that woman before. It


    would be a more memorable and one of kind lovemaking.


    "Cloris, listen, it''s toote to y chess. Why don''t we just go to bed now? I believe that Rufus is tired


    too," she tried to persuade Cloris.


    Saying those words, she nced at Rufus with the corner of her eyes, with the expectation that she


    could go now.


    "All right! Rufus, let''s y another time," Cloris agreed without any hesitation.


    The night was deep and Lionel gave Cassandra a fierce stare. She might get away today, but not


    tomorrow. He hade a long way to her parents'' house, determined to get her in bed by hook or by


    crook.


    There were no love and passion involved when he married Cassandra. He did not expect that


    Cassandra would adore him or honor him as her husband, but he just couldn''t let Rufus win over him.


    Things were getting more and moreplicated as Lionel joined the game yed by two. The game


    that Rufus and Cassandra were enjoying to y. Cassandra felt a growing sense of despair in her


    heart, desperation on the fact that she couldn''t tell what Lionel was nning. For she knew that it


    would be something horrible.


    However, her heart was softened when memories of the way Rufus kissed her, touched her, caressed


    her, pulled her and gave her a warm embrace shed back her mind. She felt reassured with the


    thought that Rufus had her back.


    ''Would it be ridiculous to fall in love with Rufus, my brother-inw?'' she pondered. But on her mind


    lingered another question, ''Does Rufus love me too?''

 Chapter 49 I Have Something To Tell You

    Chapter 49 I Have Something To Tell You


    Cassandra hadn''t slept in her princess bed in a long time, but the sheets still smelled of her lost


    childhood. She looked around her former room. Nothing had changed. The teddy bear at the foot of the


    bed, the wind chime twinkling above the windowsill, the numerous photographs on the wall that


    captured her adolescence...Everything remained the same. She stood dully, reminiscing on her past.


    She had so many memories attached to this bedroom and her house.


    Just then, there was a sharp knock on the door.


    "Cassandra, I''m done taking my bath. Can Ie in?" Cloris eximed, interrupting Cassandra''s long-


    lost memories.


    Cassandra snapped back to reality and turned around to open the door. Cloris came in wearing a


    bathrobe, her face breaking into a wide grin. Once inside, she changed into her pajamas.


    She was pretty and had a perfect hour-ss figure that obviously attracted attention. People, including


    most women, simply couldn''t tear their eyes off her when she walked into a room.


    Her smooth, creamy white skin contrasted sharply against her ck PJs, giving a strong visual effect.


    Cassandra made a sound halfway between a gasp and a sigh as she stared at her little sister. Cloris


    had grown up to be quite a stunner. She was as beautiful and graceful as a swan.


    "Cloris, you are just so lovely. Nobody can take their eyes off you."


    Cassandra''s praise came from the bottom of her heart, and her sister gave her a soft smile in return.


    Cloris moved closer to Cassandra and embraced her, breathing in deeply. She leaned back and looked


    at her.


    "Cassandra, may I ask you a question?"


    Cloris asked. A mild blush stained her cheeks. Cassandra''s heart jolted. She already knew what Cloris


    was going to ask, but she smiled and nodded anyway, "Sure."


    Cloris pulled her sister''s arm shyly and the two of them sat on the bed. She opened and shut her mouth


    repeatedly, too nervous to say anything. After a moment''s silence, she finally blurted, "Does Rufus


    have a girlfriend?"


    Just as Cassandra had expected, Cloris was curious about Rufus. She had seen her sneaking nces


    at him downstairs. Cassandra''s heart sank to the bottom of her stomach and she swallowed visibly. Her


    throat had turned dry.


    "I don''t know. Probably not. I haven''t heard that he has one,"


    Cassandra answered softly and lowered her eyes, avoiding her sister''s inquiring gaze.


    "Really? That''s awesome."


    Cloris grinned widely, clearly overjoyed. She hugged Cassandra around the neck and then kissed her


    on the cheek, unable to contain her excitement.


    Cassandra stared at her lovely sister, wondering if Rufus liked simple and innocent girls like Cloris.


    Perhaps he would. If they were to be together, Cassandra would have to watch from the sidelines.


    "Cassandra, I like Rufus a lot. Can you help me win him over?"


    Cloris asked after a while once she had reigned in her excitement.


    "Huh? I don''t know how I''d do that."


    Cassandra nced at Cloris from the corner of her eyes, deeply embarrassed. It was the first time


    someone had asked her to y matchmaker. Besides, she had feelings for Rufus. How could she help


    her sister win his heart?


    Cloris squinted her eyes, her brain churning. Suddenly, an idea presented itself to her. Her bright eyes


    lit up with delight as she gazed at her sister.


    "Cassandra, you''ll go back to the Tang mansion tomorrow, right?"


    Cassandra nodded in silence and trepidation, wondering what Cloris had in mind.


    "Can I go with you and stay there for some time? It''s my summer vacation right now. I get bored at


    home, and I would rather spend some time with you."


    Cloris pulled at Cassandra''s wrist, looking at her with imploring eyes.


    It was probably the first time in many years that the two sisters were being so intimate. Cassandra''s


    feelings towards her family hardly went deep, but the girl sitting in front of her was, after all, her sister.


    She couldn''t say no to her request for spending some time together.


    "If you want, sure."


    Cassandra finally understood why her family spoiled Cloris so much. Even Vernon, who was usually


    serious and impersonal, was fond of her. She did have a charm about her that people were drawn to.


    Nobody could refuse her.


    Perhaps it would be for the best if Cassandra brought Rufus and Cloris together. Then she''d be forced


    to forget her memories of him. All the moments that she kept close to her heart would fade away like


    forgotten dreams, as if they never happened.


    It would be a perfect ending.


    At the thought, Cassandra allowed herself a wry smile.


    "Thank you, sis. I love you so much."


    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    Cloris beamed, even more delighted now that she had her sister''s consent. She threw herself back on


    the bed and rolled, giggling happily.


    Cloris''s excitement reasserted Cassandra''s decision to bring Rufus and her sister together.


    It might be the best way to put an end to her rtionship with him. As for her marriage with Lionel, it


    might signal a new beginning.


    But what about that kiss? What about that irresistible kiss in the garden not long ago? Cassandra


    frowned, feeling like she had swallowed something bitter. Perhaps...Perhaps, she truly felt something


    for Rufus.


    That feeling made her feel reckless. It scared her. She did not want to break her own heart.


    Cassandra shook her head. She could not go on feeling like this. She had to put an end to it.


    Just then, her phone, which she had put aside, started ringing. Cloris stopped rolling on the bed and


    watched Cassandra pick up her phone.


    "Is it from your husband? You two are so in love. I know those media reports are baseless and only


    written by people looking to gossip. You have a good rtionship with Lionel. People are just jealous,"


    Cloris said, already assuming that the call was from Lionel. With a sly smile, she cocked an eyebrow in


    Cassandra''s direction.


    Cassandra shot her a smile in reply. She picked up her phone and walked into the bathroom.


    Closing the door cautiously, she made sure that the call couldn''t be heard from the outside. She stared


    at the flickering name on the screen in a daze.


    It waste. Why was Rufus calling her?


    The phone kept ringing. Cassandra unknowingly bit her lower lip and finally pressed the answer key.


    "What took you so long?"


    Rufus asked her once she picked up the call, a hint of frustration seeping into his voice. He seldom lost


    his temper. Cassandra grimaced and wondered what had happened.


    "It''ste. What''s the matter? Why did you call me?"


    Cassandra whispered softly. Her eyebrows snapped together. Cloris was just outside. What if she


    heard them?


    "Open the window,"


    the man on the other end of the phone said, the deep timbre of his voice as intoxicating as ever. It


    made her heartbeat elerate and her stomach flutter with butterflies.


    "Well, I''m in the bathroom."


    Cassandra was even more curious now. With a quick look around the bathroom, she walked over to the


    window.


    "Open it,"


    Rufus continued. He already seemed to know where Cassandra was.


    Cassandra was puzzled. She pushed the ss pane up and looked down.


    A gentle breeze flew in through the window, making her hair dance. She saw a tall and handsome man


    standing under the streetmp below. The golden light elongated his shadow and cast his figure in


    stark relief. Rufus stood alone on the street, holding the phone in his hand as he raised his head. His


    obsidian eyes were locked on Cassandra who stood two floors above, looking down at him.


    Cassandra''s heartbeat pounded in her ears. She inhaled deeply and opened her mouth, but said


    nothing.


    "Come down,"


    Rufus said through the phone in a gentle voice. It felt like they had been looking at each other forever.


    His voice lured her in like magic.


    "What did you just say?"


    Cassandra blinked. She felt like she was in a dream. What game was he ying?


    "Cassandra,e down,"


    Rufus raised his voice, still looking at her intensely. The voice stirred up something deep in her. What


    was he doing?


    "It''ste,"


    Cassandra repeated firmly, her heart racing uncontrobly even as she listened to the voice of reason


    in her head. This was her parents'' house, and she was married. She couldn''t do anything improper.


    "I have something to tell you. Come down."


    Rufus ignored her reluctance and hung up the phone. He put his hands in the pockets of his trousers


    and leaned against themp pole, waiting for her patiently. His eyes were deep pools of ck, looking


    at Cassandra with desire and tempting her.


    Cassandra closed the window and turned her back to it as she took a deep, shaky breath. Why was


    she so nervous? Why was her heart racing a mile a minute? Her hand that held the phone had sweat


    running down it.


    "I have something to tell you."


    The words echoed in Cassandra''s ears. She shut her eyes, uncertain whether she should go down or


    not¡­

 Chapter 50 Divorce And Be Mine

    Chapter 50 Divorce And Be Mine


    With her back against the wall of the bathroom, Cassandra''s heart thumped inside her chest. Her


    breath quickened and she felt nervous but also secretly pleased that Rufus had decided to call her. She


    didn''t know what was happening right now or why she felt this way. She just knew that she was happy


    that Rufus wanted to see her. At the same time, she also felt a tinge of guilt because she had no idea


    where this would lead them. She knew she shouldn''t do this but she just couldn''t help herself. It was as


    if Rufus was a ma and she was a helpless ferrous damsel that was being drawn towards him.


    After a few moments, she opened her eyes and gently bit down on her lower lip in an effort to make up


    her mind. She resolutely walked out of the bathroom into the bedroom that she shared with Cloris.


    Cloris looked up and saw the nervousness on her sister''s face and broke into a knowing smile. She


    assumed that the call had been from her brother-inw. ''They really were a sweet couple, '' she mused


    innocently.


    "Sis, did he ask you to go and meet him? I am really sorry that I''ve interrupted you two,"


    Cloris teased her sister. In spite of being young, Cloris was not ignorant about the ways between


    husband and wife. It was normal for couples to want to be with each other all the time. Though she


    herself was not in a rtionship right now, she could understand the feeling. Cassandra''s face burnt in


    embarrassment when she heard her sister''s words. She lowered her head and touched her ming


    face then murmured shyly, "Cloris, I am going out for a while. Go to sleep. Don''t wait for me, please."


    Cloris nodded then waved at Cassandra urging her to go out and have fun. The teasing smile remained


    on her face the whole time.


    "I know, I know. Don''t worry about me. Just go have ''FUN'' with my brother-inw!"


    Cloris stressed the word ''fun'' with a smirk, making Cassandra''s face burn even hotter. She panicked


    momentarily but said nothing in the end. She just nodded her head and hurriedly walked out the door,


    clutching her phone tightly in her hand.


    Only when she had walked out and closed the door behind her could Cassandra breathe in relief. She


    didn''t like lying to her family, especially about something so overwhelming. At the moment, she just


    couldn''t care less. Her steps became lighter and her paces quickened. She didn''t know why but she felt


    so happy all of a sudden. She had been wanting to see Rufus too.


    The gentle fragrance of the yellow flowers blooming in the small back yard made her want to know the


    name of the flower. Frankly, she had never even noticed them before. Perhaps it was because she was


    in such high spirits that even the smallest thing delighted her. She was in love. This was something that


    she had never thought would happen to her because she had already epted her fate when she got


    married four years ago. Her heart had awakened and suddenly, she felt the bittersweet taste of love.


    Under the dim streetlight stood a tall man. The light shone down on him, forming a halo around his


    shoulders. He looked pure and graceful like an angel. Clearly, he was waiting for someone. And one


    could tell that he had been waiting for a good while.


    Cassandra quickened her steps and stopped in front of him. She had rushed all the way here so she


    was a little out of breath. Their eyes locked and it seemed as if time had suddenly stopped around the


    two of them.


    Neither of them opened their mouths to talk at first. Instantly, Rufus walked up to her and before she


    could say anything, he put his lips on hers, swallowing the words she wanted to say.


    It felt like both of them had been waiting for this moment for too long.


    Cassandra closed her eyes because of his sudden move. But slowly, she opened her eyes and looked


    at Rufus'' face. He was really handsome and made her heart beat faster whenever their eyes met. Her


    heart was enmeshed in a warm feeling. A sudden realization struck her hard.


    She was aware that she liked the man who was standing in front of her. Maybe she was even in love


    with him.


    "Cassandra, be my woman,"


    after the kiss, Rufus sighed and whispered in her ears. His words made Cassandra''s eyes widen in


    shock. She couldn''t believe her ears.


    ''Did I hear that he...


    he said...said...that he wanted me...to be his woman?


    Did he really just ask me to be his woman?''


    Cassandra blinked and looked up at Rufus hesitatingly, too stunned to speak. She needed a minute to


    register what had just happened. First, she came out to meet Rufus after the call. Then he kissed her


    without saying anything. Now he asked her to be his woman! Her breath quickened loudly in the quiet


    night. Rufus was staring at her pretty face with adoration. His eyes were brown, like the color of whisky.


    Cassandra could really be drowning in his loving gaze. The look on his face was deadly serious. She


    had never seen him this serious.


    Yes! Rufus really meant what he had just said. He was not kidding.


    He really wanted to be with the woman who was standing in front of him right now. No matter what he


    did, he just couldn''t get her out of his mind. And that was when he realized that he was serious about


    her. Cassandra''s power over him was even stronger than he had imagined.


    He wanted her and only her. He wanted everything to do with her. He wanted to spoil her, protect and


    love her. He wanted to make her his and only his.


    Rufus had never expected to meet a woman who could steal his heart. In the beginning, he just thought


    that what they had had before was a one-night stand, nothing special about it. But as he got to know


    her more, he was slowly drawn to her. There was something about her that gave him a feeling that he


    had never experienced before.


    "Divorce Lionel and be mine,"


    Rufus repeated carefully. Seeing Cassandra''s shocked face, the corners of his lips slowly curled into a


    smirk. He was aware of the effect his words would have on Cassandra and he nned to make good


    use of it.


    Cassandra''s longshes suddenly trembled in the arms of the man she liked. Smelling the familiar


    scent of him, seeing the smile on his face, hearing his words, she felt like she was in a dream. She


    didn''t want to ever wake up from this beautiful dream. His words echoed in her head and wound


    around her heart. She really wanted to let go of everything and just be with him.


    She stared at him, like staring at a dream that forever floated out of her reach.


    The feeling was so surreal. She just couldn''t believe this was really happening. The man she liked also


    liked her back. What were the chances of bing Rufus''s woman, being with the man she liked and


    being liked in return. These were something that Cassandra had never thought about before. If she


    said yes, then it meant that she could kiss him whenever she wanted. Thinking of this, Cassandra


    couldn''t help but feel a flutter in her heart.


    But...what about both their families? Maybe it was just wishful thinking after all. This dream could never


    come true.


    In the next second, Cassandra pushed Rufus away roughly and backed away a few steps. She lowered


    her head, not wanting him to see the tears in her eyes. She didn''t dare look into eyes. She was afraid


    that he would see right through her. And more importantly, she was also afraid that if she looked into


    his maic eyes for one more second, she would crumble and say yes to him without a care in the


    world. That would put both of them in a great dilemma.


    "Rufus, what are you talking about? I am your sister-inw, the wife of your brother. And we are in the


    house of my family. Besides, Lionel and my parents are all upstairs, not to mention Cloris..."


    Cassandra trailed off. Her voice was low, but her tone was firm. She reminded Rufus of their


    rtionship and that both their families were present. It was a warning to him and also to herself. She


    also reminded herself not to do anything reckless or silly that would harm them both.


    But before she could finish her words, Rufus approached her again. He reached out grabbing her chin


    and raised her head. He forced her to look into his eyes, and interrupted her sharply, "Cut it out! If they


    know that we have slept together a long time ago, will you still think their opinions matter?"


    Rufus'' words were honest but also cruel. Yes, they had already slept together once. She was already a


    cheater. So why did she pretend to not want him? Rufus looked at the woman standing in front of him


    with intense eyes. He was determined to have her. He always got what he wanted anyway.


    Cassandra looked down, feeling the warmth radiating from the dominating man. All of a sudden, she


    felt that she was such a hypocrite. What was she doing, saying those pious words? It was she who


    wanted to get closer to him and get to know him better. And it was also she who had kissed him in her


    weak moment. But now, when he returned her feelings and wanted to be with her, she was hesitant.


    But she had to stop being so selfish.


    If she really said yes to Rufus and to be with him, her family would surely face the consequences. What


    was worse, Rufus might also be abandoned by his own family.


    Lionel''s brother betrayed him and got together with his sister-inw; how ridiculous! If she really did


    this, all hell would break loose.


    Cassandra knew that Rufus had already lost his mother. She just didn''t have the heart to put him in a


    situation where he would lose the rest of his family. She just couldn''t do it. No matter how much Rufus


    imed to be indifferent to his own father, Cassandra knew that she couldn''t make Horace hate him.


    "We are not innocent kids anymore. We are adults. Sleeping together under the influence of alcohol is


    pretty normal, isn''t it? Especially when we didn''t know about each other''s identity. Well, now that you


    have brought it up, let me be straightforward. Rufus, I will not be your woman. It will never happen. I


    don''t love you anyway,"


    Cassandra snorted in a cold way, tilting her head. She made it look like Rufus had said something


    ridiculous. She deliberately painted an infuriating smile on her face. She looked so innocent but the


    look on her face lit the mes that had been buried in Rufus''s heart.


    Rufus had always been the type of man who rarely showed his emotions on his face. He was the


    master of masking his feelings. But now, after hearing this woman''s refusal, his face hardened and a


    deep frown appeared on his face. His hand that was still grabbing her chin tightened unconsciously.


    "I have already married Lionel. And you also promised me that you would never bring up the thing in


    Rome again. So please, just let me go. There are tones of women who want your attention. Just pick


    one. It is easy for you, isn''t it?"


    Feeling Rufus'' silent anger, Cassandra said again. This time, she was even crueller. She intentionally


    said these hurtful words only to make him give up on her. In fact, she could feel that Rufus was serious,


    that he really had feelings for her. But she just couldn''t be this selfish anymore. She had too many


    things to consider.


    "Lionel is a yboy, I am aware of that. But he is still my husband after all. In fact, all men are alike. It


    doesn''t really matter who I am married to. Well, had you appeared sooner, maybe I would have married


    you instead of him!"This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    Cassandra tried to contain her emotions even as the cruel words left her lips. She suppressed her tears


    while saying this, a perfect smile hung on her face.


    "What do you mean?"


    Rufus narrowed his eyes, his gaze on her. ''What did this woman say just now? Since when had she


    be this bold?'' Cassandra could almost feel the temperature drop because of him. He was really


    unhappy. It seemed that her words had really made him furious.


    ''Does she mean that in her eyes, all men are the same? That I am exactly like Lionel? There''s no


    difference between us?'' Rufus raged quietly.


    "If the man I met in Rome wasn''t you, I might have made the same mistake. You are not special, Rufus.


    Don''t tter yourself. You just happened to be in my life. Let''s stop this ridiculous thing between us. I


    am tired of it already. You are too serious about this. Don''t you know that it was just a fling? Don''t tell


    me that you really love me. That''s just funny,"


    Cassandra said with a smile on her face. The light shone down on her pretty little face, making her look


    even more beautiful than usual. But right now, all Rufus wanted was to shut her up.


    Her words infuriated Rufus, making him angrier and angrier. She made it sound like what they had


    shared in Rome was casual and meaningless. And that she would have slept with any other man had it


    not been him.


    It was clear what she had meant.


    Rufus was not special in her heart. What they had shared was just a coincidence.


    ''Ha, you really are something else, Cassandra, '' Rufus thought to himself. For the first time, Rufus felt


    stupid and humiliated. He, who had always been a sessful and powerful man, had been fooled by a


    little woman!


    What Cassandra didn''t know was Rufus never easily give up. Once he set his mind on something, he


    would surely get it. He was never the one to lose.


    "Cassandra, you will love me one day,"


    he rumbled, the frown disappeared from his face. Suddenly Rufus dropped his hand, letting go of


    Cassandra. It seemed that he was no longer angry. He was back to hiszy and carefree self.


    Seeing Rufus'' attitude change, Cassandra''s heart throbbed. She knew that she had sessfully hurt


    him. Even she hurt for him, she couldn''t show it. She remained calm and collected as if what Rufus had


    said didn''t matter at all.


    "Yeah, you know, it''s easy for me to love a man. If a man helps me, protects me and gives me what I


    want, I will surely love him. What''s not to love, right?"


    she said mimicking his carefree tone. The two were truly a match made in heaven.


    Cassandra balled her hands into tight fists. Hearing her frivolous words, a flicker of anger shed


    through Rufus''s eyes but it quickly disappeared. He immediately changed back into his casual attitude.

 Chapter 51 You Are On The Losing Streak

    Chapter 51 You Are On The Losing Streak


    Cassandra was not his first woman. Put it more frankly, she was only one in a countless list, including a


    random fling here and there or a one-night stand once in a while. It was hopeless to hang on to him.


    Tonight, in the faint light and the dappled shade her stunning beauty still shined through. That


    captivated him. Like they did the first time when they met, he ached to get herid again.


    But upon her cold and heartless words, his heart convulsed in an instant.


    To recover from her smothering words he took a deep breath, reflected for a moment, and told himself


    to ignore his hurt feelings.


    With intense eyes, he watched her face, and sensed a distance between them. It was a deep, dark rift


    that separated their souls and emotions, even while she stood right in front of him. How awful!


    "Sorry to say this, Cassandra, but you are doomed to lose!" he dered, without blinking.


    Believing that the headstrong woman could never escape, he fixed his gaze on her, trying to read her


    mind. The insolence in his voice was unmistakable.


    But Cassandra didn''t mind him. She simply brushed him off with a mocking smile.


    "Well, whether I will win or lose, it is not up to you," she said nonchntly.


    "At least by now, you have been on a losing streak, haven''t you?"


    Rufus retorted.


    Intentionally, he wanted to get on her nerves.


    Never had Lionel treated her with respect, Cassandra''s love and respect for him had fizzled out along


    the line. Now, she didn''t even give a damn. The only inspiration she had in this particr case were the


    interests of the Qins - her family.


    "Whatever you think or do can''t change anything. I''ve already made up my mind and I''m OK, without


    your advice!"


    Cassandra stood her ground.


    Frustrated by her stubbornness, Rufus heaved a sigh and thought for a moment before reaching out a


    hand to stroke her cheek.


    "It is quitete, go to sleep!" he suggested.


    Cassandra blinked, wondering what would be his next move. Their rivalry was was here to stay and it


    was only sensible for Cassandra to keep a watchful eye, if she was to survive in the game.


    Silently, she thought to herself, ''Am I such a fool? The man I keep fantasizing over is my husband''s


    elder stepbrother. That''s my brother-inw! Why invest my emotions in him when I know well it''s a very


    complicated rtionship?''


    There was no doubt, her marriage to Lionel was just a trade-off. Her life had been set and it would not


    be wise to allow this man into her life. She began to fear for her family, and their family.


    As if escaping some danger, Cassandra went back to her room in haste, trotting all the way. By the


    time she got to the room, her pulse was racing and her face flushing.


    As she walked to the bed, she smiled at Cloris, who was fast asleep on the bed, like a delicate and


    adorable doll.


    Careful not to disrupt her delicate, adorable sister on whom she dotted, Cassandra tiptoed around to


    her side of the bed and quietly climbed into her quilt. Although Cloris was younger by three years, all


    along, they had looked more like twins. But now, gazing at her sister, Cassandra realized that three


    year gap had somewhat aged her. ''Is it because I''m stressed up?'' she wondered.


    In the meantime, Cloris was mumbling something in her dream, "Rufus..." The rest of her sentence was


    unintelligible.


    ''These are the fantasies of the naive girls. As long as they have someone on their mind, they can''t stop


    thinking about them even in their dreams, '' Cassandra sigh inwardly.


    There was no need to trouble her mind over such petty issues, especially when it concerned her sister.


    Soon, she drifted into sleep.


    Dashing under the faint streetlight, the man lit a cigarette. The red glow flickered between his fingers.


    His dark brown eyes looked all the more obscure behind the fumes of smoke that curling around him.


    On the way back home to the Tangs family residence, Cassandra and Lionel rode in the same car. In


    her parents'' presence, she didn''t think it was right to upset them when she could as well put on an


    appearance of a happy couple.


    While her shy sister Cloris, rode in the same car with Rufus, who cleverly hid his emotions behind a


    dark pair of sunsses that gave him the detached look of an insensitive sculpture.


    Cassandra dozed off all the way, while Lionel kept stealing looks at her every now and then. Something


    cruel gripped his mind as they went.


    ''You cannot dodge me at all times! Tonight, I won''t let you make any excuses!'' he cursed within.


    ''Why should I waste my time on pleasing one girl, when I have the whole world at my feet?''


    he sneered in silence, cutting a spiteful look.


    On arrival at the Tang family''svish residence, Rufus got out of the car first and walked around to


    open the door for Cloris on the other side. Like a perfect gentleman, he stood aside and kept one hand


    on the upper part of the door as if blocking the car roof, in case Cloris hit her head.


    To that kind gesture, Cloris''s face lit with a sweet ear to ear smile, you''d think she was a teenage girl in


    love. Even Lionel couldn''t help but notice her tion and hot looks.


    Anyway, who on earth wouldn''t appreciate such beauty? Wasn''t how it worked all the time? The girl


    with brains and great looks always got all the attention, fame and des.


    When Jill came out to greet them, Cloris fell into her open hands with a warm embrace as they


    exchanged greetings.


    "Aunt Jill, you''re stunning. You even look much younger!" For the day, Jill had chosen a purple


    nightingale asion dress and jacket. She looked gorgeous in every sense of the word.


    It was more than four years since Jill and Cloris had met. That was before Cassandra went abroad, and


    when Cloris was still a little, innocent girl.


    Now she had grown into a beautiful, gracefuldy, whose warmth made Jill feel much pleasant.


    After a little of small talk, Jill turned around to greet Cassandra, whom she had caught a glimpse of


    while she was still engrossed with Cloris.


    With a touch of sarcasm, she coaxed, "How sweet is Cloris! So much adorable than those who are


    ignorant and say one thing and do another!"


    To which Cassandra excused herself, pretending to be under the weather. "Hi mom. I''ve caught a cold,"


    she exined.


    Doing her best to stay as unppable as possible, she lifted her heavy eyelids, and gave Jill a faint


    smile.


    "Can Cloris stay here to keep mepany for a while? I''ve really missed her. I guess we have a lot to


    catch up on," Cassandra requested.


    While she spoke, Lionel suddenly walked over and stood next to her. Feigning deep affection, he held


    on her left hand and interrupted, "You have been sleeping all the way, sweetie. Are you feeling alright?


    Let me stay around and watch over you tonight. Cloris is our guest and will be here for some time.


    You''ll have all the time in the world to catch upter, once you feel better."


    At Lionel''s intense gaze, Cloris flushed.


    She admired in her mind, ''My brother-inw is really affectionate toward my sister.He must have


    missed her badly since she and I spentst night together. If I still borrow his love tonight, it would be


    unfair on him.''


    Politely, she declined, "Cassandra, I can sleep alone tonight! It is okay for me. You know I sleep like a


    baby. Since you''reing down with a cold, I''d be the worst person to count on for help, should you


    get an emergence in the middle of the night. It''s better for Lionel to look after you tonight."


    Ignoring Lionel''s masquerading, Rufus kept his eyes on Cassandra, he knew she was quite anxious at


    this point.


    The moment he met Rufus''s eyes, Lionel with a smug wrapped his arm around Cassandra''s shoulders,


    to mark his territory.


    This woman, was his wife, was his. No matter how he disliked her, he would not let another mane


    near her. Provocatively arching his eyebrow, Lionel''s lips curled into a malicious smile.


    He turned to Cassandra and said in a gentle tone, "Let''s make a baby tonight! Isn''t that what you have


    been wishing for!"


    Then he reached out and stroked Cassandra''s long hair, in front of everyone. A chill ran over


    Cassandra''s body. She had never seen Lionel so...creepy before.


    Cassandra tilted her face away and red at at Lionel ufortably before she quickly steered away


    from the conversation subject.


    "It is the first time that Cloris is visiting us. I have to take her around," she nudged Lionel away.


    At that very moment, when she happened to meet Rufus''s gaze, she was mortified and turned away at


    once.


    ''What is wrong with me? Why am I afraid to look him in the eye?'' she mulled, a pang of guilt eating at


    her conscience. It felt as if she had been caught red-handed. Images of Rufus and her making out in


    the Qins'' backyard shed through her mind. She blushed crimson.


    "Cassandra, don''t worry about me! Rufus had promised to keep mepany. You and Lionel must be


    tired, just go have a rest," Cloris said tenderly.


    What a sensible and considerate girl! Her sweet voice and her innocent look, somehow, left Cassandra


    absent-minded.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    Cassandra rememberedst night when the little girl had just asked her to pair her off with Rufus. She


    hated to admit it, but she knew, a pure girl like her sister could well be the perfect match for Rufus.


    ''What am I thinking about? I''m a married woman and there is no chance I''d ditch Lionel to remarry


    Rufus. That is impossible!'' she scolded herself.


    No doubt those remarks under the streetlight had caused a stir in her mind. The flood of thoughts and


    conflicted emotions came so thick and fast that she had to heave a sigh to recover from the shock.


    Dropping her head in disappointment, Cassandra told herself to stop those fantasies. All those


    romantic memories with Rufus on the night in Rome and their kiss in the Qins'' backyardst night were


    things that she needed to let go. Hell, even her future in the Tangs'' family now hung in the bnce.

 Chapter 52 She Could Never Run Away From Him

    Chapter 52 She Could Never Run Away From Him


    Dry leaves rustled as the wind cast a gentle blow. Cassandra was anxious at the thought that she


    would be alone with Lionel. Excusing herself, she went to the backyard and took her time to think


    things over while walking.


    The light in the backyard was dimmerpared to the one in the mansion which was overly lighted.


    The backyard was bleak.


    Cassandra could hear theughter made by Horace, Jill, and Cloris from inside. They were having a


    great time.


    The peals ofughter were warm like sunshine in the winter, melting the snow. But the warmth was not


    enough to melt Cassandra''s freezing emotions.


    Cassandra knew that she wasn''t as likable as Cloris, and Jill didn''t like her at all. Cloris made a good


    impression on Jill and she liked herpany. She felt happy for her sister knowing that she felt at


    home with the Tang family.


    The chill of the early evening crept through Cassandra''s senses making her nose itchy.


    Out of nowhere, someone put a coat over her shoulders. Without looking back she could tell who it was


    by the familiar scent. Then Rufus said with his husky voice, "Are you trying to make others feel sorry for


    you by getting sick?"


    Rufus'' bark was worse than his bite. He was showing his concern for Cassandra in a sarcastic way.


    "Besides, Lionel is still expecting you to have his child. Are you sure you can do that when you''re so


    weak and sickly?"


    Usually, Cassandra would talk back. But tonight was different. She didn''t have the right mood.


    Lionel was acting so possessive these past few days. His actions made Cassandra realize that she


    could never run away from him. Needless to say, Rufus, who knew well howplicated their


    rtionship was but still persistently did things to worsen the situation.


    Cassandra felt helpless and frustrated at the thought of her fate.


    She was forced to marry Lionel, and the Qin family had kept on giving her the cold shoulder. That was


    fine with her, however, she got herself used to loneliness and ill-treatment. What scared her the most


    was other people showing pity on her. It made her feel belittled and vulnerable. And Rufus entered her


    life. He showed concerns and affections for her in different ways. She got used to the feeling of being


    cared for and secured, which might be the reason for her attachment to Rufus.


    She would have been much happier if it was Rufus whom she married.


    ''Wait, stop thinking about Rufus!'' Cassandra felt annoyed that she kept on imagining something she


    couldn''t have.


    ''Cassandra, you should stop dreaming. It''s not right, '' She reminded herself.


    Then taking a deep breath and removing the coat Rufus had offered, she said coldly, "If you know that


    I''ll have Lionel''s child, then you should stay away from me."


    Rufus nced at Cassandra hearing her words. Her remarks angered him in an instant. Seeing her


    pale and innocent face, however, lessened the fury.


    "No. That would be impossible. You can never have his child. You spent your first night with me,


    remember?"


    Cassandra just smirked at his response. What she said next was cruel, "What made you think that was


    my first time? Don''t you know that I have a hymen repair surgery?"


    A woman could sometimes be the cruelest person in the world. A few days ago, Cassandra would even


    take initiative to kiss him. And now, the same sexy mouth was saying something that shattered his


    heart. What was even meaner was the expression on her face as she said those words - effortless,


    innocent and child-like. It was not a joke for her.


    "Rufus, I''m telling you. I will never do those naughty things again with you. I won''t cross the boundary


    ever again," she added.


    Rufus raised his eyebrows. "Cross the boundary?'''' So that was Cassandra''s thoughts of their


    rtionship. Rufus was frustrated thinking about everything that had happened between them.


    "Well, I guess you won''t say such silly words when you fall into my arms again."


    Rufus quickened his steps and moved closer to her.


    Cassandra just stood still and waited for his next move. He was so dominant that Cassandra dared not


    to move.


    When he was about to pull Cassandra into his arms, someone called out from the mansion.


    "Cassandra, dinner is ready. Come inside!" Cloris shouted at Cassandra, standing by the window of the


    living room.


    Her sister''s voice pulled her back to her senses. She wouldn''t allow Rufus to cloud her thoughts this


    time. With one swift stride, she moved away from him, avoiding his irresistible hug.


    She needed to stop herself from indulging to Rufus''s gentleness. She needed to resist the temptation.


    Cassandra turned around and walked into the brightly lit mansion without looking back.


    She might look petite and weak, but what she did made her look strong and resilient inside.


    Rufus watched Cassandra leave. He was surprised at her reaction. Seeing her image disappear to the


    mansion, he lowered his head and touched the coat Cassandra had given back. She still wore the


    same fragrance as she did their first night together. He couldn''t help pulling the coat closer to his chest.


    His brown eyes blinked and there was something cynical in his expressions.


    At dinner, Cassandra seldom talked with the family. She just nodded her head, smiled, or helped Cloris


    get some dish.


    When the Qin family had dinner in the past, everyone was quiet. Today was different because Cloris


    joined them.


    She was telling them funny stories of her school, making Horace and Jill burst intoughter. Even


    Rufus wasughing.


    Lionel, however, was dreary. He kept on staring at Cassandra, who was silent the whole time.


    After dinner, Cassandra invited Cloris toe with her to her bedroom for some chitchat. But Cloris


    rejected the invitation.


    "Cassandra, I''m fine. You can go with Lionel. Just show me around tomorrow."


    Then she yawned, pretending to be sleepy. Something unusual was disyed in the expression of her


    eyes.


    Cassandra got nervous and wanted to exin something to her. But Lionel had already stepped


    forward and pulled her into his arms. He winked at Cloris, who returned him a smile, signaling that she


    got it.


    Cassandra who was feeble and ufortable couldn''t escape from Lionel''s arms. She was taken


    forcibly and was almost dragged to the bedroom.


    Watching Lionel and Cassandra, Rufus maintained his silence. His eyes were gloomy, the kind of


    gloomy that usually scared people around him.


    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    Seeing the way Lionel held Cassandra in his arms as they walked into the bedroom together, Rufus


    clenched his fists.


    Lionel opened the door and pushed Cassandra to the bed indecently.


    She was pped in the face by the ideas that it wasn''t Rufus in the bedroom with her. Cassandra was


    nervous and scared to death. She knew clearly that Lionel was nning something nasty. And what he


    was about to do was not out of his love for her. He just wanted to piss Rufus off.


    Cassandra struggled and stood up from the bed. She attempted to run to the door. But Lionel grabbed


    her arms and pushed her back to the bed.


    "Stop struggling! You''re just wasting your time. Isn''t this what your family always wanted? To unite with


    our family through marriage? Well, tonight, let me fulfill their dreams for you!"


    Cassandra was dumbstruck by the maniac look on Lionel''s face.


    She should have anticipated this when she married Lionel. She ran away from him earlier for she had


    known his character. However, she knew they woulde to this point and whether she liked it or not it


    was destined to happen, and the worst was yet toe.


    "Lionel, calm down! We have a deal. This marriage is for business only. You hate me and I don''t like


    you either. Why would you do this to me? You''re bing a rapist!"


    Cassandra stepped back out of fear, but Lionel kept on stepping forward moving closer to her. He


    smiled viciously. He stretched out one hand to caress his chin yfully while looking at Cassandra who


    had been trying to escape.


    "Cassandra, do you think you can stop me? I''d like to see whether Rufus will still be interested with you


    if he learned that you''ve slept with me!"


    Lionel said coldly. His insult made Cassandra furrow her eyebrows.


    "You''re my wife. It''s your duty to make me happy. Cassandra, you can''t run away from me!"


    Cassandra was cornered by Lionel. She had nowhere to go.


    Lionel locked his hands on the wall around Cassandra, stopping her from running away. They were so


    close that Cassandra could feel his heavy breaths.


    For the first time, Cassandra felt really scared.


    She looked at Lionel and pleaded for him desperately. Her vision was clouded by the tears in her eyes.


    She hated Lionel''s approach, his smell, his touch, and everything about him. She hated him a lot.


    She felt so harassed. Out of her desperation to escape, Cassandra thought about telling Lionel that she


    had slept with another man. This might get Lionel angry and let her go.


    That was Cassandra''s escape n.


    She knew what kind of person Lionel was. And she was certain that he couldn''t hold up to the idea that


    his wife cheated on him. Pulling her strength together, Cassandra said, "Lionel, I have to tell you


    something¡­"


    Cassandra didn''t have time to care about the consequences of what she was about to do.


    But before she could finish her words, a phone call interrupted her. Cassandra lifted up her head and


    saw Lionel took out the phone from his pocket. He was exasperated.

 Chapter 53 Unfortunately It Wasn’t Rufus

    Chapter 53 Unfortunately It Wasn¡¯t Rufus


    Lionel took his phone out of his trousers'' pocket. Ivy''s name shed on the screen, somewhat


    dampening his spirits.


    His eyes darkened and the expression on his face grew hesitant as he debated whether or not to


    answer the call.


    Ordinarily, Lionel would have answered it without hesitation. But right now, Ivy''s call had obtruded on


    his n. It made him impatient.


    The phone kept ringing. Lionel nced at Cassandra, who was looking at him uneasily and shivering.


    He thought he could give Ivy a short greeting and then get back to business, so he quickly pressed the


    answer key.


    He heard Ivy''s panicked whimper as soon as he put the phone to his ear. She spoke to him in between


    tears, "Lionel, can youe right now? I... I''m scared."


    Lionel''s heart jolted. Ivy was an elegant and demure woman. The only time she had pushed the panic


    button was when Cassandra had be his legal wife. That news cut her to the quick at that time.


    Since then, however, Ivy had stood strong like a rose with thorns. Lovely, but dangerous. She had


    never given him a sign of vulnerability and he had never seen her cry again. What happened today?


    What had upset her?


    "What happened, Ivy?"


    Lionel asked patiently despite his agitation. Her next words immediately doused him in cold water.


    "I¡­ I''m pregnant!" she cried out.


    Lionel froze, panic shooting through his veins. He could hardly believe his ears. Pregnant? They used


    condoms every single time. How could she get pregnant?


    "That''s impossible. You must have made a mistake!"


    Lionel''s eyes widened a fraction as he tried to convince himself that she was joking. He had been


    pressured into marrying Cassandra under his father''s arrangement. He had been forced to make a


    considerable sacrifice in the form of his marriage, for the sake of Tang Group and in the hopes that he


    would take over thepany one day.


    So he reluctantly epted Cassandra as his legal wife just to win his father''s favor.


    However, after Rufus appeared, he lost his position in the group. And at thest celebration party,


    Rufus publicly disgraced him.


    Now Ivy was pregnant. Misfortune seemed to follow him everywhere. If Ivy was right, the baby had


    undeniablye at the worst possible time.


    They used protections and he had been very cautious the whole time. There was just no way that Ivy


    could get pregnant!


    Lionel was pulled out of his musings as her cries filled his ear and her breathing got uneven.


    "What should I do, Lionel? I... I''m really pregnant. It''s confirmed. Would youe to me? I''m so scared


    and lonely."


    Lionel had talked to her about the matter before. She agreed to his decision not to have babies for the


    time being after analyzing all the pros and cons. Now that she suddenly found herself pregnant, she


    was terrified.


    "Lionel, are youing over? I really need you..."


    Lionel was so upset right now that he wanted to throw the phone across the room, but her weak and


    helpless pleas drew him back to reason.


    It was most crucial to tackle this problem.


    Ivy had been his lover for many years, and the baby was a product of their love. He must notmit


    any mistakes with regards to this situation though. Otherwise, he risked getting caught.


    Horace and Jill were still in the living room. If he tried to go outside now, they would inevitably catch


    him. It would get even more troublesome if he couldn''t exin why he was leaving the mansion.


    Horace was already unhappy with the sex video that was yed at the celebration party. If he got to


    know that Ivy was pregnant, he would fly into a rage and Rufus would have more reasons to gloat.


    It put Lionel''s teeth on edge to think about Rufus, but Ivy was still sobbing on the phone asking for him.


    He couldn''t ditch her and force her to face this alone.


    When he got married to Cassandra, Ivy had been heartbroken. He had sacrificed Ivy''s happiness to get


    in his father''s good books.


    She had been so depressed that she walked down the streets absent-mindedly and found herself right


    in front of a speeding car. She had suffered from the ident because of him. The guilt had always


    weighed on him. This time, if she got hurt because of the pregnancy, he would never forgive himself.


    Lionel turned to look at Cassandra. She had turned pale and her lips were colorless. Her slim body was


    leaning against the wall and she was looking at him with guarded eyes.


    Suddenly, an idea presented itself to Lionel.


    "Just wait for me. I''ll be right there."


    He hung up the phone and turned to the woman he had cornered. Cassandra had been quiet while he


    was on the phone, but now she seemed to want to huddle further into the corner. The blood had all but


    drained from her face.


    "What''s the matter with you?"


    Lionel was still anxious about Ivy''s pregnancy, but he noticed that Cassandra didn''t look well either. He


    reached up and touched Cassandra''s forehead with the back of his hand.


    She was burning up.


    Cassandra had a fever. Lionel''s gaze sharpened, the wheels churning in his head. He knew what to do


    next.


    "Hon, you''re sick. Come on. I''m taking you to the hospital."


    He snatched her hand and dragged her downstairs before she could refuse him.


    Horace and Jill were talking to Cloris in the living room.


    Cloris stuck out her tongue in embarrassment. She didn''t expect Cassandra and Lionel toe


    downstairs again. To give them some space, she had lied that she was sleepy, but she still hadn''t gone


    to bed.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    "Cassandra, I thought you were resting. What happened?"


    Horace looked up at the pair, puzzled, "Lionel, what''s wrong? What''s the matter?"


    Worry was etched on Lionel''s face. The others looked at him, bewildered.


    "Cassandra is having a fever. I am taking her to the hospital for emergency treatment."


    Horace knitted his brows. He remembered that Cassandra looked off color and didn''t speak much at


    dinner.


    Sweat was beginning to form on her pale face. The poor girl was clearly ill.


    Jill didn''t like Cassandra, but she feigned concern anyway. Standing up from the sofa, she ordered a


    servant to call the family doctor, "Ask Dr. Jason toe over. Cassandra just came back from visiting


    her parents. It must have been a hectic travel back to G City. She must be looked after well before she


    gets her energy back."


    Lionel had wanted to find an excuse to go out sote in the night, but now the servant was about to call


    the family doctor. He gritted his teeth in desperation.


    Suddenly, Rufus emerged from the shadows, standing on the second-floor staircase. He nced at


    Cassandra quickly.


    "Dr. Jason has gone abroad. He won''t return until the end of the month," he said slowly.


    Hearing this, Lionel smiled on the inside. Nobody could stop him now. He made a sound of desperation


    and gave the others a worried nce.


    "We have no time to lose. I''ll drive Cassandra to the hospital immediately."


    Cloris stood up and walked to Cassandra''s side, saying, "I will go with you."


    Lionel groaned internally, wishing that she was joking. He had found the perfect excuse to slip away. If


    he took Cloris with him to the hospital, his n would be ruined. He wanted to see Ivy, not apany


    his wife to the doctor. Lionel wondered how he could refuse Cloris''s offer.


    Rufus, who still stood immobile at the top of the stairs, came to his aid, "It''s quitete now. The


    Emergency Department might require hospitalization. You''ll disturb your sister if you go, so let Lionel


    take her to the hospital alone. You must be tired too. Have a good night''s rest and go see her


    tomorrow."


    Cloris cast a long nce at Rufus. It was the first time she had lost her heart to a man. His concern for


    Cassandra was off-putting, but she still nodded in agreement, "You are right, Rufus. Lionel, please take


    care of my sister. Call us if you need help."


    Lionel looked at his half-brother with confusion in his eyes. Rufus had already helped him twice in less


    than five minutes¡­How strange. He shook his head slightly. It didn''t matter because this was exactly


    what he wanted. God be thanked!


    After assuring Horace and Jill that he would get Cassandra to the hospital safely, Lionel dragged her


    out of the living room. Rufus''s gaze darkened as Cassandra followed Lionel out like a ragdoll, too weak


    to put up a resistance. It drove him mad.


    Lionel pulled her to the garage and pushed her in the back seat. He swiftly got behind the wheel and


    drove the car out at lightning speed.


    Cassandra was tired and didn''t have the energy to oppose Lionel. Her eyelids started to droop. She felt


    like she was wrapped inside a silk cocoon; her strength seemed to have dried up and she was just


    biding her time.


    Befuddled, she forced herself to open her eyes and then frowned when she saw the back of Lionel''s


    head.


    ''Why is Lionel with me when I''m sick? I wish it was Rufus who stayed with me, ''


    she couldn''t get that thought out of her head and smiled unknowingly as she allowed her mind to linger


    on Rufus.


    His smile. His scent. His sensual mouth.


    The ruthless lips that always gave her a hot kiss.


    The muscr arms that always lifted her up in warm a embrace.


    The deep and husky voice that whispered sweet nothings in her ear. Even his scolding now would


    sound so enticing.


    ...


    Unfortunately, it wasn''t Rufus with her.


    Cassandra finally drifted off to sleep, her thoughts dissolving into nothing.


    ''I must rx¡­I must stop thinking about Lionel and Rufus¡­No drama, no hatefulness, and no


    complication...I just want to sleep...When I wake up, I wouldn''t feel so tired¡­''

 Chapter 54 Ivy Is Pregnant

    Chapter 54 Ivy Is Pregnant


    After reaching the hospital, Lionel rushed into the emergency room with Cassandra in his arms.


    "Hospitalize her!" he ordered, gave a wad of money and hurried away.


    As quickly as he hade, his footsteps receded into the night, leaving the doctor bewildered at his


    abrupt manner.


    Cassandra willed her eyes to open and looked at the doctor on duty, with a bitter smile on her lips.


    "Doctor, I think I have a fever," said Cassandra weakly.


    Then she lost consciousness and fell backwards.


    Luckily, a pair of powerful arms caught her.


    ''Well, the doctor is quick in movement. He''s really a nice and thoughtful man, ''


    thought Cassandra the second she fell into aa.


    The doctor stared at the second man who suddenly appeared in the emergency room. He suspected


    this second man must havee here in hot pursuit of the unruly character who had just left. By their


    manner of handling the unconsciousdy, it was obvious there was bad blood between the two.


    Rufus''s face darkened with anger. Urgently, he ordered the third guy who apanied him and was


    standing by his side, "Victor, keep a close watch on him. Find out what he''s up to."


    Quietly, Victor nodded and left, pensively touching his nose with a finger. By the hasty way in which


    Rufus followed Lionel, he knew Rufus really cared about Cassandra.


    Rufus was right. Lionel didn''t intend to take Cassandra to the doctor. It was just his excuse.


    From the parking lot Lionel stepped on the gas and drove like a maniac straight to Ivy''s home, burning


    with anxiety.


    A puffy eyed Ivy came to open the door. When she saw Lionel, she threw herself directly into his arms.


    "Here you are atst," she greeted, her anxiety echoing on every syble.


    A beautiful, strong woman most of the time, Ivy was now clumsy and irritable. She wore little make-up


    and was terribly upset. It distressed Lionel.


    Helping her to sit on the sofa and wiping away her tears, Lionel held Ivy in his arms andforted,


    "Take it easy. I''m here with you."


    But in the warmth of his arms, Ivy sobbed all the more, her shoulders twitching and her voice choking.


    "Lionel, what should I do? I want to keep this baby," she wept.


    But Lionel tly refused without a second thought, "No, you can''t keep this baby. I''m not ready for a


    baby now!"


    For a moment a menacing look shed across Ivy''s face. But soon, realizing how futile it was trying to


    argue with him, she dropped her demand. ''It would be better to y along, '' she mused.


    "It''s not like I''m forcing my way, Lionel. I have a good reason for my desire, and maybe, you''ll


    understand," she began, in a solemn tone now. "You see, after thest car ident, the doctor said my


    uterus sustained pretty bad injuries. It would be virtually impossible to conceive. But look, here I am,


    pregnant, beyond a shadow of a doubt. That to me is a miracle which gives me joy that words cannot


    express. I''m more than willing to take a risk and carry the pregnancy to term," she paused and wiped a


    tear from her eyes. "Please, let me keep the baby. It''s the best support you could ever give to a woman


    in my position, honey."


    Speaking of the car ident, Lionel was brought back to reality. His usually impertinent face clouded


    with regret and pain.


    Memories of Ivy falling in front of the car, the words she said to him in the ward and the way she


    reassured him in tears were unforgettable.


    But now he was at a critical moment in his wrangles with Rufus. He needed to put things in order.


    Reading his emotions like a shot, Ivy realized her words aroused him to deep-seated feelings. Using


    that to her advantage, she once again burst into tears, and bitterly pleaded in a low voice, "Lionel, I''m


    not asking for much. All that I want is for you to let me have this baby, and nothing more!"


    They had known each other for seven years, and all along, she turned a blind eye to his wild,


    compulsive behavior. She knew all about his phndering and had learned not to give a hoot about his


    other women. Even if he couldn''t wise up and stop wasting time and money on every skirt he saw, Ivy


    wouldn''t care. And for her patience putting up with his womanizing, he hade to love her more.


    She knew that for a fact and it gave her boldness to take him on.


    Lionel used condoms all the time, but she had secretly poked holes in the condoms.


    She hated to see what she had been nning for all those years go up in smoke, so she had to make a


    bait.


    As she listened to Lionelforting her so tenderly, she enjoyed to see her plot pan out well. It cut his


    heart that she stubbornly insisted on having the baby.


    At longst he exploded, "Ivy, don''t push me! I''ve shown due respect for your feelings. In any case, you


    can''t give birth to this baby. I''ll take you to the hospital for an abortion tomorrow. That''s the best I can


    do for you."


    Suddenly, the air between them got dense. When she recovered from the initial shock, she said with a


    bitter smile, "Lionel, I finally know you have been lying to me with all these fake promises. In the end,


    you are giving up your baby. I should have known that you are such a heartless person."


    Ivy wiped her tears and stood up, her hands resting gently on her tummy, her voice calm.


    "This is my baby and I don''t care whatever evil thoughts you have for your way of life. I''m not


    terminating the pregnancy,e what may. I''ll have to go all out!"


    The clock in the living room of their love nest struck timely, loud and clear.


    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    Ignoring the interruption, Ivy suddenly smiled at him. A charming, innocent smile.


    "Let me make it clear for you, Lionel. If ever you try to hurt my baby, that will be the end of you and


    me!"


    As he pondered over her words, Lionel''s mind ran through all the time they had been together. He


    remembered his first meeting with Ivy. The girl had a unique apple aroma.


    At first sight, he was taken by her beauty and the simple way she carried herself. She was


    unpretentious, and charming in her own special way. And as they began dating, she became the sun


    that would always brighten up his world.


    Before he knew it, he had fallen head over heels in love with her. Among his many mistresses, Lionel


    knew she was the best ever.


    But he failed to fulfill his promise to marry her. Under the arrangement of his family, he married


    Cassandra, and broke Ivy''s heart.


    The stunned look on Ivy''s face after he told her that he was going to marry Cassandra was still etched


    on his memory. In anger she had wriggled free from his arms and ran out of the door, into the busy


    traffic, absentmindedly ramming into a car. She had almost lost her life.


    After she was snatched out of the jaws of death, she had never been the same again. She turned into a


    completely different person, shrewd and scheming.


    Feeling guilty, Lionel had decided to buy her the vi. However, material satisfaction could not fill the


    gap between them. Lionel''s marriage remained a barrier.


    The wound in her heart became his wound. Lionel went even further than that. Quietly, he snubbed


    Cassandra and never touched her. But as long as they didn''t dissolve the marriage, Ivy still couldn''t get


    rid of her hang-up.


    "Ivy, you know I love you. I always thought you knew me well."


    Realizing that he couldn''t confront Ivy, he pleaded, treading carefully. The final decision on the


    pregnancy was a ball in her court. He couldn''t force her to have an abortion unless she agreed to.


    "I know your feelings for me, so I have waited for all these years. But what do I get in return?"


    Ivy was overwhelmed with indignation.


    "You said that you and Cassandra were a couple in name only, and I believed it. You told me that you''d


    soon divorce her because of disagreement, and I believed it. You promised that you would marry me


    eventually, and I also believed it. But now you want me to kill my baby!"


    While she counted his mistakes, Lionel''s heart palpitated at the thought of Cassandra.


    The sudden image of her stubborn, guarded look in his mind brought him a inexplicable feeling.


    ''She is having a fever. How is she now?'' he thought.


    ''I have left her at the hospital alone. They will take care of her, right? She should be alright.''


    When Ivy saw that Lionel was obviously distracted, she spoke out directly what she had held back for a


    long time, "Lionel, if you insist, I will leave you. I willpletely disappear with your baby!"


    That jolted Lionel back to the present.


    "How dare you!" he roared.


    But Ivy, not worried anymore, snorted back, "I would do anything for the baby! All these years, you''ve


    only been fabricating a future for me to keep me by your side. On my part, I''ve been good to you. Look


    how you want to reward my loyalty? Yeah, you want me to kill our baby in return! I''m bitterly


    disappointed!"


    When Lionel listened to her, his pangs of guilty came in huge, threatening waves.


    At his dumbness, Ivy continued, "I thought the idea of me carry your baby who is also the eldest


    grandson in Tang family would mean something to you. By the fact that your marriage to Cassandra


    had gone south, you made me believe I''d be appreciated in the family! You took advantage of my


    innocence!


    Lionel came to a sudden realization at Ivy''s shout.


    He had never slept with Cassandra, but Horace didn''t know that. If the family realized that Cassandra


    couldn''t bear a child for Lionel, they''d allow him to divorce her. Once Cassandra was gone, the family


    would dly ept his remarriage to Ivy.


    Seeing how close he was to his dreams, Lionel gathered Ivy to him. He had gotten an idea.


    "Take good care of yourself, Ivy. I will do what I have promised you. I''m ready to have a baby with you,"


    he promised.


    Resting her head on Lionel''s shoulder, a smile of triumph lit up her face.


    ''What a foolish man!'' she thought.


    What Lionel didn''t know was that Ivy had hatched that plot. She knew he had no reason to divorce


    Cassandra. That left her with only one n. She''d have to take the risk and get pregnant. With the


    baby, she could easily ckmail Lionel.


    The shrewd Tang family should know which was more important between their own eldest grandson


    and Cassandra - the daughter of the declining Qin family.

 Chapter 55 The Dream

    Chapter 55 The Dream


    Cassandra''s dream was so surreal that itsted unbelievably long.


    In her dreams, the sky was clear and a gentle wind kissed her sun-bathed face. Luscious grasnds


    extended over the horizon and fragrant fumes from the budding petals were dispersed by the wind. The


    peaceful scene was perfected by zestfulughter and sweet words of love whispered on her ears.


    She was lost in Rufus'' embrace; she had never felt such love and passion overflow in just a simple


    gesture of affection. The way he held her made her feel that no storm could harm her as long as she


    was with him. His arms were such a stronghold and she couldn''t ask for more.


    The dream was overwhelming, but the reality was harsh. No matter how ted the dream was,


    eventually Cassandra had to wake up and continue with her real life which was the exact opposite of


    her fantasies.


    She managed to open her heavy eyes and tried blinking for several times. Once, twice, thrice...she was


    ying with her eyes to test whether she was still dreaming or she was already back to reality. Rufus


    who was silently observing her and fascinated by her actions.


    Steadily, Cassandra held her eyes open and stared nkly at the ceiling. Lifting her head, she caught


    sight of Rufus who was just sitting by the sofa beside the bed. It surprised her to see him and she


    couldn''t avert her eyes from staring at his attractive face.


    ''So I must still be dreaming, '' Cassandra thought as he had exactly the same emotions in his eyes,


    tender and caring.


    She gazed up at him, not before long the tenderness in his eyes seemed to subside.


    "Well, you sleep like a baby. It''s been almost 20 hours. Are you ying the Sleeping Beauty?"


    His eyebrows creased with discontent, and his eyes emitted impatience, waking her up from her


    reveries.


    His words made her gather herself and drift away from her daydreams. She suddenly realized that she


    was in a hospital, after noticing the bare white walls and the familiar smell.


    Pieces of what had happened shed back in her mind, and thest thing she could remember was


    being taken into the emergency room, then everything went nk. What happened after...? She didn''t


    have a clue.


    The reverie was broken by the screeching of the door as it was pushed open. Cloris walked in and her


    face was filled with excitement seeing that Cassandra had been conscious.


    "Cassandra, my dear sister! I''m so d you are awake now!"


    She giggled excitedly as she rushed towards the patient. Cassandra wanted to say something in


    response to her sister''s excitement but she didn''t get a chance. Cloris kept throwing out questions and


    just couldn''t stop herself from talking.


    "Cassandra, do you know that you were still in aa when I came this morning...The doctor said that


    you had a fever and you would need some good rest, so I went back...Now you seemed much better.


    Finally, you have regained your consciousness! Are you hungry? You haven''t eaten for so many hours.


    Do you want me to buy some food for you?"


    When finally Cloris paused to give Cassandra some time to respond, Rufus coughed intentionally to let


    his presence be acknowledged.


    "I''ve already asked Victor to buy some porridge. It would be good for her empty stomach, as it is noting


    going to cause any irritation."


    Cloris''s attention was grabbed by Rufus. For the first time of their many acquaintances, she was dazed


    at the handsome features of Rufus'' face. He looked different at a closer view - there was something in


    his eyes that attracted her. She couldn''t stop her heart from palpitating and found it hard to breathe.


    Cassandra, on the other hand, started to wonder, ''I remember it was Lionel who brought me to the


    hospital, but why is Rufus here attending to me now?''


    Enjoying the infatuations she felt towards Rufus, Cloris searched for the appropriate words she could


    address to Rufus. With her face blushed, she put on a warm grin and asked, "By the way, Rufus, why


    are you here with Cassandra?"


    Rufus was not showing much emotion on his face. A slice of fatigue shed across his dark brown


    eyes.


    "I happened to be visiting a friend here, and figured I should drop by to check on her."


    Finding an easy excuse, he carefully concealed his deep concerns for Cassandra. Upon hearing his


    reason, a cute grin appeared on her face, and Cloris blurted out, "Oh, I see. So that was the reason


    why you were here when I came just this morning! Since you are still here when I''m back now, I


    thought that you have been in this room the entire day!"


    Cassandra''s heart leaped a little when she heard that Rufus was here the whole time. ''Could it be, that


    he has been staying with me all along?'' she entertained the thought.


    The idea was too good to be true that Cassandra shunned it off her mind. Though Rufus had proven


    himself to be her protector, she still couldn''t fully trust his sincerity.


    Rufus felt ufortable all of a sudden at Cloris''sments. Awkwardly, he stood up and bade them


    goodbye with the intentions of not creating further doubt.


    "Since you''re awake now, I believe you''ll be better soon. I have to go, there''s an important meeting to


    attend. Just stay in the hospital for a couple of days more to make sure that you''re fully recovered."


    Without waiting for her reply, he turned his back and hastened to the door. As soon as Rufus was out of


    the scene, Cloris could no longer contain her overwhelming feelings for Rufus. Her cheeks turned red,


    so crimson red that she had to bury her face on the nkets by the bed. She felt abashed and looked


    up to her sister with a sheepish grin. Grabbing Cassandra''s hands, she uttered a confession saying,


    "Sis, what am I going to do? It seems that my feelings for Rufus grow stronger every day."


    Her words were soft, but they pierced into Cassandra''s heart like a sharp needle, giving her heart


    searing pain.


    She tried to lift her hand to remove the strands of hair from her sister''s face but her hands were


    trembling. She was puzzled if the trembling was the side effect of thea or the fear that was slowly


    boiling inside her.


    She had no idea what exactly she was scared of?


    Was it because of theplicated oil-water-like rtionship with Rufus or the boldness of this young


    girl in front of her in pursuit of her own love?


    Needless to say, Cloris was more adorablepared to her. She would never be young and innocent


    again, and those were the most attractive qualities that made Cloris different among other girls.


    "Rufus is a great man. He''s loveable,"


    Cassandra uttered after searching her mind for the right words to say. With her feelings contradicting to


    her words, she had no idea how to respond to Cloris.


    Constantly, her mind was reminding her that she wasn''t supposed to fall in love with that man, but her


    heart suggested otherwise. Now, however, after knowing Cloris''s feelings towards Rufus, the bnce


    seemed to tilt to the side of her emotions rather than her judgments.


    The battle between Cassandra''s mind and heart was in its climax. Ironically, Cloris came up with a


    brilliant idea, then grabbed Cassandra''s hand and swayed it back and forth like a child.


    "Cassandra, I am required toplete an internship before graduation. Would it be possible for me to


    join Tang Group for my internship? Can you help me with this?"


    Cloris pleaded her older sister, looking at Cassandra with her big wishful eyes and an angelic voice.


    Cassandra knew the reason behind her request. The internship was just an excuse for her to get closer


    to Rufus. Forcing a caring smile out, Cassandra agreed, "I''ll see what I can do. Just send me your


    resume. I''ll take it to the human resource department and see if they can arrange one for you."


    Cloris was exhrated to hear the positive reply from her sister. She was already looking forward to


    working with Rufus. Hugging Cassandra''s arm tight, she even rubbed her smooth face against


    Cassandra''s arm to show her excitement and appreciation.


    "Cassandra, you are the best! I knew you would help me!" eximed the overjoyed girl.


    Cassandra, however, didn''t know to react. Instead, she drew a hesitant smile.


    Momentarily, she thought that might turn out to be a win-win situation. Cloris would win Rufus'' affection,


    and she would be free to expel all the infatuations and fantasies she had for Rufus.


    What she and Rufus had, after all, wouldn''t be allowed even if there were traces of love in between.


    The thought made Cassandra felt like the heavens fell upon her.


    At around 9 o''clock Cloris gaily left the hospital with the fancy thought of having her internship in the


    Tang Group. Cassandra was left alone. A nk expression was written on her pale face, and the long


    day of sleep made it impossible to close her eyes. She wanted to sleep off all the unwanted thoughts


    that were troubling her, but all she could do was to stare at the boring ceiling.


    Then an idea brought her up the bed. Taking her chance when the nurse wasn''t around, she sneaked


    out of her room and took the lift down to the garden on the ground floor of the building.


    It was dark outside, and nobody was in the garden considering it was alreadyte. Taking her time and


    cherishing the peaceful treat, she slowly walked around the ce. There, she had a slight taste of


    freedom - so sweet and promising. She felt as light as a feather.


    Suddenly, a deep and heavy sigh broke the silence.


    No ordinary sigh would remind you of all the tempest and miseries in life.


    Curiously, Cassandra walked towards the direction where the sound wasing from.


    The light was dim, but the weary face of an old man with grey hair was visible. Misery and a troubled


    heart were clearly portrayed by the bitter frown on his face.


    The inquisitive woman coughed intentionally to draw the old man''s attention as she walked closer. And


    she seeded - the old man turned his clouded eyes to the woman.


    As their eyes met, a tinge of embarrassment enveloped Cassandra and she didn''t know how to start


    the conversation. She was taken aback and her mood suddenly dropped. The old man seemed to feel


    the same way too. Judging that they were on the same boat, she deemed it wise that getting to know


    the old man would do her no harm.


    With that in her mind, she gathered her courage and attempted to cease the monotonous silence.


    Wearing a polite smile, she seated herself beside the old man.


    "The moon looks great tonight,"


    she started, trying to break the ice. The old man wasn''t surprised by the friendly tone in the woman''s


    voice. Gradually he raised his head and looked up the sky.


    The dark blue sky was decorated by an enchanting yellow moon, with the bleak light of the stars


    forming a mist. It was indeed a magnificent view to the eye.


    "For the whole year, such a full moon can be only seen for a dozen times. We should treasure this rare


    moment,"


    the old man responded in a hoarse voice. Seeing that her friendly attempts had paid off, she felt a


    sense of aplishment.


    Moreover, the man didn''t seem to be rude at all. Cassandra was impressed by his wit - he was an


    interesting old man.


    "Sometimes, what our eyes can see is limited. However, we are free to decide with whom we will enjoy


    the scene. Being with someone you love the most is more valuable than enjoying a rare scene.


    Everything would be a scene to remember when you are with someone of your love," probed


    Cassandra.


    The little woman was trying to find out the reason for his mournful sigh, suspecting it was because of


    his spouse.


    The man returned her with an understanding smile.


    "You''re such a clever little girl. You know how to phrase your words. Did youe to console me


    because you saw me alone and troubled?"


    Cassandra was surprised that the old man had seen through her n. ''Can he read my mind? How


    could he possibly know what I''m thinking?'' Cassandra wondered.


    Her cute and innocent face helped clear some of his distress away. In a much more rxed mood, he


    began to exin, "All this time I''m bothered by my son."


    Cassandra reached out her clenched fist and started unfolding her fingers as if counting one by one.


    "Not a family man? Unwilling to marry? Refusing to have a child? Or not getting along with his wife?


    Which one of those about your son is bothering you? Would you mind sharing it with me?"


    Though her question was so direct, the old man didn''t feel offended and replied straight forward, "My


    son doesn''t want to follow my path to take over our family business. He just wants to follow his own


    way of life. Tropical rainforests, ins, and deserts, are the ces he love. He would take his camera


    with him and stay there for months without returning home. My wife and I are always worried about him


    and his future."


    Cassandra held an envious expression.


    "Wow, he has been to so many interesting ces! In my case, the only ce that I have been to is


    Rome. I haven''t got a chance to go to other ces even if I want to."


    The old man, however, was not totally excited as Cassandra was. Instead, he put on a helpless smile.


    "My wife and I used to lose contact with him for a couple of weeks. After all, he is my only child. Who


    knows what would happen to him when he is in the wild. All the family members want him toe backThis content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    to take the responsibility for our family business. But he is so stubborn and just wants to y around


    with the animals and the nts," the old manined.


    The light in Cassandra''s eyes now dwindled. On her mind raced the thought that¡­


    Somewhere out there, there was someone who was so bold enough to pursue his dreams and live the


    life he wanted. He was living his life to the fullest disregarding the immense pressure from the family.


    Sadly, in her case, Cassandra was too weak to dare and she was never given the chance.


    ''I envy this man''s son. I want to marry the person I love. I want to have a simple life with him and be


    with him for the rest of my life. I am willing to give up all the luxuries of life just to be happy with him, ''


    she thought to herself.


    Ironically, in reality, she decided to give up her own life for the sake of her family. She didn''t want her


    parents to suffer. Then she ended up with Lionel, the man whom she married without even the slightest


    affection.


    Noticing that Cassandra was indulged in her own thoughts, the old man tried to console her back, "My


    fairdy, you are so young. What is bothering you? I can be some help if you don''t mind sharing it with


    me."


    She didn''t know whether it was because of the lovely scent of the flowers, the gentle moonlight, or the


    cold wind which resembled her feelings, but somehow she felt a rare urge to express her thoughts to


    this strange old man.


    "What has been bothering me all this time is...I have fallen in love with a person, who is not supposed


    be loved by me," she stated with a voice full of despair.

 Chapter 56 A Caged Bird That Wanted To Break Free

    Chapter 56 A Caged Bird That Wanted To Break Free


    The Tang family was like a cage, despite all the opulence around. To Cassandra, it was a coop from


    which she longed for an escape.


    For four years, since she got married to Lionel, her dreams had began to die a slow, painful death.


    Patiently, she prayed and hoped for a turn-around in her marriage. But all the time, Lionel gave her the


    cold shoulder, moving away from her with each passing day, until there was an irreconcble rift


    between them. How she now wished for an escape from this unfulfilling, oppressive marriage! But what


    were her chances of ever falling in love with a man again?


    Right now, only under the soft moonlight and the gentle night wind could Cassandra tell the strange old


    man what she had buried deep in her heart all this time. She just needed someone to talk to, and this


    man was the perfect chance to let out the struggles bottled up in her heart. She couldn''t talk to her


    parents or her sister about her problems, let alone they too were in a hard ce at the moment, and


    were emotionally and financially drained.


    "Adding to them yet another burden would break them downpletely. That''s not something I''d do to


    my parents. For all the sacrifices they''ve made for me. They deserve better. Right now, I should be the


    one supporting them,"


    Cassandra said with a nk look on her face. She gazed into the distance, eyes unreadable. It seemed


    that her mind had flown back to the summer of the year when she just graduated from high school. The


    argument between her parents, the tears of her mother, and her disappointment. They all came rushing


    back to her in an instant.


    For the sake of the Qin family, she epted the arranged marriage with Lionel. It was forced on her by


    the family. Putting up resistance, she had cried, cursed and even tried to escape this horrible fate. But


    in the end, she just couldn''t see her mother suffer. She hadpromised and agreed to this nightmare


    of a marriage.


    "I also realize that there are things in life that I just can''t change. So I think that I should be content with


    what I have right now and focus on the good side of my life. But..."


    Cassandra trailed off. She had agreed to this marriage for the sake of her family, that was true. But it


    didn''t mean that she would give up on her dreams. That was why she was determined to finish her


    studies in Rome, and graduated with first ss honors.


    "But fate again yed a cruel joke on me, letting me meet a person that I shouldn''t have met. And one


    thing led to another..."


    she said, thinking back to the cruise before she returned home. When she lifted up her head, she


    locked eyes with Rufus, and felt something in her heart stir.


    Under the influence of alcohol, in the heat of the moment, the two of them got tangled with each other,


    and shared a passionate night together. The night was unforgettable. Whenever Cassandra thought of


    the fateful night, she had a bittersweet feeling in her heart. On one hand, she was happy that she could


    spend a night with the man she liked; but on the other hand, knowing that Rufus and Lionel were


    brothers, she felt bad that they could never be together for real.


    That fling would end in Rome, so she had thought. Little had she expected that she''d see Rufus again.


    What was more, she even found out that he was her brother-inw. Now, their rtionship was


    complicated. She had no idea where the two of them stood. She liked Rufus, and this was something


    she couldn''t lie to herself about. But she also knew that they would never have a future together, as


    long as she was married to his half brother.


    The Qin family put their hope on her. They really depended on her. Besides, Horace was also fond of


    her, and believed in her potentials. All these expectations put so much pressure on her. Cassandra just


    wanted to leave all this behind and fly away from here.


    When she woke up in the hospital and saw Rufus, she almost couldn''t tell whether it was the reality or


    just a dream. Was she losing her mind? Her head was in a spin!


    Ever since she came back from abroad, she hade to the hospital a few times. idents just kept


    happening to her. And every time it happened, Rufus was always there to save her.


    No, Rufus was everywhere. The more she wanted to keep her distance from this man, the more she


    seemed to be attached to him. It looked like their lives were tangled together in some mysterious,


    inseparable ways, that she could never escape.


    An inner hunch told her to get away from that man if she didn''t want get into trouble, but she just


    couldn''t fool herself. Her heart, body and soul always betrayed her. Every part of her wanted that man.


    A strong, irresistible desire for him, his love and all that he was.


    Whenever he came close to her, she just lost control over herself. The charm and appeal of his


    presence became necessary like the very air she breathed.


    When Cassandra was carried away in her reverie, the old man studied her. There was a deep frown on


    her face, and clearly her mind was somewhere else. It seemed that she had a lot on her te.


    "If I were half as brave as your son, I would have left here already. I want to break free from this cage


    that I am in right now and live a free life. But sadly, I am not that brave,"


    Cassandra said, sounding so dejected. She just had too many things to consider. If she left her family


    behind, they''d suffer for her decision; but if she stayed, she''d continue suffering in silence. Either way, it


    was a real dilemma.


    "I envy him for the fact that he lives whichever way he wants. A carefree life and..."


    Cassandra couldn''t finish her sentence. Overwhelmed, her nk eyes, looking into the distance turned


    teary. In shame, she looked down, obviously feeling defeated and powerless. She wiped away her


    tears using the back of her left hand, before raising her head slightly to look back at the old man. She


    tried to conceal her misery with a smile, but it only ended up as a grimace.


    "I believe that you also had your impulsive moments when you were at your son''s age. And I bet that


    you also had quarrels with your family. Maybe your son is at that stage where he just wants to do


    whatever suits his fancy and is just simply having the time of his life right now,"


    seeing the rueful reaction on his face, Cassandra assured the old man. He seemed lost in his thoughts.


    In pain and at a loss. Not to trouble him more, Cassandra held back.


    She learned that he too, in his youth fought against the arranged marriage his family had wanted for


    him. Marriage, he knew was one of those things that parents could not force on their kids. Especially,


    he knew it was futile for parents to imagine they could choose spouses for their sons and daughters.


    Love was not something to be forced on anyone. And the old man knew only too well from his own


    marital problems. It was not until histe 40s that he broke free from the arranged marriage. Only then


    did he marry the woman of his dreams.


    Unfortunately, the whole thing had held the old man from having kids earlier. When he got a son at long


    last, in hister life, the whole family doted on the kid. Wholly a brat, they unknowingly turned the kid


    into.


    From a young age, his son was bright and showed promise in many things. The only problem was that


    he wasn''t willing to take over the family''s business. He shirked responsibility.


    Well, the apple doesn''t fall far from the tree. At least, by reasoning in Cassandra''s line, the old man


    saw a younger version of himself in his son.


    Someday, everything will make perfect sense. In fact the old man wondered why he had not realized


    that earlier. It would have saved him from unnecessary stress.


    Let nature take its course. It just wasn''t worth it, trying to force the family business on the kid.


    Looking back at Cassandra with a smile on his face, he couldn''t help but admire her wisdom. She also


    had a way with words.


    The old man nced down and saw her wristband. The hospital used wristbands for patient


    identification. The name on hers took him by surprise.


    As if he hadn''t read it well, he leaned closer. It was clearly written out in bold font.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    The flicker of surprise in his eyes escaped Cassandra''s notice.


    "I feel a lot better after talking to you. Thank you. You are really an amazing and kind girl,"


    The old man appreciated and nodded with approval.


    Then he added,"And you don''t need to be miserable, just because it seems impossible to escape the


    oppressive coop now, that is your marriage. There are many positive things around you that you can


    choose to focus on, instead of dwelling on the negatives. As well, you are young, beautiful and


    intelligent. All that you need is the courage and patience to pursue your dreams. Maybe one day, the


    cage will open for you to leave and follow your heart."


    Touched by his words, Cassandra smiled, tilting her head to look at him. Her eyes sparkled under the


    meticulously bnced hospital lighting.


    "You don''t need tofort me, really. This is a golden cage after all, and maybe I don''t even want to


    leave," she teased.


    The old manughed to her quip. He really liked her wits and strong personality. Cassandra also


    giggled. In the quite night, hisughter was loud enough to draw the attention of the guard on patrol. He


    shed his torch in their direction.


    "It''s already ten o''clock. You should get back and rest,"


    The guard called out. But when he got closer and saw the old man, he was startled. Out of respect, he


    bowed at once and politely greeted,"Good evening, Director Tong!"


    Hearing the guard''s words, Cassandra froze in ce. Director Tong? ''How is that possible?'' she


    wondered. Judging from the medical care she was receiving, this was a high end private hospital.


    All around the ce, Cassandra appreciated their quality of services and every corner of the facilities,


    even the magnificent buildings.


    The hospital lived up to its billing as the best private hospital in G City. And the man she had been


    talking to just happened to be the director of it. It was impossible to imagine that her interlocutor was


    none other than the hospital''s director!


    Slowly, she stood up, bowed and nodded to the old man in deference to his identity.


    "It''s time for me to go back and rest. It was nice talking to you, Director Tong. Good night!"


    The old man just nodded at her with a gentle smile on his face.


    Cassandra lowered her head and rushed back into her hospital room. As soon as she got in the room,


    she got on the bed and hid herself under the covers.


    She had thought that the old man was just another patient in the hospital. But much to her surprise, he


    was the director. ''Why would he want to spend so much time talking to her?''


    She had been admitted here for two reasons. First, the Tangs'' family doctor, Dr. Jason, worked here.


    Second, Horace was good friends with the director here. In fact, it was out of their friendship that Dr.


    Jason had been rmended as their private doctor.


    Just now, she had said so many things to the director because she thought that he was just a stranger.


    And all she said was true. Would he guess something about her? Would he go digging for more info on


    her? And most importantly, if he found out something, would he tell Horace?


    Thinking of these, Cassandra''s hands tightened into tight fists. She had revealed too much.


    ''Oh my Gosh, what have I done? How could I be this silly? I let my guard down and this could get to the


    ears of someone in the Tang family.''


    Thank goodness, she stopped short of telling him about her affair with Rufus. That was a close shave.


    It made her pulse race. If she had given even the slightest hint about the affair, her goose would have


    been cooked.


    While she mulled over her narrow squeak, her cell phone beeped, alerting her to a text message from


    her sister Cloris:


    "Good night, sis. I wille and see you tomorrow. Have a good rest! Kisses and hugs."


    The message from her sister was supposed to cheer Cassandra up, but with what was going through


    her mind, it didn''t. Instead, it made her pangs of guilt worse.


    ''Cassandra, you should stop thinking about Rufus. You''d better forget about him. Maybe he is just


    using you and he''ll never get serious, '' she tried to persuade herself.


    Some men would only chase a girl for a new thrill and once they were done with you, they would leave


    you and move on to other women. Maybe Rufus was one of those randy morons, whose best idea of


    fun was sleeping with his sister-inw. Besides, he had never been on good terms with Lionel. Or


    maybe, he had no other motive but to hurt Lionel, and she was merely a pawn in their game. Sleeping


    with Cassandra could be Rufus''s best form of revenge on Lionel.


    However peace was all that Cassandra wanted at the moment. As much as it depends on her, she''d do


    everything to avoid getting herself into trouble, with anyone. But Rufus was quite the opposite. He


    didn''t just attract trouble, all the time. Like the eye of a storm, he was trouble itself.


    To allow Rufus into her life, it was like to y with fire - she could have ended up burning and harming


    herself. Was that something for which she was prepared?


    Maybe because she was still sick, Cassandra quickly became drowsy. Not long after, she went out like


    a light.


    Right at that moment, the door of her hospital room opened, and a tall man walked in with light steps.


    Stealthily he walked, careful not wake the woman up.


    He walked towards her, and stopped by the other bed beside hers. Hey down on the bed and turned


    to face Cassandra, studying her face.


    She was still asleep, but it seemed that her sleep wasn''t very peaceful. She tossed and turned in her


    bed while moaning in a small voice. There was a frown on her face. She seemed to be having a bad


    dream.


    Thinking of the other night when she had been rushed to the hospital feeling weak, Rufus couldn''t help


    but worry about her. She was immediately admitted into the hospital and he was by her side all this


    while. She had been dizzy and sleepy because she had a high fever.


    Moreover, when she was also crying and kicking because she didn''t feel well. The doctors and the


    nurses couldn''t make her calm down. He held her hand and tried tofort her.


    And miraculously, she immediately stopped crying as soon as he held her hand in his. While he was


    holding her hand, the nurse gave her an injection that began to lower her fever almost immediately.


    As she fell asleep, Cassandra was like a cute, little girl who wouldn''t let go of her parent''s hand.


    Surprisingly, she had a strong grip despite her small hands. She grabbed his hand so tightly that it


    almost hurt.


    Tears kept streaming down her cheeks from her tightly closed eyes, making Rufus'' heart ache for her.


    Using his free hand, he wiped away the tears on her face gently. Then he leaned forward and


    whispered into her ear,"Don''t be afraid. I am here. I will never let you go."


    Never had he been this gentle towards a woman in his life. Slowly, she calmed down and loosened her


    grip. Finally, she fell sound asleep. But he still didn''t let go of her hand.


    He simply just wasn''t willing to let go.


    Watching her small, delicate frame, he had an instinct to protect her. The way she trusted him, her love


    and honesty made him long to see her back to perfect health. He badly needed her.


    Keeping a watchful eye, he spent the whole night on the bed next to her. In the morning, Victor called,


    informing him of some members of the Tang family wereing to visit her. It was only then that he let


    go of her hand, and walked out grudgingly.


    As he left, he gave her one more admiring look, wishing her a quick recovery. She was still sound


    asleep, like a Sleeping Beauty waiting to be kissed by her Prince Charming.

 Chapter 57 Who Is The Better Hunter

    Chapter 57 Who Is The Better Hunter


    Moonlight poured through the windows of the ward, shrouding Cassandra in an unabating silver glow.


    Her eyes were shut tight as she drifted into dreams.


    Rufus''s lips couldn''t help but curve up in a soft smile as he looked down at her. She looked peaceful.


    The only time Cassandra was not on her guard was when she was sleeping.


    It was actually quite interesting to tease her on purpose. It amused him to see her ears go red and her


    mouth twist into a scowl when he provoked her shamelessly.


    But watching her while she slept was fascinating too. He felt himself being drawn to her serene face.


    It would undoubtedly be even moreforting to hold her in his arms as sleep took over both of them.


    Looking back, Rufus was not sure when it all started. When did spending time with her be his


    favorite past-time?


    When dawn came, he took his leave. Cassandra was still in deep sleep, a result of the drugs injecting


    through her IV drip.


    Before stepping out, he bent down and kissed her on the forehead. His gaze held bottomless depths of


    sincere affection.


    Cassandra woke up soon after Rufus left.


    She realized that she had dreamed of him again.


    At first, she had been sucked into a recurring nightmare. She remembered feeling like she was


    drowning and unable toe to the surface while her lungs burned from theck of air. Someone had


    finally pulled her up and relieved her of the torment.


    That someone had been Rufus.


    She shook her head in an attempt to forget the dream.


    ''Cassandra, what the hell? You promised yourself you would never think of him again. How could you


    dream about him? What''s wrong with you?''


    she said to herself with frustration and shame, then tossed right back into bed.


    Nevertheless, she couldn''t help thinking of his beautiful eyebrows, his deep-set eyes, his straight nose


    which gave on to his captivating lips...


    She groaned out loud, ''Why couldn''t I just get him out of my mind?


    Thest three days, Cloris had been keeping Cassandrapany. That way, she also made sure she


    met Rufus at least once a day.


    She found it strange that he was in her sister''s room every single time she arrived. He was always


    reading out Tang documents or case projects though, so she turned a blind eye.


    "Rufus, my sister hasn''t healedpletely yet. She shouldn''t be working so soon. What''s the hurry?"


    Cloris said. She didn''t want to bother him too much but was just curious about his work ethics.


    Rufus answered her in a clipped, formal voice, totally unlike his casual manner with Cassandra, "It''s not


    easy to be the manager of the Design Department. People take notice of your every action and


    decision. If she doesn''t work hard enough and people get to know that she is Horace Tang''s daughter-


    inw, it could lead toplications."


    It was stressful for Cassandra to deal with the bout of sudden work, but she was d for hispany.


    His presence soothed her anxieties so she could easily redound to her exertion.


    Not to mention he helped her a lot as they worked together. He pointed out her shorings, informed


    her what kind of documents needed to be rejected, and which files needed to be amended.


    Truth be told, if the documents were really so urgent, Rufus could have sent someone from the Design


    Department to bring these to her. It was quite unnecessary for him to personallye here and work


    with her.


    ''Is it because he just wants to find an excuse to visit me in person?''


    Cassandra wondered as she worried her lip. The possibility excited her, but then she figured that it was


    just a figment of her overindulgent imagination and grew upset.


    Eyes fixed on the wall behind Rufus, she thought of the gentle way with which he spoke to Cloris, his


    tone like the rush of a spring breeze that charmed people thoroughly.


    No woman was capable of resisting his extraordinary maism and attention. When he talked to


    someone, he made them feel special. Besides, Cloris was so naive and inexperienced. No wonder she


    was attracted to Rufus.


    It was obvious to Cassandra how enamored Cloris was. Every time her eyes flicked over to him, her


    gaze turned ssy, as if she was bewitched by his very presence. The more time passed by, the


    deeper her attraction to him grew.


    Cassandra knew it would be sensible to help Cloris get together with Rufus. It would be the best for


    everyone. So she tried her best to help, even though the idea left her feeling like she had swallowed


    something bitter.


    "Cloris wants to intern at ourpany. You know she is majoring in Administrative Management. Why


    not let her be Leo''s assistant?" she suggested.


    Leo was practically Rufus''s second hand. Being Leo''s assistant would mean that Cloris will have more


    chances to interact with Rufus.


    Cloris, who was standing behind Rufus, beamed at her sister''s suggestion. She blew her a kiss in


    impulse, her face flushing red.


    Rufus nced at Cassandra calctingly, trying to determine what she was thinking, but she only


    smiled at him properly.


    Disappointed, he lowered his gaze to the document and marked something important with his pen.


    "I will inform HR. Leo does a great job. Cloris can learn a lot from him," he replied.


    Cloris regrly heard people say her name, but it never made her as shy as it diding from Rufus''s


    soft mouth.


    The faint lilt in his tone and the roll of his tongue when he said it was tantalizing to her.


    The blush that rose on her cheeks was a telltale sign of her delight.


    "Oh Rufus, thank you so much! I promise... I promise I will do my best to learn from Leo! I won''t


    disappoint you!" Cloris shed him her white teeth in a coy smile.


    Rufus smiled back at her, and Cloris felt like she was intoxicated on her favorite drink.


    Cassandra let out a breath of relief.


    Rufus heard her sigh and sensed the emotion hidden behind it. He winced furtively.


    Why did his girl sound like she was d to finally be getting rid of a burden?


    Of course he had noticed that Cloris liked him, but the only reason he was nice to her was that she was


    Cassandra''s sister.


    Plus, he had other ns for her.


    Cassandra got into Tang Group through the backdoor. Just because she had a superior position at the


    company didn''t mean that she could rx. It was imperative that she make extra efforts to win the


    admiration of her colleagues. She needed to be in their good books.


    He already had the experience of running a big group. Unlike him, however, Cassandra was a newbie.


    She had no one to help her. It didn''t matter she was top of her ss in Rome.


    He intended to train Cloris as Cassandra''s assistant in the future so she could manage her sister''s daily


    routine.


    After all, they were sisters. Cloris would be more dedicated to her than a random stranger, and


    Cassandra would be able to gain a footing in thepany sooner than expected.


    He wanted to stand by Cassandra and help her the best he could. Help her in gaining the necessary


    experience to flourish in thepany, and help her solve any problems she encountered.


    Cassandra, however, was eager to do everything on her own. She didn''t want to rely on others. He


    understood that about her. He wanted to train her so well that one day she could soar through the skies


    all by herself.


    In the few days Cassandra was admitted in the hospital, her so-called husband didn''t show up even


    once.


    After work, Lionel spent all his time with Ivy.


    Her early pregnancy days were unstable. Lionel sacrificed all his entertainment to be with Ivy. After all,


    their baby was the key to getting thepany back in his hold.


    His family knew that his rtionship with Cassandra was tumultuous. What they didn''t know, however,


    was that they had never consummated yet.


    Horace was eager to have a grandson because Tang Group needed an heir. Later, it would be


    important that the heir had an heir of himself too.


    Many years ago, Horace''s elder brother didn''t inherit thepany because all his children were girls.


    The two brothers hadparable talent, but their father handed over the family business to Horace,


    his younger son.


    Rufus was still single, but Lionel had been married for four years now. In addition, Cassandra


    seemingly had spent a lot of time with him.


    If his wife couldn''t get pregnant soon, Horace would no doubt grow anxious. He had already expressed


    his desire for a grandson several times.


    At this point, if Ivy wanted to be his wife, Horace would probably wee her with open arms


    because of her pregnancy.


    After all,pared to the perishing reputation of the Qin family, a heir to the Tang Group was far more


    important.


    The day Cassandra was to be discharged from the hospital, Lionel drove there in person to pick her up.


    He wanted to make a deal with her.


    He whistled in a low voice as he strode to her ward, in a fantastic mood today. After all, he held the key


    to regaining his power in the form of Ivy and their baby. But all his excitement vanished the second he


    opened the door.


    While Cassandra was packing up her stuff, Rufus stood looking out by the window.


    Lionel straightened his spine, on his guard immediately as he gazed suspiciously at the pair. He was


    sure that they were involved romantically. They spent far too much time together.


    It was one thing that he wanted to leave Cassandra, but he would never allow her to be intimate with


    Rufus. His self-esteem was on the line.


    "Darling, let''s go home. I''vee to pick you up!" Lionel announced sharply.


    He pretended not to see Rufus and enveloped Cassandra in his strong arms. Burying his face into her


    hair, he inhaled deeply and sighed in satisfaction to irritate his half-brother on purpose.


    "I''ve been so busytely. Sorry I didn''t have time toe see you. How are you doing now?"


    Lionel asked as if he cared. Jill had taught him never to show weakness in front of an enemy, no matter


    how bad the situation got. He always bore that principle in mind.


    A keen hunter was always exceptionable at detecting the weakness of his prey before striking it down.


    However, Rufus was a keener hunter than him. He was more insightful than most people and saw


    through Lionel''s ruse immediately.


    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    It was no wonder that he was so sessful in business. His shrewdness had made sure he emerged


    safely on the other side of every danger he faced.


    And he hade back to this city not only to take over the reins of the Tang Group, but also to avenge


    an innocent and vulnerable woman...

 Chapter 58 The Fight In The Tang House

    Chapter 58 The Fight In The Tang House


    Lionel put his arms around Cassandra tightly all of a sudden. Her first instinct was to push him away.


    But Lionel had already thought of it. He pulled her closer to himself, making escape impossible.


    Rufus marked this in his deep eyes.


    Victor had reported to Rufus that Lionel and Ivy seemed to be nning something in the past few days.


    They were having serious talks for hours. Rufus had no idea what the n was so all he could do was


    to wait and figure it out.


    Cassandra was his woman. No one could change that. Yes, Lionel was her husband and so what?


    "There is no need to disy affection in public,"


    Rufus mocked Lionel, with a look of disdain.


    Just one hour ago, Lionel was kissing Ivy. Now, he was hugging Cassandra.


    Rufus knew that Lionel was just using these women. He didn''t take his rtionship with Cassandra


    seriously. But he still felt jealous when he saw Lionel hugging Cassandra.


    Cassandra was very embarrassed by Lionel''s hug. She hated Lionel''s touch. Lionel was notforting


    or reassuring as Rufus.


    Suddenly, Lionel lowered his head and kissed Cassandra''s face. Cassandra got goosebumps.


    "Honey, let''s go now. Father and mother are waiting for us at home. And I have good news to


    announce when we''re back home!"


    ''Good news?'' Cassandra worried. If the news was good to Lionel, it probably would not be good for her.


    Lionel dragged her to the car as she screamed.


    "What is this dirty game?"


    Lionel smirked, as if he had conquered Cassandra.


    True, he didn''t like Cassandra. But he didn''t want Rufus to get the love of his life. His original n was


    to divorce Cassandra and kick her out of the family. Now he had a change in mind.


    Rufus loved Cassandra. Instead of divorcing her, Lionel decided to torture her and make her life hell.


    "Be patient, sweetie. You''ll know when we get home!"


    Lionel said with an evilugh.


    Cassandra called the house to inform that she wasing home with Lionel. Horace answered and


    breathed a sigh of relief over the phone.


    Cloris couldn''t wait to speak with Cassandra in her excitement. She took over the phone and said,


    "Cassandra, I reported today to the Tang Group. Leo showed me around the offices."


    Cloris continued, lowering her voice to a whisper, "It turns out that employees in thepany don''t


    know about your true rtionship with Lionel. You can rest assured. I will help you keep it a secret."


    Cloris finished with a reassuring wave of her hand even her sister couldn''t see.


    Cassandra wasn''t listening. She was nearing a breakdown. She wondered why Lionel was torturing her


    mentally.


    A chill went down her spine when she thought of what happened between her and Rufus in Rome.


    Although she tried her best to forget, she had slept with Rufus on the cruise after the graduation. If


    Lionel persisted, he could find out about it.


    She was lost in her fears as the car arrived at the Tang family mansion.


    Autumn had arrived. The trees had shed their leaves and turned into bare bones.


    A chilly wind blew up, making her shiver.


    Lionel kept holding Cassandra''s hand as they got out of the car. She tried to pull out, but he only


    gripped her harder.


    "Stay still. Otherwise, I''m not sure what''s gonna happen tonight. You''ll feel more pain."


    For other people, Cassandra and Lionel''s argument seemed like a sultry joke between a young couple.


    "What do you want from me?"


    Cassandra was red with anger. She was visibly hating him and her displeasure at being touched was


    obvious now.


    Lionel remained silent. He just grabbed Cassandra''s hand and kept walking.


    The Tang family mansion was lively and busy as usual. Servants were bringing dishes to the table. The


    long dining table, covered in bright red cloth was topped with dishes of delicacies. Luxury was


    everywhere under the chandelier lights.


    There was darkness undisturbed at one ce, though. Rufus was standing near a window next to the


    staircase.


    A thousand thoughts came to Rufus'' mind when he saw what was happening between Lionel and


    Cassandra. She blushed when Lionel whispered in her ears.


    Rufus could guess Lionel''s words when he saw Cassandra''s face.


    Only a lover''s prattle could make a woman blush like that.


    Rufus was full of confidence when he returned to destroy the Tang family. Everything was going


    ording to his ns until Cassandra made her appearance. She upsetted his nspletely.


    He had checked the resumes of everyone in thepany, including Cassandra''s.


    She was supposedly the inest member in the family. A woman who had married Lionel in a marriage


    of convenience.


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    Though she married to the Tang family, her own family could not recover and gain the ce of esteem


    they once had. They kept going downhill. They were neither a help nor a threat to the Tangs.


    Such women didn''t catch Rufus'' attention at all initially. He wouldn''t take such women seriously.


    Cassandra''s photo on her resume was from her high school graduation.


    She looked innocent and childish, very different from how she looked now.


    The description Rufus got about Cassandra at that time was very different with the Cassandra he knew


    now.


    Back then, Rufus was told that Cassandra was introverted, ordinary and vulnerable. But when he really


    got to know Cassandra, he found out that she was a strong woman of extraordinary achievement.


    All the information from the investigation he got previously in Rome had been proved to be incorrect.


    The cupid had fooled Rufus. The woman he loved turned out to be Lionel''s puppet wife.


    Cassandra was conscientious about her work. Sometimes, she would cry in front of him and run away


    from him. Rufus fell in love with her anyway but he didn''t know whether to confess to her.


    He still had a lot to do in his n. Every time he made a decision, he had to think hard. He had not just


    himself, but Cassandra to think about as well.


    He tightened his grip on the wine ss. It crushed into pieces.


    Everyone in the room was startled. The carpet was a mess with red patches of wine and shards of


    ss.


    Cassandra immediately rushed to take the medical kit, but Lionel grabbed her hand and stopped her.


    "Oh no! Rufus! Are you okay? Did you get hurt?"


    Cloris was the first person to run to Rufus. She gently took his hand and checked his injury.


    There was a wound in the center of his palm, bleeding red blood. Cloris burst into tears.


    "Does it hurt? Why are you being so careless, Rufus?"


    Rufus was silent. There was no change in his expressions till he took a nce at Cassandra who was


    sitting with Lionel. He went into a rage and lost control.


    In his heart, he felt defeated.


    The person who came to care for him first was Cloris, not Cassandra.


    The attention and care was not from Cassandra.


    Horace, the master of the house, didn''t freak out like Cloris even though he was worried as well.


    "Get the medical kit and help him stop bleeding first. Dr. Jason is out of town now. I''ll ask Jenks to send


    another doctor."


    But Rufus didn''t care about his injury. He broke free from Cloris'' grip and said indifferently, "It''s no big


    deal. It looks like that we might need to buy wine sses from a different maker."


    Jill was silent all this time. She didn''t want to get involved. But when she heard Rufus, she couldn''t help


    herself and said angrily, "I bought these wine sses from France myself. They are the most expensive


    ones. We don''t need to change anything!"


    Rufus justughed, with no regard to her anger.


    "Price isn''t the only standard when judging a wine ss, just as not everyone has the taste or the


    sense to tell whether a wine is good or not. It is like casting pearls before swine. Wine is worthless if it


    is given to someone who knows nothing about wine."


    Jill''s family were the new money. She knew that she wouldn''t have married Horace if her family wasn''t


    in the upper ss.


    She became angry and embarrassed when Rufus implied in public that she had no taste but only


    money.


    "I''m thedy of the house now. I handle everything in this family. These wine sses, since I brought


    them from France, have served many guests. No one has everined about them!"


    Rufus remained calm, as usual, in spite of Jill''s tantrum.


    "Of course, strangers won''t say anything. But I''m a member of the Tang family. I think it is fine that I


    make suggestions which will benefit our family."


    Hearing Rufus, Jill stood up.


    She had been in charge of the daily affairs of the family for so many years and no one had questioned


    her. Rufus was the first one to challenge her and he did it in front of so many people, embarrassing her.


    What''s more, he was just a bastard child.


    "Rufus, when did you be a part of the Tang family? Yourst name is Luo. You have nothing to do


    with the Tang family!"

 Chapter 59 A Special Designer

    Chapter 59 A Special Designer


    Jill, with her towering fury, stood up angrily and pushed the dining chair back. She went on with the


    heated argument with Rufus. She was shouting mean words towards him like a shrew.


    "That''s enough!"


    Horace mmed his heavy hands down the table. His roar-like voice made Cassandra jerk.


    "Jill! I''m warning you. Rufus is my son and a member of the Tang family. If you continue on humiliating


    him, I will definitely drive you out of this house! Then we''ll see who will be no longer part of this family!"


    Jill''s pale face quivered with embarrassment. She knew for sure that he meant what he had just said. It


    was for real and not a threat as Horace bristled with anger. She deemed it wise to just stop and take


    her seat, or else she would be an outcast in no time.


    Her retreat, however, didn''t mean that she had admitted defeat. She red at Rufus silently and sat


    back in her seat with a sinister n of revenge running on the back of her mind.


    A servant hurried towards Rufus and cleansed his wounds with some disinfectant and wrapped it neatly


    with white gauze. After that, he turned towards Horace and bent over to whisper something in his ear,


    "Mr. Tong called and said he woulde over because he had something urgent to discuss with you.


    He also added that he woulde personally to check on Mr. Luo''s injuries."


    Upon hearing the news that Jenks wasing, he turned to the servant and ordered, "Tell the chef that


    Jenks ising. I have oriented him about his favorite dishesst time. Make sure he cooks something


    he likes."


    The servant nodded. Cold sweats were popping out of his forehead.


    Horace was naturally strict at ordinary days, but it was very rare to see him so upset. He was so


    infuriated that the heavy and raspy yell he had made earlier veiled a mask of fear to everyone at the


    house.


    Everyone knew well that the reasons for it all were Jill and Rufus, but no one dared to point it out. The


    fear of Horace weakened the strength out of them.


    Jill had been difficult to get along with. Over the years, she had been peevish and grew fond of


    criticizing and finding faults with the servants'' work for no reason whatsoever. Every servant was afraid


    of her, but they were like a dumb man eating the bitter herb - suffering in silence.


    However, Jill was a great pretender. She always wore a smile in front of guests as if everything was


    fine with her. Especially when Horace was around, she would transform into an elegant, sophisticated,


    well-mannered woman and act like everything was perfect and orderly fine.


    Nheless, misunderstandings had habituated the household recently. It started the moment Rufus


    moved in together with the Tang family.


    Ever since Horace learned about Rufus''s existence, he had done everything possible for Rufus to be


    epted to the family.


    Rufus was his biological son, and he owed Rufus''s mother a lot. His conscience smote him for not


    providing and taking care of them in the past.


    When all his ns for Rufus were set, he pulled all the courage he had to tell Jill about his son from


    another woman. Jill was so mad, but Horace was confused if her madness was genuine or not.


    She built a wall of detachment with Horace and cried and raved, but all her efforts were in vain. Horace


    had made up his mind and it remained unchanged. He brought Rufus to live with them and appointed


    him to take charge of the Tang Group.


    Every time he looked at Rufus, he couldn''t help but remember the delicate woman, Hellen Luo. He had


    sworn to marry her despite all the odds, but fate forbade, and he failed her.


    The love they shared and nurtured together brought forth a blessing. She gave birth to Rufus, the


    testimony of Horace''s unfulfilled promise to Hellen.


    Rufus grew up and lived up to his father''s expectations. The Tang Group was prospering with each


    passing day under his supervision.


    Jill knew that all the heartaches she endured and tears she had shed were of no use. Worst of all, the


    once-famous Xie family she originally belonged to had gone to pot for years. She had lost their support


    and no one to rely on. She was cing herst thread of hope on her son, Lionel.


    Even though her son was a responsible young man, he was unruly and not as steady as Rufus. The


    thought made her anxious, but she could do nothing about it.


    Tonight, however, it was Rufus who rocked the boat and started the heated argument. He broke a wine


    ss and med Jill for her bad taste in choosing cheap wine sses. He emphasized that the wine


    sses she chose were not the best in quality and suggested she should rece them. Ironically, the


    wine sses had been used for a long time, and tonight was the first time that a piece broke.


    Moreover, Jill felt humiliated, considering that she was way older than he was. He should show her


    some respect and call her ''mother''. As the argument heightened, Horace yelled at her in front of the


    family. She was taken aback and was degraded so bad.


    Lionel wanted to speak for his mother, but Horace was in a fit of anger and wouldn''t listen to anyone.


    Rufus''s injury made Horace''s heart ache. Lionel swallowed back the words that were already on the tip


    of his tongue.


    Jill was even more disheartened when she saw that Lionel turned a blind eye to her.


    Cloris was an alien, so she kept herself out of the fight of the Tang family. She was only worried about


    Rufus''s wound. She grabbed hold of his hand dressed with gauze while tears were falling on her face.


    The sight of the wound broke her heart into pieces.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    "Rufus, it must be very painful. Let me blow on it. When I was a child, I fell down and scraped my hand,


    my mother blew on my wound, then it wouldn''t be painful anymore."


    Pouting her red lips, Cloris childishly blew on Rufus''s hand. He stared at her features which resembled


    Cassandra''s. His heart was shaken.


    If only it was Cassandra who was holding his hand andforting him now, the pain wouldn''t trouble


    him for sure.


    However, she was standing there hand in hand with Lionel. They had to pretend to be a couple in the


    eyes of everyone.


    Rufus drew back his hand, calmed down and responded gently to Cloris, "I''m fine. Don''t worry. Let''s


    have dinner."


    The atmosphere in the hall hung was charged with pressure because of the incident. Horace seated


    himself on the far end of the table with a calmer expression on his face. Jill sat on the other end, while


    Lionel and Cassandra were still standing.


    Cassandra helplessly watched Cloris carefully holding Rufus''s hand. Her heart sulked at the sight.


    She looked away and didn''t mind them, but her ears were attentive that she could still hear what Cloris


    was saying to Rufus.


    Cloris''s feelings for Rufus were clearly obvious, and Rufus didn''t refuse her show of affection.


    When Cloris said that her mother would gently blow on her wound when she got hurt, Cassandra''s


    nose twitched.


    The words brought her memory of the small town back to life.


    The small town was where her mother and the nurse lived. Her wet nurse was a kind, olddy. She


    granted Cassandra whatever she asked for and spoiled her with everything she wanted. Despite all


    these, Cassandra still longed for her parents'' love.


    She didn''t know why her parents left her alone in the small town, while her sister Cloris could spend her


    childhood with them. She wasn''t able to live with the Qin family until she attended junior high school.


    Cassandra found it difficult to adapt to the resplendent and magnificent house and the many rules of


    the Qin family when she went back from the town. She became aloof and didn''t talk much at home.


    Her father was busy with his career, and it was her mother who gradually helped her with the


    adjustments.


    She refrained from asking why her parents had treated her and Cloris differently. She dared not ask


    because she was afraid that she couldn''t bear the answer she would get.


    If she learned that her parents loved Cloris more, how should she face them? The thoughtplicated


    her beliefs.


    Sheforted herself with the idea that Cloris was her sister, and her parents focused on Cloris


    because she was younger. So she should be so understanding and humour her little sister.


    Would that mean that she had to give Rufus up to Cloris one day too? The question confused her mind.


    Jenks''s arrival eased the tension in the hall. It was drizzling outside. His hair was slightly wet when he


    came in.


    Horace rose from his seat to greet him, and everyone else came up to show respect and wee him.


    Jenks first checked on Rufus''s wound. It wasn''t serious, so he just asked Rufus to go to the hospital for


    a tetanus shot after dinner.


    Horace repeatedly thanked him and led him to the seat of honor. Then they began to talk.


    "Jenks, I heard that you were going to build another branch in the suburbs."


    Jenks nodded, but his eyebrows knitted in a frown.


    "I do have a n, but I''ve been hesitating about who will be the director of the branch."


    Seeing his hesitation, Horace knew that he was still upset by his wayward son. Heforted him with


    a bright smile, "Don''t worry. I''ve talked with your sonst time. He said he knew how you felt. He is a


    high-caliber medical school graduate. It won''t be easy for him to give up his calling. I''m sure he will


    come back."


    Jenks shook his head in dismay, but his face remained rxed.


    "I am learning to ept his decision. He is so like me. I also rebelled and argued with my family when I


    was young. So I just let him do whatever he wants."


    Horace was d to see his friend''s knitted brows smoothened.


    "Our children and grandchildren have their own lives to live. Don''t worry too much about them. Jason is


    a good doctor. You must be very proud of him."


    Speaking of his favorite student''s achievements, Jenks let out a smile.


    "You are right. I''m so proud of him and satisfied with his ordeals. I''ll have a good talk with him after he


    comes back from abroad."


    Suddenly something came to his mind.


    "By the way, you saidst time that you would introduce a special nner for the architectural design of


    my branch. Who is that?"


    Horace replied with acent smile, "The designer is young but insightful. She is now the design


    manager of the Tang Group."


    Then he pointed to Cassandra, who had been hanging her head low beside Lionel.


    "She''s my daughter-inw, Cassandra. I want her to take charge of the architectural design for your


    branch."

 Chapter 60 Waiting For The Storm To Come

    Chapter 60 Waiting For The Storm To Come


    Upon hearing Horace''s words, Jenks Tong looked towards the woman and smiled.


    Then, he said with pleasure, "You''re Cassandra Qin. Am I right?"


    Cassandra had tried to hide her face by lowering her head and letting her hair cover her face, from the


    second the old man entered the room. She didn''t want him to notice her.


    However, her efforts failed, as he easily picked her out of the crowd, calling her by name.


    With no ce to hide anymore, she raised her head and met his gaze. Everyone in the room was


    staring at her.


    Apparently, he was not surprised to see Cassandra here at all.


    She didn''t realize that the man had known who she was the day they met.


    Anyway, Cassandra put herself together and said, "Nice to meet you, Director Tong."


    There was not much to say. The only thing on her mind now was the story she had shared earlier about


    the canary and the birdcage. She feared that he would let slip the story.


    She shouldn''t have worried at all, as Jenks gave nothing away concerning their meeting. Instead, he


    went straight to discussing the construction of a new branch of the hospital with Horace.


    At the end of their conversation, Jenks praised, "Rufus is a great man. Two days ago, he came to me


    and floated an idea for the project and I must say I was impressed. That''s why I chose yourpany."


    Hearing the praises heaped on Rufus, Horace smiled with satisfaction. It gave him great joy to hear


    someone speak so highly of his son.


    Jill, however, wasn''t happy about the new development. Two years ago at a dinner party, she


    remembered Mrs. Tong agreeing to Lionel taking up the same project.


    She wondered why Rufus was getting a deal to which his brother had alreadymitted. Did Horace


    find it right to shortchange one son for the other?


    If things went on like this, Jill feared Lionel would eventually lose his current position at the Tang Group.


    The only constion she found in the whole arrangement was that Horace still needed Cassandra to


    undertake most of the major construction projects, like this one. But then again, Cassandra too would


    lose, if Rufus was to be favored against everyone else.


    Out of the blue, Lionel cut in, with an unrted subject. Listening to Horace, he had noticed how


    willingly his old man agreed to an arrangement that would unsettle their earlier deal. So Lionel decided


    to disrupt their scheme. For now, all that he needed was just something downy the discussion. If he


    could derail their meeting, that would allow him time to plot ae back. He wasn''t going to stand on


    the fence and watch his brother gain unfair advantage.


    "By the way, Father, Cassandra and I are nning to have a child. I wonder if Uncle Jenks could


    rmend one of his doctors. Maybe we''ill need some help along the line."


    The diversion worked like magic. No one in the room had seen thating.


    Horace burst intoughter at once.


    As a fact, he knew that Lionel''s marriage to Cassandra was the result of pressure from the two families.


    The parents on both sides had their own interests in forcing the marriage. But now, everyone knew that


    Cassandra and Lionel did not get along well with each other. Why did Lionel seem to have such a


    sudden change of heart?


    Something was not adding up. For example, Lionel for the very first time had taken Cassandra to the


    hospital. All the other times, when she needed medical attention, he had left it to his parents to take her


    to the doctor. But since they came back from the hospital, Lionel seemed to have changed, although


    Horace doubted if that was for the better. In particr, the old man had realized the abrupt, almost


    make-believe manner of Lionel. ''Why is he suddenly trying to feign affection for Cassandra?'' Horace


    only hoped that the young man would change for real.


    "You should have had a baby earlier. If you did there would be moreughter in this house, and


    especially you''d have saved your mother unnecessary stress!"


    The old man''s reprimanding voice made Jill ufortable.


    But she agreed. She''d be a happier woman if Lionel had a child. More so, a son - the first grandson of


    Horace. That would give Lionel a bigger chunk of inheritance. A big advantage over of his half-brother,


    Rufus, who was still unmarried.


    Listening to the unexpected talk, Cassandra got very concerned. ''So this is what Lionel didn''t want me


    know earlier.


    A baby? With Lionel?''


    That''s ridiculous! Cassandra had never even thought of it.


    She was sick of his touch, let alone having a baby with him.


    Reacting to the unnecessary drama, Rufus clenched his fists in anger, forgetting that he had a wound.


    It was Cloris who first noticed the blood on Rufus''s gauze and in a panicked voice interrupted the


    meeting.


    "Rufus! Is your wound bleeding again?" she asked, trembling.


    When Cassandra turned to look, she was mortified by the sight of blood soaking through his gauze and


    the furious way he clenched the fist.


    "That''s too much bleeding. Call the driver now. We must send him to the hospital!"


    Horace ordered immediately.


    "I''ll go with him!"


    Cloris volunteered.


    More anxious than anyone else in the room, Cassandra couldn''t turn her eyes away from the red


    gauze. Her heart raced, feeling his pain cut through her. But she fought to hide her feelings, especially


    with Lionel and Jenks nearby.


    The former was suspecting an affair between her and Rufus, while thetter knew her story about the


    birdcage.


    If she did anything wrong, they would all suspect her intention. So, to keep her emotions in check, she


    bit her lip and lowered her head, to avoid looking at Rufus.


    After Cloris and Rufus had left the hall, Horace and Jenks''s conversation continued for a while before


    Jenks took his leave.


    Taking advantage of the confusion, Lionel dragged Cassandra to their bedroom.


    As soon as he closed the door, Cassandra tightly grasped her neckline.


    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    With an unyielding voice, she cautioned, "Lionel, we are only nominal couple. You can''t unterally


    decide to have a baby. That''s not going to happen!"


    But with an air of arrogance, Lionel loosened his tie and approached the little woman gradually.


    "Haven''t you read the Marriage Law?" he asked nonchntly. "As your husband, I''m legally entitled to


    conjugal rights. You know what that means?"


    An oppressive aura filled the room,pletely surrounding Cassandra. She feared she''d suffocate.


    Desperate for an escape route, she looked around the room. She knew that Lionel wouldn''t easily


    relent.


    Somehow, her nervousness moved his heart. On instinct, he wanted tofort her, and ay her fears.


    But when he stretched his hand to stroke her face, she tightly closed her eyes and bit his fingers.


    Little had Lionel expected such a strong resistance. He had terribly underestimated her hatred toward


    him.


    When his hand started to bleed, he stared at the wound in disbelief.


    "Cassandra, are you insane? How could you bite me?" he shouted.


    But Cassandra didn''t mind whatever he thought of her. Unafraid of him, she just stood there and


    watched, anticipating his next move.


    "Lionel Tang, you''re such a jerk!


    Do you even remember your promises?" she sneered. ''Did she just call me a jerk?'' Lionel thought.


    Then he teased, "Don''t you forget that we are legally married! As long as we are married, I deserve my


    conjugal rights! And by the way, if you have anything against our marriage, you should me it on your


    father. He desperately pleaded with my family for this marriage,"


    Lionel said with derision.


    After listening to him gloat, Cassandra reminded him, "As you said, our marriage was only meant to


    serve the interests of our families. There''s absolutely nothing like love between you and me. Why


    would you want us to have a kid, whom we all know we''d end up hating? What satisfaction would it


    give you, getting a kid whose mother you loath, disparage and mistreat? Would it fulfill you to have a


    miserable, neglected child?"


    Suddenly, Lionel stood up and walked past her toward the closet. He took out a quilt and threw it to


    Cassandra.


    Then he pointed at the sofa and said conclusively, "That''s where you''ll sleep tonight!"


    Then, he went to the bathroom.


    At the door, just before he went in, he warned without turning to look back, "Don''t try to escape, or I''ll


    sexual assault you right here and now!"


    By the tone of his voice, Cassandra knew he wasn''t kidding.


    ''But it looks like I''ll be fairly safe if I y along today¡­ Is it because of what I''ve told him? Have my


    words touched him that much?'' she wondered.


    Weighing her options, she really hoped that Lionel wouldn''t change his mind. Out of fear, she wrapped


    herself tightly with the quilt, and closed her eyes, pretending to be asleep.


    In earnest, she prayed to God that Lionel wouldn''t touch her. Not today, or any other day.


    Meanwhile, a Rolls-Royce Phantom roared in the evening wind and rain.


    On the back seat was Rufus, being driven back to the Tangs'' residence from the hospital.


    His tightly bandaged hand would probably not be able to bend for a week.


    Beside him was an apparently tired Cloris, who had fallen asleep with her head resting on his shoulder.


    Rufus watched rain drops falling on the window and sliding down in slow rivulets.


    Suddenly his phone rang. An iing call from Victor, who in a low voice reported, "Well, at least he


    didn''t force Cassandra to have sex with him.


    It seems she''s pretty safe at least for now."


    Rufus looked at the Cloris who was still asleep, and answered in a low voice as well, "Have someone


    to keep monitoring them. If something happens, you know what to do."


    Rufus then hung up the phone and heaved a sigh of relief.


    ''That''s a good news but¡­ it can be actually a bad news, '' he thought.


    ''Why didn''t Lionel force her to sleep with him after the announcement? Could he be nning


    something else that we can''t guess at the moment?''


    But no matter what was in Lionel''s mind, Rufus would stop him, if he wanted to hurt Cassandra.


    What Lionel didn''t know was that he was being watched and there was already someone close by to


    deter him if he dared touch Cassandra. Right now, on the foliage-covered wall near the window of his


    bedroom, a man in all ck was lurking in the shadows like Spiderman, watching and ready to strike at


    any moment if Lionel crossed the red line.


    Just in case something happened, Rufus was well-prepared as always.


    Information was an asset in this battle. And on that score, he was ahead of the game.


    On this cold night in thete autumn, a hawk-eyed Rufus squinted, waiting for the real storm ahead.

 Chapter 61 The Kiss In The Lift

    Chapter 61 The Kiss In The Lift


    Cassandra woke up to the pitter-patter of rain falling outside. It drummed softly on the leaves and


    nketed the morning in a rhythmic white noise of nature.


    Her eyes were still hazy with sleep, until she came to the sudden realization that she was in Lionel''s


    room. Wide-eyed, and her mind sounding rms, she sprang up to check her own body.


    She was under the cover of the nket, and her clothes were exactly as they were when she fell


    asleep. She ran her hands over her limbs, as if in search for a phantom touch that could possibly linger.


    Convinced that nothing was different, she heaved a sigh of relief. It seemed that Lionel didn''t touch her.


    The thought of him made her turn her head and scan the room. He was nowhere to be found.


    She stood up from the bed and opened the door, treading softly on the carpeted floor. It was still early,


    and she did not want to make noise and attract anyone''s attention. She crossed the hall and went, as


    quickly as her quiet steps would allow her, to the guest room where she was living in. Then she locked


    the door, and took a shower. When she finished, she came out with her body wrapped in a bath towel.


    To her surprise, there was a man standing in the middle of the room, his eyes fixed on her.


    Reflexively, she tightened the towel around herself to find any semnce of modesty it could give her,


    then she stormed to the intruder.


    "Rufus! When did youe in!" she confronted him.


    Rufus remained his standing position, unaffected by her anger. The dim light of the autumn morning


    silhouetted his face, hiding parts of it in shadows. Despite the absence of light, one could feel a heavy


    auraing from him.


    He replied to her in a low voice, "I have been here. You didn''te backst night. So I was here the


    entire night."


    Cassandra felt herself warm with his words as a slew of thoughts crowded her head. ''Was he sleeping


    on the my bed? Did he use my nket?


    Was the bed clean enough? Was my hair on it? Was itfortable enough for him?'' The questions


    went on and on until she realized the insignificance of the things she was agonizing over.


    ''Wait a second¡­'' she thought, shaking her head and collecting her wits.


    There was a more important question that had to be answered.


    "Why did you sleep in my roomst night?" she questioned. Her voice was firm but the blush on her


    face betrayed her emotions at the moment.


    A yful smile crept up Rufus'' face.


    "I wanted to be close to you. Your bed smells like you. It was really...nice," Rufus continued, his voice


    dropping at thest words.


    Cassandra knew all too well that he was teasing her, and yet, she found herself curling up like a cat to


    his words. Was she¡­enjoying this?


    ''Cassandra, how can you stoop so low? How dare you entertain flirtation with your brother-inw!'' she


    castigated herself. ''You are the wife of Lionel. You are supposed to behave like a married woman. It is


    uneptable to keep pursuing an ambiguous rtionship with Rufus, '' she went on reminding herself.


    Gripping the voice of reason, she spoke in the coldest tone she could muster, "Well, you can go out


    now. I need to change."


    Undeterred, Rufus'' eyes roamed all over her body as if he was devouring her with his eyes. His eyes


    glinted with mischief as he asked, "Why? Are you bothered with me looking at your naked body?"


    Cassandra knew the game he was ying. She also knew he wouldn''t go out so easily.


    Abandoning any further effort to drive him away, Cassandra took her clothes and went into the


    bathroom, locking the door after her. She dressed herself and came out.


    As she expected, Rufus was still in her room. Without so much as a nce, she walked pass him and


    out of the guest room, and suddenly was surprised to find Cloris standing at the door holding a tray.


    She was here to bring Rufus breakfast.


    Rufus was sleeping in the guest room since he forgot to close the window of his own room the night he


    went to the hospital. His bed was drenched from the heavy rain, so he moved to the guest room


    instead.


    Cloris was about to knock on the door, but before she could do so, the door opened, revealing


    Cassandra.


    For a moment, the sisters stood face to face, gaping at each other in an awkward silence.


    They looked at each other wordlessly in confusion.


    Rufus broke the silence between them when he casually took the tray from Cloris''s hands.


    "Thank you, Cloris. I was just getting hungry," he said simply.


    His words pulled Cloris back to her senses, but questions lingered at the back of her mind. She pushed


    her way inside the bedroom, inspecting every detail as anxiety wed at her. Her eyes were pulled to a


    familiar rm clock by the bed. It was a gift from their mother to Cassandra. She always had it with her.


    Once again, it was Rufus who provided an exnation to her unspoken questions.


    "Yesterday, I just randomly chose a guest room. I only found out that this was your sister''s room this


    morning when she came in to pick up her things."


    It didn''t take much to see Cloris''s puzzlement at the situation, and so Rufus took it upon himself to


    diffuse the tense atmosphere before anything else surfaced. It was the logical move. His words,


    however, made Cassandra uneasy. She could not put her finger at the strange feeling that slowly crept


    inside her chest.


    "Rufus, you must have been very tired. You even entered the wrong room," Cloris responded.


    Relief washed over Cassandra when Cloris didn''t press the matter any further. She quietly left the room


    as Cloris continued to make small conversations with Rufus.


    Downstairs, Horace was having his breakfast, giving Cassandra a smile as she descended from the


    stairs.


    Just earlier, Lionel came down for his breakfast. Before taking his leave, he asked his father not to


    wake Cassandra up so that she could sleep longer.


    Horace mulled over his words happily, thinking to himself that Cassandra must be tired from spending


    time with her husband. Little did he know Lionel''s request was to avoid the awkward atmosphere if they


    were to have breakfast together which would certainly raise his suspicion.


    Seeing that Lionel was nowhere to be found, Cassandra felt much more rxed.


    "Have you already thought of any ideas about the design for the branch of the hospital? Don''t forget to


    discuss it with Rufus. It would be better if he can give you ideas about the aesthetics that they want.


    Ask Uncle Jenks for his advice as well," Horace reminded her.


    Cassandra replied with a firm nod of her head. Horace''s advice was quite thoughtful. This was the


    biggest project that she had been assigned to since she entered the Tang Group. She would certainly


    spare no effort to make sure it was sessfully aplished.


    She had her work cut out for her. There were plenty things that needed her attention - design,


    materials, function. A thousand details had to be discussed and taken into consideration. Her expertise


    alone would not be enough, as the project entailed an understanding of how the different sectors of the


    hospital would work together. She had not been around long enough to decipher it herself.


    It was definitely a challenging project, and Cassandra felt enthusiasm well up in her.


    After she finished her breakfast, Rufus and Cloris came walking down the stairs together.


    Cloris walked to her older sister and pulled her hand, grabbing her attention.


    "Cassandra, Rufus is going to drive me to work. Are youing with us?" she asked in an enthusiastic


    voice, even as her eyes spoke to Cassandra differently.


    ncing at Rufus, she refused, "I still have something to do at the construction site. The two of you


    can go together."


    Cloris was secretly ted at her refusal, and she took it to mean that Cassandra was giving her a hand


    to spend some time alone with Rufus. She winked at her sister, then turned to Rufus and clung to his


    arm. Then she announced, her tone as bright as the sound of tinkling bells, "Then we''re off to work.


    Goodbye Uncle Horace! Goodbye Cassandra!"


    Rufus stole a nce at Cassandra but said nothing. Without so much as a goodbye, he let himself be


    led away by Cloris to the car. Only after Rufus had left, was Cassandra able to breathe normally.


    She didn''t want to stay with either Lionel or Rufus. Their presence loomed over her like clouds and


    confused her. She wanted to stay away from the brothers, as further as possible.


    Dusk fell with rain as people were getting ready to leave for the day. There were the telltale sounds of


    lockers being closed and bags being zipped as employees prepared to clock out and go home.


    Ste, being the good friend that she was, sent Cassandra a message, reading, "There''s going to be a


    typhoon today ording to the forecast. Go home early and be safe!"


    Cassandra was still sorting out the documents when her phone pinged to the message. She peeled her


    eyes away momentarily to read Ste''s message, then resumed work. Several sheets were spread


    over the table and Cassandra pored through them. She was studying materials that would help her


    understand how the departments of the hospital worked, but not even halfway done.


    It was only when the thunder roared and the wind blew so fiercely that she finally considered her


    situation. ncing outside the window, she watched as trees almost bent with the force of the wind.


    ''The wind would totally blow me up to the sky!'' she thought to herself.


    The street was deserted. The wind keptshing out, blowing leaves harshly to all directions as the


    pavement was soaked in rain. It was a terrible sight to look at.


    Cassandra made quick calctions in her head. ''If I drive back home now, maybe I can still make it. It


    would only get worse if I wait longer. It''s better to act now than risk getting stranded in the officeter, ''


    she decided.


    Having made up her mind, she packed up her stuff and walked into the lift, ready to go down. When the


    doors of the elevator opened, she was surprised to find a man standing inside. It was Rufus.


    Cassandra felt her heart sink to her stomach. ''What is he doing here?''


    Some time earlier, Rufus was about to go home and had gone to the underground parking lot.


    However, he noticed that Cassandra''s car was still there, so he went back to his office and turned on


    the surveince video.


    As he had expected, Cassandra was still working.


    He silently watched her work through the screen until she eventually decided to leave. Before she


    could reach the lift, Rufus rushed to it and waited for her inside.


    By this time, he had already fixed his mind on a decision. There was nothing he wouldn''t do to stay


    close to her. He knew that she would resist - it was evident in the determinedly cold way she treated


    him. But he would insist upon telling her that it was impossible to get rid of him.


    Cassandra hesitated to go inside such a small, enclosed space with this dangerous man. She stood


    there, not making a move to enter, when atst doors started to close. What happened next surprised


    her. Before the elevator closedpletely, Rufus put one leg forward to block the door, which made it


    automatically open once again.


    Then Cassandra felt an arm grabbing her and forcing her in.


    Her mind reeled at the all too familiar feeling of his arms around her.


    "Let go of me! You¡­" she shouted, trying to break free from his embrace.


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    She kept on struggling and yelling, and without warning, her voice was sealed by his lips.


    His hands gripped her wrists to stop her movements. He was strong, and it was almost impossible for


    her to break away.


    She felt a sharp sensation digging into her skin as he grasped her hands, but instead of quieting her


    down, it was as if the pain fueled her resistance even more.


    There were security cameras in the lift. Anyone could chance upon it and it would be a big trouble.


    Feeling anxiety and anger welling up inside her, Cassandra bit Rufus'' lip.


    At this, he abruptly pulled away, looking at her in utter disbelief. He raised a hand to his bruised lip and


    wiped at the blood.


    This woman dared to bite him!


    He reached out his hand to grab her face, but she pped it away.


    Red bloomed on the bandaged hand, and Cassandra''s fury was reced with worry when she saw the


    blood staining the white cloth.


    The wound must have reopened. Realizing this, the fierce look on her face suddenly vanished.

 Chapter 62 The Storm

    Chapter 62 The Storm


    A heavy silence permeated the elevator. Cassandra nced at the redness spreading over Rufus''


    hand, and felt her heart squeeze in pain.


    She tried to keep the tears in her eyes from running down her face.


    "Rufus¡­ You¡­ You asshole!"


    The words burst from her. She struggled to get her emotions under control, barely noticing that her


    fingernails were dug into her palms. Her voice trembled with emotion.


    Her reaction made Rufus''s face soften.


    He looked away from her, wanting to conceal the swirl of emotions in his nebulous eyes.


    Each droplet of tears that escaped from her eyes sshed straight onto his heart.


    His heart became heavier and heavier.


    As soon as the lift doors opened, Cassandra rushed out. After a second Rufus realized that she was


    heading not toward the carpark, but towards the exit.


    While he stood there stunned, Cassandra disappeared into the heavy rain.


    He dashed to the main gate, but Cassandra was nowhere to be seen.


    The swirling sky above him, was dark as ink. A traffic light stood out in the storm, a beacon in the night.


    He stood for a second, and then spun back toward the carpark. Climbed into his car, he sped out of the


    building right away.


    The car seared through the thundering weather; the wipers screeching hopelessly against the


    downpour. He peered through the rain, barely able to see the road. He had no idea how he would find


    Cassandra.


    But Rufus was determined. Slowly, he circled around the block, driving back and forth for some time


    before finally spotting a bedraggled woman at the corner of the street.


    She was huddled under a ledge outside of a darkened shop. The ledge barely kept the rain from her,


    with watershing at her on either side.


    As he parked the car and leapt out of the door, he saw her sitting on haunches and staring nkly at


    the rain.


    He ripped his coat off and covered her with it.


    He crouched down and put his arms around her, almost flinching as he felt how cold and drenched she


    was.


    "What were you thinking? Do you know how severe this typhoon is?"


    Rufus tried to keep the anger and fear out of his voice. The rain streamed across his face, and the wind


    ripped the words from out of his mouth.


    Cassandra gave no indication that she had heard him. The tears streaming out of her eyes mingled


    with the rain pouring down her scalp.


    Just now, she leapt into the rain at the spur of the moment. She was almost knocked t by the storm,


    but her need to escape pushed her forward.


    Her hair clung to her face, getting in her eyes and mouth and entwining around her throat.


    Her clothes were soaked and heavy, and the cold had seeped deep into her flesh and bones.


    Cassandra didn''t know where to turn. She needed to get away from Rufus, but she had nowhere to run


    in such a storm.


    She couldn''t see a way forward. And she couldn''t go back either. Cassandra kept running.


    Blinded by the rain, she tripped and fell to her knees. When she lifted her hands she found them


    covered in dirt and mud, and after standing up she saw her clothes just as filthy.


    She pressed her lips together, unaware of how blue they were turning, and her body was trembling so


    much that she could barely stand.


    She hadn''t thought about the cold when she ran out of the carpark nor realized how dangerous this


    weather would be. In desperation she ran to find some kind of shelter. This was when Rufus found her.


    It was him again, now, emerging like a hero from the rain, but why did the sight of him not fill her with


    relief?


    Rufus went furious when he saw the frightened look on Cassandra''s face.


    "Stop crying. Let me take you to tidy yourself up," the man ordered firmly.


    But nothing Rufus said could provoke anything more than just cry more tears. Her eyes looked empty


    and unfocused, and she seemed tock the strength to lift her limbs.


    Rufus grew more worried. He reached out a hand to wipe the water from her face, and nearly drew


    back in shock when he felt how cold she was.


    "What happened to you? I''m with you. Don''t worry. It''s okay," the man tried to reassure her and himself.


    He had never seen her look so much like a corpse, and the lifelessness in her eyes sent a chill down


    Rufus''s spine.


    Hugging her close to him, he tried to use his body to shelter her from the rain.


    Finally, he felt her stir a little, and her eyes looked momentarily up at him, and then away.


    Rufus realized that he couldn''t waste another second asking her how she was feeling.


    He reached his arms under her arms, lifting her gently and cradling her head against his chest. He


    brought her carefully to the passenger seat of his car, buckled her in and brushed some of the hair out


    of her face. He wished he had a nket to give her. He drove to his house, as fast as he could through


    the dangerous weather.


    He had kept this ce a secret from his family, spending nights here at times instead of at the office.


    The house was simply but stylishly decorated, expensive but not luxurious. It was spacious, but tidy


    and well-maintained. Cassandra wondered why Rufus would have such a secret space to himself.


    The tears had dried on Cassandra''s face, but her body still trembled all over.


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    Rufus remembered that she had just recentlye out of the hospital, and feared that her time in the


    rain would make her sick again. His heart hammered at the thought.


    "What possessed you to run out in the rain like that? What, not even a typhoon could stop you from


    acting out?" Rufus scolded her, but with no real anger behind his words.


    She could feel the warmth in the gentle way that he handled her.


    When he saw that she still could not move, he respectfully helped her peel off her ruined clothing, and


    lowered her into the hot bath.


    The heat of the water seemed to calm her; she gradually stopped quivering and began toe to her


    senses.


    It seemed that¡­he had just... ''Oh no...'' she thought, ''not again.''


    With his uninjured hand, Rufus trickled some water over her shoulders to warm her body up.


    Finally, color started to return to her face, and as the mirrors steamed up in the room, a blush rose to


    her cheeks.


    Atst, she spoke softly, "I can do it myself¡­"


    As she whispered, she didn''t dare turn her head back to look at the man behind her. Rufus just ignored


    her small request.


    It was so rare that the little woman didn''t firmly resist. He would definitely take the chance to serve the


    beauty.


    After all there were many women who would love this kind of treatment from him, but he would only do


    this for Cassandra.


    Rufus was a proud man, and his own willingness to serve this tiny woman caught him by surprise. Plus,


    this woman that he was taking care of would even turn to bite him.


    His lip stung, and he noticed that his right hand had started to bleed again. Rufus grimaced and


    wondered why he found himself getting injured so often since he had met this woman.


    While he was deep in his thoughts, Cassandra whined out, almost a whisper, "I suppose I''ll have to go


    to the hospital again. I don''t feel so good. Why do I seem to be a regr at the hospital after


    meeting you? I have never felt so weak, so fragile."


    Hearing this, a thought shed across Rufus'' mind. He lowered his voice and murmured, "With your


    body being so weak, I don''t think you could possibly have a baby with Lionel."


    Lionel had given up his attempt to coerce Cassandrast night, but who knew what would happen in


    the future.


    Until he had sorted out his own troubles, there was only so much that he could do to help Cassandra.


    He would have to continue to look out for her in secret, and to find indirect ways toe to her aid.


    Cassandra''s body stiffened. She seemed to have understood what he meant.


    "I will do it myself. Thank you Mr. Luo, and you can leave now," she demanded.


    Rufus was not pleased that she addressed him as ''Mr. Luo'', but at least it was better than being called


    ''brother-inw.''


    Seeing how exhausted and fragile she was, he did as she asked and stepped out of the room.


    As soon as he was gone, Cassandra sank under the water, trying to bury her humiliation.


    ''Where do your resolve and determination go, Cassandra? Why is it that all he has to do is to treat you


    kindly for a minute, and your anger dissolves?'' she asked herself in her heart.


    "Cassandra, you weak foolish woman! How will you ever escape the influence of Rufus! You have to be


    firm and strong!" she muttered out loud.


    While she spoke, she shook her head, and tried to shake off the guilt and shame.


    Little did she know that Rufus had been waiting at the door to make sure that she was alright. What she


    had said out loud went into his ears, and a trace of smile leaked from his dark eyes.


    After a while Cassandra climbed out of the bath, and wrapped herself in a soft white towel. She looked


    at her clothes on the floor and let out a defeated sigh. They were soaked with water and mud.


    There was no way she would be able to wear those now.


    ncing around, she found a shirt on the towel rack.


    Luckily, Rufus was tall. This shirt of his could cover her until thigh and be used as her dress.


    Well! She decided to just put it on. ''Worst case scenario, '' she thought, ''I''ll just buy him a new one.''


    Seeing her emerge from the bathroom in nothing but his shirt, Rufus caught his breath.


    Her skin almost turned transparently white under the light, and her silhouette shone subtly through the


    cloth.


    He wanted to turn his eyes away respectfully, but found it impossible to break from her allure.

 Chapter 63 Cassandra’s Disease

    Chapter 63 Cassandra¡¯s Disease


    Surely, this was a case of sense over sensibility.


    Cassandra was still weak which was why Rufus reminded himself to treat her better, thinking anything


    less than normal behavior would hurt both her health and her heart.


    Neither did he want to be bitten again so he decided not annoy her anymore.


    As he stepped outside the bathroom after a long bath, Rufus saw the her lying on the sofa, fast asleep


    already.


    He stared at her sweet face, looking so serene in her sleep it made him smile.


    Perhaps, she was dreaming. What could she be dreaming of? Maybe, him? He couldn''t help wondering


    like a teenager.


    Gently, he picked her up in his arms and put her to bed. He kept his arms wrapped around her waist


    and held her against his warm body.


    She purredfortably, and turned on her side, snuggling into his chest.


    If only she could remain this way...


    Soon, Rufus closed his eyes, enjoying the calm he felt.


    With the first rays of the sun, the sky was clearing up after the heavy rain.


    Sunlight shone brilliantly, reflecting off the ground, making its way into the room. Cassandra got woken


    by a single dazzling ray that fell right into her eyes, peeking from behind the curtains.


    Her sleepy eyes cracked open and caught sight of Rufus''s gentle gaze stuck on her face.


    "Good morning, Sleeping Beauty!" he said, softly.


    He''d been watching her for a long time, eyes filled with adoration. To him, she looked beautiful even


    while she drooled like a kid in her sleep.


    He''d even taken a picture of her sneakily, snickering at the photo for a while afterwards.


    Even in his dreams, he couldn''t imagine himself to treat another woman so gently and patiently.


    Cassandra was still drowsy and groggy. She had no memory of what had happenedst night in the


    rain.


    "What? Don''t you remember anything? The passion with which you attacked mest night? Has your


    memory drifted away with the rain?


    He teased her, amused at her panicked expression.


    She racked her brains to recall what had happened and it didn''t take long for her to realise she was


    being pranked.


    Cassandra red at him but upon meeting his gentle and affectionate gaze, her own anger melted.


    She didn''t know in what manner was she supposed to look back at him.


    "You put on my clothes, leaving me no choice but to wear no clothes and had me fighting the


    temptation to touch you the whole night. How will you make it up to me?"


    Cassandra pped the hand he had on her jokingly but was shocked by a sudden shriek.


    Damn! It was his right hand, wrapped in gauze. Her face changed immediately, ovee with guilt and


    concern.


    "I am so sorry, I totally forgot about your hand." she murmured apologetically.


    But then in a sh, it urred to her she was the one being joked upon this entire time. Her defence


    was justifiable and there was no need for her make the apology.


    Annoyed, it dawned upon her how she wasn''t herself whenever around him.


    Realizing she had better distance herself from someone who made her feel so small about herself,


    Cassandra got up and rushed into the bathroom to change. Her own clothes, now dry, were inside the


    fancy washer-cum-dryer. Ah ha! They had a sweet and fresh smell of the detergent.


    She took a minute to groom her hair and put on some light makeup.


    Suddenly, she stopped. Remembering something, she wiped all of it and mussed her hair deliberately.


    Through the semi-transparent ss, Rufus watched her buzzing around in the bathroom.


    He walked to the bathroom and pushed the door open, catching her off guard. "You want to look a little


    pathetic to elicit sympathy, right?"


    Cassandra rolled her eyes at Rufus''s reflection in the mirror.


    "Well, I can''t say I spent the night with you, right? It has to look like I was working overtime again and


    got stuck in the office."


    Rufus chuckled, tossing a glossy paper at her.


    "No need to worry about it! Also, I have fixed this for you. You can thank meter."


    She picked up the paper, starting to inspect it. It was a diagnosis report for Poly-cystic Ovary


    Syndrome. The name of the patient on it was ''Cassandra Qin''. She couldn''t believe it. And it was


    issued by Director Tong''s hospital.


    "How... How did you manage to get this?"


    In her mind shed the careless remarks she had made yesterday. It seemed those words were a


    result of great deliberation.


    He appeared to have been more thoughtful than she was. All she had thought of was feigning illness to


    make Lionel change his baby ns. Turned out, Rufus hade up with a more concrete solution.


    ording to the report, it would take at least a year and a half to get cured of this ailment. That was a


    long time to keep Lionel at bay.


    On second thoughts, she felt apprehensive about pulling off this charade in front of Jenks Tong.


    Rufus could tell she was reluctant but kept himself calm andposed.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    "Hey, don''t worry about it. It is a real certificate for a real patient and she just happens to have the


    same name as you, besides having a simr figure."


    Cassandra sighed in relief, also amused at the coincidence. Rufus, sure enough, handled affairs more


    thoroughly than she did. She was amazed at his foresight.


    But... ''But why on earth does he go out of his way to help me?'' she couldn''t resist but wonder.


    Her cheeks flushed at the thought of this improper, unnecessary affection he showed toward her which


    she denied liking to herself.


    Anyway, what mattered was she had managed to get rid of Lionel''s pressurizing temporarily. And she


    expected Jill to find faults in her, anyway.


    And truly, that''s what happened. When Cassandra showed the certificate to everyone, Jill lost her


    temper, breaking out into curses.


    She had pinned her hoped on Lionel, thinking Horace would treat her better when Lionel had a baby.


    To her bitter disappointment, the certificate dashed her hopes.


    Horace didn''t say much at first, simply frowning. As he prevented Jill from nudging Cassandra, he


    turned around tofort Cassandra.


    "It doesn''t matter as long as it is curable. I will ask Jenks to arrange the best doctors and prescribe the


    best medicines for you! From now on, nursing your health should be your priority. Don''t worry about


    any other trifles. Also, you''d better quit your design work for the branch hospital..."


    Hastily, Cassandra interrupted Horace. She could never allow herself to let go of a project that would


    teach her so much simply because of a disease that she didn''t even have!


    God knew how many architects in G city coveted the opportunity to design the branch hospital. If it was


    not a private hospital and she didn''t have Jenks''s trust, she knew well her fortune wouldn''t have turned


    out to be so good.


    "Father, it''s okay, I can still work. I can bnce between my work and health. I promise my work won''t


    affect the treatment!"


    Horace shook his head but then agreed, looking at Cassandra''s determined eyes.


    "Well, alright. Just let Rufus know if you have any difficulty. He will adjust the workload ordingly."


    They finally decided upon that and all was set. Cassandra had Rufus to thank, again.


    Just as they finished talking, everyone took their ces at the table except Lionel. He still hadn''te


    home. Horace''s face darkened as he noticed his absence.


    "So he goes back to his old habits as soon as I stop reprimanding him, right? Jill, I just don''t know what


    is it that you teach your son. I mean, talk about Rufus. Hees home for dinner every single night!"


    Jill was already annoyed at the entire episode regarding Cassandra and whatever her healthy issue


    was. She couldn''t take thatment from Horace and flew into a temper.


    "Horace, Lionel is our son. How is everything my fault? You think you have no role in spoiling him?


    Good way of not taking the responsibility."


    Horace raised his eyebrows, eyes wide with anger.


    "Jill Xie, you are getting bolder day by day, huh? How dare you charge me! Day in and day out I work


    hard for the Tang Group, for our whole family, and look at you! Have you ever put any thought into


    helping me out or taking the effort to discipline your son? What have you even taught him? I still


    remember you covering up for him when he was 16 and brought home that girl from his ss to stay


    overnight right under our nose."


    The mark of that affair was so deep in Horace''s heart, he shook with anger at the memory of it.


    "Whenever I tried to discipline him, you always took his side, crying you would die for your son. And I


    am the one not taking responsibility? You better reflect on yourself first," he said, mming the table.


    Cassandra and Cloris looked at each other awkwardly while Rufus looked nonchnt, listening silently.


    Inparison to all the stories he knew about Lionel, this bringing-girl-home affair was simply nothing.


    Even though Cassandra was Lionel''s wife only in name, this was still a little embarrassing for her.


    On the other hand, Cloris reassured herself for being in love with Rufus, who shared no characteristics


    with Lionel.


    Just then, Lionel stepped into the living room.


    Immediately, he noticed her mother''s red, wet eyes. He could imagine what might have transpired.


    "So you finally got back? I couldn''t get through to youst night, especially because it was raining so


    heavily. Cassandra always calls me if she is working overtime and isn''ting back for dinner. Why


    not you?" Horace said, at the verge of thundering at him.


    Lionel had spent the entire day with Ivy the previous day, but he dared not mention it at the time. If he


    did, it would surely lead him to a reprimanding.


    "I also workedtest night. I called you, Cassandra, right?"


    With that, he took a seat next to Cassandra and wrapped his arm around her shoulders, with a look of


    phony affection all about his face.


    "Don''t try to fool me again! Do you think I know nothing about the things you are up to?"


    Horace pounded the table, getting more irritated by his casual behavior.


    "Keep screwing around with those whores! I''m really ashamed of having a son like you! You are not


    worthy of Cassandra! I can''t imagine you ever wanting to work despite of being ill!"


    Lionel got puzzled, and turned to look at Cassandra.


    "You''re ill? What happened?" He asked. She opened her mouth to speak but couldn''t go on. He asked


    again, almost yelling, "Tell me what it is!"

 Chapter 64 Cassandra, Happy Birthday

    Chapter 64 Cassandra, Happy Birthday


    Horace grew angrier when he saw the confused expression drawn on Lionel''s face.


    "Cassandra is not in a good shape, she''s not feeling well. She must not be disturbed so that she can


    fully rest. So don''t quarrel with her anymore! Do you understand?" asked Horace.


    Lionel creased his eyebrows in confusion after hearing his father''s demands.


    He examined Cassandra closely, hoping to clear his confusions. Her face was a little pale, it could be


    that she had been having fevers frequently. Aside from that, she was perfectly fine. Maybe Cassandra


    had some disease they didn''t know about.


    Horace handed Lionel a medical record, the diagnostic proof of Cassandra''s illness. Lionel examined


    and read the paper thoroughly. However, he was still confused.


    "What is the meaning of these words?"


    His eyes rolled around the room inquiringly. Finally, his eyes fell upon Jill. He was expecting that he


    would get an exnation from his mother.


    Jill spoke with a crying voice. She exined everything to Lionel while sobbing.


    After his mother''s exnation was synced up, Lionelpletely froze. His eyes were full of disbelief as


    he looked upon Cassandra''s hopeless face.


    He dreaded Cassandra, but couldn''t help feeling sorry for her for having such condition. On the back of


    his brain, a ghastlier n sufficed. ''So that means... the child inside Ivy''s womb now would be the only


    grandchild of the Tang family?'' he thought.


    Lionel''s pitiful heart towards Cassandra was reced by joy after weighing the odds. He would be


    more troubled if he would carry out his original n. Luckily for him, Cassandra got such kind of


    disease. It would be great for him as if the universe was working on his side. They only have to wait a


    few more months till Ivy would give birth to his baby. Then everything would be okay, everything would


    work ording to his n.


    "That''s okay, Cassandra. Just take a good rest. Anyways, we are still young, and it would be fine with


    me. We can have the baby after your disease is treated,"


    Lionel pretended tofort Cassandra, but deep inside his heart was an inexplicable joy. He rejoiced


    over Cassandra''s misery.


    Words offort from Lionel was all that Cassandra needed. She took the opportunity to make an


    innocent facial expression and said, "Sorry, Lionel...But don''t worry. I... I''ll take good care of myself."


    Horace felt relieved and was happy to see that they were reassuring each other.


    As the evening progressed, Cassandra went to rest in the guest room. Lionel did not force her to stay


    with him. It seemed that the crisis of baby-making had already passed.


    The days after the news of Cassandra''s disease, she went on with her usual routine and immersed


    herself in work.


    Cassandra worked hard day and night. She was busy with all kinds of materials and design drawings.


    After all, this was the biggest project she had received since she entered the Tang Group. This was a


    big deal for her. And she was taking it seriously, leaving no stones unturned.


    The design and the architecturalyout were spearheaded by her. And she had never missed visiting


    the site every week to make sure that everything was aligned ording to her ns.


    It was a surprise for Jenks when he saw her design proposals. He was held in disbelief at the


    uniqueness and beauty of the drafts.


    The architectural style was the post-modern style, which he liked a lot. Spaces were fully maximized


    and the exterior of the buildings was also striking.


    The interioryout was functional and practical, which did not contradict the design of the exterior.


    He did not expect that Cassandra could hand him such an excellent design draft in just such a short


    period of time. He was more than satisfied with Cassandra''s ability, it had exceeded his expectations.


    Immediately after that moment, Jenks made the decision that he would give the project to Tang Group


    and ordered the contract to be drafted immediately.


    Rufus, who came to meet Jenks with Cassandra, shook his hand while his handsome face beaming


    with sincerity, and appreciated him for signing the deal with Tang Group.


    "Please rest assured Director Tong. We will certainly attach importance to this project. We will not let


    you down!" Rufus assured him.


    Jenks nodded and pped on the back of Rufu''s hand.


    "A youth is to be regarded with respect. When I was your age, I was far from your present bearing and


    ability. Keep it up! I believe that the Tang Group will be better in the future under your lead," eximed


    Jenks.


    Although he was very familiar with Lionel and did not know much about Rufus, he was beginning to like


    the difference he had from his brother.


    Judging from the way he did business with him, no one could deny that Rufus was way far superior to


    Lionel in both vison and ability of work.


    Jenks nced a look at Cassandra who stood next to Rufus. Her eyes were tightly locked in Rufus.


    The smile on her face was gentle and quiet. The sight suddenly reminded him of something.


    Memories of the night when he was chatting with Cassandra under the wisteria blossoms shed back


    his mind.


    The cage, the freedom...and the man... Was she referring to Rufus?


    Despite his age, his eyes that had seen through everything in the world had never been fuzzy. Instead,


    his sight was growing clearer with each passing year. He just thought in his heart that there was


    something between these two people who were standing in front of him - they seemed to be somewhat


    well matched.


    Seatedfortably on Rufus''s car, Cassandra felt a terrible sense of relief.


    She rubbed her temples and triumphed at the thought that her days of hard working had not been in


    vain.


    Rufus turned his head, issuing an invitation towards Cassandra, "Why don''t we go somewhere to


    celebrate?"


    His face was full of emotions as he looked at Cassandra. She, however, felt uncertain about what he


    was nning to do.


    "Where do you want to go?" Cassandra asked.


    Rufus turned back to focus on the road as he drove slowly. He thought for a while and said, "I''m taking


    you to a great ce. I promise that you have never tasted such kind of meal before," Rufus said.


    Cassandra sniffed with disbelief.


    Although she was not a gourmet, she was a person who fancied good food. It was not long since she


    came back to G City, but she knew perfectly well where to go for good food in the city.


    "You''ll win if you can find something that I haven''t eaten before!"


    Rufus smiled. He was getting excited and his eyes were as bright as the twinkling stars.


    "That''s easy! If I really did find you a good ce you haven''t been before, how about you apany


    me for one night, as a prize?"


    Cassandra''s face turned red at his words. She wasn''t expecting that.


    "No way! You are such a rogue!" Cassandra scolded.


    Rufus'' smile was evil. He knew that Cassandra was a shy and aloof woman. He was surprised that she


    had taken his words the other way around.


    "Well, what do you think we can do for one night?" Rufus asked teasingly.


    Cassandra really wanted to beat Rufus with the documents in her hand. He was acting odd tonight,


    different from the cold man that he was on usual days. How could he tease her like that? But... She


    was surprised why she was not even mad at his jokes.


    ''Forget it, today I''m just in a good mood. Just let he be," Cassandra thought in her heart.


    Unexpectedly, the car stopped. The next thing Cassandra knew was they were in front of Rufus''s


    private vi.


    "Have you invited a chef to prepare dinner in your house?" asked Cassandra.


    She got off the car with curiosity. She remembered that Rufus had mentioned to her once that he rarely


    lived in this vi. The housekeepers would onlye to clean the house once a week. Cassandra


    assumed that he didn''t bother hiring a chef to stay at the vi.


    Rufus didn''t answer her question. She did not dare to look at him as his eyes were still beaming with


    joy. They were so alluring that she was afraid of being sucked into them as they were filled with


    temptations.


    Entering the vi, there were no lights in the hall. On the table, aligned were tiny lighted candles, which


    looked particrly warm and cozy.


    Rufus held Cassandra''s hand, pulling gently to the seat.


    "Just sit here and I''ll be back soon," Rufus said.


    Cassandra followed the sight of Rufus''s back as it disappeared in the dark. She felt uneasy being left


    alone.


    ''What the hell is he doing?'' she thought.


    In her mind, she imagined many bloody cases of being murdered in the dark like in the movies.


    Cassandra could not help the cold shivers from running down her spine. Did Rufus really want to do


    something to hurt her because of their daily quarrels?


    She could no longer hold on to her sanity. Just when she was about to get up to leave, a candle


    suddenly lit up from the edge of the room.


    Then, two, three...


    The candles lit up one after another and slowly reflected the face of the man in the dark.


    He looked wless and charming under the candlelight.


    Rufus carefully lit the candles until all the candles on the cake were lighted. Then with one swift motion,


    he gently pushed the cake cart towards Cassandra.


    With the sincerest expression on his face and his low and gentle voice, he greeted her, "Cassandra,


    happy birthday!"


    Cassandra opened her mouth in surprise, not knowing what kind of expression she should show or


    what to say.


    Today was her birthday. But no one remembered it except Rufus. She, herself, almost forgot her natal


    day.


    Altogether, there were 22 candles on the cake. The soft glow of the candles brightened their hearts. It


    lightened Rufus smiling face while Cassandra couldn''t help her tears from falling.


    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    Tears trickled down from her beautiful eyes. Her nose suddenly turned red and her heart melted with


    gratitude.


    "Thank you so much, Rufus."


    Cassandra was overjoyed. Today was a good day for her. She sessfully led Jenks to sign with Tang


    Group. And now, she was celebrating her birthday with a birthday cake. Although there were only the


    two of them and not so many people were present to congratte her, she still felt very d.


    The busy work made her forget her birthday. But how did Rufus know that?


    "Silly girl, why are you crying? There is nothing to cry about. Come on, make your wish!" said Rufus in


    a big smile.


    Cassandra nodded tearfully. She closed her eyes and started making wishes on her mind.


    Rufus''s eyes turned deep as he looked on her innocent face. Under the candlelight, she glowed so


    beautifully, exuding a luminescent radiance that attracted Rufus even more.


    The flickering candle was like his unsteady heartbeats. He was curious about what she had wished for


    and whether it had anything to do with him.


    Cassandra slowly opened her eyes and blew out the candles.


    Rufus made the dinner himself. He prepared the steaks and opened a bottle of wine he had treasured


    for years.


    The rich fragrance of the dark red wine was enticing as Rufus poured some into their wine sses.


    "Rufus, cheers! Thank you for the surprise!"


    Cassandra boldly lifted the ss and drank all the wine in one big gulp. Rufus burst outughing.


    "How could you drink the wine like water? Do you always act like that? No wonder you were so drunk


    the night when we were in Rome."


    Hearing him mentioning about that night, her mind went back to the moment when they were entangled


    together. She did not know if it was because of the wine or the memories between them, her face


    turned red.


    Rufus was satisfied to see her speechless.


    He tasted the wine triflingly and asked, "Aren''t you going to say something about my


    wine?"

 Chapter 65 Almost

    Chapter 65 Almost


    The candlelight quivered. The charming smile across Rufus''s face made her face burn.


    In the warm atmosphere, Rufus''s question flickered through her mind. It seemed to carry more


    meaning than it appeared on the surface.


    As she looked at him, the candlelight was reflected in her eyes, flickering with emotion.


    She lowered her eyes and tried to hide how nervous she was feeling.


    Rufus chuckled shortly and decided to drop the issue. He could see she was ufortable discussing


    it.


    Cassandra focused on her steak. Rufus had cooked it to perfection, medium rare with just a hint of pink


    on the inside. When she lifted it to her lips she found it tender and sulent. She closed her eyes in


    delight and savored the taste.


    He knew that Cassandra''s birthday happened to be on the same day as the submission date of the


    proposal.


    Rufus had asked Victor to prepare the table beforehand, and he had even taken the time to hire a


    baker - not to bake the cake for him, but to teach him how to do it himself. But the steak was his


    crowning achievement.


    It seemed that his efforts had paid off. Rufus felt himself warm at the blissful look on Cassandra''s face.


    This kind of satisfaction was different than the one he normally felt, better than excelling in the


    workce or winning a bet.


    Any one who knew him well would have their jaws dropped to the floor if they came to knowledge that


    he had done cooking and baking for a woman.


    He doubted anybody would even recognize him now that he had taken off his business suit and tied an


    apron around his waist. ''Imagine if they see me washing dishes!'' Rufus thought to himself.


    It was clear that he had not done this many times before. Unsure of how to properly wash dishes, he


    sometimes let the tes slip from his hand.


    Leaning against the kitchen door and watching him, Cassandra wasn''t sure if she wanted tough or


    cry.


    This seemed like a snapshot from the life she had always dreamed about.


    She had dreamed about having a family life like this - eating together with her husband, cleaning up


    together afterwards, sharing the chores everyday.


    When Rufus had finished, Cassandra decided to keep her promise.


    "Alright, where should we watch the movie?" she asked.


    She was a woman of her word, although, she had to admit, the lingering taste of the steak in her mouth


    might have had something to do with it.


    Cassandra wondered if anyone else in the world had ever had the honor of having Rufus cook for


    them.


    Rufus''s eyes twinkled slyly at her question.


    "Didn''t I tell you, that I have a special cinema of my own?"


    Cassandra couldn''t help the grimace that shed across her face. ''Who has a cinema in their house!''


    she wondered. Sometimes the extravagance of wealthy people was too much for her.


    "That''s so... luxurious of you¡­"


    Her own family had once been wealthy, but even so they had never dedicated an entire room to movie


    watching.


    And it wasn''t just full of film equipment either. The room itself had been especially built to maximize


    audio quality. This in itself must have been a ludicrously expensive feature to include.


    Cassandra chose a foreign romance movie from the romance section of the film library. Halfway


    through the film appeared a particrly touching scene, and Cassandra could no longer hold back all


    the grief inside her.


    Seeing her tears, Rufus nced at her in surprise, as wondering why she was so easily touched.


    He handed her a piece of tissue, and hesitantly stretched his arm around her shoulders.


    Cassandra leaned into him for a second, enjoying his warmth. Then she realized what she was doing


    and struggled to jolt herself upright.


    "If you can''t stop moving, I can guarantee you that I won''t be such a gentleman," he teased her.


    After a second of hesitation, Cassandra let herself sink back into his arms.


    Rufus''s heart glowed at this. He looked down at the woman and just couldn''t keep himself from smiling.


    The scene in the film, already intimate and tender, started to heat with rising passion. The couple on


    screen seemed to burn with desire for one another, a desire only heightened by their inability to act


    upon it.


    Cassandra felt herself grow hot. She had never been more aware of Rufus''s body against hers. If she


    were watching alone, she wouldn''t have so much feeling about it. However, now she was watching with


    Rufus¡­in his arms.


    "Cassandra¡­" Rufus murmured as he drew her even more tightly against him.


    ''Oh my god, what am I doing!


    This is Rufus! My husband''s brother, the love of Cloris!


    How can I have let myself give in to temptation like this?!''


    She threw his arms away from her and leaped up. Rufus was caught off-guard and fell to the ground.


    She saw his eyes fill with hurt and confusion at this sudden rejection.


    "Rufus, we can''t do this!" the woman shouted.


    They couldn''t. Morality, responsibility, even sanity forbade it!


    Rufus stood up, straightening his clothes out to hide his disappointment.


    He saw that Cassandra would not be open to a rtionship with him for as long as she was Lionel''s


    wife.


    Despite wanting it so badly, anding so close to crossing the line, Cassandra would not sacrifice


    her honor.


    Breathing deeply to calm himself down, he stated gently, "It''s quitete now. You can sleep here tonight


    and go home in the morning."


    He walked to the door and paused, as if having thought of something.


    "There is a key in the drawer of the cab, in case you want to lock the room. You never know, I might


    turn into a werewolf ande to tear you apart at night."


    If she had been in the mood tough, Cassandra might have found this funny.


    She pictured Rufus, all covered in ck fur!


    In the darkness of the night, no one noticed the car parked outside the cottage. Someone was watching


    them through the car window. The eyes fixed on the house, brimmed with animosity. It was none other


    than Cloris.


    She sensed something between Cassandra and Rufus. Her instinct had warned her ever since the two


    had visited the Qin family.


    She had caught them in the same bedroom the other time, and even Rufus''s very logical excuse hadn''t


    satisfied the suspicious Cloris.


    With the suspicion in her mind, she had followed a trail of clues. She noticed that at work Rufus gave


    Cassandra far more attention than her actual husband did.


    Cloris had been surprised by the estranged nature of their marriage - the two seemed like strangers,


    even enemies sometimes.


    This was strange. Even though they hid their rtionship from the rest of thepany, their behavior


    was just too cold for a married couple.


    Cloris also discovered that theylways left for work separately, and barely interacted at home. It was


    only when Horace was present that they acted like a real couple. Only then would Lionel show affection


    toward his ''dear wife''.


    That was strange! Way too strange!


    And now today, Cassandra and Rufus had left together with the proposal. Determined to get to the


    bottom of this, Cloris had excused herself, and followed the pair.


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    She had been shocked to witness that, after leaving the hospital, Rufus had brought Cassandra to his


    cottage - and the two spent the night together!


    Cloris was not na?ve. She knew what these signs all meant. The man that she loved was having an


    affair - with her own sister! Cloris felt rage rising up inside her. She wanted tosh out, punish them.


    For a moment she was tempted to reveal their secret.


    But, she couldn''t.


    If Cloris unveiled their secret, Rufus would be defamed.


    Her dream was to stand proudly beside Rufus, have them be the most important person to one


    another. She wanted her man to maintain his status and power, and for herself to share in it.


    No...She would have to be cleverer than that. The pain that raged inside her unleashed a cruelty that


    she had never shown before. The innocence in her face was washed away with it. Cloris felt herself


    grow cold and vengeful.


    Gnashing her teeth, she was engulfed by fury.


    "Just you wait, Cassandra. I''ll take your ce in Rufus''s heart, just as I took your ce in the hearts of


    our parents!" she muttered.


    Outside the car, the wind scraped a handful of dried eaves across the pavement. The streemp


    flickered and died. The car was engulfed in darkness.


    The coldest winter ever was approaching¡­

 Chapter 66 Ice Queen

    Chapter 66 Ice Queen


    Winter wasing, along with the howling north wind. A branch snapped off a tree in the wind, while


    another branch of the same tree showed no signs of weakness. In fact it seemed to have been


    strengthened by the fall of the other branch.


    Tang Group was as same as the unaffected branch. Stable in the face of difficulties, thepany had


    be better under Rufus''s leadership.


    It was time for mostpanies to invite bids in the winter and Rufus was not only winning bids in G


    City but also expanding and scaling up operations in other cities.


    More and more of the projects also brought Cassandra and Rufus chances to work together.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    ''Rufus is charming when he''s focused at work. He stands out from the crowd by his confidence and


    charisma. When he speaks at meetings¡­''


    Cassandra shook her head to stop her train of thought. ''He is thest man I could fall in love with.''


    Distracted, her thoughts wandered to Lionel, who rarely showed up in thepany these days.


    ''It''s a good thing, '' thought Cassandra, as she would have more time and motivation to work.


    Beyond the question, Horace was satisfied with Rufus. Although it was the first stint for Rufus working


    with the Tang Group, he was quite able as a leader. Everyone looked up to him and believed he was


    someone worthy of staying at the helm of thepany.


    Going by how well thepany was doing, Horace believed that Rufus was better suited than Lionel


    for leadership. In a short time, Rufus hade up with a new proposal for expansion - a move which


    would see the Tang Group diversify to other areas beyond real estate.


    The increasingly busy schedule for Rufus however got Horace concerned that the young man might


    have little time to think about marriage.


    "Rufus, there is a wine party next week," began Horace, careful in broaching the subject. "I think it''s a


    great event for meeting young people of your age. Who knows, you could find yourself a wife at such


    events," he added, carefully watching Rufus''s reaction.


    As much as he could, Horace tried to keep the talk causal. Although he was being implicit, everyone at


    the table had realized what he meant.


    Knowing that Ivy''s tummy was getting bigger and bigger day by day, Lionel thought he had the game in


    his hands. ''I''ll take her for an ultrasound scan. If it''s confirmed to be a boy, I''ll gain an advantage that


    could take me way ahead of Rufus.''


    When she heard Horace''s words, Cassandra slowed down, eating as if some invisible powerful ws


    had gripped on her heart.


    But her sister, Cloris was excited. Right off the bat, she requested, "Uncle Horace, may I go to the


    party?"


    Although Cloris'' politeness had left a good impression on Horace, it was not enough for him to make


    the decision at once. In addition, although she hadn''t made any terrible mistakes at work, her manager


    still rated her as impatient andcking in creativity.


    Horace knew she had a long way to go if she was going tost on the job.


    Compared with Cassandra who had a strong work ethic and enviable creativity, Horace hoped that


    Cloris would learn and improve in many areas. She needed chances, and perhaps more experiences.


    Recently, Cassandra had earned herself quite a name with imaginative input into the project of the


    hospital branch. Her attentiveness and talents had greatly facilitated in negotiations with investors into


    the Tang Group and other partners.


    Without a doubt, Horace believed he made the right decision in choosing Cassandra as a wife for


    Lionel. Now he hoped that Rufus too would find a good wife.


    He could tell that Cloris had a crash on Rufus, but Rufus seemed to take her as a mere friend.


    Besides, Horace knew that Cloris would not help Rufus much in his business, so he was reluctant to


    approve of her rtionship with Rufus.


    As for this party, Horace didn''t think Cloris would affect Rufus whatsoever.


    He knew that Rufus was not the kind of a person to be easily convinced by a woman, so he agreed to


    Cloris'' request.


    "Yes. You can go with your sister, and your brother-inw will join you at the party too."


    This wine party brought an A-list of business and opinion leaders together. For young professionals and


    entrepreneurs, it would be their golden opportunity, which created the great tform to establish


    business contacts and exchange ideas or resources.


    Cloris''s face lit up with a sweet smile.


    "Thank you! Uncle Horace! My parents had never gave me a chance to attend the party. They always


    used my age as an excuse. Since I have a chance now, I promise I will be at my best and learn as


    much as I can!"


    Listening to her naive sister, Cassandra smiled.


    The party, with its trademark - mellow wine, gentlemen in suits anddies in gowns, was the dream of


    every girl.


    Her sister Cloris was not an exception.


    "The party has a dress code, Cloris. How about picking one tomorrow? I''ll buy you a dress for the


    asion."


    Excited, Cloris stood up and hugged Cassandra from her behind. She pressed her face against


    Cassandra''s nape and said merrily, "You are the best sister in the world, ever! Thank you, sis!"


    Everyone watching them admired the lovely chemistry between the siblings.


    Even Horace smiled at their harmony.


    However, Cloris was in part acting and no one noticed her fleeting insidious smile.


    The next day, Cassandra received a message from Rufus.


    It included an address, a name and a passage with a few other details.


    "This is the best evening dress designer in G City. I have ordered a dress for you. Go try it on after


    work."


    Cassandra''s heart leaped at the message. She had not expect that Rufus could be so gentle. Guarded


    and businesslike all the time in the office, he was apletely different man.


    ''Since she is the best evening dress designer in G City, maybe she can choose one for Cloris too, ''


    thought Cassandra.


    ording to the address Rufus had sent to her, Cassandra and Cloris arrived at a private studio.


    It was not arge store - on its signpost was a well crafted L-shape, modestly done in ck at the top


    and white at the bottom.


    The signpost was so simple that she would not figure out what business this studio operated when she


    passed by.


    Cloris'' eyes shed when she saw the unobtrusive signpost.


    "Sister, how did you know Michelle Ling?"


    Cloris looked surprised. She wondered why Cassandra knew this famous designer. Cassandra was


    confused because she first heard the name in Rufus'' message.


    "Have you heard something about her?"


    asked Cassandra, wondering why Cloris blushed with excitement.


    "Yes! I''ve read an exclusive interview of her some years ago. She is a famous designer in the country


    who came to fame in her 20''s. Now that twenty years have passed her designs are still popr.


    Actually, she is the leading evening dress designer and she has dressed numerous female celebrities.


    Generally, her studio has a high entry barrier, in that she only designs for leading personalities."


    Looking up at the symbolic logo, Cloris'' whole soul was enthralled by the fact that the kingdom of the


    dress was opening before her.


    "I can''t believe you brought me to her studio in G City without telling me in advance. What a sweet


    surprise!"


    Completely taken by surprise, Cloris gripped Cassandra''s hand and merrily led her into the studio.


    A receptionist realized it was Cassandra immediately.


    "Wee, Miss Qin. Our boss is waiting for you in the dressing room. Please follow me,"


    said the receptionist with a warm smile. One could tell Ling''s professional attitude from the


    receptionist''s bodynguage, confidence and friendly articte manner. She was the kind of


    receptionist manypanies would want to poach into their team.


    "Miss Qin, she is waiting for you in this room." As directed, Cassandra opened the door and entered in,


    Cloris following closely after her.


    All around they were awed by the collection of evening dress designs of every color and size


    imaginable!


    There were also collections ofce, gauze, rhinestones, jewelry, gold and silver...


    All expensive, fashionable essories chased after by women filled a section of the room. Michelle


    really built a paradise for woman.


    "I¡­ I feel like I''m in a dream now¡­"


    murmured Cloris.


    Michelle Ling''s dressing room was like a gigantic locker room filled with all luxury items that most


    women coveted.


    However, Cassandra seemed calmer than Cloris. She was not obsessed with those dresses.


    A woman with a svelte figure and long curly hair was scrutinizing a dress on a dummy with her arms


    crossed over the chest. When she heard the door opening, she turned around to see who wasing


    in.


    Cassandra and Cloris were surprised by the woman''s elegance.


    Running a business empire with more than twenty years on the market, they hadn''t expected her to be


    so stunning still. For her age, she was surprisingly graceful.


    Her hair was ck and full, styled into a beehive, with bangs at the front swept to the side and held in


    ce with hairspray, giving her a very retro look. Her clear eyes sparkled with an oriental nt.


    Her long and cuteshes shed with enchantment.


    In her early 40s, Michelle Ling could still pass for a youngerdy in her 20s.


    Toplete her stunning looks, she was wearing a white suit that entuated her graceful figure.


    The aura of power around her made her look a little too official to get along with.


    ''Like an Ice Queen from Snow Country, '' Cassandra thought.


    But when Michelle Ling put on a graceful smile and greeted them, Cassandra and Cloris felt they were


    relieved by the warmth of her tone.


    "Wee to my studio, Her Royal Highness Princess."

 Chapter 67 I Am Married

    Chapter 67 I Am Married


    The exquisite gown was sure to catch everyone''s attention. Cassandra was as calm as ever, looking at


    the mirror. Her beauty was breathtaking.


    She politely nodded her head to the designer.


    "Michelle, thank you so much. May I get my tailored dress?"


    Michelle nodded in acknowledgment. She pointed to one of the inner rooms proudly.


    "It''s there in that room. Try it out and see."


    Then she looked at Cloris, mildly curious.


    "You are... ?"


    Cassandra was about to introduce her sister to Michelle, but before she had a chance, Cloris extended


    her hand and introduced herself, "Nice to meet you, Michelle. My name is Cloris. I am the younger


    sister of Cassandra!"


    To her surprise, Michelle didn''t shake her hand. She just nodded, acknowledging Cloris in a half-


    hearted manner.


    Cloris pulled her hand back in embarrassment. She was dreaming of connecting with this famous


    designer but got a t-out rejection. She couldn''t believe it, having been the center of attention all her


    life.


    Cassandra had heard about how proud Michelle was. Now she had witnessed it in person. This side of


    Michelle was really unique from other people.


    ''If Rufus hadn''t asked the favor from Michelle to customize my dress, I might have not even been able


    to see her.


    But... How did Rufus get to know about Michelle?'' Cassandra wondered.


    Pulling herself back from the reverie, she spoke to break the awkward silence, "Cloris had heard about


    you a long time ago. She is an admirer of you! I have brought her to ask a favor from you. Could you


    help her select a gown to the wine party next week?"


    Cassandra nced at the luxuriant dresses hanging in the room, beaming with adoration.


    "It is an honor to have the opportunity to wear a dress designed by you," she added.


    Michelle looked at Cassandra from head to toe, then at Cloris, paused for a short while, and turned to


    retrieve a dress.


    "If you are asking for a tailored one, it would take at least one month. It''s impossible to make it this


    soon. So I will select one from my collection. This one should suit her style," Michelle exined,


    unemotionally.


    The dress was full of Chinese symbols, withce strips decorating the waist and the chest. It was both


    tidy and solemn.


    Michelle gestured towards the fitting room and told Cloris, "Try it out first. I will see if I need to adjust


    anything."


    Cloris happily took the gown and dashed to the fitting room.


    Cassandra was now in a conundrum. ''If customizing a dress takes one month, does that mean the


    dress specially tailored for me was ordered at least a month before?''


    Rufus had thought about it in advance for her. Cassandra couldn''t help feeling moved.


    Michelle pointed at the room she first gestured to Cassandra. With anticipation in her eyes, she said,


    "Try your dress as well. Rufus gave me your measurements. Let''s see if it fits."


    Cassandra blushed. ''Did Rufus give Michelle my measurements? How could he reveal such private


    information to another person?''


    Then she thought of his big hands which knew every part of her body. ''Could he measure out my sizes


    with bare hands?'' Suddenly she went red at the thought. ''Gosh, how could I think of such a thing?'' She


    med herself for the shameless thoughts.


    When Cassandra finally changed into the gown, Cloris had already finished dressing and was checking


    how the dress fit on her.


    As Cassandra appeared, Cloris could hardly believe her eyes.


    The gown was deep blue like the ocean. It was covered with a thin voile, as if it was surrounded by a


    mist.


    The hemline was scattered with shiny diamonds that looked like pearls floating on the ocean. a sight


    that only could be found in a dream.


    Her hair was resting smoothly on her fair shoulders, covered under a voile. The translucency of the


    voile added to her charm and allure.


    Apparently, Michelle was happy with her own design. As an experienced designer, all she needed was


    just one nce to judge the fitness of the dress. Shemented, "It fits you well. I don''t need to make


    any adjustments."


    At first, Cloris was quite happy with her dress, thinking that she had a perfect piece. However, when


    she saw how beautiful her older sister looked, her confidence vanished, and envy took its ce.


    Masking her jealousy with a feigned smile, she praised Cassandra, forcing sincerity, "Cassandra, this


    dress really suits you! You look so beautiful!"


    Michelle smiled mildly at thepliment and whispered into Cassandra''s ear, "Rufus has a great


    taste."


    Cassandra slightly lowered her head to inspect the gown, which looked like the dress of a fairy-tale


    princess. The face of Rufus surfaced in her mind.


    ''He must be anxious to see me in this fantastic dress!'' she thought.


    After they changed back to their own clothes, Michelle walked them out of the door. After they left, her


    assistant walked briskly towards Michelle and whispered into her ear, "Just now, before they left, I saw


    Cloris intentionally stepping on the tail of Cassandra''s dress. I noticed that there was a shoe mark on


    it."


    Michelle winced for a moment and regained herposure.


    "Just clean the dress," she ordered coolly.


    The assistant noted and walked away. An ironic smile crept on Michelle''s face.


    ''Cloris Qin, you jealous and envious girl... You''ll soon be in great trouble, '' Michelle warned Cloris in her


    heart.


    After saying goodnight to each other, the sisters went back to their own rooms. The moment Cassandra


    stepped into the room, she was pushed against the door by someone.


    The familiar raspy and sexy voice whispered to her ears, "Are you satisfied with the special dress I


    ordered for you?"


    Cassandra''s face was burning. In the dark, Rufus'' eyes pierced hers, which made her shudder.


    "Thank¡­ Thank you. It''s really beautiful," she stuttered.


    She was tense. Rufusughed, as if to pretend that he didn''t notice anything wrong with the her. It was


    his quaint way of protecting her self-esteem. But she was still blushing and her heart was racing.


    "I know, you like blue¡­


    And I know, you like me¡­


    Ha-ha, why is your face burning?" Rufus teased her.


    Too embarrassed to answer his question, she almost slumped down to the floor.


    Rufus couldn''t help thinking, ''Why is it so hard to entertain this woman!'' Then, something else came to


    his mind.


    "At the party, I will invite you for a dance. No rejection!" he demanded.


    His stony words allowed no room for her to decline. Having no choice, she had to nod to agree. Rufus


    found the nod an absolute turn-on.


    "epting no invitations from any other man!" he made another request. It seemed more like an order


    rather than a request.


    She nodded again without giving it a second thought. Then, winking her eyes intentionally, she put up a


    sly grin and spoke with her innocent voice, "Rufus, I am married..."


    Upon hearing that, the hand around her waist suddenly tightened the grip, which made her scream out,


    "Ouch!"


    Rufus had a look of sadistic pleasure, as if he was enjoying the reaction from Cassandra.


    "Good that you know it hurts. I believe you know how to reject the invitations from others," he said.


    Cassandra pouted, thinking to herself, ''Why does he always behave this way?''


    "There''s another thing. Your sister will be apanying you. Just be careful.." Rufus randomly gave


    her a reminder out of a blue.


    Nonplussed, Cassandra wondered, ''Be careful of what?''


    Rufus didn''t speak more, but just rubbed her head instead. After all, Cloris was Cassandra''s own sister,


    who always had her trust. If she ever came to know that her kindness towards her sister was paid with


    jealousy rather than gratitude, she would surely be grief-stricken.


    "Just be more cautious. Sometimes, the person who is the closest to you will be the one that hurts you


    the most," he reminded her again.


    Michelle had told him about what she had discovered at her ce today. The best he could do was to


    subtly remind her. He had no evidence, after all, to show that Cloris would carry out more sinister


    moves against Cassandra. The action of hers today was just a manifestation of jealousy and didn''t


    cause any real harm.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    However, if she dared hurt Cassandra in any way, he would certainly make her pay!

 Chapter 68 Im Willing To Wait

    Chapter 68 I''m Willing To Wait


    Enchanted by Rufus'' voice, Cassandra found his hug irresistible.


    He whispered into her ear, in a gentle, soothing manner, giving her goosebumps. She wished that she


    could have immersed herself in his love forever.


    "You look stunning at thest banquet. This time, you''re going to shine even brighter. But beauty aside,


    you will also have exceptional skills. They''re your most valuable assets which you could capitalize on.


    Use them wisely."


    Carefully, he wanted to elevate her in subtle, informal ways that wouldn''t make his intentions too


    obvious. That was why he bought her a fancy dress to mark her out for attention.


    After all, people were easily influenced by what they saw. If by mour she could grab their attention,


    they''d be naturally curious about her. And that curiosity was the human weakness that Rufus wanted to


    exploit for Cassandra''s advantage.


    Though she was a capable woman, she was still fairly new in the architectural design industry. If she


    could win the admiration of some of the bigwigs in the industry, it would be much easier for her to climb


    up the careerdder.


    Finally, Cassandra realized why Rufus hadvished the expensive dress on her.


    Initially, she believed that Rufus asked the celebrity designer to make her a gown, just to shower her


    with his affection. Now she discovered there was more to his move. It was for her self-development.


    At the thought, her eyes became teary.


    It had been ages since she felt cared for like this.


    Thest person to have ever cared about her so genuinely was her wet nurse. When she was a little


    girl, the old granny was ever so caring and treated her as a grand-daughter. She would go to all lengths


    to satisfy Cassandra''s wishes. Growing up, however, she had woken to the cruel reality of a world


    where even her parents wouldn''t protect her. When they forced her into marriage to a heartless man,


    she was devastated. Four years of that marriage had left her more and more disillusioned. But now,


    here was a man who believed in her. A man that genuinely cared for her, often with extravagant shows


    of his affirmation and affection. In a short time, he had challenged her belief that she''d forever be


    lonely, scorned and abandoned. The gentle but firm man that Rufus was found a way into her heart.


    Willingly, Cassandra would drown in his love.


    For a moment, memories from childhood flooded her thoughts. Although she hadn''t enjoyed parental


    care as much as her younger sister did, she learned to get by without throwing unnecessary pity


    parties.


    Life in the small town then, was, in fact, quiet and soothing as she found sce in nature. On some


    asions, though, she hoped a day when her parents would take move the family to a better city and


    give her a warmer home.


    Not that she was an extravagant kid who wanted fancy stuff. No way in hell did Cassandra lust after


    more than the simple things she needed to get by. Clothes to cover her and food to survive would do.


    For as long as she had those two basic needs, plus a roof above her head, she was perfectly OK. And


    she found great contentment in her small, down-and-out family, imperfect as it was.


    But her humble prayers went unheard. One eerily cold night, fate took away the little that she asked for.


    A part of her life snatched away by the cruel hands of poverty, at a time when she was least prepared.


    She acutely remembered the day when her nightmare began. Ironically, it started with a rare


    sumptuous family meal ¡ª the beginning of her indignity, marked by an asion that should have


    brought joyfulughter at the family table.


    During the meal, her mom and dad kept exchanging nces silently, as if waiting for someone else to


    start speaking. She couldn''t have possibly guessed out what they were concealing, no matter how hard


    she tried. After much hesitation, it was her mother who finally broke the ice.


    The Qin family business was going down the slope. The only way to keep it afloat was to seek help


    from Tang Group. But that would onlye at the price of their daughter.


    Cassandra was stunned. She couldn''t believe what she had heard.


    The tears from her mother disheartened her.


    Thest people she expected to be self-serving were her parents. Why were they making such a


    decision without asking for her consent? It pained Cassandra that the very people supposed to protect


    her were the ones putting her life at risk for selfish motives.


    The grant vition of her rights jolted her. At the end of the day, their word still carried the day,


    despite her griping. There was not much she could do to stop them. After all, she was alive at their


    mercies. The reason she gave her consent was more out ofpulsion. Not at all out of love.


    Helplessness set her on a path filled with heartache and pain. Trapped in early marriage to a man she


    didn''t love, her dreams began to fizzle out in slow natural death.


    But now, out of nowhere, Rufus hade along, and he was proving to be quite the turning point of


    her life. A fine gentleman, of outstanding character and capable in every sense of the word, Rufus was


    the real deal.


    With his power and charm, he was the kind of a guy who''d win any girl he wanted. Such a perfect guy,


    he was the dream man of most girls.


    In an intriguing twist, however, here was the heart-throb every girl dreamed about, falling head over


    heels with a nobody. They had only met identally while both of them were boozed up and ended


    with a one-night stand. A pretty embarrassing encounter. Who would have expected anything good out


    of a casual fling?


    Well, Rufus was here to prove all that wrong. First, he showed his intentions by throwing a terrific


    birthday bash for her. And now, he was keen to give her career boost.


    For all his kindness and care, she''d eagerly give him whatever he wanted. Without any hesitation,


    she''d give her undivided love.


    Tenderly, she raised her hands, cupped his head in her small palms and stood on tiptoes to give him a


    passionate kiss.


    "Little girl, you want to y fire?" Rufus teased.


    Unsure whether he was kidding or not, Cassandra backed down, treating his words as a warning. It left


    her feeling embarrassed, but she mustered the courage to exin to him.


    "I¡­ I just wanted to thank you," she stuttered.


    Rufus'' eyes lit up as he studied the cute face she made. Gently, he flicked at her forehead.


    "Re you in a hurry? It''s not yet time. We have to get through the conference first. It would do you better


    to rx as much as possible before you take to the podium. I believe that you can do it!"


    Feeling incredulous, Cassandra gazed at him for a moment. A sense of warmth soon spread all over


    her body. She was enchanted by his considerate manner.


    It was touching to know that someone cared about her that much.


    "You¡­ Didn''t you¡­" she mumbled.


    The way his sexy thin lips curved with the smile made her blush. He then scooped her into his arms


    and exined, sounding very mindful


    "As much as I want to act now, I can''t do it. This isn''t the right time. If you don''t mind, we can wait. At


    least, personally, I''m willing to wait."


    By his confession, she was so touched that tears of joy rolled down her face.


    With her eyes closed, she leaned on Rufus, letting her full weight rest on him. He let her into his


    embrace.


    Rufus promised that he would wait. He was willing.


    On the barrennd of her heart, flowers of hope started to bloom. Again tears of joy began trickling


    down her face in rivulets. How grateful she was at the moment!


    "Thank you¡­"


    Words could not express her gratitude for his warmth, support, respect, and love.


    He gave up a chance, which in turn strengthened their emotional ties. Never had she felt this close to


    someone all her life.


    Lowering his head, he kissed her on the forehead.


    "Alright, rest early today. You have a loting up tomorrow," he advised.


    His face still glowed with love and tenderness, although his tone was serious. With his right hand, he


    caressed her soft hair back and forth.


    "It''s a hard job winning against the Dawn Star Group, but I know, you''ll carry the day!"


    said Rufus, trying to fire her up.


    Wiping her tears away, she asserted with resolution, "Rest assured! I''m ready to take them on!"


    Holding each other''s gaze, they smiled in unison.


    The battle against Dawn Star Group was long-drawn-out, beginning from Horace''s time.


    At the very beginning, Tang Group and Dawn Star Group were having equal shares of the market. The


    Tang Group however outperformed Dawn Star Group much of the time.


    Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    Now, Arthur Zhuang was the head of Dawn Star Group. A young talent graduated from one of the best


    architectural design colleges in the world; he was quite a prodigy.


    At a young age, he had taken over thepany from his father, who was terminally ill. In a short time,


    he turned around the fortunes of thepany. Despite being rtively inexperienced, Arthur was


    smart enough to seize the best business opportunities. Thepany was now neck and neck with the


    Tang Group.


    The bidding this time waspetitive. Over a dozenpanies had entered at the beginning, the


    eventual two to battle it out at this stage were the Tang Group and Dawn Star Group.


    They had different concepts about the construction, presenting two vastly different ns.


    The Tang Group had Cassandra leading their concept, whose strengthy in a great mix of aesthetics


    and functionality, while Dawn Star Group''s concept was based onndmarks.


    Distinct ns but simr excellence, made the choice of selecting a winner of the tender difficult.


    The final decision would be made today. Cassandra wore a formal jungle-green linen suit, hair in a


    ponytail, revealing her smooth forehead.


    With appropriate light make-up, she looked elegant and refined.


    First, Dawn Star Group pitched their concept, amended from their previous draft. During his speech,


    Arthur added in some iconic examples ofndmark-based architecture from different countries.


    Representatives from the contract awarding side kept nodding while he spoke. As Cloris listened to


    Arthur''s presentation, she couldn''t help but marvel. With a bit of reluctance, Leon had driven her to the


    conference. Now, she anxiously gripped at his arm, blown away by theirpetitor''s presentation.


    "Why do I have a feeling that they are going to select his n? Goodness, he''s so convincing, he


    makes me fear we might lose!" she eximed.


    "Don''t worry. I came here with my best preparation!"


    Dered Cassandra dered confidently, who was only one seat away from her inane talking sister.


    Lightly, she pressed at her folder and felt for the USB drive. All her weapons were ready for the


    decisive battle.


    As if the pressure for Cassandra''s job was on her shoulders, Cloris rose and excused herself.


    "I''m so anxious, although I''m trying to calm my nerves. I need to go to the washroom now. See you


    later!"


    Then she left the conference hall at once.


    Unimpressed, Cassandra shook her head. Why was Cloris acting so unprofessional and stressed out?


    Anyway, she ignored her younger sister''s antics, choosing instead to focus her energy on what she


    came here for. She''d need lots of patience to help Cloris, and that would include bringing her to more


    events like this for exposure.


    Finally, it was her turn. Taking a deep breath, she stood up, touched her folder to confirm if the USB


    drive was still in ce. Everything was intact. Her game was on.


    Rufus, who was sitting to her left softly sped her hand to show his support. Though he didn''t say


    anything, the meaning was well conveyed.


    ''Go girl!'' he said with deep conviction in his heart.


    Standing on the podium, she started with a proper introduction of herself, followed by a highlight of the


    key features of her design. Then, she inserted her USB drive into the port to begin her slide show. But


    when she clicked "open." ...


    nothing showed.


    Cassandra was a bit surprised, thinking she might have clicked the wrong button. Once more, she


    clicked on "open."


    But still there was nothing. .


    Then she bent down to check the state of the USB drive, only to find that the signal light for connection


    was off. But even after she re-inserted the USB drive in, the light didn''t turn on.


    Unbelievable! ''Beyond a shadow doubt, I remember checking the USB drive, as well as everything


    inside before I locked it in my drawer. Why would it suddenly fail?'' she wondered.

 Chapter 69 Rufus’s Capable Assistant

    Chapter 69 Rufus¡¯s Capable Assistant


    Cold sweats were running down Cassandra''s forehead. She didn''t know what to do considering that


    she was the center of attraction and everyone was staring at her. She stood awkwardly alone on the


    rostrum with her face as pale as the bare walls. Obviously, there was something wrong with her.


    Arthur knitted his eyebrows in confusion and anxiously leaned back in his chair.


    "What''s going on with her?" he tilted his head to his assistant and asked.


    His assistant, however, just shrugged his shoulder because he had no idea what was happening.


    Judging from their previous experiences in doing businesses with the Tang Group, they had witnessed


    what Cassandra was capable of and they dared not to underestimate her.


    They hade and prepared for whatever Cassandra had in store for them, but now it seemed that it


    was the other way around. Something wrong was happening to her.


    Rufus sensed the oddity in the way Cassandra held the sh disk on her clenched fist. He stood up


    without any hesitation, walked to the organizers and whispered something to them.


    He was nning to ask them to give Cassandra another thirty minutes. That would buy Leo some time


    to go back and fetch a backup copy. He was surprised when Cassandra had braced herself and


    snapped back right away.


    She waved up the sh disk for everyone to see and slowly exined her tight spot.


    "It seemed that my sh disk has decided to leave me hanging alone, and it''s not good timing," she


    spoke in no hurry as she shrugged her shoulders with a helpless expression on her face.


    Everyone present in the room smiled at her frankness.


    "The reason I bought this sh disk was that it got the coolest, most attractive, and had the most


    unique appearance amongst all the products of the same brand, but it turned out that it didn''t serve its


    purpose. It has a nice appearance but of little use," she continued.


    The room was filled withughter.


    Rufus straightened his back and fixed his eyes on Cassandra interestingly.


    He was curious about what she would say next.


    Then, she changed the topic.


    "When I was a little girl, I thought that the most important thing in a certain design was an attractive


    appearance, but the longer I worked in this industry and the more I learned, the better I understand that


    the final purpose of design is practicality. The utility should not be sacrificed on behalf of beauty," she


    narrated emotionally.


    The audience she was speaking to was a group of experts when it came to design and architecture.


    Thus everyone seemed to get the implication of her statement as they nodded their heads in approval.


    They had seen the designs of both Tang Group and Dawn Star Group in the past. The former was


    conservative and practical while thetter focused on the novel appearance. To cover up the


    unexpected emergency brought about by her broken sh disk, Cassandrapared and contrasted


    the two design ns taking the example of her own experience.


    In the next few minutes, she briefly introduced her design and the reasons behind such a proposal.


    Attracted by her vivid introductions and the small incident earlier, all the attendees were absorbed in


    the picture she portrayed.


    About ten minutester, someone from thepany gave Leo another sh disk and he handed it to


    Cassandra immediately. Finally, all the attendees were able to view a concrete example of the design


    n.


    It was a wonderful experience for them to see with their own eyes the things they heard slowly


    unfolding in front of them. They had been impressed by her description, and the pictures gave them


    another visual shock. They praised the design n of Cassandra again and again, and it visibly stood


    out among the rest.


    Rufus had sat back on his chair when he realized that there was no need for him to help her out.


    Cassandra''s wit saved her and perfectly solved the crisis. Her misfortune turned out to be an actual


    blessing. Rufus was surprised to see the awe of impression on the faces of the audience.


    A wicked smiled cracked on his face when he thought about the promise she made to him yesterday.


    He felt ted and the cause of it all was no other than, Cassandra.


    After the demonstration, the organizers usually took their time to discuss things and the results would


    be announced several dayster. However, judging from the way theymended Cassandra, it was


    no doubt that Tang Group would win the bidding this time.


    Cloris ran to Cassandra and gave her a bear hug after she stepped down from the rostrum.


    "Bravo! Great job, Cassandra! You''re the best!" she eximed excitedly.


    Cassandra patted her on the back while casting a quick nce at Rufus.


    She couldn''t help but notice the myriad expressions in his eyes, and it was filled with joy and


    excitement.


    Cassandra admitted that she went nk when she was unable to demonstrate her n, but she was


    hit by a sudden inspiration when her eyes met Rufus''. Then she gathered up all her strength and


    started from her broken sh disk, changed the topic to her design and presented her ideas clearly.


    To her great relief, it all turned out to be perfect. Almost everyone in the room recognized her efforts. All


    went well and ended well.


    Cassandra despised the quality of her sh disk. It was made from a brand known for quality, but she


    wondered how could it failed to work only several days after she had just bought it.


    Rufus slowly averted his eyes away from Cassandra and fixed them on Cloris. He looked at her


    quizzically.


    Victor texted him earlier that Cloris went to thedies'' room before Cassandra''s presentation. She


    looked tense and was gripping something in her hands. Moreover, he heard a weird tinkling of


    something metal colliding with thevatory. Cloris was flushing something away.


    Rufus knew what would happen if Cassandralearned that her much-loved, sweet, little sister stole her


    sh disk from her, she must be brokenhearted.


    Taking his time, Rufus walked towards them. Cassandra let go of her sister and reached out her hand


    to Rufus in an awkward attempt to shake his hand.


    She was afraid that Rufus would give her a hug just like Cloris did in front of so many people. The


    shaking hands were her escape.


    However, Rufus knew her n the moment she reached out her hand, and he just went with the flow


    and looked at her with a cunning smile.


    Cassandra''s face blushed red as Rufus gave her hand a slight but endearing squeeze.


    "Give me your sh disk. I''ll take it to the engineers to see if they can restore the data in it," he asked


    deliberately.


    He asked her in a voice loud enough for Cloris to hear. He did that on purpose so he could gauge her


    reaction.


    Unsurprisingly, Cloris got a word in, and interrupted, "I was the one who rmended the sh disk to


    Cassandra the other day, and I feel so guilty that it almost ruined such a big asion. So to make it up


    with what I have done, a good friend of mine is skilled at data restoring. Please give it to me and I''ll fix


    it!" she exined briskly.


    Rufus''s eyes grew inquisitively dim hearing her words. He was sure that Cloris had stealthily taken


    Cassandra''s disk away and reced it with another disk that was not working. She was scared that


    Rufus would learn the truth and was eager to take the disk with her. However, Cloris didn''t know that


    her voice was quivering as she spoke, totally betraying the fear she felt inside.


    Cassandra turned to Cloris and ced her hand over her shoulders.


    "Cloris! The data inside this disk are important for ourpany and it''s improper for you to just take it


    to some friends of yours!" she scolded her.


    Then she turned to face Rufus.


    "Since I have saved other copies, it doesn''t matter whether it can be restored or not. I''ll just keep the


    disk as a souvenir, and this will serve as an important lesson for me. It''ll remind me not to make the


    same mistakes in the future," she said.


    Honestly, Rufus didn''t care about the data at all, and he had already confirmed what he needed to


    know. It made no difference if Cassandra wanted to keep it.


    He was immersed in his thoughts till he noticed that Cloris took a deep breath of relief after hearing that


    Cassandra wouldn''t give it to him.


    Modesty aside, the smile on Cassandra''s face was as bright as before. She had no idea that a storm


    was on its way to shake her firm ground and the aftershock would be much devastating.


    They were interrupted when Arthur stopped in front of Cassandra with his hand extended to


    congratte her.


    "Miss Qin, your demonstration was thrilling and impressive, and I want to show you my appreciation.


    Congrattions!" he eximed with a smile.


    Arthur was considered one of the outstanding men in the industry because he led the dying Dawn Star


    Group to its prosperity now, and no one could ignore his talent.


    Cassandra shook hands with him, with the respect of a rival.


    "The design of Mr. Zhuang''s building is quite new and bold, and I''m impressed," sheplimented him


    back.


    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.


    Arthur then turned to Rufus and patted him on his shoulder.


    "Congrattions, Mr. Luo! You''re lucky to find such a young and talented manager, and I believe she


    will be of excellent assistance to you in the future. Oh! I envy you!" he didn''t dare to hide the admiration


    in his voice.


    Only a chosen few knew about Cassandra and Lionel''s rtionship even in the Tang Group, not


    mentioning an outsider like Arthur. He had no idea that Cassandra was already married to Lionel.


    There was an implication in his words, and he thought that Rufus and Cassandra were a couple.


    Cassandra''s heart ached a little at the thought that they were mistaken as a couple. She wished it was


    true and was not a mistake at all.


    She was limited to be Rufus assistant and not the ''assistant'' that Arthur was implying.


    On the other side of the city, Lionel received a call from Ivy, and she sounded excited.


    "Honey, the doctor said that it''s a boy!" she rambled on the other side of the phone.


    Lionel suddenly felt exuberantly happy as if the horizons opened up for him. All this time he had wished


    and wanted for the baby to be a boy, and thankfully it had met his expectations. He thanked God for the


    favor, sincerely.


    Being an excited father as he was, he couldn''t help but tell his mother about Ivy''s pregnancy. Jill was


    stricken dumb by the news and it took her a while to weigh things over and ept the fact that she


    would be a grandma.


    Ever since Rufus returned, Lionel was almost invisible and no one paid any attention to him. Jill was so


    annoyed and Horace chose to stand by Rufus every time she and Rufus were in conflicts. She couldn''t


    persuade herself to ept that truth.


    Thus, when Lionel told her his n of overpowering Rufus with Ivy''s pregnancy, she agreed with him


    and thought that it was a good n.


    Despite their bestid n, Jill had her own worries. Cassandra was Lionel''swful wedded wife but he


    was having an affair with Ivy even before their marriage. That would make Lionel the unfaithful


    husband.


    "That sex video of you and that woman was yed at the banquetst time, and it made your father felt


    humiliated. I don''t think that he could ept her," she told Lionel her worries.


    The excitement on Lionel''s face was still blooming, and he was overwhelmed by the delight of kicking


    Rufus out of the Tang Group.


    "Mother, please don''t worry. We''ll do things one step at a time. As long as Ivy can give birth to a boy,


    Father will favor me again. Remember how my grandpa valued him because you had me and all his


    other sons didn''t have a baby boy," heforted his mother.


    Lionel''s idea won over Jill, and they began discussing how to tell Horace. They believed that he would


    cherish Lionel''s baby because this was his first grandchild. Cassandra, however, was their pain in the


    neck.


    If Lionel was single and Ivy was pregnant with his baby, it would be easy for Ivy to marry him, but now


    things wereplicated because Cassandra, Lionel''s wife, was chosen by nobody but Horace himself.


    It would be impossible for Lionel to divorce her by his own will. They needed to think over a perfect n


    for Horace to ept Ivy.

 Chapter 70 Secret Revealed

    Chapter 70 Secret Revealed


    Taking a glimpse at Lionel, Jill hesitated for a moment, and finally spoke out, "I know you don''t like


    Cassandra, but she was selected by your father. It won''t be easy for Ivy to rece her as your wife,


    Lionel.


    Maybe, we should talk to Ivy. If she agrees to carry the pregnancy to term and give you the baby, we


    can pay her off with a huge sum of money. We can make the whole sum negotiable, so as to find a fair


    deal for both sides." Lionel didn''t even know how he felt about that decision. Ivy had been with him for


    so many years, and he had promised her a lot of things. Right now, it seemed that the marriage he had


    promised her wasn''t going toe true.


    To add to that, there was no way she could face the possibility of being stripped of the right of a mother.


    It would be too cruel for her.


    Carefully studying the hesitation on Lionel''s face, Jill knew that it was hard for him to break up with Ivy,


    in whom he had been emotionally invested for years.


    But Jill persisted, regardless of his feelings. "How about, you let me do it on your behalf, if you feel too


    bad about talking her into the deal?" she suggested.


    Given the current state of things, the best person to carry out this task would be Jill.


    However, she underestimated the resistance the pregnant girl would put up.


    "This baby is mine. No one can take it away from me!" Ivy shouted.


    To her, Jill must be kidding. She had been waiting for the day, when she would be a legal member


    of the Tang family, for so many years. If she was just after the money only, she could have chosen a


    sugar daddy, anyone wealthy enough to shower money on her. What she really wanted wasn''t the


    small pay-off that Jill was offering. It wasn''t even mere love from Lionel that she wanted. The girl had


    her eyes set on the capture of entire Tang Group.


    As amon trend in the society, a woman could turn her life upside down by a good marriage. For


    seven years of her rtionship with Lionel, Ivy had painstakingly nned for her turning point. How


    could she just give up for the paltry pay off that Jill was proposing?


    Over the years, Ivy hade to know that Jill was a cunning woman and not someone to deal with


    easily.


    That emboldened the girl more. "Whether the baby will bear Luo or Tang as the surname, is yours to


    decide," Ivy threatened. There was no way she was going to let Jill have thest word on this.


    Inside, she told herself, ''I don''t really care what the surname of the baby is. What I really care about is


    getting legally married to Lionel!


    Now this baby is myst chance and my bargain chip. I have to make full use of it.''


    "I''m pregnant with your son''s baby, Madam. The only thing I want is for him to be responsible and give


    me a home. Given theplications I''m having with the pregnancy, I only want to live with him until the


    baby is born. After that, if Tang family doesn''t approve me as a daughter-inw, I''ll leave the baby to


    your family, go overseas and nevere back again!" Ivy dered her terms with her teary eyes.


    It was difficult for Jill to tell whether the tears were genuine or she was just being melodramatic.


    "All these years I have been with Lionel, believing we were meant to be a perfect couple. That was until


    Cassandra Qin came in and ruined our rtionship. Now I have realized that Lionel and I may be just


    doomed to part our ways. The only thing I ask for now, is to have him take me in for the next few


    difficult months of the pregnancy. Is it too much to ask just for a few months of him taking


    responsibility?" Ivy challenged.


    This was indeed herst chance. If she could just outwit Jill on this, she would be closer to pulling her


    real clincher. As a woman herself, Jill could feel for Ivy and her choice to trade the baby only for a few


    months of living with Lionel. With an open heart, Jill fell for the deal.


    "Rest assured. We will treat the kid as part of the family! He is my first grandson! You can start


    preparing yourself to move in. I will talk to his father about the arrangement once I find a chance."


    After seeing Jill off, Ivy, while still in tears, smiled sarcastically.


    ''Women are the most fragile creatures in the world, but are also the most cruel ones in the meantime.


    Sometimes, for a woman, it takes a heart of stone to obtain what she desires; while a woman with a


    heart to love is bound to lose everything.


    Dear Cassandra, finally we are able to battle face to face now.


    I''m looking forward to that. How about you?'' she thought to herself.


    Meanwhile, in a grandiose hotel, festivity was heightened with drinking and dancing. Everyone was in a


    sprite, enjoying the lively and cordial atmosphere. It was where the party was held.


    Together, Cassandra and Cloris arrived for the party. The hotel shone bright in the dark night. The main


    entrance was paved with a red carpet toplete the sparkle of the ce.


    The two beautiful sisters stole the show with a perfectly timedte arrival.


    When they came through the door, they made heads turn, and elicited excited talks form every corner.


    One was dressed in a dazzling milk white evening dress, and the other in a stunning deep blue gown.


    Though each was different in her own right, both looked stunning.


    Cassandra in particr was simply ethereal, drawing envious eyes from the women all over. They just


    couldn''t take their gazes away from her.


    While revelers kept guessing and talking in low tones about the identities of the twodies, Rufus


    strode towards them.


    In his navy blue business suit, he looked stunning as well, drawing even more envious gazes.


    Gently, he extended his hand to Cassandra with a genial smile and signaled her for a dance.


    With beautiful grace, Cassandra ced her palm into his, and put her other hand on his shoulder.


    It was as beautiful as a picture. They were the most perfect couple of the night without a shadow of


    doubt.


    No one had noticed, that the other woman beside Cassandra, had her smile gradually frozen.


    She had dressed up carefully, thinking this would be the most enchanting moment of her entire life. But


    Rufus didn''t even honor her with a simple nce. To make it worse, he had all his attention on


    Cassandra.


    ''Cassandra! A married woman! How could she win the affection of Rufus!''


    The picturesque scene in the eyes of everyone else, was a terrible, heartbreaking experience to Cloris.


    With the background music on, Cassandra and Rufus took to the dance floor gracefully. You''d think


    think they were professional dancers.


    His eyes radiated with the bnced lighting in the room, giving her an even more elegant sparkles, but


    she was shy to look back.


    Lowering his head to enjoy the beauty, he whispered into her ear, "You are so captivating that I can''t


    even move my eyes off from you."


    Thatpliment made her face blush. It was not the first time she heard his praise, and it was not the


    second, but she would never acquire the skill of remaining calm under such a circumstance.


    This was noticed by Cloris, who was closely watching the two. Jealousy engulfed her like a raging fire.


    Out of the blue, a neat young man reached his hand to her and invited her for a dance, "Miss Qin, may


    I have the honor to dance with you?"


    Cloris looked at the man for a few seconds. It was obviously a familiar face, but the name seemed to


    escape her.


    After a moment of racking her brains, the name hit her. It was Arthur Zhuang, the head of Dawn Star


    Group. Of course, his presence at the party was to be expected.


    Suppressing her burning anger, she faked an innocent smile out and ced her slender hand on his.


    Following behind him, she moved onto the dance floor.


    Under Arthur''s lead, maybe he was deliberate or maybe not - Cloris noticed they constantly got close to


    the pair of Cassandra and Rufus.


    Though she couldn''t hear what Cassandra and Rufus were talking about because of their soft voices


    and the noisy background, she could tell that Cassandra was really enjoying it, as indicated by the big


    grin on her face. Like a dagger, that grin pierced right through Cloris''s heart. Urgently, she had to do


    something.


    "Mr. Zhuang, are you not with your wife today?"


    Cloris asked this question deliberately, intending to get straight to the burning issue on her mind.


    "Hmm, I am not married,"


    the young man replied politely, not taking offence at the private question.


    Feigning a sorry tone, she apologized, "Oh, I''m sorry. I thought you were married. I was thinking that


    your wife might have failed to attend for one reason or another, like my brother-inw, who couldn''t


    make it here."


    Being a sessful business man, he acutely sensed something wrong in her statement, just as she


    had expected.


    "Brother-inw? Your sister is married?" he asked in doubt.


    Winking with her innocent big eyes, she feigned naivety like a little girl, and said, "Right, they have


    been married for years. After my sister''s graduation, she came to the Tang Group to work straight, as


    part of the family."


    Arthur was smart enough to understand who Cloris was referring to.


    The husband must be Lionel, the other son of Horace.


    The elder son of Horace who appeared from no where had already been a hot issue and raised many


    discussions in this circle.


    Now it seemed that there was something even more interesting between Rufus and Cassandra.


    Thinking of that, a yful smile crept on Arthur''s face.


    After the song ended, Cassandra muttered, "I¡­ I have to go to the washroom."


    As soon as she finished speaking, she turned around and walked briskly away as if escaping from


    Rufus.


    An involuntary smile formed on Rufus''s face. From the corner of his eye, he noticed that Cloris was


    also following Cassandra into the washroom.


    His eyebrows creased with suspicion, and he signaled to Victor with a wink.


    Cassandra was too shy to be under the intent gaze of Rufus, and she kept worrying that there were


    something wrong with her make-up, lipstick, or mascara.


    Women always wanted to present their perfect selves to their men. And Cassandra was no different.


    Looking at herself in the mirror, she could see clearly that she was blushed all over the face.


    Abruptly, another figure appeared in the mirror. It was Cloris.


    With a lovely and innocent smile, she slowly walked towards Cassandra, and asked, "Cassandra, are


    you here to fix your make-up again?"


    With a doting smile, Cassandra reached her hand to help Cloris tidy up her hair and answered, "Yeah.


    It''s an exciting party, isn''t it? I just saw Mr. Zhuang invite you for a dance."


    Now, Cloris blushed as well. In excitement, she shared with Cassandra, "Mr. Zhuang is a real


    gentleman. He even mentioned that he appreciated your talents. We also talked about college life, and


    I was surprised to find out that he actually graduated from the college I''m studying at!"


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    Amused by the cute red face of her younger sister, Cassandra couldn''t help teasing her, "Then he


    surely should take care of his dear junior. Ask him to show you around to meet more people. He must


    know more people than I do."


    With a meaningfulugh, she whispered into Cloris''s ear, "Mr. Zhuang is an outstanding man as well. If


    you have any feeling for him, I will help you!"


    At that Cloris felt a tinge of embarrassment. Blushing again, she avoided looking back into Cassandra''s


    eyes.


    When she lowered her head to dodge Cassandra''s gaze, there was also a sign of derision shing


    across her eyes.


    What Arthur had told her was more than that. And what she had revealed to Arthur was also much


    more than what she had told Cassandra.


    ''Cassandra, why are you blessed with all the good things? Why must men always ignore me, only to


    fall for you?'' Cloris used in her heart.


    While Cassandra was concentrating on applying her make-up, Cloris surreptitiously took out something


    from her purse. It was a small pair of scissors.

 Chapter 71 The Dress Disaster

    Chapter 71 The Dress Disaster


    In this world, there are a thousand things that can bring pain:


    a sharp object like a knife thatcerate through flesh; a bullet from a gun that end a life; and forces of


    nature that wreak havoc upon humanity¡­


    But nothing is more dangerous than a sinister mind. Evil is indifferent to appearances, and when it lurks


    underneath pure, beautiful skin, it bes twice as deceptive.


    Cloris''s fingers closed over a small pair of scissors as she stood behind her sister. She clutched the


    handles with determination. In one swift, ndestine motion, a piece ofce was cut from her sister''s


    beautiful dress.


    It was barely holding on, and threatened to snap any moment.


    An eerie smile shed on her painted lips before morphing into one of her sweeter ones, the one that


    charmed people and had men running to fulfill her every whim. It was a very convenient facade indeed.


    No one could have discovered the malicious tilt of her eyes as she waited.


    She had taken the time to carefully study the dress. The piece ofce that she had damaged held the


    upper and lower parts in ce. Once it was broken, the dress would break apart from the waist.


    Cassandra would definitely be the center of unwanted attention if her dress caused a blunder at


    this event.


    Nothing would save her from judging eyes. They would feast on the sight of her and tear her skin off


    piece by piece until nothing was left of her reputation.


    They say clothes make the man, but after tonight, Cassandra would be destroyed by these fabrics.


    With these thoughts in mind, a wicked sense of fulfillment rose in Cloris.


    ''Cassandra, don''t me me for being cruel. You''re being too ambitious, stealing the spotlight every


    time. You need to have a taste of humiliation!'' Cloris thought spitefully as she looked at Cassandra.


    Her sister was refining her make-up in front of the mirror, powdering her beautiful face innocently and


    ignorant of Cloris''s ns.


    "You look really beautiful tonight, Cassandra," she said sweetly. Yes, her sister looked beautiful, and


    she could hardly wait to see her lovely features twist into shock and despairter. She would surely


    savor the image of a devastation on Cassandra''s face. As they walked out of the restroom, she let


    Cassandra go out first and stealthily threw the scissors into the trash bin. Cassandra was none the


    wiser.


    A cold expression dawned on Cloris''s face, giving her eyes a cruelty that was impossibly wrong on


    such a beautiful face.


    Who could ever have imagined that a girl such as her, blooming like a flower, had poison in her veins?


    Her beautiful eyes were scalding in their malice.


    "Cloris, let''s go find Arthur. I have a n to discuss with him," Cassandra said to her young sister. At


    once, Cloris''s expression morphed back into practiced pleasantness.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    Cassandra remembered that Rufus mentioned his n of pursuing a real estatepany alliance,


    which would promote the joint development of real estatepanies in G City. Arthur headed one of


    the major real estatepanies. This event would be a good opportunity to discuss ns with him.


    The two sisters walked back towards the hall, oblivious of Victor''s watchful eyes from the dark.


    He stalked to the trash bin where Cloris had secretly disposed of the scissors. Pulling a handkerchief


    from his pocket, he picked them up and examined.


    There were tiny blue fibers caught at the des, the same as those of Cassandra''s dress.


    It didn''t take him much time to figure out what happened. Grimly, he put the scissors into his suit pocket


    and hurried into the hall to find Rufus. Upon finding him, he motioned for him toe closer and


    murmured into his ear.


    Rufus''s eyes narrowed at Victor''s words. His head shot up and he scoured the crowd for any trace of


    Cassandra.


    He found her with Cloris, heading for Arthur''s direction.


    Several industry peers surrounding Arthur, and he was engaged in conversation,ughing at some


    point while holding a ss of champagne in his hand.


    Arthur noticed the two sisters as they made their way toward him, and raised his ss to them.


    "Ah, Cassandra, Cloris." He motioned to his associates and introduced thedies, "Let''s wee the


    ''two beautiful sisters'' from Tang Group, Cassandra and Cloris. Cassandra here is an excellent


    designer, who has won over the Dawn Star Company in a recent bidding. As a designer myself, I must


    say she has won my admiration!"


    Admiring eyes fell on the two sisters, surrounding them withpliments.


    However, before Cassandra could acknowledge the praises from the people, she felt thece around


    her waist snap. Every second weighed heavily as she felt the fabric of her dress slipping down.


    In a split second, her naked back and the waist were bared to everyone''s eyes.


    Cassandra was reeling from shock and embarrassment as she stood in the midst of the people, her


    mouth gaping from surprise.


    "Oh my god, sister! What''s wrong with your dress?" Cloris eximed loudly, drawing more attentions


    toward Cassandra.


    The entirety of the hall quieted down instantly as they took in the scandalous view.


    Cassandra just stood numbly in the middle of the debacle, feeling as if her limbs had turned as heavy


    as lead.


    Women looked at Cassandra with disdain in their eyes as they spoke in hushed voices.


    "I can''t believe there are such women. Does she want attention that much?" one woman used.


    "How shameful, ruining the asion. This is a corporate party, not a strip club. There are lots of old


    gentlemen who are old enough to be her grandfather. How could she do such a thing?" another one


    echoed.


    In an instant, the tables have turned - the earlierpliments changing into sneers and mockery. It


    seemed that everyone was convinced of Cassandra''s indecency.


    The men in the room seemed to be more sympathetic, at least in words. With such a beautiful and


    almost naked body presented in front of them, how could they not to take in the view? They roamed


    their eyes all over her skin. Cassandra felt like fleeing, if only her feet moved.


    The press and journalists who were previously gathered at the corner of the hall rushed forward and


    joined the ensemble.


    Cameras shed and shutters clicked simultaneously. A wardrobe malfunction in a business party!


    This news would definitely sell like hot cakes on tomorrow''s tabloids.


    Rufus strode forward, his fists clenched.


    As soon as he reached her, He took off his coat and wrapped it around Cassandra.


    Turning to Victor, he ordered, "Bring the car downstairs."


    Then, he turned his cold eyes to the people surrounding them. They flinched from the intensity of his


    gaze and at once, the press put down their cameras and the crowd dispersed, creating a path for them.


    Putting a hand around Cassandra''s shoulder, Rufus walked her out, away from the prying eyes of the


    others.


    A Maseratiy in wait at the gate of the hotel. Rufus opened the passenger door and gently seated


    Cassandra in the seat. She was pale, and her lips were trembling. Rufus clenched his jaw and then


    turned to the driver.


    "Get out. I''ll drive," he ordered.


    Not needing another word, the driver got off as he cast a glimpse at Rufus'' s dark face.


    Rufus took the driver''s seat and drove off, leaving Victor and the driver standing on the side, both at a


    loss.


    The driver, who had no clue of what had happened looked at Victor questioningly.


    "So Mr. Luo just left? The party is about to begin. Isn''t he supposed to make an opening speech? What


    should we do?"


    Victorined, ignoring the driver''s confused expression.


    After such an incident, the party would definitely be thrown into chaos. To top that off, the boss just left.


    Who would clean up the mess?


    Just as Victor racked his brain for the best course of action, his phone rang as a message from Rufus


    arrived.


    "Call the Public Rtions Manager and ask her to deal with the situation,"


    the message read. "The Public Rtions Manager?" Victor murmured. Immediately, the image of a


    pretty girl with a lovely smile shed in his mind.


    Ah, yes. He meant Ste.


    Under these circumstances, she was the most suitable person to dispel the earlier fiasco.


    He called Ste instantly, told her what she needed to know sinctly, then asked her to get to the


    hotel as soon as possible.


    Ste, who was out eating with friends at the time of the call immediately excused herself and said


    goodbye to her friends. Then, she hailed a taxi and asked the driver to take her as quickly as he could


    to the hotel.


    Victor was waiting for her at the gate of the hotel, telling her more of what happened as they walked to


    the direction of the hall. When Ste learned that Cassandra''s dress snapped and Rufus took her


    away, she could not hide her surprise.


    For the next few seconds, Victor witnessed a myriad of expressions on Ste''s face. First, there was


    anxiety for Cassandra, but it was quickly reced by a trusting smile when the thought of Rufus being


    with her.


    She knew he would not let any harme to her friend. That was his charm. He was not only


    handsome, but he was also very thoughtful. Knowing that Cassandra was now with Rufus, she felt


    more at ease.


    Victor watched her silently with curious eyes, wondering what was going on inside the woman''s head.


    Unable to decipher her thoughts from the quick changes in her face, he finally decided to open his


    mouth and ask, "Have you figured out how to deal with this? What''s the n?"


    Ste rolled her eyes at Victor and said, "Don''t worry. Watch and learn."


    As they stepped into the hall, Ste took out a pair of ck-rimmed sses from her bag and put them


    on. The sses had the desired effect, making her look more serious.


    It was as if a switch had been turned on. Now, in ce of the casual air around her from a few seconds


    ago was a professional and mature aura. Her shoulders were squared as she stood a little straighter.


    Victor was impressed with the sudden change.


    She walked confidently into the stage, wearing a cordial smile. Then she spoke into the microphone,


    "Good evening,dies and gentlemen. The Tang Group would like to extend our warmest wee to


    each and everyone of you. It is an honor to be the host of this year''s party. I am Ste, the


    spokesperson of thepany. On behalf of our president, Mr. Horace Tang, and our CEO Mr. Rufus


    Luo, I would like to wee and thank you all foring!" She spoke clearly and steadily, and her


    presencemanded everyone''s attention.


    All eyes were on her. Conversations were brought to a temporarily halt as they listened to her remarks,


    then an apuse sounded as she finished her speech.


    Ste epted the sound of ps and smiled brightly at the audience.


    She had always been a good speaker. Years of debatepetitions served her well at this time.


    Proceeding without a script, she continued to speak, summing up a bit of history, and concluding with


    optimism for the future of thepanies and businesses. Once again, the hall echoed with apuse,


    and the party moved on smoothly.


    Victor watched Ste, awestruck and visibly impressed.


    She had proven him wrong. At first nce, Ste looked like any other lively girl who had just


    graduated from her college and those who were around her age who were alwaysughing and did not


    take anything seriously.


    Now, seeing her confidently speak in front of all these people, calm and graceful¡­ Victor saw her with


    new eyes.

 Chapter 72 The Storm Kept Raging

    Chapter 72 The Storm Kept Raging


    A Maserati was driving fast on the road. In the driver''s seat was Rufus, talking on the phone.


    "Are you at your studio right now? I aming with Cassandra. There is a small problem with her


    dress."


    After these words, he hung up the call, turned his head to look at Cassandra and noticed the little


    woman was shell-shocked from what had just happened at the party. With a nk look on her face, she


    said nothing.


    Seeing her like this, Rufus couldn''t help but furrow his eyebrows. He silently let out a sigh.


    There was no doubt, Cassandra was good at her work, and was a nice person to get along with. The


    only problem was that she was too trusting, almost naive and often let her guard down when around


    the people she shouldn''t trust.


    The night was warm, and the city was lit by bright streetlights. A cool breeze blew in the car through the


    rolled down window. Something unreadable shed through Cassandra''s eyes. She gently bit down on


    her lower lip and finally opened up to talk.


    "Thece strap of this dress couldn''t have easily torn by itself. Someone must have cut it."


    From her small but firm voice, Rufus knew she was thinking through. A hint of anger shed through


    his eyes, the corners of his mouth lifted. But he said nothing. He just hummed, letting her know that he


    understood what she was thinking.


    It seemed that the little woman finally registered what had transpired. By now, she was calm enough to


    rationally think. Yes, Cassandra might be trusting and naive, but it didn''t mean that she was stupid.


    What had just happened wasn''t idental. It was not that easy. Someone must have intentionally cut


    thece strap of her dress to embarrass her. But who was it? Who would have wanted to do this to


    her?


    Closing her eyes, she racked the brain for who would have a motive and the chance. It couldn''t be


    Michelle Ling, because when the dress was delivered, Cassandra took enough time to confirm it was


    intact. There was no way Cassandra could have missed any sign of damage then.


    Besides, Michelle Ling was a name synonymous with quality, ss, and professionalism. The dress


    couldn''t be of low quality that the strap would tear in the middle of the party. Who else could it be?


    Rufus? No, there was no way he would stoop that low to embarrass a woman. Not especially a woman


    that he loved. There was no chance in hell when the same dress had cost him a pretty penny. He


    wouldn''t have a reason to pull such a lousy stunt. Then...


    Cloris!


    Cassandra couldn''t help but shudder when her sister''s name crossed her mind. Carefully, she thought


    back of the details when Cloris was with her.


    A terrible hunch began to eat at her heart. She didn''t want to use her sister. But the more she


    remembered what had happened when the two of them were together alone, the more she believed


    Cloris was culpable. Suddenly, without any good reason, Cassandra''s head started to hurt.


    With her fingers she rubbed her temple, trying to relieve the pain. It didn''t work. What was worse, she


    even wanted to throw up.


    "Stop the car,"


    She demanded, out of the blue. Startled, Rufus nced at her and realized she wasn''t kidding. Right


    now, she looked so beat, that Rufus immediately pulled over to the side without a word.


    As soon as the car stopped, Cassandra quickly opened that door and got out of the vehicle to stand by


    the roadside.


    The cool breeze blowing on her face helped her feel less dizzy and nauseated. But at the same time,


    her heart grew cold. If Cloris was here, Cassandra feared she might havemitted a felony.


    Cloris was her biological sister for God''s sake! Why did she have to do that to her? Cassandra''s head


    began to spin again. She frantically tried to find a motive behind her sister''s actions.


    By that time Rufus had also gotten out of the car and walked to stand beside her. He reached out and


    steadied her wobbling body, his eyes full of worry for her.


    "What is wrong, Cassandra? Is it carsickness?"


    asked a panicked Rufus in a gentle tone that pulled Cassandra out of her trance. They locked eyes as


    she lifted her head. That was when she finally understood why her sister would ruin her evening.


    The very first time Cloris saw Rufus, Cassandra knew that she liked him. Soing to the party, the


    naive girl must have thought that he was going to pick her over Cassandra, for a dance. It hurt her to


    see the man she liked give all his attention to Cassandra.


    The now jilted girl must havee to the party fantasizing about Rufus, only to realize that she didn''t


    feature anywhere in his ns.


    But Cloris overreacted in throwing such a childish tantrum. A rather foolish move, taking that kind of


    shameful revenge against her own sister and best of friends. Did she feel better now, after


    embarrassing her kith and kin?


    In disappointment, Cassandra closed her eyes. Silent tears rolled down her cheeks. Never in a million


    years would she expect her sister to deal her a cruel blow like this. Also, she med herself for hurting


    Cloris. For all that her younger sister knew, Cassandra was married to Lionel. No matter what


    challenges the marriage had, Cloris did not expect that her elder sister to have an affair with Rufus.


    ''Cassandra! What the hell are you doing right now? You know that Cloris likes Rufus, but still, you can''t


    learn to keep your distance from him. Don''t you think this embarrassment serves you right?'' she silently


    cursed at herself.


    The gentleness of Rufus''s hand on her waist was heartwarming, but no matter how long he kept it


    there and stroked her, it failed to cheer up her cold heart. She was in a bad ce right now.


    Then Cassandra broke away from his touch and walked ahead without saying a word.


    Rufus froze for a short second, but he quickly realized what was happening to Cassandra and walked


    up to her. Grabbing her hand, he firmly pulled her close.


    But it wasn''t that easy. Much to his surprise, the little woman struggled hard against him.


    Her body was tense, and she tried to break free from him again. The look on her face was cold and


    desperate. She was nothing like the gentle girl she had always been.


    "What exactly is wrong with you, Cassandra?"


    Rufus couldn''t help but shout in frustration. To be honest, Cassandra frightened him. He had no idea


    what she was thinking right now. And to make things worse, she refused to talk. Only a short time ago,


    he thought they were on good terms.


    "Let go of me. You are my brother-inw, for heaven''s sake. Be respectful."


    Cassandra''s tone was stone cold, and there wasn''t the slightest hint of emotion on her face.


    Brother-inw? Did she just call him brother-inw? Why would she want to do that? Rufus couldn''t


    believe his ears.


    That form of address made him angry all of a sudden. It surprised him that she wasn''t even grateful for


    how he had saved the day by whisking her away from humiliation at the party.


    Besides, he had passed up the chance to give a speech at the party, just to save her! As if that was not


    enough, he was taking her straight to Michelle''s studio for another dress at a tidy sum of money. But


    what was she doing as a reward for all his kindness? By calling him brother-inw, she must have


    intended to snub him.


    "Cassandra, don''t make me mad at you,"


    with darkened eyes, he warned. From the look on his face, one could tell he was trying very hard to


    contain his anger.


    The corners of Cassandra''s lips lifted into a bitter smile. There was no need to fight here. If anything,


    she was worn out right now, she just wanted to get home as quickly as possible and forget about the


    drama today.


    "I am not joking. You are, my brother-inw. Just drive me back to home, please."


    At once, Rufus clenched his hands into tight fists. In a fit of rage, he punched themp post beside


    them so hard the metal reverberated. His hand must hurt, but he said nothing and felt nothing.


    The impulsive reaction made Cassandra''s heart throb.


    It was hard to watch Rufus so angry at her, but she had no other choice.


    Compunction gnawing at her heart, Cassandra bit down harshly at her lower lip and bowed her head to


    avoid meeting his gaze. She tried hard to contain her emotions.


    "Well, if you don''t want to drive me back, then I will get back on my own."


    With these words, she lifted her dress and turned to walk away.


    Ignoring her, Rufus silently watched her walk away. In defiance, she held her head up high and


    sauntered off as if there was nothing to worry about. The arrogance of her bodynguage incensed


    Rufus more. She was testing the limits of his patience.


    But what Rufus didn''t know was that her heart was bleeding. She was trying hard to hold back her


    tears.


    Rufus...Rufus... As she walked away, his name kept ying in her mind, all the while her heart getting


    colder and colder by the minute.


    ''How could I be so stupid? I should have known there was no chance for him and me. It''s such a waste


    of time, '' she thought to herself as she walked alone.


    To save herself unnecessary trouble, she hoped that Rufus would stop being so kind to her and giving


    her false hope. It scared her to imagine falling in love with him only to set herself up for more drama


    and worse disappointment. epting him now would also be a bad idea, given the infatuations of


    Cloris and Lionel''s jealousy?


    ''Apparently, you and I don''t belong together, Rufus. We''d better go our separate ways before we get


    too emotionally attached.


    Right now, it''s not yet toote for me to face my faults and make amends. Let''s call it quits and move


    on.''


    These were the words that Cassandra wanted to say to him but she just couldn''t.


    Meeting Rufus was a mistake, and sleeping with him was much worse. But it was all Cassandra''s fault.


    She let her guard down. And now she''d have to clean her mess.


    Ever since she met Rufus, she had be overdependent on him. Inch by inch, she let him into her


    space, forgetting it was aplicated rtionship from the word go. From now on, she decided she''d


    stay away. Hopefully, her heart would not overwhelm her sensibility, because she loved him, for real.


    To im back her sanity, she reminded herself that she was Lionel''s wife, regardless of their problems


    during the four years of their marriage. Moreover, she was the Qin family''s lifeline at the moment.


    There was no way she was going to gamble with the lives of her parents and her sister, even though


    they caused her problems.


    As the little woman slowly walked away, Rufus''s heart bled. An urge came over him to run after her,


    grabbing her and bringing her back. But his pride wouldn''t let him do that. So he angrily kicked and


    punched themp post, again and again, to vent out his frustrations.


    His hands began to bleed again. But the only pain he felt was at heart. It hurt so bad to see the woman


    he loved walk off, leaving him a broken man on the road, in the cold of the night.


    It seemed that something had grabbed his heart tightly such that he couldn''t breathe. It was a terrible,


    miserable feeling, the kind that for the life of him he would never wish on his worst enemy.


    Not that Rufus was a greenhorn. He had been in rtionships with women. If anything, he was adies


    man.


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    But, Cassandra was different. Among his many women, she was matchless in beauty, character and


    work ethic. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn''t get her off his mind. How on earth could he let her


    go?


    From the day she came into his life, she made him feel superhuman. Now in her absence, he was


    empty and helpless, as if she had diminished his power with kryptonite.


    Against the cold wind of the night, Cassandra''s face hurt. Meanwhile, at the Tang family''s stately home,


    another storm was raging. Unknown to her, she was at the heart of the storm. As she headed back


    home, trouble awaited her.


    In the study room, a furious Horace threw the inkstone at Lionel. Breathing hard, he growled, "You


    bastard! Aren''t you ashamed of what you have done? You''ve ruined the name of the whole family!"


    Swift as an arrow, Lionel stepped aside to evade the inkstone. The ink sshed, some sttering on


    his suit. He didn''t say anything.


    With a loud bang, the inkstone hit the wall, and made a mess on the wall paper.


    The impulsive behavior of the old man shook Jill, who was standing aside. Were it not for Lionel''s


    speed in dodging the inkstone, he would have sustained pretty bad injuries. Also, she got worried that


    Horace''s uncontrolled anger would trigger his asthma.


    Walking up to Horace''s side, she gently patted his back, and whispered something into his ear, to calm


    him down.


    "Horace, it has already happened. There''s no way you can go back in time and change things. On the


    grounds of your health, you also need to be careful. Getting so carried away by anger will only hurt


    your health..."


    But ignoring her, Horace threw her hands off his shoulder and got even angrier. He was also mad at


    her.


    "Shut up. And you as well! All these years, I''ve worked hard to provide you two with everything you


    ever needed. But see, this is the kind of brat you''ve raised! Both him and Rufus are my sons, but look


    at the big difference between them! Always, Rufus works hard to excel at whatever he does, and


    forever steers clear of trouble. And your son? He only knows how to waste time and money. Now, by


    his silly mistakes, he''s put the family business in danger, yet he doesn''t seem to care."


    Thatparison offended Jill to the bone. There were few things she hated, like anyoneparing her


    son to that bastard, Rufus. But she couldn''t say a word at the moment. Horace was just so angry; if she


    dared cross his line, he''d skin her alive. The wise thing she could do as at now was to calm him down.


    "Horace, Lionel already knows what he did is wrong. Snapping at him and throwing at him whatever


    you can get your hands on won''t change the fact. What we should do right now is to find the best way


    out of this problem,"


    Jill said while secretly gesturing for her son to apologize to his father. In contrition, Lionel knelt down on


    the floor in front of his father, his face genuinely apologetic.


    "Father! I already realized my mistakes! But Ivy has been with me for so many years. It would be


    shameful to abandon her, especially now that she is expectant with my baby. Also, I can''t dictate to her


    nor can I divest her of her small wish. In fairness, we shouldn''t take that away from her. Besides, she


    has promised me that we can keep the child. As soon as the child is weaned, she has promised to


    leave, go out of the country and never try to get in touch with us. Once she''s gone, Cassandra and I


    can bring the child up. Nobody will know about this!"


    Horace''s breath was stillbored. Anger made his head so dizzy, he almost couldn''t breathe.


    Somehow, Lionel''s words touched the old man.


    He also wanted to keep his grandchild. This was his first grandchild after all.


    The baby could not leave their family. Memories of how he missed milestones in Rufus''s upbringing


    haunted Horace. Only recently had Rufuse home, a grown man. The same would not happen to


    his first grandchild.


    But there was one thing he didn''t like. That was the mother, Ivy. For some reasons Horace just didn''t


    like this girl.


    "What''s so good about that woman? For many things, I don''t approve of her. Partly, I have issues with


    her family background. But again, I don''t understand why you are so bewitched with her, Lionel. You


    are just out of your mind! How could you abandon Cassandra and get tangled with that low-life kind of


    woman?"

 Chapter 73 I Am A Deer

    Chapter 73 I Am A Deer


    Lionel thought he knew what kind of person Ivy was.


    They had been together for seven years now. And for all that time, everything she did was for him.


    Even though Lionel would hook up with other women once in a while, Ivy never got mad at him. When


    Lionel was upset or had issues at work, Ivy would stay with him, and encourage him, giving meaningful


    suggestions on possible solutions.


    He hade to depend on Ivy so much that he thought she could be his best woman ever.


    But that was the problem. The reason why Horace didn''t like Ivy was that Lionel had a soft spot for her


    at the expense of his marriage. This woman was the person behind Lionel''s mistreatment of


    Cassandra. It angered Horace that Lionel would neglect the woman that his parents had chosen for


    him, opting instead to waste all his time, energy and money on Ivy. In Horace''s eyes, Lionel was


    challenging his power.


    What the ungrateful bastard didn''t realize was that Cassandra was given to him in marriage to entrench


    the Tang family''s economic supremacy. The Tang family had found their son a resourceful wife with


    better socialworks. Cassandra was gifted, professional and beautiful to boot. Why would Lionel


    leave such a gem for any other woman? It pained Horace to see Lionel, the designated sessor to


    the Tang empire head in the direction he was taking with Ivy. That girl would only waste the family


    wealth.


    Besides, Lionel himself was also not much of a talented person who would greatly benefit from


    Cassandra''s vast skills in managing thepany. If he ditched Cassandra for this clueless girl, Horace


    was sure enough that the whole business would go down. That left Horace with no other option but to


    entrust Rufus at the helm of the Tang Group. There was no doubt, Rufus waspetent, charismatic


    and hungry for sess. Just the right man for the job.


    Suddenly, Jill turned around to dry her tears. She choked up, "To some extent, I know why you have a


    problem with allowing Ivy into the family. She''s a rather uninspiring, ordinary woman with neither


    education nor family background that the Tang family can approve of. But you don''t have to worry


    about her in the long run, because she''ll only be here for a few months. Also, you don''t have to be


    angry at Lionel. It''s just that he fell in love with the wrong woman and now he has a whole mess on his


    hands to deal with and a child out of wedlock, just like you!"


    "Just like you!" these three words hit Horace. Painful memories flooded into his head, leaving an empty


    gaze on his face.


    Images of the woman he loved and treasured most in his life started to y in his mind like a slow slide


    show. Every slide yed to the apaniment of the sweet promises they made to each other.


    "Horace, I''ll wait for you, no matter how long it will take. Even if you have nothing, I''ll still be with you."


    They were so deep in love at that time. Eventually, she got pregnant for him and gave birth to Rufus, a


    handsome, intelligent boy. But he couldn''t bring the boy and his mother home because of Jill. The


    woman had to bring Rufus up as a single mother. But thank God, she did just fine and even gave the


    boy the best education she could. Now, Horace had brought Rufus back to the Tang family, in an


    attempt to make up for his mistakes. Hopefully, she would find the grace to forgive him.


    After a long silence, when he looked at Lionel who was still kneeling, his anger faded. Looking back at


    his own mistakes, he began to understand Lionel. The more he thought about his shorings, the


    more he realized he was no angel to m Lionel as irresponsible. The only thing that unsettled him


    was Ivy''s ridiculous demands. Whatever she was asking for was just too much.


    Letting a pregnant mistress live in the Tang mansion was impossible. That aside, would Ivy be proud of


    meeting Cassandra, the legally married wife of the man she was chasing after? How would Cassandra


    feel about that?


    From downstairs, he heard servants greet someone. ''It must be Cassandra, '' he guessed.


    Then excusing himself, he said to Jill coldly, "You and Lionel go and pass this, in your own way to


    Cassandra. I can''t do this. It''s way too embarrassing!"


    Then he stood up and left. He was disappointed at Lionel''s letdown and worried about Cassandra.


    As she watched him leave, Jill heaved a sigh of relief. At least, Horace, the head of the family, agreed.


    The only problem was how Cassandra would receive the news.


    As soon as she got home, Cassandra changed from the torn dress. Exhausted, but unable to sleep,


    she sat down on the couch, closed her eyes and drifted deep into thoughts. But only a few minutes on,


    she was startled by the opening and closing of her bedroom door. Without knocking, Jill had walked in


    and wasing straight to her. That was strange.


    Never in Cassandra''s four years of marriage, had Jill walked into her bedroom. Moreover, the two of


    them never talked much. What would bring Jill to her room, at thiste hour of the night?


    Without greeting, Jill sat on the extra chair and went straight to the point of her unannounced visit.


    "Ivy is pregnant and it is Lionel''s son. The Tang family won''t abandon the baby. You can regard him as


    your baby if you like. Or you can just ignore him," she bbered without a hint of courtesy.


    Cassandra was dumbstruck. What was Jill talking about?


    "A son? What do you mean?"


    Rising from her chair with an imperious air, Jill put her arms across the chest and dered, "Starting


    from tomorrow, Ivy will move in to live with us. It''s for a short time, though. Once the baby is born, she


    might only stay until he is weaned. After that, she''ll be gone for good. Out of the country, and out of


    Lionel''s life, you won''t have to worry about her again. For the short time that she''ll be here, you can just


    act the way like you ignore Lionel. I don''t think she''ll pose any problems to you."


    Ivy¡­ Speechless, Cassandra ran the name through her mind, trying to remember who the woman was.


    Suddenly, she recalled the beautiful face of...


    Ivy Luo! She was the woman in that sex tape! The one who appeared alongside Lionel in public on a


    few asions only to disappear before anyone could know her real identity. It looked as if she was


    ying hide and seek, especially against Lionel''s family.


    Was she nowing to the family to rece Cassandra? That would be OK with Cassandra. After all,


    what would make her want to fight for an unfaithful man who ignored her all the time? There was


    nothing fulfilling in her marriage to Lionel at all. If Ivy really wanted to rece her, Cassandra would


    dly get a divorce. Oh, how liberating that would be!


    The only source of concern was that she could put her family in debts if she filed for a divorce.


    Then she realized, the divorce would be unnecessary. Since their marriage had never been a public


    affair, she could as well stay and carry on as if Lionel didn''t exist in her life. That was the way she had


    learned to live for the four years of their marriage, and Ivy moving in would make no difference.


    But too many things happened today and Cassandra was in no moods to talk with Jill.


    She was a chatterbox that would talk on and on if you let her. So to cut the long story short, Cassandra


    simply acquiesced in the decision.


    "Okay, I got it. I don''t have a problem with that. Just let her move in then. Maybe, I''d only request to be


    excused from having dinner at home. Would that be alright?"


    The thought of sitting at family dinner together with Cloris and Rufus made her wish she could be


    excluded.


    She knew it was a very improbable wish, but she still asked anyway.


    "That''s impossible!" Jill replied without hesitation. "After working the whole day, dinner is the only


    chance that family members get to sit down together and bond over a meal. It''s a family habit that


    Horace religiously follows, and he won''t trade it for anything. There''s no way anyone could skip dinner


    in his house, except once in a while, and only for a special reason,"


    she added, as she pushed the door and made her way out.


    Upset about every experience of the day, Cassandra slumped into her bed, kicking her legs in the air,


    out of helplessness. Coming home, she had badly needed a rest. But now her problems had only pilled


    up, leaving her mind in a muddle.


    Sobbing softly, she lifted the quilt over her head, tears freely rolling down her face and washing her


    pillow wet.


    The next day, Cassandra woke up pretending not to know what Cloris had done. As if nothing had


    happened between them, she treated Cloris pretty much like on any other day.


    But she avoided Rufus as much as she could.


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    When he asked Leo to take her to the president''s office, Cassandra made an excuse that she wanted


    to check the construction site. Then she sneaked out of the office, and killed time wandering on the


    streets.


    A lot of thoughts ran through Cassandra''s mind, turning from one name to another. Cloris, Rufus, Ivy.


    One minute, she mulled aboutst night''s humiliation at the party. The next, she was agonizing over


    Rufus and theirplicated rtionship. But then there was the issue of Ivy, who was moving in today.


    How Cassandra wished she could skip the awkward dinner.


    But did she have that option?


    Immersed in her own world, she didn''t even notice the traffic lights as she crossed the street.


    Until, someone firmly grabbed her arm and jerked her back to attention. Just then, a taxi stopped in


    front of her, the driver applying breaks with a squeal. Angry and concerned for her safety, the guy in the


    driver''s seat rolled down the windows and studied her.


    "Youngdy, be careful!" he admonished, a contemptuous look written on his face. "Go somewhere


    else if you wanna die. I don''t want to be involved! I hate those ''crash for cash'' victims most!"


    Then he drove away, leaving the dumbfounded Cassandra alone.


    As she turned around, she saw a man with mustache, thick eyebrows and big eyes watching her.


    Although he wasn''t well-dressed, he looked cordial and sounded sincere.


    "Be careful, my daughter. It is downtown here and usually, the traffic is heavy," he cautioned in a


    fatherly tone.


    It was him who had grabbed her arm and pulled her out of danger, only a fraction of a second before


    the car screeched to a stop in front of her. Were it not for him; she would have been hit by the car


    which had just driven off. Thank goodness, he was driving slowly and had enough time to react when


    she was grabbed and pulled back by this good man.


    "Thank you, sir. I was lost in thoughts. I have a full te right now, and it''s really stressing me out.


    Thank you so much for saving my life!"


    The man gave her a smile.


    "No problem."


    Suddenly, something urred to him. He looked Cassandra up and down. Then he asked with


    suspicion, "Aren''t you the manager of the design department at the Tang Group? What is it that has got


    you so upset?"


    The question threw Cassandra off bnce for a moment. The man was a total stranger. How did he


    come to know she was the manager of the design department at the Tang Group?


    Reading her reaction, the man could tell Cassandra was puzzled. An amiable smile beamed on his


    face as he waved a folded magazine in his left hand.


    "I was reading this in the Starbucks just now. It features an interview of senior executives in the Tang


    Group. There''s a photo of your side face, but I recognized you anyway."


    Cassandra knew he must be talking aboutst month''s interview, when some reporters came to the


    company''s offices. But she wasn''t the focus of the interview.


    "You''re such a keen observer. I''m impressed. It''s a very tiny photo. I''d hardly recognize anyone based


    on it."


    The man was pleased to hear Cassandra''spliment. But trying to down y it, he calmly said, "No


    big deal. If you ask me to live with fifty spotty dogs for a few days and then give me a picture of them, I


    could easily tell them apart. Not to mention a beautiful woman like you!"


    His way with words lifted Cassandra''s moods so much that she burst intoughter.


    Forgetting about all her troubles, she began to enjoy chatting with him.


    "That''s a clever metaphor you have," she said, referring to the man''s im.


    But the man feigned a serious face and said, still with tongue in cheek, "Not that I''m so smart with


    metaphors! It''s just that, I... I''m a lover of animals."


    Laughing again, Cassandra asked, "So, you regard me as an animal?"


    The man hesitated, not sure what he should say next. ''Is she someone that can catch the drift of my


    joke? Or will she take it literally and get angry at me?


    Someone who takes things literally, will not read it as apliment if I used that analogy of animals.''


    he wondered.


    Thankfully, Cassandra had noticed the man was weighing what to say, and she didn''t want to


    embarrass him.


    Reaching into her clutch bag, she took out her business card and handed it to him.


    "I''m Cassandra Qin. This is my business card. If you want to contact me, you can call me or text me on


    the numbers given," she said seriously.


    With gratitude, the man took the card and Cassandra was about to say goodbye, when something


    urred to her. After a moment''s thought, she said, "Well, if I were an animal, I would certainly be a


    deer!"

 Chapter 74 The Smile In Distress Is The Bitterest

    Chapter 74 The Smile In Distress Is The Bitterest


    So can you tell me what kind of animal is a deer?


    The encyclopedia says, The deer is an even-toed ungte. They are mammals that belonged to the


    Cervidae family. Typical characteristics among deers include long, powerful legs, a diminutive tail, and


    etc. The males tend to berger than the females, generally, and in most species, only males possess


    antlers. There is a wide diversity of deers and ording to legends, those deers pulling Santa us''


    sleigh are called elks.


    He was beginning to entertain the idea that Cassandra was more like a deer, and he found it


    interesting. Yet he was at a loss of words toment.


    On the back of his mind, he searched for images of the deer he had seen and looked at Cassandra at


    the same time. Doing so made his perception even stronger, indeed Cassandra resembled a deer¡ªa


    graceful and elegant one.


    Drowned by the noise of the bustling crowd, he raised his voice and shouted out to Cassandra, "See


    youter! Miss Deer!"


    Without turning back, Cassandra ced her hands on her head, imitating the antlers of a deer.


    Her silly respond caused him to draw a sweet smile. Looking down at the business card, he couldn''t


    help but keep on repeating her name on his mind, "Cassandra Qin, Cassandra..."


    Cassandra, on the other hand, didn''t look back, as her tears had begun to streak down her delicate


    face.


    She didn''t like the idea of crying in front of a stranger. The tears came so suddenly and so unexpected


    that all she wanted was to be somewhere far from that ce.


    Having such a shallow tears, she cried at the thought of the deer. She had once watched a


    documentary about deers.


    In the documentary, deer usually inhabited the vast forest.


    As beautiful and mild as they were, they were timid but alert at all times.


    Poaching the deer''s coat had endangered majority of its species. In order to get the deer''s beautiful fur,


    poachers exerted a variety of extremely brutal means.


    The most brutal one was to take advantage of the deer''s kindness.


    The poachers would first hunt a fawn or a baby deer so as to lure the adult deer they wanted to kill. The


    fawn would serve as the bait to catch the bigger deer.


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    The deer would be allowed toe near the fawn before finally shot to death.


    Cassandra closed her eyes to stop the tears from falling, yet the tears won''t stop.


    Her heart sympathized the deer. Just like a helpless deer, she was set up by her own sister.


    The fawn this time was so dear to her that the moment she caught sight of it, she immediately drew


    near. She had no idea that there were poachers lurking around the corner waiting to shoot her.


    Yet for the deer, its death would be simpler. Whilst on Cassandra''s case it was moreplicated. The


    fawnsid in front of her gave her no choice. They all lead to certain death.


    She had no options - she was forced to live with Grace Zhang in the small town when she was young;


    sadly when she grew into a lovelydy, she had to marry Lionel who she didn''t love, and be


    unexpectedly attached to Rufus in an affair, and worst of all, be deeply hurt by Cloris, her own sister.


    Why on earth would all the betrayal and misery happen to her? What had she done to deserve all


    these?


    Suddenly, a surge of nostalgia swept over her. She missed the seaside town badly. In that sparsely-


    popted small town, the salty sea wind kept herpany over the whole span of her childhood.


    Whenever she dreamed of that ce, she could always smell the salty tone of the seawater in the


    wind, as if calling her toe home.


    Grace Zhang had passed away a couple of years ago. Since her death, Cassandra had never gone


    back to that ce. For her, Grace''s death was not just a loss of a second mother or a friend, it was a


    loss of a part of her soul.


    She was totally perplexed on how fate had been so cruel with her all this time.


    "What would I do to free myself from all these burdens?" she wondered.


    Walking with a troubled head and a heavy heart, she had no idea that she was being followed by


    Rufus.


    In a distant he was watching her deste look, her engaging conversation with the stranger, and her


    bitter tears covering her face as she was plodding in the crowd.


    Rufus felt sorry for her. He didn''t want to see her in such a miserable situation.


    He wanted to run to catch up with her and give her a big, warm, and reassuring hug. He wanted to be


    with her and walk with her in the bitter cold of the winter day.


    She was so sad that she couldn''t hold her tears despite the inquisitive gaze of the passers-by along the


    streets.


    The destion she felt was heightened by the snowkes that drifted down profusely and fell upon her


    shoulders.


    It was the first snow of the winter. It has frozen her already-numbed heart.


    The sky cast a lonely gloom and everyone was hurrying to where they were going as if threatened by


    the mncholy thates with winter.


    Amidst the chilling wind, a pair of young lovers seated themselvesfortably on a bench by the tree.


    The girl squeezed her body into the loose overcoat of the boy, only showing her face.


    "It is snowing! Wow, this is amazing!" the girl eximed.


    Cassandra shrugged her shoulder at the thought of the girl''s excitement. ''Snow and winter are not fun!


    It would be cold and the streets would be slippery, no fun at all, '' she contradicted silently.


    ''How unreasonable for couples in love to stay out in the cold! They look odd. But why? Why a part of


    me envy them despite being so unreasonable?'' she pondered further.


    Bleakly she noticed the snow was falling heavier, she looked for a taxi to get her home.


    Unfortunately, the taxis were either unavable or upied every time she hailed one, maybe that was


    because of the heavy snow.


    Desperately, she opted to take the bus instead. She thought, ''It would be more warm and convenient,


    anyway.''


    Dragging her stiff legs, Cassandra trudged herself towards the bus station. The dense crowd and the


    confusing signs bothered her and jumbled her thoughts even more.


    So many buses, and so many terminals, which one would take her to where she wanted? But what


    stopped her was the question on her mind that she could not find a suitable answer for - where on


    earth did she want to go?


    To the house of the Qin family? No way, she had been married off, and she wasn''t supposed to return


    to her maiden home.


    To the small town? No, the cottage she had lived was not there anymore.


    To the home of the Tang family? Oh! The confusion took its toll upon her, she felt her heart... was


    twisted with severe pain at the thought of her present home. If she can even call it ''home''.


    Cassandra not knowing what to do, just sat on the bench at the bus station, lonely and looking straight


    nkly.


    Buses came and went one after another. She wanted all her pains to just drift away with the buses, she


    wished they could just vanish like a mist in the thin air.


    Someone turned a stereo on, and the sound of the song was faintly borne along with the busy bus


    station. She had heard it before, yet this time it sounded so sad.


    She clearly remembered the title. It was called ''Contentment'' by Mayday.


    And the song went like this, "How to see the rainbow, how to embrace the summer wind. The stars in


    the skyugh at people on the ground who never feel contented.


    If I love your smiles, how will I collect and have them? If someone but me makes you happy, could it be


    that I have it by letting it go?


    As a gust of wind brings a kite to the sky, it will pray for you. When your back disappears among the


    crowds, I find the smile in distress is the bitterest..."


    The lyrics were speaking to her, creeping into her senses, ''Maybe I desire way too much than I ought


    to. I have a career, I needn''t worry about having three meals a day or being cold without something to


    wear. Why do I have to cross the line, to beplicated with Rufus?''


    She hummed to the melody, and fresh new tears kissed her pale and cold innocent face.


    The warm song, however, failed to make her heart feel a little less cold. She wept while silently


    humming. Her face betrayed the bitterness of her heart by cracking a vicious frown.


    ''I guess what the song is saying is true - the smile in distress is the bitterest, '' she thought.


    She was happy being with Rufus and pained at the same time. ''Why don''t I just end that now? My


    complicated affair with Rufus has caused so much trouble already.


    Am I selfish to dream that Rufus would bring something to my life? I have fantasized that he would


    someday marry me."


    Thinking about all these questions on her mind, her faint smile faded. She buried her face in her hands


    in frustration and tears wet her hands immediately.


    The snow was raging and she could feel the tingling sensation of frostbites.


    Shivering in the chilly wind, she only had her cashmere overcoat to keep her warm.


    She didn''t want to move, though her lips turned blue with cold and her face ached in the biting wind.


    The snow never ceased to fall down. The snowkes of six-fold symmetric shapes had a breathtaking


    beauty. However, the beauty fades as they mixed with her tears.


    There were too many beautiful things which couldn''tst too long in this world.


    Like the snow, it couldn''tst long! Such a temporary thing for us to enjoy while we could.


    On the quiet and snowy evening, both the stars and the moon hid behind the thick clouds.


    A sudden wind stirred up some snowkes dancing in the air. Cassandra felt it was getting harder for


    her to breathe.


    She felt dizzy and a bad headache suddenly came to her.


    She struggled and desperately got on her feet. She forced herself to take a step but flopped down on


    the ground. She fainted.


    A silhouette of a man rushed over across the street towards her direction. He was wearing a long and


    ck coat.


    "Cassandra, wake up," he called her name anxiously.


    But she gave no response. Her body felt cold and rigid all over.


    Rufus had watched her across the street for a long time, so long that it felt like an eternity for him. He


    enjoyed the view of her at a distant, she resembled a priceless masterpiece worthy of adoration.


    Just as the thickening snow obscured his vision. Unable to see her face clearly, he could still sense her


    pain and sorrow.


    She did sit in the icy wind for quite a long while, not knowing the consequences it might cause her.


    Rufus, in his car, smoked the cigarette one after another to keep himself calm.


    He was confused whether he should go over to her or just get away from her. He thought about the


    incident yesterday, she was such a stubborn girl that she didn''t even nce back.


    He had wanted to have a word with her in his office, but she evaded him by an excuse. To make sure


    that she was safe, he had to tag along.


    The sight of the stormy snow blowing over her delicate and pale face covered by ice-cold tears broke


    his heart.


    He was hopefully longing to stand in front of her, to hold her shoulders to pull her reasons back, to


    command her to stop putting herself up with the sufferings, to stop fearing, to assure her that he would


    protect her forever, as long as she was willing to be his woman...


    But hesitation won over him. His eyes darkened, at the thought of his mother''s photo on the tombstone,


    and his vow before her grave.


    However, seeing her fainting down, he couldn''t contain his feelings anymore, jerked open the door of


    his car and rushed over to help her up.


    Holding Cassandra in his arms, it was the first time that Rufus panicked this way. He carried her to the


    car and drove hastily to the nearest hospital. He didn''t step on the brakes even when the traffic lights


    turned red.


    In the hospital, they had Cassandra''s body temperature and blood pressure measured, and her blood


    samples drawn...


    After a series of inspections, Cassandra was sent to the emergency ward for observation.


    Viewing the medical record, the doctor asked Rufus in a cold tone, "Is she your wife?"

 Chapter 75 Lusting For His Warmth

    Chapter 75 Lusting For His Warmth


    Squinting slightly, Rufus turned to gaze upon Cassandra, lying on the sickbed with a strange flush


    covering her cheek.


    Suddenly standing up with his tall and strong figure, Rufus responded in his deep and velvet voice,


    "Yes, she''s my wife."


    Upon hearing this, the doctor''s expression turned colder, and displeased with the man''sck of care for


    his own spouse.


    "What are you doing? Do you have any idea how long she stayed in the wind and snow? Why didn''t


    you stop her? She''s barely wearing enough clothes for the weather! Even if you quarreled with her, you


    should, at the very least, pay attention to her health. She''s too weak with a low blood pressure. It''s so


    cold outside that she can''t stand it at all."


    Being the rather strong and intimidating figure he was, Rufus had never been med and chastised by


    others, much less a woman, in such a harsh tone. Faced with the me the doctor ced on him,


    though, he was not angry at all.


    In the doctor''s eyes, Cassandra and Rufus were merely a young and carefree couple, making it easy to


    put the me on him.


    "When will she wake up?"


    Withoutmenting on her scolding, Rufus didn''t say anymore as he just wanted to know of


    Cassandra''s physical state.


    With a roll of her eyes, the doctor tapped the case folder to show him.


    "Look at this case! The diagnoses and treatments are all recorded online now. Looking at her hospital


    admission records, she''s been hospitalized with a fever so often in the past six months. She gets sick


    so easily. And now, seeing you, her husband¡­I''m curious about how you take care of her. Her physical


    condition is poor. When she gets discharged and return home, you need to nurse her body very


    carefully. I can''t emphasize enough how you need to pay attention to her physical state. You need to be


    vignt in taking care of your wife''s health. After all, she''s so weak that the wind could practically blow


    her over," the doctor exined reproachfully.


    In the midst of the little sermon, a nurse came in and went to the doctor in a hurry.


    "Doctor, the patient in bed 27 on the 7th floor vomited again. The doctor on duty is asking you to have a


    look!"


    Upon hearing the news, the doctor quickly signed the current diagnosis and hung it on the bedside


    table. Even as she turned away and followed the nurse out, her grumble could be heard from far away.


    "There is no need for the patient in bed 27 to hurt himself. Even if his family doesn''te to see him,


    he should know enough to take good care of himself. I''ve tried to persuade him a number of times, but


    he kept refusing my advice. Goodness! I wonder what''s going on in the heads of young people now..."


    After she left, Rufus simply stood next to Cassandra wearing a gloomy expression as he looked at her,


    who was passed-out with her eyes closed shut. Faced with such a situation, Rufus had no idea how to


    make her regain consciousness as soon as possible, so he only stared at her with a worried


    expression.


    Standing beside her sickbed, Rufus thought about how little attention he had paid to Cassandra, since


    she''d been to the hospital so often. A trace of remorse sparked in his heart.


    Although she was in aa, Cassandra slept uneasily.


    Her body shook from time to time - her face twisting into a frown and the sweat trickling down her


    forehead, as if she was being gued by a nightmare.


    All the while, Rufus held her hands, bringing them up to cup his face so that he could warm them up.


    Still, her hands remained icy cold.


    "Cassandra, I''m here. Don''t be afraid. I will always be with you." His deep voice was soothing.


    Regardless of Rufus'' words offort, Cassandra still suffered the nightmare.


    Having stayed upte to take care of her, Rufus''s eyes had already turned red. By midnight, her fever


    turned even more severe than earlier. Being worried about her condition, Rufus abruptly grabbed the


    arm of a nurse passing by.


    "Where is the doctor? She''s been passed out for such a long time, why hasn''t she woken up yet?"


    Unsurprisingly, a flush crept into the nurse''s face as she looked at the handsome man who grabbed


    her.


    "I''ll find the doctor for you," she whispered.


    Upon saying it, the nurse shyly walked away. After a short while, she came back with a doctor, who


    happened to be the one checking up on Cassandra earlier.


    Before Rufus could say anything, the doctor examined Cassandra immediately and chattered again,


    "Her fever has gone up to 39.5 degrees. It''s not easy to bring down a high fever like this. It wouldn''t be


    that big of a deal if you had a fever it, but she''s not as strong as most people. Looking at her weak


    condition, I guess she pays little attention to her own nourishment. She''s so thin too and can''t afford to


    lose any more weight. If she were to lose weight again, she''d find it difficult to get pregnant."


    Knowing he wouldn''t be able to get a word in, Rufus simply kept his mouth shut.


    Suddenly, Cassandra frowned and murmured something.


    It was so soft that Rufus had to bring his ear closer to her mouth before he finally heard her words.


    "I didn''t do it, Mother! It wasn''t me!


    Mother¡­don''t leave me¡­


    Rufus, my heart hurts¡­"


    Tears slipping from her eyes, Cassandra twisted her body back and forth under the quilt as she


    suffered from her own subconscious.


    Meanwhile, the doctor checked her hands and feet before releasing a sigh of relief.


    "Her fever is almost gone," she then said to Rufus, "She should wake up soon. She''s lucky because


    you sent her to the hospital in time. If she were to stay in the snow for even another half hour, she


    wouldn''t recover so quickly."


    Turning to the still unconscious Cassandra, the doctor said, "You should pay more attention in the


    future, alright? Don''t treat yourself like this! Every time you get ill, you won''t only have to spend money,


    but also take medicine and get injections. Moreover, your partner will spend loads of time and energy


    taking care of you. It''s not worth getting sick over quarrels."


    After expressing his gratitude over and over, Rufus walked the doctor and nurse out.


    Fortunately, when he turned to look at Cassandra, he found that she had finally calmed down, with only


    thest tears trickling down her cheek.


    He sat on the chair beside the sickbed. His eyes sparked with something unique only when he was


    looking at Cassandra.


    ''In her nightmare, she is dreaming about her mother¡­and me.


    Her mother is the one closes to her. Why would she have a nightmare about her?


    And I¡­'' Rufus''s thoughts trailed off. The brightness in his eyes faded at the thought and he started


    feeling a little depressed instead.


    He thought to himself, ''I always want to bring her hope but keep failing. What have I done that would


    frighten her?


    In her dream, what do I look like?''


    As soon as she started waking up, Cassandra could see a blurry image of Rufus''s profile. When she


    came to her senses, she could see that he was fast asleep, and bent over the sickbed.


    His handsome profile seemed as if it was carefully sculpted by a master, looking especially dazzling


    under the morning sunshine.


    With his eyes closed, Rufus was in a deep sleep, and at this moment, he was only a boy without any


    aggression.


    With that image in front of her, Cassandra couldn''t help reaching her hand out to touch his beautiful


    face. Midway, though, something made her retract her hand.


    Sensing that his eyes began flickering, she put her hand downpletely and pretended to be


    sleeping.


    At that moment, Rufus was being rather clever. Even with his eyes closed, he was all too aware of her


    movements. If he had opened his eyes, he could have easily interrupted what she was doing.


    Sporting a rather content smile, Rufus opened his eyes and deliberately lifted the lid off the food box of


    congee with minced pork and preserved eggs that he ordered someone to get for him.


    The delicious smell of food filled the ward as soon as the container was opened.


    "Mmm...It''s really delicious," he said, deliberately raising his voice to catch Cassandra''s attention.


    With an exaggerated tone, he took a spoonful and slurped the congee loudly. It was satisfying enough


    to see Cassandra swallowing quietly as he teased her.


    He wondered, ''Because of staying in the snowfield for so long, she suffered from a high fever all night.


    Hadn''t eaten anything since yesterday noon, so she''s definitely hungry right now.''


    Intentionally luring her with the porridge''s aroma, he wondered how long the stubborn woman would


    resist the delicious food and pretend to be asleep.


    Wanting to y with her a little more, he waved one spoonful of porridge right above her nose, letting


    the aroma fill her senses before eating it himself.


    "Well, this porridge feels so soothing for my throat. It''s really good¡­" he eximed.


    Hearing this, Cassandra swallowed again. Her long eyshes flickered as if it took her everything to


    not open her eyes.


    "Unfortunately, a certain someone is still asleep and can''t enjoy such delicious food. Well¡­I guess I''ll


    just eat it all!"


    Giving in to the hunger, Cassandra abruptly opened her eyes and sat up. Without a word, she stole the


    tin and spoon from Rufus''s hands and scooped a mouthful of porridge into her mouth.


    "Ahhhhh!" Without realizing it, Cassandra released sighs of contentment as she ate. She thought, ''How


    delicious it is!''


    Practically inhaling the food, Cassandra felt much warmer after the meal. With the empty tin in her


    hand, she lifted her head to look at Rufus sheepishly, as she had almost forgotten he was sitting there


    in her rush to finish the porridge. Unexpectedly, she met his eye, realizing he had been staring at her


    with such a gentle gaze the whole time.


    Even so, she cleared her throat and ignored him as she adjusted herself to get into a morefortable


    position. After a little while, she felt much better and was ready to push off the quilt and get out of bed.


    Seeing this, though, Rufus immediately prevented her from doing so. Fixing his deep eyes on hers to


    force them to meet his, he made her freeze in her actions. When he looked at her in such a way,


    Cassandra couldn''t escape his gaze.


    "You''re not well, yet. Stay in bed and have a good rest. Don''t worry about work. I''ve already asked for a


    leave on your behalf." His tone was firm as he said it.


    Looking at Rufus, she still refused to listen to him and started trying to get up again. Her attempts were


    fruitless as Rufus would just press her back down on the bed again.


    "Cassandra, I''m ordering you to lie down and rest as your boss," he said, loud and stern.


    His arbitrariness and brute force rendered her unable to move at all. In such a situation, she frowned


    and bit her lips. Although she felt a little aggrieved, Cassandra felt warmth blooming in her heart.


    As he pursed his lips, which Cassandra happened to find sexy, Rufus suddenly reached out his hand to


    flick her forehead. "Ow!" Bringing her hands up to cover her forehead, she cried out in pain and then


    red at him with pouted lips. At that moment, Rufus couldn''t help but think she looked terribly cute.


    "What? You didn''t like what I did? Is that it?" Rufus asked.


    Since she woke up, Cassandra had been rather restrained. Biting her lips with increasing force, the


    more she looked at Rufus, the more she wanted to say something but failed to do so.


    Without perceiving her thoughts, Rufus simply caressed her face and coaxed her with a rarely used


    gentle tone, "Cassandra, please be good. Lie down and get more sleep. What would you like for lunch?


    I''ll buy it for you. It''s too noisy in the emergency ward, so I''ll transfer you to the VIP wardter."


    A trace of despair came over her as she closed her eyes. As Rufus was ready to leave, she couldn''t


    help but stretch out her thin hands to cling to his clothes, as if to cling on for her life.


    "Rufus, I¡­I want to¡­to go to the bathroom. I...I really have to go," she mumbled, feeling frustrated and


    embarrassed.


    As she confessed, her face turned red and got more and more flushed.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    It was when Cassandra finished speaking that Rufus understood her behavior. ''It''s no wonder it looked


    like she was trying to say something earlier¡­'' he thought.


    It''s really no big deal if she could just directly tell me she wants to go to the bathroom¡­''


    Suddenly, the two heard a sound from inside the ward. Ssh! A middle-aged woman next to


    Cassandra''s bed was having breakfast.


    Apparently, upon hearing what Cassandra had said, she spit out and sprayed the food from her mouth.


    With the woman''s reaction, Rufus looked rather flushed and was at a loss for what to do so Cassandra


    wouldn''t feel embarrassed. After clearing his throat awkwardly, he murmured to her softly, "Uh¡­do you


    want me toe with you?"


    Cassandra''s eyes were full of frustration and ssy with tears as if she was about to cry. Shaking her


    head hurriedly, she thought, ''Every time¡­every time I''m in trouble, he''s by my side.


    Even when I need to go to the toilet, he would want to apany me.''


    "Then why are you waiting, just go quickly then," Rufus said hastily.


    Reaching hisrge hands out to stroke her long hair, he reveled in the feeling. Raising his brows, he


    was rather amused.


    ''What a silly woman you are. There''s no need for you to ask my permission to go to the bathroom, '' he


    thought.


    Slowly, Cassandra got out of the sickbed. As soon as her feet touched the floor, she felt week at her


    knees, wobbling and barely able to stay upright. Seeing her struggle, Rufus quickly went to support her


    waist with worry shing across his handsome face.


    "You''re such a silly woman," he said with a light chuckle.


    Raising his lips, he suddenly reached his arms behind her knees and picked her up with ease as soon


    as he made his remark. Ignoring others'' eyes, whether full of awe or judgment, he carried her to the


    restroom.


    "Woah! Rufus, what are you doing? Hurry and put me down!"


    Cassandra''s face was clearly flushed as she clenched her thin hands, unsure of where to put them.


    After some struggle, she finally gave in and let them rest on his chest. Her burning cheeks made her


    feel a little light headed.


    Completely ignoring Cassandra''sints, Rufus simply strode towards the bathroom.


    "Shut up. You talk too much," all he murmured.


    Though she opened her pink lips as if to say something, Cassandra couldn''t utter a word. Lying in his


    arms, Cassandra inhaled his unique scent, calming herself down, almost like a kitten. As she closed


    her beautiful eyes, her lips curled naturally into a sweet smile while she savored the feeling.


    ''Earlier, my heart didn''t feel so open¡­I was even a bit cold, maybe, but what Rufus has done for me


    keeps warming my heart over and over again, '' she thought.


    In truth, Cassandra wanted to relish in the feeling of being in his arms for as long as she could. If she


    was to bepletely honest with herself, she had to admit that she absolutely lusted after his scent


    and warmth.

 Chapter 76 The Start Of Nightmare

    Chapter 76 The Start Of Nightmare


    It was in the Tang Group.


    The door of the CEO office was pushed open. The thrust echoed through the office as Lionel stormed


    towards Rufus, who was signing off some document. The loud noise made him look up from the


    document and gaze at the approaching figure of Lionel. He stopped in front of Rufus''s desk, then


    pped hard on it with his palms, making it shake under his hands.


    "Rufus Luo! What on earth do you want?" Lionel questioned, his voice trembling with rage.


    Rufus stared back at him with a rather nonchnt look. Refusing to pay any heed to Lionel''s


    intimidating demeanor, he turned his head towards Leo and instructed, "Send this document to the


    human resource department. Tell them toplete all the procedures within a week."


    Leo took the file and paced towards the door. But before he could even reach the door, he found Lionel


    standing right in front of him. In one smooth move, Lionel blocked his way out of the room and grabbed


    the file from his hand.


    After that, he pped the file back on the desk so hard that all the contents inside the file came out and


    got scattered on the floor.


    Lionel''s eyes fell on a piece of paper on top and his pupils got dted. It was a dismissal notice.


    Picking up the note, he thrust it back in front of Rufus and shouted with disbelief, "He is the marketing


    manager of ourpany! How can you just dismiss him! Have you ever considered the


    consequence?"


    Rufus did not reciprocate to the temperament disyed by Lionel. Rather he maintained a calm and


    coolposure. He just leaned back to the backrest of the chair, folded his arms as he maintained the


    indifferent gaze on Lionel. It was as if he wasn''t a part of the quarrel and he was just watching the


    episode as an outsider.


    Rufus''s cool and adamant behavior frustrated Lionel all the more.


    "Rufus Luo! Right now you are too much indulged in your role as the CEO of thepany! Don''t forget


    the person who granted you the power! If father ever realizes that you are dismissing the employees at


    the management level randomly as per your own whim, which will adversely affect thepany, he will


    take his action against this!" Lionel attempted to threaten Rufus.


    However, Rufus lookedpletely disinterested in getting into a confrontation. He even refused to utter


    a single word in retaliation to Lionel''s threat. Instead, he lifted his head, and gave a cold stare at Lionel.


    "This is the decision of the board of directors, not me. We had a vote. As the marketing manager, he


    didn''t actively establish rtionship with new clients, which was part of his responsibilities. Moreover,


    some of our regr customers even turned to ourpetitors because of him! How can we continue to


    hire such a worthless man?"


    Lionel''s rage was showing in his eyes which were literally burning. He was aware of the meeting, but


    wasn''t informed that it was about human resource management. Busy with Ivy, he decided not to


    attend. Now he regretted, and attempted to revoke this decision.


    "He was hired during father''s term. Now you want to fire him, but you haven''t asked for his approval!"


    Lionel brought up the topic once again to negotiate with Rufus.


    Rufus''s silence was getting on his nerves by now. He brought up the name of Horace once again and


    tried to suppress Rufus.


    Rufus then stood up. With his height and build, he was firm and unwavering.


    "When you referred him to father, you had never mentioned that he was Ivy''s cousin," Rufus stated


    coolly.


    This sentence, though not long, thumped on Lionel''s heart heavily.


    Indeed, this person was suggested by Ivy. After talking to him for several times, Lionel felt that this


    person could possibly be hired for the manager''s role. And it happened that there was a vacancy for


    marketing manager. So, he suggested his name to his father.


    In order to avoid suspicion from others, he had never revealed this fact to anyone else. How could


    Rufus possibly know about the secret!


    Yet Lionel wasn''t ready to give up. Suppressing his voice low to sound firm, he warned Rufus, "You


    know that Ivy is pregnant with the eldest grandson of the Tang family. If she gets to know that her


    cousin is fired, she may get agitated, which in turn would probably affect the baby. Do you think you


    can escape from the me?"


    Rufus smirked at Lionel in a sardonic manner. Then his face broke into a mocking smile as though he


    regarded Lionel as a clown.


    "Well, the eldest grandson of Tang family is not from your wife. Is that something to be proud of?


    Besides, what has this got to do with me?" Rufus sneered.


    The coldness in Rufus''s voice and his indifference rendered Lionelpletely at a loss of words. He


    could not find any other way to bargain his way to save the job of Ivy''s cousin.


    Atst, Lionel stood up and with a faint hope in his heart, he made hisst attempt.


    "Rufus, do you think that you can get control of the entirepany just by sacking all the people who


    are associated with me? I have been in Tang Group for so many years, during which you never had a


    chance to step you foot in the business. And now, how is it even possible for you to clear all my people


    from thepany!" he scowled.


    The agitation from Lionel once again met a cold and t reaction from Rufus. A sinister smile gradually


    crept on Rufus''s lips, which made him look like a blood-thirsty and cruel monster.


    Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    "Whatever I am doing is just for the benefit of Tang Group. As regards to how you interpret my actions,


    I don''t care," Rufus stated with a scornful face.


    Lionel realized that it was his turn to rest his case. The argument with Rufus was not going anywhere. It


    was clear that he had no way to turn it around. He couldn''t change Rufus''s decision, nor was he in the


    position to threaten him. Lionel found it difficult to calm himself down though. He raised his hand and


    pointed his finger at Rufus for thest time and said, "You¡­ You just wait. Rufus, sooner orter, I will


    make you regret!" Lionel''s voice creaked and his hands were trembling out of fury as he spoke.


    Nonchnt to Lionel''s desperate words, Rufus just shrugged and maintained the cold gaze at Lionel


    with a cynical smile on his face.


    "Whatever you say!" Rufus replied tantly.


    Lionel turned around and stormed out of the office. Rufus remained unaffected. The usual indifferent


    look was back on his face as he summoned Leo to discuss about a few more dismissals that had to be


    processed. He instructed Leo, "There are three more dismissal notices in this week. Get it done fast. I


    don''t want to give them any chance to fight back!"


    Leo nodded in agreement as he picked up the dismissal notices from Rufus''s desk, and then he


    headed towards the human resource department straight.


    After Leo left, Rufus rose up from the chair and walked towards the floor-to-ceiling windows. A very


    clear view of the city could be seen from this ce. Rufus set his eyes on the panoramic view and got


    lost in his thoughts.


    From the pinnacle of the tower that was centrally located in the city, the bird view of the city was


    breathtaking. Rufus took a deep breath and then recollected as he relished the city view from his office.


    Standing alone in front of the windows overseeing the busiestmercial space in the city, Rufus


    remembered his first visit to the Tang Group building. It was ten years ago. What an overwhelming


    experience it had been to stand on the ground and look up at the skyrocketing building that soared


    higher to literally engulf the sky! The very thought of it gave him goose bumps.


    His mother had a cerebral hemorrhage. Though she was lucky to be saved by the surgeon, she had


    be like a vegetable.


    For further medical treatment of his mother, Rufus nned to take her to a better hospital abroad.


    Before he left the country, he decided to pay a visit to the building that had cast the gloomy shadow on


    his and his mother''s lives.


    Each and every moment of that day yed like a screenshot in front of Rufus''s eyes. He was standing


    at the entry gate in front of Tang Group building, gazing at the magnanimous height when very


    unexpectedly, Horace and Jill walked out hand in hand.


    Horace, still a healthy man at that time, thanks to his healthy lifestyle, had absolutely no sign of ageing


    at all.


    And Jill was like a woman of ss, wearing an arrogant smile on her face.


    Busy inughing and chatting between themselves, they boarded a luxurious car and drove away.


    Their radiant faces,ughters and their jovial camaraderie were still so fresh in Rufus''s mind.


    No one had noticed, that a tall man with a cold and stern look, stood with clenched fists at the main


    entrance of Tang Group.


    No one could feel the fire seething inside Rufus''s heart that day. His gaze was so intent, and the color


    of his eyes was even darker than the darkest night.


    It was the rightful ce for his mother beside Horace.


    And Rufus should be the rightful owner of this building. He remembered how loathsome it was to watch


    Horace with Jill in front of the Tang Group building that day.


    As he was witnessing their happy time, Rufus then thought to himself, ''Horace is at the peak of his life


    because of the support from his wife''s family. He left my mom for money. And now my mom is lying on


    the cold patient bed, unable to utter even a word!''


    Immense hatred soon brimmed his eyes as he watched Horace that day. At that moment, he vowed to


    himself, ''Someday, I''m going to take back all these!


    And I am going to take all these away from them!''


    Rufus closed his eyes as he remembered his moment when he took the resolution. And now he


    seemed to havepleted it. He had reached the height and the position that he had aimed to


    achieve. Even though he was standing in the office of the highest power, he couldn''t afford to rx. He


    heaved a sigh as he brought himself back to the present time.


    Horace''s health was deteriorating very fast. Lionel was incapable as a leader. The men in the


    management and directorial levels had conflicting interests. And Horace had lost his control.


    In such a dire situation, Rufus came in the picture, with his perfect scores in college and management


    experience. Horace had no choice but to assign him as the CEO of Tang Group, hoping that he could


    handle the issue.


    Rufus proved himself and met Horace''s expectation. Within only half a year, the situation in the


    company started looking up. The slumping trend of thepany was reced with a thriving one, and


    the people who held power in thepany didn''t dare take advantage because of his strict and tough


    policies.


    Despite the situation going in his favor, Rufus knew well that this was far from his final victory. The


    battle had just begun. The power that Horace had granted him was only temporary.


    Rufus knew it in his heart that even though Lionel did not deserve bing the heir of the Tang family,


    Horace would ultimately give all he had to his dear younger son.


    And then? What would happen to Rufus? His tenure was meant to be short-lived in the Tang Group.


    Once Tang Group got back on track, Rufus''s presence in thepany would no longer be critical.


    Lionel woulde back, backed by his father''s support and love. And the first thing he would do was


    to throw Rufus out of thepany.


    As Rufus thought through the obvious consequences, his face broke into a cold smile.


    No one knew better than Rufus that Horace was a typical businessman, whose action was dictated


    only by profit. He was in no way a man for him to be loyal to, nor did Rufus aspire to be the right


    hand man for Horace. His purpose behind joining the Tang Group was different. He had a very discreet


    vision in his mind when he joined thispany.


    He was here to make Horace regret. Yes! He wanted to make him regret the choice he had made.


    Horace deserved it. He should regret choosing Jill over Rufus''s mother. He should regret devouring all


    his love on Lionel instead of Rufus! Rufus gritted his teeth, and his jaw line stiffened as he thought


    about it.


    He could not wait for the time when he would make Horace aware, that his return wasn''t the hope of


    Tang family. Rather, it was the start of a nightmare!


    At the hospital, Cassandra looked out of the window wistfully. Pristine white snowkes transcended


    from the sky and touched the ground. The view was extremely soothing and she could spend hours


    looking at this surreal phenomenon.


    It had been five days since she was hospitalized. No matter how upset, how bored she felt, she never


    mentioned about getting discharged from the hospital.


    When the female doctor with a poker face checked on her, she whined once, "Everyone whishes to get


    out as soon as possible. This girl is so special. She loves staying here instead of going home."


    Cassandra justughed helplessly as the doctor stroked the tip of her nose and said that she was just


    feeling sick.


    But in her heart, she was still dreadful at the thought of getting back to Tang family.


    Except for Horace and Rufus, no one in the family would be kind to her. The very thought of it made her


    shudder.


    This was especially the case with Jill, who had never given her a smile since the first day they met. The


    old woman sincerely disdained the girl who got married to her son only to save her own family.


    Lionel was enjoying his life with his old girlfriend Ivy. He never developed any attachment towards


    Cassandra.


    As for Ivy¡­ It was better for Cassandra to stay away from that woman. As the faces of Jill, Lionel and


    Ivy shed though her mind, she could feel the coldness inside her heart. All these people were so


    distant from her without a touch of warmth, care or concern.


    After a few days of hospitalization, she had recoveredpletely from the fever, but Rufus insisted that


    she should stay in the patient ward.


    He was trying to protect her as he feared that she would be ill-treated in the Tang family.


    Cassandra was moved by Rufus once again. The care and concern that she could not find in her family


    came to her from an absolutely unexpected corner. She had never expected to get sce and a sense


    of warmth from Rufus.


    Her eyshes quivered and she closed her eyes to control the tears that began to surface on her eyes.


    ''Rufus, what shall I do? Every time I want to push you out of my mind, I feel your love for me.


    How can I make up my mind to stop thinking about you?'' she asked herself.

 Chapter 77 A Simple Dream

    Chapter 77 A Simple Dream


    On a warm, winter afternoon, the soothing sunshine found its way into the patient ward, lighting up the


    dull, off white walls, filling the space with life. There was Cassandra, lying on her bed, just having


    prepared a cup of coffee for herself. She looked out as the sun shone in between the gently moving


    leaves, falling quietly in a daydream with her eyes open.


    The hot Yirgacheffe, with its flower-like fragrance, induced warmth to her cold hands.


    Quietly, the door opened, snapping her out of her reverie. She saw Edith walking in.


    She wore an extravagant, pink fur coat which looked very warm apart from making her look absolutely


    gorgeous. Cassandra didn''t remember her mother to be very fond of such fashionable clothes.


    Perhaps, it had been too long. She had no clue when and how things had changed so much.


    But then again, maybe all women secretly wished to live an opulent andvish life.


    No wonder when her father''spany was on the brink of shutting down, she was sacrificed to trade


    for the wealth of the family.


    ''Right. Who could deal with poverty after living such a luxurious life?''


    She shook her head, clearing her thoughts, wondering what had brought her mother, an infrequent


    guest, here. Inquisitive, she asked, "Mom, what brings you here?"


    Edith wore a grim look. Without reacting, she took off her coat and ced it casually on the couch near


    the door. Now she walked towards Cassandra, already beginning to scold her harshly, "Have you taken


    a look at yourself? What sort of nonsensical attitude is this? Can you at least refrain yourself from your


    outrageous behavior? Have youpletely forgotten you represent Qin family? Don''t lose your status,


    you dumb girl!" She threw a folded newspaper in Cassandra''s direction as she finished.


    The newspaper flung open, andnded on Cassandra''sp.


    It was a local newspaper, and the page in front of her had a section called, ''Unreliable Rumors'', which


    targeted at the scandals of the celebrities of G City. It was clear this wasn''t a trusted source and only


    curated news for gossip.


    Cassandra read the highlight. It was about the on-going affair between the head of a well-known


    company and his sister-inw. Indeed, it was fancy and scandalous.


    Soon, her eyes reached the part that mentioned about the wardrobe malfunction that had urred to


    Cassandra at one of the parties. Her gown had almost slipped down her body but Rufus had pulled it


    up in time.


    Well, this was true. She couldn''t deny it, even though the extent of exaggeration was a little too much.


    Sheepishly, she forced a smile, pretending not to be bothered by the news. She crushed the paper into


    a ball and casually threw it into the bin across the room. Feigning a light tone, she answered, "Mom, do


    you really believe this fake bullshit? It''s clear they write just about anything for more readership."


    Unconvinced by her exnation, Edith scoffed, "Yeah, I don''t want to believe in it, either. But news like


    this never rises from thin air. I''m sure some fishy business might have urred to spark a story. You


    better mind your behavior, and don''t lose the respect your father has earned."


    Cassandra''s eyes blinked repeatedly, trying to cope with what her mother had just said. Her heart


    clenched at the mention of her father.


    "Did someone say anything in front of dad? Just take it like a pinch of salt and forget about it."


    Edith was still pissed. It seemed like she hadn''t finished with this just yet.


    "Cassandra, I have looked at the evaluation of Cloris''s internship. The final grade was not A. She cried


    for so long after she came back. What happened? Why didn''t she get the best grade?"


    Cassandra could easily picture her sister weeping incessantly with her inconsble face. Anyone who


    saw that would feel sorry for her ''agonizing miseries''.


    A freezing chill struck her heart, even though the heater was blowing out warm air.


    Edith loved Cloris and had coddled her too much over the years. Ever since Cassandra could


    remember, Cloris had been the center of attention in the family, receiving most amount of care and


    support by their parents. No matter what sort of difficulties their parents were going through, when she


    yed cute, all their worries would get expelled.


    And now Cloris was being ''ill-treated'' in Tang Group. How could Edith stand this!


    "She is your sister! Shouldn''t the human resource department consider that before assessing her?"


    Edithined, talking from the point of privilege.


    Her voice was harsh, filled with anger and discontent.


    The burning rageing off her mother made Cassandra feel even colder. She felt her heart sinking


    into a lifeless well, devoid of all sunshine, all warmth, all hope. The sun that shone outside didn''t matter


    anymore; the leaves didn''t catch her notice; and the cold winter feeling was back.


    At first, she was surprised to see her mother. In fact, she''d gotten excited, thinking she''de here to


    see if she was recovering well. She''d felt that rare, warm feeling of being cared for by her own mother


    after a long time.


    Yet, as it turned out, ''rare'' was an understatement. It was more like ''never''. Unexpectedly, first, her


    mother scolded her for the fabricated news, and then med her for Cloris''s low grade. This was what


    she cared for and why she''d decided toe and see her.


    Why didn''t they help Cloris? Because they didn''t know Cassandra was Horace Tang''s daughter-inw.


    But how could she announce something like that to them?


    Her parents didn''t really understand her pain. They probably believed it was a good marriage even


    though it was clearly arranged for business reasons.


    Definitely, they had no idea about the kind of situation she was in. Lionel had brought Ivy home. If that


    got unveiled to the public, it would be a huge joke for both families.


    What she was actually concerned about wasn''t herself, but her parents and the face of Qin family.


    Unaware of the change in Cassandra''s emotions, Edith continued to reprimand her daughter, "I know


    Lionel and you are not married by choice, but, you are his wife, after all. How can you allow them to


    disrespect you like that by giving your sister only an average grade?"


    All she could do was smile helplessly at the unreasonable me. She didn''t know how to even begin


    arguing back.


    "Look, mom, the decision came directly from human resource sector which I couldn''t influence. I


    manage the architecture department and wasn''t in charge of evaluating Cloris''s performance."


    The answer was far from satisfactory for Edith, who now had to stand up to show her elevated


    discontent.


    "At least you could talk to them. Coudn''t you tell them Cloris is your sister? I''m sure they would take a


    blood rtion in ount. And even if you don''t have a lot of power, Lionel does!"


    Cassandra opened her mouth, hesitated for a few seconds, and finally decided to unveil everything to


    her mother, "Mom¡­ In thepany, only very few people are aware of my rtionship with Lionel.


    Most of them don''t even know I''m Horace''s daughter-inw..."


    Cassandra stopped, looking at her mother''s astounded face. Her mouth turned into a wide ''O'' shape. It


    was as if she''d seen a ghost.


    "What''s the reason for this? If people don''t know your true identity, how will you be able to fulfil your


    role in thepany?" she asked, bbergasted.


    ording to Edith, obviously, the tag ''daughter-inw of Horace'' would bless her with convenience and


    comfort in workce. There was no reason she shouldn''t take advantage of that.


    Cassandra could only force out a wry smile. Helplessly, she replied, "Mom, I am the architecture design


    manager. I am only in charge of construction proposals. As for my rtionship with Tang family, no one


    cares about it!"


    Edith kept shaking her head in disagreement.


    "That shouldn''t be the case. Your dad is going to join the Union of Real Estate led by the Tang Group. If


    otherpaniese to know his daughter is married to Horace Tang''s son, he will gain more


    business opportunities."


    Cassandra fell into a daze.


    The coffee in her hand had been untouched for too long and went cold, just as how her heart felt.


    Vernon''s principle when he did business had always been profit instead of friendship, which eventually


    caused the divestment of his business partners and consequently the financial crisis of the family.


    It was Cassandra''s marriage with Lionel Tang, the heir of the Tang group, that had provided enough


    funding for the business to survive.


    To Vernon, Cassandra was just a tool which he could reap profit with. Cloris, on the other hand, was


    the one who he really treated like a daughter.


    Once in a while, Edith would feel sorry for Cassandra but the feeling didn''t stay too long; Cloris had


    won too much affection from her mother than Cassandra ever could.


    As a matter of fact, Cassandra knew it was in the nature of mammals to love the better looking


    offspring more.


    Tigers, too, for instance, amidst the litter of cubs, would cater the most to the cutest ones.


    Whilst the most independent and unsocial little beast would be given up on, or sacrificed in unforeseen


    circumstances.


    This was the indisputable, undeniable rule of nature.


    However, unlike animals, humans were supposed to be civilized and rational. Why would any human,


    differing from animals in terms of the qualities of sympathy and love, treat his or her own daughter in


    this discriminatory manner?


    Forcing herself to swallow the bitter feelings, she put up a smile, as she had been doing for years,


    acting as if nothing mattered to her.


    "Mom, I''m so tired. I want to rest for a while."


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    Only then did it ur to Edith Cassandra was here due to her illness. Suddenly, her heart melted with


    the leftover love from what she had given to Cloris and she transformed into a caring mother. With a


    tender smile, she spoke softly, "How do you feel now? Better than before? When can you be


    discharged?"


    ''Discharged?'' Cassandra thought in her heart. ''I would rather hide in the hospital forever than to face


    the Tang family. Even lying on the bed like a dead body was better than living there.''


    Unwilling to reveal her true intention, she just answered ambiguously, "The doctor said I would still


    need to stay for a few more days till I fully recover. It depends, really. Can''t say for sure."


    Edith nodded and reached out for her hand with an amiable look, saying, "Cassandra, try to develop a


    good rtionship with Lionel. You are young, and try to have a child as soon as possible. When your


    baby is born, your status in Tang family will enhance even more. And then, even if you resign from the


    post, they will still treat you well."


    Cassandra could understand her mother''s concern and that she meant well - she only hoped that her


    daughter would have a better life in Tang family, but...


    When she thought of the fact that Ivy had moved into the Tang family house, expecting a baby, the light


    in her eyes ebbed away.


    Baby¡­ What a distant dream!


    Her dream was different than her mother''s, and much simpler. All she wished for was to be an ordinary


    person, to be in an ordinary marriage with noplications involved and then maybe to have a little


    daughter.


    Daughter, yes. Whenever she thought of having a kid, she always hoped it would be a girl. She would


    give her all the love she could summon. They would wear the same clothes, watch the same shows,


    listen to the same music. Her daughter would basically be a mini version of herself, yet, better.


    It wasmon for daughters to sympathize with their mothers. She imagined a future where she did


    not feel lonely, given the presence of her daughter around her all the time. Whenever things would


    bother her, her daughter would be there to listen to her. The soft, beautiful girl would console her, hug


    her and expel all her fatigue and worries.


    Cassandra appreciated these small bits of love from her mother but did not feel they were intense or


    unconditional. In fact, they felt wed, limited and fabricated.


    She wanted to give her daughter all the love she herself had craved for all her life, so that she would


    grow up without any gaps or regrets in her heart.


    But, sometimes, this felt like an unattainable dream. She was afraid she would never get that chance.


    For no other reason but the fact that her husband was Lionel Tang.

 Chapter 78 Better To Be Pregnant Than To Marry Well

    Chapter 78 Better To Be Pregnant Than To Marry Well


    After Edith left, Cassandra pulled the quilt over her head. She had no desire to get off the bed.


    With her face facing the wall, tears slowly started to slide down her cheeks. Now that it had begun,


    there was no way of stopping it. Her tears seemed to be endless.


    In her parents'' eyes, she wasn''t gentle or sweet. In fact she was a colddy whenpared to Cloris.


    Therefore, she never received the attention from her father which she had always craved.


    This world now seemed like a bleak and hopeless ce. People often preached about doing good


    deeds anonymously. However, after one had done a good deed in secrecy, they wouldn''t regard you as


    a good person. People had a way of taking advantage of those who were kind.


    Life wasn''t fair and people who didn''t deserve the love often ended up getting it.


    While Cassandra was drowning in her misery, she felt someone lie beside her. He slowly stretched his


    arms and closed them tightly against her body. His hug was quite strong and Cassandra could feel her


    body temperature notch up.


    Without even turning she knew it was Rufus.


    In the past few days, every time he came to visit her, he would silently watch her for a while before


    leaving the bedroom. But this hug came as a surprise. She was shocked to see that he hade to


    bed to be with her tonight.


    Anxiety started to rise in her body and she wanted to move free from his hug. Rufus, however,


    assumed that she intended to run away. In order to stop her, he held her even tighter.


    "You know what will happen if you continue to move!"


    he whispered into her ears. This was a warning and his lips curved into an evil smile. Now Cassandra


    held her breath out of fear. She didn''t dare to move or make any sort of noise.


    She didn''t know how long it had been since his warning. But Cassandra didn''t rx until she heard


    Rufus''s slow and steady breath. ''He has fallen asleep!'' she thought with relief washing over her.


    Carefully, Cassandra turned and now they were face to face.


    ''He is handsome. But keeps furrowing his brows even when he is sleeping. This is such a bad habit, ''


    Cassandra thought to herself.


    In spite of his frown, there was something very peaceful about watching him sleep. It made Cassandra


    feel secure and protected.


    Rufus had an outstanding facial features. Watching his gorgeous face, Cassandra really hoped that


    she could spend the rest of her life with him.


    As she watched him, she drifted off to sleep. Tonight she didn''t have any nightmare. It was a peaceful


    night.


    The day before she moved to the Tang mansion, Ivy was extremely excited. Her excitement reached a


    level where sleeping became impossible to her.


    Her thoughts revolvedpletely around Cassandra. She was nning and plotting what she would


    do when she could finally confront with Cassandra. Her dream was to challenge her status in the Tang


    family. But when she moved in, Cassandra wasn''t at home. Ivy felt a surge of disappointment. That was


    when she learned that Cassandra had a fever hence she was staying in the hospital.


    Horace thought that Cassandra was finding an excuse to escape. But his disappointment was gone


    once he realized that it would be very difficult for Cassandra to ept the fact that Ivy would be


    around.


    In a sarcastic tone, Jill said, "Well, she is aware that she can''t give birth to a child. I guess she is too


    ashamed to face us."


    However, Lionel didn''t find Jill''s words funny. Instead he found it extremely harsh. He never had sex


    with Cassandra so he knew why she wasn''t pregnant yet. Therefore, when Jill used Cassandra of


    being infertile, he had an urge to defend her.


    But at the same time he realized that Ivy was standing right next to him. He had no choice but to keep


    silent.


    Horace, on the other hand, also wished to shut Jill. She was being mean. Just like Lionel, he abstained


    from speaking because Ivy was present. With great difficulty, he controlled himself and red at Jill.


    Ivy detected the helpless look on Horace''s and Lionel''s face. It was shown only for a few seconds, but


    her powerful eyes noticed them. This made her realize how important her child was.


    Her child meant a great deal to the Tang family which was why even Horace and Lionel feared her.


    Knowing her status in the family, Ivy easily turned the Tang mansion into her own home. One by one,


    she started to show her rights over everything. She was bossy and always found a reason to make the


    servants work. Besides, she ordered the chef to cook all kinds of nutritious meals for her.


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    But when she was with Jill, her attitude seemedpletely different. There was no pride but only love


    for Jill.


    Jill was a big fan of jade. Ivy once asked someone to go abroad to buy raw jade for Jill andter asked


    an expert to engrave it, making a whole set of jade essories. They were delicate and had great


    design.


    "Auntie, this is for you!"


    When Horace wasn''t at home, Ivy seized the opportunity and presented Jill with this delicate and


    beautiful jewelry box.


    Jill opened the box. The ice jade was shining and the jade ring looked wless. There was also a pair


    of earrings shaped in magnolia flowers which was equally elegant and refined. Not to mention the


    pendant, which disyed the carver''s perfect and amazing skill.


    Jill looked at Ivy and thought about Cassandra who seldom talked to her. Deep down she felt Ivy was


    much better than Cassandra. Sadly, she wished that Ivy was her daughter-inw.


    Besides, Jill enjoyed talking to Ivy about beauty and skin care. Ivy had good knowledge in them and


    would rmend her some nice beauty salons. And when it came to luxury, Ivy was an expert too. It


    was a subject that she spoke about with great familiarity.


    Jill sometimes spoke about this topic with her other friends but they weren''t as good as Ivy. Women of


    her age weren''t as open and adaptive as young people like Ivy. With a busy life, it was hard for them to


    follow the fashion trend.


    But Ivy was different. She would buy clothes released on the Fashion Week and gift them to Jill as


    soon as they came out.


    When Jill put those clothes on and showed off in front of her friends, they all burnt with jealousy. In


    short, Ivy made her proud.


    Earlier, she was known just as a rich woman. Behind her back, people thought of her as someone


    without any taste. They gossiped about her and spoke about herck of fashion sense. But ever since


    Ivy moved in, she would help her pick out the outfit. By now, Jill felt her life would be hard without Ivy.


    So she gathered her courage andined to Horace, "You know what, Horace. I didn''t feel the


    presence of a new member until Ivy moved in. She is so much more cheerful and friendly when


    compared to Cassandra. Cassandra, on the other hand, doesn''t even bother to look at me!"


    Listening to her words, Horace just rolled his eyes. He directly pointed out that she was being


    superficial.


    "You idiot! Ivy takes money from Lionel for the gifts that she gets you. They are not her presents! They


    come from the Tang family. She wants you to like her. Of course she is willing to do anything in order to


    please you. She isn''t sincere and you are a fool for falling!"


    Watching the back of his head, Jill red at him with annoyance.


    With anger, she continued, "Even if Ivy did that on purpose, she is still way better than Cassandra.


    When Cassandra sees me, she acts like a mouse that has seen a cat. She runs away from me and


    never tries to strike up a conversation. I can''t remember having a proper conversation with her!"


    After he heard Jillin, Horace felt anger surge inside him towards Ivy.


    "Cassandra isn''t good at ttering others. She is talented and can manage the design department of


    the Tang Group. What can Ivy do? Tell me! She is good for nothing!"


    Jill didn''t want to give up so she murmured, "I don''t know what she can do but she''s the one Lionel


    really loves! And she has a baby which Cassandra doesn''t. No matter how talented Cassandra is, she


    is not capable of winning Lionel''s heart."


    Hearing Jill, Horace burst intoughter.


    "We can''t be so sure of that, Jill. Cassandra is extremely talented and Lionel might fall in love with her


    some day. As for Ivy¡­ she will leave when she gives birth to the baby. She is not a permanent member


    but a guest of the Tang family."


    But Jill was stubborn and wouldn''t listen to Horace. No matter what Horace said, she still believed Ivy


    was the best. Jill even urged Lionel to get off work as early as he could so that he coulde home


    and apany Ivy.


    Lionel was busy taking care of Ivy recently. He helped her buy all kinds of baby products. Moreover, he


    drove her to do body check, apanied her to take parenting ss and even did prenatal yoga with


    her.


    Ivy took satisfaction at being given such proper care. She loved all the attention she received from the


    people in the Tang family. All these made her feel like she was Lionel''s wife. And she intended to spend


    the rest of her life feeling this way.


    Her determination to take Cassandra''s ce magnified as the days passed. She was willing to do


    anything in order to be a permanent member of the Tang family. She had no intention of giving up


    so easily.


    Rufus was the only one in the family that gave her a cold shoulder. He seldom talked at dinner. At


    times, he made his distaste evident. In order to ignore her, he would talk business with Horace. He


    pretended like she had no part in his life.


    Ivy was aware that it was Rufus who had changed the video in the victory banquet before. To be


    completely honest, she was a little scared of him which was why she tried her best to stay away from


    him.


    After all, she was pregnant and if Rufus did something to hurt her baby, she would lose everything.


    Ivy didn''t know what Rufus thought of the baby. Hence she wasn''t in a state to task risk.


    The worst was yet toe. Cassandra knew that sooner orter she would have to go back and face


    Ivy. She had stayed in the hospital for more than a week. There was no reason for her to stay there any


    longer. If she did, it would certainly raise suspicion.


    Rufus helped herplete the discharging formalities. Once he was done, he went and picked her up.


    Cassandra was nervous and he could tell it from her expression.


    As Rufus drove to the Tang mansion, Cassandra found herself fidgeting and sweating.


    ''I am Tang family''s daughter-inw. Ivy is no one! I am the one who is married to Lionel, not Ivy. Why


    should I be nervous? If anyone must feel nervous then it should be Ivy, '' she told herself inside her


    mind.


    ncing at her, Rufus stretched out his hand and patted on her shoulder. Although he didn''t utter a


    word, his action somehow calmed her.


    ''You got this, Cassandra. There is nothing to be afraid of, '' Cassandra told to herself internally, trying to


    cheer up.


    When she walked into the living room, Horace wasn''t there. She was brought face to face with Jill who


    was sitting on the sofa.


    When she saw Cassandra, she passed her a quick look and then brought her attention back to the TV


    which she was watching.


    Taking a deep breath, Cassandra began to greet her, "Mother, I''m back."


    Jill sneered at her and continued to watch her drama. She didn''t think Cassandra deserved a reply.


    Watching this rejection, Cassandra felt a little humiliated. With no intention of trying again, she started


    walking towards her room. When she was about to walk in, she heard someone walking behind her.


    She turned around and saw that it was Lionel and Ivy.


    Cassandra couldn''t help but notice Ivy''s growing abdomen. Ivy was wearing a tight dress like she


    wanted everyone to notice her tummy.


    It was amon knowledge that pregnant women would prefer loose clothes because their figure


    would be out of shape during pregnancy. Ivy, however, took pride in it.


    This baby was her ploy to gain respect and rece Cassandra in the Tang family, therefore she


    couldn''t wait to unt it.


    While walking past Cassandra, Ivy put one hand on her belly and looked coldly at Cassandra.


    "It is better to be pregnant than to be married," Ivy said with a smug smile.

 Chapter 79 You Are Nothing But A Mistress

    Chapter 79 You Are Nothing But A Mistress


    Ivy''s sarcasm could be felt throughout the room. Jill, in the meantime, continued watching TV, unfazed


    by the scene unfolding around her.


    Cassandra clenched and unclenched her fists, tempering her anger. Her lips curled into a disdainful


    smile.


    "Well, even when you do give birth to the baby, you will still be nothing but a mistress," she hissed.


    This wiped the smile right off of Ivy''s smug face. Cassandra had to admit that Ivy''s audacity did not


    surprise her. It seemed that the world was littered with such wretches already.


    She watched Ivy''s face darken as animosity welled up in Ivy''s eyes.


    Ivy was well aware of the terms that she had agreed to: she would give birth to the baby and


    immediately hand it over to the Tang family, after which she was to leave the country and never return.


    She bet, not only her future but also her baby that she was going to win in the end.


    She was confident that Lionel loved her more than he did his wife, and this was her most powerful


    bargaining chip. She was also banking on Jill''s dissatisfaction with her daughter-inw who tended to


    be stubborn and overbearing. These gave her hope. Ivy was willing to sacrifice everything for the


    chance to be part of the Tang family and rece Cassandra.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    Her best years had been devoted to Lionel whom she had loved for the longest time. Handing him over


    to another woman now was thest thing she could ever do.


    Walking towards the main lobby at that moment was Lionel who entered afterwards. He caught a


    glimpse of Cassandra and his eyes immediately lit up.


    Her days in the hospital did not seem to make her tired or weary. On the contrary, it was as if she


    glowed with life.


    The white dress she was wearing suited her so well that it almost felt as if it were part of her.


    Cassandra smiled when she spotted her husband carrying a pile of baby products.


    Never had she imagined to see him like this and the sight amused her.


    As Horace came out of his study, he gave Cassandra a warm smile. He was happy to see that she was


    home.


    "Are you feeling better now, Cassandra? I asked the cook to prepare your favorite silverfish soup for


    dinner. It will be great for your health as well!"


    Upon hearing this, Jill sprang up from the couch. She turned to Ivy with a motherly smile fixed on her


    face.


    "Ivy, I ordered the silverfish specially for you. They are fresh and just got delivered here this morning.


    As an expectant mother, you need more nutrition and they are great for you. I will also remind the cook


    to use less salt. Eat as much as you want," she said.


    Although Jill was speaking to Ivy, Cassandra knew that the words were meant for her. Ivy felt a glow


    inside her, feeling more confident about her position in the familypared to Cassandra, because she


    had Jill on her side.


    With an equally warm grin, Ivy walked to Jill and twined her arm into the older woman''s. She even went


    as far as to lean her head affectionately on her shoulder.


    "Thank you, Aunt Jill, for being so considerate and caring of my health. I am sorry that the rest of you


    have topromise for my taste," she said.


    Jill looked at Ivy and rubbed her back tenderly.


    "You are carrying the eldest grandson of Tang family. Who else but you would deserve such a special


    treatment?" Jill replied tenderly.


    Even Horace, who was usually oblivious to such things, noticed the tension among the three women in


    the room.


    It was the battle of three women¡ªlooking at the other two who were clearly in alliance, Cassandra was


    left alone.


    During the course of this conversation, Rufus returned. With keen perception, he took in the situation


    as soon as he entered the room. Jill and Ivy were standing close together while Cassandra looked like


    a deer in headlights. His spear-like eyebrows shot up.


    It took less than a second for him to read the sorrow on Cassandra''s face, and his anger at Ivy rose.


    He knew what she was capable of, but the tant disrespect to Cassandra with Jill''s affection filled him


    with outrage. This woman had no shame.


    As much as he desired to help Cassandra, he knew it was not his ce. She had to fight this on her


    own.


    In the end, it was Horace who broke the tension. With a deliberate cough, he addressed his sons,


    "Lionel, Rufus,e to my study."


    Happy to escape the room, Lionel eagerly handed the items he was carrying to a servant and walked


    briskly to his father''s study.


    Rufus''s gaze lingered on Cassandra. As he walked past her, he whispered, "Find yourself an excuse.


    Don''te to dinner tonight."


    Before Cassandra could reply, Rufus has already disappeared.


    He was right. With those two women in the house ganging up against her, it would be futile to fight fire


    with fire which would only drain her. Plus, this battle did not interest her.


    As Jill and Ivy grew closer, Cassandra experienced nothing but turmoil being part of the Tang family.


    Thus, she felt that it was best to keep a safe distance.


    Besides, her status in the family was, ironically, something that was not even important to her.


    Ivy''s intense challenge and provocation meant nothing to Cassandra.


    Supporting her forehead as if she were dizzy, Cassandra spoke softly, "Ah, I''m feeling so drowsy. It


    must be that I just took my medicine. I think I will go and lie down for a while. If I don''te down for


    dinner, then I am probably asleep. Don''t worry about waking me."


    Before anyone could respond, she turned and trudged up the stairs. It wasn''t until she closed her


    bedroom door and shut herself off from the family, that she finally heaved a sigh of relief.


    Cassandra realized that her ability to keep herselfposed could notpare to that of Ivy''s who


    managed to inject herself into the Tang family¡ªas a mistress! Moreover, she even tried to gain Jill''s


    affection. Cassandra did not consider herself capable of such slyness.


    In the study, with his eyebrows cocked, Horace knocked impatiently at the files piled up on his desk.


    "I have vetted through the business deals for the recent period. It seems to me that a few of our regr


    clients have turned to Dawn Star Group. What exactly is happening?"


    Lionel had been anticipating this conversation. No sooner had his father finished his sentence, than


    Lionel let out a pitiful sigh. Carefully concealing his inner excitement, he whined, "It was the dismissal


    of the old marketing manager. The clients he has been working with must be reluctant to stay when he


    was reced because they didn''t trust the new manager."


    Rufus had foreseen that Lionel would throw him under the bus.


    Horace, however, was not easily fooled. His eyebrows knitted together as he looked at his younger


    son. Then, he pped his hand loudly down onto the stack of papers, startling Lionel.


    "I don''t want excuses!" he roared. "The old manager had only been with us for a year. How many


    connections could he possibly have had? These clients have been working with us for years even.


    There must be other reasons behind their sudden preference to ourpetitor!" he raged.


    A bead of sweat ran down Lionel''s forehead. He was evaluating his chances of continuing to use Rufus


    as a scapegoat. The man had, after all, fired a few of his people in thepany and reced them


    with several of his own.


    Lionel watched his loyal followers being sent out the door and his influence grow less and less within


    thepany. Now, he posed no threat to Rufus. But he decided that it was best to change his tactic


    and focus on calming down his father, instead.


    "Father, I can guarantee that the lost clients will not impact our business massively. They are small


    ounts that will not affect thepany,"


    he assured him. It was Lionel''s principle to focus on big clients and huge projects. He did not pay


    attention to small patrons. To him, one huge ount was worth more than a hundred small ones.


    The response from Horace was a fiery re. How he wished Lionel could be more far-sighted!


    "Stop underestimating our smaller clients. Even if they only contribute to 1% of our total revenue, their


    worth still exceed the numbers. If all the small clients turn to Dawn Star Group instead of us, our


    advantage over them will significantly lessen. They will now be ahead of us by 2%. This may sound


    small, but when ites to brand equity, it makes all the difference," he imed loudly.


    This wasn''t the first time that Lionel was careless. When he was in charge, the Tang Group back then,


    he had lost several clients. Luckily, thepany was powerful enough to afford that so Horace was not


    yet too strict on him. Now, however, the times had changed. With Dawn Star Group rising, every


    business opportunity was more valuable than ever before.


    Naturally, Lionel did not share his father and brother''s perspective nor did he understand why minor


    losses affected them so much. Feeling wronged, he shot back at his father, "This did not bother you the


    last time it happened. Why are you pouring all this out on me now?"


    Bursting with fury, Horace was about to reprimand Lionel. Before he could speak, Rufus spoke with


    composure, "Arthur is after the Director of the Union of Real Estate. He may have promised them more


    profits under the table so that he has more support for the role."


    Rufus''s analysis was what Horace had waited for. Although a part of him already spected this


    theory, the confirmation elevated his fury.


    "That young brat! How dare he has now reached his hand into the Tang Group! His father should have


    been thanking me for my help from years ago! Instead, he returns the favor with this? Bastard!" the old


    man raged.


    d that his father had turned his focus to Arthur, Lionel willingly supported his sentiments.


    "Arthur is breaking the tacit rules. He shouldn''t have meddled with our ounts in his filthy ways,"


    Lionel chimed in.


    Rufus, then, spoke with a wise assessment, unlike his brother who was merely echoing his father''s


    concerns.


    "With the current situation, we can confirm that these withdrawals are indeed big losses for us. With the


    newly-formed Union, even a smallpany holds a huge influence. It is simr to how the world is


    divided into so many countries. Even the smallest and weakest countries have their own rights, no


    matter how insignificant they may seem. Now, fewer clients mean less support, which could effect our


    influence in the market."


    Rufus''s evaluation of the situation made great sense. With the big picture bing clearer, the tension


    of Horace''s face gradually faded. Rufus''s business sense was always spot-on. Now realizing his


    younger son''s grave ipetencepared to his older brother, Horace began to have displeasure


    with Lionel''s yful and carefree disposition. Heaving a sigh and setting aside his thoughts for now, he


    decided to carry on with the discussion at hand.


    "That''s exactly what I''m worried about! Dawn Star Group hase prepared. They nned to start


    small, thinking that we might not notice. Actually, it is a critical time now for the establishment of the


    Union, as the election for the Director of the Union willmence soon. If really they win, we will fall


    into a very disadvantageous situation," Horace said.


    Rufus nodded to show his agreement. Calmly, he went over the things that they had to their advantage.


    "I have been keeping an eye on all the members of the Union. After counting, we still have more


    support from the members. It is impractical and impossible for them to steal our partners away in such


    a short time," Rufus concluded.


    Putting his hands behind his back, Horace sighed again. It almost looked as if he turned ages older in


    such a brief moment.


    "Arthur is lucky that I''m no longer young and healthy. If I were, I''d show him what happens when he


    pulls dirty tricks right under my nose. This generation has fallen. They don''t even know how to respect


    their elders!" the old man eximed.


    A knowing glint shed in Rufus''s eyes as he concealed a mocking curl on his lips.


    ''Respect for the elderly?'' he thought. Indeed, Horace was so old. How could his out-of-date principles


    work in the current business world?


    Moreover, a man like Horace was not even worth any respect!

 Chapter 80 An Opportunity To Get Pregnant

    Chapter 80 An Opportunity To Get Pregnant


    If men were likened to animals, Rufus would definitely be a cheetah.


    A cheetah was a master of stealth. It would hide in the jungle and wait silently. The moment it spoted its


    prey, it would attack and deliver a fatal blow.


    Ivy could feel Rufus''s coldness as they dined together. She did not dare to even look at him. Instead,


    she conversed with Jill as an attempt to ease her anxiety.


    "Auntie, the world famous dress designer, Michelle Ling, is going to hold a charity auction in G City next


    week. There is this one dress that everybody seems to be talking about. Rumors say that it was worn


    by a princess in Europe before it was donated to Ling. The auction sounds fun. Would you like to go?"


    Ivy asked.


    Jill smiled. Her eyes twinkled with excitement.


    "Really?" she said. "I''d love to, but events like those are usually invite-only. I don''t know Ling very


    well..." she said sadly.


    Ivy gave Jill a reassuring smile.


    "Don''t worry. I have an invite! You can be my plus-one!" Ivy replied.


    Jill knew that Ivy rubbed elbows with many influential people in the fashion and entertainment industry.


    Because of this, Jill got to attend fancy events and gs as well whenever Ivy would take her.


    After getting married to Horace, Jill spent most of her time ying mahjong, or in the beauty salon


    talking to her friends about other rich women. It eventually started to bore her. When Ivy moved in, a


    new world opened up for her. Jill started to be exposed to the world of fashion. It almost made her


    feel young again.


    Luxury brands, limited edition clothes, famous designers, fashion icons¡­Jill became obsessed with


    these things.


    But then, something urred to her.


    "I haven''t been to a charity auction before. Is there anything I should prepare myself for?" she asked,


    worried.


    Before Ivy could answer, Horace furrowed his eyebrows in annoyance.


    "Stay at home! You''re not going anywhere! Ivy, you''re pregnant. Why would you want to go to those


    ces? There are lots of people there. What if you get hurt?!" he said.


    Jill''s face turned gloomy immediately. She looked forward to the auction. But because Horace didn''t


    allow her to go, her excitement quickly turned to disappointment.


    Ivy was embarrassed and didn''t know how to react. Lionel tried to lighten up the mood, smiling, he


    said, "That''s fine, father. I''ll go with them. I''ll take care of them. Nothing bad is gonna happen, I


    promise."


    Hearing Lionel, Horace shook his head as he begrudgingly gave his consent. He didn''t object anymore.


    Rufus, who remained silent the whole time, seemed to realize something.


    A charity auction? No wonder he couldn''t see Michelle these days. She must be busy with the auction.


    When Cassandra woke from her sleep, it was already midnight.


    To avoid having to see Ivy, Cassandra decided not to have dinner. She was very hungry when she


    woke up. She could almost hear her stomach grumbling.


    She opened the door and snuck out. She crept down the stairs and headed to the kitchen, looking for


    food.


    The moment she climbed down the stairs, though, a tall guy showed up right in front of her, blocking


    her way.


    He smelled strongly of cigarettes. She blinked, surprised.


    The smell was familiar, but she could not make out his features in the dark right away. Cassandra


    squinted and clenched her fists.


    He wasn''t Rufus. It was Lionel.


    When Lionel noticed Cassandra, he smiled maliciously and walked towards her. He just finished


    smoking.


    "What are you doing here in the middle of night?" he asked flirtatiously with his husky voice. It was


    quite sexy.


    Cassandra instinctively took a step back, forgetting the presence of the staircase. She lost her bnce


    and slumped down on the steps.


    Lionel stepped forward, put one of his feet on the staircase, and bent down, removing the space in


    between them. Cassandra felt her heart beating faster.


    "Look at your cute pajamas. Are you looking for me, sweetie?" he asked.


    The moonlight from the window illuminated parts of Lionel''s face. He was just as handsome as Rufus.


    Unlike Rufus, though, Lionel made Cassandra feel sick and disgusted. She wanted so badly to run


    away from him.


    She attempted to push herself up, but Lionel pressed down on her shoulders. He was much stronger


    than she was. Her attempt to escape was feeble. She only ended up falling to the floor again.


    Cassandra red at Lionel. Her immense anger shone through the fire in her eyes. Her blood was


    rising and her awareness, heightened.


    "Lionel, what do you want from me?" she said angrily.


    Because Ivy was pregnant, Lionel couldn''t touch her. Still, he needed to satisfy his desire.


    Cassandra, even in her normal night clothes, turned him on.


    She looked extremely sexy in her silk pajamas.


    Lionel stared at the startled and anxious woman, with desire.


    Cassandra was his wife. Of course, he could do anything to her.


    He lifted her into the air. Cassandra was too surprised to shout for help. She was unable to react up


    until Lionel threw her onto the bed in her bedroom.


    Cassandra tried to move back but she was soon backed into a corner. She had nowhere else to go.


    Lionel approached. Despite her anxiety, she did her best not to show it.


    "Lionel, if I shout and wake Ivy, she will be mad at you. Being angry isn''t good for her and the baby,"


    she told him.


    But Lionel just tilted his head patronizingly and smiled.


    "Ivy? She will not dare to do anything here in the Tang family house. Cassandra, you''re my wife. I''m


    surprised that you are so concerned about what other women think.


    I know you have been avoiding me," he said.


    This pretty woman''s resistance only made his desire grow stronger.


    "Cassandra, Ivy is pregnant. You can''t fall behind. What if¡­ I offer you the opportunity to get pregnant


    tonight?" Lionel asked, resting one of his hands on the wall behind her. He was starting to move closer


    and closer to her. Then, his face was only three centimeters away from hers. He leaned in for a kiss.


    Sleeping was difficult for Ivy. It was a difficult pregnancy. The window shook loudly because of the wind.


    It jolted the pregnant woman awake.


    She stretched out her hand, instinctively reaching for Lionel, but quickly realized that he was not beside


    her.


    The bed was cool. Lionel must have been gone for a while.


    Ivy had a strong intuition. She sat up immediately. She got out of the bed, put on her slippers and


    walked out of the bedroom.


    Guest rooms were at the end of the corridor. She checked them one by one. Then, when she reached


    Cassandra''s room, Ivy pressed her ear against the door.


    "The opportunity to get pregnant..." She heard Lionel''s voice which made her felt furious.


    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.


    Before Lionel married Cassandra, he promised Ivy that it was a marriage for convenience. He would


    never love her. He even swore that he would never have sex with her.


    Ivy was aware that Lionel was also seeing other women even though they were together. With


    Cassandra, though, she knew that their rtionship was not good. They never slept together.


    Now that she was pregnant, though, it looked like Lionel could no longer control his desire.


    She wanted to knock on the door, but restrained herself after a moment of thought.


    ''In the Tang family, Lionel and Cassandra are the married couple. Not like me, just a mistress who is


    allowed to move in because I am having Lionel''s child. It''s not my ce to interfere with their marital


    affairs.


    If I did, Lionel might take Cassandra''s side. What am I going to do then?''


    Ivy was furious and jealous. Then, an idea came to her. She ran down to the living room, got a vase


    and threw it on the floor.


    A loud noise filled the house as the ceramics scattered. Ivy, likewise, ''fell'' on the floor.


    The whole family woke.


    Jill was the first one toe out of the bedroom to see what happened. She looked down to the living


    room from the third floor. When she saw Ivy surrounded by the pieces of the broken vase, Jill


    eximed, "Ivy! What happened? Are you okay?!"


    She hurriedly rushed down towards the living room.


    Ivy put her hands on her belly. She looked as if she was in so much pain.


    "I¡­ I couldn''t find Lionel. So I came downstairs to look for him and identally broke the vase..." she


    exined.


    Jill bent down and helped Ivy stand up. Then, she shouted.


    "Lionel! Lionel! Where are you? Come here!" she called out.


    In Cassandra''s bedroom, she waspletely backed to a corner being dominated by Lionel. She


    helplessly watched him go nearer and nearer with his lips getting closer to hers. The loud noise from


    the living room startled both of them.


    Then, they heard footsteps and Jill''s calls.


    "Lionel! Come here!" she screamed.


    Lionel punched the wall, annoyed. There is many a slip between the cup and the lip. He was that


    closed to get what he wanted.


    He had to let go of Cassandra. Then Lionel turned around, opened the door and looked down at the


    living room.


    Ivy was crying and Jill was anxious. There were ceramics and mud on the floor. Ivy seemed so


    frightened and in pain as she held her belly with her hands.


    "What are you doing still standing there?! Call the driver! Take Ivy to the hospital!" Jill immediately


    instructed.

 Chapter 81 Clear Everything Out Of Your Way

    Chapter 81 Clear Everything Out Of Your Way


    Beads of sweat formed on Ivy''s forehead. ''She must be in terrible pain, '' Lionel thought. His body was


    with Ivy, but his mind drifted away to what had happened earlier today.


    In the serious conversation he had with his father today, Lionel felt that his father was deeply


    disappointed with him. The way he talked showed that he had a clear preference for Rufus. His father''s


    words kept on echoing on his mind, and he couldn''t fall asleep.


    When Ivy finally dozed off to sleep, Lionel felt he needed some fresh air and went to the yard for a


    smoke. The cold breezeforted him and eased some of his stress. He enjoyed the tranquility of the


    moment and stayed a little longer.


    On his way back to the mansion, he happened to run into Cassandra who just came down the stairs.


    The moment he caught a glimpse of Cassandra, he was astonished. Even in the dark, her face was


    fresh and the nightgown she was wearing showcased her delicate curves. Her ck flowing hair


    extended through her back like a stream steadily flowing through her eloquent shoulders. There was


    something about her that was so alluring. Never had Lionel imagined that the same woman he looked


    down on could stir his desire at that instant. He wanted to feel the warmth her body, the softness of her


    lips, and the smoothness of her skin.


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    Then he stopped recalling about Cassandra and thought about Ivy''s condition. He knew that the baby


    in her belly was the most valuable chip he had to bargain his worth. If anything happened to Ivy and the


    baby...


    Clearing all those thoughts away, he focused himself on walking briskly to the yard with Ivy in his arms.


    Jill was following closely, and she was meticulous enough to take a nket and cover that on Ivy.


    "Be careful!" Jill reminded Lionel while he carried Ivy to the car.


    They went straight to the Jenks''s hospital. Lionel was tense and out of his breath. He cared for Ivy and


    her baby as well.


    Ivy was immediately registered and was then made to go through a few checkups, and check for the


    fetal heartbeat. Once the doctor cleared all suspicions of possible problems with regards to Ivy and her


    child, Lionel heaved a sigh of relief. It was only then that the series of events went back to him and he


    started to express his frustration.


    "Why did you go downstairs in the middle of the night? The light was not even on! You were lucky that


    nothing serious happened. What if you got a miscarriage? How are we going to deal with that?"


    Ivy had been working hard to stay calm and patient as she went from one test to another. Thest thing


    she expected Lionel to do was to scold her. Soothing words were what she needed right now. With a


    pang of annoyance, sheined, "Sure, it was me who went downstairs in the middle of the night.


    You were out too, weren''t you?"


    Lionel''s eyebrows met as he tried to decipher what Ivy was conveying and it did not take him long. He


    suddenly realized that what happened was not an ident. Ivy staged it intentionally. She knew what


    would happen if she let Lionel continue his move with Cassandra. Ivy created such havoc to cut


    Lionel''s desires short.


    The moment he had this realization, he immediately let go of Ivy''s hand and his confusion turned to


    rage.


    "You must know your ce. You are part of the Tang family only because you are carrying my child.


    Cassandra is my wife!" he roared angrily.


    Ivy was stunned. Lionel had always been gentle to her. Now, she could barely recognize her lover with


    his monstrous expression and harsh words.


    Fury and jealousy rose in her heart. She thought, ''How could he do this? He promised to love me and


    no one else but me.''


    "You told me to wait for you. You promised me that one day you would divorce that woman and marry


    me! I trusted you so I waited. And now, this is where it got me? I am pregnant with your child and yet


    you crawled into her bed? You two are married, I know. But please don''t do this to me right under my


    nose. Don''t you know how much I love you?"


    Ivy cried with painful tears. Her tears seemed to smother up the anger in Lionel''s heart.


    Now that he was exposed, there was no use denying. Even though he knew that he wronged Ivy


    gravely, his ego kept him from apologizing. He was not about to admit his mistake. Instead, he decided


    that it was best that they ended the discussion about the matter as soon as possible.


    "All right, my dear, stop crying now. Just get some rest and leave everything else to me. I''ve promised


    you that the baby will not be taken away from you, and I will keep that promise. Don''t worry about that.


    And yes, I will divorce Cassandra eventually," he assured her.


    As soon as he could take over the Tang Group and beat his strongestpetitor, Rufus, he would


    finally be able to do anything he wanted. No one could stop him from ending his marriage with


    Cassandra and kicking her out.


    However, for some reasons Lionel could not fathom, a tinge of pain crept his heart when he thought


    about losing his wife.


    From a time he couldn''t exactly tell, the woman whom he had so much hatred and aversion for, had


    suddenly be so dear to him. It seemed that the intense negative feelings he held for her had


    ebbed away.


    Worst was, those negative feelings were reced with his obsessions for her.


    Irritated, Ivy turned her head away. Anxiety diffused through her entire body making her shed cold


    sweat.


    Lionel''s attitude now was not as firm and determined as before. When did his interest for Cassandra


    spark off? Having stayed with Lionel all this while, why didn''t she even notice that?


    Ivy didn''t care what happened between Cassandra and Rufus. But now, the bitch was even clinging to


    Lionel! How shameless she was!


    A trace of cruelty and coldness shed across Ivy''s face. ''Cassandra, if you just keep quiet and be a


    puppet wife, I can still be kind to you and refrain myself from taking any action. However, if you are to


    be my threat¡­'' she thought to herself. ''I will definitely kill you before you can ruin my life!''


    Gathering her thoughts, she now had concealed the intense hatred inside and put on an innocent look.


    With obedience written all over her face and tears welled up her eyes, she hugged Lionel tightly. She


    made herself tremble intentionally and made sure he would feel it.


    "Lionel, my heart is restless. I''m worried all this time that you will leave me after the baby is born. The


    doctor said that I should keep a light mood for the sake of the baby. Let''s stop quarrelling, okay?" she


    pleaded with innocent eyes.


    Seeing the tender look on Ivy''s face, Lionel softened and cuddled her back.


    "Don''t worry. You know how much I love you, right? Rest assured. I''ll love the baby with all my heart. I


    won''t follow the path of my father, who has an illegitimate child!" Lionel reassured her.


    The reassurance Lionel gave cheered her up, but still couldn''t expel all her worries away.


    Cassandra wasn''t like any other woman. She was Lionel''s legal wife, and even the architectural design


    manager of Tang Group, an important position for thepany.


    But¡­ What if she was no longer the design manager? Then what would happen?


    When she would turn out to be a worthless woman for the Tang Group, and a worthless wife for Lionel,


    would the Tang family still keep her?


    Meanwhile, in the Tang family mansion, the messy lobby was cleared by the servants in a short


    moment. As the night grew darker, atst, there was peace.


    Cassandra heaved a deep sigh of relief. Today she was lucky to escape from Lionel, but how about


    next time? She was left without a clue of what to do.


    When she was finally able to enjoy a brief moment of peace, a knocking sound came from the window,


    which frightened Cassandra. She peeked through the window and was surprised to find a dark figure


    clinging onto the window frame. It was Rufus!


    ''Oh my goodness! This is the second floor of the mansion! Is he the Spiderman?'' Cassandra eximed


    inside.


    In a haste, she opened the window to allow the trespasser toe in. Rufus jumped in and made sure


    his action was swift and light, after which, he turned to close the window with caution.


    The coldness of the winter night was all over him, which diffused into the air and was sensed by


    Cassandra, who quickly pulled the man further in.


    Her room was equipped with a heater, making the temperature inside vastly different from the freezing


    conditions outside. She couldn''t imagine how long this man had stayed outside, as she felt the piercing


    coldness prate from his clothes to her blood. Her heart couldn''t help quivering, and she worried


    that the man might catch a cold.


    Concern brimmed her eyes and anxiety was written all over her face.


    "Why are you hanging outside? Are you out of your mind? What if you fall!" the woman grumbled.


    Yet the man gave her no response. The muscles on his face were still tense. The eagle-like eyes


    shed across a slice of pain and sorrow before he scooped the little woman into his arms.


    The abrupt hug from the man was not at all warm, which made the little woman with only her pajamas


    on, shiver. However, she wasn''t letting him go, instead, she extended her arms over his body.


    Memories of Lionel pressing her to the point that she had no room to retreat, shed across her mind.


    Every time she was caught in such a situation, she would attempt to tell Lionel how she had been


    cheating on him.


    And now, she was with Rufus. Cassandra thought of his identity as an illegitimate son, and how Jill


    always taunted him. She couldn''t help but feel sorry for the man.


    Though Rufus had never talked to her about this, when Cassandra tried to put herself into his shoes, all


    she could do was to sympathize with his sorrow.


    Even though he couldn''t choose where he was born, he could choose who he wished to be, and


    he had indeed be a powerful and outstanding young man to his wish. However, his achievements


    were not enough to shut the mouths of some people who disdained his shameful identity.


    If she unveiled to the family about the rtionship she had with him, it would surely ruin all his efforts.


    Lionel would be going to make a huge mess out of it. And what would Horace think about Rufus?


    Horace had appointed Rufus as the CEO of Tang Group because of his ability and talent. If such a


    huge barrier existed between Rufus and his dear son Lionel, would he still trust Rufus as he was


    trusting him now?


    For reasons known to her, Cassandra kept her tongue pulled to keep the secret and was ready to


    ept her fate. Luckily, tonight there was a turn of events and Lionel left. She was saved.


    Cassandra tightened her embrace and tears began to well up in her eyes. She wished time would stop


    ticking and the moment with Rufus wouldst forever.


    She didn''t know why she ended up in such a situation. Her body and her spirits were confined in this


    cold castle which was surrounded by thorns. As much as she wanted to break out, she couldn''t.


    What she didn''t know was that the near miss she had with Lionel wasn''t a stroke of sheer luck at all.


    Rufus had kept an eye on her throughout the night. Having seen Lionel entering her roomte that


    night, he climbed over the wall and knocked on the window of Ivy''s room to wake her up. And then the


    story continued from there.


    As for Spiderman¡­ When he was living abroad, Rufus was an extreme sports lover. Rock climbing


    was one of his favorite outdoor activities. Compared to the steep cliffs he had climbed, the wall of the


    Tang family mansion was way too easy. It wasn''t a challenge for him at all.


    Lowering his head slightly to kiss Cassandra''s smooth forehead, Rufus whispered in a determined


    voice, "Don''t be afraid. I''m here. I will clear everything out of your way."


    Cassandra''s eyes widened as she lovingly gazed at Rufus''s resolute face. Her soul seemed to start


    drifting away.


    Those words were the sincerest words she had heard for her entire life. Those were lovely words¡ª


    words of love, words offort, words of protection, and words from the man she loved. Cassandra


    was contented and exuberantly happy.


    She couldn''t feel the cold from Rufus''s clothes anymore. The warmth they shared melted all her


    worries away.


    Cassandra felt that as long as she was in Rufus''s arms, nothing could bother her.

 Chapter 82 The Enigmatic Boss

    Chapter 82 The Enigmatic Boss


    It wasn''t until Rufus left her alone that Cassandra closed her eyes and drifted off into sleep. When she


    recalled Rufus''s promise, her face lit up with happiness. It was a good thing that the Tang family''s


    drama didn''t ruin the night.


    As Cassandrapsed into deep sleep, dreams filled her head. The peaceful night was pressing up


    against the windows and around her, held at bay by the marvels of modern life.


    In the reception room of Dawn Star Group, Arthur was waiting for someone.


    The Union of Real Estate of G City was about to be established. At present, their strongestpetitor


    for the Director of the Union was Tang Group.


    Dawn Star Group developed rapidly under Arthur''s leadership. Although known for his gentle and


    cultivated image, Arthur was a sly man and never shied away from ying tricks and resorting to every


    conceivable means.


    Poaching employers and customers from his rivals was a cinch and second nature for him. Given the


    current situation, he was already working on an even bigger n.


    The door of the reception room swung open and Arthur''s assistant Nana entered gracefully, followed by


    several men d in suits and leather shoes.


    In front was a man in his thirties¡ªhandsome, tall, and cool.


    Given his demeanor, Arthur thought that he must be the Jasper Li he was supposed to meet today.


    Jasper Li was the CEO of the world-renowned TY Securities, which was hailed as one of the most


    profitable securitiespanies in the world, and also established the TY Group. In recent years, the


    group had been even engaged in various industries aside from finance, including entertainment,


    catering, film and television investment, and luxury goods sales.


    However, all the buzz was on its enigmatic chairman.


    Being the CEO of TY Group as well, Jasper was in charge of all affairs of the group. But it was the


    chairman who had the final say when it came to implementation of decisions.


    Neverthelesshe the chairman''s age and gender remained a mystery to the general public. Rumors said


    that he came from home and worked overseas before owning the group.


    TY Group was quickly able to gain an impressive reputation abroad. In the past two years, it began to


    develop its business in the country, having even invested in several movies allowing them to garner


    good box office and reputations.


    Because news traveled fast, TY Group quickly went public. Everyone was aware that it was wealthy


    and fully reinforced as well. Its wealth, making people in business click their tongues in envy, was only


    the tip of an iceberg.


    Dawn Star Group was now in the ascendant, but it was difficult to move up further as it needed


    abundant funding for its projects. This greatly restricted thepany''s development.


    In a meeting with his clients, Arthur inadvertently learned that TY Group nned to enter the domestic


    real estate market, first targeting locations in G City. Finding a reliable partner was crucial for the


    group''s sess.


    As a neer, the foreign enterprise had to work twice as hard to cooperate with a leading enterprise


    in G City.


    On the other hand, Arthur also urgently needed huge capital inflows to operate Dawn Star Group


    smoothly, so he asked his friend to bring him into contact with Jasper Li.


    After going over his profile, Jasper agreed to Arthur''s request for a face-to-face meeting today.


    To show his sincerity in wanting to cooperate, Arthur spent an extensive amount of time preparing for


    the meeting and sorting out the data of all departments. When Jasper Li arrived, all the material was


    laid out in front of him, ready for him to browse through.


    As usual, Arthur wore an elegant, genuine smile on his face.


    "Mr. Li, we are truly looking forward to cooperating with you this time. Ourpany is rather productive


    but itcks funds. You can read the material we have prepared. It has detailed information on all the


    departments. You can trust our sincerity in wanting to work with you."


    All the while, Jasper''s face remained expressionless.


    After briefly opening the file and reading a few lines, he simply dropped it back on the desk.


    Slowly, he said in a deep, alluring voice, "I never doubt your sincerity, Mr. Zhuang. I didn''t expect that


    you would show me all the top-secret data during our first meeting.


    A straightforward person does not resort to insinuations. Well, you can draw up the cooperation


    contract. I''ll show it to our chairman. We can sign the papers after he nods in agreement."


    Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    Hearing what Jasper said, Arthur went ecstatic.


    Since Jasper''s answer was affirmative, the conclusion of the contract could be expected soon.


    Showing the confidential documents to Jasper Li was risky but worthwhile in order to make his n


    feasible.


    High risk brought high return, after all. Once Arthur released the news that TY Group was about to


    cooperate with Dawn Star Group, he would more likely to be voted as the Director of the Union of Real


    Estate of G City.


    With the financial support of TY Group, Dawn Star Group would easily outshine Tang Group.


    As Arthur''s thoughts started running, Jasper Li caught a glimpse of a smile on his face.


    Although his expression remained unmoved, a flicker of amusement sparked in Japer''s cold eyes.


    "Mr. Zhuang, we do have one condition for the cooperation, though."


    Desperate to establish a cooperative rtionship with TY Group, Arthur was ready to promise pretty


    much anything at that point. Looking at the cold man, his face twisted into an obsequious smile.


    "Go ahead, Mr. Li. You may rest assured that I will do my best!"


    As he rubbed his chin with one hand, maintaining a calm demeanor, Jasper went on to reveal the


    group''s condition, "I heard that you arepeting with Tang Group for being the Director of the Union


    of Real Estate in the city. Our chairman hopes that you can give up the im to the position."


    Hearing Jasper''s revtion was like getting drenched in a bucket of ice cold water. A minute ago,


    Arthur felt that his goal was in sight¡ªthe position of the Director of the Union was ripe for picking; but


    then he was suddenly asked to give it up, so it was no surprise that he was unwilling to do so.


    The eager smile died on his lips and his face turned tight.


    "I don''t understand," he said, his voice wobbly. "Mr. Li, the position of the Director of the Union can


    bring further benefits to our group''s development, which will benefit our partners as well. Why must I


    give it up?"


    Sighing slightly with impatience, Jasper Li gently tapped his finger on the table.


    "Our chairman has good reasons for his decision. It''s not your ce to ask why. Anyway, if you want to


    cooperate with us, you must give up the position. Of course, I know it''s decided by voting. Just ask your


    partners to vote for Tang Group instead."


    Arthur''s brain was buzzing and he felt too shocked to either move or speak.


    It was his father''s lifelong dream and pursuit to overpower and overtake the Tang Group. Now that it


    was slowlying to a reality, Jasper Li suddenly told him to withdraw from thepetition voluntarily.


    Given this, Arthur couldn''t find any reconciliation with the fact.


    His father and Horace had known each other for a long time, but his father was always subordinate to


    Horace, having to address him as ''Mr. Tang'' respectfully on any asion.


    When he was young, his father took him to visit the Tang family. Being part of the inferior group, he''d


    always be bullied by Lionel yet med for being at fault every time they had a fight.


    Without fail, his father abused him in multiple ways while Lionelughed at him as an onlooker. From


    then on, Arthur secretly vowed to himself that he would dedicate his career to making Dawn Star Group


    prosper and eventually overtaking Tang Group.


    Having been bullied and humiliated by him, Arthur wanted Lionel to eventually look up to him instead.


    Once, when Horace was sick, putting Tang Group in a crisis, Arthur found himself very close to his


    dream. At the time, Lionel was still too weak a figure to turn the tide.


    However, he didn''t predict Rufus''s sudden appearance.


    When Rufus entered Tang Group with an excellent track record, he started running the group, taking


    bold and resolute rectification measures, undertaking several big projects, and even putting the


    establishment forward as amercial alliance. All his actions put him in the spotlight for a period of


    time.


    Cassandra, Tang Group''s design manager, couldn''t be underestimated either. When she won thest


    bidding, Arthur was beyond pissed off but had to pretend to admire her.


    Given all those conditions, Arthur was well aware that he wasn''t born into an ideal family status. With


    this, he knew that he had to eat dirt to make a real difference. In his eyes, people were either useful or


    useless. Admiring anyone was no option.


    With a vengeful heart, he swore to defeat all the people who looked down on him.


    In the current situation, however, Jasper Li was forcing him to make a choice.


    Having to choose between the cooperation with TY Group and the position of the Director of the Union


    which he had striven for all that time, he could hardly make up his mind.


    Seeing that Arthur was feeling embarrassed and indecisive, Jasper stood up, still keeping his poker-


    face.


    "Mr. Zhuang, I know it''s an agonizing decision to make. You need time to mull it over. If you make up


    your mind within the week, have your assistant contact us. If we don''t receive any reply from you, we


    will find another partner."


    Although Arthur put on a polite smile, there was a hint of bitterness to it. As a courtesy, he stood up and


    bid Jasper Li and his men goodbye.


    "I''m sorry, Mr. Li. I have to go back and discuss the matter with my father. The cooperation with you is


    very important to us as a milestone for our group''s development. I can''t make the decision alone."


    Nodding in understanding, Jasper headed out of the building. As he drove away, Arthur took out his


    handkerchief and wiped away the sweat trickling down his forehead.


    Jasper Li was truly intimidating. Even Arthur had to admit it as he tried to hide his feeling of inferiority in


    front of the overbearing man.


    Having met such a character, Arthur wondered what kind of boss he was working for.

 Chapter 83 A Hard-working Woman

    Chapter 83 A Hard-working Woman


    In Cassandra''s office, the Tang Group business went on as usual.


    "This document is not specific enough. Please recollect the data and give it to me before you go off


    duty...


    NIC, follow these cases. We must finish them and sign the contract before the alliance election. It''s


    very important...


    Give these materials to Mr. Luo.


    And don''t forget to let him sign on the contract..."


    Across the sofa from Cassandra, Ste sat cupping her chin and looking at her with a sad face.


    Though they were supposed to go to yoga together on their day off, Cassandra was just informed that


    she needed to work overtime, and their n went up in smoke.


    Almost pouting, Ste stared at the woman who immersed herself in work, wanting to be indulged even


    a little.


    "s¡­


    I''ve never seen a woman work so hard¡­like you."


    With a moan and shake of the head, Ste leaned back against the sofa in disappointment.


    Her words amused Cassandra at once, she raised her head to find that Ste was bored to death.


    "I''ve never heard of a public rtions manager urging her colleague to loaf on the job," she teased with


    a yful smile.


    Upon hearing this, Ste suddenly sat up straight and pretended to look dignified.


    "Manager Qin, I apologize for what I''ve said. I hope you enjoy your work and don''t need any time to


    rx and find a boyfriend."


    Cassandra''s heart sank upon hearing the term, ''boyfriend.'' She thought in her heart, ''So Ste still


    doesn''t know I''ve married Lionel¡­


    We have been very close yet I keep her in the dark. What if she knows my real identity? Could we still


    joke like this?''


    Feeling disheartened at such thoughts, her smile gradually faded as she lowered her head and went


    back to work.


    ''I have a sister who doesn''t believe me and a mother who treats me like a tool. My husband¡­we are a


    couple only in name. Although I have a best friend, I can''t tell her everything about me.''


    Noticing that Cassandra lowered her head again, Ste was in a fret.


    "I''m so bored that I''m about to fall asleep."


    Without facing her, Cassandra beamed.


    "I''ll have someone prepare you a cup of coffee."


    At the offer, Ste stood up and refused with a wave of a hand.


    "Never mind, I can do it myself. It''s kind of like my exercise."


    Looking up at her friend, Cassandra nodded with a faint smile.


    "Make a cup for me too. I prefer extra sugar please. The coffee bean tastes so bitter."


    Replying with a gesture, Ste left the office and headed to the tea room.


    Only Ste was in the room until a voice called out suddenly as she was about to pour sugar into the


    coffee.


    "Don''t move!"


    Frightened by the voice, she almost spilled the drinks as she trembled.


    Turning around to re at the man who scared her, she used him with a frown.


    "You almost gave me a heart attack! This is my day off. What if I died in the tea room? Would I be


    compensated?"


    Her raised voice put Victor in an awkward position. While Ste had the gift of gab, he was a man of


    few words, putting him at a loss for what to do to ease her anger.


    "I¡­ I was in a hurry to¡­"


    Ste didn''t let him finish.


    "What are you in a hurry for, hmm? Don''t move? Are you pretending to be a policeman?"


    As she told him off, Victor was absent-minded, only really seeing her lips opening and closing instead


    of arguing for himself.


    "I don''t know why Mr. Luo has chosen you to be his personal assistant. If you can''t defend yourself


    now, you''re good for nothing!"


    ''A handsome man clumsy at speech. What a pity!'' she thought.


    Staring at him in disappointment, she could only feel exasperated at his failure to defend himself.


    Turning around, she flipped her hair back and continued to pour the sugar into her coffee. Suddenly,


    Victor took hold of her hand.


    Surprised, Ste dilly-dallied for a while, thinking that she would remember the feeling of his hand


    forever.


    It was warm and his palms were callused, putting her at ease.


    After a few seconds, he snapped back to reality and pulled his hand back immediately.


    "I''m sorry. I¡­I just want to exin!"


    As it was his first time to touch a woman of his age, he was too nervous to blurt out a coherent


    sentence. He was ineloquent, which was why Rufus appointed him to the role of his personal assistant


    and bodyguard. A man of few words was more suitable to solve problems where Rufus couldn''t step


    up.


    After he entered the Tang Group, Victor came to know of Ste, a woman who left him with an


    impression of self-contradiction.


    While she was a strong woman with excellent productivity during work hours, she seemed more like a


    child at other times, being aggressive and unreasonable.


    She was so eloquent that few people in thepany dared to argue with her.


    ''Her temper is terrible. I shouldn''t pay much attention to her. But¡­


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    why do I like the way she gets angry?


    What''s wrong with me?''


    On the other hand, Ste hadn''te back down to Earth yet. The feeling of Victor''s hand on hers


    came as an electric shock, even though she had been in several rtionships in the past.


    Pointing at the sugar in her hand, Victor tried to exin himself in a nervous tone.


    "Manager Qin needs extra sugar in her coffee. I forgot that¡­"


    Looking at the sugar in her hand and then at the sugar box, Ste realized that the one in her hand was


    thest package of sugar. Victor didn''t have enough and must havee back for this one.


    ''But¡­


    Victor is Rufus''s assistant, isn''t he? Why does he send coffee to Cassandra from the top floor?


    Does he have feelings for her?''


    Such thoughts entered her mind and her heart ached as her imagination ran wild.


    To test her theory, she looked up at Victor and tried to figure something out from his expression.


    Noticing a blush creep across his face, she thought, ''Well, he looks happy to make coffee for her.''


    Ste simply put the sugar on the table and pointed at it.


    "Here you go. Help yourself."


    Taking the sugar in his hand, Victor left the tea room quickly for fear that something strange would


    happen between them again.


    His heart was going a mile a minute the moment he touched Ste''s hand and he couldn''t restore his


    calm even as he found his way to Cassandra''s office.


    After Victor left, Ste was lost in thought. ''Since Victor has prepared coffee for Cassandra, I don''t need


    to make her another cup.


    s, he is probably helping her stir her coffee right this second.''


    In her mind Ste picture the whole scene. Victor leaned in close to pour sugar into Cassandra''s


    coffee, and stirred it well before handing the coffee to her as she looked at him with a warm smile.


    Then, Cassandra held the coffee in her hand as the two locked their gazes with one another.


    The afternoon sun was casting its spell on them. How beautiful the picture was.


    With the sweet and warm air around them, they looked like a couple that came out of a movie.


    Shaking her head furiously to stop her from getting ahead of herself, Ste pursed her lips. ''What am I


    doing? They''re both single, so it''s natural if they like each other. I don''t need to overthink it.''


    Taking a sip of her coffee, she realized it was so bitter that she almost cried out.


    To dilute the bitterness, she intended to pour some more sugar into it when she remembered that Victor


    had just taken away thest packet of sugar.


    With vague sadness, she recalled the moment when she first saw Victor. ''He looks like a tree when he


    stands next to Rufus¡­so why couldn''t he speak even a word before me?


    An ineloquent man with a handsome face and warm hands¡­''


    There was no stopping Ste''s mind from thinking about the man.


    ''My God! Have I fallen in love with him? What''s wrong with me?''


    Getting overwhelmed with such emotion, Ste shocked herself with her own idea and tried to sweep it


    away. ''No, it''s impossible. I can''t fall in love with such a fool.


    I have to stop thinking about him!''


    Taking a final gulp of the coffee, she clenched the disposable paper cup in frustration.


    ''Ste! It''s a good day outside. You should take a walk instead of wasting time here.


    In fact, it should be a good thing if Cassandra starts dating Victor.''


    After thinking firmly to herself and making a decision to get over the fact, she left Cassandra a


    message and headed out of the building. After the little episode in the tea room, Ste thought she


    should take the Yoga ss alone.


    Meanwhile, Cassandra was having a taste of Rufus''s coffee. A cup of freshly brewed coffee was the


    best gift for the woman who had been working hard all morning.

 Chapter 84 Ferris Wheel—Every Little Girls Dream

    Chapter 84 Ferris Wheel¡ªEvery Little Girl''s Dream


    The desk shuddered as a phone''s ringtone for an iing text message rang out. Cassandra, who


    was buried in her work, stared at the phone for a split-second, sighed, and then picked it up in a fluid


    motion. It was Ste.


    She unlocked it with her fingerprint and read the message, "Hi, honey. It''s a bright and lovely day. I''ve


    got a date with yoga!"


    The text drew a faint smile from Cassandra. Ste was such an optimistic and not to mention, energetic


    person. Cassandra felt drawn to her, like she was this huge ma. She just couldn''t control herself


    with Ste, and wanted to approach her and befriend her.


    Having such a cheery friend was like bathing under the sun on warm winter afternoon. It was


    comfortable as hell.


    Cassandra nced at the desk clock and saw that it was time to get off work, but she was still double


    checking the designyouts meticulously. She wanted to make sure all her outputs were topnotch


    quality when she turned them over to the clients.


    After a couple of hours, she was done. She felt relief wash over her as she yawned and stretched her


    tired bones.


    When she was about to leave, her phone rang. Cassandra''s eyes lit up. She answered the call and


    heard a familiar baritone from the other end of the line.


    "I know you haven''t eaten yet since you''re probably on overtime. Meet me at the parking lot. I''ll treat


    you to dinner."


    It was Rufus, as Cassandra had expected. He was the only senior executive who would work overtime


    in the Tang Group.


    "It''s reallyte. I just want to go home and get some rest."


    She was excited, but she thought it was better to politely refuse.


    Rufus seemed to ignore this. He only sounded more determined.


    "I will see you in a couple of minutes."


    Bossy as always, this was Rufus. He just went on ahead and hung up before Cassandra could say


    anything.


    The continuous beep from the other end of the line startled Cassandra. She put down the phone,


    caught in a dilemma whether to meet Rufus or not. Then her stomach grumbled like a dog about to


    bite.


    ''Calm down, Cassandra. It''s just two people eating food.'' Cassandra repeated to herself, biting her lip.


    A few minutester, in the Tang Group parkingplex, Cassandra saw Rufus beckoning to her. He


    was sittingfortable in the driver''s seat of a matte ck Rolls-Royce.


    "Well, where are we going to get some food?"


    She slid into the car as she asked Rufus, her cheeks flushed.


    Rufus just smiled at her and started the engine. The car roared to life.


    "You''ll know when we get there," he replied in a mysterious tone.


    If it had the approval of Rufus, the restaurant had to be grand and beautiful, and the dishes had to be


    world-ss quality. Neither of these two elements were dispensable when it came to dining for Rufus.


    It was given that these restaurants had exorbitant prices.


    When they arrived, Cassandra took a gander at the ce. It was grand as expected.


    But the ce wasn''t what surprised her the most, it was the fact that they were the only two guests at


    the restaurant. Rufus booked the whole joint! Mellow piano music echoed through the high ceiling. It


    did good to ease Cassandra''s growing anxiety.


    The luxurious dinner made Cassandra feel like she was in a vivid dream. Rufus and her were having a


    candlelight dinner. The piano, the wine, and most importantly, the devilishly handsome man sitting right


    across her¡­it was like a romance movie.


    It was all too surreal.


    Out of nowhere, her eyes started to well up. She wanted to forget about Lionel, Ivy, and everything


    else. She was too exhausted from the mess between her family and the Tang family.


    After they finished dinner, Cassandra looked a bit upset. Rufus could tell from her mncholic eyes.


    His brows furrowed and looked at her with tender concern.


    "There''s a nice ce nearby. Would you like to go check it out? Ourpany is investing in a new


    construction project in the vicinity. You might catch some inspiration there."


    Cassandra''s eyes lit up and she beamed at Rufus. She had been worried about one particr design


    lately and some much-needed insipiration would be wee.


    But before Cassandra could assent, Rufus had already started the car and sped forward. The strong


    V12 engine of the Rolls-Royce made her stick to the seat.


    She stole a nce at Rufus and saw that he was smiling. Sometimes, Cassandra and Rufus seemed


    to understand each other so perfectly well that sometimes they didn''t even need to utter a word to


    communicate.


    Rufus parked his car in front of a huge amusement park entrance. Cassandra rolled down her window


    and stuck her head out for a better view.


    Althought it waste into the night, the park was still packed with tourists. Neon lights reflected on


    every surface and the crowd was bustling withmerce and leisure. Children and teenagers were


    screaming onboard the thrill rides.


    Rufus took Cassandra''s hand and they went in. He stood out since he was wearing a business suit


    amongst the crowd who had a more casual style.


    When she entered the park, all of Cassandra''s sadness and disappointment disappeared. Seeing


    Rufus all serious, she offered, "Why don''t you take off that jacket?"


    Rufus was startled by Cassandra''s concern. But he listened anyway and took off his jacket.


    "There you go! You look so much younger with just the shirt on!"


    Cassandra squinted for a more examining look at Rufus. He was so handsome, like a prince who came


    straight out of a fairy tale. No longer stood out though, he could fit right in on the crowd.


    When Cassandra finished speaking, the two of them burst intoughter, not a care about how loud they


    were.


    When they passed by the pirate ship ride, Cassandra''s eyes seemed to light up. Rufus noticed and


    immediately went to buy the tickets.


    They lined up afterward. A couple of minutester, it was their turn to get on. Cassandra sat down next


    to Rufus and buckled up. She also held the handrail tightly, nervous and thrilled at the same time.


    "Don''t worry. You can always hold my hand if you feel scared,"


    Rufus whispered as he leaned closer to her ears. She was taken aback and a chill went down her


    spine. She looked at Rufus and smiled. It always made her feel warm and safe around him.


    The ride started and therge boat started swinging through the air. The pendulum motions brought a


    weightless feeling and made Cassandra dizzy. She screamed as the boat went higher and higher. They


    were all clearly enjoying the ride.


    When they disembarked after the ride was over, Cassandra was wobbly and tried her best to keep her


    bnce. She turned to Rufus to see how he was doing. To her surprise, he waspletely fine, as if


    he didn''t ride the ship at all. She was impressed by how tough he was. But she teased, "Stop


    pretending to be cool. You can throw up if you want to, you know?"


    Rufusughed at this. He had been trained to withstand those kinds of situations. The ride was a


    breeze for him. Even if he rode the most thrilling ride in the park, he wouldn''t even blink.


    Cassandra and Rufus continued further into the park. They talked about the design and construction


    dynamics of the other rides. When they passed by the various game stalls, an enthusiastic vendor


    handed her a BB gun.


    "Step right up, youngdy! Try your luck! Five rounds in the gun, and it''s free. Let''s see what you can


    get!"


    It was a ssic game in every amusement park. Hit a corresponding circle with a number and you got


    the prize. The smaller the circle you hit, the better prize you got.


    Cassandra peered at the prize on the topshelf, and saw a stuffed bear which was as big as a person.


    She realized that she needed to shoot number 10 to get it.


    "I want the huge bear!"


    The festive atmosphere in the amusement park raised Cassandra''s spirits. It was a rare sight to see


    her behave like a little girl, all cute and energetic.


    She held the gun and aimed at her target. She tried four times to no avail, the circle was just too small.


    It didn''t even look like anybody could ever win that bear.


    At that moment, Rufus, who was silently watching Cassandra''s poor attempts, stepped forward and


    took the gun. He held the gun in an expert grip, aimed and pulled the trigger in a fluid motion.


    Cassandra''s jaw dropped, as well as the vendor''s.


    Rufus did it. He shot number 10! With thest bullet ball!


    He shot the circle that was as small as a fingernail.


    Cassandra was impressed, however she didn''t forget her prize.


    Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    "Can I get my bear now?"


    But the vendor shook his head skimpily and apologized, "I''m sorry, Ma''am. You can pick anything you


    want on the shelf except the bear. If you really want it though, you need to buy the bullet balls, those


    free ones don''t count."


    ''What the hell was that? You have got to be kidding me!'' the vendor screamed at himself. The bear was


    expensive. He never saw thating. No way was he giving it out for free! What an unlucky night! He


    ran the business for so many years. So far, no one could ever shoot number 10. This man must be the


    luckiest son of a bitch in the world.


    Realizing that she couldn''t get the bear, Cassandra got upset. She quickly lost interest, grabbed


    Rufus''s hand, and started to walk away.


    However, Rufus had other ns. He wasn''t about to leave like that. He took out a one-hundred bill from


    his pocket and handed it to the vendor.


    He was too determined to win the bear for Cassandra. The vendor greedily took the money and gave


    him even more bullets.


    "This must be your lucky night, sir. Try it one more time!"


    Rufus spared him a nce and took only one bullet.


    With one hand, he shot the number 10 again!


    Cassandra''s mouth was agape again. She felt like an idiotpared to Rufus. To think he could do it


    again, with just one hand, no less! Rufus noticed Cassandra''s surprised face and burst intoughter.


    "Go get your bear."


    The vendor was dumbstruck. He handed the bear to Cassandra reluctantly, grumbling as he went. The


    bear was as tall as Cassandra, but both of them looked cute.


    When she finally hugged the bear, Cassandra seemed to wake up. It finally sunk in. Rufus just shot the


    small circle, twice!


    "How¡­ How did you do that?"


    Cassandra wondered as she looked at Rufus intently. She just couldn''t close her mouth.


    Rufus nced at Cassandra, and said in a passive tone, "I just got lucky, I guess."


    Well¡­that was the only possible exnation. It had to be just luck.


    The vendor sighed deeply, clearly defeated. Cassandra felt sorry for the guy. There was nothing she


    could do though, since he met Rufus, who was apparently a skilled marksman.


    She hugged the bear tightly and buried her face in the soft fur.


    Rufus couldn''t help but smirk at the sight. He was happy as long as Cassandra was. He didn''t just get


    lucky though. In fact, he had been trained at marksmanship for a number of years. That was why he


    was able to hit such a small target easily.


    Rufus didn''t want to show off his skill in public, but he wanted to help Cassandra get what she wanted.


    He wanted to see her smile.


    Anyway, Cassandra just epted the fact that he was just extremely lucky.


    Beaming, Cassandra looked to the sky, huge bear still in her embrace.


    "Look! A Ferris wheel!"

 Chapter 85 Let Me Go!

    Chapter 85 Let Me Go!


    Back in high school, Cassandra was obsessed with Ferris wheels.


    For her, they were big toys that gave you a slow flight over the sky, taking you all the way to breath-


    taking heights before bringing you back to the ground where you could recapture the wonderful


    experience. It seemed to her that its shape alone symbolized endless happiness.


    She had wished, more than once, that she could one day take a ride on it with her beloved one, kissing


    and hugging him under the stars.


    It might have been beautiful, but she now knew it was all but a little girl''s romantic fantasy.


    Rufus took a look at the Ferris wheel before looking back at Cassandra beside him. Then, as if he had


    read her mind, he turned and asked, "Do you want to take a ride?"


    Cassandra, however, shook her head silently. The Ferris wheel did remind her of her long, cherished


    desire, but she didn''t want to satisfy it since she hadn''t found her love in the real life. She would rather


    not ruin the fairy tale. She would wait for the prince.


    "The amusement park will be rebuilt soon, and this Ferris wheel will probably be torn down. Our


    company has talked to the head of the park, and if everything goes well, we may win the bid for the


    rebuilding," said Rufus.


    Cassandra jerked her head in his direction upon hearing his words, with a?twinkle?in her?eyes.


    So she might be able to redesign the park? And finally bring the Ferris wheel in her dream into reality,


    after so many years? She couldn''t believe her luck.


    Again, she stared at the glittering big toy, lost in her thoughts. The colored lights of the wheel reflected


    brightly in her eyes.


    Not far away from them, Lionel was talking to a man with a salt-and-pepper beard while walking


    through the crowds.


    The man was introducing the park''s existing facilities and exining ideas for future ns to Lionel, but


    Lionel''s thoughts were far away.


    He hated working overtime, but he was ordered to conduct site investigation as soon as possible since


    the board favored the project. He was already upset by the extra work, and the bustling scene here


    further annoyed him.


    Not knowing what was in Lionel''s mind, the man went on guiding him enthusiastically through the park.


    When they reached the Ferris wheel, the man stopped and pointed to this eye of the park, surrounded


    by neon lights.


    "We n to rebuild it into the biggest one in Asia, and move it to the centre of the park to make it a


    landmark," the man dered, with a hint of pride.


    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.


    Lionel looked up at the Ferris wheel, which made a ze of color against the night sky.


    Just when he tried to turn away from the dazzling lights, he saw a familiar figure.


    Cassandra!


    And the person by her side was none other than Rufus!


    Cassandra was holding a big toy bear, standing shoulder to shoulder with Rufus. Lionel couldn''t hear


    what they were talking about, but he saw the delighted look on her pretty face.


    While Rufus, a man?ofposure?and mildness, now was standing by her gentlemanly, looking her


    in the eye. He was tall and handsome, and even more so under the lights. Girls passing by all stole a


    second look at him.


    To them, they must have looked like a happy couple on a date in this romantic park.


    Furious, Lionel clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms. His veins stood out on his temples.


    His eyes shed with anger.


    He had long suspected their rtionship and had sent people to investigate it several times. But he


    couldn''t find evidence to back up what he thought until today.


    He saw them together in such an intimate manner in this ce for couples, with his own eyes. This was


    enough evidence for him.


    He stormed up to confront them, leaving the middle-aged man behind. His grim face could scarcely


    conceal his anger.


    "What are you two doing here?" he asked sharply.


    Cassandra was still drawing a beautiful blueprint for the park in her mind when she was suddenly


    snapped back to reality by an angry voice. She whipped her head around and was astonished to find


    Lionel standing behind.


    His face was dark. The anger showed in his eyes. It looked as if he wanted to kill her.


    Rufus, on the contrary, appeared?unperturbed at Lionel''s appearance. He merely shot him a sideways


    nce before saying coldly, "What''s so strange about us doing field inspection here?"


    "So you are here to check out the site?"


    Lionel asked less aggressively. He suddenly realized that Rufus''s answer left him with no chance to


    vent on them. He decided to hide his anger.


    Aftering to herself, Cassandra began to feel embarrassed and ufortable. Although there was


    nothing between her and Rufus, and what they had been doing was no more than talking and looking


    around, she was still vexed when Lionel discovered that she got along with Rufus in private. It was


    embarrassing that Lionel questioned them in such a way as if they were having an affair, not to mention


    that the middle-aged man, who turned out to be the head of the park, was looking at the three of them


    with curious eyes and an expression fraught with meaning on his face.


    Rufus raised his chin to show disdain for Lionel. He said nothing to answer Lionel''s question. Instead,


    he bowed andforted Cassandra gently.


    "You can start drawing the first draft of the design after Lionel finalizes the contract. Make it anyway


    you like this time. I believe the Tang family will give you their full support," he uttered in her ear.


    Lionel blew his top hearing what Rufus said. Cassandra was his wife, yet this shameless man talked to


    her so freely and intimately, acting like that she belonged to him! It was truly an insult to him.


    He managed to hold his anger back considering that there were others present. But he went up and


    deliberately pulled Cassandra into his arms, to show that she was his woman and no one else''s. Then,


    he turned to the middle-aged man, who was still surprised and confused, "Let''s call it a day, Mr. Zhang.


    We can talk about it some other day!" he said.


    Then, he turned and met Rufus with a stern look, his lips curling into a condescending smirk.


    "You work so hard, Mr. Luo. I thank you on behalf of the Tang Group. It''s an honor for us to have


    someone so devoted to ourpany, who is willing to work at thiste hour, like you. But I''m sorry you


    will have to work alone now, for I must take my wife home right away," he sneered.


    As soon as he had finished speaking, he tightened his hand on Cassandra and forced her to go with


    him.


    Seeing them leaving without even looking back, Rufus stood there without speaking. But the grim look


    on his handsome face told the loss he felt.


    Cassandra struggled to free herself. "Don''t you dare to defy me, or I will make sure that you won''t be


    able to sleep alone tonight! I''m warning you," Lionel whispered furiously.


    Cassandra went red with terror. She could only look dejectedly over her shoulder at Rufus as she left


    with Lionel.


    Looking at their backs, Rufus''s eyes were filled with disappointment and sorrow. His arms fell to his


    sides, then he suddenly clenched his fists.


    Lionel had ruined everything. His happiness would always be short-lived if he couldn''t change this


    situation. ''End it all!'' A voice screamed deep inside him.


    ''End all of this, as soon as possible!''


    Everything was shrouded in darkness outside the park. When they reached the car, Lionel threw


    Cassandra in, and got in without releasing her wrist. He asked through clenched teeth, sporting an


    angry grimace, "Why are you always with Rufus? Tell me now, what did you two n to do next if I


    didn''t catch you in the act? It''s veryte, you should be at home, don''t you think so? Know your ce,


    Mrs. Tang!"


    Cassandra screwed up her face in pain as Lionel almost crushed her arm. Tears were welling up in her


    eyes, but she held them back.


    "As you saw, we were talking about the park project. It was all about work,"


    Cassandra replied as calm as she could. She never met his gaze from the beginning, and stared out


    the window even when answering his question. She just wanted out.


    The more indifferent she was, the more irritated Lionel became. ''Work, huh? I wasn''t born yesterday!''


    he thought furiously. She couldn''t fool him. He had seen the way she looked at that man! She was


    smiling in a way she had never smiled at him!


    "Listen, Cassandra! Stay away from Rufus! Do you hear me?"


    Lionel spat, subconsciously doubling the strength to squeeze her arm, as if to crush it. He was so


    pissed off that he failed to notice that Cassandra had turned pale from the pain.


    "What makes you think you can decide who should be my friend and who should not?" Cassandra


    responded with the sameposure. "I think we made a deal when getting married that we will never


    interfere in each other''s lives, didn''t we, Mr. Tang?" she added, shing a mocking smile. She saw no


    point in arguing with this man, who had brazenly brought his mistress back to the Tang family. ''Who are


    you to meddle in my affairs?'' she thought.


    What was more, their marriage was nothing but a sham. All they had to do was to y their own parts


    and put on a good show. Surely he should not wish for anything more than that!


    "Don''t you dare! You are my wife, and you are not allowed to get that close to a man, especially when it


    is Rufus!" Lionel almost yelled at her.


    He seemed to have lost control of his emotions and pressed himself against her to bully her more.


    Whether due to rage or jealousy, veins on his forehead kept bulging. He really hated it when she was


    indifferent, for it made him feel like this woman would leave him at any time. He wanted her under his


    thumb!


    "Sorry, but I''m tired. Let''s go back now,"


    Cassandra softened her tone a bit after looking at his angry face. She was rmed by how mad he had


    be, and gave him a quick and wary nce. But she still didn''t want to talk about this matter with


    him or exin herself to him.


    Because she liked Rufus, which she couldn''t deny. And she didn''t think it was necessary to tell Lionel


    about it. But, even if she could hide it from others, she couldn''t lie to herself.


    She felt truly happy only when she was with Rufus.


    That man might not be good at expressing himself, and was even a bit quiet sometimes, but little by


    little, he gave her a sense of security and warmed her heart, in a way no one else could. Rufus. Yes, it


    was Rufus who had been the sunshine in her life, and brought light into her soul.


    Since she had sacrificed her true love for this marriage of convenience, she would not let others


    deprive her of her right to decide who she liked or to whom her heart really belonged.


    Cassandra knew what she did after getting drunk that night was wrong, but she regretted about it no


    more.


    Feeling miserable, she kept telling herself all the time that she must endure it¡ªthe shame, pain and


    humiliation¡ªfor the sake of the Qin family.


    "Looks like you will not stop seducing other men if I don''t make you my woman and satisfy your lust!"


    Lionel spat out, enraged.


    Now Cassandra could no longer ignore the wickedness in his eyes. Her eyes popped out in fear as she


    sensed that the car filled up with danger.


    "What are you doing, Lionel? Let go of me!"

 Chapter 86 Ill Defile You Alright

    Chapter 86 I''ll Defile You Alright


    Despite Cassandra''s frightened expressions, Lionel chose to ignore her fearpletely.


    His hand stroked Cassandra''s cheek, making her frown. She tried to slide away under his fingers, her


    eyes deeper than before.


    "I don''t mind doing anything in the car..." Lionel said while his finger lingering over her face down to her


    neck.


    Cassandra evaded his touch, disgusted. She was growing impatient and simply wished to escape his


    company.


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    She remained silent but her bodynguage was enough to indicate how much she hated Lionel''s


    touch.


    "Do you really hate me that much? Just a while ago when Rufus was here and you were standing so


    close to him, you didn''t seem to mind it at all. What''s the matter now?" Lionel said, grumpily.


    He fumed with jealousy and her disgusted face made him even more angry.


    "We were just talking about business. Rufus has been working overtime for thepany''s sake for


    weeks now. Today, he just happened toe over and ask about the progress of the project. It''s just


    work, don''t make a fuss about it," Cassandra snapped, annoyed.


    Suddenly, Lionel grabbed her jaw and made her look at him.


    "Talked about business, is it?" I dare you to look me in the eye and say that. Say it! What''s so great


    about that Rufus that you keep defending him? He''s nothing but a lowly bastard trying to get his hands


    on our family money. That''s why he came back. He''s no more than a worthless bug in my eye," he


    spoke through clenched teeth, letting go of her face with a jerk.


    Cassandra kept looking at him, fearless.


    Lionel stared back at the staunch frankness in her eyes and wondered what she had to say for herself.


    "Lionel, I''m telling you once and for all today, you have no right to specte on my rtionship with


    Rufus with your prying eyes. Not everyone''s like you. If you have the balls, show me some evidence. If


    you don''t have any, stop ndering me!"


    Cassandra''s tone heightened as she scolded him, her face maintaining a constant look of disdain.


    Lionel squinted, thinking, ''Rufus, Rufus! How affectionate.''


    Undisturbed by Lionel''s aggression, Cassandra stood calmly like a fearless martyr.


    ''What magical charm does Rufus possess that makes Cassandra defend him like that?'' Lionel


    wondered.


    Unwittingly, his eyes moved to her dark eyebrows, closed and lush red lips, and that stubborn


    expression on her adorable face, all of which tempted him to act upon his lust for her.


    Lionel leaned in closer and closer to almost press his lips to hers. He wanted it so badly to crush the


    resistance she showed towards him, the defence she gave for Rufus and her courage to talk back to


    him, with his kiss.


    Soon enough, Cassandra let out a grunt and tried to stop him.


    "Don''t defile me with your lips!" she shouted, dodging away from him.


    How dare she resist his advance! Cassandra''s words enraged Lionel so much he hollered, "Defile you?


    Let me defile you right here in the car today!"


    Lionel felt the blood rush through his veins as the atmosphere in the car intensified because of the


    attacking and the struggling.


    Just in time for him to grab her legs, his phone rang. Lionel nced at the ringing phone, and then


    looked at Cassandra in an obstinate manner. ''Who is this prick getting in the way?'' he thought to


    himself.


    Lionel had to let go of Cassandra and pick up the phone. Sure enough, as he had guessed, the call


    was from Ivy.


    "Hey babe, I miss you, and the baby misses you too. We are waiting for you toe home!"


    He looked impatient, waiting to cut the call. But Ivy''s voice through the phone sounded so sweet and


    soft, making him feel an inexplicable sense of guilt. His tone became more gentle.


    "I''m on my way. Just finished work. I will be back soon."


    Taking advantage of his distraction, Cassandra flung open the door and ran out of the car as if her life


    was in danger. By the time Lionel realised she had escaped, she was already too far from his reach.


    He looked at her back, fleeing away like a chicken escaping from a ughterhouse. Annoyed, he put


    the phone down.


    "Shit!" he cursed in a mumble.


    Soon, he reached home to a brightly lit mansion.


    Ivy stood by the window of their bedroom, watching Lionel''s car pull up the front yard. She patted her


    own face gently and prepared to greet him with a sweet smile on her face.


    Coincidentally, right when he was getting out of the car, Cassandra also appeared at the front gate.


    When Ivy reached downstairs, she saw them walking in together, causing her smile to freeze.


    Her stomach started to twist in knots, looking at the two of them together.


    "Lionel, you are back."


    Quickly, she recovered from the initial shock, walking toward him, ignoring Cassandra, to wrap her


    arms around him. And as she did that, she rolled her eyes at Cassandra who stood a few steps away


    from him.


    "Oh hon, quick! Come in. It''s so cold outside. You must be very tired."


    Lionel also threw a nce at Cassandra. The anger and desire that she had just provoked hadn''t


    dissipated yet. He was still annoyed at the act she had pulled off. In contrast, he talked gently and


    softly with Ivy.


    Scoffing at the scene, Cassandra strode straight upstairs, not giving a penny''s worth of damn.


    Already, she was tired and did not want to waste time with people she didn''t care about.


    Ivy tightened her grip on Lionel''s arm as she watched Cassandra leave. Her smiling eyes suddenly


    turned sinister, a sense of crisis rising inside her like a wave.


    She couldn''t go on like this. She had to find a way to get Cassandra out of the Tang Family.


    Cassandra was so done with having to see the faces of these unpleasant people around her, the next


    morning she decided to leave before everyone else got up. She reached the office very early and was


    met with a beautiful surprise. On her desky a purple-coloured, elegant invitation with golden lettering


    on it.


    She opened it hastily, and found out that Michelle Ling had invited her to participate in a charity auction.


    She immediately thought of the torn dress, but in the end, she knew it was her own fault.


    She failed to carry Michelle Ling''s beautifully designed gown the way it was supposed to be carried.


    After everything, Michelle had even helped her repair and return it for which Cassandra was very


    grateful. She had not expected Michelle to invite her to the auction after all that.


    Even though Cassandra rarely participated in these events, she knew Michelle Ling''s fame guaranteed


    a presence of top-shot, rich socialites and celebrities. It almost felt like an honour to be invited.


    After a while, Nic, from the design department pushed the door open and came in, panicking. His voice


    trembled as he spoke, "Manager... Manager Qin, something happened. Mr. Luo has asked you to go to


    the meeting room on the top floor!"


    Seeing him in such a rush, Cassandra figured it couldn''t be a trivial matter. Quickly, she put away the


    invitation and headed straight for the meeting room.


    A group of shareholders from the board of directors were sitting at the conference table, waiting. Rufus


    was there too, seated with his hands together against his chin, his dark eyes looking down, deep in


    thoughts.


    "Mr. Luo, I was told the board asked for me?"


    Rufus looked at Cassandra and nodded at her, asking her to take a seat.


    But before she could even reach the chair, one of the shareholders lost his patience. With a thud at the


    table, he stood up, looking angry.


    "You know what, don''t even bother sitting! Get her a dismissal! Then we''ll go to court against her!"


    Cassandra was taken aback by this sudden, loud usation. Soon though, she calmed down and


    pondered upon the meaning of his words.


    ''Dismiss? Who? Go to court? What''s going on?''


    Rufus''s face was expressionless, all the light from his eyes drained.


    "Things are not clear yet. Don''t be so agitated. Cassandra is a great talent in our design department. It


    is best not to jump to conclusions before there is evidence,"


    a defending voice came from a middle-aged man with sses who looked very dignified. Cassandra


    knew him to be one of the only nice guys on the board.


    However, she still couldn''t figure out what had happened.


    Rufus looked at Cassandra standing alone next to the conference table. She looked embarrassed, not


    knowing whether to sit or stand. Finally, he began to speak, "Manager Qin, the design that you


    submitted to ZC Group recently has been rejected and they have asked us to refund ten times of the


    deposit they had paid."


    Cassandra couldn''t believe what she had just heard. She clearly remembered how satisfied the CEO of


    ZC group was with her designst time when they met. He had signed the contract and paid a deposit


    of 3 millions on the spot. If there was a demand for the refund, there should at least be a reason!


    Definitely so, especially if they are asking for ten times the money!


    "Is there a problem with my design? I have carried out many inspections of their underground mega


    mall, and my design should not affect..."


    Before Cassandra could finish talking, Rufus interrupted, "The CEO found out your design was


    giarised."


    Then, he pointed at the projector screen behind him, showing a design draft on it.


    Cassandra took a deep look and saw that the draft was very simr to the one she had submitted. The


    outer ring designs, theyout of the functional sections, as well as the arrangement of the passages,


    even the guide signs of the outer walls were very simr.


    Casssandrapletely cked out for a while, standing there petrified, almost at the verge of


    stumbling. She tried to keep calm and looked up at Rufus fearlessly, as was her response in all difficult


    situations.


    "That''s impossible, I would never giarize!"


    Since the time she started working at the Tang Group, she had been designing the draft, and had spent


    a lot of energy on it, staying up many nights. And now to hear that it was giarised? Impossible!


    Rufus''s heart clenched, looking at her drained face.


    Of course, he did not believe Cassandra would ever giarise, but the design draft on the screen had


    been submitted much earlier than hers. In fact, the construction for the project had already begun in H


    city.That was an irrefutable evidence.


    What went wrong? Why was Cassandra''s design simr to that of the other design draft? Was there


    anyone in thepany plotting to set her up?

 Chapter 87 Met Dylan Again

    Chapter 87 Met Dn Again


    This had to be the most embarrassing moment of Cassandra''s life. All the board members were staring


    at her. A deadly awkwardness went through her body and she felt like everyone was analyzing her.


    ''This couldn''t get any worse, '' she thought.


    And worse of all, Rufus noticed it too. This was a big blow to her confidence.


    "I have no idea as to why this design is simr to mine. But I''ll look into it until I figure out what the truth


    is, I promise!" exined Cassandra.


    Her exnation had no impact on those present. The board member who had spoken earlier screamed


    at her angrily, "How can they be so simr if you didn''t giarize? That project is ahead of yours! Look


    into it? What will you look into? Truth is in front of our eyes, so please don''t try to fool us. Don''t try to


    find any excuses anymore. Just admit what you''ve done!"


    This insult came as a surprise and Cassandra tried hard to stop herself from crying. She had no clue


    how to respond at this moment.


    Whatever she would say would be in vain. Indeed, the bottom line was that the project had already


    begun in H City. ZC Group discovered the mistake hence it was reasonable for them to reject and


    return her design. Undoubtedly, they had asked forpensation. However, she knew this wasn''t a


    mistake from her side. She was being set up by someone. She knew she didn''t steal someone''s work


    but had no idea how to convince everyone of her innocence.


    Cassandra knew that she was not a design genius, but she was diligent enough. She had achieved her


    reputation through her hard work. But now she was being wrongly used. ''How can I stand this


    injustice?'' she wondered. Normally, she was a kind and forgivingdy, but when it came to her work,


    she was pretty serious. Swallowing her grief, she was determined to punish the person who had set her


    up.


    Cassandra clenched her fist and stayed without uttering a word. Never before had she experienced


    such a public humiliation. A lump was rising in her throat which made her feel like crying. But she did


    everything in her power to hold back the tears since she knew showing her weakness would do nothing


    but to embarass her more.


    Seeing Cassandra standing there helplessly, Rufus had the urge to help her. However, he controlled


    himself because helping her in front of these board members who were as sly as the foxes would make


    his emotions too obvious. And it would only create more problems for Cassandra.


    "Well, I have a n now. Why don''t you take your annul leave, Manager Qin? You shall look into the


    matter and give us a satisfying exnation. As far as we know, ZC Group has not filed awsuit


    against us. To make things easier and quicker, I will send some men to investigate it as well. And guys,


    If Manager Qin is genuinely wronged, I''m sure the truth wille out eventually," said Rufus, trying to


    stop everyone from using Cassandra.


    Cassandra immediately understood that Rufus had said those words to buy her more time. Earlier, she


    felt alone but his help made her feel truly thankful. She cast him a nce which indirectly meant thank


    you.


    On the other hand, Rufus''s words indeed subdued the situation. The board members decided not to


    push Cassandra too hard. They sighed, stood up and left the meeting room.


    When everyone went away, Rufus signaled Leo to leave him and Cassandra alone. Obliging Rufus,


    Leo closed the door and left along with the others.


    The moment the door was shut, Cassandra''s tears started to flow. She could not hold them anymore.


    In front of Rufus, she had no fear of showing her vulnerability.


    She squatted down, grabbed her knees, put her head into her arms and started sobbing sadly.


    Watching the scene in front of him, Rufus felt a sudden pain surge in his heart. It felt as if he was being


    pricked by a needle. He hated seeing her look so miserable.


    Now that everyone was gone, he had no intention to staying away from her. He stood up, walked to her


    and squatted beside her. For a moment, he watched her cry. Slowly, he stretched his hands and held


    her. In a forbearing tone, he said, "It''s okay. Don''t cry. I don''t know about the rest but I trust you! At the


    moment, our priority is to find out how this happened. I can tell something is definitely fishy."


    Cassandra raised her eyes and looked to Rufus through her tears. His words encouraged her to take


    some actions.


    ''Yes, I shouldn''t be crying and sitting over here. This won''t change anything! I didn''t make any mistake


    then why should I be wailing? It''s time to do something about it!'' she said inwardly.


    Rufus had shut out the critics and appointed her as the designer of a major design task along with this


    case. Due to this, she had to devote most of her time and energy to the other case. Hence the design


    for ZC Group was less urgent and did not make great progress. However, she did notpletely leave


    it behind. In spite of her busy schedule, she worked on this design from time to time. Even though it


    wasn''t her best work, it still had her effort in it.


    ''What went wrong?'' she contemted. Only after the party at which Lionel and Ivy''s indecent video


    was leaked, could she devote all her time and effort on this design.


    Slowly, Cassandra started to recall incidents and started filling Rufus with the details. Rufus, on the


    other hand, listened patiently as she spoke. Not a single word was ignored by him and he made it a


    point not to interrupt her. After she was done, a dead drop silence fell into the office. For a while, they


    both were left in thoughts. Frowning, he asked, "Have you ever shown this design to anyone else?"


    Cassandra thought carefully for a few seconds and then shook her head.


    "I know what you are hinting. But I don''t think our people did it. No one would show theirpany''s


    confidential information to others."


    Rufus pondered over her words and nodded in agreement. Somehow he believed there wasn''t a


    betrayer inside the design department. Otherwise, other projects would have encountered tons of


    difficulties. The ZC Group project was not a key project. Should there be a betrayer, it would make no


    sense to choose such an insignificant case to destroy her reputation.


    "I think you should take some rest for a few days. I''ll deal with the rest," Rufus said, trying to cate


    Cassandra''s mood.


    Cassandra nodded but after giving it a second thought, her mind went nk. ''Rest for some days?


    Where can I stay to take rest? And how?'' she thought worriedly.


    Rufus immediately realized the reason behind her confusion and helplessness. Aforting smile was


    shown on his face.


    "I saw Michelle''s assistante here this morning. Didn''t she send you an invitation? You can make


    some preparations and go. Being alone is boring, anyway."


    Rufus knew that he was unable to apany her this time because he had to go to H City. Over there,


    he had to check how things were going with the ZC Group.


    "Yeah. Thanks."


    Cassandra nodded obediently. She reached out and wiped off the tears from her face. In slow steps,


    she left the office.


    ''Who on earth is doing this to me? Someone had nned and set this vicious trap for me. The intention


    was to use me of giarism and it worked! Obviously, that person must have thought I would get


    expelled from the designing circle because of this. giarism is considered a taboo in this field.


    If I do nothing then people will assume I am guilty. Not only will I have to pay the whopping


    compensation, but also my reputation will be scarred forever, '' said Cassandra in her mind.


    All these years, Cassandra had been treating her job withplete seriousness. Her goal was to


    be one of the best designers in this field. This wronged usation would bring shame to her


    career. And this was something she couldn''t afford.


    ''Who could this person possibly be?'' wondered Cassandra, racking her brain. Secretly, Cassandra


    swore to make that person pay for his dirty deed.


    On the way back home, Cassandra was still lost in her thoughts. She was so lost that she even forgot


    to turn on the corneringmp when her car turned. She seemed to be blind to the road in front of her.


    Her mind was busy reying everything that happened in this awful day.


    Deep down, she knew she had topose herself. This absentmindedness was extremely dangerous.


    What happened next proved the risk of her carelessness. When she turned to a corner, her car rear-


    ended the vehicle in front because she was too careless to hit the brake on time.


    The loud vibration and noise snapped her back to the reality. She got off the car abruptly to check the


    damage she had caused.


    Her little car had bumped into the car that was in front of hers. On top of that, the rear of that car was a


    little dented. The driver inside the other car also got out. Now Cassandra was beginning to panic. She


    kept apologizing to him for the unfortunate ident. It was her fault and she was willing to take


    responsibility for it.


    "Sorry, I''m so sorry. This is my mistake. I''ll call the insurance!"


    While she was apologetically speaking, a familiar voice replied her with a smile.


    "Hi, Miss Deer. Here we meet again!"


    Cassandra raised her head from the dented car and looked at the master of this voice. A bright and


    handsome man in casual clothes was standing right before her. He looked about thirty and his eyes


    looked like crescent when he smiled. His expression made him look like an easy-going man. People


    would never feel ufortable around him. In fact, something about him put them at ease.


    ''What did he just call me now? Miss Deer?'' wondered Cassandra confusedly.


    After thinking for a few seconds, it clicked her where she had heard itst time. This special name took


    her back to the afternoon on a snowy day. ''Yes, I remember it! A man with a beard saved me once, ''


    she thought with relief washing over her.


    He saved her life! In her mind, this man was the symbol of kindness and warmth whose smile was as


    brilliant as the fireworks.


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    "Gosh, this is the worst way of meeting someone again! Especially that you''ve saved me, but now I


    broke your car,"


    Cassandra said, looking apologetic. She realized something bad could have happened if she continued


    being so careless. ''What if I had killed someone?''


    On the other hand, the man kept smiling and Cassandra couldn''t detect any sort of anger in that


    friendly face. In truth, the car was thest thing on his mind to worry about. He was still lost in the


    happiness of being reunited with Cassandra.


    "We seem to meet every time you are in a worrying state. This is what people call fate!" he said


    jokingly.


    They looked into each other''s eyes and thenughed all of a sudden. Cassandra felt herself forget


    about the events of the day. At least for the time being her mood was lifted.


    Soon, the insurancepany staff came over there and took some photos of the damage that was


    caused. They had some files which had to be signed. Once that was done, they towed away their cars.


    With a sorry looking face, Cassandra asked, "Once again I am sorry about this. Why don''t you have


    dinner with me? Don''t bother fighting because this one is on me. What would you prefer? A traditional


    dinner or a Western one?"


    The man looked at her and replied in a gentle tone, "It depends on you. I''m fine with either."


    Cassandra thought for a few seconds and a great idea popped into her head. Yet she thought it was


    necessary to ask his opinion before selecting a ce.


    "I know a restaurant where they serve pretty good steak. What do you think?" she asked eagerly.


    The man smiled and asked, "Are you referring to the one in CBD? It''s too expensive. If yes, am I


    allowed to change the destination? How about we go to the beach for a barbecue?"


    At first, Cassandra was a little puzzled to hear he had refused her proposal. But soon she realized that


    he said it only because he didn''t want her to spend too much on him. As a man, he did not want the


    woman to buy him an expensive dinner.


    She was somewhat touched by his considerate behavior. This guy was indeed careful, sensible and


    sweet. Somehow, Cassandra felt veryfortable being around him.


    The wind was strong by the sea. The fact that it was winter made things worse. Sitting outside for the


    barbecue was definitely not a good choice.


    Hence they went inside. The man selected a dining table by the window which seemed like the perfect


    ce. Now they could enjoy the dinner as they relished the beautiful campfire scene which was


    happening outside.


    "What would you like, Cassandra?"


    He casually asked while his eyes were glued on the menu. Just when she was about to answer, she


    found herself shocked. ''How did he know my name?'' she thought, looking startled.


    Since he didn''t get a reply, the man raised his head and looked at her. A beautiful smile appeared on


    his face as he noticed her confusion. Even though she was surprised, his smiling crescent eyes made


    her feel warm and peaceful.


    "You gave me your name card. Don''t you remember?"


    She bit her tongue and passed him an awkward smile. In truth, that incident had almost slipped out of


    her mind. Hesitantly, Cassandra said, "I... May I know you name, please?"


    The man''s deep eyes looked at her with concentration. After a moment, he replied in a serious tone,


    "Name is simply a code. You can call me whatever you like. My friends call me Delight."


    "Haha!"


    Cassandra couldn''t help but let out a loudugh as she heard his reply. But at the same time, she didn''t


    want to sound rude. Therefore she reached out to cover her mouth with a hand and exined in a


    hurry, "I''m sorry... I wasn''tughing at your name!"


    Seeing her acting so funny, the man did not feel offended at all. Instead he burst into a heartyughter


    and replied, "I''m Dn Tong. But you can call me Delight. I''m serious!"


    Now Cassandra decided not to hold back herughter. Sheughed out happily. ''Dn Tong? Delight?


    Haha now that is a funny name! But yes, he is just like his name. He makes people feel delightful, '' she


    agreed in her mind. Slowly, she nced at him and passed him her sweetest smile.


    Outside the window, the waves were beating against the shore and the fire was burning. But inside the


    restaurant, the air was so warm and soothing. There was something about the atmosphere here that


    made people forget all about their sorrows.

 Chapter 88 So Near Yet So Far

    Chapter 88 So Near Yet So Far


    The salty sea breeze blew in people''s face. Cassandra and Dylon were sitting face-to-face in a


    restaurant near the sea.


    As usual, Dylon was a humorous and optimistic character, with an easy-going personality. Their


    meeting by chance and deciding to have dinner together was a delightful surprise to both of them.


    When they finished eating, Dylon used the shells to yfully make a smiley face on the table and told


    Cassandra, "Cassandra, you look so beautiful when you smile. You should smile more."


    Hearing his praise, Cassandra lifted up her head and met his eyes. His gaze at her was loving and


    gentle, putting her at ease and making her heart feel warm.


    Having bumped into such a nice friend when she was extremely upset had her feeling fortunate.


    After dinner, Dylon called her a taxi before bidding her goodbye and heading back to his hotel.


    With Cassandra on his mind, Dylon couldn''t help smiling as he walked. The smile on his face only grew


    brighter when he thought of Cassandra''s beaming face. ''What a nice day!''


    Meanwhile, back in the Tang mansion, Horace sat in the living room next to Jill while they watched


    television, which was quite a rare sight as Horace was normally always busy with his work.


    When Cassandra returned, he waved his hand in a greeting.


    "Cassandra,e here!"


    His words were like pebbles being dropped into ake, disturbing the calm, which Cassandra silently


    dreaded. Lowering her head, she carefully walked towards Horace and greeted him softly.


    As she got closer to the couch, she noticed a pile of files beside him.


    "Cassandra, I heard about today''s meeting. It''s a serious issue and might do harm to the Tang Group. I


    want to hear your exnation."


    The way he spoke to her was different, much more serious than usual, making Cassandra nervous.


    Before the scandal came out, Cassandra was invisible in the Tang family¡ªLionel took pleasure in


    torturing her, Jill didn''t like her, and Ivy moved in. Horace was the only person in the family who would


    care about her and yet she betrayed his trust. The whole ordeal only made Cassandra ashamed of


    herself.


    While she didn''t giarize other''s design, it was true that she didn''t take measures to protect her own


    work and prevent such a huge dispute on intellectual property rights. It was indeed her fault.


    In some ways, Horace was even more of a father to her than her actual dad. Never did he fail to treat


    her well or appreciate her work and contribution to thepany. His interrogation, however, made


    Cassandra feel sad.


    "I''m terribly sorry to have put thepany in such big trouble. But the design is mine, I can assure you.


    I''ve already involved the authorities and it''s currently in the process of investigation. The results should


    come out very soon."


    As she exined it, Cassandra kept her expression t and her tone calm.


    Trust was a luxury and she was well aware of it. It would be unreasonable to expect people to believe


    her right away. The upsetting feeling almost took over Cassandra then she thought about Rufus'' words.


    The fact that he trusted her brought her muchfort. Even though no one in thepany was taking


    her side, as long as Rufus believed her, Cassandra would be fine and have the strength to ovee


    the difficulties brought about by the scandal.


    "Cassandra, I need you to know that what happened is very serious. Please don''t think that I''m judging


    you or doubting your ability. It''s just¡­the members of the board are very disappointed."


    Sensing Cassandra''s anxiousness in her reply, Horace made sure to soften the tone of his voice.


    "I will take responsibility and exin to the board. Don''t worry, father. I''m tired now. Can I go upstairs


    and have some rest?"


    Though she was aware of the gravity of the situation, Cassandra didn''t want to continue the


    conversation any more for the meantime. Forcing a smile, she turned around and walked towards the


    staircase.


    Just as she turned around, she heard Jill''s sarcastic remark from behind.


    "Not being a decent person is one thing, I don''t care about that, but why do you have to damage the


    Tang family''s name too? I feel sorry for the Qin family for having a daughter like you!"


    Hearing Jill''s insult, Cassandra stopped in her steps for a moment before picking up her pace to get


    away from the whole situation. As soon as she stepped into her bedroom, she swung the door shut, as


    if it could block out all the gossips and rumors that brought her shame.


    Leaning against the door, she took deep, careful breaths. The exhaustion was beginning to take over


    as her eyelids felt heavy. When she closed her eyes, the design wouldn''t leave her thoughts. No matter


    how much she went over it in her head, she couldn''t figure out why the design got leaked.


    Slowly opening her eyes, she walked to the window in an attempt to breathe in some fresh air. Looking


    at the view, the bright moonlight caught her eyes.


    It was strange how the moon seemed so near and yet so far. The more she thought about it, the more


    she saw how it embodied the distance between her and the Tang family.


    A few dayster, the charity auction began. Michelle Ling invited not only all the senior officials in G


    City to the event, but also many celebrities in the entertainment industry. The auction was sure to be


    the week''s biggest headline.


    Although Cassandra was well prepared mentally, when she arrived at the meeting ce, she was


    amazed at how grand the show was.


    There were spotlights on the red carpet, movie stars who were normally only seen on screen, wines


    and cakes everywhere, and these were only the tip of the iceberg. The event truly was borately


    decorated, saying a great deal about Michelle Ling''s remarkable taste.


    Wanting to stay lowkey, Cassandra chose a simple ck and white coat which covered to her tight, and


    a dark purple sweater dress. It was a neutral outfit that wouldn''t draw any attention.


    As she prepared for the event, Cassandra simply just wanted toe and have fun so she could


    adjust her mood, whichtely, had only been upset. With her current disposition, she didn''t want to be


    noticed.


    Suddenly, the room was bustling with an uproar. Someone in the crowd shouted, "There she is! There


    she is!"


    ''Who is it?'' frowned and curious, Cassandra looked to the crowd as she wondered.


    At the entrance of the venue, she saw a limo slowly rolling into the driveway, parking at the end of the


    red carpet.


    A member of the staff stepped forward and opened the door, making all the reporters aim their cameras


    in that direction.


    First that emerged from the limo was a pair of feet wearing diamond high heeled shoes.


    Looking up, people could see smooth, mesmerizing shanks as white as milk.


    The woman fully stepped out of the car, showcasing her striking green dress, reminiscent of Dorothy


    from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.


    It was Lyndsy¡ªher smoldering eyes and sexy lips were any man''s dream.


    The crowd went wild as everybody started shouting her name.


    "Lyndsy!"


    "Lyndsy, I love you!"


    Taking a moment to look at her, Cassandra realized that the woman in front of her was no other than


    Lyndsy, the famous actress.


    It was unbelievable to think that Michelle had even managed to invite her as well. Having just won Best


    Actress in a recent Film Festival, Lyndsy was a huge star. Cassandra found Michelle truly impressive.


    Several strong bodyguards wearing ck suits were walking around the famous actress to protect her


    from the crowd. There were cameras shing, crazy fans screaming, and reporters shoving each other


    all around her.


    Still, as she was admired so chaotically by the crowd, Lyndsy walked on the red carpet with grace.


    Being someone who enjoyed having the crowd''s attention, she got used to those lights shing,


    knowing exactly how to pose to get the best angle. Just like most of the characters she yed in her


    movies, Lyndsy was dignified and ssy.


    A sudden thought urred to Cassandra. With a roll of her eyes, she realized that it was the best time


    to enter the venue without getting noticed.


    Everyone''s attention was on Lyndsy, so she could slip past the crowd easily.


    However, an ident came up. While Lyndsy stood in the middle of the carpet, posing for the media,


    another group of people began arriving at the venue.


    The reporters were holding their heavy cameras, making it difficult for them to keep their bnce.


    When the crowd shoved, one of the reporters fell.


    What followed was a domino effect, several other reporters falling down one after another, and Lyndsy


    was about to get affected.


    As she posed in front of one camera, a nearby reporter threw his phone at her by ident as he fell,


    startling her and making her freeze in ce as the phone was about to hit her face.


    "Look out!"


    As if out of nowhere, Cassandra popped out of the crowd to push Lyndsy out of the way. Thanks to


    Cassandra''s quick thinking, the phone didn''t hit the star''s face and instead, fell to the ground.


    Lyndsy''s face was pale as she found herself at a loss for what to do.


    At this moment, a woman walked over to Lyndsy and whispered something to her.


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    "You can just go ahead. The sponsor will handle this."


    The woman''s words snapped Lyndsy out of her daze and she turned to Cassandra gratefully.


    Catching her breath, Lyndsy calmed herself down and walked down the red carpet but she didn''t feel


    truly relieved until Michelle came to greet andfort her.


    Putting a hand to her chest, Lyndsy thought about the incident just then. If it wasn''t for that woman, she


    would have made a fool of herself. Unfortunately, she didn''t have the opportunity to ask for the


    woman''s name as she had already left and disappeared quickly in the crowd.


    When Lyndsy looked around to find Cassandra, she got nothing and felt regretful as she couldn''t thank


    her.


    Meanwhile, as Cassandra looked for her seat, she was surprised to find it on the front row.


    Those seats were usually reserved for the VIPs and it seemed as though there were only ten of them.


    They included officials or celebrities and were definitely the focus of the crowd.


    ''How could I be assigned to sit in the front row?'' Cassandra thought to herself, ''It must be Rufus''s


    doing.''


    As a close friend of Michelle, he must have asked her to give Cassandra a front row seat, since he


    could even have her customize clothes for him.


    The thought of Rufus made her upset again. To help her, Rufus was busy dealing with the press and


    hadn''t been able to go home the past several days.


    While lost in her thoughts, someone called out to her.


    "Cassandra, we meet again!"


    When she turned around, she was met with Dylon''s charming face and bright smile.


    "What brings you here?"

 Chapter 89 We Meet Again

    Chapter 89 We Meet Again


    The surprise was evident on Cassandra''s face. The Dylon in front of her seemed to be a different Dylon


    from their previous encounters.


    Normally, she would see him dressed in casual clothes, making him look younger than he actually was.


    His aura was that of a boy-next-door; but now, he was dressed in a slick and chic navy pinstriped suit.


    Even she had to admit that he looked rather handsome and more mature than usual.


    "I knew Michelle from when we were both abroad. She''s my friend. We met at a film festival,"


    Seeing her shocked reaction upon meeting him, Dylon kindly exined.


    "Oh, I see."


    In that case, it made sense that Dylon would be here.


    "I didn''t expect that you and Michelle were such good friends that you''re sitting in the front."


    With a wink at Cassandra, he gestured to the VIP section. Because Dylon himself was assigned to the


    second row, it would indeed seem like Cassandra was really good friends with Michelle to get a front


    seat.


    "I''m just lucky to have gotten a seat here. In fact, I really don''t know her well enough. She''s a pretty big


    celebrity, after all."


    As she exined, a person walked towards her direction and sat down beside her. When she turned to


    see who it was, it gave her another big shock to see it was Lyndsy.


    Seeing that Cassandra was there as well, Lyndsy turned to her and smiled fondly.


    It couldn''t be helped that Cassandra was a little mesmerized by Lyndsy''s beauty. With a smile so warm,


    even Cassandra''s heart skipped a beat seeing it directed at her.


    "What a nice coincidence to meet you again here. Thank you for your help earlier."


    As she thanked Cassandra with a grateful tone, her bright smile never faltered.


    "Cassandra, you know Lyndsy?"


    Seeing their interaction, Dylon was rather surprised to see that the two were acquainted with each


    other. He never would have suspected that a humble person like Cassandra would know so many


    famous people.


    "Um... I actually just met her earlier."


    The reply was honest, as Cassandra didn''t even know how to exin to Dylon how they met. Just then,


    when she nced at the entry of the assembly hall, a few men and women walked in, dding in nice


    outfits that caught the crowd''s eye.


    The two in front walked arm in arm, sharing in conversation andughter. They truly made an attractive


    couple, but it was a shock for Cassandra to see Arthur and her sister Cloris together.


    It was normal, of course, for Arthur to be invited since the Dawn Star Company was very famous in G


    City.


    ''But why is Cloris here?'' Cassandra thought. ''More importantly, why is she here with Arthur? Did he


    invite her to apany him?'' The very idea puzzled Cassandra all of a sudden.


    Noticing that she was lost in her own thoughts, Dylon nced at the direction she was staring at and


    found Arthur standing by the entrance.


    "If I''ve guessed right, the man you''re looking at is the Dawn Star Company''s CEO, isn''t he?"


    Holding a thoughtful look on his face, he wondered how Cassandra knew Arthur as well. He was still


    curious about how she knew all these famous people.


    "Do you know him?"


    Hearing his words, she looked at Dylon curiously, because she didn''t think that the man in front of her


    would know someone like Arthur.


    "Well, sort of. My father knows his father."


    Though she found his answer rather vague, she didn''t press the issue further.


    To cut the conversation short, she turned around. As long as Arthur''s seat wasn''t near hers and she hid


    herself well, she wasn''t likely to be noticed by him.


    Meanwhile, on the other side, Arthur said to Cloris, "If you see something you like, just tell me so I can


    buy it for you."


    Although there was a gentle smile on Cloris''s face, his eyes turned rather thoughtful.


    "Thank you, but there''s no need for that. I''m already very happy that you even invited me to this grand


    event. How could I let you spend more money on me?"


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    With a sweet smile on her face, Cloris refused to ept his big offer. Still, she felt very delighted that


    he was even willing to offer her such an expensive gift.


    After the night she cut the strap on her sister''s dress and made Cassandra humiliate herself, Cloris


    received her internship performance evaluation from the Human Resource Department, saying that she


    performed rather poorly.


    Guessing that it might have had to do with Cassandra, Cloris couldn''t help but be angry at her sister for


    trying to scheme against her. With this held in her heart, she packed up her bags and went straight


    home, never contacting her sister again.


    Their mother told her the news that Cassandra had been ill and staying in a hospital for a while, but she


    didn''t bother calling her sister to ask about her well-being. The whole incident still displeased her


    greatly and she wasn''t about to forgive what she believed her sister had done to her.


    Instead, Cloris simply stayed on campus and continued thest year of her studies until she received


    Arthur''s invitation to the charity auction.


    As a senior, Arthur was known for being handsome and kind towards everyone. It would be a lie to


    herself if Cloris said she didn''t have any feelings for this man.


    In her heart, though, Rufus still had a great hold on her. No one could everpare with his perfection.


    Truly, she wanted Rufus and even hoped to snatch the golden bachelor sooner orter.


    "Ha, ha, that''s not a big deal, Cloris. The money will be donated anyway, so it''s good for charity."


    A gentle smile roaming over his face, his kind words made Cloris swoon. Even Cloris was fond of such


    a man.


    Their seats were in the second row. But as soon as they sat down, Cloris froze when she looked


    around and saw a very familiar face.


    Noticing her strange reaction, Arthur looked towards where she was staring, curious to look at who


    made her react in such a way. His eyesnded on a familiar woman.


    Because of the ce they were in, they could only see the back of her head and neck, but it was


    enough for Arthur to recognize Cassandra immediately.


    "You didn''t know that your sister would be here too?" he asked in a casual tone.


    Ever since Casandra beat him and won during thatst bidding, Arthur had grown more and more


    curious about her.


    While a beautiful woman, Cassandra was just aspetent. Still, she would stay low-key and didn''t try


    to unt that she was the daughter-inw of the Tang family in front of other people. Her true identity


    remained a secret in theirpany and it further sparked Arthur''s curiosity. Her character was


    mysterious, cryptic, and enticing, drawing him to want to get to know her better.


    Because of theirpetition with the Tang Group, Arthur couldn''t help but notice his rival, Rufus.


    Obviously, he had already told his people to collect data on the man, but they came back with only little


    information which he couldn''t understand. The ten years during which Rufus was supposedly abroad


    was a big mystery.


    In fact, when his people had found some information on Rufus, there didn''t seem to be any issues with


    the data. As soon as Arthur looked closer, though, he found that it was all a huge lie. Once, when he


    asked thepany that Rufus imed to work for, nobody had ever even heard of his name. His im


    to working there must have been a lie.


    Still, thepany''s name was clearly written in Rufus''s CV. It was too strange and Arthur couldn''t help


    but keep wondering what Rufus was up to when he was abroad.


    The Tang Group was a great threat to the Dawn Star Company, and Arthur was determined to beat out


    his rival in the future. Knowing more about the opponent''s CEO could only benefit them in the whole


    ordeal, so he couldn''t help but keep observing Rufus so as to find out more about him.


    Moreover, it seemed that there was also a ratherplicated rtionship between Rufus and


    Cassandra. Rumors spoke of them having stayed in Rome around the same time. Was it a


    coincidence?


    To dig in deeper at these rumors, Arthur intentionally cozied up to Cloris, Cassandra''s sister. He was


    certain it would make things easier for him to use her to get what he wanted.


    "I¡­


    I''ve been doing things for the student union, so I haven''t found any time to contact my sister."


    As she exined herself, Cloris stuttered a little bit; and there was an unnatural smile on her face,


    looking rather forced. Of course, Arthur didn''t miss it as he simply hummed and said nothing more.


    Did something happen between the two sisters? Why would Cloris react in such a way? Arthur''s eyes


    darkened as he got lost deeper and deeper in thought.


    At the same moment, Ivy appeared on the red carpet, arm in arm with Jill. The handsome man


    standing beside them was no other than Lionel.


    Not wanting to draw any attention to her baby bump, Ivy dressed a little more casually than usual. With


    a big stylish coat on, she could hide her belly well so that no one would realize that she was pregnant.


    Jill, on the other hand, dressed in a chic and stylish silver-striped ck suit. The clothes she wore were


    prepared by Ivy and they didn''t fail to make her appear younger and smarter. It truly pleased her.


    Beside them, Lionel didn''t look too happy. In fact, he had no interest in the charity auction at all, having


    been dragged along by his mother.


    Of course, his appearance still drew lots of attention. Being a famous dandy rich guy in G City, he could


    never escape a little spotlight. During the event, he came with his mother and girlfriend in front of the


    whole public. Did it mean that Lionel and Ivy had already gotten the Tang family''s approval? Were they


    getting married soon?


    Many questions formed in the crowd''s heads as the people began whispering and guessing. Everyone


    was just so curious that they could barely hold back as they wanted to walk up to the family and ask


    them about it right then and there.


    Lionel and the two women sat down in the middle row seats. There were so many people around that


    they didn''t notice Cassandra was also present.


    On the other side, Cassandra had no idea that her husband and mother-inw had also arrived with


    Lionel''s mistress because she had been keeping her head down the whole time. Knowing that Cloris


    and Arthur were sitting not too far from her, she didn''t want to look back.


    Right at that moment, Michelle walked up on stage, making the whole hall grow quiet as they knew the


    auction was finally about to officially begin.


    After giving a short speech, Michelle announced the rules of the auction, exining that the money


    would be donated to the foundation of rare diseases.


    Finally, the auction began. Exclusive haute-couture dresses were being auctioned off at great prices,


    piece by piece. All the guests were very excited as they raised good charity money with all the items.


    Atst, they came close to the end of the auction. With only one single piece left, an extravagant and


    beautiful dress was brought to the stage.


    It seemed as though even Michelle was terribly excited to present it as she gave a huge introduction


    about the magnificent dress.


    The traditional-style dress was designed by Michelle herself, as she gave the traditional wear a re


    with some new and bold adjustments. The dress was dotted by Swarovski crystals, making it shine so


    brightly under the lights on the stage as it sparkled. It was every woman''s dream.


    Originally, the dress belonged to a princess but she had donated it for auctioning during the charity


    event. It was a truly meaningful gift that had been delivered from a very distant country to the stage.


    Many royal women wanted to own it but weren''t even given a chance to have it.


    It was a pleasant surprise to see that the dress was at such an event. Everybody was yearning for it in


    no time.


    As a designer herself, Cassandra was well aware of the value and beauty of the dress. As soon as it


    appeared on stage, her eyes shone with excitement and her creative senses tingled. It was an utterly


    beautiful piece. No words could possibly capture its magic.


    Without realizing it, her mouth had gone agape upon seeing the dress. It was no wonder that it was the


    last item to be auctioned off today.


    For such a fine dress, having a reserve price of five hundred thousand was definitely rather low. As


    soon as Michelle announced the price, the crowd started buzzing as people began bidding against


    each other.


    It was not long before the price went up to three million.


    Releasing a quiet sigh, Cassandra simply epted that the price was out of reach. It seemed that she


    couldn''t have the dress after all.


    Not wanting to rely on the Qin family, she refused to use their money. At the same time, she also didn''t


    want to use up the Tang family''s money. She was simply not that kind of person.


    Three million was simply too high a price for her. It would cost her a few years'' worth of sry, after all.


    To use that kind of money on a dress was way too extravagant for her.


    "Three and a half million!"


    Suddenly, a woman called out to her with a high and shaky voice, full of excitement.


    When Cassandra recognized the voice, she immediately stunned. It was definitely Ivy!

 Chapter 90 A Precious Gift

    Chapter 90 A Precious Gift


    Cassandra looked around the auction hall and all she could see were a number of unfriendly, snooty


    and self-obsessed faces. Attending the auction with the Tang family was thest thing Cassandra


    wanted to do. More so when Rufus counldn''te along, she thought she would just somehow kill the


    time alone by attending this activity. But having to meet Cloris and Ivy just made it more suffocating for


    her. It''s true when they say one can''t avoid one''s enemy.


    Ivy''s voice pierced through the silence of the hall. And then it was soon followed by the price chasing


    game.


    Four million, five million, six million...and suddenly there were numbers buzzing and paddles being


    raised all across the hall.


    The most stylish women, the who''s who of the city, graced the hall persistently and passionately by


    raising their paddles for many top lots. Everyone''s eyes were sparkling with hope, expecting that they


    could win the precious gown.


    "Eight million!"


    Lyndsy raised her paddle and uttered her price clearly. A bunch of well styled heads turned towards her


    following her voice.


    A live broadcast of this spectacr event was going on over the giant screen. The camera panned on


    Lyndsy and Cassandra, who were sharing the same table. And suddenly Cassandra''s face shed on


    the big screen. Absolutely unprepared and unexpected, she came to be noticed by everyone in the hall


    which made her feel rather awkward.


    Jill was the first to spot Cassandra. She opened her mouth in surprise and patted Ivy on the shoulder.


    "Look, Ivy!" And she pointed at the screen.


    Ivy moved her eyes to follow the direction Jill was pointing at and looked towards the screen. And her


    eyes stilled over the two most elegant and gorgeous faces as pretty as roses. They were so attractive


    and bereft of any kind of malice.


    Over the screen Lyndsy and Cassandra were seen exchanging looks. Lyndsy lowered her head and


    whispered something to Cassandra''s ear, and then both of them smiled happily. The beautiful


    camaraderie shared by the two of them made quite a sight for the eyes that were gazing up at the


    screen.


    The amity shared between them, made people who did not know much about them feel that they were


    such close friends.


    However, Ivy could not keep her eyes on the smiling face of Cassandra for a long time.


    She just turned her face promptly towards Jill and said, "Auntie Jill, I had nned to win this dress for


    your collection. But now it seems to be a difficult task. Look at her, Cassandra''s friend, Lyndsy. It looks


    like she is holding the trump card,"


    Ivy clenched her paddle and gritted her teeth. No matter what the result would be, she had to at least


    win Jill''s faith.


    Jill''s face became ashen as she fixed her seething gaze at Cassandra¡ªthe one woman she could not


    bear the sight of. She could clearly remember how the Tang family had a narrow escape from getting


    involved in aw suit thanks to Cassandra''s act of giarism. That woman was the root cause. Had it


    not been for Horace who defended Cassandra, she would have bombarded her with every cursing


    word she knew.


    Jill muttered under her breath, ''Her mistake was an unpardonable blunder. But shouldn''t she be locking


    up in the room and reflecting on herself? How dare she show up so happily at this auction? What a


    shameless woman!''


    Sitting on the chair, Lionel could not stop himself from admiring the radiant beauty of Cassandra that


    was a befitting match to the elegant Lyndsy who was sitting by her side. His gaze froze at her mildly


    smiling face as he thought, ''People who did not know her must have thought her to be a star or


    something like that.''


    Ivy peeked at Lionel only to find that his eyes were fixed on the screen. She winced her face as the


    look on Lionel''s face tugged at her heartstring but on the wrong note.


    She kept her eyes painfully fixed on Lionel, witnessing his admiration towards Cassandra. And her


    mind went back to the time when she had seen the same gaze in his eyes before. It was the time when


    Lionel met her for the first time. She remembered how he stared at her silently with such deep eyes.


    Lionel seemed absolutely unrmed by Ivy''s eyes being on him as he could not remove his gaze from


    Cassandra''s face.


    Knowing that Ivy could notpete with Lyndsy, Jill was not reconciled at all. That woman, Lyndsy,


    seemed to be quite intimate with Cassandra. In any case, Jill decided that she would not allow Lyndsy


    to win that dress. She thought that was the most she could do to make Cassandra feel upset.


    "Ten Million!"


    thus Jill raised her paddle and called out her price.


    The well groomed heads turned once again to follow the voice and there was pin drop silence in the


    hall as everybody just exchanged looks with absolutely startled eyes. Ten million! This price just went


    far beyond everybody''s reach.


    Lyndsy maintained a cool and nonchnt expression on her face. Rather she just smiled distantly, with


    disdainful and teasing expression on her face. Her lips curved to one side as she cast a quick nce


    on Jill. Then raising her paddle with a decided look, she uttered, "Twenty million!"


    Everyone gasped at the bid now. It was just too high!


    Ivy was stunned as well. She was surprised to hear Jill''s bid price since she had never expected Jill to


    be so excited to bid for herself. But what was more surprising was that Lyndsy offered twenty million at


    one time!


    Jill was infuriated. The breathing pattern changed as she sat there seething in anger. She was not


    ready to take this challenge lying down. Jill straightened her spine, sped her paddle and readied


    herself to announce her bid. But Ivy held her hand and stopped her.


    "Auntie Jill, don''t. She came here to win today!"


    Jill was unwilling to give in. She could not tolerate others challenging her orpeting with her. What


    took the peace of her mind all the more was that Lyndsy was Cassandra''s friend!


    She narrowed her eyes towards Cassandra. Now she hated her all the more.


    Finally, Lyndsy won the dress. At the end of the auction, Michelle invited Lyndsy to give the winner''s


    speech.


    Lyndsy epted the invitation. There was a mysterious smile on her face as she addressed the guests


    who were present in the hall, "Here I''d like to announce something openly. Hopefully, you''re not


    thinking me to be hitting the headline."


    Everyone looked at the enigmatic Lyndsy, the winner of the best actress award on the film festival that


    took ce not so long ago, waiting for her to speak.


    "I wanted to win the dress today. But I did not want it for my own collection. I wanted to make some


    contribution to the rare diseases foundation. This dress once belonged to a princess. I''m afraid it will


    only get piled up on my shelf if I take it home, and I''ll be the only one to appreciate its beauty, which is


    not something that I want. I don''t want it to stay idle inside my wardrobe,"


    she paused for a second and then continued, "therefore, I''d like to send it to one of my friends.


    And this friend of mine is, Cassandra Qin!"


    The very mention of the name broke the silence inside the hall and the noise of low voices and


    whispers spread through the hall. Everyone was surprised and started discussing with each other,


    "Cassandra Qin? Who is Cassandra?"


    Jill literally bounced out of her seat. Her eyes popped out as she stared at Lyndsy. This was just


    unbelievable for her.


    "What?"


    Cassandra was bbergasted to hear her name in Lyndsy''s mouth. She stared at her with her jaws


    dropped.


    It was the first time that she had met Lyndsy. Even though they had spoken to each other, she had


    merely just told Lyndsy her name. But Lyndsy smiled happily revealing her intention to pass on the


    dress to Cassandra. Cassandra creased her brows and tried to decipher the reason behind this gesture


    shown by Lyndsy.


    Why did Lyndsy want to give the dress to Cassandra? Cassandra was utterly confused and shocked.


    Was this a free lunch? That was just too shocking to be real. Cassandra could not believe her ears!


    Lyndsy looked at Cassandra with a smile on her face. The shutterbugs followed Lyndsy''s eyes and in a


    matter of a few moments the cameras started shing in front of Cassandra''s face, blinding her with


    the lights.


    The Miss Etiquette walked towards Cassandra and led her to the center of the stage. Cassandra''s


    mind was in a mess. She just followed the Miss Etiquette like a puppet and stood on the stage looking


    completely nk. Now, since she was on the stage already, she could not shy away from making a


    speech.


    She took a deep sigh and thought how she wanted to keep a low-profile attending this auction. And


    now things turned out to bepletely the other way round.


    Cassandra forced a smile on her face and greeted the guests. Her addressing speech was proper and


    decent, receiving a well deserving round of apuse.


    Looking at Cassandra getting all the media attention, Cloris clenched her fists in anger and jealousy.


    ''Why? Why Cassandra is always so lucky? Lyndsy even promised to send such an expensive and


    precious dress as a gift to her!'' Cloris thought to herself.


    "Your sister is not destined to be an ordinary girl. She will eventually get on a bigger stage and be


    famous!"


    Arthurmented to Cloris while apuding with others.


    "Yeah, sure. My sister is excellent, as always!"


    Cloris held back her anger and smiled sweetly. However, in her mind, she was seething with anger and


    cursing Cassandra.


    Jill stood up with a dark face.


    "Let''s go! There is nothing interesting here anymore. What a hypocrite!"


    Ivy stood up as well to show regards to Jill. Seeing the seething anger on Jill''s face, she felt somewhat


    delighted.


    She heaved a sigh trying to conceal her smile. After this, Cassandra had hit the top ce in Jill''s hate


    list. What else could Ivy ask for?


    ''Oh, Cassandra! Even though you had that dress, you have lost it badly with Jill! No one can help you,


    well, too bad, '' Ivy thought to herself.


    The auction was over. Cassandra bit her lower lip as she felt awkward to receive the dress. She


    hesitated as she approached Lyndsy, trying to find words to reject her gift.


    "Lyndsy, I really appreciate your being so nice to me. But it''s just...this gift is too expensive. I just can''t


    ept it,"


    Cassandra stated in an extremely earnest tone. In her opinion, pretending to ept the gift politely and


    giving a thankful speech in front the media were enough. She could never ept such an expensive


    gift from anyone, no matter what. It was worth twenty million, after all!


    "Actually, the gift is not from me. Someone wants to gift it to you through my hands. You don''t need to


    thank me."


    Lyndsy smiled as she raised her eyebrows and caught the petrified look on Cassandra''s clueless face


    when she heard Lyndsy''s words.


    "Not from you?" Then who is it from?"


    Cassandra thought Lyndsy was trying to convince her to ept the dress bying up with an


    excuse. It was Lyndsy who bade during the auction. There was no one else with her. Was it possible


    that there was someone who made her to do this on his or her behalf?


    "Why don''t you just stop asking? Someone asked me to do this today. But what happened on the red


    carpet earlier was absolutely unexpected. You have helped me. And I got to know you better. So, have


    I been a good actress today? What do you say? Huh?"


    Lyndsy smiled mysteriously as she spoke. She really liked Cassandra. Not everyone would like to offer


    a hand to a stranger, after all. Most of the time, people would prefer to stay away from such hassles.


    However, questions kept popping in Cassandra''s mind. Someone asked her to do this? Cassandra''s


    face became tense as she tried hard to figure out the mind behind this act.


    Whoever it was must have been equally influential and wealthy to have asked the best actress to put


    up this act? And how much that person might have paid her for this act?


    Why that ''someone'' wanted her to do this? What was his purpose by sending her this expensive dress?


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    As Cassandra remained lost in her thoughts, Lyndsy left the hall guarded by her bodyguards. Finding


    Cassandra standing alone with a stiff frown on her face oblivious to the surrounding, Michelle walked


    up to her and patted her on the shoulder to bring her back from her reverie.


    "How do you feel? I''m afraid you will really hit the headline tomorrow. Oh my god! A twenty million''s


    dress. He is so generous!"


    ''He!'' Cassandra seemed have grabbed a clue in her words. She turned towards her hastily and asked,


    "Do you know him?"


    Cassandra opened her eyes widely as she requested for the information from Michelle. She felt that the


    truth was about toe out.


    "Ha ha. A y on my stage. How could I not know him?"


    Michelle replied with a question and smiled. She felt that Cassandra was pretty cute with her eyes


    staring wide.


    "Who is he? Please don''t keep me guessing. I have to return it to him,"


    Cassandra pleaded Michelle for the answer. The dress worth twenty million was just like a hot potato.


    She could not bear to hold it for long, especially not knowing who it was from.


    "I promised him to keep it a secret. So I''m afraid I can''t tell you now. But don''t worry. I''m sure you''ll


    come to know about it very soon! There''s still something I need to take care of. I have to go now. Bye."


    Michelle walked away after finishing her words, leaving Cassandra alone. A possible name was


    wandering in her mind. The name of the mysterious man was on the tip of her tongue.


    She could not believe that it could be him. But he was the only possible one.


    When her dress got spoilt the other day and she ran on the street aimlessly, he had told her, "Don''t be


    afraid, Cassandra. I will send you a unique dresster. I promise you!"

 Chapter 91 The Dream In Her Girlhood

    Chapter 91 The Dream In Her Girlhood


    When she was just a little girl, she had a lot of dreams.


    Once she had dreamed that she was a prized princess who was about to be wed to a handsome


    prince. The wedding was grand, no expense was spared. They were locked in embrace in the middle of


    the huge hall full of friends and family witnessing their union. She looked joyful and was smiling from


    ear to ear.


    When she woke up from the dream, her face had been blushing and scarlet from the romantic event. It


    had been years that she could still vividly remember that wedding dream.


    It was in a frost-touched kingdom, full of snow and ice. Her tiara was sculpted by the finest crafstman in


    all of thend, made from crystal clear ice. It was iid with diamonds which reminded her of the clear


    and sparkling eyes of the prince.


    She was also wearing a long skirt weaved from gold and silver threads, which dazzled in the icy


    environment.


    But now... Holding and looking at therge box containing the precious dress in her arms, a radiant


    smile graced her lips.


    Early morning the next day, Cassandra opened her eyes to the light of dawn trickling from the window


    blinds. She sat up, rubbed her eyes and stretched herzy arms before she stood up and groggily went


    to the bathroom to run a bath. After she was clean, refreshed and fully awake, she went out of her


    room, intent on going downstairs to have some breakfast.


    Her phone buzzed when she was in the middle of the stairs. She tapped the ept button on the


    touchscreen and pressed the phone against her ear. Ste''s high pitched voice hurt her ear a bit.


    "Cassandra, I searched every nook and cranny of the archives center and found something! Get here


    stat!"


    Feeling the intense anxiety in Ste''s voice, Cassandra went back to the room to change into her work


    clothes.


    As Cassandra hurried downstairs and proceeded to the door, Horace and Jill were having breakfast at


    the nearby table. Jill started to mutter in her usual sour tone, ncing at Cassandra from the corner of


    her eyes, "Someone''s manners are degrading everyday, it seems. She even ignores the inws now!"


    Horace''s eyebrows furrowed in irritation as he turned to look at Cassandra with a scowl.


    The main reason why he appointed her as the Tang Group''s design manager was because she had


    won many awards abroad, as well as her impable school record. And she was his daughter-inw,


    a member of Tang family.


    But things had apparently changed now.


    Lionel had no love for Cassandra and was having a baby with Ivy now, while Cassandra was in the


    middle of a shameful giarism rumour. At the very least, there was still no evidence that could


    vindicate her. It was hard to predict how the situation would develop.


    It would be good if her innocence could be proven muchter, but if not¡­ An icy gleam radiated from


    his eyes.


    He would never feel an ounce of sympathy for anyone who might smear the good reputation of the


    Tang Group. The corporation was the property of his great family. Everything and everybody must


    sacrifice for the greater good of the Tang Group at all cost!This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    Cassandra drove her beetle fast towards the Tang Group. She parked her car in theplex and


    headed straight towards the entrance. When she entered, she noticed the people''s looks and the


    sudden change of atmosphere when she passed by the reception.


    Unlike before, she wasn''t even greeted by the weing staff or called ''Manager Qin'' any more.


    Everybody seemed to avoid eye contact with her, some even outright going out of their way to avoid


    her. It was as if she was a gue carrier. People were whispering around her as she walked briskly


    past them.


    She closed her eyes just to take a deep breath and kept walking. Inwardly, sheforted herself, ''It''s


    okay! Calm down, Cassandra. As long as you can obtain the evidence to prove your innocence, this


    situation won''tst long!''


    As soon as she walked in the archives center, Ste came running and held her hand to lead her


    across the rows and rows of shelvesden with books, until they ultimately stopped at one.


    "Here, we have all the finished design drafts and documents from the design department. You asked


    me to dig deeper, and I did. I came here to review the personnel archives. And I flipped through some


    files on this shelf. Guess what I found!"


    Ste beamed at Cassandra, her eyes gleamed with excitement. After Cassandra''s silence, she just


    took out a piece of paper from the file she was holding, and handed it to Cassandra.


    Cassandra looked down to read it, then a chill ran down her spine.


    Wasn''t this her original design draft for the shopping mall?


    Wait, no, this wasn''t hers, since this was drawn more illegibly.


    The content was almost the same as hers, yet it was someone else''s hand that had drawn this.


    Cassandra''s hands began to tremble. She lookd through the draft one more time, her jaw dropped and


    her throat felt parched.


    Ste reached out and rubbed her back as a gesture offort.


    "There, there. Calm down! We have more work to do. I am lucky today. I just happen to find this


    document. I recognize your handwriting, the design draft should not be ssified on this shelf. How can


    it be filed here?"


    Cassandra''s thoughts were in chaos, then suddenly, all became clear. A scene yed out in her mind.


    On pair of hands was scribbling on a piece of paper beside her very design.


    But who did those hands belong to? Who on earth would set her up?


    "I think I have a solution. I''ll think of an excuse that''ll be able to gather everyone''s handwriting in the


    design department. That''ll help us find out who did this."


    Ste was carefree on a normal day, but when it was really needed, she had the best ideas under


    pressure.


    Cassandra, on the other hand, was nowpletely lost. Her mind was clouded with shock and rage.


    It must have been an insider!


    She remembered saying to Rufus that someone outside her department must have done this.


    Because she never thought it was possible that one of her colleagues would do such a thing.


    But the sight of the strange draft gave her shivers.


    She closed her eyes, and started ying back to the time when she spent overtime working with her


    subordinates. Not a word ofint came from them, and they pulled off many outstanding results


    under her leadership.


    However, who could have known that the same intimate subordinate was the one who stabbed her in


    the back?


    As Cassandra opened her eyes slowly, calm and reason hade flooding back. She could think


    clearly again.


    "Ste, don''t talk to anyone about this. I''ll take care of this myself!"


    She wanted to root out the bastard who did this. Did that person hold a grudge against her? She


    wanted to truly know what had pushed the person tomit such an act.


    giarisim was like a crucifixion to a designer.


    It meant dishonesty. It immediately spelled the death throes of her design career.


    No, for Cassandra, it would be so much worse. If her innocence could not be proved, she would lose


    everything.


    She was well aware as to why her parents married her into the Tang family. For the Qin family, one of


    her greatest achievements was being the daughter-inw of the Tang family.


    However, she didn''t want to be an idle housewife, leading a boring life, only subsisting on her


    husband''s money. She insisted on going to Rome to study design.


    She believed that she could be more useful if she was proficient in a profession.


    She threw herself into her studies and ended up winning a number of awards, earning the respect of


    the Tang family.


    She made it.


    Her designs brought great benefits to the Tang Group and earned her praises from all its members.


    But as the rumour about her giarizing someone else''s work spread, her honor was diminshed.


    "Cassandra, let me know immediately if you find out the asshole. I''ll kick his ass."


    Ste was visibly indignant and her obvious concern for her friend made Cassandra feel warm all over.


    Aside from Rufus who totally trusted her, she also had Ste.


    Suddenly, Cassandra''s guilty conscience reminded her of all the things she had been keeping from


    Ste.


    "Ste and Cassandra, are you inside?"


    A man''s gruff voice can be heard from outside the door.


    "Damn it! How did Victor know we were here? I just went through some files! Does that count as some


    kind ofpany rule vition?"


    Ste murmured to herself, slight apprehension evident on her expression.


    Cassandra and Ste stepped out together. Victor got a bit nervous at the sight of Ste, feeling


    awkward all of a sudden. He didn''t know where to put his hands.


    "Cassandra, Mr. Luo knows you''re here. He said to meet him at his office."


    Rufus had eyes everywhere in this ce for sure. Cassandra took a deep breath.


    A disturbing thought crossed her mind, ''Am I being stalked?''


    She quickly dismissed the thought. Rufus would have absolutely no reason to stalk her.


    Victor started walking in the direction of Rufus''s office, with Cassandra in tow. When they entered, they


    found the senior executive facing the window. He turned his head briefly to look at Cassandra, but then


    looked back out the window again immediately after. She let out a sigh of relief, because he didn''t


    seem to be in a bad mood.


    "So here I am, Mr. Luo. What can I do for you?"


    she said, looking at Rufus''s sculpted back.


    Strangely, she could still feel his warm gaze even with his back turned. It felt like sunlight in a cold


    winter afternoon.


    "Do you like my gift?" he uttered.

 Chapter 92 Who Is the Culprit

    Chapter 92 Who Is the Culprit


    Cassandra held her breath as she took in Rufus''s figure silhouetted against the soft light¡ªthe warm


    hues traced his skin and gave him an ethereal glow as if she was beholding a vision. Her heartbeat


    picked up its pace, shivering as the sight of him warmed her.


    She looked down at the gift in her hands. At once, painnced through her chest.


    "I¡­I can''t. It''s too precious. I don''t deserve it," she said, tasting the bittersweet on her tongue.


    The gift was much too priceless, as she knew that it was more than just a present. It was as if Rufus''s


    feelings were stitched in every thread. Cassandra closed her eyes against the feeling tugging at her


    chest. She would not be selfish.


    He had kept his word. It was more than enough.


    Rufus strode to Cassandra with slow steps, carefullying closer to her.


    "If you really think so, then be mine," he said softly, shading her from the sun. It was a futile act¡ªthe


    sun held noparison to his brilliance.


    The nearness of him did not help Cassandra''s pounding chest. She was left at a loss as Rufus once


    again dered his feelings for her. But he was her brother-inw. There was no way they could be


    together.


    She stepped back and gathered her emotions, determined to keep them impervious.


    "Mr. Luo," she started, "I am going to return the gift to you."


    Rufus furrowed his brows at the way she addressed him. A shadow crossed in his dark brown pupils.


    The smile on his lips died, like a candle blown out by the wind. Her words fell on him like a bucket of


    cold water.


    It was a puzzle, even to himself, how much this woman would affect him. It was as if his body was


    automatically on the move even before he could think about his actions. When he learned of the dress,


    his first thought was to get it for Cassandra.


    He knew that Cassandra was feeling depressed. She had devoted all of herself to her design, but all


    she got was the usation of being a copycat.


    Rufus had everything arranged carefully at the auction, taking all the steps he could to win her heart.


    Moreover, he wanted to show the person behind this that Cassandra was no weakling¡ªshe had very


    strong backing and would fight back.


    Rufus looked into her eyes, and at once he knew that he could not push her any further. She looked at


    him as if one more word would make her break. And he did not want to be the reason for that


    expression. He took a deep breath and turned to sit in his chair, steeling himself to act professionally.


    "Director Tong and the government of G City are working together to build a superrge-scale nursing


    home in the suburbs to solve the growing problem of excessive numbers of admission waiting in line.


    He, together with other people involved, rmends you as the designer for the nursing home."


    Rufus slowly exined the reason why he called for Cassandra, his face wearing an expression of


    seriousness.


    Jenks Tong had already heard about the reason for Cassandra''s suspension, but he insisted that


    Cassandra should be the designer for the project. It came as quite a surprise.


    It was expected that the group would not get huge profits from such government project, but there were


    other advantages. Once the news came out, the public would look at them with favor; and if they got on


    well with the government, it would beneficial for future connections.


    The members on the board of directors also knew about this. Although there were some objections, an


    overwhelming majority voted to appoint Cassandra for this project.


    Jenks was very influential, and since it was him who had chosen Cassandra, the person in charge from


    the government had no objections.


    "Very well," Cassandra replied. "So does that mean I could return to my duties?"


    Cassandra recalled her conversation with Jenks that night. She had let it slip that she was feeling


    caged and wanted to break away. She knew he understood what she meant, but why did he help her?


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    "Go to meet Director Tong this afternoon and consult him about the design of the nursing home. You


    can start the design tomorrow,"


    Rufus said in a clipped tone. His voice was hard and there was nothing of the earlier softness in his


    eyes.


    Cassandra knew that her refusal hurt him. She bowed politely and walked out of the office without


    saying anything more. At this point, there was nothing she could say that would make him feel better.


    The moment she closed the door, she heard a loud crash as Rufus''s fist mmed on the desk. It was


    as if the impact went directly to her and she jolted from surprise, but she didn''t turn back.


    ''Rufus, '' she thought closing her eyes and breathing deeply, ''If I hadn''t been married, I would have had


    epted your love. But the facts are against us. We can''t be together.''


    Victor was waiting outside. Upon seeing Cassandrae out, he nodded to her and hurried inside


    Rufus''s office.


    Rufus was holding his head and massaging the temple. Victor hesitated for a moment before delivering


    the papers in his hand to him.


    "Mr. Luo, I have gotten some clues about the case," he informed him.


    Rufus brought his hand down from his head and looked over the papers.


    "We started with the engineering department in H City and found out that the designer was an


    American. He had never been to China before. ording to his statements, he was not aware that his


    design had been giarized, and imed that it was his original design. Aside from this, he also


    commented that the Chinese were famous for their knock-offs."


    As Victor exined his findings, a frown knotted in Rufus''s forehead.


    The designer was an American? It didn''t make sense. After Cassandra returned home, he kept track of


    her whereabouts very closely. She had never contacted anyone from any foreign country. Except for


    that business trip with him, she had never stepped foot on foreign soil.


    Moreover, she only interacted with the staff. It was impossible for the information to be leaked, unless¡­


    Perhaps there was a mole.


    Rufus was silent for some moments as he thought things over. "Go on with the investigation," he


    instructed Victor. "Check who that designer usually is in contact with. I want a detailed report."


    There was a mysterious glint in his cold eyes as he spoke.


    Cassandra was not someone who would giarize a foreigner''s design. She had too much pride to


    stoop to that level. The only usible exnation was that someone else stole her design. It could only


    be one of the people who worked around her.


    He recalled her saying that insiders were out of this. At the thought, Rufus sighed helplessly.


    For someone so mature, she could be so naive and gullible, which was one of the reasons why it was


    impossible for him to leave her alone.


    Cassandra went to Jenks''s hospital in the afternoon. His secretary informed her that he was in a


    meeting and led Cassandra to wait in his office.


    It was a simple, and tastefully furnished space. Andscape painting hung on the wall, and was a


    testament to the owner''s good eye.


    On the desk was a frame with a picture of a young couple and their son.


    The man, who was possibly Jenks in his younger days, was smiling. His wife had delicate features, and


    the boy inherited their good looks. He had curved eyebrows and a charming smile.


    The door opened once again as the secretary led someone in and said, "Please wait in the office.


    Director Tong wille after the meeting."


    Then he left and closed the door.


    Cassandra looked to the direction of the door and her eyes widened in amazement. The person who


    came in turned out to be none other than Dylon Tong.


    What a coincidence!


    Dylon was evidently surprised as well, but a big smile broke in his face as he walked to her.


    "Are you here to meet my father?" he asked.


    What? Father?


    Cassandra looked at the picture on the desk and then at Dylon. She remembered that Dylon knew a lot


    about animals, and Jenks once told her that his son liked taking photographs of animals. ''So Dylon


    must be Jenks Tong''s son then, '' she thought amusedly to herself.


    Looking at her wide-eyed expression, Dylon tapped her forehead gently with his forefinger.


    "Hey, what are you thinking about? Why are you here for my father?" he asked again, smiling at her.


    Cassandra was pulled back to reality at his question.


    "Well, I have something to discuss with Director Tong. For work," she answered.


    As they were talking, Jenks opened the door and came in. He smiled at Cassandra and Dylon, the


    warmth in his eyes mirroring his son''s. Their simrity was uncanny.


    "Cassandra, I haven''t seen you for some time. I heard you were not feeling well. Are you better now?"


    he asked though his expressionced with worry.


    His concern touched Cassandra and she smiled at him.


    "Thank you for asking, Director Tong. I''m much better now."


    As his father ignored him, Dylon touched his nose retreating to the sofa, then picked up a newspaper


    and began reading it.


    It was only an initial discussion, so Cassandra did not mind Dylon''s presence.


    "Director Tong, I would like to ask you about your thoughts on the design of the nursing home,"


    Cassandra began, sitting at the desk opposite him and taking out a pen and a pad for notes.


    Jenks considered for a moment and then answered, "Well, it''s a government project, and there is a


    large area allocated for it. With the size, one of the main objectives is of its multi-functional feature.


    There should be with dormitories, canteens, and entertainment facilities. Aside from these, we would


    also need an outpatient department for the medical staff..." he trailed off and then turned to her. "Do


    you have any other new ideas?"


    Jenks had always regarded Cassandra highly. He thought she was an honest woman and a skilled


    designer.


    When he heard that she was involved in giarism scandal and got suspended, he knew there must


    have been a mistake. She simply did not have it in her to do something like it. He wanted to help her


    out, so he appointed her as the designer of the nursing home.


    "So here is what I think..."


    Cassandra drew on her pad quickly and then showed the sketch to Jenks.


    "I did an ocr check there this morning. As you said, it''s really a big area, but I think it will be wasteful


    if we don''t make use of the greening area. Why don''t we designate a portion of the space for nting


    fruit trees or seedlings? The elders who are still able to and interested can help with nting. Products


    from the trees can help create profits for the nursing home for their use and make the best of their


    spare time at the same time."


    Jenks listened as Cassandra exined her ideas. A smile formed on his lips. He knew he had made


    the right decision.

 Chapter 93 His Intensive Eyes

    Chapter 93 His Intensive Eyes


    Seeing the contented smile on Jenks''s face encouraged Cassandra to go on with sharing her ideas.


    "Nursing homes aren''t just a ce for elders to kill time. We can build it into a three-bedroom


    apartment where elders can actually live together, chatting, making friends, and having fun. This will


    make them feel like they are living in an actual home instead."


    Jenks nodded, signalling his approval.


    "I need you to work overtime the next few days to finish the design. Even though I''m appointing you to


    this case, you still have to work hard and deliver a good design to be able to convince the shareholders


    that you''re the right person for this project. Do your best and show them what you''ve got!"


    "Thank you Director Tong for the opportunity! I won''t let you down!"


    Cassandra appreciated his confidence in her and it solidified her resolve.


    As Cassandra packed her things to leave, Dylon stood up and said, "Father, I''d like to walk Cassandra


    out."


    He then left the office with Cassandra.


    "Can we have a walk together?"


    Dylon asked as he sighed to himself.


    The usual smile on Dylon''s face was reced by a concerned look, alerting Cassandra that something


    was upsetting him.


    "What''s wrong? You don''t look like your usual self,"


    Cassandra asked with a hint of worry in her voice.


    Dylon had saved her life in the past, so her heart aches as the once cheerful Dylon was now wrapped


    in worry. She decided to try and take some pressure off his shoulders.


    "I was nning to tell my father that I''ll be going away for a trip next week. But I don''t have the heart to


    hurt his feelings, he works so hard at this old age,"


    Dylon confessed with a rueful look on his face as his mind went into turmoil.


    Cassandra suddenly recalled what Jenks said to her the other night, "My son doesn''t want to take over


    the family business and just keeps to his interest... He wants to go to the tropical forests, the


    grasnds, and the deserts. He brought his camera equipment and stayed there for months at a


    time..."


    In the past, Cassandra was able to persuade Jenks to ept his son''s hobbies and cheer up. Maybe


    he would change his mind one day and grant his father''s wishes.


    But the truth was that Dylon really wasn''t interested in all about the family business. Jenks had no other


    choice but to find a new sessor which was very difficult for him. He worked all his life in the hospital.


    How could he hand it over to anyone else other than his son?


    He wanted Dylon to take it over. No one else.


    But, to avoid fighting with his own son, he did not force the job upon him. This was why Dylon was able


    to stick to his hobbies all those years.


    Cassandra thought about what to say for a minute. Sheposed herself then said, "Dylon, I have to


    tell you something. Let''s go to the aisle over there."


    The serious expression on Cassandra''s face told Dylon that what she had to say was very important.


    So he didn''t ask any questions and simply walked with her to the aisle.


    As summer wasing to an end, the crepe myrtle bushes had all but gone. It was now very


    comfortable to bath under the sunshine during the warm afternoon.


    "Dylon, what I''m about to say should stay between you and me. Please keep this a secret if you value


    me as your friend,"


    Cassandra said in earnest and Dylon nodded at her approvingly.


    "Of course I will keep your secret! Don''t worry about it, Cassandra."


    Cassandra gathered her thoughts for a minute and started telling Dylon her story.


    Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    She recounted how her family business went bankrupt so her parents married her to Lionel as a trade-


    off to help the family. She then told him her dream and the dilemma she was trapped in, essentially


    repeating what she said to his father the other day.


    Dylon''s face slowly became serious as he listened to Cassandra''s story and his eyes softened a bit.


    Cassandra shrugged as she finished her story.


    "You see, everyone has their own struggles. But we all have the right to choose the life we want the


    same as you have the right to refuse to take over your family business.


    Even though my husband doesn''t like me, I never regret marrying him. Because I did it for my parents.


    They brought me to the world and raised me up. I can''t ignore them to chase my own dreams.


    My parents are getting older by the day. I need to grit my teeth and take whatever life has to give


    because we simply just can''t lose the Qing group."


    Cassandra felt a sudden rush of relief as the words left her mouth.


    She actually did not want her colleagues know about her background. Otherwise they might treat her


    favorably because of her parents. She wanted to earn everything by what she did, not her name.


    Cassandra told Dylon everything because he and his father were different from her colleagues, they


    were both kind and he had helped her.


    Something inside her still hoped that the two could still smooth over their differences and became close


    again. She knew what it felt to grow away from one''s family, and she did not want it to happen to Dylon.


    Dylon felt a hard thumping on his chest as his heart raced. He did not expect that Cassandra was


    already married, more so in an arranged marriage by her parents.


    Suddenly, he recalled the day he was able to pull the upset Cassandra out of the way of a fast moving


    car.


    Now, Cassandra was able to make him see the situation in a whole new light as he was struggling


    between two choices.


    People certainly had the right to chase their dream, but they still had to take their family, especially their


    parents, into consideration.


    "I will think carefully about it. Thank you for sharing your secret with me, Cassandra,"


    he said sincerely with tearsing out of his eyes.


    Cassandra smiled, her beauty shining brightly under the sunshine.


    It was warm inside the Tang mansion. Jill and Ivy chatted on the ground floor when Cassandra got back


    home. It seemed as if they were mother-inw and daughter-inw and Cassandra was the third


    wheel.


    "I''m home."


    Cassandra greeted Jill and turned around to go upstairs.


    "Wait, Cassandra, why couldn''t you just stay at home since you''ve been suspended now? Work doesn''t


    matter. You know you should take care of the household chores, right?"


    Jillined with a disappointed look. Cassandra, her daughter-inw, was no better than Ivy. The


    latter was able to help her with different chores and take a huge load off her shoulder.


    It was understandable because Cassandra was always busy with work before. But now, since she was


    suspended for giarism, why did she still go out every day instead of helping out in the house? Jill


    couldn''t hold down her anger whenever she thought about it.


    "The Company just got a new case and Rufus appointed me to it and reinstated me,"


    Cassandra exined to Jill respectfully.


    She knew Jill had a bad temper and couldn''t bear someone talk back to her. She would blow up at


    Cassandra if the she dared to annoy her.


    "Rufus? Him? How is he powerful enough to reinstate you at thepany?"


    Jill snarled as her eyebrows arched in contempt.


    In the first ce, she already didn''t get along with Rufus. And now he reinstated Cassandra? It irritated


    her a lot.


    "It was voted on by the board. Rufus just updated her with the decision. I was actually present when


    they voted for it."


    A male voice came from the door as Lionel walked in on them and exined with a frown.


    Jill pulled a long face as Lionel defended Cassandra. She was about to scold Cassandra due to her


    absence today but didn''t expect Lionel to get involved at the moment. It annoyed her so much to see


    her son take Cassandra''s side.


    Ivy almost lost her temper as Lionel talked for Cassandra, but she managed to hold it back.


    The air in the room was bing tense and Cassandra knew something was wrong, so she made up


    an excuse to go back to her room. Jill gave out a snort but Cassandra simply did her best to ignore it.


    She had been holding a grudge against Cassandra, and the daughter-inw just never tried to please


    her. Even though her parents married her to Lionel as a trade-off, Cassandra was actually very talented


    and able to earn her position in the Tang Group. She deserved everything she got and there was no


    need for her to please anyone.


    It was hard for the mother-inw and the daughter-inw to get along with each other. There was a


    long way to go for Cassandra, but instead, Ivy, the mistress was pretty good at it.


    Lionel suddenly grabbed the door as Cassandra was about to close it. He stood in front of her with a


    smile.


    Cassandra felt a tingling sensation all over her body. She was uneasy whenever being with Lionel


    alone and wanted to run away.


    "Howe you didn''t tell me you were in trouble with giarism? I knew nothing about it until I


    attended the meeting today."


    Lionel went to meetings ording to his changing mood and was not a regr member of the board. It


    wasn''t until today that he was told Cassandra''s design was giarised.


    As Lionel''s eyes gazed at her, she felt difort building from inside her.


    "I know I didn''t steal anyone else''s idea. That''s enough. I don''t care what others think of


    me."

 Chapter 94 The Deal Provided By Ivy

    Chapter 94 The Deal Provided By Ivy


    Lionel couldn''t believe himself. His feelings for Cassandra seemed to change with each passing day.


    The more he knew Cassandra and her innate kindness, the more he got attracted to her.


    As a sought after bachelor, he used to hang out with all kinds of pretty women. Everywhere he went


    there were always be batches of women prepared to throw themselves onto him.


    They loved the money he had more than himself and all the advantages he could provide. At the same


    time, Lionel was a quite generous man, and he''d never been thrift to them financially. However, his


    heart was already captured by a woman. Despite being married to Cassandra, he gave all his love to


    Ivy, who had been his girlfriend for many years.


    Surprisingly, out of his expectation, Lionel had been gradually attracted to Cassandra ever since the


    moment she came back from abroad.


    Cassandra, on the contrary, turned down his olive branch, and refused to work in the Group as his wife.


    It was obvious that she was trying to prove herself in her own way, without his help and influence.


    Her stubbornness never failed to piss him off. The dread and annoyance, however, had turned into pity


    and concern when he heard what happened to her.


    Lionel couldn''t pretend to ignore her existence as he did before, and he didn''t have any clue why.


    "I trust you, and time will bring light to the truth anyway," heforted her.


    The aura of peaceful tenderness on his face was new to Cassandra. She had never seen such an


    expression on his face before.


    It made her felt uneasy, she was desperate to escape his tormenting presence. With one hard push,


    she wanted to close the door of her bedroom right in front him.


    But Lionel stopped her before she could. He pushed the door open forcibly, making Cassandra''s


    shoulders jerk at the loud bang.


    "Why are you avoiding me like that? I''m your husband!" feeling humiliated, he shouted with eyes


    bulging with rage.


    He had been used to Cassandra keeping distance with him. But now, when he was trying to be good to


    her, she refused to give him a chance.


    "We''re both old enough to know that fairy tales are not true. Are you happy with what was happening


    between us all this time? We always break up on the verge of a fight. Thus, for your own good, please


    just leave me alone," Cassandra said inly.


    She tried hard to close the door, but Lionel was way far stronger than her. He wouldn''t let her go.


    "Just wait and see, Cassandra! You''ll be mine someday. You''ll beg me to join you in bed!" he hissed


    through his clenched teeth.


    Lionel withdrew his hands from the door, and it banged close right at his face. Frustrated, he gave the


    door a good hard kick before he turned around. While holding his sore face, he was surprised to see


    that Ivy was standing at the other end of the corridor, her hands rested on her belly silently.


    Lionel was a little difited as if he was caught stealing something.


    On the other end, Ivy acted nothing unusual, and she walked toward him with a sweet smile on her


    face.


    "Honey, your son kicked me several times today, and I can feel that he''s such a strong baby. I believe


    he gets a pair of long legs just like his father''s," she mused as she looked down her belly.


    Lionel also spun his gaze at her belly and his eyes turned soft. It was his son, his own blood and flesh.


    One of his weapons to win over the Group from Rufus.


    "Why do you bother tiring yourselfing up here? The dinner is ready, and you need to stay rxed,"


    he scolded her slightly.


    He put his arm around her waist, escorting her to her room.


    "I forgot my phone in my room and I need to get it," Ivy responded.


    It seemed that she didn''t hear the conversation between him and Cassandra, and Lionel took a deep


    breath of relief.


    "Okay, go get your phone. I''ll wait for you and then we''ll go downstairs for dinner," he said briskly.


    Ivy nodded to him and headed to her room alone.


    Honestly, Ivy was annoyed when Lionel followed Cassandra upstairs. She couldn''t sit there and do


    nothing. So, thinking of her phone as an excuse, she followed them upstairs and heard everything. She


    was devastated when she heard how Lionelforted Cassandra, his wife only by name.


    She hid in the shadows and saw the depression on Lionel''s face when Cassandra''s rejection shut him


    out of the room.


    Ivy was left with no choice but to endure the hurt she was feeling inside. Jealousy and rage grew like


    weeds wildly in her heart, pushing her to do something to save the situation and make Lionel return to


    her again.


    Lionel acted so strangely these past few weeks, and he was nothing like that seven years ago. Yes, he


    was a yboy and used to hang out with different girls. It was okay with Ivy because the fling would


    neverst long and his heart was always with her. At the end of the day Lionel would be back in her


    arms again. This time, however, it was different with Cassandra.


    Ivy had sought all means to make Lionel happy the past years, and she couldn''t afford to lose to any


    other women, especially to Cassandra whom Lionel took for granted.


    Rolling her eyes as she passed by Cassandra''s room, Ivy tried to think of a way to get rid of


    Cassandra.


    She needed to be quick before something passionate grew between Lionel and Cassandra. The more


    frequent they met each other, the fewer chances she got, and something must be done before it was


    toote.


    She must kick Cassandra out of the Tang House, and only by doing that, she would be able to stay and


    marry Lionel as she wished.


    The witch had been coveted for a long time, but the real princess never realized that she was in


    danger.


    As she continued her work at the design department, Cassandra felt deep inside that she was a


    completely changed woman¡ªno longer the naive and innocent girl.


    Although the employees in her department showed nothing unusual after the scandalous incident, she


    felt awful every time she remembered that it was one of them who stole her design n.


    The new project was a government project, so the group paid special attention to it. After a brief


    meeting, all the employees got their own assignments toplete. Cassandra took her framework and


    worked on her design n without any dy.


    A few minutes after she got on herputer, her assistant knocked on the door and told her that she


    had a visitor. Cassandra nodded to her assistant and instructed her to take the visitor to the meeting


    room.


    But to her surprise, the visitor barged in and moved to her desk before she could say anything.


    "Don''t bother, Miss Qin. I only have a few words and here will be fine," she said gracefully with a


    beaming smile like a blossoming orchid.


    Hesitant for a second, Cassandra raised her head and saw that it was Ivy standing in front of her. Her


    face was as morous as always.


    She was wearing a red oversized jumpsuit, which made her so strikingly elegant, and it was her


    signature style of wardrobe.


    "Nobodyes to my office without a reason. What can I do for you?" she asked.


    At the same time, her hand left the mouse as she looked up at Ivy''s alluring face.


    Even though the two women were both living in the Tang House, they deliberately ignored the


    existence of one another.


    Under suchplicated rtionships, it was impossible for them to be close and be friends.


    Cassandra had kept a safe distance from Lionel and her, and was reluctant to get involved with their


    business.


    Ivy cracked a smile and her natural charm appeared most in her brows. Her eyes sparkled with a


    sinister glow.


    No wonder Lionel loved her so much, she was a real beauty. Even a woman like Cassandra had to


    admit it. Her pregnancy didn''t affect her beauty and figure at all, and Cassandra believed that no man


    could resist her charm.


    "I know that staying in the Tang House is a torture for you, Cassandra. Don''t deny it and I came here to


    make a deal with you," she rted inly.


    The witch put on a smile and fixed her eyes on the princess. She reached out her hands to the princess


    with a poisoned apple, tempting the princess to take a bite.


    "What kind of deal are you talking about?" Cassandra asked curiously.


    She folded her arms across her chest, wondering what Ivy was up to and what she wanted from her.


    On the other hand, Ivy didn''t hurry to exin. Instead, she looked down her belly and put her hands on


    it with tenderness on her face.


    "Its twenty weeks already. The little hands and feet have grown, and another twenty weekster, he will


    come out to this world. But every time I think of it, my heart is shattered because he will be taken away


    from me after the delivery!" she said in a low pitiful voice.


    Ivy clutched her cloth tightly, trying not to cry out as she was trembling all over.


    Cassandra was well aware of what the baby meant to her and to the Tang Family as well. Her


    compassion grew for the woman in front of her.


    "You knew from the start that this will happen, but why did you agree on such a deal? Why didn''t you


    just keep it a secret and bring him up outside, without Lionel knowing it?" Cassandra contradicted.


    If Ivy chose to deliver the baby and not to let them know, there would be a great chance that she won''t


    be separated from her baby. However, Ivy had her own ns. She wanted to live in the Tang House


    and be Lionel''s legal wife. Thus, this proposal she had for Cassandra was the best resort she got.


    "Lionel and I have been together for seven years. We know each other well enough and can''t live


    without each other. You should understand that it was supposed to be me who married into the Tang


    house, not you. But the God of Destiny makes fool of the people. You married him four years ago and I


    almost lost my life that time!" she continued talking.


    Bitter tears began rolling down from her eyes as she spoke and she looked rather pathetic.


    "All is I want is to stay with the man I love and spend the rest of my life in peace. Because of you, we


    are unable to show other people our rtionship. Because of you, I can only be his mistress, not his


    wife!" sheined in a tearful voice.


    Ivy wanted Cassandra to see her fragility and vulnerability. She was ying as a victim and asking for


    her sympathy.


    Judging from Cassandra''s reactions, Ivy thought that she wouldn''t refuse her request. She assumed


    that her n was working.


    Thest thing that Cassandra wanted to see was a woman''s tears. She took a piece of tissue and


    passed it to Ivy.


    Ivy took the tissue and wiped off her tears, and took a deep breath to calm herself down.


    "Cassandra, I understand that you don''t love Lionel, and thus, I want to make a deal with you," she said


    with a convincing voice.


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    I would like to im the title of Lionel''s wife in exchange with anything you want. I desperately want to


    be his wife legitimately!" she eximed determinedly.


    Ivy looked both excited and sincere from the bottom of her heart. She looked into Cassandra''s eyes


    intensely with the hope that she would give her the answer she expected.


    To her disappointment, Cassandra closed her eyes and shook her head slightly.


    "It''s impossible, Ivy. What you are asking me is something beyond my control. You know the reason


    why I married Lionel. My father''spany needs their backup. Without their help, he wouldn''t have


    made it the past years," she said.


    "If Lionel and I get divorced, my father''spany will shut down in no time!


    As a daughter, thest thing I''ve ever wanted for my parents was a safe, peaceful and secured life. It''s


    not something you can provide and I have nothing to exchange for that," she exined remorsefully.


    Cassandra thought of the tears on her mother''s face when she begged her to marry Lionel, and it hurt


    like a sword piercing her heart. She understood the helplessness of her mother.


    She was their eldest daughter and it was her responsibility to help them out. She cried, and she


    comined, but she never regretted. It was her destiny.


    "All of us needs to pay for what we did in the past. Ivy, love is love and it has nothing to do with


    marriage. You and Lionel have spent so many years together happily even without marriage, and why


    do you have to marry him now?" Cassandra asked.


    "If you give up the idea of bing hiswful wife, you don''t have to be separated from your own


    baby, and I can assure you that you can see your baby anytime you want, regardless the objection of


    Lionel''s parents. I won''t say a word," she promised Ivy.


    Ivy looked at Cassandra resentfully. She understood Cassandra''s side as she had exined it clearly.


    It was her greed that trapped her in this situation. She mocked herself that she lifted a rock only to drop


    it on her own feet.


    "I understand Cassandra, but since you turned my deal down, I swear, I won''t let you and your parents


    live in peace from this day on. Just wait and see!" Ivy threated Cassandra.

 Chapter 95 A Meeting With Ladies

    Chapter 95 A Meeting With Ladies


    The sound of heels clicking on the tiled floor faded as Cassandra watched Ivy''s receding figure down


    the hall. When she was out of sight, Cassandra suddenly felt quite tired.


    It was said that people always sympathized with the weak, and in this case¡ªshe felt sympathetic


    towards Ivy. Cassandra had truly felt sorry for her, yet she had no choice but to decline her request.


    The heavy feeling in her body made her heart sink, but Cassandra tried to cheer herself up and


    continued to work on the design of the nursing home. Her attempt was sessful as a few hourster


    she got so engrossed in her work that she even forgot to eat her lunch, which had been sent to her


    office earlier. Fortunately, her efforts had paid off. When it was time to get off duty, the brief draft was


    almostpleted.


    She had just ironed out some details in her work when the door burst open to reveal Victor, who looked


    cold and emotionless like usual.


    "Manager Qin, please get yourself tidy up a bit. There is a meeting to discuss about the application of


    the Director of the Union. Mr. Luo wants you to go with him," he said in a t voice.


    Cassandra simply nodded in understanding.


    Ever since Rufus had entered Tang Group, he had been gearing up for the set-up of the Union of Real


    Estate in G City. In his opinion, the possibilities were endless when many businesses came together


    and united. Many hands made the job light, after all.


    The board was optimistic about his idea as well, thus, the whole process had been bouncing along.


    Now, all the members had been already confirmed. The only thing left was the appointment of the


    Director of the Union, which would be decided by voting.


    The high position was actually just a mere title, but winning it would elevate Tang Group''s reputation.


    Ultimately, only the strongest group in G City could gain recognition from the most members and win


    power through the ballot box.


    Cassandra knew how much time and energy Rufus had devoted to preparing for the application. She


    understood that it was a crucial time for the leaders to discuss the matter.


    After she finished getting ready, Cassandra went down to the ground floor lobby and walked out of the


    building. Rufus''s Rolls Royce Phantom had already been waiting outside for her.


    Upon getting in the car, she was surprised to see someone else was sitting inside as well.


    "Michelle! Why are you here?" Cassandra asked. Michelle whipped her head around from the


    passenger seat.


    Her lips curved into a smile, the shocked expression on Cassandra''s face making her quite happy.


    "Would you mind if I join you? Rufus, let''s move!" Michelle said friendly.


    Finally, the car engine started and they drove off to their destination. The trip was fairly quiet, but a


    thousand questions boggled Cassandra''s mind. She managed to refrain from asking any of them.


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    It was apparently Rufus''s idea to ask Michelle to apany them. Although she didn''t know why, she


    still trusted him and thought that to stay silent might be a good choice.


    After some time of driving, the car finally halted near the gate of a five-star hotel. Rufus signaled for


    them to get off, then drove away without a word.


    "What? Isn''t Mr. Luo going with us?" Cassandra couldn''t get more confused. She was told to go with


    him for a business appointment.


    However, Rufus just drove away without any exnation. Why did he leave? So...what now?


    A soft hand held Cassandra''s arm. She turned around to see Michelle, with a smile painted on her


    face.


    "You are the only one we need. Let''s go, '' cheered Michelle.


    Cassandra followed Michelle passively inside the hotel. After a few moments, they were ushered into a


    room.


    Four women chatted leisurely inside. A rtively older woman greeted Michelle cheerfully when they


    entered the room.


    She gave her a light peck on the cheek and said,"Hey, Michelle. There you are! Come,e here!


    We''ve been waiting for you for a long time! Oh? This is...?" The woman hesitantly paused mid-


    sentence when she saw Cassandra, who stood beside Michelle.


    It was clear that she didn''t know her. However, Michelle cast her a genial look and touched


    Cassandra''s arm.


    "Don''t you recognize her? I thought you would! Lyndsy sent her the dress from my auction. Don''t you


    remember? She''s a friend of Lyndsy''s!" Michelle said.


    Then, she gently nudged Cassandra forward.


    These women were undoubtedly present at the auction as well. They finally remembered Cassandra


    and started talking loudly among themselves.


    "Oh! Yes! I remember her! That prettydy. What''s her name? Cassandra? Right?" one of them piped


    up.


    She was a much younger woman, and her hands pped excitedly in surprise.


    "Oh, Michelle. Did you bring her here to make us feel jealous? You know how much we love that


    dress!"


    The atmosphere immediately became light and casual as the rest of thedies began to strike up a fun


    conversation.


    Meanwhile, Michelle inched closer beside Cassandra. "They are families of some prominent political


    figures in this city. Take the chance," she whispered lowly to Cassandra''s ear.


    In turn, Cassandra understood and knew everything at once.


    Although the final result of the Director of Union mainly depended on votes, those in the upper


    management still had the final say on which group would be appointed.


    Thus, Rufus had Michelle bring Cassandra to the hotel to establish a good rtionship with these


    ladies, in case that Tang Group might ask them for help someday in the future.


    Michelle was like an old fish that was used to the waters¡ªshe instantly joined the conversation and


    had no problems fitting right in. However, Cassandra was still a rookie when it came to these things.


    She seldom attended such activities and surely had no clue on how to mingle so she didn''t say much.


    However, thanks to the information intentionally or unintentionally given by Michelle, Cassandra knew


    that the rtively older woman was the mayor''s wife.


    Michelle''s circle in G City seemed like her fashion circle. She had a lot of friends from the upper ss.


    The women suggested ying mahjong after dinner. And so, the table was set up. Cassandra was


    nominated, whether she wanted or not.


    She adamantly refused,"No, no, no. I don''t know how to y this at all!"


    Never had she yed a game of mahjong before, nor did she know its rules.


    However, the mayor''s wife did not take no for an answer. "It''s okay! I''ll sit next to you. I can teach you!


    Everyone woman is supposed to know how to y it!" she pressed.


    Her thin hand squeezed Cassandra''s shoulder to keep her from running away, and then she sat down


    behind her to offer suggestions during the game.


    It was true that Cassandra was a total newbie. In fact, it was no exaggeration to say that her life


    revolved around her designs. She had no spare time and energy to y games like mahjong.


    "Cassandra, don''t worry. It''s okay that you don''t know the rules. I''ll be your first teacher in this case!"


    the mayor''s wife giggled from behind her back.


    When she saw Cassandra clumsily draw the tiles, she realized that this youngdy didn''t lie about her


    lack of skill in the game. Yet she was d to see that because she felt fulfilled by being a teacher in the


    match.


    "Cassandra, listen carefully. You know something? When you are older and retired, you could at least


    y mahjong with your friends when you are bored to kill time!" the mayor''s wife said.


    On the left sat Michelle, who was drawing the tiles while happily chatting with them.


    "Yeah, mahjong is good! I heard that ying it can protect people against Alzheimer''s!" she started.


    Thedy who sat next to Michelle was the wife of the secretary of constructionmittee. It was she


    who proposed to y mahjong.


    "Really? That''s a terrible disease. I''m afraid my children would dislike me should I develop that. I would


    prefer to stay in a nursing home in that situation. Oh, speaking of that, rumor has it that a new nursing


    home will be built in our city. It has been reported by the media. It''s said that it would ease the shortage


    of the existing nursing home," she said.


    A nursing home? Cassandra caught the key words. Wasn''t it the same nursing home she was


    designing?


    She might not be a good mahjong yer, but she was an expert when it came to the nursing home


    because she was part of its design team.


    "The design draft of the nursing home is almostpleted. I finished the structure before I came here,"


    Cassandra said in aid-back yet gentle tone, as if she was talking about the weather.


    However, her words caught everyone''s attention and piqued their interests.


    "You finished the structure? Are you a designer?" the wife of the secretary of the construction


    committee asked. Her eyes widened in surprise.


    She first thought that Cassandra was from the fashion circle like Michelle, but it turned out that she was


    a designer!


    "Yeah. I am the design department manager of Tang Group. This nursing home is our case, and I''m in


    charge of it," Cassandra blithely said.


    She was internally thrilled when their current topic caught their attention. Finally, there was something


    she could talk about.


    "So, what are the details of this nursing home? Could you tell us more?" the mayor''s wife asked. The


    older woman was also curious about the nursing home.


    She had never anticipated that this youngdy, who looked so beautiful as a star, to be a designer.


    What was more, she was the manager of Tang Group''s design department! The mayor''s wife initially


    viewed Cassandra as too young to be a leader. Aha, they say that never judge a book by its cover.


    "We have included all the basic facilities a nursing home should have, but I add a new idea. We could


    spare a piece ofnd for a special purpose to enrich the elders'' lives. My suggestion is to use thisnd


    to grow some fruit trees. Everyone could enjoy the fruits and feel the happiness of harvesting."


    The mayor''s wife nodded in agreement.


    "That''s true. The elders are most afraid of the boring life in the nursing home. This idea would give


    them the chance to stimte their minds and do some proper exercises. It''s a great idea," she said.


    Suddenly, she pointed at one tile Michelle had discarded and happily pped her hands.


    "Cassandra! You can im the tile to win! It''s Michelle''s tile!"


    In reality, Cassandra was clueless. She just followed the guidance of the mayor''s wife.


    "Oh! No way! Bad luck for me!" Michelle whined, but a smile rested on her face.


    She secretly winked at Cassandra, who was smart enough to understand everything quickly. Michelle


    had done it on purpose.


    "You are such a good teacher! As for your student, she had won so quickly!" the director of the


    secretary''s wife praised Cassandra.


    Shortly after, another round began.


    It was easy to establish a rtionship in the mahjong game. Some people won while some people lost.


    Under the guidance of the mayor''s wife, Cassandra won the most money in theter game.


    She was aware that this oue might have had something to do with the mayor''s wife who had the


    highest status among them. Now, Cassandra learned that diplomatic strategies also existed in a


    mahjong game.


    During the whole time, Cassandra behaved quite well. She was natural and gracious, and all the other


    women were full of praise for her manner. When talking about a professional topic, Cassandra


    exined it to them in simple words that the ordinary person would understand. She spoke about lots


    of interesting facts in the field of design, from home to abroad, and all thedies drank in her every


    word.


    After the game was over, everyone was ready to leave. Michelle and Cassandra said goodbye to them


    at the hotel gate.


    When thedies had left, Rufus''s car came over. Michelle opened the door and motioned Cassandra to


    get in.


    "Rufus, you didn''t leave and waited here all the time?" Michelle asked. Then she added,"Don''t worry.


    Cassandra did a perfect job today!"

 Chapter 96 Vernon In Trouble

    Chapter 96 Vernon In Trouble


    The faint smile on Rufus''s handsome face, gave him a more rxed look.


    Michelle didn''t leave with the two, and was picked up by a deep green Land Rover.


    Cassandra bit her lower lip as she got in the passenger seat, fumbling for the safety belt.


    For some inexplicable reasons, she felt so nervous that she couldn''t plug the belt in. Sweat was formed


    on the tip of her nose.


    Rufus found it amusing, and the smile on his face widened to a glee. He turned towards Cassandra


    and lowered his head to help her with the belt. They were so close that Rufus''s warmth made the little


    woman blush.


    When he was upright again, he found the mild redness on Cassandra''s face so alluring. Under the dim


    light of the car, her skin looked pure white. Her glow attracted him even more.


    "Luckily Michelle was there. Or else I wouldn''t even know how to deal with them," Cassandra started,


    breaking the romantic atmosphere.


    As she remembered ying mahjong with thedies in the high ss, Cassandra pitied herself for she


    realized that shecked skills in socializing.


    "Michelle is older than you. Surely she is more experienced. She has lots of connections. If you make


    friend with her, you can learn from her in the future," Rufus stated.


    He had arranged the session, especially for Cassandra. She could remind thedies of the Tang Group


    and potentially build up the profile of thepany. This was also a good chance to build her own


    connections and widen herwork, which would most likely be useful for her career development.


    There was no doubt in her technical skills. The four years of studying in Rome had definitely equipped


    her with the necessary knowledge to do her job well. The only problem that she had was that she didn''t


    know many people in G City. Cassandra was not a people person, which was parallel in significance


    with skills when it came to business.


    Now he purposely created the chance for her to establish more connections and associations so that


    her road to the higher level would be easier. After all, one more friend meant one more opportunity.


    Cassandra''s repeated rejections made him more determined to protect her, in a way that she would


    ept¡ªthe independent woman wouldn''t want to rely on him.


    Rufus wanted to protect her perseverance, her helplessness, and everything about her.


    Abruptly, Cassandra''s phone rang. It was from Edith. Curious at the rare call, she asked, "Mom, what


    happened?"


    The person from the other end of the line couldn''t stop herself from weeping. In a voice mixed with


    crying and shouting, she told Cassandra, "Cassandra! You dad has been whistle-blown! They say he


    bribed officials! He was taken away by the people from the prosecution for investigation!"


    The words cast a gloomy shadow over Cassandra. She could see nothing except for darkness. With


    her entire body trembling, she muttered, "Mom¡­ You¡­ Just wait for me. I¡­ I''ming back now."


    Barely able to control the shaking of her hands, she failed to grip the phone, which dropped onto the


    car floor with a loud thud.


    "What happened?"


    Rufus asked with so much worry and concern, as he sensed that something was wrong with


    Cassandra.


    "My mom¡­ My mom said that my dad had been arrested for bribery," Cassandra stuttered in a weak


    voice.


    Her face turned pale and her body was quivering. A surge of hopelessness crept up from the bottom of


    her heart and diffused through her entire body.


    "Don''t panic! Don''t be scared!" Rufus affirmed.


    Carefully extending his arm to her waist, he scooped the trembling woman and gave her a firm and


    reassuring hug.


    With his hands gently caressing her back up and down, he tried to soothe her.


    However, Cassandra even lost the ability to speak now. All she was left with was coldness lingering in


    her heart.


    "Whatever happens, I will be with you. Don''t be afraid," the man slowly whispered in her ear to assure


    her.


    As an effort to show his determination, the cuddle became even tighter.


    "I¡­I¡­ I want to go home," the absent-minded woman stammered.


    Those few words were literally squeezed from her lungs and the bottom of her throat. When she


    finished the sentence, her brain felt like it was being hammered.


    "Alright, I''ll go with you!" Rufus offered without hesitation.


    Having fastened the seat belt for her, Rufus started the engine and speeded towards the Qin family


    house as fast as he could.


    The car drove steadily towards the north. During the few hours of the journey, Cassandra sat up still


    with her mouth pursed.


    In her mind, she envisioned all versions of Vernon¡ªwhen he was strict and when he was nonchnt.


    As a father, he had given all his love to his younger daughter and ignored the elder one.


    Cassandra hadined silently in her heart and even had cried alone. However, all these huge


    sorrowful memories had shrunken into a tiny speck at this moment when her father was in a huge


    crisis. They didn''t matter anymore.


    As far as she could recall, at the age of five, she was sent to a small town by her parents, to live with


    an old granny. Since that time, having a dad and a mom had be her almost unattainable wish.


    ''Why is it that they don''t want me? Why did they leave me alone in this small town withouting to


    see me for so long?''


    These were the questions hovering in her mind every day. Cassandra had always wanted to dig out the


    answer. Yet every time she saw the unsmiling face of her father, she would bury the burning questions


    deep inside her heart.


    She would sob secretly on her bed, feeling abandoned by the entire world.


    The granny who lived with her had no idea of how many times the little girl on the small bed right


    beside her had wetted her pillow in sorrow.


    Growing up, she became different from her peers. She was mature; she was an introvert; and she


    refused to talk.


    She had drawn all her wishes on paper, which she hid carefully.


    In the past, she had thought, that perhaps his father didn''t love her. That was why he was so indifferent


    to her. Only once in a while, her parents woulde to visit her, and take her to the stores in town to


    buy her favorite snacks for her.


    The hands of Vernon were huge aspared to those of Cassandra. Her little hand was only able to


    grab on his little finger.


    Hand in hand, they walked on the narrow paths of the small town. Even though her father was not like


    other fathers who were really close to their kids, she still enjoyed his love at that moment.


    The old memories waved, roared, and smashed her heart over and over again.


    It had always been Vernon who supported the entire Qin family. If he would be gone, how could the


    company of the Qin family survive?


    Edith had always depended on Vernon for her life. If Vernon would be put into jail, she would be


    shattered.


    Thousands of possible oues shed across her mind as to what would happen to her father.


    Cassandra now felt that her soul had separated from her body and drifted away. She felt so light, so


    unsettled.


    Rufus''s muscles grew tense as he focused on driving.


    Along the way, he stopped at a petrol station to refuel his car. While waiting, he made a call.


    "Anyway, I want to know what really happened. I want you to get all the needed information no matter


    what it takes!" he ordered.


    After he hung up the call, his face turned grim. ''The only asset Vernon has is an almost-broke


    company. Bribery? With what he possesses, who could he bribe?''


    After a few hours of driving, the car finally reached the Qin family house.


    From outside, the Qin family appeared perfectly normal with the huge house lighted up all over.


    However, when they pushed the front door open, the luxurious house was now a bit messy.


    Cassandra walked forward. With every step she took, her heart sank deeper in sorrow.


    She could hear that someone was sobbing. The sound was so broken, but the owner of the sound


    continued anyway.


    Probably, it was her mother, who had totally lost her mind by now.


    Entering the lobby, what they saw was also a mess.


    The clothes hangers were scattered on the floor, and the shoes were all over the ce. It was evident


    that the way they took Vernon away was not so friendly. He must have fought hard against them.


    Cloris was on the couch, absent-minded, and beside her was their mother, Edith, who couldn''t stop


    crying.


    When they noticed that somebody arrived, they raised their heads. The moment Edith realized that it


    was the person she was yearning to see, a spark of fire lit up in her lifeless eyes.


    "Cassandra! Cassandra! Quick! Tell your father-inw! Ask him to save your dad! I¡­ I called him


    earlier but he didn''t even say anything! What will I do!" the old woman shouted in desperation.


    Edith dashed towards herst hope, and pulled Cassandra''s arms, not letting her savior go. Before she


    could say anything else, she started to sob again.


    Cassandra supported the woman who had lost her strength due to excessive crying, and cheered


    herself up in heart forcefully before she started to console the desperate woman.


    "It''s going to be alright. It''s just an investigation. If he is innocent, everything is going to be fine. He will


    come back after the investigation!"


    These were the only words that she could find to pacify the sorrowful woman.


    However, it didn''t help. Instead, it intensified her despair.


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    "You father was too ambitious. He was so head-on to bid for that project. Now the project has gone


    wrong. Many people associated with this case are arrested. Even if he didn''t bribe anybody, he can''t


    excuse himself from it!" her mother exined in tears.


    Cloris also stood up. Her eyes were already sore.


    "Cassandra, ask Uncle Horace to get dad out. We talked to him about it over the phone, and he


    seemed reluctant to help. But now, the only solution is the Tang family. Ask a favor from him, please!"


    the young girl pleaded.


    There were still traces of tears on her face, which were left from the time Vernon was taken away.


    Cloris had witnessed the entire event.


    "I understand. I will ask someone to find out how dad is now. Don''t worry. Tidy up our house. Don''t


    panic. We should calm down first and think carefully of what we are going to do," Cassandra assured


    the other two women.


    In front of her sister and her mother, Cassandra was as calm andposed as she could make herself


    be. Now in this family, she was the most powerful woman who could block all the pressure from


    outside. The strong image portrayed by Cassandra finally brought temporary peace and assurance to


    the two women in despair.


    After they have recovered a little bit, Cassandra led them to clear the mess inside the house. And when


    they finally finished, it was already one o''clock in the morning.


    "Have some rest now. I will try to pay a visit to dad. Hopefully, they will allow me in. I think I need to get


    things clear with him personally!" Cassandra stated.

 Chapter 97 An Unpeaceful Winter

    Chapter 97 An Unpeaceful Winter


    All of a sudden, Cassandra became the backbone of the whole family. She stayed calm as much as


    she could. Edith and Cloris finally managed to calm themselves down. They listened to Cassandra and


    went to the bathroom to wash up before going to bed.


    When Edith and Cloris left the living room, and she was left alone, Cassandra felt that she had been


    drained with all her strength. She lost her bnce and fell down on the floor with a loud thud.


    Cassandra was bothered however, why the heating machine inside the mansion wasn''t turned on.


    Strangely, all the servants were gone too, the tables and the pieces of furniture were covered with dust.


    It seemed that it hadn''t been cleaned for a long time.


    Just half a year ago, the Qin family was very wealthy and decent. Howe the luxurious mansion


    turned into such a shabby, deserted house overnight?


    Although their business wasn''t doing great, at least they were still earning profits. They didn''t need to


    be this wretched.


    Cassandra walked out of the house while holding her throbbing head. She found Rufus beside his


    parked car by the gates. He had been waiting for her, still.


    As he saw hering, Rufus lit a cigar and puffed a heave of smoke from it. He was smoking heavily


    and there were butts everywhere.


    Cassandra thought Rufus had left after what seemed like eternity dealing with her mother and cleaning


    up the mansion. She didn''t expect him to wait for her.


    She walked towards him very quietly. He was looking at the sky so she lifted up her head too. The sky


    was filled with stars tonight and the moon cast a shy glow that illuminated the ether.


    "It''ste now. Why don''t you juste inside and stay for the night? Our guest room isfortable


    enough. You can leave the next morning."


    Thinking about how Rufus drove several hours to bring her back, Cassandra felt grateful and moved.


    "Thank you, but I''m fine. I''ll be staying in my car."


    To Cassandra''s surprise, Rufus rejected her.


    "Although the heating machine is out, I can give you an electric nket. You won''t feel cold."


    Cassandra thought Rufus was afraid of being cold since the heating machine didn''t work.


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    Cigarette smokes rose up in the air as Rufus put out his cigar. His face went serious after hearing


    Cassandra''s words.


    ''Afraid of feeling cold?'' he thought. Of all the things to consider, he wasn''t bothered by the thought of a


    slight chill. Rufus was not afraid of the cold at all.


    He wasn''t a spoiled son from a rich family who hadn''t been through any difficulties. Rufus used to sleep


    on bare concrete floors and all he got was a thin mat. The mat, however, didn''t help him stay warm


    during those cold nights.


    Even though he was very tired and sleepy, all he could do was take some naps. He couldn''t sleep well


    because he kept on shivering.


    Unlike Rufus, Lionel was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. When he was a child, he was


    surrounded by a bunch of servants. He got the best meals, the best clothes, and the best education.


    Besides, there awaited argepany for him to inherit.


    Sadly for Rufus, it was the other way around.


    He went into the training camp. Those years which he had spent there were so painful that he could


    never forget that experience for the rest of his life.


    He shed more sweats and tears more than Lionel ever had in his life. The difficulties he had ovee


    was much more than those of Lionel. If he were on his ce, Lionel could never have endured what


    Rufus had gone through.


    Thus, there was no way for Rufus to be afraid of the cold. He had gone through that and been used to


    the sensation.


    "I will just stay in the car. Why don''t you go back inside? It''s cold outside. I''ll drive you to the detention


    center to visit your father in the day."


    Then he opened the car door, got into the car and reclined the seat. He was ready to sleep.


    Standing next to the car, Cassandra heaved a sigh and her breath could be seen in the cold air. She


    opened the car and sat on the passenger seat.


    Rufus turned his face to stare at Cassandra. His eyes were deep and swollen.


    Cassandra also turned her face to look intensely at Rufus'' eyes. She said sincerely, "Thank you."


    She didn''t know what else to say to him except for these words of gratitude. Rufus just smiled. He


    stretched out his hand and touched Cassandra''s hair. He was saddened to see her in such ordeals.


    "Everything will be okay as long as you''re fine."


    Cassandra felt warm again. Everything seemed to be fine when she was with Rufus as if everything


    would fall into its ces with just one snap of his fingers. She felt safe and secured whenever he was


    around. In an effort to stop her tears from falling, Cassandra bit her lips and nodded her head sternly at


    Rufus.


    "Hopefully, everything would be okay," she muttered.


    Day broke, Cassandra and Rufus went to the detention center to look for Vernon. He had been there


    for just one night, but he looked much withered. He seemed to grow a lot of mustaches overnight.


    Cassandra knew that Vernon must have been interrogated for the whole night, that was why he looked


    so exhausted. She felt sorry for her father, her eyes brimmed with tears.


    When Vernon caught sight of Cassandra, there was excitement in his eyes. But secondster, he


    became calm.


    It was Cassandra, not Cloris, his favorite daughter.


    There were a lot of officials around them. Cassandra dared not to ask her father what happened. All


    she could do was to cheer him up. Sheforted him by promising that she would try her best to oil


    the wheels.


    But the truth was that she had no idea about what to do or whether she had the ability to help her


    father. But what else could she do? She couldn''t make her father feel more worried.


    Cassandra knew from Vernon''s eyes that he had done something bad or even illegal and the police


    had the evidence. Otherwise, he wouldn''t be detained.


    Vernon had signed a contract for a construction project with the government. To ensure that he could


    win the project, Vernon bribed the official who was in charge of the bid.


    Now the construction wasn''t evenpleted halfway, someone reported that thepany was cutting


    short the budget,promising the quality of the project. Yesterday, there were lots of news online with


    endless reposted tweets. Thus, police officers of the North District in G City started their investigation


    immediately and arrested Vernon and the official involved.


    The jelly-built project was there for the public to see. Vernon couldn''t deny it. The best out of the worst


    was that the project hadn''t been finished and it hadn''t caused any damage so far. Therefore, there was


    still a chance for Cassandra to use herwork to see whether she could help her father straighten


    things out.


    The post which reported Vernon was anonymous, so it was hard for Cassandra to find the person


    responsible for her father''s arrest.


    She didn''t know whether it was the official or Vernon who offended someone. Either way, the Qin family


    was fraught with grim possibilities this time.


    Running out of option, Cassandra decided to call Horace. Horace sounded very concerned on the other


    end of the phone.


    "Cassandra, I''ve talked to one of the officials who are in charge of this case about your father''s


    situation. You can go to his officeter and listen to his opinion. Call me if you need anything."


    "Okay...I''ll do that. Thank you."


    Cassandra didn''t know how to thank Horace for all the help he had given her.


    "No problem. We''re family. Go and talk to him."


    Horace hung up the phone. He raised his eyebrows and asked Jill to continue the massage on his


    shoulders.


    He was lying in bed, enjoying Jill''s massage.


    "Vernon is so careless this time. It is just a small project. And yet he failed to handle it and got caught. I


    guess he might end up in prison. I told you not to help the Qin family back then. They know nothing


    about running a business. But you just ignored me. Worse was, you asked Lionel to marry his


    daughter."


    Jill couldn''t hide her contempt. Sheined while giving Horace a massage. Horace, who had his


    eyes closed while savoring the massage, didn''t look worried at all, way different from how he sounded


    on the phone.


    "I don''t care as long as he didn''t drag the Tang Group down with him. Four years ago, I decided to lend


    him money to help him make a quick turnover. I have to admit that his idea at that time was good and it


    would help ourpany make profits. And I didn''t lose my money anyway. In fact, I have earned more


    profits, ten times of the money I lent him that year. As for Cassandra, she is a talented designer¡­"


    Before Horace finished his words, Jill pinched him harder and interrupted him.


    "I really don''t think Cassandra is such a talented designer. Don''t you see the news? She giarized


    other''s work. Just as the saying goes, a fish stinks from the head down. Like father, like daughter. See


    what Vernon has done! He not only lost his money but also got himself into prison. How could an


    incapable man like him have a great daughter anyway?"


    Every time she thought about Cassandra giarizing other''s work, Jill''s disappointment towards her


    grew stronger.


    "Well, Vernon never mentioned to me that he had won the project. How could he win the bid and take


    the project, considering that hispany is so small? The only possible reason was that he bribed the


    officials."


    Horace turned around, changed his position and stretched out his arm, letting Jill give his arm a rub-


    down.


    "You''re right. So I am not going to get involved in this. What I could do is to connect Cassandra with the


    police. She has to solve the problem on her own."


    Jill''s massage skills were great. Horace was very rxed.


    Seeing Horace so chilled and unperturbed, Jill felt happy too. This was one of the many rare asions


    that he was not contradicting her opinions. She thought, ''So, the massage is working.''


    Ivy was the one who suggested the idea of giving Horace a massage to Jill. She told her that she


    learned it from a famous Japanese masseuse. Moreover, she hyped that aside from the rxation and


    relief the massage would ignite the cold treatment Horace had for her. She assured Jill that Horace''s


    passionate feelings for her would be restored anew.


    Jill was fond of massages. She frequently visited wellness spas to relieve herself from stress. But by


    herself, she knew nothing about those skills and would never offer to learn them.


    However, Ivy told her that she once gave the massage to Lionel, and he enjoyed it very much. Lionel


    even would ask her to do it for him once in a while.


    "Thank God, I''m pregnant now. Otherwise, I have to massage him again. Auntie Jill, why don''t you


    learn the skills and use on Uncle Horace? I''m sure he will be very happy if you do that for him," Ivy


    cheerfully suggested.


    Horace sat in front of a chair the whole day and was always busy with his work. He used to find a


    masseuse twice in a week. Thinking about this, Jill thought if she learned the skill, she could not only


    help Horace ease the burden but also enhance their rtionship. ''So why not?'' Jill thought.


    After learning the craft from Ivy, she decided to give it a try tonight. Horace was impressed.


    He praised her by saying, "You really impress me, honey. I didn''t know you know how to massage."


    Moreover, to show his genuine happiness, Horace even bought her two limited edition bags from


    abroad.


    Jill gave the bright colored one to Ivy. She thanked her for teaching her the massage skills and was


    beginning to like her even more.


    As for Cassandra¡­


    she walked out of the detention center and headed to another building, looking for the official that


    Horace had mentioned to her.


    The bright skies of the day gradually turned dark. ''It must be an unpeaceful winter, '' Cassandra


    concluded.

 Chapter 98 The War Between Men

    Chapter 98 The War Between Men


    The heavy cloud cast a gloomy shadow on the ground. The wind started blowing in the cold weather. A


    few crows could be heard crying in sorrow. It seemed like they were cursing the freezing winter.


    Cassandra had just walked out from the office. In the corridor, the wind squeezed its way through the


    window.


    This was an old building which was going to be obsolete soon. People had been moving out


    hence only a few rooms were upied.


    Not far from where she was, there stood a new building. It was constructed by Vernon''s ownpany.


    This thought sounded hrious to her. Her father sent himself to the detention house that was built by


    himself. The idea of him living caged in something built with his own money was ironical.


    Last night, she didn''t manage to get a good sleep. And today early in the morning, she had to y


    smart with the foxy officials. This indeed drained all the energy out of her.


    Feeling a bit dizzy, she headed to the washroom at the end of the corridor. Quickly, she scooped some


    water and sshed it on her face. Deep down she hoped this would rx her mind.


    The piercing coldness was indeed effective. Raising her head, she squinted her eyes and tried to see


    herself in the rusting mirror. In a low voice, she said to herself, "You can do it."


    The old washroom wasn''t equipped with light. In the dimness, Cassandra felt frightened.


    Walking briskly out, she wanted to reach the ce where sunlight could touch her face. All of a sudden,


    she was pulled back by a strong pair of hands.


    The strong hands pulled her into the darkness, away from sunlight. Under his control, she found it hard


    to move.


    As she was about to shout for help, his hand pressed against her lips. With her mouth covered, her


    scream turned into broken whimper.


    The fear for darkness and the pain from the grip made her eyes wide open. Yet the dimness made it


    hard for her to recognize the attacker''s face.


    So far, she only knew that the man was tall and strong. She felt him breathing fast. Without any mercy,


    he pressed Cassandra against the ice-old cement wall.


    The corridor was invaded by yet another gust of wind which messed up her tidy hair. Though her vision


    was a bit clouded by her hair, she knew the man was drawing closer to her as he felt his rapid breath


    against her face.


    "Why are you always with Rufus?" the man asked with fury.


    Gnashing his teeth to squeeze while he spat these words out, Lionel looked like a demon to her.


    Cassandra''s heart sank into a state of hopelessness.


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    She instantly deduced where his fury came from. It was certain that Lionel must have heard that Rufus


    had apanied her. His self-esteem must have been shattered. And now he decided to explode his


    intense emotions on her.


    The shabby building was empty, and she was aware she couldn''t match up with his strength. ''I am


    doomed!'' she thought.


    Shaking her head violently, Cassandra attempted to shake his hand off her face. But he was strong


    beyond her imagination and she couldn''t manage to escape from his control.


    After some time, she was ustomed to the darkness and the distinct features of the man began to


    be clear.


    She could even see his eyes aze with wrath and fire.


    "Cassandra! You are my wife and only my wife! No one else is allowed to touch you! Do you get it?" the


    man roared.


    Lionel was like a trapped beast and he used his strength to the fullest which caused Cassandra''s eyes


    to well up with tears. The pain was excruciating.


    Unable to move, she resorted to biting. As soon as she opened her mouth, her intention was noticed by


    Lionel. He instantly released his hand.


    Cassandra''s thin lips were now swollen and red. Her face was burning with acute pain. ''He is acting


    like a lunatic today. How could he be so brutal!'' Cassandra thought, feeling aghast.


    Even Lionel himself didn''t know what had caused him to act like an animal. When he noticed that


    Cassandra and Rufus were both not at home, he suspected that they could be together.


    Driving as fast as he could, he reached Qin family before the dawn, and realized she wasn''t there¡ªthe


    figure he had been expecting to see didn''t appear in his sight.


    After getting the information about Cassandra from her family, he found his way to this ce. When he


    saw Rufus''s car in the carpark, he was so enraged that the blood in his blood vessels seemed to flow


    in the opposite direction.


    Jealousy engulfed him, making him wild and crazy. In this insane state, Lionel found Cassandra in the


    worn-out building. Before he knew what he was doing, he grabbed her with force and trapped her.


    "Lionel Tang, what''s wrong with you? I am not your fucking wife!"


    This was the first time the little woman really cursed in front of him. Right now, she was exhausted


    thinking about her father''s matter. It had drained her both physically and mentally. As if to make thing


    worse, she was now trapped by Lionel who did this solely based on his selfishness. Under the


    circumstance, it was only fair for her to be mad at him.


    Getting a hold of Cassandra''s jaw, he lifted her head up so that she could see the seriousness in his


    eyes.


    "Cassandra, if you continue to use that excuse, I will make sure you have no more excuse in the


    future!" the angry man retorted.


    He lowered his head swiftly to seal Cassandra''s lips, which were already swelling with pain. As his face


    came closer, Cassandra''s eyes widened in disbelief and horror.


    Abruptly, a hurricane shed by, and Lionel was thrown away and fell to the ground.


    Everything that had just happened took ce in a blink of an eye. Just a few seconds ago, Cassandra


    was still trying to break free from his grasp. But right now, the weight against her body was gone.


    After he regained his senses, Lionel stood up from the ground with blood seeping from the corner of his


    lips.


    With a grim face, he wiped the blood away with the back of his hand and gazed at the man who had


    thrown him a punch.


    Rufus was standing beside Cassandra with his head raised up. He stepped forward to shield


    Cassandra and had a faint smile on his face.


    He was even colder than the freezing winter. If Lionel could be described as a demon who would


    oppress her, then Rufus would be the Satan from the hell. There was something more wicked and


    sinister in his expression.


    It was snowing and the wind was growling as it blew the snow into the corridor. The chill sent


    goosebumps onto Cassandra''s body.


    Lionel looked at Rufus and then pointed an usatory finger at Cassandra. He let out a maniacugh


    that reverberated in the isted corridor.


    "Rufus! Finally you admit that you are having an affair with her. You two have been in a rtionship for


    a long time. Am I right?" he spat out.


    Hisugh was filled with disappointment and his voice had signs of desperation.


    His wife had an affair with his brother and that seemed like the most disgusting thing on this.


    "You better watch your mouth or else you might have to bear the consequence!"


    Rufus warned Lionel before he turned his focus back to Cassandra. Now Rufus''s devilish expression


    turned into tenderness. In his softest voice, he said, "Let''s go. I have contacted the person in charge in


    G City."


    Cassandra nodded and was ready to leave the ce with Rufus.


    "Cassandra! If you go with him today, don''t ever expect Tang family to support you. Don''t expect a


    single cent from us!"


    Lionel shouted in despair, hoping his threat would stop Cassandra from going with Rufus.


    This, of course, had no impact on Cassandra. Moreover, all it did was arouse Cassandra''s anger once


    again. Unable to withhold her burning fury, she pushed Rufus''s protective arms and walked towards


    Lionel. With her voice raised, she screamed, "Lionel Tang, I married you only because I had no choice!


    But now I can''t stand to be confined to this loveless rtion. Now I will do as I please! You can threaten


    me all you want but I won''t give in. Back then I was desperate but I am no longer the girl who blindly


    followed her father''s arrangements. It was four years ago and now I havepletely changed. I am


    capable of managing my father''s issue. I don''t need you or the Tang family to step in for me!"


    After she uttered these words with pride, she turned around and walked away swiftly. Lionel watched


    her receding figure in a daze.


    Quickly she got on and sat inside Rufus''s car. Keeping her head low and her eyes closed, she pinched


    at the skin in between her eyes to clear her mind.


    "Have some sleep now. I''ll drive you back,"


    Rufus said with concern evident in his voice. He was fully aware that she must be exhausted by now.


    There was no way for him to hide his overwhelming concern and love for this woman.


    "I''m fine. I just need some time to think. I have to know whether what I''m doing is worth it or not,"


    Cassandra replied with uncertainty in her words.


    Was her sacrifice worth it? It was supposed that her marriage to Lionel would be able to make Qin


    family prosper. But unexpectedly, that onlysted for a brief period.


    Just now in the office, that official hadid everything out so tantly.


    He clearly stated that if all the properties were confiscated, then Vernon could be released from jail a


    few years earlier. ''As of now, that''s probably the best solution, '' Cassandra decided, feeling gloomy.


    She sighed deeply in her heart. It was easy for the officer to utter these words. But for her father, the


    company was his entire life. It contained his sweat and tears. If hispany''s assets were confiscated,


    he would lose all his hope.


    Moreover, if everything was sold, then the house of Qin family would also be gone too. ''Where will my


    mother and sister live? How can they support themselves?'' she asked herself with frustration.


    Even though Qin family had been having a tough time, they still maintained theirvish lifestyle. She


    could sense that from the time shest visited her parents. The living standard was way higher than


    that of a middle ss family.


    ''If father loses everything, how can Cloris and mother manage to live? They have been wealthy for so


    long, after all. Can they get used to poverty?'' Her mind was now jumbled with these questions.


    With all the different thoughts swirling in her mind, her brain was in a total turmoil. Resting her head on


    the seat with her eyes closed, she tried toe up with a solution.


    Rufus knew what Cassandra was going through. He could tell her mind was filled with questions that


    needed solution. The weight of the entire family hadnded on her slim shoulders. She had already


    sacrificed everything she had for Qin family and now this new burden had befallen her. As if to make it


    worse, her career as an architect was also in danger now.


    There was simply too much burden for her to carry. It was much heavier than what a girl of her age


    could bear. She was like a camel with heavy weight, trudging in the deste desert with an unknow


    destination.


    If it was possible, Rufus would be willing to help her carry this burden. He wished to help her during this


    tough time. He hoped himself to be the stars above, so that when she was lost in the sand storm, she


    could still find the right path. He hoped himself to be the Noah''s Ark, so that when her entire world


    copsed, she could board the boat and survive.


    When these thoughts passed through his mind, the little woman''s breathing became soft and steady.


    With a quick nce he realized she was asleep.


    Rufus stopped his car at the side of the road, walked out, and lit himself a cigarette. Fixing his gaze on


    the Sleeping Beauty, he had an inexplicable feeling rising in his heart.


    It seemed like he could stand there and watch her forever. It was a sight he wished to behold. While


    sleeping, she looked peaceful. Her burden wasn''t visible and it made him happy.

 Chapter 99 A Second Round Negotiation

    Chapter 99 A Second Round Negotiation


    Cassandra had been busy running around for Vernon''s case these days. This had left her exhausted


    and she assumed she had lost a few pounds in the process.


    However, her efforts did not pay off. The fact still remained that a lenient sentence would cost the


    confiscation of his property, or a whopping penalty. This was the final conclusion and now Cassandra


    was in a dilemma.


    It turned out that the amount of the penalty was far beyond what the Qin family could handle. In that


    case, sacrificing thepany was the only choice left.


    Cassandra announced their decision to Edith and Cloris. Her sister went wild when she heard this


    decision.


    "No way! We can''t give up all our properties! This is not going to happen!" she screamed.


    This news turned her face pale. A strand of her hair waggled as she shook her head to show her


    disagreement in this matter.


    "That''s the only solution we have. If we don''t do this, we''ll have to pay the penalty, which we are unable


    to afford. It is going to be a huge amount of money."


    Cassandra closed her eyes and tried hard to make Cloris understand the seriousness of this matter. If


    she continued screaming, Cassandra might lose her temper.


    "Can''t you ask help from someone? You might know someone who is more powerful. Wait..why don''t


    you talk to your father-inw? He could be of some help!" Edith pleaded.


    Deep inside, even Edith did not think they should abandon all their properties, especially thepany.


    It was the fundamental foundation of the Qin family and losing it hurt her a great deal.


    If thepany got sold, then she and her daughter, Cloris, would have no source of revenue to live a


    good life. Even if Vernon got a lenient sentence, he would still have to be in prison for at least a few


    years, which meant they would have to live a few years without him. Edith had been a housewife for


    many years. She had lost the motivation to work a long time ago. In that situation, she wondered who


    would be ountable to pay for their daily expense. ''Thepany could not be sold, '' thought Edith.


    "Yes! Mother is right! You can turn to Uncle Horace for help. He is your father-inw, hence he is bound


    to help us. Anyway, there''s no way we will give up our properties. Even father would be sad when he


    gets to know about it. You have to remember that thispany is his life!"


    Now Cloris nodded her head to show her agreement with Edith. There was no way she would go along


    with Cassandra''s proposal.


    "Cassandra, please. Talk to your father-inw. Or you can send Lionel to talk to him. Borrow some


    money from the Tang family for the penalty and keep the ourpany safe. I''m sure your father will


    rise from the ashes. He has the ability. We can pay back the money when your father seeds again!"


    Edith stared at Cassandra, expecting a positive reply from her.


    Cassandra lowered her eyes silently when she realized what Edith and Cloris were expecting from her.


    Sheforted herself by telling herself that Cloris was still a young and naive girl who couldn''t


    differentiate between right and wrong.


    However, she was bitterly disappointed at Edith who was being so unreasonable.


    If Horace genuinely wanted to lend a hand to the Qin family, then he would have easily done that using


    his connections. However, in reality, he chose to do nothing which made it evident he had no interest in


    helping.


    He merely gave her some directions by telling her who she could talk to. In short, he kept himself as an


    outsider and didn''t have any interest in actually helping them.


    Everything Horace did suggested that he decided to stay away from this mess. There was no way he


    would offer any further help to the Qin family.


    This wasn''t realized by Cassandra until very recently. At one time, she had hoped that Horace might


    feel pity and lend help. But it turned out she was being too naive.


    Tang Group was preparing for an important project for the government. If Horace offended anyone or


    was found to have any rtionship with Vernon, then it would get Tang Group into trouble. She was


    certain this was thest thing Horace wanted at this critical period.


    Cassandra was not a fool. By now, she had figured out everything and knew that only god would help


    her. And there was no more people she could go to for help.


    She was kind enough and didn''t want to reveal this cruel truth to Edith and Cloris. This would leave


    them shattered and hopeless. With no choice, she started to nod her head.


    "Okay, I''ll talk to him. But I can''t guarantee that he is going to help us."


    Later, Cassandra left the house. She sat in the driver''s seat with thoughts swirling on her mind. She


    had been running up and down in G City for thest few days paying visits to almost all the people


    rted to this case. However, her visits did not have much impact.


    Some people even implied that Vernon''s sentence might be the result of the fight among some officers.


    They insinuated that Vernon was the sacrificialmb. Hence no matter what she did, it would all be in


    vain.


    This stunning amount of penalty was too huge even for the Tang family. She had no idea who would


    lend her such a huge amount.


    Cassandra waspletely lost now. Her heart ached so much from all the burden she carried. It felt


    like she was burning in the hell.


    She did not want to stay in the Qin family because she would have to watch Edith''s and Cloris''


    frustration. That would make her feel worse, so she decided to head back to Tang house for the time


    being.


    On her way, she noticed the road was covered in snow. It took her two hours longer than usual to get


    home. And when she finally arrived, she was exhausted from all the driving.


    The first thing she noticed on entering was Ivy and Jill. They were chatting in the living room while Jill


    laughed heartily at something which Ivy had said. Their rtionship had deepened with time.


    Cassandra wasn''t surprised since she had witnessed such a scene before. Being left out was


    something she was used to by now. The same happened between Edith and Cloris as well.


    It wasn''t that Edith didn''t care for her. She did yet she just did not behave intimately as to her younger


    daughter. For Cassandra, being doted by her mother was like a dream which would nevere true.


    Cassandra forced herself to smile and greeted Jill. Quickly, she turned around and walked upstairs


    because she wanted to take a rest. However, a voice stopped her when she was in the corridor on the


    second floor.


    "Cassandra, do you want to save your father?"


    She stopped and turned around, looking at the woman with the slightly big belly.


    "It seems that everyone knows what happened to my family," said Cassandra in an indifferent tone.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Now even Ivy knew her father, Vernon, was in trouble. This confirmed her doubt that everyone in the


    Tang family had been informed about it. A sad smile crept on her face when she realized no one had


    stepped forward to help them.


    "Cassandra, don''t take yourself too seriously. I''m here to negotiate with you. We need to talk about


    something important," Ivy murmured, looking mischievous.


    Ivy had a beautiful face that looked even prettier when she smiled. But somehow in Cassandra''s eyes


    that face contained no beauty. If anything, it made her feel ufortable.


    "A negotiation? What do you want to talk about?"


    Now Cassandra looked alert. ''What does Ivy want to discuss? What does she want from me?''


    Cassandra wondered, looking troubled.


    Ivy walked towards Cassandra and stopped right in front of her. With a beautiful smile on the face, Ivy


    looked at the skinny woman. Her pretty smiling face was like a deadly poison to Cassandra.


    "Cassandra, you know it...you know what it is that I want."


    After this, she passed Cassandra a smile that seemed akin to a witch''s smile. Cassandra felt like Ivy


    was a witch who would soon swallow her up.


    Cassandra recalled the incident that took ce a few days ago. Ivy, bravely, stormed into her office and


    offered that she would like to rece Cassandra''s position in the Tang family. Moreover, she promised


    she was willing to pay any price for it.


    Ivy wanted to be Lionel''s official wife at any cost. In order to do that, the very first step was to throw


    Cassandra away from the Tang family.


    When that happened, Cassandra had sounded firm and sure of herself.


    "I want my parents'' safety and I don''t think you can help me get that. I am sorry, I can''t afford this


    exchange," Cassandra had replied and rejected Ivy''s offer that day.


    Suddenly, Cassandra felt like the sky was overcast and the wind was blowing hard. She narrowed her


    eyes and stared at this pretty woman standing before her.


    "Ivy, you knew that my father would be in trouble, right? You knew it!"


    Cassandra asked, unable to hide her astonishment. Now she started to suspect that Ivy might have


    something to do with this matter. The whistle blower was still John Doe. But if it was Ivy, it would make


    more sense. She had a motive to hurt Cassandra.


    Ivy was threatening her to leave the Tang family and she did this by putting the Qin family in danger.


    This way she was certain Cassandra would yield to her warnings. As a result, it would provide her with


    a perfect opportunity to marry Lionel.


    "What did you just say, Cassandra? How am I supposed to know your father would be in trouble? He


    who is unjust is doomed to destruction. I think your father deserves it. He made such a terrible mistake


    and it''s just a matter of time for the truth to shake out. I''d like to offer you a suggestion. Don''t use


    me for your downfall. Rather than using me, you should focus on how you will get out of this


    situation!"


    Ivy reached out and stroked her belly. A gentle expression appeared on her face when she thought


    about her baby. She was like any other mother-to-be. However, what she said felt like the sharp teeth


    of a serpent to Cassandra. Cassandra''s heart prickled as she listened to Ivy''s hurtful words.


    "I''m warning you, Ivy! If I ever discover that you have something to do with this then I''ll never let you


    go!"


    Cassandra looked at this hypocritical woman coldly and threatened her.


    "Oh my god! I''m so afraid of you. You won''t let me go? Oh, sure. I''m just a weak woman who is


    incapable of escaping from you,"


    Ivy teased with a disdainful and cunning smile.


    "Let me make it clear to you, Cassandra. You want to save your family, right? But I know you don''t have


    the money it takes to do it. It is going to be impossible for you to borrow it from others. Guess what, I


    have got the money. I have enough to pay for the penalty. Now you go ahead and think about it


    carefully, Cassandra. Are you sure you don''t want to ept my offer? If I were you, I would


    think...really quickly...and say yes. The clock starts ticking now."


    Cassandra red at Ivy as she went on with her little speech. Her words had hit Cassandra right where


    it hurts. At the moment, she was in a state where she couldn''t even form a word.


    Cassandra felt like Ivy''s face was erged in front of her eyes which made her feel dizzy all of a


    sudden.


    Seeing Cassandra''s hesitancy, Ivy startedughing even louder.


    "Don''t hesitate now, Cassandra. You married Lionel to save your family. But as you can see, no one in


    the Tang family is willing to help you. They are staying away from you and didn''t even bother to offer


    any help. I''m sure you have realized your position in this family. You are nothing but a poor beggar


    here! The Tang family would kick you out of this family when they realize how useless you are! Face


    the reality please. It''s better for you to leave before they show you the door!"


    The serpent''s bright red tongue hung out, forcing the princess to grant its request.


    Its green eyes stared at the princess and its tongue twitched. It was restless and wanted a quick reply


    from the princess.


    However, Cassandra closed her eyes and took a deep breath. When she opened her eyes again, there


    was no more hesitation or anxiety in those clear eyes.


    "You are the poor beggar, Ivy. Everything you have is Lionel''s, right? You have nothing of your own.


    Everything is taken from the Tang family, isn''t it? Have you ever earned a cent by yourself? You have


    been using your baby to earn this position in the Tang family. You are living such a pitiful life."

 Chapter 100 Whos My Hero

    Chapter 100 Who''s My Hero


    Women by nature were ambitious, but there were some that to a rough extent would take advantage of


    their good looks to attract men. At most, they would even trade their young and beautiful faces for good


    lives.


    Different women, different choices, different lives. Cassandra didn''t want to make ament on this.


    But for herself, she would never be that kind of ambitious woman.


    "Ivy, I''m not rich, but I''m living a dignified life. You''d better save your tricks and think about how to


    establish yourself in the Tang family. Whatever will happen, I won''t make a deal with you!"


    Cassandra threw the words coldly and was eager to escape Ivy''s presence. Then she walked back to


    her room and left everything behind.


    Ivy''s face was distorted because of anger. The way she clenched her teeth made her look less


    beautiful as before.


    ''Cassandra, you were brave enough to reject me. Go to hell!


    Let me remind you that you''re on fire at both ends now. Moreover, the giaristbel on you hasn''t


    been lifted off yet.'' Ivy thought.


    Cassandra, however, closed the door, her face being as pale as a ghost.


    Then with her hands still on the doorknob, she slid down from the door to the floor, tucked up both of


    her legs and buried her head in them.


    ''Cassandra, you must be strong. You need to work things out yourself, '' she encouraged herself.


    Her mind was racing as to what were the possible things she should do.


    The deadline of the nursing home''s design n was looming and she began to work overtime¡ªeven


    up to early morning.


    She hadn''t been back to the Tang family for days. Whenever she felt tired, she just slept on the couch


    in her office with a thin cover to keep herself warm.


    Moreover, the burden of the Qin family was all over her shoulder. It made her feel more exhausted than


    ever.


    Even worse, Edith and Cloris kept on calling her from time to time, overflowing her already filled cup of


    pressure. Her mind seemed to explode about thinking on ways how to deal with her problems.


    "Cassandra! Have you told your father-inw about the penalty? The amount is just a drop in the


    bucket for him! What''s the matter with you? Aren''t you going to do something? Your father''s trial is


    going to start next month!"


    Edith said furiously over the phone. Her voice was full of impatience.


    "Mom. I know. I will seek Horace''s help when I get a chance,"


    Cassandra lied to console Edith, knowing that if she said that Horace didn''t want to be involved in the


    issue at all might break Edith down.


    "Cassandra! We can''t wait any longer! You''re our only hope for your dad!"


    Edith whimpered anxiously. Her persistence annoyed Cassandra very much.


    "I''ll figure this out, mom. Don''t worry."


    Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    Cassandra felt more disconcerted when hanging up the phone. She opened the office windows and the


    cold wind blew on her pale face. The chill made her shivered but helped her feel more rational.


    At that moment, Victor walked in and was surprised at the sight of Cassandra by the window. He


    thought, ''What''s this¡­ Doesn''t Manager Qin feel cold by keeping the window open in a winter day?''


    "Victor, what''s the matter?"


    Cassandra asked. She knew it would be something about Rufus. She assumed he wanted to see her.


    "Mr. Luo wanted to see you in his office when you''re avable. He said he wanted to talk to you about


    your father."


    Rufus would send Victor to her office every time he wanted to see her. He never called, and Cassandra


    had been used to it.


    "Okay. I''ll be right there in a minute. I just finished the design draft and I need to recheck it now. I will


    show it to himter."


    Cassandra replied, noticing that Victor was still standing by the door.


    He was looking out of the window. It seemed that he had found something there.


    The Design Department was on the third floor of the Tang Group Building, from there everything


    outside could be seen.


    Victor''s eyes narrowed as he saw Ste in front of the building gate. She was messing with a strange


    man.


    Ste was trying to shake that man''s hand off her, but that he grabbed her hand again. It seemed that


    she was arguing with him about something and she looked very upset.


    Seeing this, Cassandra sighed, "I guess he''s the man who has been chasing after Ste. She is very


    annoyed but she can''t get rid of him. I bet he must take advantage of the time when Ste was out for


    lunch to approach her."


    Cassandra walked to the desk, picked up the phone and dialed Ste''s number.


    She had used this trick with Ste before. She would call to say they needed her toe back to the


    office immediately because of a business emergency. Then Ste would escape from him because the


    security guard at the gate would not allow him to get in.


    With her ear on the phone, she was startled when she suddenly saw a ck shadow from the corner of


    her eye. As she raised her head, she found that she was alone in her office. Victor was nowhere to be


    found.


    ''Huh? Wasn''t Victor here just now? When did he go out? Why didn''t I hear him close the door?'' She


    asked herself.


    Cassandra was confused and had no idea what had happened. Out of her instincts, she looked out of


    the window. Shivers crept down her spine as the cold wind blew inside.


    While holding the phone on her ear and waiting for Ste to answer. She scanned the vicinity and froze


    at what she was seeing outside.


    Victor, who was in her office half a minute ago, was outside the building now.


    Without saying a word, he rushed to the man who was messing with Ste, shook his hands off her and


    then pulled her behind him.


    ''This¡­ This is a story about a knight in shining armor saving a damsel in distress!'' Cassandra thought.


    She hung up the phone, took a deep breath and closed the window.


    ''All right, so I don''t need to worry about Ste since she has been saved by a hero. I guess I need one


    to save me from all these. I wonder where he is, '' she fancied the idea.


    It wasn''t a lucky day for Ste. She had no idea why she was trailed by this man again.


    He used to show up on her way to work or on her way home. Most of the time, he would stand by


    outside the office building with a bunch of roses in his hands.


    Honestly, he was a good looking man and born in a rich family. But he was too silly and odd to be


    epted by Ste.


    "My dear goddess. Please have dinner with me. I''ll wait for you downstairs. I will take you for dinner


    after work,"


    The man pleaded while gripping Ste''s hands. She couldn''t help feeling gross by his touch even when


    she had thick clothes on.


    "What goddess are you talking about? For thest time, I''ll say it again! I will not have dinner with you!


    Never!"


    Ste was about to explode. ''Goddess? Oh! Gross! How could this man had the guts to call me by


    that?'' Her shoulders shrugged at the thought.


    "God¡­ Ste. You know what? I miss you so much every day that my heart aches every time I can''t


    see you. I will die of heartbreak if you don''t say yes to me!"


    The man said while frowning. His face resembled a bitter gourd. He was serious when he said that he


    couldn''t live without her. Ste, on the other hand, being on the verge of fury thrashed him around.


    "Can you stop talking mawkish guff? Do you know? I couldn''t catch my fucking breath every time you


    talked! My head hurts! My mind is troubled! Can you stop doing this? Stop torturing me!"


    Ste was nowining. She was born a tough critic and put all the me on him. She was having


    a hard time because of this man.


    "Don''t be so unreasonable, Ste. Just let me know if you feel hard to breathe or you''re having a


    headache. I would take you to the hospital. I know a physician with superb medical capability. I''m sure


    he would cure you!"


    "Damn it!" She cursed angrily. Ste was now extremely upset. She found it hard to breathe and a


    choking sensation crept on her chest. She really couldn''t catch her breath.


    ''I really don''t understand. This man must be crazy. He is totally pointless. Hearing one more of his


    word, I would die of anoxia.'' Ste was struggling.


    Being tired of messing with him, Ste wriggled to get rid of him and wanted to go back to the office


    immediately.


    She had tried every method she can to get rid of him over the days. She even avoided the nearest


    route to work just to avoid meeting him along the way. Today, however, she was craving for some sushi


    so she went to the sushi restaurant nearby. On her way back to the office, she was stopped by him


    again.


    "Let me go. I need to go back to work!"


    Ste was exasperated, her face full of restlessness.


    "No. Ste. I won''t let you go unless you say yes to me!"


    The man wouldn''tpromise. He was so clingy.


    "Let go of her."


    Simple but colder-than-ice words caught both their attention.


    Ste was thrilled to hear this, a feeling of bliss flooded her heart. ''It was Victor. What''s Victor doing


    here?'' The question lingered on her mind.


    The strange man pulled a long face and looked at Victor, who wore a suit that matched his cold eyes.


    "Let go of whom? It''s none of your business. She''s my girlfriend!"


    The man was spoiled and behaved disrespectfully. He didn''t take Victor''s warning seriously.


    Victor hated the idea of being shunned. He clenched his fists with his knuckles cracking.


    The next second, the strange man was lying on the floor. It happened so fast that even Ste didn''t see


    how Victor''s fistnded on him.


    Ste opened her mouth in disbelief. She was taken aback at what had just happened in front of her.


    Her shoulders were trembling with shock.


    The strange man ced his hands on his stomach. He was limping in pain and was struggling to get


    up.


    "Don''t worry. You will not die. The pain would subside in a couple of minutes."


    Victor threw him a few words. Without looking back, he held Ste''s hands and then walked back to the


    Tang Group Building.


    Ste didn''t say a word on the way back. Victor took her back to the building and then let go of her the


    moment they reached the entrance.


    "Go back to work,"


    Victor said and then turned to walk away. He was always that short-spoken.


    Following Victor''s back with her eyes, Ste felt the biting cold under her feet.


    ''Victor is such a man of powerful physique. I should be grateful to him. Luckily he didn''t re up at me


    when I treated him in a bad way!'' Ste mused while walking to her office.

 Chapter 101 Forcing A Smiling Face

    Chapter 101 Forcing A Smiling Face


    As she entered Rufus''s office with herpleted design, Cassandra found him sitting on the sofa,


    swirling a ss of wine. He seemed lost in thought.


    "Mr. Luo, this is my design of the nursing home. Please check it before I submit to our partner,"


    she said as she put her work on Rufus''s desk and waited for his reply.


    Rufus took a sip of wine and closed his eyes, enjoying its vor and sensation as he swallowed it down


    his throat.


    "How is your father doing?"


    asked Rufus instead of acknowledging Cassandra''s request. One of his subordinates managed to


    locate the IP address of the poster. It was in New York. He already sent someone to look into it.


    Cassandra''s thoughts on the matter interested him.


    "My father¡­ He should be punished by what he has done, but I don''t think hispany should go


    bankrupt. I am determined to do my best to save it," she replied.


    In reality, Cassandra had no idea how to help her father''spany. Still, she was not about to show


    weakness in front of Rufus. She did not need anyone''s sympathy, especially his.


    Rufus stifled a sigh. He knew everything about Cassandra and her situation. The only way to save her


    father''spany was by paying a fine. It would be impossible for her toe up with such a vast


    amount of money.


    Rufus stood up and gave her an envelope.


    "Open it," he said.


    Cassandra hesitated. A part of her did not want to take it.


    "What are you thinking about? Just take it,"


    urged Rufus as he pushed the envelope closer to her.


    "No, Mr. Luo, I can''t ept your money!"


    Cassandra stepped back stubbornly.


    She knew that raising the money would be difficult, but she was determined to try.


    She would not let the Qin Group go bankrupt. She would sell their vi and rent an apartment for her


    family if she had to.


    Since the vi was bought many years ago, it had already increased in value. It would sell for a good


    price. Cassandra also had some friends back in Rome who were willing to lend her money. Another


    option was to apply for a loan.


    Thest thing she wanted to do was to borrow or ept money from the Tang family. This included


    Rufus. It would be a huge blow to her ego.


    A smile spread across Rufus''s lips when Cassandra refused him.


    He knew that she would refuse his financial help, so he made sure that the envelope did not contain


    money.


    "Calm down. It''s not money, but it is something that will help you. Open it,"


    he assured her gently.


    After thinking for a while, Cassandra took the envelope and opened it.


    In a few seconds, Cassandra''s face lit up with excitement.


    It was an entry notice from the International Architectural Design Competition. Held every five years, it


    was a stage coveted by designers all over the world.


    She was supposed to take part in thispetition after she graduated, but shepletely forgot about


    its urrence this year due to the many things that happened recently. It was a pleasant surprise that


    Rufus had already registered for her.


    "I''ve sent your CV to the judging panel, including your previous works. They liked your designs and


    hoped you can take part in thepetition in the United States,"


    Rufus said, happy with Cassandra''s reaction. Still, he did not let his emotions show on his face.


    "Thispetition is sponsored by a hugepany, so its prize pool is quiterge. Winning would


    definitely give you a huge amount of money," he said.


    Skimming through the invite, Cassandra found that thepetition was to open in five days. A part of


    her felt scared that it was toote to prepare.


    "This is too sudden. I didn''t prepare anything for it. I might be eliminated at the very first round,"


    she said as she pressed the notice against her chest, worriedly.


    "It''s an improvisedpetition. Advance preparation will not work. The topic will be given on the spot


    and very few people can guess what it is as early as now,"


    Rufus reassured Cassandra again. It seemed that he knew more about thepetition than her.


    Looking at the prize money on the paper, Cassandra felt thrilled.


    ''This is more than enough to pay off the fine.


    If I win thispetition, my father''spany will be saved, '' she thought.


    "Thank you, Mr. Luo. This is the best gift I''ve ever received,"


    Cassandra said as she started to blush.


    What she needed the most was not silver or gold, but respect. Rufus didn''t give her money, but what he


    gave her was something far more valuable.


    He managed to help her while protecting her pride and giving her space to work on it herself. He was


    truly a thoughtful man.


    "Finish all handovers in the next two days. I have a business trip to New York so I will be going with


    you," Rufus said.


    His ulterior motive was to meet the designer who imed that his design was copied by Cassandra.


    Cassandra nodded and felt the sorrow in her heart disappear.


    Three dayster, Cassandra arrived in New York with Rufus.


    As soon as she got off the ne, Cassandra hurried to the office of the organizingmittee. She had


    impressed the judges with her previous works.


    "We saw your designs in China. They are unique and innovative. We are looking forward to witnessing


    your talents in thepetition,"


    said a judge with a full beard as he gave Cassandra an entry card with her name and number on it.


    "Please keep this safe, or you will not be allowed to enter thepetition site," he reminded.


    "I will. Thank you!" Cassandra then left the office with the card in her hand. ''I will do my best to win. I


    have to save father''spany," promised Cassandra to herself.


    It was already dinner time when she got out. Rufus took her to a famous western restaurant. As soon


    as they sat down, Cassandra received a phone call from Cloris.


    Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    She gently excused herself and went to a silent corner.


    "Sister, there is an opportunity to study abroad, and I want to sign up. Can you give me some money?"


    the girl from the other end of the line asked.


    Cassandra paused. She didn''t expect Cloris to ask her for money in such an explicit way.


    "How much do you need?" she asked.


    "Not much, I just need forty thousand," she replied.


    "Yeah, it''s really ''not much'' money," mumbled Cassandra.


    If Vernon were not in prison and theirpany ount were not suspended, the amount would


    definitely be readily avable. But as it stood, they just could not afford it at the moment.


    "Cloris, can you go abroad next year, instead? You know that there are a lot of things happening right


    now, and I don''t have the money to give you,"


    replied Cassandra gently. Money was a sensitive topic.


    "What? So you''ve been married to Lionel for years and you don''t have even forty thousand to spare?!"


    Cloris was dissatisfied with her answer.


    "Cloris, their money does not belong to me. It''s not something that I can use as I wish. Do you


    understand that?"


    Cassandra took a deep breath to calm herself down. She did not expect such words toe out of her


    innocent sister.


    ''It looks like she has been spoiled by father. She has always been given a life of privilege. It is to no


    surprise that she could ask for such a huge amount of money without any consideration, '' thought


    Cassandra.


    "I''ve asked mother, and she said she didn''t have any money so she asked me to seek help from you.


    How will you help father if you don''t even have forty thousand? Do you intend to leave us with this,


    alone? You do know that we will lose everything if you don''t pay off the fine, right?"


    Cloris shot impatiently.


    ''This is all mother''s fault. Why did she tell Cloris to ask money from me? Do I look like an ATM machine


    to them?'' Cassandra thought, outraged.


    "Cloris, I will raise money for the fine and do my best to earn your tuition. Trust me, I will save the


    company. You and mother don''t have to worry about that," she promised.


    Actually, Cassandra felt sad knowing that even her family did not seem to trust her. Still, she


    maintained a strong facade.


    "I know you are in New York to join apetition. We have to meet when youe back. It''s a rare


    chance. Father promised to pay my tuition before he was imprisoned. Students who graduated from


    that school all enjoy a great life. I need this chance!"


    Cloris demanded, and without even waiting for Cassandra to respond she hung up. Hearing the dial


    tone, Cassandra lowered her arm feebly.


    Despite the pain she felt, she could not abandon her sister and her mother. They were her family.


    ''Hope I can win thepetition. I need to save my father''spany and pay my sister''s tuition fee,"


    Cassandra prayed.


    She took one deep breath and managed to force a smile before she looked up at Rufus.


    "Let''s eat, shall we? This steak looks good,"


    said Cassandra, beaming.

 Chapter 102 Forgot To Make A Wish

    Chapter 102 Forgot To Make A Wish


    As the night grewte, Cassandra prepared herself for the hotel that they were going to stay in. To her


    surprise, Rufus drove them to Hampton.


    Hampton was a vige by the beach in the city. It was filled with majestic and luxurious buildings, each


    with its own walled gardens.


    There lived the most influential people in New York city¡ªthe most powerful political families, tycoons,


    movie stars, socialites, etc. Tons of paparazzi lurked to get their scoop on the city elites'' lives.


    Cassandra stared at an approaching convertible with her eyes wide open. ''Was the woman sitting on


    the front seat the movie star who just won an award for Best Supporting Actress?'' she thought.


    Row upon row of towering vis surrounded the coast. Each house was a masterpiece by several


    architects, impressive in their own way. They all looked sublime coupled with the stormy sea.


    Rufus pulled over at a corner beside a slope, on top of which stood a blue castle. It reminded


    pedestrians of fairy tales from their childhood, making them feel as if there were a prince and a


    princess living inside.


    "Do you like it? I named it ''Dream, ''"


    Rufus said, taking off his sunsses. He smiled at Cassandra. His eyes were deep and attractive.


    "Dream..."


    Cassandra murmured, staring at the beautiful building. Her watery eyes brightened her face in the


    moonlight.


    She walked on the castle''s white cobbled path as Rufus drove to the back to park.Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    The iron gate was entwined with vines and a few pink flowers sprawled and adorned the exterior wall.


    As a gentle breeze blew and twilight fell, Rufus walked across the yard, to the gate, and finally opened


    the castle doors to let Cassandra in.


    "Wee to Dream, my princess,"


    He said as he put his left hand behind him, offered his right hand, and did a gentle bow simr to a


    royal curtsy.


    Cassandra shed a smile. Her eyes glittered like diamonds in the night. This was every little girl''s


    fantasy. It was impossible to resist such a moment.


    Rufus prepared a room facing the sea for her. Late at night, the sea reflected the stars as the waves


    rolled to the beach. This enchanting sight dazzled Cassandra.


    She changed into a silk nightgown. The castle was empty but warm.


    Lying on the bed she found herself still very wide awake. Cloris''s words rang in her mind, "Mom asked


    me to seek help from you." She could hear her say it again and again. It was like a python, snarling at


    her with its mouth open. Her mind was in such a turmoil that she couldn''t sleep.


    What did she mean to her mother and sister?


    Realizing that her attempts to quiet her mind would be futile, Cassandra got up and pushed the door


    open. She decided to explore the castle, instead.


    Downstairs, the whole house was covered in dim light.


    She noticed a huge portrait hung on the hall of the ground floor.


    It was of a woman and a boy which was so lifelike that it seemed more like a photo than a painting.


    The woman was very elegant. She wore a gentle smile whose warmth could light anyone''s heart in a


    cold night.


    Beside her, the young boy stood, good-looking with definite features. The wisdom and confidence that


    shone through his eyes looked far beyond his years.


    Cassandra chuckled. She was almost sure this was little Rufus.


    She sat on the staircase across the portrait and enjoyed it with her head cocked to one side.


    Rufus looked so charming as a little boy. God endowed him with such adorable features that he


    managed to keep even as he grew up.


    What a charming little boy.


    Thinking of childhood, Cassandra felt lonely.


    She seldom took pictures with her parents. Cloris, though, had several pictures with them that adorned


    their home when they were both little.


    She wondered why her parents were not as close to her as they were to Cloris.


    She closed her eyes and covered her face with her hands. Tears fell on her soft palms.


    Her family was the pain in her heart that could not seem to heal.


    "Why aren''t you asleep?"


    she heard a gentle voice from behind her. Rufus, in a loose robe, stood at the top of the staircase.


    Taking a few steps down, he stopped beside Cassandra. He leaned against the rail. Cassandra could


    smell his fragrance.


    "Jetg,"


    Cassandra said. She quickly wiped the tears off with her hands. She did not like looking vulnerable in


    front of others.


    Rufus knew she was not someone who would share feelings and secrets.


    He lit a cigarette and stood beside her without a word.


    "Thank you, Rufus,"


    Cassandra said. But it sounded frigid.


    Rufus squinted his dark eyes and stared at her disheveled figure.


    Cassandra wasn''t this thin when they met in Rome. Stress clearly got to her. She was going through a


    lot. It pained Rufus to see her this way.


    The woman turned to look at Rufus.


    She almost looked like a little fairy as the moon illuminated her features.


    "Rufus, what does family mean to you?"


    Cassandra knew that Rufus was Horace''s bastard child. She wondered what it felt like for him to meet


    his father after years of being absent in his life.


    He paid obeisance to Horace and did very well when his father appointed him to take charge of the


    company. But Cassandra wondered whether he ever med Horace for not being a good father.


    Rufus fell silent and clenched his fists so hard that his hands began to tremble.


    What did family mean to him? He didn''t know if the family that Cassandra was pertaining to was the


    Tang family.


    If it were, then that would be too funny.


    The Tang family meant nothing to him. He never saw them as family.


    Receiving no response, Cassandra turned her head back and murmured, "Sometimes, I feel so out of


    ce in this family. It''s like I don''t belong here."


    Her body began to shake with her nightgown fluttering.


    Rufus put out his cigarette and got down to his knees. He brought the sad girl to his arms.


    Even though it was a rtively warm night, her body felt cold.


    "Do you feel cold?"


    Rufus frowned.


    "No, I just feel sad..."


    Cassandra gently broke loose from his embrace and stood up.


    Rufus stared at her figure and stayed silent for a minute.


    "Put on a coat. Let''s take a walk,"


    Rufus sighed. He felt helpless seeing Cassandra worry so much. He knew that there was not much that


    he could do to help her.


    It was a quiet night. The sea was calm, reflecting the starlight above it. It looked nothing like how it did


    in daylight when the waves were lively.


    The sea breeze was cold as it was still winter. Cassandra rubbed her arms to warm herself.


    Rufus wordlessly wrapped his arms around Cassandra''s shoulder. She was surprised but didn''t try to


    avoid his embrace this time.


    His eyes were dark. It made him feel happy to hold her in his arms.


    "Now, you don''t feel as cold,"


    Rufus tried to say it casually as if he didn''t care about her as much as he did.


    "Actually I enjoy being cold. It keeps me sober,"


    Cassandra replied. Her long, curly eyshes fluttered as she blinked.


    "Does it? Are you saying you are not sober right now?"


    Rufus whispered to her ear with a sly smile.


    "Rufus!"


    Cassandra eximed as she pushed to break loose, but failed as Rufus held her more tightly.


    "I like it when you call me by my name," he said


    as he rested his chin on her head. He held her so tightly as if he wanted to embed her into his body.


    Cassandra''s heart raced and her face flushed. She felt overwhelmed and extremely uneasy.


    "Look! A shooting star!"


    Cassandra excitedly eximed at her discovery, pointing at the line where the sky met the sea.


    A shooting star streaked across the sky leaving a hardly visible white ribbon trailing behind it against


    the dark sky.


    The wind whipped her hair around her head and the pale moonlight poured over her pretty face,


    enhancing her fair skin. Stars glittered from Cassandra''s sparkling eyes which looked like the


    mysterious sea.


    Even with the picturesque sky and enchanting waters, none of them couldpare with her smile. The


    wonder in her eyes gripped Rufus. He could not turn his eyes away from her.


    "Shoot! I forgot to make a wish! You should have reminded me to do it!"


    Cassandrained with a frown. She looked up at him and met his intense gaze. Her face blushed


    for a split second, then she reprimanded herself, "It does not seem appropriate."


    Rufus shed a light smile when he noticed that she was trying to avoid his eyes.


    "You just made a wish for your birthday. Aren''t you a little greedy to have so many wishes!"


    Rufus chuckled as he looked at her tenderly.


    Cassandra felt a little bit nervous. She looked at him with her eyes wide open.


    Seeing Rufus smile like that surprised her since he usually looked so stern.


    He always had a very serious and aloof demeanor, even when he was with clients. His yfulness and


    tenderness were not something that he would show to a lot of people quite often. Indeed, it could melt


    anyone''s heart.


    Rufus''s lipsnded on hers before the blushed woman could get a hold of herself.

 Chapter 103 A Deep Kiss

    Chapter 103 A Deep Kiss


    Rufus''s kiss was aggressive and eager. Cassandra found herself gasping for breath.


    Unable to think, she clutched his cor like a drowning person''s lifeline.


    Everything stood still. The stars felt as if they shone for this sole purpose. The sea kept thempany


    and the night sky watched over them.


    Rufus and Cassandra held each other as if they had the world.


    They stayed like that for a long time. Then, Rufus sighed as he pulled the woman into his arms.


    He lifted his head and looked at the stars. This winter didn''t seem that bad.


    When the designpetition finally began, to Rufus''s surprise, Victor reported to him that the foreign


    designer who imed that Cassandra giarized his work was also a contender.


    Rufus asked someone to keep an eye on him. Surprisingly, that designer didn''t even make it through


    the group stage.


    This only made Rufus more suspicious of him and his capabilities. If he was really talented, why would


    he be eliminated so early?


    As for Cassandra, she eased to the final round smoothly.


    The final round was open for public to see. More people coulde and watch their designs.


    Judges would set a theme and the designers would be given a few hours toe up with their


    respective entries. Then, they would be made to present their work to the panel of judges.


    As Rufus sat in the audience, his eyes locked on Cassandra. He was nervous but he still looked calm


    as always.


    He was confident that Cassandra could win thepetition. And even if she lost, he knew that it would


    still be a great experience for her.


    Atst, Cassandra''s work which was embellished with traditional Chinese architecture features, won


    the third prize. Although it was just the third prize, it was quite substantial and enough to pay off


    Vernon''s fines.


    This was also the first time that a Chinese designer managed to reach the final stage, even bagging


    third prize. Cassandra''s talent was there for the world to see.


    The awarding ceremony was grand and exciting. People pped their hands for the winners and Rufus


    couldn''t help smiling.


    Suddenly, he noticed a familiar figure.


    He found the man was Chinese and looked rtively young. He was staring at Cassandra with greed


    and desire in his eyes.


    A name came to Rufus''s mind but he did nothing. He needed a n.


    As long as he knew that this man was in New York, he would catch him. He would make the man pay


    for what he had done. But now was not the time to do that.


    The man was gone as soon as the ceremony ended. Smiling, Rufus greeted Cassandra when she


    climbed down the stage.


    She had beads of sweat on the sides of her face. She looked very happy which turned Rufus on. He


    wanted to kiss her flushed face.


    "Shall we celebrateter?"


    Rufus said with his husky voice, which Cassandra found very attractive.


    "I want it to be a big celebration but I''m scared you''ll get tired easily,"


    she replied sticking her tongue out yfully. She was very happy, indeed.


    As Rufus and Cassandra beamed at each other enjoying the moment, Cassandra''s phone rang.


    "Edith", the caller ID indicated. She answered it immediately.


    It was Cloris who was speaking at the other end of the phone.


    "Cassandra, where are you? Come home, please... Father...tried to kill himself in the detention center,"


    she was choking up and sobbing.


    Cassandra was dumbstruck. She felt as if her whole world was spinning.


    She joined thepetition to help her father. Why would he do that? Why would he give up?


    When she got back to G city, Cassandra was told that Vernon was out of danger.


    Apparently, Vernon found a box cutter somehow and cut his wrist. Luckily, one of the staff found him in


    time. Otherwise, he would have seeded in his attempt.


    Lying in bed, he looked pale as a bottle of IV fluid dripped steadily beside his bead.


    Cassandra wasn''t allowed to enter the ward so all she could do was watch him from the outside.


    Seeing her father so weak and skinny stirred up a lot of feelings inside her.


    Cloris and Edith soon arrived at the hospital too. Cassandra headed straight to the hospital the moment


    she got off the airne. When she saw her mother, Cassandra ran to her.


    "Mother!"


    Cassandra choked up. It was so painful seeing someone she loved in the hospital.


    To her surprise, her mother greeted her with a p.


    It was a hard and painful blow.


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    The other people in the hospital were surprised, not knowing what was going on. They stared at


    Cassandra who felt dizzy and confused.


    "Get the hell out of here! You''re not my daughter!"


    Edith shouted at her. Cassandra looked at her mother with wide eyes as tears fell down her cheeks.


    It was then that she started to feel the pain on her face. It was definitely swollen.


    Rufus was at the other end of the corridor, asking a nurse about Vernon''s situation. When he heard


    Edith, he immediately walked to Cassandra and pulled her behind him.


    "What happened? If there are problems, talk it over. It''s not right to do that in public," he said,


    pertaining to the p.


    He gently pulled Cassandra''s hand out of her face. When he saw her swollen cheek, Rufus felt a pang


    of pain, as if it were he who was pped.


    "I''m sorry, Cassandra. I can''t stand by you this time. A real estate agent went to check the house


    yesterday. They said you wanted to sell it. Mother was very angry and kicked them out. Why don''t you


    talk to us first before deciding to sell the house? Where are we supposed to live?"


    Cloris exined, indifferently.


    Cassandra recalled her conversation with the agency. She did tell them that she might be going to sell


    the house, but she remembered mentioning that she was still considering it. She did not expect them to


    do anything drastic while she was away.


    Selling the house was an option just in case she failed to win any money in thepetition. It was a


    last resort.


    Since she won, though, it would no longer be necessary for her to sell the mansion.


    Cassandra should have told Edith about this. It was a misunderstanding.


    "Do you know what your sister has done for your father? I know she did not tell you anything, but that


    does not mean that she did nothing,"


    Rufus red at Cloris. The intensity of his gaze made Cloris step slowly back to Edith.


    Bearing the pain in her face, Cassandra walked towards her mother. Before she could open her mouth,


    tears fell down her face.


    "Mother, I wasn''t sure if we needed to sell our house to pay father''s ransom. It was thest thing I


    wanted, but something I considered in case we had no other option. But now I have enough money.


    We don''t need to sell the house at all," she said in between tears.


    Seeing her mother weeping, Cassandra realized that despite her actions, she was also in pain.


    Edith lifted her hands, trembling. She looked at Cassandra with her teary eyes.


    She panicked. She was afraid that Vernon would leave her forever. How could she and their daughters


    move on if he passed away? If their house were sold, where would they live?


    She was very stressed and impulsively pped Cassandra. She felt bad for what she did, but the idea


    of losing Vernon was just too much for her to handle.


    She had gotten ustomed to a wealthy life. If she lost the house and were to be forced to wander


    around, she would not make it.


    Standing next to Edith, Cloris murmured, "Now that father is hospitalized, I won''t be able to study


    abroad."


    Cassandra hugged her mother, trying tofort her. It broke her heart to hear her mother cry.


    She was always a responsible daughter. She loved her family very much. Even though she was not


    always around, she would turn up and be the first there to help whenever there were problems. Yet,


    they did not seem to appreciate her. They showed nopassion for her own struggles.


    Rufus noticed that Cassandra had stopped crying and he felt sorry for her.


    She was always this tough, being the backbone of her family. But could she really do that? Could she


    really support her family on her own?


    "Why would father try to kill himself? Mother, do you know why?"


    Cassandra asked Edith. She was desperate to know the reason. She remembered telling Vernon she


    would get the money before she left. Why couldn''t he just wait a few more days? After all, the trial didn''t


    begin until next month!


    Edith looked at Cloris and then Rufus. She was hesitant. Rufus walked away, deciding to give them


    some space.


    Now, it was just her family. Edith finally said, her voice trembling, "Someone asked your father to be the


    scapegoat."

 Chapter 104 Joel Came Back

    Chapter 104 Joel Came Back


    Cassandra could not believe what she heard. She was stunned by what Edith told her. For a moment,


    she was unable to move as she looked at her mother with wide eyes.


    "An official who is also involved in the case wants your father to take the full responsibility for it. If your


    father declines, he will get a heavy sentence. This deeply distresses your father. This was why he


    wanted to kill himself..." Edith sobbed.


    Edith lived a veryfortable and luxurious life earlier. But after everything had been happening in her


    family, she seemed to have aged considerably.


    "Your father just woke up so the guard allowed me to talk to him. The first thing he told me was to be


    careful," she continued.


    Cassandra frowned as she heard her mother''s words.


    She wondered, ''That official and father are under investigation together. It is certain that the official had


    something to do with the issue. How could he be able to maneuver himself out of the situation?''


    She felt strangely uneasy. Something had always felt wrong about the situation, but she could not point


    her finger to what it was.


    "Mom, dad is safe now. I am happy to know that dad is all right. Let''s talk about the restter. I will try to


    find someone who can help us deal with the case. Don''t worry about the fine. I have already had that


    taken care of. Moreover, don''t tell anyone what dad has told you," Cassandra emphasized.


    Edith nodded and wiped her tears away.


    "Cassandra, what about my tuition fee?" Cloris asked hurriedly.


    As soon as Cloris heard that Cassandra was able to raise enough money for the fine, she immediately


    reminded her sister about her promise to help her with her studies abroad.


    ncing at Cloris, Cassandra''s heart was harder than before.


    Cloris was clearly ustomed to spending money like water. If she ran out of money, she would clearly


    lose herself.


    Cloris used to be very lively, gentle and considerate. But when she realized that her father could no


    longer give her what she wanted, she became unkind and mean.


    Maybe this was really what Cloris was like. Vernon''s predicament finally exposed her for who she really


    was.


    "For the time being, I can''t give you the money. I need to pay off father''s fine first, and we will talk about


    your tuitionter," Cassandra replied coldly.


    She stood firmly against her younger sister''s whims.


    ''Cloris is spoiled terribly by our parents. She takes everyone''s efforts for granted. She feels as if I


    should always give in to her whims. I will no longer do this, '' she thought.


    Upon hearing this, Cloris stamped her feet in anger, turned, and ran away.


    Cloris sullenly headed downstairs, her mind filling with grievances. Suddenly, she bumped into a man.


    "Cloris? What are you doing here?"


    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.


    That voice was oddly familiar. When she lifted her head, she found that it was Arthur.


    "I... I came to see my sick friend," Cloris lied.


    She didn''t want to tell him that her father tried tomit suicide in the detention center because of


    commercial bribery. She wondered, ''Even if my father were saved, I still don''t want others to know


    about this. How would I show my face if people found out about this?''


    "How is your friend? Is there anything I can do to help? I know the Director of this hospital," Arthur


    asked gently.


    He was as mannered and proper as before. His gentle smile would make anyone feel slightly


    comfortable.


    Looking at Arthur, Cloris felt so happy that her heart thumped unsteadily.


    "She is all right. There is nothing seriously wrong with her. She is getting better. How about you,


    Arthur? What are you doing in the hospital?" Cloris uttered.


    Cloris tried to divert his attention away from this matter to keep him from digging for more details.


    "Oh, my father is staying in hospital here. I came to see him," Arthur answered.


    There was a knowing glint appearing in his eyes.


    ''I knew that Vernon was arrested. Moreover, his suicide attempt is already known to almost everyone in


    the industry. It wasn''t a secret, '' Arthur thought to himself.


    ''Cloris, though, is a little girl trying to fool me without practical wisdom. She is clearly less smart than


    her older sister, Cassandra.


    She is stupid but not useless. I will use her to get something I want.''


    "I heard that the school provides opportunities for students to study abroad. Have you applied for that


    program yet?" Arthur asked deliberately.


    Cloris, being proud and arrogant, was one that would surely grab this kind of opportunity because of its


    prestige.


    "I applied for it but my application has not been approved yet," Cloris replied.


    His concern reminded her own disappointment about the expenses involved.


    ''Even if the school sponsors my tuition fee, the living expenses will still be too much for me to bear on


    my own. I can hardly imagine what it would be like to live a in life.


    It''s not something I''m used to. I was raised in luxury. Recently, though, I have had to be more


    mindful of my expenses. I have not been able to shop. This is making me very unhappy, '' she thought.


    "I will get someone to follow it up for you. I know that you are excellent in your study, so I''m sure they''ll


    consider your application. If you go abroad, I will help arrange everything for you. I also chose to study


    abroad when I was your age. After returning home, I took over the Down Star Group," Arthur shared.


    He intentionally credited his overseas study for his position in Down Star Group because he knew that


    it would only ignite Cloris'' desire to grab the opportunity. He was correct.


    "Thank you, Arthur," Cloris replied happily.


    She looked up at him and beamed a sweet smile. Anyone who did not know her would easily be fooled


    by her innocent facade.


    After bidding Arthur goodbye, Cloris went to the coffee shop opposite of the hospital to wait for her


    mother. She did not want to go back to her father''s ward so she decided to wait outside the hospital


    premises.


    After visiting his father, Arthur came out of the hospital and unexpectedly saw Cassandra and Rufus


    walking out of the inpatient department together.


    Arthur guessed that Cassandra must havee to see her father, as well. Though, he wondered what


    Rufus was doing there.


    He clenched his fist. The thought of losing his position as Director of the Union of Real Estate to the


    Tang Group bothered him. He was determined not to let it happen.


    Since thest dance party, Arthur sent someone to contact a columnist of the local newspaper to


    publish a cryptic gossip involving Rufus and Cassandra.


    Because it was too obscure and not a lot of people seemed to care about Rufus and Cassandra''s


    allegedly intimate rtionship, the gossip did not fly.


    This report simply did not exert any bad influences on the Tang Group, which made him very angry.


    Now, Vernon was being investigated formercial bribery, thus giving rise to much discussion within


    the industry. But still, very few people knew that Cassandra was his eldest daughter.


    Everytime Vernon had his daughter with him, he always brought Cloris. It was possible that most


    people thought that he only had one daughter.


    Cassandra was barely noticed by anyone, but Arthur believed in the saying ''all roses bloom, sooner or


    later''. Cassandra was like the rose. One day, he would let everyone know the secret that the Tang


    Group had been hiding¡ªCassandra.


    Neon lights started to illuminate the city as the night fell. In a dim corner of a Western restaurant, a man


    in a cap sat looking down at the ss of water in front of him.


    Shortly after, a woman sat directly across him wearing sunsses and a hat, thus making it difficult to


    distinguish her face.


    "Why did youe back now? What are you doing here?" the woman asked in an extremely agitated


    tone.


    There was clearly anger in it.


    "Don''t you know that I am at a very critical moment? What a mess! You shouldn''t havee back


    now," the woman scolded.


    The man looked up, wearing an indifferent smile on his young-looking face.


    "What are you nervous about, sister? No one knows I''m back. Moreover, it has been such a long time


    since that thing happened. So there is nothing to be afraid of," the man replied.


    Yes, the man was Joel. He framed Cassandra but he failed in the end. The woman sitting across him


    was Ivy.


    "We must be careful in everything so that we can get what we want. I worked hard to be pregnant and


    now I am about to have a baby. I must kick Cassandra out of the Tang family before giving birth. We


    will not be able to do that if word gets out that you''re my brother," Ivy warned.


    A trace of distress appeared gradually on her face. She wondered, ''I once asked my younger brother,


    Joel, to drug Cassandra with philter so he could have sex with her. This would have given me evidence


    that Cassandra was having an affair outside her marriage. Although this n was foiled by Rufus,


    Lionel would drive me out of his house if he knew what I have done, '' she thought.


    "Ah! Ivy, you worry too much. I actually came back to help you," Joel answered.


    Then, Joel raised his hand to call the waiter so he could order something.


    "You have to be kidding me. I''d be lucky to not be in trouble because of you," Ivy answered


    sarcastically.


    She did not trust her impulsive younger brother because of his failure to execute her n previously.


    "Why did you say that? I asked my friend at home to help you before I came back," Joel said.


    With a hint of excitement in his face, Joel got close to her ear and whispered, "I asked my friend to


    secretly meet with Cassandra''s father, Vernon. He told him that if he didn''t take full responsibility for the


    case, his family would get into trouble. Haha!"


    Joelughed heartily as he finished speaking. He was waiting for Ivy topliment him. Instead, Ivy


    stood stunned before she managed to respond.


    "What? How dare you do such a thing without my knowledge! You''re so stupid! You do know that there


    is no chance for those two people to be acquitted of the crime. What you did was careless and


    wasteful!"


    Ivy was so pissed. ''Joel, you idiot. I know you are well-intended, but what you did made trouble for me,


    '' she thought.


    "Have you thought about the consequences of your actions? If Vernon were to tell the truth, you would


    get into trouble," Ivy added.


    She raised her eyebrows as she scolded her disappointed younger brother.


    "But he won''t tell the truth. In fact, he is so terrified that he tried to kill himself. This is what makes me


    so happy," Joel exined as he continued tough once again.


    Hisugh was so grant that several diners around them began to look over.


    Seeing others'' gaze, Ivy started to feel more weary. She pushed her sunsses higher, lowered her


    head and dropped her voice.


    "In short, you have to be very careful recently. I have remitted a sum of money into your ount, which


    is enough for your expenses for half a year. So you don''t have toe to me for the next six months,"


    Ivy said in barely a whisper.


    Then, she got up and hurried away. Little did she know, a set of eyes were watching them from afar.

 Chapter 105 If I Cant Have Her, No One Can

    Chapter 105 If I Can''t Have Her, No One Can


    "You mean, it was Joel who sent someone to ckmail Vernon into taking the me?"


    Rufus asked with his back turned to Victor. His words did not give away any of his thoughts. Standing


    in front of the huge window of his personal office, he projected a very dangerous vibe.


    "Yes. Also, he is Ivy''s brother,"


    Victor replied calmly. His face showed no emotion.


    "Right, then. Find a way toe up with evidence that Joel was the one who stole Cassandra''s works,


    and do it fast,"


    Rufus ordered as he turned to face Victor. His eyes were stone cold and menacing.


    Victor nodded obediently and quickly left the room. Now alone, Rufus threw a hard punch on his heavy


    wooden desk.


    He was frustrated with himself. Why didn''t he act on this sooner? He turned a blind eye the first time


    Joel set Cassandra up. He did not expect it to happen again. Now, Joel was back causing them even


    more trouble. He should have ended it the first time, and he regretted now that he did not.


    He must get rid of Joel. This man was too dangerous with his vile ideas. He almost killed Vernon with


    his stint.


    Finding proof of his giarism would be a good leverage to get rid of him once and for all. Then, all this


    would end.


    Rufus swore that he would make him pay for hurting Cassandra, and he was determined to get it done


    no matter what it took.


    "Mom, I need your bank ount number so I can transfer Cloris''s tuition fee to you,"


    Cassandra said. Even she scolded Cloris, she was still her sister, after all. Cassandra was determined


    to help her out in spite of anything.


    "What? Cloris told me that she already got the money. Was that not from you?"


    Edith asked, surprised. When Cloris told her that her tuition fee was covered, she assumed that the


    money was from Cassandra. Now that Cassandra was requesting for her ount number, she realized


    that she was wrong.


    "She already got it? How is that possible? I borrowed money from my friend just now!"


    Cassandra was confused. She borrowed money from her friend, Ste. She also sold her car toe


    up with Cloris''s tuition fee, even if it meant that she would need to go to work using the Tang family''s


    car or taking a cab.


    "I got a schrship so I don''t need her money anymore,"


    Cloris, who had her face covered with a face mask, told her mother after overhearing the conversation.


    She looked at Edith with a trace of smugness in her eyes.


    "Oh, Cloris said that she managed to get a schrship so she doesn''t need your money now,"


    Edith ryed the message to Cassandra joyfully. She was very proud that Cloris was resourceful


    enough to solve her own problem. She had always been very proud of her daughters. They always had


    good grades and were growing up to be very responsible and independent youngdies.


    Cassandra acknowledged the update and hung up the call. A proud smile spread on her face. It also


    made her proud to see that her sister was bing more independent.


    Meanwhile, Cloris, who just finished applying face mask, proceeded to do her make up and change her


    clothes. When she came out of her room, Edith looked at her with surprise.


    "Cloris, are you going out? It''s alreadyte,"


    she said, worried. Cloris was a girl, it was dangerous to go out sote at night.


    "It''s going to be okay, mom. I''m hanging out with some ssmates. We''ll just be out for a karaoke


    session. You know we''re about to graduate so we just want to spend as much time as we could with


    each other before it alles to an end,"


    Cloris exined casually. Then, she walked out of the house with her limited edition bag at hand.


    A slick Porsche was already parked outside. Behind the steering wheel was Arthur. He looked very


    handsome.


    "Where are we going, Arthur?"


    Cloris asked happily as she hopped in. She gave him a very sweet smile.


    "It''s a surprise. You will know when we get there,"


    Arthur replied in a cryptic tone. He gently smiled back at her.


    They arrived at a high-end club. Arthur got off the car and opened the door for Cloris. Then, they


    walked inside, arm-in-arm.


    A group of guys walked up to them when they arrived. They all seemed surprised that Arthur brought a


    girl with him.


    "Since when did you have a beautiful girlfriend, Arthur? Howe you never told us? You are quite


    good at keeping secrets, aren''t you? Haha!"


    one of them teased Arthur with a glint of envy on his face. Throughout the night, he could not help


    stealing nces at Cloris, who, in turn, pretended to be oblivious. In reality, it ttered her that she


    could still catch another man''s eye.


    "Where are we, Arthur?"


    Cloris asked, batting her eyshes.


    The ce was beautifully decorated, stylish and modern. It had hints of both eastern and western


    influences. One could easily tell that it was just as expensive as it looked.


    "It''s just where my friends and I like to hang out in the North District. Ie here all the time. Let''s go


    inside,"


    Arthur replied, maintaining a gentle smile on his face. His eyes, on the other hand, gave a knowing


    glint. As to what it meant, was a mystery.


    Cloris nodded as she followed Arthur into a box. As soon as they sat down, the men started talking


    about business. They excitedly discussed the real estate industry in G City.


    The topic did not interest Cloris at all, but she knew she couldn''t show that in front of Arthur''s friends.


    Pretending to be more interested than she was, she concentrated on listening intently. In truth, a part of


    her regretteding.


    This was a party for businessmen and it bored her so much. Cloris expected Arthur to take her


    somewhere fun with his friends, but all they talked about was business. Pretty soon, she found herself


    starting to get sleepy. It took so much effort for her to concentrate.


    "Oh, Arthur, I heard that the Union is about to start voting to decide who the new director will be. You''re


    one of the top candidates!"


    said one of Arthur''s friends. He had a very round face that made him look quiteical.


    "To be honest, I am not very interested in that position. I think that it''s more practical to take up more


    projects,"


    Arthur responded casually with a carefree smile on his face. He pretended that the position did not


    interest him, but in reality, there''s more than meets the eye.


    In order to sign a contract with the TY Group, he promised Jasper that he would give up on the


    position. Because of this, he had to pretend that he was not interested even though everything in him


    said otherwise.


    "Yeah, you are probably right. Speaking of projects, did you know that there''s going to be a new


    amusement park?"


    the round-faced man said, pushing his spectacles up the bridge of his nose.


    "Yeah, I heard. But it''s not totally new. They are just going to renovate it, that''s all,"


    Arthur replied as he picked up his tea on the table and took a sip.


    "The Tang Group is in charge of this project. I also heard that the designer is a woman. Her name is...


    Damn, I forgot her name. But I heard that she won third ce in an American designpetition.


    What''s more, she is the first Chinese designer to manage to bag an award at thatpetition! It was


    the best prize any Chinese contender has ever gotten, so far. It also won her a lot of cash. Quite


    impressive!"


    the round-faced man added. He seemed to know a lot of information.


    Cloris''s eyes shone when she heard his words. They were finally talking about something she was


    interested in.


    "Oh, you mean Cassandra Qin, right? I met her before, and she is really talented. I''ve actually lost to


    her in a bidding,"


    Arthur admitted. It seemed that he did not mind sharing about his defeat to Cassandra.


    Hearing his words, Cloris nced at him, confused. She stole the sh drive that contained


    Cassandra''s designs before the presentation, but she did not expect her sister to still be smart enough


    to find a way to win the bid in spite of that.


    "That designer is immensely capable and she is bound to be famous one day. The Tang Group is really


    lucky to have such a great employee like her. I heard that she just came back from abroad. The Tang


    Group must have spent a good amount of money on her!"


    the round-faced man continued, shaking his head. Envy and regret seemed to be drawn on his face.


    "Don''t be so jealous! You''ll find a good designer too! Money is all you need to find a designer as good


    as Cassandra,"


    a dark-skinned man interrupted, patting his round-faced friend on the back.


    N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    "Well, sometimes even money can''t buy people with talents like her. Cassandra''s rtionship with the


    Tang family is special. Isn''t that right, Cloris?"


    Arthur said, taking another sip of his tea. He liked the tea, it was really good. A bit bitter, but it had a


    sweet and fresh aftertaste.


    He looked at Cloris affectionately, making her heart skip a beat.


    "What do you mean? You seem to know some insider info here."


    The round-faced man stared at Arthur with curiosity. He looked at him and then at Cloris, hanging on to


    their next words.


    "I mean, Cassandra is part of the Tang family. That said, no amount of money can persuade her to


    work for somebody else,"


    Arthur answered. He didn''t say straight away that Cassandra was Horace''s daughter-inw, but it did


    not take a genius to figure this out after Arthur''s hints.


    The round-faced man thought for a few seconds and then appeared shocked at his own realization.


    "You mean, Cassandra is Horace''s daughter-inw ?"


    the man asked as his eyes widened in surprise. He looked even more ridiculous that way.


    "Hey, you can ask Cloris here. Cassandra is her sister and she has been married for several years by


    now," Arthur said, looking at Cloris with an unreadable look in his eyes.


    Cassandra''s marriage was a secret that both the Tang family and the Qin family tried to keep.


    She was still very young when she got married and only a few close friends were informed. It was very


    intimate so the news did not get out.


    Apart from that, Cassandra and Lionel did not seem to get along. Both of them did not want a big


    wedding so even after years of marriage, there were only a few people who knew about it.


    Arthur''s friends were all realtors. Even though they were not that influential, they all knew a lot of


    people.


    Now that they knew of Cassandra''s real identity, Arthur believed that the news would soon spread fast.


    It wouldn''t be long before everybody in this industry knew the truth.


    For bigpanies like the Tang Group and the Dawn Star Company, it was very beneficial to have a


    top designer like Cassandra. Ever since she entered the Tang Group, she had helped them get a lot of


    projects and was instrumental to their sessfulpletion. This made Arthur wary. He couldn''t afford


    losing more projects to the Tang Group.


    Cassandra was a great designer and employee. He wanted to get her to help him. But if he couldn''t get


    what he wanted, then he would destroy her.

 Chapter 106 Mysterious Handwriting

    Chapter 106 Mysterious Handwriting


    All eyes were on Cloris, examining her.


    Everyone was surprised to learn she was Cassandra''s sister.


    "Are you Cassandra''s sister? Is she really the daughter-inw of the Tang family? Howe none of


    us knew it?"


    The round-faced man impatiently blurted out the questions without thinking twice.


    Cloris was shocked. She had never expected that Arthur would expose her. But she could not show her


    anger. She just smiled.


    Everyone in the field knew the news about Vernon. He got the project by bribing the government


    officials and did a shoddy job afterwards. A John Doe exposed this affair on the Inte. Since then,


    he, along with the project was shamed and derided to no end.


    People knew that Vernon had a daughter. But no one was aware that Cassandra was another daughter


    of his. What was more, Vernon''s daughter had married the son of the Tangs!


    "Hey! You scared her. Cassandra and she are different. Don''t say bad things to her!"


    Arthur reached out and wrapped his arm around Cloris in an intimate manner as if he was protecting


    her.


    Cloris felt warm in her heart by Arthur''s act,pletely forgetting that it was Arthur who had first


    brought up this awkward topic.


    "Yes. Cassandra Qin is my sister and the daughter-inw of the Tangs. There is nothing to hide. She


    just prefers to stay low-profile. That''s all,"


    Cloris said, trying to get away from their questioning looks.


    The crowd exchanged looks and moved on to talk about other topics. However, many thoughts were


    surging in their minds.


    Arthur realized that everyone was lost in their thoughts. So he suddenly announced that he had urgent


    work and suggested calling it a day. After everyone left, he went out with Cloris to his car and drove her


    back home.


    In the car on the way back, he frowned and exined to her, "I just wanted to introduce you to my


    friends. I didn''t expect that they would talk about your sister."


    He sounded quite sincere to Cloris.


    "Oh...Never mind..."


    Cloris was hurt and felt bitter although she herself had no idea why.


    Cassandra being highly praised made her unhappy.


    She had been the apple of her parents'' eye all the time. Her parents cherished her so much that they


    would fulfill all her wishes. She was the most precious person in the Qin family.


    Besides, she was pretty and honey-lipped. Vernon liked and treasured her far more than Cassandra.


    But, it was Cassandra who married Lionel. Rufus also seemed to have special feelings for her. Now,


    even Arthur''s friends were speaking highly of her. Cloris was burning with jealousy.


    "I gave you the contact information of my friend abroad. Did you reach out to him yet? He is a teaching


    assistant in that university now. He can help you a lot if you want to go there."


    Arthur switched to another topic, smiling.


    "Thank you, Arthur. It''s so nice of you to help me to apply for the schrship and arrange everything for


    my studying abroad. I really have no idea what I could do to repay you,"


    Cloris thanked him sincerely. She was touched by all the things he had done for her.


    Her family had no money and her n to study abroad was a dream without Arthur''s help.


    N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    Arthur pulled over to the side and stopped the car. He turned around and looked at Cloris with a deep,


    caring look.


    "Cloris, don''t thank me. I''m more than happy to help you. You need not worry about repaying me. I only


    want you to do well,"


    Arthur said, stroking her hair.


    Cloris''s hair was lush and silky. He could detect a flowery smell.


    "I know what happened to your father, Cloris. You don''t need to hide it from me. That doesn''t change


    anything between you and me,"


    he said gently,forting her.


    It was a cold night. There was not a soul on the street. Cloris looked at Arthur with loving eyes. Her


    thick and longshes blinked.


    "Arthur... I..."


    Before she could finish, Arthur put a finger over her lips and whispered in her ear, "No more words."


    He was skillful in seducing women. With Cloris, he used friendly words and helping hands as her family


    was in financial difficulties. As he had expected, it was working.


    He traced her lips with his finger, and then his hands started caressing her body, pulling her closer.


    Cloris was a pretty woman. When she was in college, there were many boys who pursued her.


    But she turned down all of them. She wanted a brave man who she could lean on no matter what, a


    man who was a god on his own right.


    Once, she had hoped that Rufus was her Mr. Right. But gradually, she found out that Rufus did not


    have feelings for her at all. Instead, he was interested in Cassandra, who was already the wife of


    another man.


    Cloris was heartbroken. She thought she would never love another man again. But Arthur''s touch felt


    so loving and caring.


    "Arthur..."


    Her heart was racing and her face turned red like an apple that was waiting to be bitten by Arthur.


    Cloris closed her eyes to enjoy his kiss. She missed the cunning smile on his face.


    "The design of the nursing home has already been submitted. There won''t be any problems. I think. Mr.


    Tong was quite satisfied with it,"


    Cassandra was reporting progress to Rufus. Her hatchet face had a relieved look.


    She had too many things to take care of. The designing alone costed her several nights toplete.


    Fortunately, she met the deadline and delivered the draft on time.


    "We''re starting the reconstruction of the amusement park. Get ready for that, please. I''ll allow the


    design department to take a few days'' leave at the end of this month so that you and your men can


    take a rest."


    Rufus went through the designs and looked satisfied.


    Cassandra wished to speak but stopped on second thoughts.


    "What did you want to say? Tell me. We are by ourselves here,"


    Rufus said in a gentle tone, seeing that Cassandra was hesitant.


    Why was she hesitating to speak? He wasn''t going to eat her, was he?


    "Well. Ste found a piece of design in the archives room. It was simr to mine, but it wasn''t designed


    by me. Ipared the handwriting with all the other people who work with me. But it did not belong to


    anyone within the department,"


    Cassandra said, frowning. She could not be more frustrated. She had made such a thorough


    investigation but the suspect was nowhere to be seen.


    Rufus raised his eyebrows. He knew about this but he did not say anything.


    Cassandra continued, "I''d like to have your approval so that I can check the handwriting of all the other


    employees in thepany!"


    She sighed in relief after she spoke out.


    Her investigation was done privately, after all. Suspecting her colleagues made her feel guilty and sad.


    But she wanted to check all the employees and find the culprit.


    "That''s not a problem. I''ll approve it. But, have you thought about other possibilities?"


    Rufus blinked his eyes. He was as cool and peaceful as always.


    "What other possibilities?"


    Cassandra questioned. She had no idea what Rufus was referring to.


    "The staff turnover rate was high in thest six months. Perhaps, thepany still has some people''s


    handwritten papers even though they have already left. Try to see the whole thing from another angle."


    Rufus looked at her as he finished speaking.


    Cassandra began to think carefully, frowning her eyebrows. What did he mean?


    High turnover rate? Already left? The original manager of the design department and several other


    managers had left thepany. The staff changed frequently. In her design department...


    A faint smile appeared on Rufus''s mouth when he saw Cassandra reasoning.


    He wanted to lead her to the truth, but he did not want to simply tell her everything.


    At first, he had nned to gather evidence for her. But when she told him that she was secretly looking


    into it byparing the handwritings, he suddenly changed his mind. If she found out the person by


    herself, she would feel much more aplished as opposed to Rufus helping her.


    Actually, waiting for her to trace the suspect was troublesome for Rufus and he could just directly tell


    her. Other women might like his direct style, but not Cassandra. She was different. So Rufus waited.


    She had her pride, her honor and things she wanted to protect. As for him, he was willing to protect her


    secretly.


    He wanted to do everything for her without expecting any favor in return. She was his dream.

 Chapter 107 I Will Not Give Her Another Chance

    Chapter 107 I Will Not Give Her Another Chance


    After Cassandra left his office, Rufus called Victor through thepany phone.


    "Victor, collect handwriting samples of all our employees and send the files to Manager Qin.


    Remember, Joel''s handwriting is to be ced at an easily noticeable ce,"


    Rufus instructed.


    "Yes, Mr. Luo. I''ll do it now," Victor replied.


    Just as he was on his way to the archives room, he came across Ste who was scuttling her way as


    fast as her high-heels could take her.


    With a worried look, she said hurriedly, "Victor! Is Mr. Luo here?"


    She gasped for air as she spoke. Clearly she had dashed her way here.


    "Yes¡­ In his office¡­" Victor stuttered.


    He was originally excited that Ste called his name, but as it turned out, she was only looking for


    Rufus. Immediately, she got the answer and quickly walked away. She did not even stay to hear the


    last three words.


    Embarrassed, Victor rubbed the back of his head. He actually nned to smile at Ste but did not


    manage to go through with it.


    ''Oh well. Next time, I have to remember to smile first, '' he told himself.


    Ste instantly knocked on the door the moment she arrived at the CEO''s office. Before anyone


    answered, she took the time to catch her breath after her exhausting travel. By the time Rufus asked


    her toe in, a courteous smile was stered on her face.


    "Mr. Luo, I just received an invitation from a magazine. They requested to have an interview with


    Manager Qin. Now she is out of the office and her role is suspended, so I havee to to ask you


    what we are going to do with this invitation," Ste inquired.


    She worked hard to keep herposure, and her heart trembled with excitement.


    The thought that a world-renowned magazine wanted to interview Cassandra was a very thrilling


    prospect!


    As Cassandra''s closest friend, Ste was overjoyed when she received the invite on Cassandra''s


    behalf. She almost epted it for her, but it was not her ce. So, she had to give them her prescribed


    spiel that she would ry their invite to management and Cassandra, and get back to them shortly.


    After hanging up, she immediately did her best to sprint towards Rufus''s office.


    "A magazine interview? Is it because she won in the architectural designpetition in the US?" Rufus


    inquired.


    As a stark contrast to Ste''s exhration, Rufus seemed calm and still. His face gave away no


    emotion.


    "Yes. They told me that they think Manager Qin is a designer with huge potential. That''s the reason


    they want to interview her. In my opinion, this is a great opportunity for Manager Qin and additional


    publicity for the Tang Group as well," Ste shared.


    She had no idea what Rufus was thinking at that moment, but she could not help expressing her


    thoughts in hopes of convincing Rufus to approve.


    "Tonight, there is going to be a concert at the theater of G City. You will go there with Victor. I have


    ordered the tickets for you two,"


    Rufus said after thinking for a few seconds, seemingly ignoring her initial concern.


    "What? Concert?"


    Ste was confused. What was wrong with her boss? Why would he suddenly make her and Victor go


    to the concert together? Did she hear him right?


    Moreover, why would she want to go to a concert with such an awkward person? She found him


    clumsy and boring. How would she have fun at a concert with a guy like him?


    "Yes, it starts at half past eight. Get yourself prepared," Rufus confirmed.


    He always gave instructions so sternly that there was no room for any negotiation. Ste did not even


    dare to argue.


    "And about the interview¡­"


    Despite Rufus''s change of topic, Ste was determined to get an answer.


    "I will talk to the representative of the magazine tonight. Don''t worry about that anymore," Rufus


    asserted.


    With that, he closed the discussion and signaled her to leave.


    Unsatisfied with the way the conversation ended, Ste secretly stuck her tongue out at him when he


    looked down at his papers. She realized that Rufus was not about to continue their discussion so she


    asked for his permission to leave.


    "I will go back to work now, Mr. Luo," she said.


    Even after she left the office, she was dumbfounded. ''What happened? Mr. Luo was so weird. He


    completely ignored everything I said and just changed the topic into going to a concert with Victor.


    Where did thate from? I don''t get it, '' she wondered.


    ''Hmm, wait. He also said that he would talk to the people from the magazine tonight. Who is he going


    to talk to? I didn''t even give him the contact. Does he know who the manager of the magazine is?''


    She continued to jump from one train of thought to another. Just as quickly as she was pondering over


    how would Rufus contact the representatives of the magazine, she started wondering again why she


    had to go to a concert with Victor and how boring it would be. ''Shall I drink some coffee beforehand to


    keep me awake? What if I fall asleep?


    Do I need to wear nicer clothes or can I go there in my business suit?


    This is so frustrating! I''m so frustrated!'' She scratched her head as she tried toe up with answers.


    As questions filled Ste''s head, her close friend, Cassandra, wore a solemn look. In front of her were


    the work reflections of all the employees sent by Victor. Everyone was tasked to write a 500-word


    essay which was enough to identify and match their handwriting.


    Taking a deep breath, she opened the file and started with the first page.


    First, no; second, no; third, not even close; fourth one¡­


    Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    Suddenly, her eyes widened with realization.


    The handwriting on the fourth paper was exactly the same as the one on the design draft she got from


    Ste!


    Her gaze moved steadily up and to the section on personal particrs. Clearly written at the top of the


    page was¡ªJoel.


    Instantly, the face of the man that had disappeared from her life surfaced in her brain. His youthful


    features were prominent and he looked friendly and easy-going. He did not look suspicious at first


    nce, but it was he who drugged her coffee and almost ruined her life trying to get her kicked out of


    the Tang family.


    Her hand trembled as she held the piece of paper. Joel had been gone for a long time. She thought


    that she was finally free of him. Still, he kept haunting her! Apart from drugging her, he stole her


    sketches, too!


    ''He watched me, and carefully observed my actions. He even knew where I put my design draft, '' she


    thought. Imagining how he possibly stalked her sent shivers down Cassandra''s spine.


    Now, Joel was gone missing. The first time he crossed them, she and Rufus decided to let it pass,


    thinking that he was never to be seen again. Instead, he came back wreaking havoc. She was almost


    wrongly used of fraud because of him.


    "Cassandra, help me. I don''t even know what to wear for the concert tonight."


    A familiar voice pulled Cassandra out of her musings. Ste came in frustrated and was surprised to


    see Cassandra distracted. It was a rare urrence.


    "Cassandra? What happened to you? You don''t look good. Are you feeling unwell?" Ste asked


    worriedly.


    Then, she reached out her hand to feel Cassandra''s forehead. She knew that her friend had been


    hospitalized several times because of fever, so she suspected that she had fallen sick again because


    of the excessive workload.


    However, what she felt was chilling sweat. This was very unusual.


    "Ste, look at this,"


    Cassandra said tly. Trying to keep her hand from trembling, she handed the sketch that Ste had


    given her, and the work reflection of Joel for her friend to see the resemnce.


    It took her no time to understand what had happened. Grimly, she eximed, "It was Joel! They look


    exactly the same! Look, the ways the digits are written are the same!"


    she said as she pointed at the date at the bottom right corner of the work reflection. The writing style


    completely matched the one on the sketch.


    Cassandra closed her eyes and took a deep breath. By the time she opened them again, she was


    ready to move with resolve and tenacity.


    "Ste, I want to call the police!" she stated.


    This was a tough decision to make but she was determined to do it despite the risk of exposing the


    other thing that Joel had done to her.


    However, her integrity and career as an architect was on the line. She would never let anything put her


    career at risk. Her reputation was very important.


    Cassandra was persistent and hard-working. She was willing to go to all lengths to achieve her


    dreams. But Joel almost single-handedly ruined it. She was not going down without a fight. This time,


    she would not allow him to escape.


    Ste immediately showed her support for her friend.


    "Yes! We must report this to the police! Let''s catch this thief! Let''s report this to Mr. Luo now!" she


    eximed with urgency.


    Her face was full of anger. Being a girl who didn''t always take her time to think things through, she


    pulled Cassandra''s hand and led her to Rufus''s office.


    "Manager¡­ Manager Mu, Mr. Luo asked me to take you to Michelle Ling''s studio to pick up your


    dress," Victor stuttered.


    He was about to knock when Ste suddenly opened the door. He put down his hand and looked at her


    bashfully.


    "What? Dress? Do I really have to wear a dress?"


    Ste asked, hesitating. Now she was in a dilemma with Rufus''s order on one side and her close


    friend''s issue on the other. Which one should she choose?


    "Ste, it''s okay if you''re busy. I can go talk to Mr. Luo myself,"


    Cassandra offered, after she realized her friend''s predicament. It was best for her to handle the issue


    herself. She was well aware of Rufus''s temperament.


    Ste agreed then left with Victor. Unable to expel her worries away, she kept turning back to look at


    Cassandra. The moment that Ste disappeared in her sight, Cassandra calmed herself and started to


    walk to Rufus''s office.


    When she was at the door of his office, she raised a fist ready to knock but was stopped by the sound


    of Rufus talking loudly. Intrigued, she pressed her ear against the door to listen in.


    "I have given the concert tickets to Victor. I asked him to go to the concert with someone else. I won''t


    go!" the man shouted.


    As usual, he allowed no room for negotiations when he expressed his desires.


    "I told you! I won''t go! The magazine interview is also her idea, right? Tell her that I will not give her


    another chance to hurt me!" he eximed.

 Chapter 108 Divorce or a Dead Body

    Chapter 108 Divorce or a Dead Body


    As per Cassandra, Rufus was a symbol of calmness. She had never seen him lose hisposure.


    ''Had someone hurt him? But who was able to do that?''


    At the sight of Cassandra standing in front of the President''s office, Rufus''s assistant hurriedly pressed


    a button.


    "Mr Luo, Manager Qin is here to see you."


    Several secondster, Rufus''snguid reply came, "Let her in."


    Cassandra steeled herself against all her thoughts and doubts, took onest look at herself and strode


    into the office.


    He had recovered and was waiting for her, sitting behind his desk.


    "Mr Luo, the owner of the script is Joel, I would like to report this revtion to the police right away."


    Cassandra was resolute. However, aside from his knitting eyebrows, Rufus''s terse reply was also


    surprising.


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    "I don''t think it is a good solution for now. If he divulges all his actions, all your previous pains to hold


    them back was in vain."


    Rufus seemed to have already prepared for this.


    To allow thedy to find the answer herself, he had instructed Victor to ce Joel''s report on top of the


    stack of files. Thus, making it very easy for Cassandra.


    As expected, Cassandra demanded that the case be handed over to the police immediately. However,


    this action would not serve its purpose. It would instead create a scandal that would bring to the front


    the fact that she had been drugged by Joel. Her reputation would suffer.


    In truth, he had made sure Joel was being watched. He was just waiting for the right time to catch him.


    He nned to negotiate with Joel to ensure that he confessed to the charge of giarism. He was not


    evil enough topromise on his reputation knowingly.


    As for his sister Ivy, she was an untamed bomb in the Tang family, yet she might be used for something


    later.


    Rufus had everything measured out; therefore, any reaction from the pretty woman wouldn''t surprise


    him.


    "All right. I will send someone to look into it, it will be better for us to get to him before the police do."


    Rufus gazed at her unemotionally. Watching his face in front of her, Cassandra could not associate his


    current calmness to his ferocity from earlier, which she heard from outside the room.


    ''Maybe I was being paranoid?'', she doubted herself.


    Rufus stood up, made his way to Cassandra. He reached over and gently smoothed a stray strand of


    hair behind her ear.


    "Don''t worry about that! You have me."


    Cassandra looked up, into his dark brown eyes.


    "Fetus: 28 weeks; heart rate: 135 times per minute..."


    Lying in bed, Ivy appeared to be listening to her doctor attentively, yet she was gripped by anxiety


    inside.


    She knew it was getting more and more inconvenient for her to move around since her belly had grown


    so much bigger. What was worse, she had made no progress ording to her n yet.


    These days, Cassandra left early in the morning and came back homete at night; she found no


    ovepping chance to have a talk with her.


    Ivy walked out of the Ultrasound Room with the analysis report. At the sight of her, Lionel got up and


    walked over to her to inspect the report himself.


    "So, everything seems alright?"


    asked Lionel while he scanned the report.


    "Yes, it is healthy. I am afraid my belly will grow like an inted balloon after thirty weeks."


    Ivy looked a little downcast. Lionel suspected that it was due to her fear that she won''t recover her


    figure post giving birth.


    Lionel felt hopeful seeing the reports of his baby''s steady development.


    Horace cared deeply for Ivy. He had given special instructions to Jill to prepare the tonic herself for Ivy.


    Lionel felt content watching his family bustle around awaiting his baby.


    The election for the Director of the Union was imminent. The Tang group stood the highest chance to


    win. If they seeded they would benefit from the identity greatly, regardless of any business


    expansion.


    The Tang group was set on a promising future and Lionel would not easily allow it to fall in the hands of


    Rufus.


    When both of them returned home, Horace was animatedly chatting with Jill.


    "Cassandra made it onto the TV news channels. She has gained a significant reward. Now, the


    national media is covering it. We will have a celebration when shees back."


    Ivy''s eyes light up with the hope that she could finally get a chance to talk with Cassandra.


    In a jovial mood, Horace instructed Jill to let the servers to cookvishly and set the table with finery.


    Unlike other days, today they would celebrate.


    Cassandra came home by taxi. When Horace questioned her about the it she exined that she had


    sold her Beetle because she was looking to rece it. She omitted to tell him that she had sold it to pay


    the fine.


    Since Cassandra had bought the Beetle herself, Horace didn''t ask any further questions.


    Rufus arrived home soon after. When he reached the dining room, the others were already at the table.


    He seated himself opposite Cassandra and waited patiently for the opening.


    Horace asked the servers to fill everyone''s sses as he lifted up his ss cheerfully.


    "The award Cassandra has won is not only a personal victory for her but a glory to the Tang Group! I


    hope that Cassandra will achieve much greater things and take the Design Department to new heights.


    More people should know about the Tang group!"


    Everybody rose to their feet, to toast her achievement, however, Cassandra remained silent.


    Everyone noticed her unusual calmness; Horace raised his eyebrow slightly, "Cassandra, what is the


    matter?"


    She paused and mustered the courage, then rose to her feet with a solemn look stated her mind.


    "Father, I want to divorce Lionel!"


    The room fell silent all of a sudden.


    "Cassandra, it is not April Fool''s day!"


    Jill managed a chuckle, trying to diffuse the situation.


    "I am not kidding! I am serious. I want to divorce Lionel. Let him marry Ivy!"


    Cassandra nced at Ivy and her baby bump...Something tugged at her heartstrings which solidified


    her determination.


    It was not because she did not want to care for Ivy''s baby. But, Ivy would leave the Tang house post


    giving birth, Cassandra believed that the infant should remain with its biological mother. It was a choice


    that even the baby would make if it could.


    Earlier, she couldn''t think about divorcing Lionel due to the constraints of her maiden family. However,


    now, the Qin family had be fragile. Like a flower swaying in a storm. Eventually, she might hamper


    the Tang family more by staying.


    Vernon faced a hefty fine and it was unlikely that Horace had no knowledge of it even though he had


    remained tight-lipped about it.


    Cassandra would never allow herself to ask him for help to pay off Vernon''s fine. Horace knew that and


    had been secretly happy that he could stay out of it.


    She noted the indifference of the whole family, with the exception of Rufus who was trying his best to


    help her out. But Jill had never viewed him as part of the Tang family.


    She would be more than happy to see Ivy staying with her baby and the Tangs.


    Rufus''s face was masked and gave nothing away of the turmoil thaty beneath.


    He had never expected that she would ask for the divorce voluntarily.


    It hadn''t taken long for him to understand that she must have retained the idea in her heart for a long


    time. Since she was now free of the shackles of the Qin family, she now had fewer reasons to hold


    back.


    Lionel stared at Cassandra with an unfathomable look in his eyes, his fists clenched into balls.


    Did she really hate him so deeply? That she was this desperate to escape from him?


    Only a few people sitting at the table did not find the appeal to be too bad. The most delighted of all


    was Ivy. She had never dreamed that Cassandra would voluntarily raise the white g. She was


    pleased that she had won without too much effort.


    "Cassandra, we know you have won the award and now you have taken up a keen position at the


    company. But you cannot do this to us! Have we ever treated you shabbily? All your education


    expenses in Rome were paid by us!"


    The first thought that sprung into Jill''s mind was that Cassandra wanted to exit the marriage due to her


    professional ambitions. Besides that, Jill couldn''t think of any other reasons that would cause her to


    leave.


    "I promise I can still work for the Tang Group after Lionel and I separate, unless you choose to dismiss


    me."


    Cassandra had no doubts that Jill mistook her reason for the divorce. Thetter had never understood


    her anyway so it did not surprise her.


    While Horace, the head of the family, remained silent, his face had darkened.


    "Father, Lionel and I have no attachment to one another. Forcing us to remain together is not going to


    be agreeable. Please allow us a divorce!"


    Cassandra looked at Horace imploringly.


    "A divorce? Over my dead body!" His voice rang clear across the room.

 Chapter 109 She Couldnt Decide Her Life

    Chapter 109 She Couldn''t Decide Her Life


    Cassandra anticipated that Horace would deny her request, but she at least expected him to dilly-dally.


    However instead, he gave her an outright rejection.


    "You want to divorce Lionel? Over my dead body will you divorce!" he roared.


    Every muscle on Horace''s face convulsed with rage.


    He went ballistic.


    He thought that he treated her nicely. She was still young when she married his son. When she


    requested to take up higher studies in Rome, he allowed her to do so and even sent her to the best


    design school.


    Upon finishing her study, she came home and refused to be a real couple with Lionel simply because


    they did not get along. Horace did not interfere with their affairs as a father, either. He believed that the


    young couple should solve their own problems.


    He made Cassandra the manager of the Design Department, which actually made many board


    members unhappy. It was a very coveted position. Still, he gave it to her despite their opposition.


    The way Horace saw it, Cassandra had no reason to leave the family. He had given her everything she


    needed. Now, she was telling him in front of everyone that she wanted a divorce? He felt so betrayed.


    Jill stood up and rubbed her husband''s back to calm him down. It was rare for Horace to be this


    agitated. He was not easily angered but right now, he was fuming. She med Cassandra.


    "Don''t be so unreasonable, Cassandra. You know his condition. He is not at his peak health, to say the


    least. Should news of this break out, something terrible would surely happen to him because of


    distress!"


    Jill said. The moment she finished talking, Horace began to cough severely. He had asthma so he had


    to monitor his breathing often. However, what Cassandra told him today caused him to cough


    uncontrobly.


    Cassandra had to swallow her words when she saw her father-inw''s condition. It was really not her


    intention to cause so much trouble.


    "I''m sorry..."


    Cassandra felt as if her chest was getting tighter. It suddenly became so difficult to breathe. Not


    knowing what to do and quite devastated with what she had done, she decided to run out of the room.


    On a kneejerk reaction, Lionel stood up and was about to chase after Cassandra. He felt anxious when


    she left the room. Ivy, however, was hawk-eyed. She shot him a sharp nce and pulled his arm


    before he could go anywhere.


    "Lionel!"


    She called his name with an affectionate yet aggrieved voice. This immediately stopped Lionel on his


    tracks.


    He lowered his head and looked at Ivy.


    There were tears in her eyes, making her look very vulnerable.


    Lionel frowned seeing her sad face. His heart ached to see her like that.


    Ivy was pregnant. If he went out to chase after another Cassandra, how would she feel?


    Lionel turned around and slowly sat down beside Ivy.


    With sad eyes and a quivering voice, Ivy also slowly looked at everyone in the room and started to


    speak.


    "Auntie, Uncle, I...know I cannot marry Lionel. I just really wish I could. I will also give you my baby. All I


    would ask is that you let me stay here for a few more months after he is born so I can at least feel what


    it''s like to have the love of a husband and parents-inw,"


    she said as tears rolled down her cheeks. Everyone looked at her with sympathy.


    "My parents died when I was still a girl. I long for a family. And although I didn''t stay with you for so


    long, I''m keeping all the beautiful memories in my mind. Thank you for taking care of me. Now,


    Cassandra wants to divorce Lionel because of me. I know this made you very unhappy and it''s all my


    fault. I''m so sorry for ruining your family. I think now it would be the best for me to move out so that she


    can eventually change her mind," Ivy continued.


    N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    She kept letting her tears run down her face. They sparkled like the dew on the grass in the morning.


    Jill had always gotten along with Ivy. It broke her heart to see her so sorrowful.


    "Ivy, please don''t me yourself. And please don''t think about leaving. Just rx and focus on taking


    care of yourself and the baby. It''s not your fault. As for what Cassandra said, she may be overwhelmed.


    We''ll just move on for now and see where it goes,"


    Jill assured her. With a wave of her hand, she signaled a maid to fetch Horace''s medication and had


    him take it. Dinner was prepared but eating was thest thing on everyone''s mind.


    They all left the dining room sullenly and went to their respective rooms. When Rufus got to his, he


    immediately changed his clothes and hopped out of the window onto the grass of the ground floor.


    The light was dim and he was hardly recognizable. He ran to the wall and climbed up so smoothly. It


    was clear that he had done this several times before. Letting go of the edge at the other side, he


    landed on the sidewalk.


    He shot nces left and right looking for Cassandra. True enough, he found the woman walking lost in


    thought.


    He approached slowly and inconspicuously observed her. She walked slowly with arms wrapped


    herself. The wind blew over her hair. She looked so lonely in the cold, windy night.


    Rufus followed her from behind at a slow pace. He wanted to know where she would head for.


    Cassandra was at a loss after she ran out. Where could she go?


    She remembered experiencing this once when she sat in the snow for a long time before Rufus took


    her to the hospital.


    Tonight''s weather was nice, though. The moon hung on the sky, big and round. The stars sparkled from


    far away. It was neither raining nor snowing.


    Still, she felt as if her heart were covered with a nket of snow. It was cold and shivering.


    Cassandra always took pride in her independence. Yet, she often found herself unable to maneuver


    her own life at the most critical moments. She recalled how she choked up when Horace shut her


    down.


    She was a caged bird. Right when she thought that God had opened a window for her, she realized


    that it was still covered with ss. She was trapped and all she could do was watch the world she


    wanted to be part of, from a distance.


    Cassandra understood how risky and drastic her decision was. Still, she felt that it was something she


    had to do. She sacrificed her youth and her life for the benefit of the Qin family. Lionel, on the other


    hand, was forced to marry someone he did not love either. They were both victims here, trapped for the


    rest of their lives.


    She also felt sorry for Ivy who had moved into the Tang family hoping for a better future at the expense


    of her dignity. What was more, she had to endure everything people said about her behind her back.


    She risked everything, and Cassandra could not seem to make sense of her decision. ''Cassandra, how


    could you jump out of the cage without having a backup n?'' she thought to herself.


    ''How naive!''


    Suddenly, a car approached slowly and stopped beside Cassandra. The window rolled down and inside


    was Dylon.


    "Cassandra!" he greeted her. "What a coincidence! Why are you wandering on the street?"


    he asked her loudly, interrupting her train of thought.


    Rufus, who was not so far away, noticed the man. He clenched his fists and carefully observed what


    was happening.


    "Yes. It''s a bit stuffy at home. I''m just going for a walk. Why are you here?" she asked.


    In Cassandra''s memory, Dylon did not live nearby.


    "I''m here visiting a friend and happen to see you here. Have you had dinner? I haven''t. Wanna join


    me?"


    Dylon smiled brightly. His invitation was just too sincere for Cassandra to reject.


    She tilted her head as she considered. It would be awkward for her to go back to the Tang house now,


    anyway. Having dinner with Dylon might be a better choice. She indeed felt a bit hungry after


    everything that had happened.


    "Sure," she said as she pulled the door open and slid in. Dylon smiled and started the car.


    A doleful expression appeared on Rufus''s face. ''Who was that man? Why did Cassandra seem familiar


    with him? She did not even hesitate to go with him when he invited her. That was strange.''


    He found himself feeling nervous when he remembered how she would refute him whenever they


    argued.


    Rufus hailed a taxi and got on.


    "Follow that car, but stay hidden. Quick, don''t lose it," he ordered.


    The driver nodded and did what he was told. Steadily and quietly, they drove behind the other vehicle.


    Seeing Cassandra so preupied, Dylon decided to say something to cheer her up.


    "Hey, Cassandra, I found something interesting. This is the third time I''ve seen you lost in thought. Did


    that ur to you?"


    he jested with a bright smile across his face. He wanted to make herugh a little.


    Cassandra sat on the passenger seat, looking into the distance. She had milky skin just like a doll.


    Despite Dylon''s remark, she remained as distant as she was. Her face was frozen and her depression


    had a firm hold of her.


    "Don''t be unhappy all the time, girl. Look, I have good news. I decided to be a photographer as a hobby


    and a doctor by profession here!"


    Dylon announced. Finally, Cassandra turned and stared at her friend with huge, wide eyes. He was


    rather satisfied with her reaction.


    "Really? That''s amazing! Your father must be super happy!"


    Cassandra''s eyes began to glimmer with excitement. This was something she always encouraged him


    to do. Now that he was set to pursue it, she felt very delighted for him.


    "Yeah, of course he is. But I have to start with the basics: be an outpatient doctor first, I guess,"


    Dylon replied, feeling relieved to see Cassandra in a lighter mood.


    Unfortunately, this cheerful Cassandra onlysted for a minute. As quickly as her face lighted up, her


    eyes darkened.


    "I envy you a lot, really. You can make your own decisions, not like me. I barely have control in my life,"


    she confessed.

 Chapter 110 She Is Mine Alone!

    Chapter 110 She Is Mine Alone!


    Cassandra''s eyes became ssy and the helplessness they depicted made her look like a lost child.


    Dylon detected her sadness and was quite worried about her.


    She was able tofort and encourage others so that they saw things in a positive way. In spite of


    this, she had failed to convince herself to embrace life. In a word, standers-by see more than


    gamesters. When one was in trouble, they found it hard to think with a clear mind.


    "You know, you don''t have to always be in control of your life. Sometimes things won''t go ording to


    your n, no matter how hard you try. Besides, you are still young and you have a long way to go.


    There are a lot of things waiting for you. For example, you haven''t experienced the beauty of


    motherhood yet," he said encouragingly. "You will cross the bridge when you get to it. Don''t worry, just


    cheer up!" he added.


    Despite his effort to straighten her out, Cassandra was frowning. Clearly, his words couldn''t encourage


    her to see the brighter side.


    "What do you want to eat? It''s my treat today,"


    Dylon suggested with an intention of changing the topic. Few people could resist the temptation of


    delicious food, and he believed that Cassandra was no exception. Deep down he hoped good food


    might put her into a better mood.


    "The stinky tofu then..." Cassandra replied without paying him any attention.


    This answer made Dylon''s jaw drop and he looked at her in disbelief.


    "Did I hear it right?" he asked after a few seconds. "Did you just say stinky tofu? Only stinky tofu?"


    He was now torn betweenughing and crying, but Cassandra ignored the surprised expression on his


    face. Still lost in her thoughts, she nodded her head vigorously.


    "Yes, you heard me. And not just any stinky tofu, I will name the ce,"


    she announced, pointing ahead and directing him to turn the wheel with an air of seriousness. By now


    Dylon had figured out she wasn''t joking.


    ''Alright, '' he thought, driving in the direction provided by Cassandra, all the way to a snack street.


    It was not easy to find a ce to park his car around the area. And when he finally found a spot, Dylon


    found it difficult to swing a cat in the street.


    It was really crowded with people and all kinds of food stands that kept producing swathes of smoke.


    Dylon was stunned by what he saw and still found it hard to believe he had agreed toe to such a


    ce. ''What a sacrifice, well...what an honor it is to repay her!'' he thought with a smile.


    Cassandra, on the other hand, felt quite at ease over here. She seemed to know this ce very well


    and seemed in control. Looking behind, she gestured him to follow her.


    The way she waved at him was cute and it filled Dylon with relief. At least for the time being she wasn''t


    worried or sad. He felt a victorious feeling surge in his heart for being sessful in cheering her up.


    ''Alright, alright, I have finally done it, '' he thought secretly. As long as his friend was happy, he was


    willing to do anything. He realized he was willing to like this ce for her.


    Cassandra seemed to be in a good mood now. As she kept walking, she watched out for the crowd yet


    it was unavoidable to bump into others in this bustling street. After several close calls, Dylon thought it


    was necessary to look out for her. In order to protect her, he reached out and put his hands on her


    shoulders.


    Feeling his hands on her shoulders, Cassandra turned back and gave him a grateful smile. It was so


    bright that it looked like a streak of sunshine on a cold winter morning. It twinkled like stars as she


    looked into Dylon''s eyes.


    ''Well, it''s not that bad since she is still able to smile like that, '' he breathed a sigh of relief.


    However, this smile and the way Dylon treated Cassandra were truly eyesores for Rufus, who had


    been following them. His face darkened and started manifesting a murderous look.


    ''How could she smile so sweetly at that man? A few moments ago, she was depressed. How did he


    manage to change her mood so easily?'' Rufus wondered with jealousy reeking from his body.


    He had a sudden urge to beat that man up and take Cassandra in his own arms. Cassandra was his


    and no one else had the right to touch her.


    Not knowing about the presence of Rufus, Cassandra and Dylon wound their way through the narrow


    street. They walked until they finally reached an olddy''s stall.


    "May I have two bowls of stinky tofu, please? With extra coriander, Granny,"


    Cassandra said brightly. Her beautiful appearance along with her sweet voice had caught the attention


    of more than just one customer. Many eyes were glued on her.


    Dylon looked like a giant while he was sitting on the tiny stool beside the stall. He tried to smile but


    somehow his smile came out looking awkward. He was over six feet and it just looked so funny to see


    him using those rtively undersized table and chairs. Cassandra found it amusing and giggled whilst


    cing a hand over her mouth to hold back herughter.


    "This granny''s stinky tofu is very popr. I came here often when I studied in a nearby school," she


    exined.


    Cassandra was a bit afraid that Dylon might sniff at this kind of less-than-sanitary stalls since he


    studied medicine. She thought he would be a bit of a neat freak. But at the same time she hoped he


    would be able to handle it. After all, she was aware that he had experienced the terrible environment of


    the wild jungle. Hence he might be able to endure the humble environment here for the tasty food.


    Dylon looked surprised upon hearing her words.


    "The No.1 High School is just around the corner. So you were a student there?" he then asked.


    While he spoke, he watched Cassandra take two bowls of stinky tofu over from the granny. Slowly, she


    ced one on her table and the other in front of him.


    "Yeah. I was a resident student and could only go back home once a month. Due to this, I came to this


    snack street quite often," she replied with a nod.


    Speaking of her high school life, she started to feel nostalgic. The memories of high school started to


    y in her mind. Ste was her ssmate then, and they still became besties after so many years. It


    must be fate. What a magical thing fate was!


    "I was a student there, too! What a surprise!"


    Dylon eximed in a very excited voice, his eyes lighting up.


    "Really? What a coincidence!"


    Cassandra echoed, blinking her beautiful eyes, which was glittering with excitement.


    Having found something they had inmon, the two began a nice chat about the school, the teachers


    and the gossips about the mysterious librarian. Now it seemed like they had a lot to discuss about.


    Not far away from them, Rufus had been carefully watching them. He had clearly observed the way in


    which Dylon had looked at Cassandra. This had magnified his irritation. Standing right beside a


    barbecue stall, he was covered in chocking clouds of smoke. But he would rather get choked by the


    smoke than move away from the spot from where he could see them clearly.


    Rufus was at war with himself as he watched them relish and talk. ''Should I rush up and take


    Cassandra away from that man? Standing here and watching them is killing me, '' he thought restlessly.


    He was right about one thing. There had been tenderness in Dylon''s eyes when he looked at


    Cassandra who was eating the tofu slowly and carefully. He saw the sauce that got on the corner of her


    lips. Without thinking, Dylon stretched out his hand and tried to wipe it off for her. But before he could


    touch her face, a man''s voice distracted them.


    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.


    "I''ll have four roasted chicken wings!"


    said a man at a nearby barbecue stall, who was reeking of booze.


    Cassandra nced in his direction and then froze all of a sudden.


    The man was wrapped up in a ck coat, wearing a big hat and a scarf which covered nearly half of


    his face. In spite of this, she recognized him. His face was not easily forgotten for her.


    ''Joel! It is Joel!'' her mind screamed.


    Following?her?eyes, Dylon looked at the barbecue stall, but he couldn''t figure out what exactly had


    happened.


    "What''s the matter, Cassandra?" he turned back and stared at her.


    Hearing their conversation, Joel, while still drunk, looked up at them. And the moment he saw


    Cassandra, an expression of shock came into his face.


    The next thing they knew, they were both watching each other. Cassandra realized she had to act


    quickly. She got up from her seat right away, but Joel took to his heels.


    "Help me!" she cried and grabbed Dylon''s arm anxiously. "Catch that man! He has stolen my design!"


    Even before Cassandra had finished speaking, Dylon was off like a shot.


    The street was packed with people so it wasn''t easy for Joel to run without bumping into people. Within


    seconds, Dylon caught up with him, and was about to get him by the cor.


    While a fight was about to begin, a figure rushed out from the side, stuck out a foot and tripped Joel


    over. The drunk man fell to the ground immediately, and rolled over to the side of the road before hitting


    on a cart. He theny there groaning. His entire body was aching and it felt impossible to even stand


    up.


    Cassandra ran to catch up with them and this made her seem out of breath. Another surprise look


    crossed her face when she saw the third person who was present. She had no idea how Rufus got


    here.


    He stood there straightening his suit, without looking at the man wailing on the ground. She knew


    immediately that it was Rufus who brought Joel down.


    "Rufus? What... What brings you here?"


    she asked with a confused look on her face. She blinked her eyes like she couldn''t believe it was


    actually him.


    "I just happened to pass by,"


    he replied, feigning an indifferent look. He had no desire to continue this talk so he kept frowning.


    Seeing what happened between she and Dylon, he was already deeply unhappy. But at the same time


    he just didn''t want to admit that he had been following them. He wanted to hide his concern.


    As for Joel, Rufus never expected that he would be able to capture him today.


    This was something he had been wanting to do. In fact, he had sent people to track him down. His


    sources had discovered that Joel was hiding in a rented house in town. He intended to catch him when


    the right time came. But since the opportunity was presented before him, now seemed like the right


    time.


    He realized this must have lifted her mood. ''There must be a sense of aplishment in her heart, ''


    Rufus thought. She had found both the proof and the culprit. Now she could go back to the office with


    pride.


    "Who on earth is he?"


    Dylon asked. It seemed to him that he was the only one who didn''t know what was happening here. But


    he realized one thing after he watched Joel squirm on the floor in agony.


    ''Whoever this man is, he has great skills and seeded in causing harm without any effort.'' Seeing


    Rufus''s nonchnt look, Dylon shuddered a little. ''How did he manage to do that?'' he wondered.


    Slowly, Dylon tried to get a good look of Rufus. He realized Rufus had perfectly-shaped eyebrows and


    a sharp nose. But this extremely handsome face was devoid of any expression. It seemed people had


    a tough time reading him since he was good at hiding his emotions.


    ''Wait a minute... Isn''t he Rufus Luo, the current CEO of the Tang Group?'' it suddenly dawned upon


    Dylon. After he figured that out, he remembered seeing his picture on the same magazine where he


    had discovered Cassandra. His photographic memory could guarantee that it was this same man.


    "Nice to meet you, Mr. Luo. Excellent?Kunfu!"


    Dylon praised sincerely, extending his hand to Rufus with admiration. However, Rufus passed a quick


    nce at his hand but didn''t bother to shake it.


    This embarrassed Dylon a lot. For a split second, he didn''t know what to do. ''Should I insist or should I


    take my hand back?'' he asked himself. In the end, he could only withdraw his hand and scratch his


    head. Rufus seemed least bothered about Dylon, and his focus was on Cassandra.


    Fortunately, Dylon had a pleasant personality and did not take Rufus''s indifferent attitude to heart.


    Rufus then summoned his men to take Joel away. Before they left, he advised the men what to do with


    him.


    "Warn him to be careful before he speaks. Don''t let him say things that are better left unsaid!"


    After he was done, his focus was back on Cassandra. There was still a grim look on his face.


    "You are so lucky today," he said grumpily. "You might have only alerted the enemy if I was not here to


    help."


    Somehow his words annoyed Dylon instead of Cassandra. ''How can you be so cocky? I was about to


    grab him and would have done it even if you hadn''te! I would be the hero if it weren''t for you!''


    Dylon''s mind screamed but he bit his tongue and decided to stay silent. There was something scary


    about Rufus''s gaze. It contained a cold and distant look.


    The man standing in front of him was incredibly calm and aloof, to the extent that it made people


    terrified.


    Seeing Joel being taken away, Cassandra hastened to follow, but was stopped by Rufus at once.


    "There''s no need. Ourpany will handle it. You don''t have to get involved anymore," he ordered.


    The fact that Joel had once made advances on Cassandra infuriated him. He couldn''t let Joel ever look


    at her with his dirty eyes.


    This woman was his and his alone! No other man had the rights toy a finger on her.

 Chapter 111 You Will Never Be Alone Again

    Chapter 111 You Will Never Be Alone Again


    Dylon gaped at the two, his gaze flickering confusedly back and forth from Cassandra then to Rufus.


    He was struck speechless and had no idea what to say.


    Rufus''s face remained calm, his expression unwavering, and Dylon had the feeling that he should not


    remain here anymore. The man caught just now had something to do with Cassandra and the Tang


    Group. He was just an outsider. It would be best for him not to involve himself any longer. ''I should


    probably go now, '' he thought to himself.


    He cleared his throat and spoke, "Then, Cassandra, since you''ll be going back with Mr. Luo, I''ll be on


    my way as well."


    Cassandra opened her mouth to speak, but Dylon had already turned on his heel and left.


    She could feel Rufus''s presence behind her. There was an awkwardness between them that seemed to


    grow with every passing second.


    Rufus stayed silent. Without speaking a word, he took her hand and led her into his car. A car which he


    had already sent for was waiting for them.


    He shut the door forcefully, and Cassandra flinched from the sudden motion.


    "You requested for a divorce?" he asked. Cassandra didn''t reply to his question and avoided his eyes.


    "Why didn''t you tell me before your announcement?" he pressed, his voice dropping and the words


    trailing off coldly.


    His eyes were steely and his face was set in harsh lines.


    "It''s my business. Why would I need to tell you?"


    Cassandra sensed his coldness and replied in an equally distant tone.


    Rufus''s eyes darkened with shadows at her reply. Her business? This was very far from being just her


    business at all!


    Horace was strongly opposed to her decision. From here on, it would be difficult to disentangle her


    from theplicated rtionships in that household. Had she discussed it with him before her sudden


    announcement, things could have gone differently.


    Rufus let out a sigh and said simply, "You''re too impulsive."


    Then he proceeded to start the car.


    Cassandra settled herself in a long silence before speaking again.


    "I felt that it was the only chance," she confessed. "If I hadn''t said that then, I wasn''t sure if I could have


    said itter, or ever."


    Her voice trembled as she spoke the words, and Rufus felt a small pang of pain in his chest, interfering


    with his breath. She looked defeated with her shoulders slumped and her head hanging lowly.


    Yes, Cassandra knew that it was not carefully thought through, but she did not regret what she did.


    She was pulled from her thoughts when Rufus asked, "Then, why don''t you be even more impulsive


    and be my woman?"


    He pushed hard on the brakes and Cassandra''s breath was caught in her throat, more with his words


    than with the sudden halt of the car. He turned around and looked at Cassandra, his eyes holding hers


    warmly.


    If Cassandra got divorced, there would be nothing standing in the way of him being her husband. She


    would no longer be tied down with the excuse that he was her brother-inw.


    But she shook her head, and Rufus felt his heart drop. "No, Rufus." She looked down and broke from


    his gaze. "It would justplicate things even more."


    Cassandra thought of the roundness that was forming on Ivy''s stomach, then of Lionel, and their


    strained rtionship as husband and wife on paper. Despite the knowledge of the reality of their


    marriage, the betrayal stung her, pricking mercilessly on her dignity. Her nights were filled with the


    haunting sleeplessness and the walls echoed istion: No one from the Tang family offered her


    comfort, and she felt so small and alone in the ring expanse of thatrge mansion.


    But no, that was not the entire truth. There was that one person who had always helped her, time and


    again. And now, he was still doing the same thing onver again. How many times had this man saved


    her?


    It was as if all her pain was melting in that warm gaze and she was no longer aware of anything but his


    eyes on her in that dark car parked in some unknown alley. She raised her head and met with Rufus''s


    eyes. The affection flowing from his eyes almost drowned her. She wanted to refuse him. She had


    decided to refuse him. However, it was as if she had forgotten all words when he spoke to her with his


    loving eyes.


    "I want you to be mine, Cassandra," Rufus continued. "I will make you happy and I won''t let anything


    hurt you. You don''t need to care about the others. I will always stand by your side,"


    he promised. The sincerity of his words showed on his face, silhouetted by the pale street lights.


    Cassandra traced the elegant contours of his brow, down to his jaw and chin. His eyes glowed, and he


    was looking at her as if she was the only woman in the world.


    Cassandra could feel her resolve steadily crumble. She said slowly, "All I want for my whole life is to be


    loved by someone fully. I have been alone and lost all my life, and all I want is a home." Cassandra


    fixed her eyes on him, and Rufus steadily returned her gaze.


    "I will love you fully. I will protect and cherish you. You will never be alone, as long as I''m here. I will


    give you a home."


    Rufus vowed solemnly. They were simple words, bare of flowery derations, yet they were the most


    precious promises in Cassandra''s eyes.


    It was as if the words alone were soothing her wounds, recing the cuts with warmth, little by little.


    Slowly, the distance between them closed, and their lips got closer and closer until they finally touched.


    "Be my woman, Cassandra. Say yes," Rufus whispered as he touched his forehead to hers.


    His eyes were sparkling just like the stars overhead.


    At that moment, Cassandra knew that her heart waspletely his.


    She leaned up and kissed him. Rufus''s lips curved into a smile when they parted.


    It was the first time he had smiled so happily these years. He could not remember thest time he felt


    this much joy.


    "I''ll take this kiss as a yes." He swooped down for another chaste kiss before he settled back in his


    seat. "Let''s go back now. We need to make ns about your divorce."


    Horace was stubborn. Rufus knew he would never allow the divorce so easily. Cassandra would


    probably have to talk to Lionel before they could move forward with their ns.


    "I''ll find a time to talk to Lionel. If he agrees and then we can divorce."


    Cassandra also thought of Lionel at that moment. She had indeed realized she acted rashly earlier.


    However, it seemed not to be apletely wrong decision.


    The two of them knew clearly about their feelings for each other now. Cassandra felt braver as she


    buried the image of Rufus and his gaze into her memory. They would figure things out together.


    The car drove to the Tang house. Cassandra suggested that she get off first at a corner near the


    house.


    "I don''t want our rtionship known to others before the divorce is final. That would be unfair to you.


    Father will dislike it."


    Keeping their rtionship hidden was a sensible decision. Rufus would be on the receiving end of


    criticism if people knew.


    "It seems that we haven''t started any rtionship yet. But if you want, I can think of something to make


    it happen."


    Rufus teased, his eyes twinkling mischievously and a sly smile forming on his lips. Cassandra''s cheeks


    red at his insinuation and she was unable to give a reply.


    She got off the car and was thankful for the cool breeze that fanned her burning cheeks. She walked to


    the direction of the Tang house, while Rufus parked the car in another ce. Then, he climbed over the


    wall and went back to his room.


    He could not help butugh silently. For Cassandra, he was more than ready to face anything, but who


    would have thought that he would be literally climbing the actual walls of his house. He chuckled as he


    shook his head at the thought that he was climbing over walls for love. ''The things people do for love...''


    Cassandra sleptfortably without any terrible dreams that night.


    Time flew by fast in the following days, and Cassandra''s schedule seemed not to fit into the 24 hours in


    one day. She was constantly working.


    The government representative was very satisfied with her draft for the nursing home project and had


    already reported it to the higher authority for approval. As for Joel? He was prosecuted for giarism


    officially and was going to jail for sure.


    Vernon''s case came to trial next.


    On the day of the hearing, Edith, Cassandra and Cloris were all present. Vernon entered the room with


    armed policemen holding his arms. At the sight of her father, Cassandra felt a lump in her throat.


    Her father was given a crew cut after his gray hair was shaved, just like any other prisoners. The man


    before her was almost unrecognizable from the image of the illustrious president of the Qin Group in


    the past. Vernon seemed withered and aged, as if he no longer had any spirit left in him.


    He had lost so much weight, and his eyes were absent. Such was the image of a man who had been to


    hell once. He had changed and there was a different man in his body.


    He was not enraged, nor did he revolt anymore. He changed so much, and it was all because of


    Cassandra''s words to him when she visited him once.


    "Father, I know how much you struggled all your life to keep our family''s honor. I know you wanted to


    give us the best, but we have no need for prestige or glory. All we want is a family, aplete family


    with healthy parents, Cloris and I."


    Cassandra fought against her tears as her lips trembled. She reached out a hand and held his father''s


    callused hand.


    "Father, I will wait for you toe back. We need you."


    The old man could not help but weep. His elder daughter who he least favored was very different from


    him. But all these years, it was Cassandra who had been trying the most to save their family from the


    crisis.


    Four years ago, she sacrificed the rest of her life and married into the Tang family to save the Qin


    family.


    And now, here she was again, saving his family. She ran around, talking from one person to another, to


    save him from jail and protect hispany from being sold.


    She did not talk much since she was a little girl. She was introverted and didn''t talk with him a lot, nor


    did she ask for attention.


    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.


    She was so strong and independent that she hardly needed her parents'' care. In truth, her self-reliance


    left him feeling unfulfilled as her father. That was one of the reasons why he was much closer to her


    younger sister, who was the opposite of her.


    However, he knew that although she might not be forward with affection, she loved her family from the


    bottom of her heart.


    With tears in his eyes, Vernon let himself drift to a time in the distant past¡ªwhite curtains and walls,


    and a small baby girl born with thick, dark hair whose eyes looked up to him brightly.


    His heart had stopped at the sight. At that moment, he had be a father. ''Cassandra, '' he named


    her, hoping that she would grow to be a strong and honorable person.

 Chapter 112 Cassandras Final Decision

    Chapter 112 Cassandra''s Final Decision


    Vernon''s case was finalized at court; the judges finally gave him a ten-year jail sentence.


    Edith wailed with agony, however, Cassandra seemed so indifferent that not even a hint of tears could


    be found on her face.


    Since the responsibility of managing the Qin Group fell on her shoulders, she did not have the luxury of


    time to allow herself to fall into sadness. There was a more pressing need for her to immediately start


    devoting herself to the hectic work schedule ahead of her.


    Apanied by Cassandra and Cloris, Edith stepped out of the courtroom. The sky was clean and


    blue; the clouds looked pure and white.


    Having made up her mind to disperse all the grief-stricken memories that had been afflicting her family,


    Cassandra felt the need to say to herself silently, ''I will try my best to support the family, to maintain and


    sustain all the things that we have been enjoying.''


    Finally, the Union of Real Estate was soon to be established in G City. The election of the Director of


    the Union was rather imminent, and everyone was highly concerned about this event. People from all


    walks of life were enthusiastically guessing which group would be able to win over the other, the Tang


    Group or the Dawn Star Group.


    Although the two parties had their own strengths, it seemed that the Tang Group had a higher chance


    of winning the game. Recently, the Tang Group was exhibiting an overall enthusiastic aura. As the


    manager of their architectural design department, Cassandra was granted a resounding award thanks


    to her outstanding performance in an American architectural designpetition. Meanwhile, the Tang


    Group had already invested in some projects in G City, such as the construction of Nursing Home


    Project and the Amusement Park n, which had all won the group a positive reputation as a strong


    foundation.N?velDrama.Org is the owner.


    While the Dawn Star Group had undertaken just the same amount of projects as the Tang Group, due


    to these projects being of smaller scale, it was difficult for thepany to broaden their sphere of


    influence in the city. Although thepany did have a great number of business counterparts, it was


    highly likely that it would be at a disadvantage when it came to the scale factor. Given this, it was


    difficult to say whether or not Dawn Star Group could seize the votes of their partners.


    Right at this critical juncture, a piece of rather heavy news was just disclosed by the insiders, which


    could possibly reverse the situation.


    Vernon, who had just been sentenced to jail for bribing an official, was found to be rted by marriage


    to Horace Tang, the Chairman of the Tang Group.


    Even more shocking was the news that Cassandra was Vernon''s biological daughter.


    As the information was bombarded throughout the people in G City, thepanies of real estate


    experienced much turmoil.


    As Vernon was found to be guilty of his crime, the people turned cautious as to avoid any signs of


    connection with him. To the everyone''s surprise, the Tang Group had quite a close rtionship with the


    Qin Group.


    The residents could barely stop their imagination from running wild. Since the Tang Group was so


    closely tied to the Qin Group, how could it be as clean and uncorrupted as it appeared to be on the


    surface? The inner workings were probably not much better than those of the Qin Group. They could


    be all tarred with the same brush.


    For example, thergest private hospital in G City had nned to build a hospital branch recently. Such


    a crucial project ended up being taken over by the Tang Group. Although Jenks and Horace did share a


    friendly rtionship, with someone spreading the news entangled with rumors, many still chose to


    believe that it was not as simple as it seemed to be¡ªthe Tang Group must have done something


    behind the scenes to get such an opportunity.


    The discussions inevitably reached Horace''s ears, who could do nothing but foamed with anger.


    "Who could''ve done this? They exposed the rtionship between me and Vernon at this crucial time. It


    must be part of some n against the Tang Group!"


    After mming his hands on the table to vent his anger, Horace suddenly began to cough heavily.


    In a hurry, Jill rushed up to him to pat his back and ease him as he channeled air back into his lungs.


    "Don''t be angry. Don''t be angry. Lionel told me that the election for the Director of Union willmence


    soon. Is it going to get affected?"


    Still in a blur, Jill could barely understand theplex business world with such an innocent mindset.


    "Of course it''s going to be affected! And the effect is huge!" Horace eximed.


    Again, he fell into a coughing fit so hard as if he were coughing his lungs out. He could barely catch his


    breath.


    In a panic, Jill hastily asked someone to call Doctor Jason in.


    His eyes clouded by a dark mist, Horace was both angry and anxious. Who could''ve purposely


    disseminated the information?


    It was timely, just before the election. If the Tang Group''s reputation was damaged because of the


    incident, they would consequently lose the election, allowing the Dawn Star Group to take the winning


    position.


    Unfortunately, the bad news didn''t end there. Someone had also taken a photo of Lionel apanying


    Ivy to prenatal care whichter became another hit headline for the public. If the baby was Lionel''s,


    news would get out that he hadmitted adultery.


    In the past, the public only knew of his mistress but wasn''t aware of Cassandra''s existence as his legal


    spouse.


    As it became known that Lionel was a soon-to-be father of his mistress''s baby, the public wouldn''t stop


    gossiping about it.


    Maybe because it was a part of human nature, spectators loved to stick their noses in other people''s


    businesses andment on other people''s affairs. The two incidents had been the hottest topics of


    people''s daily conversations now in G City. Cassandra, who stood at the center of the gossip tornado,


    was under the most pressure.


    It was already unusual for her to be the manager of the architectural design department right after


    her graduation from college, which many considered a stroke of undeserved luck and envied. Very few


    individuals truly appreciated her talents from the beginning. It was her hard work and skills that shut the


    others'' judgmental mouths. Not only was she acknowledged by the employees of the Tang Group, but


    she also received manypliments and des from her clients as well.


    Still, all her efforts and aplishments seemed so trivial under the storm of rumors.


    Some merely turned their blind eyes to her achievements and imed that she had assumed the role


    because she was the daughter-inw of the Chairman of the Tang Group.


    Others imed that she didn''t have a real rtionship with Lionel and that their marriage was simply


    an arrangement where the two had agreed to not intervene in each other''s life.


    Some even made the absurd im that Lionel turned to Ivy because of Cassandra''s inability to bear a


    child.


    The overwhelming rumors gave Cassandra a severe headache to the extent that all she wanted to do


    was cover both her ears and shut her eyes until the nonsense cleared away by itself.


    "It''s all bullshit!"


    as she fixed her coffee at the table, Ste advised her to ignore all the gossip.


    Though Ste had always been straightforward and strongly worded, she indeed made sense and


    Cassandra had gotten used to the way she expressed herself.


    While she tended to be rather carefree, Ste was well capable of doing her job.


    In fact, she had arranged an interview with one of the local business newspapers and asked the


    journalist reporters to craft an interview journal with the Tang Group. In the question and answer


    session, she purposely threaded the topic about the widest spread rumors regarding the Tang Group.


    "The Tang Group is the pioneer real estatepany in this city and even in the province. One of the


    integral reasons for its sess lies in the development of its employees. I am aware that our


    architectural design manager, Cassandra Qin, has been allegedly involved in some scandals recently. I


    can promise everyone that it is because of her ability that she has assumed her current position. As for


    her personal life, I hope that she is not unnecessarily disturbed by the public and is able to stay away


    from public focus. After all, everyone has the right to guard what he or she treasures in life," Ste


    stated.


    Her solemn expression and ambiguous answer aroused even more curiosity in the public.


    What was Cassandra trying to guard? After the interview, there was a sudden shift in attitude and focus


    of the public, and people started believing that it was Lionel who had done something wrong.


    All of a sudden, the post headlines became criticisms on Lionel''s affair and they were everywhere. The


    agitated public spoke on behalf of the diligent architect and condemned the disloyal husband.


    In fact, when Cassandra''s true identity was revealed, Ste had contested her, "Cassandra, am I not


    your friend? How could you hide that from me?"


    Her anger almost brought her to tears.


    "Ste, I didn''t mean to keep it from you. I just didn''t want anyone in thepany to treat me differently


    because of my identity as the Tang''s daughter-inw," she exined.


    After seeing Ste''s reaction, Cassandra realized that the secret she kept from her had hurt her friend


    deeply. Although she was aware that trust was paramount between good friends, she still hesitated to


    confess to Ste until the moment it was unveiled by someone else.


    "Do you really think I would do that? Would I judge you and doubt your skills just because of your


    rtionship with the chairman?" With stern words, Ste challenged her friend.


    Cassandra''s betrayal seriously damaged Ste''s trust in her. She was a straightforward person, so she


    naturally disdained any form of insincerity. Among the people in the Tang Group, Cassandra was


    someone she trusted the most, but she turned out to be the one who wasn''t even honest in terms of


    her very identity.


    "Ste, it''s not only that I don''t want others to see me as the chairman''s daughter-inw. Can''t you see


    how the rtionship is between me and my husband?" Heaving a deep sigh, Cassandra tried rifying


    further.


    As much as she didn''t want to point out the harsh truth, that was her reality.


    She simply wasn''t capable of forcing herself to act as Lionel''s dear wife in front of other people or


    follow him wherever he went. Her acting skill was not evenparable to that of Lyndsy, and she could


    barely hide her true feelings as well as Ivy could.


    It turned out that Cassandra''s exnation didn''t do well for Ste, as she didn''t buy it. Though she


    knew that Cassandra must have had her reasons, she wasn''t so eager to find them out. All she knew


    was that she felt cheated¡ªhow could she not be the first to know of it?


    Having heard the news from someone other than Cassandra was uneptable to her.


    "Then, what do you n on doing next? Are you going to take over your dad''spany?"


    Quickly, she pushed aside her negative feelings and let her concern for Cassandra surface.


    "I''ll take over, of course. That''s my dad''s only asset in his entire life. I''ve tried so hard to save it and I''ll


    guard it for as long as I''m able to."


    Her tone was determined and firm.


    "What is this nonsense?" Lionel shouted in anger.


    The blogs and posts online only ignited his burning fury and almost drove him to throw hisputer


    against the wall to vent out the fury.


    "Mistress of Lionel Tang Forced His Wife Away!"


    "A yful Man and a Forbearing Woman, How Can the Able Woman Win the Game?"


    The article titles that drew the eyes of the public portrayed Lionel as some kind of bastard Casanova of


    his era.


    While Lionel was deeply irritated by the public judgment, Ivy, being one of the protagonists, was


    unconcerned by the offensive remarks online, for all she cared about was how to beat Cassandra. She


    had a vague feeling that by breaking the news, it would be harder for Cassandra to stay in the


    Tang family.


    It was Cassandra who was under the most stress, being pressed by the Qin and the Tang families at


    the same time.


    The Tang Group was eager to explore the market and expand themselves, while the Qin Group, under


    usation, was on the brink of copsing.


    Being right in the middle of these two matters, Cassandra had no way to stay bnced.


    If she supported the Tang Group, it would definitely doom the Qin Group; and if she decided to support


    the Qin group, Horace would be disappointed.


    It was a tough situation. ''Which side will you choose, Cassandra? What will you do to break out of the


    predicament?


    Which side will you tilt the bnce to? Are you going to be trusted by the Tang Group as you were


    before?'' Ivy asked silently.


    As if she were the evil witch who saw Snow White with the poisonous apple in her hand, Ivy''s mouth


    twisted into a wicked smile. She wanted to know how Snow White would make her final decision.

 Chapter 113 An Unexpected Present

    Chapter 113 An Unexpected Present


    The next morning, Cassandra was about to head to work after finishing her breakfast when Horace


    stopped her.


    "Cassandra, how is the reconstruction project of the amusement park going?"


    Horace asked. He sounded happy today. It was rare for him to be this enthusiastic about a project of


    Tang Group.


    "I''ve already taken the case. We are about to start the design work soon,"


    she replied as a smile spread across her face. The thought that she would design her favorite Ferris


    wheel herself made her feel very lucky.


    This was something that she had wanted to do for such a long time. Now, she was determined to build


    a unique and beautiful Ferris wheel.


    "You seem to have lost a lot of weight recently. I heard you cough a lot during breakfast. Please take


    care," Horace said.


    Cassandra felt moved by his care.


    Horace had been rather aloof ever since she requested for a divorce. He had not been treating her


    affably these days because of that. Sometimes he would totally ignore her during the meals; and the


    most he did was a nod when Cassandra greeted him in the hall. This was the first time he had started a


    conversation with her and asked about her work after that day.


    ''Maybe this is the first step to reducing the tension between us, '' thought Cassandra.


    She went back to the dining table and sat down beside Horace to describe her new idea.


    "I''m nning to focus on the Ferris wheel in the amusement park. It''srge and will take up lots of


    space. What''s more, there will be LED lights installed in it. It will beautifully light up the night sky. It is


    going to be the centerpiece to all the other parts of the new amusement park. Also, there''s a small river


    inside the park that I am nning to widen so it will be another attraction. With the Ferris wheel beside


    the bridge..."


    Cassandra could talk all day about her design. She was in her element. Her eyes brightened with


    excitement.


    "Why don''t you suspend the case and hand it over to someone else?"


    Horace suddenly interrupted, still with a smile resting on his face.


    "Wh... Why?"


    Cassandra was bewildered. The amusement park was her main project. The government was going to


    create a hugendscape to increase the number of tourists in the city and the amusement park would


    be located in that area. This was why both Tang Group and the government were investing a lot of


    resources into the reconstruction.


    Rufus frequently went on business trips to visit cities with simr projects to conduct surveys and


    gather insights. He wanted this to be perfect. Therefore he had barelye hometely.


    Work aside, the project was very special to Cassandra. It was where she and Rufus went on their ''first


    date.'' Although it was more for work, it was still a memory she held close to her heart.


    Now, Horace wanted her to hand it over to someone else. Surely, she hesitated.


    "Father, I''ve been following up this case and done a lot of work. I dedicated so much of myself to it. I


    believe that I''m the one who knows this project the most. No one else is more fit to handle this than me.


    Wouldn''t it be inappropriate to change the person-in-charge before the start of the design work?"


    Cassandra looked at Horace. His calm smile made her feel uneasy. She could not see through him.


    Still, she tried to persuade him.


    "It''smon to change the designer indeed. You hand it over to others in order to help regte the


    amount of contribution everyone has in the project. And I will have other works for you of course,"


    he exined. If Cassandra kept the amusement park project to herself, she might earn a bad


    reputation in the industry. People would interpret it as a way for her to hoard power and influence. This


    was not a good reputation to have for an architect.


    "But...Rufus told me that I would be in charge of the project. This has also already been ryed to the


    members of themittee..."


    Cassandra still struggled to convince Horace to change his mind. This was her dream and she


    desperately tried to fight for it.


    "Rufus is the President but I am the Chairman. He will not object to me. I will personally call him about


    it," Horace replied.


    He clearly was no longer pleased. His tone seemed to grow colder. He did not appreciate Cassandra¡ª


    or anyone, for that matter¡ªchallenging his authority. The fact that this was not the first time Cassandra


    did this annoyed him.


    Seeing Horace''s expression, Cassandra realized that her argument was hopeless. There was no use


    trying to push it further now.


    To feel better, she reminded herself that Horace meant well. He just did not want her to be too stressed.


    He was also protecting her reputation and simply doing his best to be apassionate father-inw.


    Sheter realized, though, that there was no way to twist it. It was disappointing and she would not feel


    better about it.


    Horace suddenly took out a key and put it on the table.


    "You''ve sold your car and it is not convenient for you to keepmuting. Here, this car is yours now.


    As a manager of the Design Department of the Tang Group, you are not supposed to be seen taking a


    taxi to work. It gives ourpany a bad name,"


    Horace said gently before sliding the key to Cassandra.


    Cassandra had been taking a cab to work ever since she sold her car. Although she seldom used the


    Tang family car to get to work, taking the taxi had been her more usual choice.


    She was careful not to give the wrong impression to The Tang family that she was taking advantage of


    their resources.


    Vernon did not provide a lot of dowries when she married, just her Beetle and some cash.


    The Qin Group was in trouble financially at that time. Those were the only things he could afford.


    Cassandra drove that car since the first day she started working in the Tang Group. Her Beetle had an


    ordinary build. It was not the type to catch the other employees'' attention. No one would imagine that it


    was owned by the daughter-inw of the Chairman.


    Still, because of Vernon''s case, she was forced to sell it and left with no money and no personal


    vehicle.


    No one in the Tang family cared that she had sold her car. She also did not make a huge fuss about it.


    Cassandra just went on and adjusted to her new life.


    Horace''s generous offer took her by surprise.


    "I know you prefer to stay low-key. It''s very practical, but it''s the newest model and suits a woman like


    you,"


    Horace told her gently.


    "Father, I..."


    Cassandra was speechless. She always assumed that Horace''s silence and indifference to her


    predicament was his way ofmunicating that he did not want to be involved.


    No one in the Tang family offered their sympathy. It almost felt as if she were not part of that family at


    all.


    This actually made her feel sad and disappointed. Still, she knew she had to stay strong so she could


    take care of her family. But now, Horace got her a new car. He did care, after all.


    "Take it. I know you''ve been living a hard life recently. You don''t need to handle everything by yourself.


    You are too independent,"


    Horace advised. Tears seemed to form in his eyes. In the morning sunlight, he looked rather amiable.


    Warmth filled Cassandra''s heart looking at her father-inw.


    She realized how narrow-minded she must have been. Horace must have known everything she had


    been doing to help her family, but he did not want to hurt her pride.


    What he said kept repeating inside her head: "I know you''ve been living a hard life recently." Cassandra


    felt a lump in her throat.


    "Thank you, father,"


    Cassandra said, feeling guilty for judging him so early. It was not that he did not care for her, he just


    showed it differently.


    After Cassandra left, Jill, who had been eating breakfast in the background, wiped the area around her


    mouth with the corner of a napkin.


    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.


    "Really? You got her a car? We have so many in the garage, why didn''t you just get one from there?"


    Jill said disdainfully. A part of her felt resentful that Horace did not consult his decision with her first.


    "Oh, Jill. Sometimes you can be so dull. She''s going through a lot. A new car would mean much for her.


    Besides, it did not cost me a lot and I could get what I want," he said.


    Horace thought about his wife''s terrible business acumen. It was evident that she was raised in


    privilege, ignorant about how to create her own wealth.


    "Get you what you want? What can she possibly give you? Vernon is in jail and Edith is a simple


    housewife. Cloris sessfully earned a schrship and intends to go abroad for study so she''s


    probably someone who could be useful. But her schrship turned to be part of Vernon''s penalty. So


    what on earth can Cassandra give you? Even her managerial position was a gift from you!"


    Jill grew angrier as she spoke. The way she saw it, Cassandra brought nothing to the Tang family but


    troubles, despite of a few business cases she earned. In a way, she was a burden to the Tangs!


    "Indeed, she does not have much. But right now, she has Vernon''spany," Horace answered darkly.

 Chapter 114 A Terrible Presentiment

    Chapter 114 A Terrible Presentiment


    Horace''s eyes glinted and a faint smile signifying triumph crept up his lips.


    "Vernon is an incapable businessman. After keeping hispany running for so many years, he failed


    to sustain it and resorted to fraud. Now he''s in prison and has no way out of it. He''s just lucky he has a


    capable daughter willing to go to such lengths to save hispany," Horace remarked.


    Narrowing his eyes, he gazed at the door from which Cassandra had left. ''She''s such an innocent


    woman. As a young person, she had the audacity to spare no effort to protect her father''s hard work, ''


    he thought to himself.


    However, Horace had everything well nned.


    Though the Qin Group was on the brink of copsing, it still had a chance of things turning to their


    favor, if managed properly.


    Four years ago, he infused the much-needed investment into the Qin Group, which paid him back soon


    with a great deal of interest.


    Because Vernon treated his employees well, his people were loyal to thepany. From what Horace


    knew, currently, all the managers of thepany were still struggling to keep it alive, refusing to leave


    for better opportunities.


    That was, perhaps, Vernon''s greatest asset of his lifetime. It was just that, he would unfortunately have


    no more chance to utilize it.


    At this point, Cassandra had no one to back her up except for the Tang family. The only thing Horace


    had to do was gain her trust. By then, if he offered to help her run thepany, he would probably


    obtain her consent. After that, he could then acquire Qin Group by the name of ''helping'' at an unfairly


    low price. That would be an almost no-risk business deal.


    After reading the confidence and victory on Horace''s face, Jill finally realized what was on his mind.


    Her smile turned cunning.


    "Well, it seems that I should be nice to her for the time being!"


    As she grinned, Jill calcted what she could do to earn Cassandra''s trust quickly.


    "Don''t be so suspicious. Act like your normal self. If you abruptly change your attitude towards her,


    she''ll be skeptical."


    With a wave of his hand, Horace made sure to exin to her not to make a rash act.


    A clearer n began fermenting in his head. Instead of pressing Cassandra directly, he would slowly


    take control over her with little tricks.


    On the way to the Tang Group, Cassandra was driving her new car under the beaming morning sun. It


    waste winter, after which, early spring would arrive, just as her state of mind. However, she didn''t


    notice that some dark clouds were approaching the seemingly peaceful city.


    "Manager Qin, the Chairman told us that the amusement park project was transferred to another


    architect..."


    "Manager Qin, the Chairman said that you would only need to work on the small cases of our regr


    clients. The other cases have been disseminated to other architects of the department..."


    "Manager Qin, the Chairman¡­"


    When she asked for things to be done, these were the responses she received. It was strange that just


    within a few days, the cases she was supposed to be in charge of were all assigned to various


    designers while she was left with the rather unimportant and trivial ones.


    Horace indeed told her to rest, but surely not to the point that she had almost nothing to do.


    Finally, Cassandra couldn''t bear with her idle status in thepany and requested Horace for some


    work to do.


    "Father, I''m not tired. Can I have some of my cases back?"


    "This is thepany''s arrangement. You will be tasked to do something else after this resting period.


    Don''t worry and just take a break for the time being."


    His reply was emotionless as hey on his deck chair, basking in the warmth of the winter sun, without


    even lifting his eye lids.


    It rendered Cassandra speechless, leaving her no choice but to wait for the ''something else'' that never


    made its way to her.


    While Cassandra anxiously waited for her cases, the election for the Director of the Union of Real


    Estate in G City waspleted. The Tang Group, the biggest winner of the event, had assumed the


    Director role, while Dawn Star Group assumed the role of Deputy Director.


    Shortly after the establishment of the Union, there was an influx of clients, from both G City and other


    cities, looking for the Tang Group. However, none of their projects were assigned to Cassandra.


    "Cassandra, I think you''re even freer than I am right now. I can''t imagine that you have the leisure time


    toe to Yoga ss with me! That''s incredible!"


    As Ste was awed by the recent state of Cassandra, she twisted her body into an impossible posture.


    They chatted while a light background music was being yed.


    "Do you think that''s what I want? Regardless of ''being the best architect'' or ''striving to the top'', I have


    to at least get my bonus to keep my dad''spany alive. Without any big projects, I can only get the


    baseline sry. It''s giving me a huge headache. How am I supposed to supply the employees with their


    sries?" Cassandrained in frustration.


    Her mind was a total mess. Even the meditation couldn''t help pacify it.


    "That''s so strange. As you said, the Chairman should know about your financial situation. He even


    gave you a car. Why would he take away all your projects? He''s contradicting himself, isn''t he?"


    Ste cast her doubt. Meanwhile, she shifted into an even more twisted yoga position that seemed so


    painful that Cassandra almost wanted to turn her eyes away.


    "I don''t get it either. He actually promised me that he''d give me other cases, but he never mentioned


    that again. I also requested to get my original cases back or to at leastplete them in coboration


    with other architects. He didn''t really give me an answer for that either¡­" As she said it, Cassandra


    raised her brows, puzzled.


    Heaving a deep sigh, she changed from the proper position of Yoga so she could just casually lie on


    the mat. Anyway, she couldn''t force herself into a peaceful state of mind, so she gave up at the


    moment.


    "Or else, you could talk to Mr. Luo about it? I thought he was the one who assigned you the


    amusement park project?" Ste suggested.


    Remembering that Rufus had entrusted Cassandra with many projects, she thought that he could at


    least speak on her behalf.


    At the mention of Rufus''s name, Cassandra felt even more crestfallen.


    Recently, Rufus had been away frequently and didn''t even attend the Union of Real Estate election. It


    was Lionel who attended on behalf of the Tang Group.


    Though she tried to contact him, he never picked up her calls.


    Every time the call was answered by the perpetual and emotionless recording, "The person you are


    calling is currently unavable." She realized that the distance between her and Rufus was as far as


    ever.


    ''I don''t know him that well, after all. He doesn''t need to tell me his n, or what he''s going to do, or


    where he''s heading to. He doesn''t even rify things with me after he re-appears in my life.


    He would suddenly pop up and catch me off-guard. Taking the chance of being alone, he would give


    me a suffocating and burning kiss.


    He would then suddenly disappear for a few days, during which I have no way of contacting him. He''d


    say he was on a business trip, yet, even his assistant would have no idea of where he went, ''


    Cassandra thought sorrowfully. After thinking everything through, she suddenly felt as though they


    were light years apart.


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Rufus''s whereabouts were indeed an enigma, not only for Cassandra, but for the Tang family. Lionel


    had even purposelyined to Horace in his presence.


    "As the CEO of the Tang Group, you should at least inform the Board of Directors before going on any


    business trip, shouldn''t you? How can you just vanish without anyone knowing where you are? When


    thepany needs you, how are we supposed to find you?" he eximed in frustration.


    "I would never leave thepany unless I''m assured that there''s no major decision to make while I''m


    away. Plus, aren''t you the Deputy CEO? Can''t you make the decision when I''m not around? I just don''t


    like any disturbances while I''m negotiating with clients," Rufus contested.


    Such a conversation was a typical happening in Horace''s study after Rufus came back from his trips.


    Every time, Rufus would find a reason or excuse to force Lionel to shut his mouth.


    To add to the validity of his arguments, Rufus would always bring back some projects, big or small,


    each time. So Horace wasn''t very concerned about Rufus leaving without any prior notice.


    After all, he was a profit-driven businessman. As long as Rufus was capable of fulfilling his role and


    could bring profit to the Tang Group, his disappearance from time to time was no big deal.


    "Never mind. I''ll try to think of something else¡­"


    With Rufus on her mind, Cassandra felt depressed.


    Meanwhile, something was happening in the office of the man she was thinking about.


    "So the Chairman has appointed another designer to take over the amusement park project?" Rufus


    questioned.


    The assistant had just handed him a proposal which made his brows furrow in confusion.


    He was only away for a few days, and all of Cassandra''s major projects had been transferred to other


    architects. Even the amusement park project, which he had promised to give her so firmly, was also


    assigned to someone else.


    "Yes, Mr. Luo. the Chairman said that Manager Qin had been over-burdened these days, so he wanted


    to give her workload to other designers," the assistant duly reported.


    Though he stated Horace''s order with a polite smile, he could feel the chill in his chest as he sensed


    the grave anger of the man in front of him.


    In truth, the entirepany knew how important Manager Qin was deemed by the CEO. Now that


    Cassandra''s true identity of Rufus''s sister-inw was uncovered, they had no more doubt about


    Rufus''s special treatment towards her. They were family, after all. It was expected that he would


    provide his sister-inw with the best resources.


    Still¡­


    Why would the Chairman transfer so many projects away from Manager Qin?


    Being a skilled architect, Cassandra had just won third ce in an international architectural design


    competition and practically served as the walking advertisement of thepany. Why would her cases


    be taken away from her at such a crucial time?


    Knowing what a calctive businessman Horace was, Rufus was certain that he wouldn''t make such a


    decision unless the profit was worth the risk it bore. For quite some time, he hadn''t been getting


    involved in the Tang Group''s business, so there must have been hidden intentions behind his abrupt


    intervention.


    "You can go now. Just leave the documents on my desk," Rufus ordered with a cold face, the creases


    on his forehead deepening.


    After the assistant left, Rufus made a call.


    "Find out all of Lionel Tang''s recent routines. I want to know if he has been staying with Ivy at home for


    this period. I want to know who he''s been contacting!" Rufus strongly demanded.


    After the call, a terrible presentiment started surfacing from his heart.


    Just like a drop of ink in clear water, the presentiment diffused slowly through his blood, to his chest,


    his limbs, his brain, until it finally engulfed his entire body¡­

 Chapter 115 A Lunch

    Chapter 115 A Lunch


    Cassandra had always convinced herself that as long as she indulged herself in working hard, things


    would be better.


    For her not to be a person who couldn''t earn her living and be dependent on others, she went to Rome


    to study architecture and design.


    While some of her ssmates were shopping, dating and partying, Cassandra stayed in the library,


    studying piles of thick books about architecture.


    Cassandra, as one of the few Asians in college, consistently scored higher than her ssmates and


    won the full schrship. She was studying at one of the prestigious schools in Rome without spending


    a penny.


    In one instance, she had beaten some famous designers and won a prize in a designpetition when


    she was still a college student.


    When she was employed by the Tang Group, no one really trusted and respected her. She was so


    young and inexperienced. Everyone wondered how she could be the manager of the design


    department of the Tang Group. Cassandra ignored all those criticisms. She had just kept her mouth


    shut while busy signing contracts one after another.


    There was a two-hour lunch break in Tang Group. During the break, everyone in the office would gather


    together and get out to grab some food. Cassandra, however, would always take a snap, order


    something to takeout and then get back to work right after lunch.


    She was neverte or got off work early for no reasons. Instead, she always workedte, determined to


    give her clients a perfect design.


    She worked very hard these past years, thinking that her life was getting better and better gradually.


    However, now she felt exhausted. She didn''t know whether she could carry on with her way of life.


    "Cassandra, some senior executives of your father''spany came to our house today. They asked


    me about my ns. They said if the business volume couldn''t recover, they might resign,"


    Edith called Cassandra during the lunch break. She sounded so nervous on the other end of the phone


    that Cassandra could even imagine her anxiety without seeing her.


    "I see, mother. I will go to dad''spany tomorrow and talk to them. Please don''t worry."


    When she hung up the phone, Cassandra bent over the desk and sighed, helpless.


    She felt stressed and drained.


    Cassandra thought the prize she won in thepetition could support herself for a while. However,


    Horace gave all her cases to the other designers and she couldn''t even fight for that. Otherwise, people


    would think her as a self-centered and arrogant manager who would take all the credits and didn''t give


    opportunities to others.


    She was so annoyed.


    Suddenly, the door opened. Victor walked into her office, with a food container in his hand.


    "Good afternoon, Manager Qin. Mr. Luo asked me to bring you this."


    Victor walked towards her desk and put down the food container and left. Victor''s timing was just


    perfect. Cassandra was hungry and she was d that someone sent her some food.


    She opened the container, the meat dishes and vegetables all looked tasty and smelled better than the


    takeout she used to order.


    Fried potatoes with green pepper, stewed pork trotters...everything looked mouthwatering.


    Cassandra could see that Rufus had put a lot of effort into preparing them.


    She decided to give herself a break and enjoy the sumptuous meal. Clearing off her desk, she took the


    dishes and carefully ced the silverware on the desk. Now it seemed to her that she was eating in a


    restaurant.


    When she was about to eat the dish, Cassandra noticed a card stuck at the bottom of the food


    container.


    Pulling it out, she couldn''t help but be amazed at how thoughtful Rufus was.


    The note said, "Enjoy your meal and take some rest."


    A wave of warmth rushed over Cassandra making her excited to take a bite of the dish.


    Although Rufus was always quiet, Cassandra knew that he cared for her. He helped her sign up for the


    designpetition, helped her find Joel who framed her up. And now, he was worried about her health


    since she always ordered takeouts all the time and prepared meals for her. He even included such a


    thoughtful note.


    Cassandra blushed when she fumbled at what was written on the note. It reminded her of what Rufus


    said to herst tiime, "Be my woman."


    ''Rufus, just wait for me. I will leave the Tang Group one day. By then, we can stay with together forever,


    '' Cassandra thought to herself.


    When Victor came back to Rufus''s office, Rufus just finished his work and turned off hisputer.


    "Did you throw it away?"


    he asked Victor with a gloomy face, obviously annoyed and frustrated.


    "Throw¡­ away?"


    Victor was very confused. He thought Rufus just made a mistake.


    "Angie told me that she gave the food container to you. Didn''t you throw it away?"


    Rufus raised his eyebrows inquisitively. Victor wasn''t a talkative person, but he was an efficient one.


    Rufus could sense that something went wrong since Victor just hemmed and hawed.


    Hearing Rufus''s words, Victor felt electrified, as if there was something buzzing inside his head.


    Later this morning, at about lunchtime, when he walked into Rufus''s office, Angie handed him the food


    container and said, "President asked you to handle this."


    Professional as always, Angie gave him a sweet smile before going back to her desk.


    Victor touched the container and it was still warm. Opening it to see what was inside, he was surprised


    to see a feast of a healthy meal.


    Victor assumed Rufus asked him to give it to Cassandra.


    Now it appeared that¡­ he misunderstood Rufus! It was not supposed for Cassandra. Victor didn''t know


    how to tell Rufus that he had made a mistake.


    "The food container¡­ I¡­I¡­I¡­gave it to Manager Qin¡­"


    Victor stuttered and dared not to look into Rufus''s eyes. It was the first time that he made such a stupid


    slip-up.


    Rufus remained silent for a long time. Victor lifted up his head and peeked at Rufus. Judging from the


    look of his face, Victor knew that something was preupying him at the moment.


    "What was Manager Qin doing in her office?"


    Rufus knew Cassandra well. She used to work during her lunch break. But since she didn''t get too


    much worktely, he wondered what she was doing during lunch time.


    "Uhhhhmmm¡­ Before I knocked on her door, she was talking with her mother on the phone. It seemed


    that something went wrong with her father''spany,"


    Victor said carefully. It was rare that Rufus didn''t get mad at him because of his mistake. Usually Rufus


    was very serious about work and very strict when they made mistakes. Needless to say, the reason


    why he hired Angie to be his secretary was that she never went wrong, like a robot.


    "All right, you can leave now."


    Rufus motioned Victor to leave. He breathed a great sigh of relief and was about to leave when Rufus


    called him again, "Oh, Victor, one more thing. Wait in Manager Qin''s office. When she is done eating,


    get the container back and throw it away, okay?"


    Victor nodded his head and left the office. Rufus stood up and continued to work on the files.


    Rufus had collected some information about Vernon''spany before. He thought there was no


    chance for him to use that information. But it seemed that the information he had gathered were not all


    of no use.


    If Cassandra went to thepany on her own, she might not be able to solve the problem. At this time,


    he needed to the step in and be the person whom she could rely on.


    Meanwhile, at Cassandra''s office, Victor took the food container from her. With it in his hand, he walked


    out of the building and threw it in a dustbin at a street corner near thepany.


    He felt relieved. ''Mission aplished!'' he thought. Turning around, he was approached by a wide,


    friendly smile. It scared him, making him step back instantly.


    "Hi! Victor! What did you just throw away?"


    Ste just had a very nice baked rice for lunch in a nearby restaurant and was in a very good mood.


    When she saw Victor, she walked to him and said hi.


    After all, it was Victor who saved her when she was caught up with the dumb manst time. Since then,


    she never saw that man again. She felt relieved at the thought that no one would bother her again.


    What frustrated her even more was, as a real food lover, Ste used to enjoy hunting for nice meals for


    lunch. But since she was stalked by that crazy man, she dared not to go outside and had to order


    takeouts for a few days.


    Thanks to Victor, the man dared not to trouble her any more. Victor punched him hard and that really


    scared him.


    Victor felt very edgy because of Ste''s sudden show-up. He wasn''t a talkative person and he hadn''t


    quite recovered from the embarrassment that he had made a silly mistake just now. Ste scared him


    and he didn''t know what to say.


    He opened his mouth, but nothing came out. It made Ste suspicious.


    She took a nce at the dustbin and saw the food container. Strangely, questions on her mind were


    beginning to form.


    ''Is it broken? Why did Victor throw it away?"


    Ste wondered. But she didn''t show her suspicion.


    "Let''s go. Let''s go for a walk. It''s good to walk after lunch, isn''t it?"


    Ste had a talent in engaging people naturally. Although she and Victor were not that close, she knew


    that he was a nice person. He was just introversive and looked cold. He was the kind of person who


    was serious in manner and speech.


    Ste held his arms and slowly walked back to thepany with him.


    "What did you have for lunch?"


    She looked at Victor and asked indifferently. She wanted to find some clue from his face.


    "Just takeouts."


    Victor stiffened since Ste was holding his arms. He looked extremely unnatural.


    Ste, however, didn''t believe him at all.


    ''Takeouts? I''ve never seen a takeout in such arge nice food container. What a waste just throwing it


    away!''


    Ste kept on thinking about this on her way back to thepany. ncing at her wristwatch, she


    realized that she still had ample time for the office hours hadn''t begun yet. She decided to go find


    Cassandra.


    Cassandra didn''t have any projects to dotely. Ste was afraid that she might not get used to it.


    She pushed the door and walked into the office quietly. Cassandra was still sleeping at the desk. She


    seemed to be in deep sleep.


    Indeed¡­ Cassandra really had nothing to do!


    Ste walked closer to her and noticed a white card paper.


    She peeked at the card and read it, "Enjoy your meal and take some rest."


    The creases of wrinkles on Ste''s forehead increased in confusion. The handwriting was good and


    neat. She knew for sure that it was a woman''s handwriting for she had some training on chirography.


    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.


    ''Who is this woman that has written the note to Cassandra?'' she wondered.

 Chapter 116 Whats Her Name

    Chapter 116 What''s Her Name


    This was perhaps the first time that Cassandra was dreaming during an afternoon nap. She''d fallen


    asleep in a distorted position in the office chair.


    Time flew fast in her dream. Seasons changed in seconds. One second it was summer; then, autumn;


    next instance, winter. As she stood there looking at the leaves and light change around her, a shadow


    apanied her. She recognized it to be Rufus, standing next to her, through the tumultuous changes.


    The spring flowers were beautiful and so were the fallen autumn leaves. The winter snow glistened so


    beautifully it stunned her.


    She looked at Rufus through flying hair in front of her eyes, grabbed his hand and walked in the snow.


    Their heads were covered in gently falling snow, making it look like they had grey hair. It looked like


    they were a couple grown old together. Dreams often, were considered to a method of wish fulfilment.


    Cassandra always believed the idea of two people in love growing together was the most beautiful and


    romantic thing in the world. She had always imagined to be with someone who she could share this


    with. Before she could enjoy that imagined reality in her dream, Ste entered the office.


    Cassandra opened her eyes, perturbed by the slight sound of the door closing behind Ste. She had


    always been a light sleeper and woke up very easily. She raised her head and saw Ste looking down


    at her.


    "Oh... Ste. What''s the matter?"


    On finding it was her best friend who had entered the room, Cassandra let down her guard, slid back in


    her chair and rested her head on the desk again. She was still sleepy.


    "Whose is this from?"


    Ste asked, waving a white paper card at her, confused.


    Cassandra got alert the moment she saw the card. Her eyes widened in surprise and panic took hold of


    her for a second.


    "Oh, I have no idea. Maybe someone dropped it unintentionally,"


    Cassandra said, taking the card from her and throwing it in the trash bin under her desk. There was still


    a slight hint of panic on her face.


    Ste had always been a careless person. But Cassandra''s unnatural behavior was so obvious that


    even she found it strange. She could tell when her friend was nervous or trying to hide something.


    As Ste nced around the office, her eyesnded on a round trace of water on Cassandra''s desk, It


    looked like something had been ced on the desk, which left some water behind.


    The size of the circle looked quite familiar. It looked exactly like the size of the container Ste had


    seen in the trash can!


    Ste furrowed her eyebrows, recalling how nervous Victor was when she ran into him and how


    Cassandra had a simr reaction. Something was surely going on between those two. Or was it a mere


    coincidence?


    Ste had always sensed Victor treated Cassandra specially. One time, he would even put lumps of


    sugar in her coffee himself.


    And today, as per Ste''s instinct, he''d bought lunch for Cassandra.


    What was even more surprising was he had even tried to destroy the evidence by throwing the


    container away, to keep this a secret.


    Something truly was fishy. Could it be that Victor had feelings for Cassandra?


    To add to Ste''s wonderment and suspicion was the white paper card. Perhaps, it was from Victor,


    which was why Cassandra got all nervous about it? Was she trying to keep this whole episode with


    Victor a secret from Ste, her best friend?


    Honestly, Ste didn''t think a sturdy and intimidating man like Victor would have such beautiful


    handwriting. It looked so elegant, like a girl''s. She hadn''t expected that but then again there really was


    no point dwelling on it.


    She hesitated for a short while, staring at Cassandra with squinting,plicated eyes. She couldn''t


    resist asking anymore. Finally, she let it out.


    "Cassandra, I think we should talk," she said, gently biting her lower lip.


    Ste looked serious, determined to have a conversation, in order to warn her. What she was doing


    was very dangerous. As a friend, it was Ste''s moral duty to prevent her from making such a big


    mistake.


    "A talk... About what?"


    She got pretty nervous at the very sound of confrontation. Ste''s dead serious face made her stomach


    drop. She had a bad feeling about this.


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    What if Ste suspected something already? Maybe that was why she wanted to talk to her? She


    couldn''t stop trying to analyse.


    Ste took a step back, fetched a chair and sat beside Cassandra, reaching out for her hand. She put it


    in herp, looking at her with a sinct expression. Cassandra started to breathe faster.


    "Cassandra, everyone makes mistakes. It''s something that happens to all of us. But the most important


    thing is realizing your mistake and correcting it while you can,"


    Ste said with a deep frown on her face. It seemed like she really was worried for her and was only


    looking out for her best interests.


    "Ste... I..."


    Cassandra was at a loss for words. She didn''t now how to respond. It definitely seemed like Ste had


    found out about her and Rufus.


    But why she would refer to it as a mistake, Cassandra couldn''t really tell.


    "You don''t have to exin anything. I know you and understand what could be the reason for it.


    Everyone in the Tang group knows what kind of man Lionel is. Ever since that video of him making out


    with that other woman hase out, everyone has started to see the real side of him and that he is in


    the wrong. He isn''t a faithful husband at all. But, he is, after all, Horace Tang''s son which is why no one


    has the guts to say anything to him."


    Ste gulped, thinking of the horrible video that hade out at the victory banquet, shocking


    everyone.


    That was the day Ste had realized life was indeed like a soap opera at times. She''d never expected


    to witness such a big drama. And she couldn''t even imagine it would happen to her best friend.


    "Ste, I don''t want to judge Lionel. I don''t care about what kind of man he is. I just don''t want to talk


    about him. Everyone has their ws, including us. It''s not like I''m perfect,"


    Cassandra took a deep breath and said to Ste with a bitter smile on her face. She had made some


    big mistakes in the past, and she was willing to face the consequences. When she thought of Ivy who


    was pregnant with her husband''s child and staying in Tang family''s house under the same roof with her,


    she felt like a big loser. Even at the beginning of this marriage when she had already expected to be


    unhappy, she hadn''t thought things will get twisted to such an extent.


    At the same time, part of her understood Lionel and Ivy. They were already together before Cassandra


    hade along. Honestly, she was the reason for the crack in their rtionship. And now, even though


    she was Lionel''s legal wife, she still felt like a third party infiltrating someone else''s rtionship. No


    wonder Ivy hated her so much. She had, without intending to, taken away everything that could have all


    been hers.


    "Okay, Cassandra. I don''t want to talk about Lionel either. All I''m trying to tell you is Victor is a really


    nice man. He is the kind of man who doesn''t talk much but has many good qualities. He won''t banter


    with you over silly things. He is so kind, so helpful. Plus, he''s so strong. You will feel so secure with


    him..."


    One after one, Ste counted all the good points about Victor. She was trying so hard that Cassandra''s


    confused face escaped her notice.


    Cassandra had no idea why Ste would bring up Victor out of nowhere. Whatever they were talking


    about had nothing to do with Victor, for God''s sake!


    "Wait a minute, Ste. What are you talking about? Why is Victor in the picture?"


    Cassandra interrupted Ste, staring at her quizzically.


    "Huh? Isn''t he trying to woo you? Don''t worry, I won''t tell anybody. I just want to remind you if you really


    can''t live with Lionel anymore and want to pursuit your own happiness, you should divorce him first and


    then get together with Victor. That''s the right thing to do. If you are with Victor without divorcing Lionel,


    you wille off as a cheater. Lionel''s father would be furious if he found out,"


    Ste continued, somberly. Her grip on Cassandra''s hand tightened.


    "Cassandra, if you find someone who really loves you, please tell me first. I am on your side, no matter


    who it is. I will do everything in my power to help you."


    Although, when Ste thought of Victor and Cassandra together, a bitter feeling crept up in her heart.


    She was her best friend, and would be happy and dly give her blessings if she was happy.


    Ste was touched by her own emotions. She could sacrifice her own happiness for her friend''s sake.


    Cassandra let out a sigh of relief.


    Ste had misunderstood the situation, thinking Cassandra was in a rtionship with Victor and knew


    nothing about Rufus. Cassandra didn''t know how she should exin the situation to her friend but she


    was relieved her secret was still safe.


    Anyway... She was still touched by Ste''s promise of being by her side, no matter what.


    "Ste, you know what a tragedy my marriage is. And yes, I have considered divorcing Lionel. But right


    now is not a good time. I need to think about it very carefully. I will bring it up at a more suitable time.


    But thank you. Thank you for understanding me. I am so d I have a friend like you. But there really


    isn''t anything between Victor and I. You''ve misunderstood something,"


    she said, gratefully. Though she was a bit amused, wondering where Ste had gotten that bizarre


    idea.


    Ste froze upon hearing that. At the same time, a rush of excitement and joy filled her heart. She


    didn''t feel bitter anymore. There was hope!


    Cassandra didn''t seem to be lying. Plus, what reason did she even have to lie to Ste? She knew her


    friend. A person like Cassandra wouldn''t lie when it came to something like this, she knew that for sure.


    So, Victor had nothing to do with her! Now that she thought of it, she really was operating on


    assumptions.


    "By the way, how did you manage to list so many good things about Victor, Ste? I can hardly think of


    anything! To be honest, I did''t expect you to know him so well! I never thought he was your type!"


    Cassandra chuckled, teasing her, no more afraid of her secret being out.


    "He... He is not my type at all!"


    Ste denied, almost too quickly. Despite that, a gorgeous blush took over her face. Any person with


    eyes could tell she was lying.


    "Uh huh. Don''t you lie to me! A little bird has told me you even cried on his shoulder at the concert!"


    Cassandra smirked. It looked like she didn''t n to let this go so easily. It was such a rare sight to see


    a blunt, out-going person like Ste to blush like that! She really enjoyed to see this side of her friend.


    "That... That was because the concert was so moving. The pianist was just so good, I got emotional,"


    Ste tried to exin, but that only made it look like she was ovepensating. Cassandra could see


    how her eyes lit up as she dwelt on a thought in her mind.


    "By the way, the pianist is famous around the world! She is so young and talented. Besides, she is very


    beautiful and stylish. Her personality is so appealing, you can''t even imagine! You know, I didn''t even


    want to go to the concert at first. I just went to finish that task. I didn''t expect I would cry by the end.


    She was just that good, I tell you! At least, now I know good music can really touch one''s soul and be


    overwhelming. Never will I everin about people who get touched by music."


    Ste''s eyes shone with excitement as she told Cassandra about that concert. Cassandra could tell


    from the look on her face how much she had loved it!


    "Really? She''s so good she taught you to appreciate music? She must possess some magical powers!


    I remember you saying you''d rather just listen to some pop songs on your phone than go to a concert,"


    Cassandra kept teasing her, with a wholesome smile on her face. It really was surprising the concert


    made Ste change her mind about ssical music.


    "No kidding, Cassandra. If you get the chance, do go to her concert. She is stunning, like an angel!


    Watching her y is like admiring a beautiful painting. You cannot help but hold your breath!"


    Cassandra''s interest piqued manifold. Ste had never obsessed over any other female celebrity


    before. Usually, she would be the one judging them. Yet, here she was fangirling! It truly was surprising.


    The artist had to be amazing to trigger a response like this out of Ste!


    "The pianist, what''s her name?" Cassandra asked, curious.

 Chapter 117 You Are Part Of Tang Family

    Chapter 117 You Are Part Of Tang Family


    "I forgot¡­"


    N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    Ste closed her eyes trying to remember the name of the pianist. Unfortunately, despite her best


    efforts, nothing came to mind.


    "You are so unreliable," Cassandra teased her.


    She wanted tough and cry at the same time.


    But whenever she thought about the support that Ste had given her about her divorce with Lionel,


    Cassandra found herself instantly being filled with courage and determination.


    A marriage for financial reasons instead of love was ridiculous, hrious and tragic. It was imperative to


    save herself from the trap that she walked into.


    Cassandra rose early the next day and prepared to travel to her father''spany situated in the North


    District.


    It was now being run by an old friend of Vernon''s, Kevin Wang. However, he was unable to help as


    much as he would like to by this point.


    As she was walking out to the garage, Cassandra saw Rufus.


    He wore a rxing smile on his face, weing her.


    "How did you know that I am leaving?" Cassandra asked suspiciously.


    She was sure that she did not share her n with him.


    "I can read your mind," teased Rufus.


    He was clearly not telling the truth, but still holding the door open for Cassandra, anyway.


    Cassandra just shrugged with a smile. It did not make sense to reject a free driver, a free ride and the


    company of a more experienced business manager. She was actually quite nervous about her visit to


    the Qin Group, but with Rufus on her side, she felt more at ease.


    He always seemed to appear when she most needed him even without her asking. The idea that there


    was someone looking out for her without her knowledge made her feel safe and grateful.


    They drove for long hours and it was almost noon when they arrived at the Qin Group. Cassandra


    quickly got off the car and walked towards the office building, hoping that she could still catch Kevin


    Wang. Just as she entered the building, Kevin was on his way out.


    Smiling, Cassandra was about to greet him when she was taken aback by the man that followed after


    him.


    The man was tall and looked somewhat familiar. When she finally managed to make out who it was,


    she was astonished to find that it was Lionel!


    She froze. Kevin also spotted Cassandra and stopped on his tracks. He seemed to look nervous.


    ''Why is Lionel here?'' Cassandra thought.


    Lionel, however, acted as if there was nothing unusual happening. He bypassed Kevin, who seemed to


    be currently glued to the floor, and walked right up to Cassandra. Casually putting his arm around her


    shoulder, he said affectionately, "Cassandra, there you are! I have more or less sorted everything out


    with Uncle Kevin."


    He beamed at her with tender eyes. His expression convinced everyone else that they were a sweet


    couple. Cassandra was the only one left angered.


    Unfazed, she asked, "What is it that you have sorted out with Uncle Kevin?"


    She intentionally continued to walk forward to subtly get rid of him.


    Although he was her husband, any physical contact with him would disgust her.


    "Cassandra, why didn''t you tell me that you wereing?" asked Kevin Wang.


    The brief conversation between Lionel and Cassandra brought him enough time to collect himself and


    ster a smile across his face.


    Still, Cassandra felt like there was something very wrong. The feeling was so strong that it engulfed


    her. She almost felt as if she would suffocate. ''Why is Lionel here and what did he do behind my back?''


    she thought.


    "If she told you she wasing then she might find out that her father''spany had a change of


    owner a little toote,"


    a cold voice entered through the door from behind.


    Kevin squinted, trying to figure out who the visitor was. It was difficult to clearly identify the man''s


    features with the natural lighting from outside. Still, his posture revealed an air ofposure and


    confidence.


    "Rufus, why are you here?"


    Lionel asked nervously before Kevin got to decipher the identity of his guest.


    Cassandra did not intimidate him, but Rufus''s presence made him less confident about his ability to


    take control of the situation.


    "I havee to do a preliminary analysis to see whether Qin Group is worth acquiring or not!" Rufus


    replied.


    Cassandra felt her heart stop at what she just heard.


    For a moment, she was unsure if she understood what Rufus implied correctly. But her doubts were


    confirmed when she saw the awkward expressions on their faces. The two seemed to feel uneasy.


    ''I see. This was what Lionel was hiding from me. Uncle Kevin didn''t tell me, either. He''s trying to sell


    the Qin Group!'' Cassandra realized. Evertying wasing together.


    "Uncle Kevin, my dad owns 30% of thepany. He is the biggest shareholder, and his shares have


    been transferred to my mom. With that and the 10% that my sister and I own, we own 40% of the Qin


    Group. If the Tang Group wants to acquire thepany, they will have to first get our consent,"


    Cassandra stated as her face turned grim.


    She could not believe that the person her father had trusted the most was plotting to sell hispany


    while he was in jail!


    She sold her car just to save hispany. How could someone they trusted so much would n to just


    give it away!


    "Right, just 40%," Lionel jeered.


    Her words did not seem to affect him.


    "What do you mean by ''just 40%''? That''s enough for us to make the final call for thepany!" she


    contested.


    Cassandra held her head high. She knew what she was talking about.


    "Oh, Cassandra. I am an old man now, and I want to retire. So, I have decided to transfer my 20% to


    Mr. Tang," Kevin exined.


    It was evident that he felt quite ashamed with what he did.


    "To catch you up, I have taken the shares of all the board members of thispany, except for Gary


    Zheng''s. After he passed away, they were passed on to his wife. That''s another 20%," Lionel joined.


    With a sinister smile, heid it all out to Cassandra.


    He had negotiated with all the shareholders of the Qin Group and managed to buy their respective


    shares at an irresistibly high price. Now, he owned 40% of thepany which was just as much as


    Cassandra did.


    The remaining 20% was owned by the wife of the board member Gary Zheng, who had passed away.


    She was currently living overseas with her daughter and was difficult to reach.


    With Cassandra and Lionel having equal decision-making power, the tiebreaker would be the 20%


    remained in the possession of Gary Zheng''s wife.


    If she gave it to Cassandra, Qin Group would still be able to operate independently. But if she gave it to


    Lionel, thepany''s acquisition would be inevitable.


    "Uncle Kevin, my dad has always trusted you. How can you do this to him?" Cassandra asked in


    disbelief.


    Her face was pale all over and the eyes were filled with grief.


    As the old saying goes, "far of sight, far from heart." It was so true.


    "Cassandra, you have to understand. This is not necessarily a bad thing. After all, the Tang group


    belongs to your father-inw. It is also a very well-managed and profitablepany, much more than


    the Qin Group is! Thispany will have a better future in their hands,"


    Kevin exined. Although he knew that he was betraying Vernon''s trust, he still managed to make it


    look like he cared for thepany.


    Cassandra shot him a sharp look. She realized that it was an impossible situation for her to win right


    now.


    Suddenly, it all came together. This was why Horace suddenly took away her projects. He must had


    done that to keep her financially disadvantaged. If those projects pushed through, she would have had


    enough financial resources to support the Qin Group and give it enough time to get back to its feet. If


    this happened, the old employees would not easily give up their shares and would instead work with


    Cassandra on bringing thepany back to life.


    ''This is unbelievable. He even gave me a car as a gift! Now I know why, '' Cassandra thought. She


    finally saw the ulterior motive behind Horace''s kindness.


    It was obviously to let her guard down and remove her suspicions.


    When Vernon was arrested, Edith approached Horace for help. He told her that his position would not


    allow him to help her directly, but he promised that he would ask his friends from the government to aid


    her and her family. Oddly, they were not able to offer much help when Cassandra approached the


    officials.


    Cassandra did not allow herself to resort to begging the Tang family for their help because of her pride.


    Still, being a naturally kind and understanding woman, she assumed that Horace meant well. She


    bought his excuse about how his stature prevented him from doing things. It was only now that she


    realized how weak that rationale was.


    If he were really sincere about helping Vernon, he could have just helped Cassandra with the money


    for her father''s fine.


    Instead, he gave her a car to give her the impression that he cared about her well-being.


    Putting the puzzle pieces together, she saw how it all came down to Horace''s n to acquire the Qin


    Group.


    "Well, Uncle Kevin, if you really want the best for Qin Group, you shouldn''t hand it to an outsider. My


    father built thispany throughout his life, it was everything to him. I am certain that he will dispute


    the decision to have his beloved brand changed from Qin to Tang," Cassandra scoffed at Kevin.


    She thought of everything that her father sacrificed for thepany, and then looked at Kevin. It


    pained her so much.


    "You shouldn''t say that Cassandra. You might have forgotten that you are part of Tang family too,"


    Lionel argued back, with his eyebrows creased.


    Cassandra''s words gave him a huge sense of loss. He did not want to admit it but with what he heard,


    it looked like Cassandra never saw herself as part of their family. The realization pained him gravely.

 Chapter 118 The Palace

    Chapter 118 The Pce


    Cassandar''s sorrow turned to ming rage after hearing what Lionel said to her.


    She sacrificed a lot for Lionel and Ivy''s benefit, even to the point of annoying Horace by telling him that


    she wanted a divorce. Then Lionel went ahead and said this? Was this what she got in return?


    On one hand he showed consistently how much he fell for Ivy to win her sympathy; but on the other


    darker hand, he was poaching key business from Vernon''spany.


    "I have always seen you as family. What about you, though? Is this what I get for being so nice to you?


    Did you ever see me as family? You hide behind shadows and did everything in secret. You were


    careful enough not to let me know because you knew I would disagree. I was none the wiser on your


    dirty tricks. You bought the majority shares so dirtily. Do you want to devour the whole Qin Group?


    Well, you better listen then. As long as I am here living and breathing, you will never seed!"


    Cassandra radiated fury¡ªa stark contrast from her usual self, which was peaceful and cautious.


    She wouldn''t hurt anyone else unless they tried to hurt her. ''I won''t go easy on them. I will have to


    protect father''spany, '' thought Cassandra.


    "Cassandra, calm down, will you? Why are you even angry? Just because the Qin Group was going to


    be acquired and merged, doesn''t mean you lose it all. I want to remind you that you still have 40% of


    the shares! You''ll still benefit from thepany as long as it runs well. Why are you so stubborn?"


    Lionel frowned and walked from side to side. He tried to convince Cassandra who right now resembled


    a startled kitten.


    "Have you ever run risk assessments for the Qin Group? If it goes under, the damages could cause


    irreparable damages to the Tang Group,"


    Rufus reminded in a icy tone after being silent in the sidelines.


    He had a gut feeling that something was off about Lionel and secretly did some digging. Turned out he


    was right, Lionel had been in touch with the board of directors of the Qin group for quite some time


    now. That was when Rufus realized that Lionel wanted to take over the wholepany.


    Normally, Horace would have discussed the merger with Rufus before hand, since he was in charge of


    the Tang group now. But he didn''t, which meant the father didn''t have a shred of trust on his son after


    all. Instead, Horace had given the case to Lionel directly.


    Rufus squinted his cold dark eyes. It seemed that Horace didn''t have much confidence in him.


    What Horace asked of him was to solve the current crisis in which thepany was trapped in. Rufus


    seeded in doing just that. Not only that, he did so well that he managed to convince the board to


    expand new markets as well.


    But despite proving his capability, Horace still kept him away from key businesses of the Tang Group,


    such as this merger.


    "Risk assessment? High riskse with high rewards. I had hoped you would understand such a


    simple rule."


    Lionel despised Rufus so much since he was always with Cassandra. One would think that he was the


    husband instead of Lionel. All of it put a huge dent on Lionel''s manly pride.


    "You bought the majority shares from those board directors and asked them to retire. Let me guess,


    what is it that you want to be the big boss?"


    Rufus asked with eyebrows furrowed. He looked at Lionel with such disdain.


    If Lionel was capable of running apany, the Tang group wouldn''t have been caught in the crisis in


    the first ce. Rufus knew that Lionel wasn''t cut out for business.


    "Listen up, Rufus. It was only a matter of time before the Qin Group was acquired by us. I''m the boss


    now, and it is none of your goddamn business,"


    Lionel quipped. He lost his temper for a bit since he realized Rufus was being sarcastic.


    "Then let''s see how you will ruin thepany with this merger,"


    Rufus said in a light, mocking tone. He used his brother to be incapable. Lionel was on the verge of


    losing his temper again after hearing what Rufus said.


    "Who the hell do you think you are, Rufus? Don''t be so smug for being the acting CEO. It''s not as easy


    as you think,"


    Lionel snapped and stormed out as he felt a direct hit from the truth in Rufus''s usation.


    Kevin sensed how embarrasing the situation was and beads of sweat started to form on his forehead.


    "Take it easy, Cassandra. You father is in trouble and was about to lose control of thepany. How


    could you and your mother¡ªtwo women¡ªrun such apany? Relying on the Tang group and letting


    your husband run things might be for the best,"


    Kevin offered his advice carefully. He knew Cassandra and Lionel had a bitter rtionship.


    "Uncle Kevin, do you know how to contact Mrs. Zheng?"


    Cassandra ignored Kevin''s advice and changed the subject. It urred to her that Lionel and her each


    held 40% of thepany shares. Her words would have the impact she needed if she got her hands


    on Mrs. Zheng''s 20% shares.


    This way, there was no way Lionel could get his hands on the Qin Group and thepany can return


    to its original state.


    "From what I know, Mrs. Zheng is currently residing in Europe. Norway, to be exact. I don''t have the


    specific address, though. I got to tell you, she is not easy to talk to. She got more and more isted


    after her husband passed away. She is taken care by her daughter now."


    Kevin realized Cassandra''s intentions and felt bad that he couldn''t do more to help.


    He had a feeling that Cassandra''s n was a long shot since Mrs. Zheng was too unpredictable. The


    years have turned her entric. She left her shares to her agent and was out of touch with the other


    board members.


    "Oh, that''s right. You can go to the TY Group. I recall a time when Mrs. Zheng once entrusted the


    company to make various investments for her. Maybe they have an idea how to reach her. I have to


    warn you, though. They wouldn''t easily give that to you, since it''s about the client confidentiality,"


    Kevin sighed deeply, looked at Cassandra intently, then left.


    Cassandra was left alone with Rufus. Her fists were clenched so hard that her fingernails drew blood


    as they pierced her supple palms.


    She had to reach Mrs. Zheng no matter what to get her father''spany back.


    "Rufus, I need your help!"


    Cassandra turned to Rufus with fiery conviction in her eyes. Even though she looked so fierce and


    determined, Rufus knew how vulnerable she was deep inside.


    "You want me to find Mrs. Zheng for you, is that right?"


    Rufus knowingly looked at Cassandra. His face softened after a wave of realization overcame him.


    Cassandra nodded. She remembered watching a movie which starred Lyndsy and won her the Best


    Actress title. It was sponsored heavily by TY Entertainment, a studio under the TY Group. Rufus was


    well-connected enough to ask Lyndsy to cooperate at the auction, so he must know someone from the


    TY group.


    She had no time to waste as she needed to reach Mrs. Zheng as soon as possible.


    Rufus studied the anxious woman in front of him with his steel, dark eyes.


    It''s actually the first time Cassandra ever asked for his help. How could he turn her down now?


    "Leave it to me. I''ll do my best."


    Rufus''s heart ached seeing Cassandra''s worried face.


    "I want to go home and visit mother and my sister. Cloris is going abroad to study soon."


    It worried Cassandra terribly thinking of Edith''s reaction. Her mother would have a nervous breakdown


    if she knew of the impending merger.


    Rufus drove Cassandra to the house of the Qin family and pulled over by the fountain near the gate to


    wait for her.


    "I need you to find someone for me. Try to reach her and tell her that there is an emergency,"


    Rufus spoke over phone and lit a cigarette. He crossed his legs and examined a phoenix tree that


    managed to bud in the cold, much to his amusement.


    ''How I wish spring woulde sooner, '' Rufus thought to himself.


    Meanwhile, inside the mansion of the Qin family


    Cassandra decided to postpone telling Edith of thepany''s crisis. If she could convince Mrs. Zheng


    to sell her shares, that would save thepany and there would be no need to let her mother know.


    Clorisy on the nearby sofa and fiddled with her phone. She was smiling and giggling every once in a


    while. It seemed like she was chatting with someone who made her happy.


    Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    "Cloris, do you have a boyfriend?"


    Cassandra asked after she observed Cloris''s sweet smile, the kind of smile you only see on girls


    who''re in love.


    "Nope. Just texting with a friend,"


    Cloris answered coldly. It was obvious she didn''t want to breach the topic.


    At that moment, her phone lit up after receiving a message.


    "Let''s hang out tonight, I will meet you up in the Northern District," it said.


    Cloris''s heart fluttered with tion. She replied, "Okay." She even added a heart emoji.


    Arthur snorted contemptously as he received Cloris''s reply.


    ''Women are so gullible. It''s easy to win their trust if you give them just the right amount of attention.


    Cloris, this isn''t personal. me your sister for what''s about to happen to you, '' Arthur thought in the


    deep recesses of his mind.


    Cassandra arrived in Norway, three dayster.


    Mrs. Zheng resided in a castle of antiquity. It was located in the center of a lush, thriving forest. The


    ce was shrouded with mystery, looking abandoned and forgotten.


    Cassandra took a deep breath before she rang the doorbell near the massive door. Momentster, a


    butler came out.


    "Miss Qin, mydy knows you are here. Please,e in. She is waiting for you in the hall,"


    the butler bowed respectfully. It''s was obvious he was a professional.


    He led Cassandra inside. She was taken aback and swept with awe as she saw the interior.


    This wasn''t just someone''s home. It was a full-blown pce!


    The hall was adorned with priceless antiques. The paintings were of the ssical style and the furniture


    looked like they could be traced back to the time period of Renaissance.


    Amidst all the grandeur, a woman was sitting at center of the great hall.

 Chapter 119 Whitney Is A Fan Of The Royal Family!

    Chapter 119 Whitney Is A Fan Of The Royal Family!


    The woman had bushy eyebrows and pink, plump lips. Her raven ck hair cascaded down her


    shoulders. With her hands, she was stroking a Persian cat.


    The cat had white luscious fur and a pair ofrge, clear odd eyes¡ªone yellow; the other, blue. It purred


    as it curled on the woman''s knees.


    The woman looked at Cassandra with indifferent eyes, then stood up and walked to the stairs.


    Meanwhile, a middle-aged woman wearing a pair of sses wasing down the winding staircase.


    She was the wife of Mr. Gary Zheng, Whitney Qiu.


    Whitney Qiu was somewhere in her forties. She had a very fairplexion. She was living proof that a


    comfortable life tended to make one age well.


    Knowing that this must be the woman she was looking for, Cassandra immediately approached to


    introduce herself.


    "Mrs. Zheng, nice to meet you. I''m Cassandra Qin, the eldest daughter of Vernon Qin,"


    she said, beaming. She was doing a great job hiding her nerves. For some reason, she felt odd being


    in the castle.


    "I know who you are. Mr. Li has told me that you wereing. It was clever to have him put a good


    word for you. Otherwise, I would not even consider seeing you,"


    Whitney Qiu replied. Cassandra was confused. ''Who''s Mr. Li?'' she thought. It took her a second to


    realize that Mr. Li must be the mediator Rufus hired.


    ''This mediator must be very reputable to have this kind of influence, '' she thought.


    Whitney looked down at Cassandra from the second step of the stairway. She had a way of making


    people feel so severely inadequate.


    Coming to her senses, Cassandra recollected herself and managed a smile.


    "Mrs. Zheng, has Mr. Li told you about the current situation of Qin Group? Right now, I am..."


    She gestured Cassandra to stop before she could finish talking.


    "Hold on. I do not want to hear about the shares my husband left. I assigned someone else to handle it.


    I am a woman who is not interested in business,"


    she imposed. This made Cassandra feel very disappointed. Deep inside, she knew that Whitney Qiu


    only refused to cooperate because she was aware of the current situation of thepany.


    Still, a part of her did not want to believe that she came all the way to Norway for nothing.


    "With all due respect, Mrs. Zheng, you seem to have misunderstood. I came to tell you news about my


    family, not really thepany. It has been a while since west met, I almost feel like I should call you


    ''Auntie''. Would it be okay for me to talk to you about my family, Auntie Whitney?"


    Cassandra said sweetly. She decided to change her approach to address Whitney''s aversion.


    True enough, Whitney''s expression softened.


    ''This girl is very smart. Smarter than her father!'' she thought.


    Mr. Gary Zheng, who once built the business with Vernon, was one of the co-founders of Qin Group.


    Unfortunately, he passed away suddenly because of heart disease. After his demise, Whitney and their


    daughter immigrated to Norway.


    Since then, nobody knew what had happened to them. Of course, this was intentional from her end.


    She did not want to get involved in any rtionship at her hometown. She also hired TY Group to


    manage her assets. Business dealings were not something she wanted to dabble in. If Jasper Li did not


    ask her to meet Cassandra, she would not have epted the visit.


    She still remembered Cassandra as the five-year-old girl who used to be ymates with her daughter,


    Courtney. They were the same age.


    Twenty years ago, back when she was young, her daughter was happy and her husband was still


    alive...


    Whitney felt her eyes moisten with memories of the past suddenlying to her.


    It was just too beautiful, it made her sad to remember and realize that it was now all gone.


    Cassandra''s one word, "Auntie", brought back lots of memories.


    After tiding up her mood, Whitney Qiu stepped down from the stairs and sat on the couch. She poured


    some tea into the fancy tea cups on the table.


    "Have a seat, Cassandra," she offered.


    Taking notice of her posture, Cassandra could not help but admire her grace and sophistication. ''This is


    a truedy. She still remains elegant at her age, '' she thought.


    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.


    Cassandra sat opposite to her and enjoyed the tea as she stroked the golden teacup. She was thinking


    about how to start their conversation.


    "I heard that you are a designer now?"


    Whitney started. She did not seem indifferent to her anymore.


    "Yes, auntie. I''m the designer for the Tang Group now," she replied, hiding the astonishment that it was


    Whitney Qiu who started the conversation. Her eyes were getting brighter.


    "Oh. If you''re with the Tang Group, why are you still trying to save the Qin Group? With your family''s


    holdings, your family would still benefit a lot from the acquisition,"


    Whitney asked, puzzled in her insightful eyes.


    "Auntie, I''m not really doing this for the money. I''m saving thepany because it is my father''s dream.


    He works for this his whole life. He started thispany when he was young. He had his share of


    sesses and failures. Thispany is the product of everything that he has worked for. Right now,


    he is no longer capable of taking care of it the way he did before, but I am. As his daughter, I am


    determined to do everything I can to have it remain the same until he gets out of jail,"


    Cassandra shared, her eyes glowing with sincerity.


    Whitney Qiu was deeply moved.


    She recalled the days when her husband was young and full of life. He and Vernon were good


    partners, and he had invested in the Qin Group.


    But now, times had changed. Qin Group had been in the red for years. Her shares did not have much


    value. The only thing that kept her from selling it was the fact that it was something that her husband


    left for their daughter.


    Whitney Qiu was a sessful investor. She believed that it was important not to put all her eggs in one


    basket. This mentality made her wealthy and never needed to worry about money.


    "Your love and devotion for your father is admirable. He is very lucky to have you as his daughter,"


    she said, gently. This show of affection was not something Cassandra was ustomed to. It made her


    feel a bit calm andfortable.


    "Auntie, was it Courtney who went upstairs just now? She seems to really love her cat. It looks very


    well cared for, too,"


    Cassandra remarked. A part of her felt curious about Courtney, especially when she shot her a very


    indifferent gaze.


    She looked so aloof for her age, even more than her mother did.


    ''I am the daughter of her father''s boss, and yet she looked at me with so much contempt. How odd, ''


    Cassandra thought.


    "I asked a local to buy this cat from a famous cattery. It shares the bloodline as the Norwegian


    Princess. They also share a resemnce,"


    Whitney stated. She was more rxed now and seemed to genuinely enjoy the conversation with


    Cassandra.


    People always liked smart girls. Beauty and elegance were great bonuses.


    Whitney was smart but chose to distance herself from people. Nevertheless, she began to feel at ease


    with Cassandra because of the memories she brought with her.


    "In my memory, Courtney didn''t like furry animals,"


    Cassandra recalled. Her memories were a blur, faint and vague.


    Most of them were from the small town where she grew up in. But she said this naturally.


    ''Strange. Why do I know what Courtney doesn''t like? I don''t remember her ever saying this to me. Did


    someone else say it?'' she said, perplexed at her sudden recollection. She barely had memories of


    Courtney. How could she suddenly remember her very specific preference?


    "She began to like cats after..."


    thedy began, but could not seem toplete her story. She suddenly turned very deste.


    upied with her own thoughts, Cassandra failed to notice the sudden change in Whitney Qin''s mood.


    "Mrs. Zheng, dinner is ready. Will your guest stay for dinner?"


    the butler asked politely.


    "Yes, I will have dinner with Cassandra. Please bring Courtney''s dinner up to her chamber,"


    Whitney said as she stood up. Then, she turned to Cassandra, "Try the food my cook prepared. He


    used to cook for the Royal Family and I spent an arm and a leg on hiring him."


    Cassandra was astonished. ''A chef for the Royal Family?


    What is he doing here at dinner time? Shouldn''t he be cooking for them?'' she thought.


    Finally piecing the information together, Cassandra began to notice clues that point to royalty in the


    Qiu''s castle-like mansion. With all the decor and paintings on the wall, the ce would pass as a movie


    set.


    ''This is interesting. Auntie Whitney seems to be a fan of the Royal Family!'' Cassandra was truly


    amazed.

 Chapter 120 The Person Sitting On Her Bed

    Chapter 120 The Person Sitting On Her Bed


    The dining room was luxurious. It made Cassandra feel as if she were back in the Middle Ages.


    The steak was perfect. Cassandra was so impressed and she had to express it.


    "Auntie, the chef you hired is incredible. This is the best steak I''ve ever tasted!"


    she said before taking another bite.


    N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    Whitney couldn''t help but smile when she saw that Cassandra enjoyed her meal so much.


    "Courtney will not eat food cooked by anyone else," Whitney said.


    This surprised Cassandra. She did not expect Courtney to be so picky. Then again, a picture of her


    cold face came back to her and Cassandra realized that it was, indeed, highly likely.


    "Is Courtney sick? She didn''te down for dinner,"


    Cassandra asked. To be honest, it would have made her feel better if she found out that the girl were


    just feeling unwell.


    "Courtney¡­ likes to eat in her bedroom,"


    Whitney replied with sorrow in her eyes. Talking about her daughter seemed to bring her pain.


    Cassandra felt as if she wanted to tell her many things, but was working hard not to.


    A part of Cassandra wanted to bring up the business deal¡ªthe initial reason for she visit.


    After much thought, she decided that it was best not to ruin the trust that Whitney had given her by


    bringing up something she explicitly said she did not want to talk about.


    She would have to be patient. Besides, she doubted that the Tang Group knew where Whitney''s ce


    was. As of now, she had an advantage.


    Cassandra bid Whitney goodbye after dinner and waited for her ride back to the hotel. Suddenly, she


    received a call that the driver would not be able toe and get her.


    "Stay the night. I''ll ask the servant to prepare a room for you,"


    Whitney offered. Then, she asked one of her helpers to clean the guestroom.


    A stranger to Norway, Cassandra epted the offer. She did not really have much alternatives.


    She stayed in a room on the third floor, in the middle of a corridor.


    Upon opening the door, she gasped, covering her mouth with her hands.


    It looked like the princess bedroom every little girl dreamed of having.


    The bed was European style with a frame carved with delicate patterns. The dresser next to it was


    decorated with flowers. It was so nice to look at. Even more so, to sleep in.


    "Do all the guest rooms here look like this?"


    Cassandra asked the butler in disbelief. She could not believe what she was seeing.


    "Yes, they are all designed to look like rooms for princesses, but they all look different from each other,"


    the butler replied.


    "Oh, may I peek at the other rooms?:


    Cassandra asked the butler. She was so curious. These guest rooms looked even more luxurious than


    the hotels she stayed in. Whitney must have invested a lot of time and money decorating these rooms.


    The butler agreed and led her to the other rooms. True enough, they all shared a general theme but


    had different color schemes and furniture pieces.


    Some were painted yellow and purple while others were painted blue and pink. There was one


    particr room that left a deep impression on Cassandra. It was designed with a Gothic style, all ck


    with a few white ents.


    Every piece of furniture and decor in each of the rooms were distinct and unique.


    Cassandra felt on top of the world. It was inspiring to see someone make so much effort designing


    such beautiful rooms.


    "Who stays in the guest rooms on regr days?"


    Cassandra inquired. It felt like such a waste if the rooms were left unused.


    "They are left unused, actually. But Courtney can choose to stay in one of them, if she wishes. These


    are actually more like Courtney''s bedrooms than guest rooms,"


    the butler answered.


    Cassandra didn''t know what to say. She was envious.


    After all, Courtney was born in a wealthy family. She could afford it.


    Despite Courtney''s cold facade, her mother seemed to believe that she had a childlike heart. This must


    have been why she built this pce for her.


    Cassandra returned to her room which was a room painted with pink and white. Looking around,


    Cassandra felt somewhat upset.


    She used to dream of having such rooms for herself, too. But unlike Cloris, her dreams never came


    true.


    Vernon brought Cloris a house of toys. Her room was filled with Hello Kitty and Winnie The Pooh, which


    were her favorites.


    Cassandra, on the other hand, had a very simple room.


    As a child, she also liked cartoon dolls. She would have wanted to paint her room and get some toys,


    but every time she wanted to ask, Vernon''s serious and menacing expression always managed to


    scare her away.


    In college, she bought herself a white unicorn. This was the first and only toy she had.


    Thinking about Vernon gave Cassandra mixed feelings.


    She came to Norway to save her father''s business; but now, she realized how wealthy Whitney was.


    She feared that she would not be able to name a sufficient price for Whitney to sell her shares.


    She went through so much just to find Whitney. It was a long flight to Norway and a long search for


    where she stayed. As it all dawned on her, Cassandra felt exhausted.


    Not wanting to think about her father''s business anymore, she took a shower and went straight to bed.


    Cassandra had a very restful sleep. She was not the kind of person who had difficulty settling into new


    ces. Besides, it was a very beautiful room, after all.


    Cassandra had a dream. She was walking in a dark ce. Suddenly, a light appeared and broke the


    darkness. She followed the light and kept walking until she arrived at an open space.


    Looking around, she realized that she was on a narrow street surrounded by bustling shops.


    Further forward, she saw a little girl.


    She was wearing a t-shirt and a short skirt. Slim limbs dangled from her body. Her hemline swung and


    her white shoes looked oddly familiar.


    Cassandra realized that it was her when she was still in middle school!


    Little Cassandra carried her bag as she walked home. Suddenly, she stopped in front of a toy store.


    There was a clip doll machine in front of the shop from which electronic music yed, luring


    passengers to give it a try.


    A few young people were ying at the machine. One guy even helped his girlfriend get a doll. They


    walked away happy as she kissed his cheek.


    Little Cassandra, curious about the foreign machine, walked up to it slowly.


    When she tiptoed to look at the prizes inside, she saw so many dolls that smiled sweetly. Their eyes


    seemed to be calling out alluringly for anyone who came by, to get them.


    A doll in the corner caught her eye immediately. She fell in love with it right away.


    It was a white pony which had almond-shaped ck eyes and a smile spread across her face. Her


    cuteness was multiplied by the horn that stuck out of its head.


    Little Cassandra remembered that she had some coins in her pocket. She took out one, inserted it into


    the slot and started to move the clip to get the doll.


    But the maniptor seemed too weak to grab hold of the pony.


    The little girl didn''t want to give up, so she inserted another coin. But again, she got nothing.


    Beads of sweat began to form on her nose. She was determined to get the doll.


    She opened her bag and took out all the coins. She inserted them into the machine one by one.


    However, no matter how many coins she inserted and how hard she tried, she ended up failing again


    and again.


    Finally, she reached herst coin.


    Little Cassandra looked at it in her palm. It was a little wet because of her sweat. After a little moment


    of hesitation, she finally inserted it.


    The maniptor began to move. She aimed at her target doll and pressed the button.


    The maniptor sunk, opened and caught the pony! Unfortunately, it fell again.


    Cassandra felt very upset seeing her dream doll lying in the corner again. She took ast nce at her


    and turned around, ready to leave.


    Suddenly, an older boy who looked like a high school student, walked towards the machine and


    inserted a coin.


    The maniptor moved towards the white pony. It sunk and caught the doll.


    Then it dropped the cute doll to the exit door of the machine.


    The boy took out the pony and gave it to Cassandra. He said gently, "There you go. Here is your


    unicorn. You don''t know how to catch a doll. Next time try not to y this game. It will only disappoint


    you. Disappointment isn''t a good thing."


    From what he said, Little Cassandra learned that the pony with a horn was called a unicorn.


    She watched him disappear on the other end of the street as she held her new doll in her arms¡ªher


    first doll in her life.


    While she was having her sweet dream, Cassandra felt her bed sink.


    She woke up immediately.


    She opened her eyes. It took her a while to adjust to the darkness. Then, she realized that someone


    was sitting on her bed!

 Chapter 121 The Sleepwalking Young Lady

    Chapter 121 The Sleepwalking Young Lady


    Cassandra felt warm sleeping in herfortable bed. However, her blood froze when she caught sight


    of a figure in the dark from the corner of her eye!


    It was looming around the corner. She could not recognize who it was. It was just sitting there quietly,


    not moving.


    Cassandra dared not do anything boldly. She covered herself with the quilt carefully while staring at


    that figure anxiously.


    After what seemed like an eternity, the figure suddenly moved and stood up slowly.


    Its shoulders moved up and down in a heave of sigh. Then it turned its head from left to right, and


    walked out of the room at a very slow staggering pace.


    Through the dim light from the corridor outside, Cassandra saw its face all of a sudden.


    It was Courtney!


    Her skin seemed to be paler, and her face bore no expression. There was something odd in the way


    she walked. It was really slow, rigid and unnatural as if she was a puppet.


    Then an idea urred to Cassandra. She covered her mouth to stop herself from making any noise.


    Courtney was sleepwalking! On the back of her mind, she recalled that sleepwalking happened in one''s


    dream and the sleepwalkers were unconscious and didn''t know what they were doing.


    Cassandra was both surprised and curious. She remained silent and watched Courtney walk out of her


    room silently.


    After Courtney left, Cassandra rolled out of bed. A precarious idea haunted her. She wondered why


    Courtney sleepwalked to her room and where she would go next.


    With that thought in mind, Cassandra tiptoed and opened the door. Courtney went to the next room.


    She opened the door and walked in.


    Cassandra followed her carefully. She didn''t enter that room. Instead, she crouched down by the door


    and peeked inside.


    Courtney walked to the walk-in wardrobe and opened the door. A ginormous closet filled with countless


    pieces of gorgeous garments surprised Cassandra.


    "Not this one, nor this one..."


    Cassandra heard Courtney murmuring. Her pale and thin hand stroked through the rows of fancy


    dresses.


    ''Is she looking for a special dress?'' wondered Cassandra.


    Finally, Courtney closed the door and turned around.


    She continued murmuring, "No, no...not here. It''s not here..."


    Cassandra saw her walking towards the door of the room. She didn''t want herself to be discovered. So


    she hurried to her room secretly.


    Courtney repeated her act going into one room after another. She would open the door and walked


    inside to search for something.


    Sometimes, she would open the cosmetic drawer, or stroke the mirror by the bedside.


    She staggered to her feet during the whole process, which made Cassandra quite anxious, afraid that


    she might fall down.


    Suddenly, Courtney walked downstairs. Cassandra followed closely behind her.


    She was so nervous all the way that even her palms sweated. What she hated the most were horror


    movies, but with what was happening now, she felt like she was ying one of the roles in a horror film.


    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.


    Midnight, inside the dark mansion, a youngdy was sleepwalking. These were the ssic elements in


    a horror movie.


    Courtney reached the first floor and opened the door of the house.


    The cold wind blew in, and a surge of tiny chills met Cassandra''s tensed face.


    However, it seemed that Courtney didn''t feel the cold at all. She stood at the gate for a long time before


    she closed it and walked to the stairs again.


    Cassandra hid while watching Courtney eagerly. Her mind wanted to do something to help her, but her


    body was so afraid that she did nothing but hide in the shadows.


    Courtney continued walking stiffly to the third floor, returned to her own room, and theny on the bed


    again as if nothing had happened.


    For a moment, Cassandra was not sure what she should do next. However, her tension ebbed a little


    when she noticed that Courtney was lying still in the bed. She must have fallen asleep.


    Courtney sleepwalked! Sleepwalking was not a thing that must be taken for granted. She needed some


    serious medical treatments. Cassandra felt sorry for the youngdy.


    What if she just walked outside? Wouldn''t it be very dangerous? What if nobody saw her? She might


    hurt herself.


    Relieved to see Courtney lying in the bed, Cassandra returned to her room to rest her troubled mind.


    She drowsed into a nap. However, she woke up from time to time. She could hardly fall asleep at the


    thought of Courtney.


    The daylight seeped through her room''s window panes. Cassandra refreshed herself up before she


    went downstairs. Whitney had already prepared the breakfast and was waiting for her.


    "Good Morning, Auntie, I''d like to tell you something."


    Cassandra was eager to tell Whitney what happened to Courtneyst night.


    "About what?"


    Whitney looked at her in a puzzled face, her hand still holding the milk.


    "It is about Courtney. She sleepwalkedst night and went on opening and entering every room in the


    house. And she didn''t look well either,"


    Cassandra said carefully and anxiously while watching Whitney''s reaction.


    "Oh! It''s okay. When you see her next time, just don''t wake her up. She was just dreaming."


    To Cassandra''s surprise, Whitney replied calmly. But deep inside, Whitney''s heart ached when talking


    about it.


    Cassandra was shocked at Whitney''s response. She assumed that Whitney must''ve known it and just


    took it for granted.


    "But she opened the gate of this house. What if she went outside? That would be dangerous."


    Cassandra could not help but be nervous at the thought of Courtney''s behaviorst night.


    "Oh, don''t worry, Cassandra, she wouldn''t go out. I''ve sent some people to watch her. She''ll never


    leave this ce."


    Whitney lowered her head and picked up her sd with a fork. However, she was unable to open her


    mouth the moment the fork touched her lips. She was held frozen.


    Cassandra suddenly saw that tears fell down on the edge of Whitney''s te.


    "Auntie Whitney... Are you alright?"


    Cassandra had never anticipated that Whitney would cry out all of a sudden. Tears rolled down her


    cheeks. She looked so sad.


    Whitney raised her head. With tears still resting in her eyes, sorrow and pain were painted on her face.


    "Cassandra, I considered you a family. So I can just be honest with you about everything. Courtney is


    sick. She started sleepwalking several years ago. I''ve taken her to many hospitals. But the doctors said


    she couldn''t recoverpletely. She needs ample quiet rest every day to get better and she mustn''t go


    through enormous mood swings. That''s why I''ve been keeping her inside the house all this time. I''m


    trying to make a peaceful environment for her."


    Whitney''s voice was hoarse as tears kept on welling up in her eyes.


    Cassandra was baffled at what she had learned. ''Courtney needs a peaceful environment to recover?


    That means that she has a mental problem.


    No wonder she doesn''t like to talk to me and is always so distant.


    Moreover, she always has meals alone in her room and doesn''t sit with others on the dining table.


    So that''s why she''s doing strange things while sleepwalking?'' thought Cassandra.


    "Auntie, I''m sorry...You must have been living a hard life all these years,"


    Cassandra muffled in a sorry tone. She took the tissue and pass it to Whitney to wipe her tears.


    Whitney lost her husband, and her daughter was sick. She must''ve struggled hard and lived a difficult


    life for these years.


    She was a timid person, the type that didn''t cry out loud, which made people feel even sorry for her.


    Yesterday, she was an extremely proud dowager in Cassandra''s eyes. However, at this time,


    Cassandra discovered that she was just a weak and vulnerable woman.


    Whitney burst into tears from the moment she narrated about Courtney''s disease. She had been


    holding the burdens to herself for a long time. She was grateful since Cassandra was there to listen


    and empathize with her.


    They moved abroad. Both of them always stayed at home and were rarely seen outside. They


    completely detached themselves from the outside world, all for Courtney''s safety.


    ''Such a lonely life, '' Cassandra imagined herself in Whitney''s shoes. She had to be very strong to


    endure it all. Cassandra adored the woman in front of her.


    All the while Cassandra thought that she was the most unfortunate woman in the world for having been


    married to a man she didn''t love, being born in a family that didn''t treat her well as a daughter, and


    being in love with a man whom she was forbidden to be with. However, now looking at Whitney, she felt


    she was way luckier than her.


    Whitney stopped crying. She wiped the tears from her cheeks and pulled herself together. She became


    all of sudden a more resolute woman who seemed to have risen from a fall, ready to fight back.


    There were no traces of tears on her face except for her slightly red eyes.


    "Oh, have your breakfast, please. It''s gettingte. You can talk to the steward if you need anything. He


    will help you. The vegetables of the sd are from my own farm. They are organic."


    Whitney''s retaliation surprised Cassandra. She, however, understood why Whitney had a sudden


    change of attitude.


    Whitney had been strong to endure for a long, dark, and depressing time. It was her love for Courtney


    that was supporting her. She would do anything she could to help her daughter out. She was a mother


    who was willing to sacrifice everything just for her child. No mother could bear seeing her child unwell.


    All these years she was thinking about Courtney''s welfare. She even built a castle with all the safety


    features to cater to her needs. Whitney''s thoughts were immense with her lovely daughter. She had


    been taking a good care of her beloving daughter. Most especially, she wished Courtney would have a


    normal, healthy life.


    Suddenly, a loud noise sounded from the upstairs as if something heavy was knocked over.


    With the sound of a loud thud, Cassandra shivered with fear. She stared at Whitney with her eyes


    opening wide with shock.


    "Auntie, is... there anything happening upstairs?"


    Cassandra felt restless. Judging from the sound, an extremely big bang, something or someone must


    have fallen down.


    Whitney sprang up from her seat immediately. She was not calm and reposed anymore. The table mat


    was pulled out by her sudden action. She threw the fork and the knife onto her te, spilling the sd


    out forming a messy smudge on the floor.


    The rumbling sound upstairs made her so restless that the elegance she once had was not evident with


    her now.


    Whitney rushed to the stairs and shouted towards the steward who was just following her, "Call


    Smithers, now!"


    Then she fled upstairs lightning-fast.


    Cassandra was taken aback, for a moment her mind went nk and did not know what to do. Pulling


    her senses together, she immediately left her seat and followed Whitney upstairs.


    Whitney ran so fast that Cassandra could hardly catch up with her. Obviously, she was extremely


    worried at this moment.


    She barged in through the half-opened door and dashed into the room where the loud sound came


    from.


    "Courtney!"

 Chapter 122 Was It Love Sickness

    Chapter 122 Was It Love Sickness


    "Courtney!"


    Whitney cried loudly. There were desperation and agony in her ear-piercing shriek.


    Cassandra''s heart sank horribly when she heard thescream. She rushed to the room where the voice


    came from and gasped when she saw what had happened inside.


    The white European-style engraving dresser was turned upside down, and things that were once neatly


    ced on it were scattered on the floor.


    Strong fragrance from a broken perfume bottle filled the room. Still, it failed to mask the smell of blood.


    Courtney''s long-sleeved silk nightgown was stained with blood. Cassandra''s heart skipped a beat when


    she saw this.


    The girl sitting on the floor was holding a piece of de on her left hand, her face oblivious to her


    mother''s scream. The shining piece of metal was bloody, too.


    Looking closer, Cassandra realized that Courtney had cut herself. Blood oozed from the wound. And it


    stunned her just as much as it did Whitney.


    After what felt like a long time, the frightened mother rushed to her daughter''s side and knelt beside


    her. The girl still sat on her knees and gave no response at all. Whitney snatched the de and flung it


    to a corner of the room before begging, "Please don''t do this, Courtney!"


    Then, tears started streaming down the poor woman''s cheeks. Surrendering to the?sobs, she held the


    bloody girl tightly as she cried hoarsely.


    "I don''t know what to do, sweetheart!" she wailed, heartbroken. "I did not know when you''ll give up and


    hurt yourself. It pains me so much to see you like this."


    Whitney''s face that was distorted in agony was a stark contrast to her daughter''s, which was nk and


    indifferent, staring into the abyss.


    Cassandra put her hands over her mouth to stop herself from screaming. The strain of the situation


    was too much for her, and she nearly burst into tears as well.


    Whitney had told her that Courtney might have some mental problems, but she did not expect it to be


    so grave. She was thinking something possibly like sleepwalking or reluctance to interact with people,


    not to an extend that she would be predisposed to self-harm.


    It now made sense why Whitney chose to be away from most people. She was a proud woman. She


    knew how gossip would spread if anyone found out that she had a mentally ill daughter.


    Feeling pity, tears finally welled up in her eyes as Cassandra watched the mother holding the girl and


    crying her heart out.


    Just then, they heard quick footsteps from downstairs. Secondster, a man in a suit was led to the


    room by a steward.


    The man was around 50 years old, and carried a medical kit with him. He wore grave expression as he


    strode into the room.


    Hope shone in Whitney''s eyes seeing the man.


    "You must help her, Smithers. She... has cut her own wrist," Whitney pleaded.


    She then let go of Courtney, rose, and stepped aside to allow the doctor to get closer. It was then that


    Cassandra realized that the blood had stained her clothes too as she was holding her daughter, but it


    seemed to be the least of her concerns.


    Clearly, it was not the first time that Smithers had handled situations like this. He crouched down


    beside Courtney, took out some drugs and bandage from his kit, and put the bandage around her


    wounded wrist after rolling up her sleeve and disinfecting it.


    Throughout the whole process, Courtney watched without moving or making a sound. As the doctor


    dressed her wound, she continued to stare in a daze, as if nothing around her existed.


    She was extremely beautiful, yet looked nothing more like a broken doll now¡ªno soul, no feelings. Her


    lifeless expression made Cassandra feel very uneasy.


    The doctor stood up and breathed a sigh of relief after he finished treating the wound. He then turned


    to Whitney and said, "Didn''t I tell you to take good care of her? It is true that she is less likely to hurt


    others, but she will most probably hurt herself when she is in doubt. You must keep an eye on her!"


    he advised, frowning. The man seemed very displeased.


    "I... I didn''t expect that she would do it again. She hasn''t acted like this for months, so I thought that


    she might have recovered!"


    Whitney replied in a low voice, helpless. Unlike what Cassandra saw the morning she arrived, her hair


    was no longer clean and tidy. Instead, she looked like a sorry figure with all the messy locks on her


    face. She was clearly so worried about her daughter that she did not have time to fix her appearance.


    "That''s not possible. It''s hard for her to recover if she hasn''t let go of what has been troubling her!" the


    doctor dered. "Make sure that she keeps taking the medicine. It''s very important for now," he added


    firmly.


    After packing his medical kit, Smithers turned to leave. Before walking out of the room, he looked at


    Courtney and shook his head slightly.


    "If only we could find out what has been troubling her, " hemented with a sign of regret on his face.


    "What a pity!"


    His words got Cassandra thinking, ''What exactly is eating away at Courtney''s soul? What on earth has


    been troubling her?''


    "Have some clean clothes sent up here now and help Courtney change. And I want the floor here


    cleaned up, too," Whitney said calmly after taking a deep breath.


    She still looked pale, but she mustered to give her instructions clearly.


    "I''d like to help her get clean up too,"


    Cassandra volunteered. She really felt sorry for Courtney and wished that there was something she


    could do for her.


    "It''s very kind of you, Cassandra. Thank you so much," responded Whitney. "I''ll have a talk with the


    doctor, call me if you need anything."


    She gave Cassandra a grateful look and went downstairs with the doctor.


    Soon enough, a servant girl brought some clothes in. Cassandra took them over and closed the door,


    getting ready to help Courtney change together with the girl.


    To her surprise, Courtney didn''t resist at all. She just allowed them to do whatever they needed to like a


    very docile and obedient child.


    Taking off her clothes gently, Cassandra saw some old wounds on her arms. Those were deep-


    creased?scars. It was quite dreadful to see them.


    Before seeing them with her own eyes, it would have been unimaginable for her to think that a girl as


    beautiful as Courtney would have these horrific scars on the body that most women would take pride


    in.


    After?changing?her clothes, the servant girl proceeded to clean the floor


    while Cassandra finished the work up by straightening Courtney''s cor. Suddenly, a ne around


    Courtney''s neck caught her attention. She paused to study it.


    It was a heart-shaped silver locket carved with vines that adorned its two windows. Cassandra realized


    immediately that it was a pendant in which Courtney might carry a photo...and it was slightly open.


    When Cassandra reached in to close it, she saw a familiar figure through the crack...


    She gasped and her eyes widened at what she saw. The face in the photo expanded in her head until it


    was so blindingly clear.


    A sudden dizziness overpowered her. She couldn''t help but lean?her palm?against?her brow, and gave


    herself a little shake as if to shut the face out of her mind.


    Her mind was now in turmoil, as if she was knocked by a sudden blow and her brain was going to


    explode.


    ''Why is Courtney carrying his picture?'' she wondered. ''What might be the rtionship between them?


    Is it possible that he has anything to do with whatever might be troubling Courtney?''


    Just as she was lost in thought, Courtney bolted upright.


    An innocent smile spread across her face, as though the doll hade to life.


    Cassandra was taken aback. It was like watching a girl walk out of a painting.


    Ignoring everyone around her, Courtney trotted cheerfully to her wardrobe, opened it, took out a pile of


    her clothes andid them out on her bed.


    Her eyes gleamed with joy and a certain kind of anticipation.


    She picked out a dress, walked to the mirror and held the dress up in front of it, cocking her head like a


    little girl. Then, she shook her head and held up another dress.


    Courtney did the same thing time and again as if she was dressing herself up for a date and wanted to


    make sure that she looked her best.


    Her face, which looked pale because of the blood loss minutes ago, had now regained some color.


    However, Cassandra had mixed feelings. She had a feeling that Courtney hadn''t returned to normal


    yet.


    Also, her thoughts strayed to the picture in Courtney''s locket. He must be someone important to her


    and might very well be the one whom she was unable to let go.


    N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    Her shilly-shallying when selecting the clothes, the way she hurt herself and how she had been acting


    like a girl in love all seemed to point to one thing.


    Cassandra guessed that Courtney was in love but was unable to move on. Would that exin her


    mental disease?


    The door opened and Whitney walked in.


    Her?brows?knitted, her eyes were red from crying, and she wore a look of despair when she saw


    Courtney choosing her clothes happily again.


    "What...is the matter with her?"


    Cassandra asked in a low voice, referring to Courtney.


    "She has again been caught up in remembering herst rtionship. This was what she used to do


    when she was in love: dressing herself up for a date," Whitney sighed.


    She closed her eyes as soon as she finished speaking with an expression of pain, as though she


    couldn''t bear to look at it anymore.


    Cassandra turned back to look at the girl. She felt so much sympathy for her, but also relief.


    She remembered the locket around her neck and thought that Courtney''s problem might have been


    caused by a man she loved. He was probably the man in the picture she carried.


    Courtney indeed was one of her childhood friends. Though she had very little memory of her now and


    didn''t even know where to start if she wanted to help, Cassandra decided she was going to do


    something about it. The girl was about her age, it was truly a tragedy that she had to spend the best


    years of her life in pain and suffering, and even sometimes ended up in hurting herself and breaking


    her mother''s heart. Cassandra wanted so much to help.


    A very wild idea prompted in her head:


    she would find a way to get to the core of Courtney''s misery and help her recover.


    Didn''t the doctor also say that he wished that he could find out the cause of her distress? Now that


    Cassandra might have a clue, she promised herself that she would do her best to help Courtney.


    Taking another look at Courtney, Cassandra finally made up her mind.


    "Auntie Whitney," she said seriously, "I might know exactly what has happened to Courtney."

 Chapter 123 A Call From Rufus

    Chapter 123 A Call From Rufus


    Whitney looked sad and frustrated. What Cassandra said even gave her more pain.


    "I know why Courtney is acting like this. It is because of that man. He left Courtney and no one knows


    where he is now. I can''t seem to find him no matter how hard I tried," she said.


    Whitney furrowed her brows and looked at Courtney who was picking out clothes from her closet


    happily. Tears filled her eyes.


    "Considering Courtney''s mental state, how can I leave her? I can''t afford to try to find the guy myself.


    Someone has to stay with Courtney. Also, that man hurt her. I don''t know what will happen to her if he


    comes back in her life again. What if she goes out of control? I can''t afford to lose my only daughter.


    I don''t expect her to fully recover. All I want is that she bes capable of living her life without trying


    to hurt herself again,"


    Whitney sighed. She became even more sorrowful as she looked at her daughter.


    Cassandra followed her gaze. The sunshine lit the room beautifully. Under the warm sunlight, Courtney


    looked young and beautiful.


    It could have been a very wonderful sight to see a girl picking out dresses for her date so happily on a


    warm afternoon, thinking about the love of her life.


    Courtney, who indulged herself in her memory, must be very happy now.


    "Sometimes, she acts like this, happily dreaming about the man. But after a few moments, she will


    suddenly return to the present and go back to her cold, indifferent self," Whitney exined.


    It was difficult to watch her. Whitney looked at the ceiling to keep her tears from falling.


    "Why don''t you stay for a few more days in Norway, Cassandra, since you seldome here? I have a


    lot of guest rooms. You can pick whichever you like. Remember to lock the door before you go to sleep


    so Courtney won''t startle you. Please think about it," Whitney offered. "Anyway, I have a meeting with a


    securities agent. I should go now."


    Whitney ended and left, leaving Cassandra with Courtney.


    Cassandra went into deep thought.


    "Pink, no. I wore pinkst time,"


    Courtney muttered to herself as she threw the pink dress away. Pouting, she looked like a three-year-


    old little girl.


    "ck, no. He doesn''t like me in ck,"


    she whispered as she threw away another batch of clothes.


    "Purple? He thinks I look old in purple. No purple!"


    Courtney still couldn''t choose what to wear.


    Cassandra walked over to her.


    "Courtney, what does he like?"


    she asked, being observant of Courtney''s facial expression.


    The girl suddenly stopped. The smile on her face disappeared gradually.


    Her bright and sparkling eyes turned gloomy. Just as suddenly as it arrived, the excitement was gone.


    Now, she looked confused. It was as if she turned into a different person in just a few seconds.


    "He...doesn''t like me,"


    her voice which was happy and cheery a few seconds ago was now low and miserable. It was almost


    like a whisper. Cassandra''s heart sunk. She felt sorry for Courtney.


    Even though Courtney didn''t exactly answer her question about the clothes, her response told


    Cassandra how much Courtney cared about the man and how sad it made her when he left.


    "Then who does he like?"


    Cassandra asked carefully, hoping to know more information.


    Courtney furrowed her brows. Her face became cold again.


    "He doesn''t like me because I can''t do the things he wants me to do. I can''t...I just can''t..."


    Courtney choked up. There were tears in her eyes. She looked very upset.


    Cassandra knew that she had to stop asking Courtney more questions. She didn''t want her to suffer


    from more painful memories.


    "It''s okay, Courtney. You''re just tired. Come here. I''m with you. Let''s have some rest,"


    Cassandra said to Courtney gently. She walked to the closet, helped her put back the clothes and


    walked her to the bed.


    Courtney did feel tired after her busy morning picking out clothes.


    She seldom went out the house because she was sick. In normal circumstances, it would have freaked


    her out to see a stranger in the house. But Cassandra intrigued her.


    "What''s your name? I have never seen you before,"


    Courtney asked as she looked at Cassandra up and down. Her eyes were wide in wonder.


    "My name is Cassandra Qin,"


    Cassandra knew that Courtney must have already forgotten her, so she exined to her patiently.


    Surprisingly, Courtney seemed to hold back her smile. Instead, she looked at Cassandra coldly.


    Cassandra could feel that something was wrong. It felt as if Courtney was still in her painful memories.


    Suddenly, Courtney stood up.


    "I''m tired and I need to have some rest. Please leave my bedroom," she said coldly.


    Cassandra opened her mouth but said nothing.


    Courtney might have returned to the person she used to be.


    Seeing Courtney so calm, Cassandra breathed a sigh of relief. At least, she wouldn''t hurt herself now.


    Cassandra walked out and closed the door quietly.


    She went downstairs and saw Whitney working on herputer.


    "I''m sorry, Cassandra, I''m quite busy with some stuff. Unfortunately, I don''t have time to show you


    around. How about I ask someone to take you for a tour?"


    Whitney said to Cassandra apologetically when she saw her.


    The massive amount of market data on the screen dazzled Cassandra.


    "That''s all right, Auntie. I can walk around by myself. The air in Norway is so fresh, much better than


    my hometown. I would like to get some fresh air,"


    Cassandra said giving a gentle smile to Whitney, and went for a walk outside.


    There was a meadow outside the courtyard. Not far from it was a forest. Blue sky, white cloud, green


    forest and grassy meadow. It was a breathtaking view. Still, Cassandra could not set herself to enjoy it.


    When she came to Norway and met Whitney, Cassandra realized how silly and naive she was. What


    made her think that Whitney would sell her shares to her?


    Whitney was a huge client of TY Securities. She was very wealthy seeing that the President of the


    company handled her case first-hand.


    Thest thing Whitney needed was money. The money she could lose from her 20% shares in Qin


    Group was nothingpared to her fortune.


    Cassandra was almost sure that Whitney would not really care how high her offer might be for it.


    She wasn''t the kind of person who could easily be persuaded to change her mind. Her daughter,


    Courtney, might be the only person who could do that.


    It brought Cassandra sadness thinking about Courtney.


    If Courtney were not sick, it would have been easier for Cassandra to talk to her and ask for her help to


    convince her mother. Given that she was ill, though, Cassandra was at a loss to what to do. She found


    herself at a dead end.


    This was a very tricky situation, and yet, the pressure from Lionel reminded Cassandra that she had to


    keep going. But how could she maneuver this situation?


    Suddenly, her phone rang. Relief filled her when she saw Rufus''s name on the caller ID.


    The past two days had been tough. It would be great to have someone to talk to.


    However, when she answered the phone, she didn''t know where to start.


    "How''s everything going? Are you doing okay?"


    Rufus sounded calm and was afort to Cassandra. She could picture him raising his eyebrows


    when talking to her.


    "Not very well. I don''t know how to bring this up to Whitney,"


    Cassandra confessed.


    "Your father and her husband are best friends. I thought she would support you,"


    Rufus replied. He did not expect Cassandra to be in such a sad mood. He actually expected the


    meeting to go smoothly.


    "She understands me and I understand her too. Since she needs to take care of her daughter and their


    assets at the same time, she does not have time to think about me or my father''s business,"


    Cassandra exined as she turned around, looking at the castle behind her. Under the blue sky, there


    was a dysfunctional princess and her unfortunate mother living inside that beautiful ce. What a pity.


    Wait, a princess?


    Suddenly, an idea gripped her.


    Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    She seemed to have overlooked a very important fact.


    "Cassandra? Cassandra Qin?"


    Rufus raised his voice on the other end of the line after Cassandra didn''t answer him, which brought


    back her attention.


    "Sorry, I zoned out for a minute,"


    Cassandra apologized.


    "What are you thinking? I thought you were hypnotized. You scared me!"


    Rufus said, a little disappointed with Cassandra''s absent-mindedness. He felt as if he bored her.


    Hypnosis?!


    Suddenly, Cassandra felt as if it all made sense.


    "Rufus! Thank you! Now I know how to solve the problem!"

 Chapter 124 Hypnotherapy

    Chapter 124 Hypnotherapy


    "What is your n?"


    Rufus was confused when he heard Cassandra''s words.


    "Rufus, thank you! I think I finally found the key to solve this problem!"


    Cassandra giggled. But then, she realized another problem that she might have.


    "Rufus, do you know of any hypnotist?" she asked.


    Talking about being hypnotized reminded Cassandra of her roommate at school before who majored in


    Psychology. She remembered her sharing that mental illnesses could be treated by hypnosis. The


    problem with this was that there were very few of them, not to mention excellent ones.


    Rufus forced a wry smile. Hypnotist? He wished he had heard it wrong. Staying on the line, he said,


    "Hold on. I happen to know one hypnotist. I''ll send him over to you now."


    As soon as he hung up, he turned to Victor.


    "Book me the earliest flight to Norway," he ordered.


    About the hypnotist, memories shed in his mind of the days when he just started training ten years


    ago.


    "You must have a mind so tough that no one can bar it. Wars are not just fought with bullets. There is


    another aspect unseen by themon eye, and it''s mental confrontation!"


    The trainer was a man from the special forces. He had tattoos all over his body and a brilliant track


    record.


    He stood there like an imprable fortress. His cold face made new recruits shiver.


    "If your mind is weak, your enemy will destroy you in every way they could. They can use it against you


    by hypnosis. Once they seed, they can get you to do whatever they wish,"


    Rufus was all ears. His stern and determined eyes impressed the General. In the following training


    sessions, he stood out from his ss because of his excellence.


    Later, he was chosen for higher studies.


    One of the skills he learned there was hypnosis.


    Rufus did not know what Cassandra needed a hypnotist for, but he flew in anyway to be of help.


    Besides, it had been days since hest saw her. This was a good way to visit her as well.


    Cassandra was startled when she saw Rufus driving the car into the yard by himself.


    "Don''t tell me you''re the hypnotist!"


    Cassandra said in surprise. She looked around but could not see anyone else that he was with. Even


    Victor wasn''t with him.


    "Why can''t I be the hypnotist?"


    Rufus smirked and looked at her with gentle eyes.


    "Will you suddenly hypnotize me?"


    Cassandra said, instantly rmed with what he was capable of. Had she been hypnotized by him?


    Was that the reason she fell for him?


    "Hypnotism is not an answer to everything. It only works on someone who doesn''t resist you in his


    consciousness,"


    he replied. Cassandra seemed to think that hypnosis was easy, so he made sure to correct her first.


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Cassandra seemed to realize her ignorance. She stuck out her tongue, trying to hind her


    embarrassment. Then she led Rufus into the castle.


    Cassandra told Whitney that she would like to invite a hypnotist over to hopefully help Courtney by


    looking into what was going on in her subconscious. It was not a guaranteed solution, but they did not


    have better options. Courtney, right now, was like a drowning woman. Hypnosis was a rope that could


    possibly save her.


    Whitney was not sure she could endure another episode of self-harm so she agreed to give it a try.


    "Cassandra told me that your daughter sleepwalks. Is that correct?"


    Rufus asked, confirming the pieces of information that Cassandra ryed over the phone.


    "Yes. It started three years ago when she just broke up with her boyfriend. It was as if she became a


    totally different person since then. I was too busy taking care of my dying husband so I failed to notice


    the changes until he passed away. By the time I did, it was already too serious to remedy,"


    Whitney narrated, recalling a past that clearly brought her pain.


    Cassandra felt sorry for Whitney. It must have been very difficult to lose a husband and a daughter at


    the same time, in different ways.


    "Do you know what had happened when they broke up? Did he do anything that traumatized her?"


    With his eyebrows connecting, Rufus went straight into asking questions that could uncover the reason


    behind Courtney''s illness. To his disappointment, Whitney shook her head.


    "I don''t know, honestly. I only know that Courtney was upset when they broke up," she replied.


    She had so many responsibilities. She had to keep the family afloat financially while taking care of her


    husband. Back then, her daughter''s love life was the least of her priorities.


    From her perspective, it was a normal breakup that many girls her age went through. She did not


    expect her daughter to fall ill because of it. In her head, it was her fault. Had she paid more attention to


    her daughter, things might be different.


    "Did your daughter have mental problems previously before the breakup?"


    Rufus asked as he stole a nce at the magnificent castle which was closely resembling the Royal


    Pce.


    "Courtney was quite timid when she was young. She didn''t talk much with people. Furry animals like


    rabbits, cats, and mice, all scared her. In fact, she seemed to be afraid of anything. She''s better now,


    though. She even has a cat,"


    Whitney told Rufus.


    Cassandra listened quietly as they talked with a hand on her chin. She did not understand Rufus''s line


    of questioning, but she did not interrupt.


    Rufus noticed Cassandra''s expression from the corner of his eye. He knew that she had doubts.


    With a smirk, he spoke frankly, "Mrs. Zheng, please forgive me for being straightforward. I don''t mean


    to offend you. I just want to know as much as I can about your daughter so I can try to find a point


    where we can break through."


    Then, he pointed at the decorations around the house and continued, "Did she do all these?"


    He already knew the answer but he needed to confirm his assumption.


    "Yes. Since she got sick, she became obsessed with princesses and pces. She always asked me if


    she were my princess. Every time, I told her that she was. Then, she asked me why she did not have a


    pce or a beautiful dress if I were telling the truth,"


    Whitney narrated, fresh tears appearing in her eyes. It brought her so much pain recalling her


    daughter''s sickness.


    "Thank you, Mrs. Zheng. I think I already know what to do. I will hypnotize her while she is


    sleepwalking. Although her brain will be in a state of sleep, some people''s brains are still active to


    control their actions. Hypnotizing them while this is happening would be a good time to do so because


    although they are active, it will be when they are the least on guard,"


    Rufus said, telling Whitney about his n. She nodded. Whitney did not know much about hypnotism


    but what Rufus said seemed to make sense. She felt at ease allowing him to take the lead.


    While the three of them were having dinner, Whitney asked Rufus and Cassandra abruptly from across


    the table, "You two aren''t married yet, right?"


    Whitney''s question almost made Cassandra cough out her soup. Luckily, she managed to swallow it


    before she started coughing. Rufus was rubbing her back to help her ease up.


    "It''s not what you think, Auntie Whitney!"


    Cassandra said, trying to exin her rtionship with Rufus. After all, she wasn''t divorced yet.


    Technically, she was still Rufus''s sister-inw. Whitney''s question frightened her.


    Rufus, however, answered differently.


    "No, we are not. But I will marry her one day,"


    he said, extending a hand to hold Cassandra''s shoulder. Cassandra immediately refused it as her face


    flushed in tomato red.


    "Well, it''s okay. I know Cassandra still has things to deal with but I believe you will be together, sooner


    orter," Whitney said, smiling.


    Her words made Cassandra freeze, looking up to thedy.


    She noticed the wrinkles that surrounded her eyes. Still, the blemishes did not reduce her beauty. If


    anything, they only made her look wiser.


    Cassandra didn''t understand how a woman as wise as Whitney could see through what was going on


    between her and Rufus, but did not know what to do with her own daughter. The thought saddened


    Cassandra.


    Men are blind in their own cause. It is always easier to observe something from afar than to be


    completely submerged in the situation. Cassandra wondered why people seemed to find it easy to


    figure out that there was something special between her and Rufus.


    Rufus and Cassandra stayed in the bedroom as they waited for Courtney to sleepwalk.


    Finally, at around midnight, they heard noises from the corridor.


    Rufus put a finger on his mouth to remind Cassandra to be quiet.


    He opened the curtains gently and saw Courtney going back and forth along the hall. As she was about


    to go back to her room, Rufus sneaked up and followed her in. The moment shey down, he showed


    her a photo and said, "One, two, three. You will only see him when you sleep."

 Chapter 125 Who Had Her Beset

    Chapter 125 Who Had Her Beset


    Rufus quietly opened the bedroom door to allow Cassandra to enter. Courtney had fallen asleep. Rufus


    knitted his eyebrows and gazed at her, thoughtfully.


    "Did you find out something?"


    Cassandra looked at him hopefully.


    "I''m guessing her boyfriend said something before he left her which turned her into what she''s like


    now,"


    Rufus replied, looking a little worn out. Because making one confess something that was bothering her


    very deeply was a challenging task, both mentally and physically, for a hypnotist.


    "What on earth did he say to her?"


    Cassandra asked, partly thinking aloud.


    "She hasn''t mentioned it. It must be something that hurt her so deeply that she refuses to recall what it


    was. Again, hypnosis is not a cure to everything. I have no way to dig into the thoughts that she


    subconsciously rejects,"


    Rufus shook his head helplessly.


    Cassandra let out a sigh. It looked like it would take much time before they get Courtney to allow her


    trauma to surface.


    As Rufus looked at her disappointed face, an idea came to him.


    "If it''s okay with you, I will ask Victor to bring Joel here. We haven''t turned him in yet. He might be of


    help,"


    Rufus said, taking a look at Joel''s photo in his hand. It was what he used to hypnotize Courtney just a


    few moments ago.


    Cassandra remembered freezing when she saw Joel''s photo in Courtney''s locket. She guessed that


    something terrible must have happened between them.


    While her experience of Joel was rather disruptive¡ªthe man drugged her and giarized her work¡ª


    Cassandra still could not believe that he had anything to do with Courtney''s illness.


    "I''m scared that seeing Joel would make it worse. It''s the reason why her mom kept her away from


    people," Cassandra replied. "What if... We ask Joel what he has done to Courtney, instead?"


    Cassandra said thoughtfully.


    She thought this might be the best solution after racking her brains


    Rufus mused, nodding in agreement.


    He thought of Joel''s file. Joel worked as a Manager Assistant for two years in the Tang Group. Given


    the timeline, he must have entered the Tang Group right after he broke up with Courtney.


    The family columns in his file were left nk. None of his parents'' names or his siblings'' name were


    filled. It appeared that he has deliberately been hiding his affiliation to Ivy the moment he entered the


    company.


    Unfortunately, he was too bold and arrogant. It did not take long for him


    and his rtion to Ivy to be exposed. A hint of a scornful smile shed through his lips. Ivy thought she


    was smart, but she did not know she had be only a pawn in a premeditated game.


    In the Tangs'' home, Ivy''s face was ashen as she held the phone in her hand.


    Thanks to one of Joel''s friends, Ivy found out that he had been missing for a week. The friend asked


    Ivy whether he should call the police.


    ''What do I do? Did anything happen to him?''


    Ivy thought. Her mind was in turmoil. She was at a loss for her next move.


    ''If something happened to Joel or if he got arrested, would he confess that we were siblings?''


    she thought. Suddenly, she felt the fetus inside her, kicking.


    Ivy hastened to press a hand on her belly. For some reason, her child''s movement seemed to jolt her


    awake.


    No! She decided she must keep her rtionship with Joel a secret. Cassandra was still part of the Tang


    family. If anyone found out that she had set her up, it would be impossible for her to inject herself into


    the Tangs.


    What she should focus on for now was how to get rid of Cassandra before giving birth to the baby.


    Otherwise, she would be left with no baby and no family as she would have to leave the moment her


    child was born.


    "Miss Luo, Mrs. Tang is requesting your presence for lunch,"


    a server announced gently outside the door.


    "Okay, I aming!"


    Ivy answered. Setting her thoughts aside for now, she stood up and walked to the mirror to check on


    her appearance.


    Finally, she decided that it was a waste of time to think of Joe. Getting rid of Cassandra was a more


    pressing issue.


    While Ivy was walking downstairs, Jill looked at her grown belly, grinning ear to ear.


    As they ate, she asked Ivy to eat more, every now and then.


    "No one is more important than you right now. I am looking forward to seeing my grandson. I want you


    to know that what you are doing is such a huge blessing to our family," she expressed.


    Jill also fussed over her for fear that Ivy mightck nutrition, which in turn, would do harm to her


    grandchild.


    ''Huh! A huge blessing...'' Ivy smiled back despite the thoughts in her head.


    She knew in her heart that the Tang family only valued her because of the baby in her belly. Should


    something happen to it...


    She suddenly realized something. What would happen if something did happen to the baby?


    What would the Tangs do if someone hurt it?


    This crazy and malicious thought possessed her. Ivy came up with a n.


    Her ultimate goal was to be Lionel''s wife. ''Doesn''t my pregnancy help me with that too?'' she


    reminded herself.


    Still, she was determined to win at any cost.


    "Ivy, shop with me after lunch. The wife of the Chairman of Dawn Star Group invited me to attend her


    birthday party. I need to get something to wear!"


    Jill said, subconsciously raising her voice when she mentioned Mrs. Zhuang.


    Though Horace and the Chairman of Dawn Star Group had been business partners for years, Jill and


    Mrs. Zhuang never seemed to get along. In their youth, they vied for their looks. After bing


    mothers, theypared their sons. Now, thepetition was about who would have a grandson first.


    At the thought of her future grandson, a smug smile shed her face. In this round of thepetition,


    she surely got the upper hand. ''Well, her Arthur still hasn''t married yet, '' she thought in delight.


    After lunch, the driver drove Jill and Ivy to thergest shopping mall in G City. From clothes, to


    handbags, to shoes, Ivy helped Jill choose the most ttering and stylish pieces. Jill grinned when she


    saw herself in the mirror. It was exactly what she was going for.


    "You are the best, Ivy! Cassandra never apanied me on any shopping trips. And she never helped


    me with my fashion choices," Jillmented.


    Remembering the gift that Cassandra sent her for her birthday made her feel very angry. It was a table


    centerpiece


    made by a renowned sculptor in Rome. It was quite pricey, but because it was not something that could


    be worn or showed off, what was the point of having it?


    Ivy seemed to have better taste. During that same year, she sent her an essory made of Jade as a


    gift. Everyone who saw it would admire her taste and Jill liked that!


    "Auntie, Cassandra is busy with work. I''m sure she doesn''t have time to shop with you. Don''t take it


    against her,"


    Ivy replied. Deep inside, she felt delighted that Jill was starting to show a preference for her.


    "No matter how busy she is, as a woman, it is her duty to take care of her husband and her children.


    Still, up to now, she can seem to neither satisfy Lionel nor have a child. I really don''t like her.


    It''s such a pity I didn''t meet you earlier. If I did, I would not have consented to their marriage. Such a


    shame!" she retorted.


    Jill always said what she thought. Ivy looked at Jill affectionately.


    "Auntie, please don''t dwell on it, I don''t n on marrying Lionel. It is already an honor for me to bear a


    child for the Tangs!" she said.


    Ivy smiled. Her remarks and humility made Jill sympathize with her even more.


    The two women were about to go home when Ivy spotted a rather familiar couple.


    The woman, petite, wore a sweet smile as she held the man''s hand and looked up at him with


    unmistakable adoration.


    The man, on the other hand, looked polished and handsome. It was difficult for anyone not to notice


    them.


    ''Arthur and Cloris? Why were they here? Are they in a rtionship?''


    Ivy''s mind began to revive. Suddenly, an idea urred to her.


    N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    "Auntie, look! Isn''t that Arthur and Cloris?" she said pointing at the charming couple.


    Following the direction that Ivy pointed at, Jill''s face darkened.

 Chapter 126 Keep Your Hands Off My Girl

    Chapter 126 Keep Your Hands Off My Girl


    Jill heard Horace mention that Arthur was an ungrateful money-grubbing man. Ever since he took over


    the Dawn Star Group, he had poached the customers from Tang group despite the close rtionship


    between their two families. What was even worse, Arthur had tried to mobilize other members of the


    Union to vote for his ownpany to lead the Union as its Director.


    When Dawn Star Group was just a smallpany, Horace had consistently aided Arthur''s father, who


    was the leader of thepany then. He had even given away plenty of engineering projects to help


    Arthur''spany grow.


    Dawn Star Group should have been thankful for Horace''s contributions. However, now that the Dawn


    Star Group was a biggerpany under Arthur''s leadership, the Group disrespectfully undermined the


    Tang Group. Horace attempted to hide his disappointment even when he went to the hospital to visit


    Arthur''s father, since he couldn''t me the father for what happened to theirpanies. He knew


    Arthur acted out on his own. That was why, when Jill saw Arthur, her eyes immediately began to burn


    from anger.


    She held her tongue despite wanting to shout at Arthur when she saw Cloris with him.


    At present, stating that the Tang Group and the Dawn Star Group were in a tensepetitive


    rtionship was an understatement. It seemed that Cassandra''s sister Cloris and Arthur were in love


    seeing that they''re together. Jill''s shoulders grew tense as she began to doubt Cassandra''s loyalty to


    the Tang Group.


    "It seems that Mr. Zhuang has be a prisoner of love. Cloris is as beautiful as her sister,


    Cassandra. No wonder he''s fallen in love with her!"


    Ivy said with a smile, deliberately mentioning Cassandra. Jill red at Ivy as her doubt began to grow.


    "There''s no point in being beautiful if you don''t have the brains to back it up. If Cassandra is loyal to the


    Tang family, how could she allow her sister to engage in a rtionship with Arthur?"Jill chided.


    When Jill first met Cloris, she had a good impression of her. But now, she disliked Cloris as much as


    she did to Cassandra.


    "Auntie, don''t be mad. People are free to choose who they want to love. This has nothing to do with


    loyalty. If one loves a person, it''s because they saw something in them. Don''t you think so?"


    Ivy said with a meaningful look.


    Looking at Ivy silently, Jill became more suspicious of Cassandra.


    ''It''s because they saw something in them, '' Jill reiterated in her head. ''Maybe Cloris hooked up with


    Arthur for his money, '' she thought quietly.


    ''Yes, that''s right. Vernon is in prison. They need money to pay the fines. Their mother Edith is a


    housewife and she has no way of getting her own ie. Cassandra couldn''t get any help from the


    Tang family, so Cloris is trying to look for a rich boyfriend to help the Qin family get out of their crisis!''


    Jill deduced.


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    It was obvious that Cloris''s rtionship with Arthur would do no good to the Tang Group. Dawn Star


    Group was their solepetitor. If Cloris passed information to Arthur, he could use it to attack the


    Tang Group.


    "Oh! Do you think there''s love between them? Please! Don''t make meugh. The Qin family is evil.


    Cloris is no better,"


    Jill insulted, eyes ring at the couple.


    "Auntie, just forget them. Let''s go back!"


    Ivy remarked, unable to let the smilee off of her face as she took Jill by the arm and walked her


    out of the mall. She was able to sessfully trigger Jill''s hatred for Cassandra.


    "Ivy, you know there''s a reason to look down on gold diggers. They''re such shameless people!" Jill


    asserted as she let Ivy lead her away.


    Afraid of being seen by Cloris, Ivy quickened her pace and took a detour to avoid the couple.


    "Cloris, tomorrow is my mother''s birthday. I want to invite you toe home with me tomorrow night. I


    think it''s a good time to introduce you to her and the rest of the family. Get yourself a beautiful dress.


    Don''t worry, I''ll pay for it!"


    Arthur said, winking as he gave Cloris''s hand a squeeze.


    Cloris blushed out of happiness. He had always been generous with his praise and admiration of her.


    Cloris had long ago fallen in love with him.


    Cloris chose a pink, silk dress that was beautiful and expensive. Arthur reached out to the counter and


    swiped his card without a second thought.


    "Honey, I''ll have to meet a clientter. You should go to the hotel first. I''ll go find you when I''m done,"


    Arthur whispered against Cloris''s ear. She shot him a bashful look, batting her eyes and biting her lip.


    Cloris blushed once again.


    "Hmm. Okay. But you need toe back as soon as you finish, okay?"


    Cloris replied in a low voice. She grabbed her purchase and turned to walk away. Arthur looked at her


    back until she wasn''t in sight any longer. A sinister smile spread across his face as he left the store.


    Cloris returned to the hotel. After a long,fortable shower, she changed into her pajamas. Shey in


    bed and watched TV as she waited for Arthur anxiously, not sure if she should feel nervous or excited.


    She waited for a few hours, but Arthur still hadn''te back. Finally she grew tired and fell asleep.


    In a little while, she slowly woke to find a man''s body lying beside her. Her hand grazed against the


    man''s arm by ident.


    The TV and themp had been turned off, and it was impossible for her to see him in the darkness.


    Cloris quietly whispered Arthur''s name, her hand moving from his arm to his chest.


    Her voice trembled slightly from feeling a mix of excitement, fear, and anticipation.


    She heard the man''s breath quicken at her touch and voice.


    Before she knew it, he covered her lips with his own. Cloris was shocked and tried to pull away.


    "W-Wait...I..." Cloris murmured.


    The man didn''t stop and took her lips again. Cloris started to get more nervous as his hands began to


    wander around her body. Something wasn''t right. Cloris gripped the man''s hand on her waist to stop


    him.


    The man turned his hand so that he was holding her hand instead, calloused fingers grazing the back


    of her palm.


    Cloris opened her eyes instantly, wide awake. That wasn''t Arthur''s hand!


    She struggled as she tried to push him away, fear and panic taking over her.


    The man groaned and tried to push himself above her to control her.


    She was able to shove him off and sat up quickly to turn the light on.


    "Ah!" Cloris screamed, nearly stumbling as she got up from the bed to look at the intruder.


    Aplete stranger was in front of her.


    He was probably as tall as Arthur was, but he was ugly and wretched-looking.


    The man froze as the light turned on. Nervousness traced his face as he realized that the girl had seen


    him. However, heposed himself quickly.


    "W-Who are you! You bastard, get out of my room!"


    Cloris yelled as she took the remote control on the bedside table, the only thing she could use as a


    weapon that was within reach.


    "Aha, I didn''t know you were such a feisty beauty. You were so gentle and passionate a moment ago!"


    The man teased, looking at Clorissciviously and propping up in bed with his elbow tucked


    underneath his head.


    "Get out now! Or I call the police!"


    Cloris screamed, frantically looking for her phone. It was nowhere in sight.


    "Don''t waste your energy. I''ve put your phone away,"


    the man responded as he sat up from the bed casually. Shooting a smile at Cloris, which made the


    latter shiver, he took off his suit slowly. Apparently, he had no intention of leaving.


    Cloris was trembling with fear. Arthur hadn''te, and a strange man appeared in her room. She


    couldn''t process the information.


    If she hadn''t been alert, the man might as well have raped her in her sleep. But even then, he would


    have raped her when she woke up since she willingly kissed him in the darkness.


    "Why are you here and how did you get in? I have never seen you in my life,"


    Cloris asked, unable to hide the shaking in her voice. She started to tear up despite trying to calm


    herself down. She never expected being in such a situation.


    "Oh Beautiful! Are you crying? Don''t be scared. I''vee to help you. I''ll make a real woman out of


    you,"


    The man stood up and walked closer to her, looking at her with lecherous eyes. Cloris stumbled back


    until she felt the wall behind her; her hand was still gripping the remote by her chest as if to shield


    herself from him.


    "Don''t you dare. My boyfriend will be here soon. If you hurt me, he''ll kill you!"


    Cloris''s tears fell out of her eyes. She was horrified.


    "Your boyfriend? Who is he? You think I would be afraid of him? Nobody can scare me off. So don''t fool


    yourself into thinking you could threaten me,"


    the man said dryly as he continued his approach.


    "Who are you working for? Are you hired by someone to ruin me? Who is it? Tell me!"


    Cloris asked in a louder voice. The little woman was smart and quickly figured out what was happening.


    She didn''t expect that what she had been experiencing now was deliberately arranged! But she didn''t


    have any enemies. Who could the mastermind be? Anger started to wash over her, overpowering her


    fear against the man in front of her.


    "Sorry, that''s ssified. Otherwise, I wouldn''t get paid."


    Cloris was now trapped in between him and the wall. The man started to unbutton his shirt and stared


    at Cloris wantonly.


    "I-I have money! If you just let me go, I can pay you ten times as much as your employer!"


    Cloris tried to persuade him.


    "Don''t try to fool me! I know your older sister is rich, but you and your mother are practically poor,"


    The man chided. With that, he eagerly grabbed Cloris''s wrists and pinned them above her head, his


    face nearing her own. Suddenly, the door was smashed open, and the man and Cloris both darted their


    eyes towards the door.


    "Get your evil hands off my girl! Go to hell! You son of a bitch!"

 Chapter 127 Cloris’s Nightmare

    Chapter 127 Cloris¡¯s Nightmare


    Shocked by the loud noise, Cloris was delighted to see it was Arthur who broke into the room.


    At this very moment, the appearance of him was like a mighty God who could save the world. In a


    panic, the sleazy man drew back his neck as if trying to make himself invisible.


    Arthur''s face was contorted with anger and he rushed to punch the man in the face. The man had no


    time to think and was quickly knocked down to the ground. He looked at Arthur as he coughed blood


    out from his mouth, trailing down to his jaw.


    N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    Instead of punching Arthur back, hey there defenseless as Arthur kicked his torso.


    The next moment, Arthur grabbed Cloris and pulled her into his arms, squeezing her tightly that it


    became difficult for her to breathe.


    Arthur''s strong and tight embrace immediately made Cloris feel better and calm. She let the tears fall


    finally.


    "I''m sorry. I shouldn''t have left you alone," Arthur said, apologizing while stroking her hair.


    His voice was trembling, and he sounded quite miserable.


    "Arthur, I was so scared! I thought I would die!" Cloris whimpered in his arms.


    Her tears kept falling down like broken strands of pearls, disappearing whenever theynded on his


    shirt.


    "I''m sorry, babe. I''m here, I''m right here. I''m sorry. I will never leave you alone again," Arthur apologized


    once again, embracing her tighter.


    He patted Cloris''s back tofort her and red furiously at the man on the floor. The man squirmed


    underneath his gaze and quickly crawled to the door.


    Arthur didn''t let him leave, however, he kick the man down to the floor again. He whipped his phone out


    from his jacket pocket and called the police.


    "Yes, Room 8708. Please hurry," Arthur spoke.


    As the man struggled to get up once again, Arthur stomped his foot directly against his spine and held


    him there.


    "Don''t even try to fucking move or I swear to god I''ll murder you right here before the police arrive," he


    hissed.


    It only took a few moments before the police arrived at the scene and arrested the man.


    "Captain, my girlfriend is still in trauma and I don''t think it''s wise for her to be going to the police station


    at the moment. I hope you could understand," he said to the lead policeman.


    It seemed that they knew each other before, as he also patted the captain on his shoulders.


    "Okay then. Mr Zhuang. Please wait until we''ve investigated everything," the policeman replied.


    Afterward, he turned to wave at his fellows and left the room.


    "Okay, let''s take him back!" hemanded.


    When there were only the two of them in the room, Arthur picked Cloris up from the ground and carried


    her to bed. He whispered loving words to her in order to keep her calm.


    Cloris hadn''t properly recovered yet from fright. She held onto Arthur tightly, afraid that he would


    disappear.


    "Arthur, the man was sent here by an employer. This was nned, and I''m their target," Cloris said


    assertively as soon as she was calm enough.


    She clutched onto his shirt and looked at him, eyes still in panic.


    "I know. Just rx, okay? The police captain is a friend of mine and he''ll look into it. Stop thinking about


    it and get some rest. I won''t leave you, I promise." Arthur replied.


    He patted her on the back slightly to sleep. Cloris was tired after such a night, and it was already two in


    the morning.


    With Arthur around, Cloris felt much secure and fell into a deep sleep shortly afterward.


    Hearing her long and stable breath, Arthur slowly and carefully pulled her hands away from him, got out


    of bed, and slipped out of the room quietly.


    Outside the hotel, a group of men in police uniforms were standing across the road, together with the


    man who took advantage of Cloris.


    "You dumb fuck. How could you get caught? You promised me that you could get it done, and now


    you''ve screwed it! I paid you for your shitty fucking service, you son of a bitch!" Arthur yelled at him.


    He was so angry that he couldn''t help but hurl a torrent of abusive words at the man.


    "It was an ident, Mr. Zhuang! I''m sorry! I didn''t expect that the little bitch would notice! But I made


    sure to mislead her so that she wouldn''t ever suspect you, I swear!" The man pleaded.


    The man was pale with fear and the sweat rolled down along his face. He bowed and begged Arthur


    eagerly for forgiveness.


    "Listen up, all of you! Do not speak a single word about this. Nobody should know what happened just


    now. Burn the uniforms. Get your acts together!" Arthur shouted.


    His face was contorted, eyes cruel and hooded.


    All of his henchmen nodded to him and quickly removed their uniforms before leaving in a vehicle.


    Standing on the street alone, Arthur lit up a cigarette and took arge puff. His face was downcast.


    He had nned for the man to have sex with Cloris so he wouldn''t have to show up until the next


    morning. But to his disappointment, the man was exposed and he failed.


    Hearing the noise inside the room, he was afraid that Cloris''s screams would draw attention to the


    police. So he reluctantly had to break in to save her without it being too suspicious.


    There was no other choice but to pretend to be her hero.


    "Bullshit," he cursed.


    Arthur flicked the cigarette end on the road and ground his foot into it annoyingly. His eyes were filled


    with contempt.


    Cloris slowly opened her eyes and found that Arthur was watching her. She was surprised to say the


    least, and buried her face immediately under the quilt.


    Arthur pulled the quilt off from her head and gazed at her seriously.


    "Cloris. The police captain interrogated the man after they took them to the precinct. But he refused to


    confess. He said he broke into this room out of impulse. You left the door open, and he found you lying


    there asleep and he just had to take advantage of the situation. We have no evidence to sue him with


    attempted rape. But, I won''t let this happen again and I''ll send security guards to protect youter.


    You''re safe now," Arthur told her what happened to the man.


    He held Cloris''s small hand and kissed the back of her palm tofort her.


    As a girl of this age, Cloris had no idea what the interrogation process in a police station was and didn''t


    ask why the police didn''t ask her toe over for investigation. She nodded her head to Arthur. She


    completely trusted him and every word he said.


    But she couldn''t forget what the man said to herst night, and it made her think who she had offended


    before and why they did this to her. It was an issue that she must figure out.


    "Cloris, since you''re going abroad to study soon, did your sister ever ask you about your university?"


    Arthur asked suddenly.


    To guide Cloris in the wrong direction, he pretended to mention Cassandra carelessly. And then he


    carefully look at her to wait for her reaction.


    "None of your family members got a penny, except your sister!" that was the man''s wordsst night,


    and Cloris narrowed her eyes.


    The few words rang in her ears and she wondered why the man knew about her family. He knew who


    she was.


    He told her that Cassandra was rich now and her parents weren''t. An idea popped out in her mind.


    It must have been Cassandra. She was the one who could do this to her.


    It was impossible for Cloris to think that it was anyone else. As if she was led by the nose, she was


    convinced that her sister was behind this scheme. She ran through every detail when she and


    Cassandra were together. The more she recalled, the more she suffered. Cloris felt more and more


    disappointed at her older sister.


    Cloris had a crush on Rufus the moment she saw him and that was why she felt so hurt when she


    found out that Rufus was seeing Cassandra, her married sister. She set Cassandra up several times


    just to spite her.


    However, things turned out to be nothing like she expected. The second day after she cut Cassandra''s


    dress and fooled her during the party, the Department of Human Resources in the Tang Group relieved


    her of her internship. They had asked her to leave immediately.


    What made her even more embarrassed was the assessment on her report. It wasn''t even excellent,


    just good!


    She didn''t even have to treat the internship seriously. She could have always asked her father to file


    the report on her behalf. If he had done it, she certainly would have gotten an excellent. She just


    wanted to work in Tang Group in order to see Rufus everyday.


    Cloris had realized that moment that Cassandra had found her little tricks and she pretended not to be


    bothered.


    Cassandra had never talked about what happened between them, not even once!


    Later, their father got into trouble and Cloris had put aside all these things, good or bad, especially


    when she got Arthur as her boyfriend. He was so sweet and considerate, and Cloris had long gotten


    over Rufus, even forgetting what he looked like.


    But now, Cloris realized that Cassandra had never forgotten.


    Thinking of it, Cloris grasped the quilt so tightly that her knuckles turned white.


    It must be Cassandra who employed the man. She was such a sneaky bitch and it seemed that she


    rushed here and there for their father, trying her best to support their father''spany and paying no


    mind to the other things, but actually she remembered every single thing Cloris did to her. She would


    take revenge against Cloris when the time was right.


    What a spiteful woman Cassandra turned to be!


    At the same time, Arthur had noticed the unnatural expression on Cloris''s face and was clear that she


    began suspecting her older sister. He smiled in his mind but showed nothing on his face.


    "Cloris. Hey babe. Rx. No one can hurt you anymore," he whispered lovingly.


    He wrapped his arm around her and tried to warm her with his own body.


    Cloris felt that she had suddenly matured overnight. She was no longer a mischievous girl who would


    y tricks anymore. She was now a strong woman and she intended to protect herself.


    ''Cassandra, you were humiliated on the party but you lost nothing. Why did you do this to me? Why did


    you pay someone to rape me? I hate you! I hate you! I swear I will repay you ten times over, '' Cloris


    thought, her heart growing cold at the mere mention of her sister''s name in her mind.


    Arthur felt the stiffness of her body and he couldn''t stop the sly, cold smirk on his face anymore.


    ''Cassandra, please don''t hate me! I never intended to hurt you, but you should me yourself for


    marrying in to the Tang Family. It''s your own fault!'' Arthur thought.


    Meanwhile, within the walls of a castle in Norway, Cassandra was dumbstruck and her mouth was wide


    open after hearing Rufus''s words.


    "What? Seriously? Joel told Courtney that he broke up with her because he fell into love with another


    woman, and the woman was a real princess?" she eximed stunningly.

 Chapter 128 Falling In Love With A Princess

    Chapter 128 Falling In Love With A Princess


    This was the first time Cassandra realised how ridiculous a man could get. Joel perhaps just churned


    out an absurd lie to Courtney


    and Courtney believed him blindly! The whole story depressed Cassandra very much.


    "Joel confessed that he had cheated Courtney out of arge amount of money and justified himself by


    saying that he fell for another woman because he wanted to escape the scrutiny of her family. Courtney


    was stubborn and blindly in love with him, so she probed Joel about who the woman was¡­"


    Rufus concluded his summary with a serious look. The fact that a scum like Joel had worked in Tang


    Group for two years and nobody knew of his crimes, shocked Rufus for a long time. ''Fortunately, we''ve


    found the evidence to prove his crime, or he would do more damage, '' thought Rufus.


    "So he told Courtney that he had fallen in love with a princess?!"


    Cassandra was incensed at Joel''s treachery. In her mind, a man like Joel deserved to go to hell.


    Courtney was devastated by the passing of her father and the betrayal of her boyfriend, thus she had


    isted herself from the whole world.


    Since Joel disclosed that the woman he loved was a princess, Courtney adopted a princess lifestyle


    too. She was crazy about princess-style things, such as royal-style decoration and a dreamlike


    princess room.


    She was barely sober most of the time and when she looked disinterested, it was because she was


    suffering internally. The thought of Joel greatly distressed her and she often felt broken alone in her


    room.


    When she lost her cool, Courtney would sink herself in the past with Joe. She spent hours picking out a


    dress for dating and ran to the door from time to time to see if Joel had returned. She hoped he would


    She was so vulnerable, that even a man like Joel could destroy her. Cassandra swore to send him to


    prison for what he had done.


    "That son of a bitch! How I wish I could cut him to pieces! I would do that secretly to protect Courtney."


    Cassandra blushed with anger as she recalled how much Courtney was hurt within. It upset her greatly


    to think about that.


    ''Had Joel cast a spell on her? Why does she love him so much?


    What if I were to love a man so obsessively one day? Would I be fortunate or not?'' mused Cassandra.


    "Did Courtney ask him which princess he fell in love with?"


    asked Cassandra with a frown. Courtney was stubborn enough to have asked this question.


    "Yes, and Joel told her it was Princess Ofelia, the Princess of N Country, who was on a diplomatic trip


    to our country. You can still find the rted news online now. She even made ament on the men in


    our country during an interview, saying that she liked Chinese men very much,"


    replied Rufus with a confused look. He hadn''t expected that Joel could make up such a ridiculous story.


    Cassandra remembered Princess Ofelia. Though she was in Rome at the time, but she watched the


    interview on the inte. She also remembered that Princess Ofelia had attended a banquet after the


    interview.


    "I want to watch that interview again!"


    Her eyes shed sharply like her words.


    "Why? Anything you''ve recalled?"


    Rufus smiled at her happy face.


    Instead of exining herself, Cassandra turned on theputer and searched for the interview.


    Princess Ofelia was the heir to the throne of the N Country. The young and beautiful princess still


    remained single.


    There were rumours that she had a rtionship with a foreigner. But the princess couldn''t marry him


    because he didn''t have a royal title.


    The princess, who was loyal to love, refused to agree to the arrangement of the royal family¡ªthey


    wanted her to marry a royal member.


    Some press houses spected that the princess lost her heart to a Chinese man because she had


    showed her appreciation towards Chinese men in that particr interview.


    Cassandra could tell that the princess was a woman of noble bearing because she kept smiling when


    she answered the questions of journalists.


    It appeared that Joel must have seen this interview too and had misused that to lie to Courtney about


    falling in love with a princess. However, Courtney believed that the princess also had feelings for Joel,


    so she agonized endlessly after he left.


    ''s, how can any ordinary woman ever dare topete with a princess.


    Joel really is a son of a bitch!'' thought Cassandra as she watched the interview.


    At the end of the interview, it was the princess dancing enchantingly and moving gracefully across the


    floor.


    Cassandra''s eyes widened in surprise. She stared at the princess in disbelief.


    The princess wore a sequined gown, which made her look like a shimmering fairy.


    ''Is that the gown from Michelle''s auction?''


    Rufus was also shocked for a while as he saw the gown.


    "You still have this gown now, right?"


    asked Rufus as he rubbed his chin thoughtfully.


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    "Yes, in my bedroom!"


    Their eyes locked on one another. It seemed that they understood each other without the need for


    words.


    After a while, they smiled at each other, apuding their tacit understanding silently.


    At night, the castle was dimly lit, Courtney was sleepwalking in the house again.


    She walked across the corridor to choose clothes for a date-night but failed every time.


    Then she ran downstairs and threw open the hall doors hoping that Joel hade for her, but the only


    greeting she got was a gush of cold wind.


    She trudged back slowly in tremendous pain locked within her dreams. Her face was emotionless as


    she sleepwalked.


    Suddenly, a figure appeared at the top of the stairs and then a tune, made for a waltz, echoed through


    the whole castle.


    Upon hearing the music, Courtney followed the sound and looked up to find a princess standing atop


    the stairs.


    The princess had sleek blond hair and the gown she wore shimmered like twinkling stars from the sky


    which had lost its way and descended onto the earth.


    The princess walked down the stairs elegantly and walked past Courtney without looking at her.


    The faint smell of her perfume lingered in the hall. The whole vision was as beautiful as a ssic


    romantic movie.


    Courtney turned around to see where she was going and saw that the princess was walking towards a


    man who was standing in the center of the hall. She couldn''t see his face because the man had his


    back towards her.


    The man took the princess''s hand in his and they began dancing to the music. Their movements were


    graceful and intoxicating.


    The princess rested her head on the man''s shoulder. They were like a besotted couple murmuring


    words of passion into each other''s ears.


    When the song ended, the man embraced the princess in his arms and then kissed her lightly on her


    forehead.


    Suddenly, the man looked up at Courtney. She was shocked by the face she took in.


    He had an angr and handsome face.


    But it was not the face of the man she had loved deeply.


    Looking into Courtney''s eyes, the man said gently,"Wake up. The princess loves me, not Joel. Wake up


    now."


    The man''s face came closer and closer to her yet she couldn''t see his facial features clearly. Finally,


    her knees buckled and she tumbled onto the floor.


    Upon seeing this, Cassandra and Rufus stopped abruptly. Then Cassandra ran over to Courtney to see


    if she was fine.


    Whitney also darted out from a corner and headed for her daughter, falling to the ground beside her.


    "What happened to her? Why did she faint?"


    asked Whitney, quaking with fear.


    "She is fine. I just hypnotized her. She will wake up tomorrow."


    Rufus walked up the stairs slowly, in conversation with Doctor Smithers,"You can measure her blood


    pressure. It should be normal."


    Doctor Smithers nodded his head and proceeded to check on Courtney and concluded that Rufus had


    been right.


    "Courtney obsessively believed that Joel had fallen in love with a princess, so she wanted to be a


    princess topensate for her shortings. She couldn''t find the perfect gown because the gown


    she kept looking for is here,"


    said Rufus as he gestured towards the gown that Cassandra was wearing, which dazzled when it


    caught the light.


    This was Michelle''s design. She had gifted it to Princess Ofelia. The princess loved this gown and even


    wore it on her visit to China. No one expected that a gown which had caused such a stir could be


    a mental block for Courtney.


    She believed that this gown represented Princess Ofelia, so Cassandra and Rufus came up with a n


    ¡ªCassandra wore the gown when Rufus hypnotized her. He told Courtney in her subconscious mind


    that Joel wasn''t the lover of the princess and that she didn''t need to worry about a princess stealing


    him away.


    The sky gradually lit up and the Sleeping Beauty opened her eyes slowly.


    There was a hint of a hint of limpidity in her beautiful eyes.

 Chapter 129 A Present For Cassandra

    Chapter 129 A Present For Cassandra


    "Courtney, are you okay?" Whitney asked worriedly.


    She rushed to her daughter and embraced her tightly, her eyes full of tears.


    Theck of significant progress after the previous hypnotherapy session confused her. Still, Whitney


    noticed that her eyes were no longer as dull as before. It had more life in them now.


    Courtney also stretched out her hands to hug her mother and stroked her on the back as they


    embraced.


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    "Mom, I''m fine. I just feel like I had a really long dream. Now, I feel tired," Courtney replied slowly.


    Both her eyes and her mind were slowly getting clearer.


    "Oh, you should rest then. Are you hungry? I can ask them to bring you something to eat," Whitney


    said.


    The change in her daughter overwhelmed her with excitement.


    "I don''t want to eat alone, mother. I want to go downstairs and eat with you," Courtney replied, sat up,


    and walked with her mother out the door.


    Whitney had dreamed of this moment many times. Seeing it happened after these many years, this


    filled her with so much happiness.


    Courtney smiled happily at her mother. Her smile loomed through the light. She was as beautiful as


    ever.


    Cassandra packed her luggage, ready to return home with Rufus. She decided that it would be futile to


    force Whitney to turn over her shares after she explicitly stated that she had no ns of doing so.


    ''Anyway, I hold as many shares as Lionel has. As long as Whitney will remain neutral, the Tang Group


    will still not be able to acquire the Qin Group, '' Cassandra thought to herself.


    Suddenly, Whitney entered Cassandra''s bedroom and handed her a folder, smiling.


    "Sign here, Cassandra. I''ve already run this through mywyer. He approved it," Whitney said.


    Confused, Cassandra took the folder from her and was shocked by what she saw.


    "Auntie Whitney, this... this is a share transfer form!" Cassandra felt a tingle of excitement.


    With an astonished look, she gazed at Whitney in disbelief.


    Whitney nodded with a smile to signify that she was correct.


    "You''ve helped me so much. Now, Courtney is slowly recovering from her illness. I know that this is


    what you need the most right now, so I am giving it to you. Consider it a gift for my gratitude," Whitney


    replied.


    Cassandra held the folder tightly against her chest. She was too excited to know what to say.


    ''What a pleasant surprise. I just wanted to help Courtney but I also managed to acquire Auntie


    Whitney''s shares. I can''t believe she transferred all of them to me.


    Now I own 60% of thepany. There is no way that the Qin Group will be acquired by the Tangs. The


    company is safe, '' she thought.


    "Thank you, Auntie Whitney!" Cassandra said excitedly.


    She was so happy that she turned red. Looking out the window, everything seemed perfect: the blue


    sky, white clouds, clear water, and green field. How wonderful the world was!


    Carrying her luggage, Cassandra walked into the Tang family''s vi with Rufus following her. Upon


    entering the living room, she felt something very strange was happening.


    Angry, Jill sat on the sofa. Sitting close to her was Ivy who whispered things against her ear. Cassandra


    could also see her stroking Jill''s back once in a while to calm her down.


    With his hands behind him, Horace walked back and forth in the living room wearing a look of


    restlessness.


    Sitting on the other corner of the sofa, Lionel cupped his chin in his hands as if he were thinking about


    something.


    ''What''s going on here?'' Cassandra thought.


    "Dad, mom, I''m back," she announced.


    Although she was angry at her father-inw because of his secret actions to acquire the Qin Group,


    she still remained courteous to him because he was an elder.


    ncing at Cassandra, Horace said nothing. He still seemed very restless.


    "Rufus! Where have you been? Why were you gone so long?" Horace asked loudly.


    His face lit up when he saw his son enter the room. It was as if he saw a savior.


    "I had a minor ident but it''s okay now. What happened here?" Rufus asked casually.


    He was calm, as usual. He made Horace believed that he went on a business trip so that no one would


    question himing home with Cassandra at the same time.


    "You are the President. You should know everything happening to the Tang Group, shouldn''t you? But


    clearly, you don''t," Lionel shouted. "Fine, then, I''ll tell you. Dawn Star Group snatched the amusement


    park project from ourpany while you were away. But we couldn''t get in touch with you," he snorted,


    standing up from the sofa. His eyes were full of anger.


    "Lionel, don''t talk to your older brother like that!" Horace said to Lionel loudly.


    His distaste of Lionel could be felt in his words.


    "Horace! You can yell at me all you want, but I will not let you do that to my son. What''s wrong with


    what he said? Rufus has been missing for days. As the President of the Tang Group, I would say that is


    completely irresponsible. Something important happened and he was not there to deal with it. Isn''t that


    his fault? Why are you mad that Lionel since he was just pointing out the truth?" Jill answered back.


    She was so angry that she sprang up. Immediately, Ivy got up as well to m her down.


    "Auntie Jill, don''t be angry. Calm down! Now that it has happened, we just have to solve it. There is no


    need to be angry. Besides, Rufus is back now. Let''s all calm down and think it over!" Ivy persuaded.


    Jill was still very annoyed but said nothing. She sat down and looked away as tears welled up in her


    eyes.


    A few days ago, Jill attended Mrs. Alice Zhuang''s birthday party. There, she mingled with several


    ladies; and as usual, she wanted to be the most impressive woman in the room.


    Alice shared how well the Dawn Star Group was doing. To gain an upper hand, though, Jill intentionally


    mentioned that Mr. Zhuang used to receive projects left from Horace.


    Alice added that Dawn Star Group received an investment from TY Group, thus having a very


    promising future. Unwilling to surrender to Alice, Jill excitedly shared that Tang Group was going to take


    on the amusement park project which had the local government as its investors, and would sign a


    formal contact with the government soon.


    Of course, they were secretlypeting. It was safe to assume that after that conversation, Alice


    became so indignant that she brought the matter up to her son, Arthur. Surprisingly, Arthur managed to


    pull strings so quickly for the local government of G City to change its preferred contractor from the


    Tang Group to Dawn Star Group.


    Jill was so proud of how she managed to embarrass Alice at the party. Aftering home that day, she


    excitedly shared it with Horace, oblivious to the fact that she had just stirred up a ho''s nest.


    Horace got very angry when he heard what Jill had done. He immediately scolded her, calling her an


    idiot who paid more attention to her reputation than the business. He said that this could turn into


    something serious and she was too dull to even realize it.


    Sure enough, in two days, the officials in charge of this amusement park project soon announced the


    change in their decision, saying that the project did not seem suitable for the Tang Group. They also


    indicated that the first design draft for the project submitted by Tang Group was not eptable so they


    needed to discuss it again.


    Despite the initial agreement that the project would be awarded to the Tang Group, it was now turned


    over to the Dawn Star Group. This made Horace even more furious.


    Taking it out on Jill, he heavily criticized her and her carelessness in front of the family. Ivy and Lionel


    made every effort to stop them from quarreling, but all in vain.


    Jill was so appalled that she also said something that made Horace uptight.


    "You don''t think I have done anything for the Tang family, do you? What about Rufus? What


    contributions has he done for this family? You put him in charge of this project and then he bes


    unreachable for several days. Do you know why? It''s because he''s a bastard and he doesn''t care much


    about the Tang Group!"


    Jill yelled, and overwhelmed with anger. She just had to bring up the fact that Rufus was an illegitimate


    child. Horace was so angry with Jill for what she said that he almost hit her. Despite her pregnancy, Ivy


    rushed to stop Horace. Knowing that she was pregnant, he forced back his anger and dropped the


    hand.


    The tension in the house had been high right before Rufus arrived.


    "What you should is, Horace Tang, you are disgusting, just like your bastard son!" Jill boomed. "Lionel


    doesn''t have a good grip on reality. Shouldn''t we be working together toe up with a solution right


    now? If you or Lionel can''t say something to help solve this, then you should both shut up!" Horace


    imed.


    Their words annoyed him so much. He red at them with his big eyes as the muscles on his face


    trembled with anger.


    ''I''ve supported Lionel so much, hoping that he would be able to help me manage thispany the way


    Rufus does, but he does nothing except disappoint me.


    Right now, Rufus is my only hope. If Rufus can find a way to bring this project back, then I would really


    say that he is an asset to thispany, '' Horace thought.


    This amusement park was more than just a single project. More importantly, it would be located inside


    the new industrial area of the city, as a centricalndmark and tourist attraction. This would only


    increase the project''s importance significantly.


    If the construction of the amusement park could bepleted sessfully, the Tang Group would


    likely get more credibility to acquire more projects in the tourism industry. This was an opportunity of


    expansion that the Tang Group did not want to miss. There might not be another chance like this.


    Allowing Dawn Star Group to have this project would give them a huge advantage.


    "Rufus, do you have any ideas on how we could get this case back?" Horace asked.


    Gazing at his son expectantly, he hoped that Rufus would be able to give him a definite answer.


    However, Rufus shook his head and said, "There were two reasons why I managed to get us this


    project. First, I left a good impression on the officials. Second, the officials knew of Cassandra''s


    capabilities..."


    After this saying, everyone looked at Cassandra. She was the one now who everyone focused on.

 Chapter 130 A Passionate Kiss

    Chapter 130 A Passionate Kiss


    It was such an embarrassing situation. Horace had just taken away the amusement park project from


    Cassandra and appointed it to another designer. But the Dawn Star Group got in his way when he


    thought he had the deal properly set up. How could he ever face Cassandra now?


    Lionel was just as stunned. He never really gave his attention to the project, so he wasn''t the least bit


    aware that Cassandra was arge contributor to the project.


    The moment turned sour and awkward. Everyone was silent. It was so still in the room that everyone


    could possibly hear a pin drop.


    "Don''t worry. Rufus and I will visit the person responsible tomorrow,"


    Cassandra broke the ice. She sighed deeply. No one would be able to leave if they remained


    deadlocked like this.


    "Okay then. Tell him that you''ll still be the lead designer of the project."


    Horace pushed the boat along with the current, letting Cassandra take back the project. It left him with


    no other choice, anyway. He dreaded to think what would happen next.


    "Please excuse me now. I''m tired. I want to rest up for tonight,"


    Cassandra said and turned directly for her bedroom upstairs, carrying her luggage with her. She was


    relieved after she closed the door.


    The atmosphere in the living room a moment ago was suffocating. A bitter smile curled the corners of


    Cassandra''s mouth.


    She knew for a fact that the Tang family had been keeping a wary eye on her. They excluded her from


    several projects and even tried to take over her father''spany, but she didn''t have the courage to


    retaliate against them.


    Anyway, they had helped Qin Group once when it was in trouble. If it hadn''t been for them, Qin Group


    would have gone bankrupt long ago.


    ''Well, it''s to repay their kindness. After this project, we will be even, and I can leave at ease, '' she


    mused.


    Back in the master room, Jill was still grumbling, "Why did you let Cassandra take over the park


    project? Didn''t you want to cut her out? She is already nning a divorce! What is your point of


    keeping her here? That woman is thinking about leaving us!"


    Jill was upset at the thought of Cassandra, who wanted a divorce before the Tang family abandoned


    her as the daughter of a prisoner.


    "This project is important. If weplete it sessfully, we will sure be getting the uing projects


    in the next few years. She can be of help to us, so I''m willing to make apromise. We have to look


    at the bigger picture and break some eggs to make an omelet."


    Horace unbuttoned his coat and went to bed. It had been a long and tiring day, and he was exhausted;


    but he felt relieved as Rufus and Cassandra finally came back to help him.


    "Humph! Thispromise is way too risky. You know what? Arthur brought his girlfriend to his mother''s


    birthday party. Guess who his girlfriend is!"


    Jill gave Horace an enigmatic smile, as if she had a big secret.


    "Does his girlfriend have anything to do with us?"


    Horace cocked an inquisitive eyebrow at Jill.


    "It has everything to do with us. His girlfriend is Cloris, Cassandra''s sister!" Jill said slyly.


    Horace looked up at Jill in surprise.


    "What? Seriously? Are you sure?"


    Jill nodded. She was pretty sure as she had run across them twice.


    A deep frown marred Horace''s face. Little did he think that Cloris would date the young master of Tang


    Group''s worst enemy. Besides, Cloris was Cassandra''s sister. Things were starting to get even more


    complicated.


    Many possibilities shed across Horace''s mind, and each of them would lead to a horrible disaster.


    ''Has Cassandra gone over to the Dawn Star Group?''


    Horace was shocked by such an atrocious idea. If the answer was yes, that would exin why


    Cassandra insisted on getting a divorce¡ªshe would have the chance to leave Tang Group after getting


    out of her marriage.


    Now, her sister was on the side of Dawn Star Group. It was very likely that she would hop to that group


    one day. Moreover, without the marital bonds, she could work anywhere she liked although she had to


    pay the liquidated damages.


    Horace sent Cassandra to study architecture and design in Rome. She wouldn''t make such great


    achievements in the design circles if not for his support. However, she repaid him with ungratefulness


    considering that she now wanted to work for Dawn Star Group.


    Fury shed through Horace''s eyes. He believed that it was Arthur who helped Cassandra solve her


    father''s problem in a very short time. At that time, he doubted how she could have preserved Qin


    Group so smoothly and whether someone had helped her secretly.


    Now these facts were enough to prove that he was right.


    "Cassandra must have already taken Arthur''s side,"


    Jill deduced quietly. Seeing that Horace was deep in thought, she knew what exactly was going on in


    his head.


    "Do not tell anyone about it. Let''s pretend that we don''t know about the affair. It won''t bode well for our


    rtionship with Cassandra. We still need her."


    Horace''s face turned stormy and cold. Inside, there was a maelstrom of churning emotions.


    ''Cassandra, '' he contemted, ''Do you think you are strong enough to leave me?


    Even if you want to fly away, I''ll make sure to break your wings, so that you can never fly again!''


    Cassandra felt incredibly worn out after returning from Norway. She took a shower to rx herself


    completely. When she walked out from the bathroom, she was shocked by the man who suddenly


    appeared in her bedroom.


    "Can you stop showing up like that? You scared me."


    Cassandra red at Rufus. She could tell from his mischievous smile that he was up to something.


    The woman narrowed her eyes at him.


    "I need to discuss something with you."


    Rufus''s face changed to a serious expression.


    "Can''t it wait untill tomorrow morning? You always ambush me whenever I''m unprepared. I must look


    horrible right now,"


    Cassandra felt awkward as her hair was in a terrible mess. She didn''t expect Rufus toe to her


    room now, or she would have toweled her wet hair.


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    "Where is the hair dryer? Let me help you dry your hair."


    Rufus changed the topic and looked at her tenderly and lovingly.


    Cassandra sat on the edge of the bed and looked nk. Before she could respond, Rufus had grabbed


    the hair dryer and ruffled her hair loose.


    Her hair was thick, glossy and in tip-top condition. She never saw the need to dye it. The dark hair


    hung loose over her shoulders.


    Rufus held the hair dryer in his right hand and inserted his left hand into her hair. Her heartbeat


    pounded in her ears as she felt the warmth of his hand on her skin.


    Feeling his hand in the hair massaging her head gently, Cassandra feltpletely rxed and slowly


    close her eyes.


    The temperature of the hair dryer was just right. The warm wind blew her wet hair, making her feel


    cozy.


    Rufus stroked her hair, fingers grazing against her ear.


    He looked down seeing her earlobe turn pink, and suddenly felt an irresistible impulse to kiss her.


    The man turned off the hair dryer, put it aside and turned to look at her, their faces only inches apart.


    He slowly held her face in his hands and nted a soft kiss on her lips.


    Cassandra faltered for a bit, but returned the kiss. It was a tender and passionate kiss. Afterwards,


    Rufus slowly broke away, then held her in his arms without doing anything else.


    Cassandra stared at him, eyes hooded and dark. She knew he had promised that he wouldn''t touch


    her until the divorce was final. This man had alway cared for and been considerate of her.


    Rufus looked at her and admitted to himself how aroused he was, but he knew he couldn''t go any


    further.


    The next day, Rufus and Cassandra went to visit the person in charge of the project, but his secretary


    said that he had something else to do and could not meet them today.


    "It must be an excuse! Obviously, there is no other room for negotiation!"


    Cassandra was aggrieved after they left the office building. Both parties had agreed to sign the contract


    later, and the Tang Group had finished the design draft and the prep work; but now they were reced


    by Dawn Star Group suddenly.


    "They must be dering war. Let''s pick up the gauntlet then!"


    Rufus gritted his teeth in anger. His face looked as rigid as stone.


    "What do you mean?"


    Cassandra''s eyes darted at Rufus''s trembling frame. He seemed to have a vicious idea.


    "Since they stole our project, we might as well beat them at their own game."

 Chapter 131 Whos The Bitch

    Chapter 131 Who''s The Bitch


    "Are you serious, Rufus?"


    Cassandra asked, surprised. This was the first time she saw Rufus so impulsive. He was normally


    calm.


    Rufus turned around to look at the worried woman and gave her a sly smile. She rarely saw him with


    such a soft expression.


    "I knew it!"


    Cassandra said sheepishly. A part of her worried that Rufus was really going to settle their rivalry with


    violence.


    Surely, he was just joking. But Rufus wasn''t the type who would kid about things like that.


    Unknown to Cassandra, his eyes turned fierce.


    Jasper Li called Arthur. The usual level-headed man now sounded angry through the phone.


    "Mr. Zhuang, as one of your shareholders, I feel that it''s my responsibility to remind you to watch your


    behavior! I heard you stole someone''s project. That was not part of our deal,"


    Jasper said, questioning Arthur''s business ethics and doing his best to hold back his rage.


    "Mr. Li, you misunderstand me. I did it exactly for our partnership. It''s to make the most out of your


    investment. Besides, there was no contract yet. The project was still open for public bidding. I did not


    break anyw,"


    Arthur exined, trying to defend himself. Investors were important and he did not want to upset them.


    He did his best to convince Jasper that there was nothing hical with what they did.


    "Mr. Zhuang, even though what you did was not illegal, it''s still not something we can be proud of. I


    worry that our peers will go against us if they find out what you did. Remember your position. As the


    Deputy Director of the Union, you can''tpete with the Director. On top of that, what you did was


    very inappropriate,"


    Jasper replied impatiently. He was on the verge of losing his patience. Then he began to wonder


    whether Arthur was truly a good steward of his money, seeing what he was capable of.


    He began to feel as if the chairman had picked the wrong guy to work with.


    "Mr. Li, the Dawn Star Group is going towards a very bright future. Road bumps are normal while we''re


    expanding. The question is, will we let them stop us or will we push through them? Maybe you look


    down on the way I deal with it. But it can lead to the results we both want,"


    Arthur reasoned. It seemed as though he came prepared with the possiblements of his investors.


    "Then as your investor, your ethics are important to us. We need to know that you are really a good


    person to entrust with our money and that you know what you''re doing, instead of just stealing projects


    from ourpetitors. If not, we will withdraw our support for yourpany,"


    Jasper replied. He made it as clear as he could. He wanted Arthur to give up the project in exchange


    for his financial support.


    "Mr. Li...I will take what you said into consideration!"


    Arthur interrupted, sensing Jasper''s disagreement with his exnation.


    He clenched his fists in rage after hanging up the phone and almost wanted to overturn his table.


    Thankfully, his reason trumped his fury.


    Jasper''s reaction did not make sense to Arthur. He was their investor but why was he taking their


    competitor''s side?


    Was he connected with the Tang Group?


    Arthur did do something dirty to win the amusement park project, but it was practicallymon


    practice within their circle. Why was it even important to stay decent?


    The Dawn Star Group needed TY Group''s financial support. They wouldn''t survive without it.


    Arthur had no intention of giving up a lucrative project that was already in his hands. It was also a


    doorway to many opportunities down the road. Giving it up meant not only giving up a tree, but also


    giving up a whole forest.


    He started to feel furious. ''Everything would have ironed out if Rufus did note back all of sudden.


    How should I manage to foil this?''


    "Mr. Zhuang, Miss Qin is here,"


    his secretary, Nana, called him through the internal line.


    "Let her in!"


    Arthur''s eyes brightened at the news. There was Cloris. She was a pawn he could still take advantage


    of.


    Hisst n failed but he would be more well-prepared this time.


    "Arthur, you haven''t texted me back for two days! What have you been busy with?"


    Cloris pouted. Wearing a beige coat that showed off her fair skin, she looked pretty cute in her pink


    lipstick.


    "I am in the middle of a project, baby,"


    Arthur said, hugging her.


    "What''s wrong with the project?"


    Cloris looked at him with curious, glittering eyes. She wanted to understand Arthur''s anxiety and what


    had been bothering him. Projects were usually good to have, weren''t they?


    Arthur let go of Cloris slowly and looked out the window. His worried face made him look much more


    vulnerable.


    "I won a project that the Tang Group has been gunning for but they refused to believe it. Now, they''re


    using me of dirty tricks. You know what? Your sister even went to the government official who was


    in charge of the project today. It looks like she pressured him saying the Tang Group had been given an


    assurance and they even finished their design in advance,"


    Arthur narrated as he shook his head miserably. Then, he looked at Cloris with helpless eyes.


    "Are they stupid? That is so not fair! The project was open for bidding and you won it fair and square.


    Why are you not allowed to have it? Competition is normal. Someone wins and someone loses!" she


    expressed.


    As expected, Cloris red up when Cassandra was mentioned. Her face hardened and her voice


    became sharp.


    "Well, your sister is one of the best architects in town. She must be mad that her design was turned


    down. But we can''t give the Tang Group everything they want. How will I pay my people every month?


    It was a fairpetition, we didn''t hurt anyone on purpose,"


    Arthur rted, giving the impression that he was being bullied by the powerful Tang Group. He knew


    about Cloris''s grudges against Cassandra and intended to use it to his advantage.


    Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    "Don''t worry, Arthur. I will go to her now and tell her what a bitch she is,"


    Cloris said as she stormed out.


    ''Cloris, what an innocent girl believing everything I tell you...


    It''s rare to find someone as dumb as you are. Don''t me me for taking advantage of your innocence, ''


    he thought.


    Cloris had no idea that this man who she had trusted all along would ruin her life one day.


    The door of Cassandra''s office flung open.


    "Sorry, Manager Qin. Thisdy imed to be your sister and broke in,"


    her assistant apologized as she held the door.


    "Cloris, what happened?"


    Cassandra asked as she put down her drawing and looked up at her sister. She was busy with the


    cases Horace assigned to hertely.


    "Aren''t you supposed to be in school? You are going to study abroad soon, aren''t you?"


    Cassandra stood up and looked at Cloris warmly. Thetter, on the other hand, greeted her with a


    re.


    "Cassandra, you went too far!"


    she said as she walked to her sister''s desk.


    "What do you mean, Cloris?"


    Cassandra asked, sensing something very wrong. Her smile was instantly reced by a look of


    concern.


    "What do I mean? Cassandra, have you always been jealous of me? You must be taking out all your


    anger on me because our parents liked me better. Why can''t you be happy for me? You always try to


    sabotage my life!" she said angrily.


    Cloris''s pretty face was distorted with fury. She looked like a wild animal baring its teeth and ready to


    attack Cassandra.


    "Cloris, I think there was a misunderstanding. Let''s sit down and talk,"


    Cassandra said, trying to calm Cloris down. Unfortunately, it annoyed her instead.


    "Misunderstanding? Come on, Cassandra. Stop pretending that you are innocent. It''s disgusting, you


    know?"


    Cloris shook off her sister''s hand as she was about to touch her. The look on Cloris''s face made


    Cassandra turn white.


    The assistant at the door stood shocked by the scene. It''s the first time that anyone talked to Manager


    Qin like that. Plus, it was her own sister. This was too juicy.


    "You can go now. I''ll take care of this. Please close the door,"


    Cassandra told the assistant when she spotted her dumbfounded face.


    It was embarrassing that someone saw her being cursed by her own sister.


    Unexpectedly, the simple sentence triggered her sister.


    "Close the door? Why do you need to have the door closed? What are you hiding if you did everything


    right?" Cloris challenged.

 Chapter 132 Why Are You Here

    Chapter 132 Why Are You Here


    "What''s wrong with you, Cloris? Remember, this is the Tang Group''s office and not the Qin family


    house. You cannot have your tantrums here, or else, I will be forced to ask security to escort you out,"


    Cassandra said forcibly.


    She could not stand Cloris''s temperament. If they were at home, she would probably muster more


    patience to deal with her bratty and self-centered sister. At the workce, though, she had to put her


    foot down. After all, she was the firm''s Architectural Design Manager. In no way was she going to allow


    her sister to talk to her like that.


    "Wow, Cassandra, You really are somebody, aren''t you? It looks like you won''t even listen to dad. How


    dare you threaten me with calling the security? Who do you think you are? Well you know what, I am


    ashamed to be your sister! I am ashamed to be associated with a double crosser like you! And


    because you had so much audacity to do it, I am not afraid to reveal it!"


    Cloris shouted. She yelled like a crazy person and it angered Cassandra very much.


    "Call the security! Get thisdy out of here!"


    Cassandra demanded. Right now she had no patience for Cloris, who seemed to have lost her sanity.


    She knew that work hours were not the right time to settle personal issues and decided that it was best


    to talk to her sister after work.


    The security guards walked in and pulled Cloris''s arms to drag her out. Cloris shrugged them off and


    red at the guards.


    "I can walk by myself! Do you think I want to be here? I don''t even want toe to this ce! You are


    a disgrace!" she shouted.


    Then she walked away briskly. The two guards exchanged nces with each other before followed her


    out.


    The assistant, knowing that Cassandra would need some time to settle down, left the room as well, and


    closed the door behind her. Cassandra rubbed her forehead as she sat on her chair.


    She had been so upied with work from both the Tang Group and the Qin Group that she barely got


    to talk to Cloris. Therefore, she could not think of any reason why her sister was so upset.


    After hesitating for quite a while, she finally picked up her phone and sent Cloris a message, "Cloris,


    wait for me at the Sweet Coffee Shop. Let''s talk then."


    Cassandra stared at the screen for several minutes but received no new notification. Her mind then


    slowly drifted away.


    Suddenly, the door swung open. It was Ste, running into the office.


    "Cassandra, what happened to your sister? She was vandalizing your photo on the Employee of the


    Month board and couldn''t stop cursing you. The security guards tried to stop her and they ended up


    fighting!" she said worriedly.


    Cassandra stood up immediately and was about to run out, but was pulled back by Ste.


    "She''s gone! I asked more guards to drive her away! I know she is your sister and she must be doing


    this to get your attention. She would be happy to see you down there so that she can curse you in your


    face, so just stay here. By the way, what happened between you two?" Ste asked, concerned.


    ''Cloris was interning under Leo and handling administrative matters. I don''t remember her having such


    a bad temper. Why did she be like this?'' Ste wondered.


    "I also have no clue. She just came over and threw a tantrum. I asked why but she didn''t say anything.


    I texted her asking her to talk to me after work. Hopefully she will enlighten me," Cassandra replied


    helplessly.


    This irritated her very much. Cloris seemed so angry at her but she did not know why.


    "Do you want me to go with youter? I don''t want you to be bullied by your crazy sister,"


    N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    Ste offered.


    "Don''t worry about me. She''s my sister, after all. She won''t harm me. I''ll talk to her patiently and sort it


    out," Cassandra assured her friend.


    Then she remembered the time when she just came home from Rome. Cassandra would spend the


    night with the Qin family and she actually slept with Cloris. She was the girl who used to have beautiful


    and sweet smiles. ''This is so not like her. What is going on with her?'' Cassandra wondered.


    Cassandra went straight to Sweet Coffee Shop after work and sat in the corner. She ordered herself a


    cup of coffee and waited, checking her phone from time to time. It was 6:10 pm and Cloris still didn''t


    show up.


    As she was about to call Cloris, Cassandra felt a thrill passing through the air.


    When she raised her head, she saw Cloris walking towards her with a face devoid of any emotion.


    Cassandra opened her mouth to say "hi", but before she could say anything, the hand hiding behind


    Cloris suddenly swung towards her. Cloris was holding a bottle of paint and she threw it at her sister.


    Cassandra had never been in such an embarrassing situation. All the people in the coffee shop were


    looking at her.


    Seeing Cassandra fall into a daze with her body full of paint, Cloris felt ted.


    "I''m warning you, Cassandra. The fact that you''re the daughter-inw of Horace Tang, doesn''t mean


    anything to me! If you dare cause Arthur any trouble again, next time you won''t be so lucky to have just


    paint thrown at you," she said.


    After casually throwing the bottle away, Cloris sped her palms together in satisfaction and walked


    away, leaving the crowd stunned.


    Cassandra seemed to have lost her hearing. Her vision seemed to be clouded as well. The liquid was


    vicious. It found its way from the head down to her hair, and then to the floor.


    It dripped and dripped.


    The paint that Cloris used was colored and it stung. She made sure that it would create a strong odor


    and difort to Cassandra.


    Was this unsightly or unsettling? Was this disgraceful or insulting?


    Cassandra could not manage to decipher her emotions at the moment. Instead, she reached for the


    tissue and proceeded to wipe her face.


    It dried up so quickly that she could feel her skin harden.


    Realizing that her efforts were futile, she put some money on the table and left the coffee shop with her


    head kept low.


    Even as she walked out of the shop and escaped from the gazes from the customers inside, the


    pedestrians still could not help but stare at the woman covered in paint.


    As for Cassandra, her mind was nk. She felt as if she just lost all her senses.


    "Cassandra!"


    someone suddenly called out from behind her. He ran towards her and started to pat her shoulder from


    her back. The voice sounded excited.


    Upon hearing her name, Cassandra turned back, and revealed her embarrassing and miserable face.


    "Oh my goodness! What happened to you?" Dylon eximed in disbelief.


    It took no time for his expression to transform from excitement to shock. Never had he seen Cassandra


    like that!


    Cassandra wanted to force a smile so she would not look too pathetic, but the expression turned out to


    be quite awkward.


    Without hesitation, Dylon pulled her towards his car and pushed her inside. Without taking his time to


    seek her approval, he quickly drove away from the crowd.


    No one probably noticed the pregnant woman at the corner of the street who watched the whole thing


    unfold, stunned.


    She saw Cloris, who stormed her way out of the coffee shop, followed by Cassandra, who had wet


    paint all over her, and finally Dylon, who took Cassandra away.


    A disdainful smile crept on Ivy''s cheeks. ''Well, I didn''t know that this woman has such a profligate


    lifestyle. She seems to already have an affair with Rufus, and as if it is still not enough, she even


    seems to have an unusual rtionship with the son of Jenks Tong!'' Ivy thought.


    ''By the way, did Cloris just pour paint over her sister? What could have happened? A family quarrel?''


    As she was wondering, the baby in her belly gave her a kick.


    ''Well, it looks like I have to have a talk with Cassandra!'' Ivy decided.


    Dylon drove her to his house and brought her straight to the bathroom. He got a new towel from the


    wardrobe and threw it at her.


    "Take a shower first. There is a washing machine and a drier in theundry room. I have to leave for


    now. When you are done, just remember to close the door after you go out,"


    he said before taking his leave.


    Cassandra stood holding the towel, feeling moved.


    She was aware that Dylon knew that she would receive many questions from the family if she returned


    home covered in paint. This would be another headache for her.


    How could someone hate her so much that he or she would do this? This question would surelye


    up if she were to return home like this.


    The events that had transpired repeated in her head as she was showering.


    ''Why did Cloris ask me to not cause Arthur any trouble? Isn''t Arthur the person who is causing me


    trouble?


    What is it between them? Are they in a rtionship?'' Cassandra asked herself.


    Feeling extremely unsettled, she made the water gush onto her head to clear her mind.


    Meanwhile, in the living room of a well furnished t, two men sat on a couch with their eyebrows


    creased.


    "Are you telling me that I have to talk to Arthur about dividing the project of the amusement park into


    two and, assigning one part to Dawn Star Group and the other to Tang Group?"


    It was Jasper speaking with Rufus, who had a stern look.


    "This isn''t how you do things, is it? Aren''t you going to take all of it from them?"


    Jasper seemed to be quite familiar with how Rufus usually worked. He had always overpowered his


    opponents so it puzzled him that Rufus was not going for an extreme.


    "This isn''t something you should be concerned about. Just tell Arthur what I want, and the Tang Group


    is willing to go at great lengths to reach our goal. If he still wants to maintain his ce in the Union, this


    is our condition," Rufus stated with a determined look.


    After an agreement had been reached, Rufus stood up and prepared to take his leave.


    When he opened the door, the door at the opposite side also opened. An astoundingly familiar figure


    walked out.


    "Cassandra? Why are you here?"

 Chapter 133 The Devils Woman

    Chapter 133 The Devil''s Woman


    Rufus looked at Cassandra, eyebrows furrowed.


    Her hair was damp. Water dripped slowly down to the tips of her long, ck hair. Wet and feverish, she


    looked as if she had juste out of a hot shower and hadn''t gotten the time to dry herself up properly.


    Even though Jasper was standing behind Rufus, he could still smell the slight fragranceing from


    her. Unconsciously, Jasper uttered something and Rufus turned around immediately, asking, "What did


    you say?"


    Rufus waspletely unaware of what Jasper had said. All of his attention was concentrated on


    Cassandra''s beautiful face and the water that dripped down her neck. He stared at Jasper, confused.


    "This scent is very unique. I think it''s the famous luxury brand specializeds in shampoos for men. The


    one she has used is a globally exclusive edition, if I remember correctly."


    Jasper''s voice was low but his words were shocking. He turned back to look at Cassandra with a


    profound look, shocked.


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    Rufus''s handsome face turned darker. His shoulders stiffened as he stared at her, tight-lipped.


    Men''s shampoo? Just what was going on? Had Cassandra juste out of a man''s room?


    Without thinking it through, Rufus rushed to the door she hade out of. It was half-closed. He


    pushed it open reluctantly at first but then stepped in without hesitation.


    The apartment wasn''t too big but the decor of the rooms was certainly stylish and of great taste. The


    color scheme was a ssy ck and white. Judging from theyout and the ambience, it seemed like


    the owner was well inspired and had a great aesthetic and interior sense.


    Small butpact, it was located right in the heart of G city. A location like that would cost a fortune.


    As he cast a casual nce at the walls, his attention was caught by the pictures hanging on it. There


    were several pictures of wild animals and naturalndscapes. Among them, a portrait of a handsome


    young man stood out.


    For a second, Rufus''s heart skipped a beat. His face turned pale in shock while his eyes narrowed and


    breath escted. He remembered that face. The man and Cassandra went out eating on the street


    together once. Rufus remembered spotting them chatting andughing, fully enjoying themselves.


    Rage seized his heart. He didn''t know how to deal with the mixed feelings that arose from the bottom of


    his heart. He clenched his fists and swirled around, leaving the apartment, stomping his feet. Without


    looking at Cassandra, he strode out.


    "Rufus, stop!"


    Cassandra called out to him nervously as he passed by her. It felt like he had misunderstood


    something. However, he didn''t stop even upon hearing her call him. He barely paused before he


    headed towards the elevator.


    Before the elevator coulde and Rufus could go away, she ran to his side, reaching for his arm,


    trying to exin, "I had a small incident just now, which is why Dylon let me take a shower in his


    bathroom. Please don''t read too much into it! He was just being helpful!"


    The nk look on his face worried her even more. She kept gazing at him anxiously while her heart


    sank at his suspicious, using face.


    "You don''t need to exin anything to me."


    Rufus''s mood was at its worst. He reached for the elevator panel directly without even casting a nce


    in her direction. He didn''t want to listen to anything she had to say at all.


    "Nothing happened between us, Rufus. Please don''t be like this. It''s saddening to see you behave so


    coldly."


    Cassandra was now at her wit''s end, almost at the edge of breaking down. Rufus and his aloof attitude


    scared her. It was obvious he had mistaken things. She was innocent and didn''t deserve to be treated


    like that.


    Just then, the elevator door slid open. A morous woman stepped out, almost bumping into Rufus''s


    arms.


    "Cassandra! Howe you''re here?"


    Michelle gasped in disbelief. She was utterly shocked to see Cassandra and Rufus there. She stared at


    them, mouth wide open, curious to see what was happening between the two. Judging from Rufus''s


    tightly pressed mouth, she figured he was pretty mad about something.


    Rufus didn''t answer at all, shockingly. His strange behaviour shocked both Cassandra and Michelle,


    especially when he pushed Michelle aside and walked straight into the elevator. The door closed


    silently behind him as he pressed the button for the lobby.


    "Damn you! How dare you treat me like this? I am your aunt!"


    Michelle''s face turned red with anger. She mmed her hand at the closed door such that Rufus would


    hear her protest. However, the elevator had already gone by then, leaving her stomping her feet in fury.


    Jasper saw the entire episode from a distance and walked towards Michelle to calm her down. He


    patted her shoulders, trying to soothe her while he gave an awkward smile to Cassandra, saying, "Well,


    we shall take off as well."


    He had no intentions of staying there any longer. Hastily, he turned around, almost dragging Michelle


    into the apartment.


    "What the hell? What are you guys doing? What is going on? Why are you dragging me, Jasper?


    Where are we going?"


    Michelle pushed him hard but it was all in vain. She simply couldn''t break off his grip. Jasper was so


    much bigger and stronger that in no time he pulled her into the apartment and closed the door behind


    them.


    "What the hell, Jasper! Are you out of your mind?"


    Muttering angrily at Jasper, she bent down to change her shoes by the closed door. She was about to


    greet Cassandra when he interrupted her and dragged her inside. She had no idea why he would do


    something like that.


    "Well, let''s not poke our noses into other people''s business, shall we? How about we mind our own


    business? Could you please leave them alone, now that I havee back home? Try to focus on me."


    Jasper walked closer to her, his handsome face glimmering with joy. He took her in his arms, hugging


    her tightly. He pulled himself back, about to kiss her ruby lips.


    "Stop it. What are you doing? I was working all day long. Let me rest for a while."


    Michelle turned her face and pouted, annoyed. She was really upset with how he had treated her


    before.


    Jasper was a mature and cool CEO in front of his employees but only she knew how flirtatious and


    childish he was in private. Always, he would approach her without warning and steal a quick kiss,


    anywhere and anytime. Most times, she''d be taken aback by his spontaneity.


    "Why not? Just a small kiss, please sweetie!"


    Now he sounded like a kid craving for a candy bar. Jasper looked at Michelle lovingly, eyes sparkling


    with lust. He looked like such a naughty child with that pouting mouth.


    "Stop it. You really creep me out, sometimes!"


    Michelle grumbled and pushed his face aside.


    "You hurt my feelings, sweetie. Why do you have to be so mean?"


    Jasper sighed dramatically and followed her as she walked into the living room. Michelle turned the TV


    on as soon as she sat on the sofa, and bleated, "A woman must not treat her man too well, or he starts


    taking her for granted, forgetting to cherish her!"


    She wasn''t joking or teasing him. Her words were serious. She didn''t even look at him as she said


    those words.


    "Hey, I have been cherishing you all these years. You should already know the kind of man I am. Your


    nephew dumped hispany in my hands and now I''m working like a donkey for its profits. I even put


    my own business aside so I can attend to hispany wholeheartedly. Everyday, I work my ass off just


    to keep the business afloat which is why I barely get to see you. Honestly, it feels like we are in a long


    distance rtionship with a whole gxy keeping us apart."


    Michelle continued to look at the screen, expressionless. "I am literally crying my heart out here!"


    Jasper shouted.


    There was no effect, still. Then he slid closer to her and leaned against her warm body. Just gazing at


    her beautiful face made his heart full. They''d been together for years and the love he felt for her hadn''t


    diminished at all. This was how he felt when they first met, and it was how he felt now.


    "Cut it out, please. Anyways, what''s the deal with Cassandra and Rufus? It seemed like they just had a


    fight."


    Michelle talked coldly, thinking of Rufus''s rude behavior. How could he push her aside like that in front


    of everyone? She wasn''t particrly okay with such absurd manners.


    All things said and done, she was his aunt. As an elder rtive, she should''ve been treated with much


    more respect. Even though, she was an easy-going person, her temper was short. Rufus owed her an


    apology.


    "Well, to be honest with you, I feel like I kind of messed things up by saying unnecessary things..."


    Jasper murmured with a low voice, guilty. He couldn''t dare to look her in the eye.


    "You know what, Jasper, now that we are talking about it, let me tell you something. I really think you


    are great at handling the business. It''s daily life where you''re aplete jerk."


    Michelle gave him a stern look, shaking her head disapprovingly. She was so mad at how he behaved


    at times. His interpersonal skills were so damn poor, it wasn''t even funny. He had to be more careful of


    what he said to others.


    "I know! You''re right, babe. I was quite a jerk when I first decided to pursue you. It took such a long time


    to win your heart! Maybe if I were smarter, you''d have be mine much sooner."


    A big smile spread across his handsome lips. With that charm he had, Jasper looked so innocent,


    talking with all honesty to the love of his life.


    "Anyway, howe you''re investing in Dawn Star group now? I just read about it a while ago. I thought


    you were nning to invest in the domestic entertainment industries? Isn''t that right?"


    The two hadn''t seen each other for a while. Michelle had her own studio and its operations to attend to;


    while Jasper had been concentrating on the business development of the firms. That was why she


    hadn''t gotten any updates on his business ns. asionally, they would call each other and talk


    briefly. But that wasn''t enough to have a clear and deeper understanding of how their businesses were


    going on.


    "Rufus once hinted to me, if Dawn Star Group boomed, Tang Group would be deeply threatened. And


    then, Horace would have to keep Rufus in charge of everything. He appointed him to be the CEO


    because he trusts his outstanding capacities. Back then, Rufus was entrusted with a mission that was


    very critical and difficult at the moment. But you know, once thepany is back on track, Horace will


    definitely get rid of him and appoint Lionel."


    Jasper straightened his face, exining things to Michelle patiently. The look on his face became


    sincere and serious the moment he started to talk about work.


    "Gosh, what do you think will happen if Dawn Star Group actually rises to power? Is he nning to


    upset the entirety of real estate industry in G City?"


    Michelle was intrigued. Her eyebrows furrowed, wondering if Rufus was serious about this or not.


    Sometimes, even after being a close rtive to him, Rufus felt like aplete stranger to her,


    someone she couldn''t understand at all.


    She knew he was smart and confident. Ever since he was a child, Rufus had been truly intelligent.


    Compared to his peers, he processed things much quicker and was able to memorise things easily. He


    picked up on new things with curiosity and eagerness.


    For years, he only had his mother to rely on. He trusted her wholeheartedly. It was only when she fell


    ill, that he discovered things about his past. The stories he had heard from his mother overwhelmed


    him, almost broke him. After that, for a very long time, he became very sensitive and eventually,


    rebellious. It was a hard time for both of them.


    However, things changed when Rufus''s mother, Michelle''s sister got bed-ridden. It was like he matured


    overnight. This sudden change in him shocked everyone.


    Rufus showed his extraordinary skills at such a young age. Ten years ago, he got admitted into an elite


    group to receive advanced training with the organisation. He turned out to be one of the smartest


    members. Intelligent and focused, he founded TY group and just within a short period of 2 years, it saw


    huge sess. TY group made a big fortune and continued to remain lucrative till date. People couldn''t


    believe such a young man had already achieved so much. His sharp brain and immense maturity


    impressed everyone in the business world.


    Rufus was always polite to Michelle, showing full respect to his aunt. Yet, she felt like there was


    something that kept things cold between them.


    To her, it seemed like Cassandra''s arrival had changed Rufus drastically. She still remembered the day


    Rufus came to her, asking for a dress for Cassandra. Michelle could tell his eyes were lit up. It was


    then when it first struck her what had been missing in Rufus''s life all this time.


    His sess alone wasn''t enough. He ached for love and affection but needed to build up the courage


    to trust someone.


    Before Cassandra walked into his life, he was a lone wolf who lived with pride, independent in his own


    kingdom. He tended to do things in a straightforward manner. Cassandra changed so many things in


    his life. He craved for her. Before, he had never cared for anyone''s well being.


    Just the way he talked about her bespoken dress revealed how much he cared for her happiness. He''d


    asked Michelle to present the best dress for Cassandra, putting in so much effort to help her design it.


    Michelle was shocked to see him talking so much that day. He''d barely talked to her since his mother


    passed away.


    He told her Cassandra''s favourite colour was blue and that navy-blue suited her smooth ivory skin the


    best.


    A one-piece dress would be ideal for her slim yet curvy figure. She''dpletely dazzle everyone with a


    dress that highlighted her tiny waist.


    She was a girl of unique taste and liked her attires to be entric and very individual to herself. Even


    when she wore the most simple outfits to work, she''d have altered some details such that it spoke of


    taste.


    Rufus''s behaviour shocked Michelle. She never thought a person like him would go to the lengths of


    discussing details for a dress! Her jaw dropped when he came to her with that request so seriously.


    She had to admit that Cassandra had influenced him greatly. He went beyond himself just to make her


    happy.


    "Gosh, Rufus is such aplicated man. It''s so hard to read him! Even though I am a family member,


    sometimes, I find it overwhelming just to face him. He is not that easy going. I wonder how Cassandra


    feels confronting him. It must surely be difficult."

 Chapter 134 Love And Belonging

    Chapter 134 Love And Belonging


    Then the room was enveloped with silence. The awkward situation held the two in a daze and they just


    dropped down their heads in an effort to avoid each other''s eyes. It was Jasper who broke the silence.


    "Oh! Forget it! We''d better not meddle in the way of the youngsters. Everything would be all right as


    long as we two can keep each otherpany."


    Jasper held Michelle''s hand while looking at her with his eyes filled with adoration.


    Michelle let out a sigh of despair. It seemed that they had been left with no choice. She wished that


    they would get over it patiently and considerately. She didn''t want her reckless actions in her youth


    been reyed by them.


    Cassandra froze, eyeing the lift door closing before her. With Rufus''s face gradually fading out of her


    sight, she felt like the world was being shut down upon her.


    She was aching to jump up and hug him to reconcile; she wanted to be like any other woman who


    would run after their boyfriends and give themst-minute hugs before they go.


    But she couldn''t. She was Cassandra, the wife, though nominal, of Rufus''s half-brother.


    Her stomach churned at the thought of Rufus. She wanted desperately to go after him, but she stopped


    herself and pounded her chest slightly with one hand.


    It felt so bad to be in a situation like that. She could do nothing but watch him go.


    Tears welled up in her eyes in frustration.


    Cassandra thought she was strong enough all this time. When her father was put into jail, she didn''t


    lose her nerve but tried every way to minimize the negative impact of the aftermath.


    But for the one she loved most, she felt powerless and could do nothing.


    Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    "Rufus..."


    She whispered his name in a soft voice, but it sounded like she was so feeble and weak deep inside


    that no sound wasing out of her mouth.


    Cassandra didn''t realize until now that she had already fallen deeply in love with him. Her mind was


    always upied by his asional highhanded manner, his unspoken concern for her, and his


    ubiquitous care and support. Rufus had done so many things for her.


    And she did just take them for granted. Cassandra had got used to his kindness. She needn''t utter a


    word and he would jump out from somewhere to get her out of trouble on the dot, without hurting her


    sensitive pride.


    Sadly, Cassandra had nothing to pay him back. She couldn''t give him back the love he was showing


    her since she had to abide by the secr rules.


    Such a forbidden love made her heart ache. Tears from her eyes trickled down, she looked sad and


    forlorn.


    Feeling weak in the knees, Cassandra let herself squat down. She buried her head in her palms and


    sobbed bitter tears. The LED screen in front of her was disying an ascending number, the elevator


    was going up.


    It was getting closer and closer to the floor where she was squatting half-heartedly.


    Then she heard a loud sound as the elevator came to a stop.


    As the door slowly opened, she saw a pair of man''s feet striding out of the lift and halted before her.


    Cassandra raised her moist eyes, to her surprise Rufus''s stoic face materialized in front of her. He


    gazed at her mncholically.


    Surprised as she was, Cassandra hastened to get up, rubbed off her tears with her hands, and forced a


    smile to him.


    "Why... Why did youe back?"


    Instead of replying, Rufus reached over and sped her to his chest. He just kept her in his arms,


    silently, as if trying to knead her into his body, into his blood, and into his soul.


    Cassandra felt hard to breathe, but she didn''t want to break away. She thought she would never regret


    even if she needed to pay the price of life just to be that close to him.


    "Cassandra... Cassandra..."


    The way he whispered her name in her ear sent shivers down her spine. There was a tinge of anguish


    in his low and deep voice.


    "What''s wrong, Rufus?"


    His embrace was somewhat odd, she felt he was giving her a different hug from the way he did before.


    His hugs before were so possessive and captivating; now, however, it felt like he was holding on to her


    to stop her from disappearing.


    Rufus remained silent, he was so immersed with Cassandra''s warmth. With the surge of his emotions,


    he reached out to cup her chin with his hands. Slowly and gently he leaned down to give her a kiss.


    It was just a tender kiss. His warm lips seemed to kiss away all her coldness and distress.


    Cassandra sensed his sadness. She stayed still, leaving him to explore the fullness of her mouth.


    His eyes went strange as the kiss grew deep. Cassandra knew that Rufus had so many mysteries


    buried deep down in his dark eyes.


    She sank into the moment wishing the bliss to be forever, much more that she felt like being a priceless


    treasure cared for by its kind owner.


    For a moment, he stopped kissing and let go of her. Cassandra was held back at the sudden


    interruption.


    "Cassandra, from now on I want to be the first one to know when something has happened to you. You


    know what? I felt like I am such a loser if you prefer to turn to anyone else aside from me when you are


    in trouble,"


    Rufus uttered in dismay, his eyes brimming with pain and adoration. He reached out to stroke her long


    hair and led her head to rest on his shoulders.


    Earlier, he had justnded on the ground floor when Victor who was waiting for him informed him that


    someone had witnessed how Cloris recklessly poured the paint all over Cassandra.


    Hearing the bad news, it suddenly dawned on Rufus why Cassandra took a bath at Dylon''s ce. It


    must be that she wanted to remove the paint before going back to the Tangs.


    He felt sorry for her and immediately turned back to console her. As soon the elevator door opened, he


    was dumbfounded to see Cassandra in tears.


    Her shoulders shook incessantly with sobs. The tears on her innocent face stung his heart.


    He hadn''t expected such a minor misunderstanding would put this woman under such pain and


    distress. Rufus knew that she was sensitive but not to this extent. He took the me and felt guilty for


    hurting her.


    Under his affectionate and caring gaze, Cassandra couldn''t help but feel relieved. She nodded and


    said, "You will be the first one to know whatever happens to me, I promise."


    Tears sparkled in her eyes, like glistening stars breaking through the night sky.


    Rufus let out a sigh and reached out to hold her in his arms. They both enjoyed each other''s warmth;


    and Cassandra felt way better than earlier. Sensing that she wasforted, Rufus took her hand and


    led her downstairs.


    "Rufus, Cassandra, how is the project going on?"


    Rufus and Cassandra had barely stepped into the hall when Horace got up from the couch and asked


    them.


    Cassandra was about to tell him that she was rejected today when Rufus spoke to answer his question,


    "I don''t think we can recapture the whole project of the amusement park, but we might be able to get


    half of it. Besides, the design of the Ferris wheel, the significantndmark, will be assigned to us."


    There was a look of assurance and confidence on his face.


    Upon hearing the reply, Horace breathed a sigh of relief. He had hoped it would be a fat chance to


    retrieve the whole project.


    Now that Arthur had managed to grab this project from the Tang Group, he must have put much effort


    into it. Even if the Tang Group had some insider to mediate over things, there was no guarantee that


    they would retrieve it all.


    The current solution might serve the best ending, neither the Tang Group nor the Dawn Star Group


    would win.


    Cassandra tried to hold back her shock. Howe she heard no word of this news? When had Rufus


    retrieved the half of the project? How did he manage that?


    Plus the Ferris wheel? Was it going to be designed by the Tang Group now?


    Her heart raced at the thought of the big wheel. At one point, Cassandra had given up. She didn''t


    entertain any hope, deeming that thendmark would never have anything to do with her anymore.


    She cast a nce of appreciation at Rufus, for saving her this time against Horace''s inquisitive eyes.


    She knew he was doing it for her.


    She was brought back to her senses when someone rushed into the hall. It was Lionel. He was


    obviously surprised by the immediate appearance of Rufus and Cassandra.


    "Lionel, you will be a father soon. Don''t be so reckless anymore! What is the matter?"


    Horace chided, frowning. ''When would I need not to worry about Lionel anymore? This son of mine is


    not an asset to the business, '' Horace couldn''t help but think about this.


    ncing at Cassandra, Lionel opened his mouth and was about to say something but stopped


    abruptly.


    "Shoot it! Don''t hem and haw!"


    Horace tightened his eyebrows, this time more annoyed at Lionel.


    Upon his father''s tough demand, Lionel spoke straight, "Today, thewyer informed me that we have


    fewer sharespared to the other party who had already got 60%, so this means that we can''t


    acquire the Qin Group!"


    An ominous silence followed as soon as he finished his words. All eyes were on him, though different


    expressions had shown on everyone''s face.


    Cassandra was astounded¡ªshe was still in the Tang family, yet they couldn''t wait to take over her


    father''s business. Their actions had no difference from robbery.


    A scornful smile grew over Rufus''s face. ''How could Lionel be so insensitive and stupid at the same


    time?''


    Horace pointed at Lionel with his trembling hand. Given his look, no one would doubt that he wouldn''t


    be repulsed by the idea of strangling his son at this point.


    "You... How dare you... That''s not what I am asking you!


    You brainless thing! How could you speak of this in Cassandra''s presence? It was so embarrassing!"


    Horace cursed his son.


    "Father, didn''t you just force me to say it?"


    Lionel seemed to have realized his blunder before he resolutely passed the buck.


    Jill hurried toe over and tried to smooth things over, seeing her husband shaking with anger.


    "Stop talking about the business. Let''s first sit down and have a meal. All of you have been busy


    recently ande back homete. Hurry or our meal would turn cold!"


    Jill dragged Horace to the dining room, for fear that he would jump up to kick her son.


    Embarrassed and mad beyond words, Horace staggered the way, eager to escape the demeaning


    scene.


    Lionel, Rufus and Cassandra, were held dazed at the hall. No one dared to disturb the strange


    atmosphere in the air.


    "Rufus, how does it feel to have the equity of Gary''s wife, was it great?"

 Chapter 135 An Accident

    Chapter 135 An ident


    Rufus turned to Lionel''s direction and cocked an eyebrow, expecting some sort of exnation.


    "What are you talking about? Cassandra gets the shares because she''s earned it. I did not have a


    hand in this I swear. What does it have to do with me?"


    Rufus was indignant at Lionel''s mutterings because he knew that Lionel was just trying to rock the


    boat. Lionel turned to Cassandra, "Cassandra, you''re one of us. We can help you manage the vast Qin


    Group. You won''t even have to lift a finger. This is obviously a win-win situation. You realize that, don''t


    you?"


    Rufus''s answer was irrefutable, so Lionel tried to appeal to a different side of things.


    Cassandra sighed deeply, visibly weary and resigned. It was as clear as day the Tang family wanted to


    take this opportunity to acquire Qin Group. Who could me her for wanting to protect it?


    "Listen, Lionel. I will never, ever, give up my father''s legacy to anyone. Even if it is on the verge of


    bankruptcy, I won''t just abandon it at the first sign of reprieve. This is mymitment to my family. You


    glibly said that I was one of you. Now, I want you to ask yourself, and I mean really think about it, if you


    have ever seen me as a member of this family."


    Lionel was as stubborn as a bull. Cassandra was too tired to face him or Horace. She was weary from


    all the hurt pent up inside. She had devoted herself to the Tang family, but they never regarded her as


    part of the family.


    "I lost my appetite. I''m going up to rest."


    Cassandra stood up and promptly turned around, fully intent on just getting to bed, but no sooner had


    she taken her first step than Lionel continued to criticize her.


    "You''re feeling guilty, aren''t you? You are a bona fide employee of the Tang Group, yet you also work


    for Qin Group. I wonder if you have ever used your position to your advantage to seek benefits for Qin


    Group."


    Rufus stared icily at Lionel who was clearly making a fool of himself. He had failed outright in the task


    Horace asked him to do, so now he was just trying to embarrass Cassandra.


    The Tang Group, for so many years, had dominated the industry in G City, but now Rufus saw a slight


    decline.


    He would eventually witness its decline right before his very eyes. Like a frail old man on his deathbed,


    it would eventually sumb to the long, dark sleep.


    A few dayster, Cassandra was in her office, burying herself in work. A messenger came by and gave


    her newmissions. She almost squealed in surprise when she saw that she had received the


    designmission for the Ferris wheel.


    As he promised, Rufus had talked with Dawn Star Group regarding the amusement park project; and


    Tang Group would be in charge of the construction of the Ferris wheel.


    Cassandra''s phone vibrated. It was a text from Rufus.


    "Congrattions, your dream of designing the Ferris wheel is one step closer to fruition."


    Her cheeks turned a bit scarlet red, and she unconsciously closed her eyes and held the phone close


    to her heart, unable to contain the fountain of emotions.


    Good news came when people least expected it. With the river running through the city at its heart, the


    government was pushing for a tourist-centric area to be built which integrated urbanization, scenic


    vistas and food culture. Moreover, a film and television base would be built in the ancient site of G City.


    For a time, the massive undertaking of the industrial area had made headlines.


    With its umted years of experience and solid business in G City, Tang Group had been


    handpicked by the government as one of the most important construction firms of the industrial area


    and was invited to attend the opening ceremony, as well as the grand cocktail party.


    As the best performing designer of Tang Group, Cassandra was also invited to the grand event.


    Her Ferris wheel design was said to have won the heart of thergest investor in the undertaking. The


    investor loved her design so much that he had his assistant hand-delivered the invitation to her in


    person.


    Horace, on the other hand, had been in good mood these days. Although he couldn''t attend the


    opening ceremony due to his increasing frailty, Rufus, Lionel and Cassandra would be there to


    represent him.


    There would also be many investors attending the ceremony. If the Tang Group could attract more


    investments and capital injections, their business would truly boom in the near future.


    The cocktail party was held solemnly after the opening ceremony. Lionel took his wife Cassandra to


    meet and greet different investors in attendance.


    Cassandra could feel a pair of eyes burning holes through her at all times. She knew how he felt.


    But now, she had to be patient. She needed to endure all of this and force a smile while following Lionel


    to clink cocktail sses with celebrities.


    Finally, the party came to an end. Cassandra promptly left and stopped pretending to be in good graces


    with Lionel.


    Lionel, however, stopped her dead in front of her car.


    "I can tell that you don''t want to be with me. Is it that repulsive to be my wife?"


    Lionel''s eyes were red with fury. At the party just awhile ago, Cassandra embarrassed him by refusing


    him when he tried to put his arm around her waist.


    "Lionel, let''s not make a scene here, shall we? We''re still at the party."


    Cassandra lowered her voice and smiled at the passing people, worried that people around might hear


    them.


    "Since you clearly know where we are and who''s watching, we should be seen leaving together."


    Lionel pointed to his car impatiently.


    "Don''t even bother. I used my own car to get here, so now I have to drive it back. Lionel, for a long


    time, I have just seen myself as an employee of the Tang Group. You have to realize that you are not


    my husband right from the start!" Cassandra quipped.


    She forced her way past Lionel, got in the car and mmed the door shut. She was already some


    distance away as she sped away without a moment''s hesitation.


    Lionel could barely contain his anger as he clenched his fists and teeth.


    ''Cassandra, you fucking ingrate!'' he swore inwardly.


    Cassandra was exhausted both physically and emotionally when she got home. She dragged her tired


    legs all the way up to the second floor, craving for her soft bed.


    Ivy was going downstairs, cradling a ss vase. She stopped to talk to Cassandra when they met


    halfway, "Cassandra, Lionel didn''te home with you?"


    Her swollen belly gave her a hard time when walking.


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    "I think he''sing homete. I didn''t stay with him. I left immediately after the event."


    Cassandra gave Ivy a wide berth for her to pass through. She knew that she was a thorn in Ivy''s side,


    so she never once thought of provoking her.


    Cassandra stepped aside to let Ivy pass. Before continuing downstairs, Ivy reached to grabb her


    sleeve, stretching it ufortably.


    "Cassandra, I think it''s time we set things straight. For the record, you know. You''re extremely well-


    known now and have also taken over your father''spany. You have enough on your te. Being


    Lionel''s wife means nothing to you. Why not push for a divorce?"


    Ivy smiled all throughout when she said this, but her eyes were cold.


    "Listen, Ivy, everything I''ve attained so far is all because of my merit and effort. Being Lionel''s wife has


    never even helped getting me to where I am today. All I ask is that you respect me by acknowledging


    that. I am not an idle good-for-nothing. I don''t consume without ever producing!"


    Cassandra knew very well what Ivy was insinuating. She wanted Cassandra out of the Tang family, so


    she could marry Lionel.


    However, Cassandra was tired of being pushed around. She had given it her all to get everything she


    wanted, and she had a good reason to get rid of their marital bonds. No one had the right to judge her.


    "What are you trying to say? That I''m good-for-nothing and all I do is taking?"


    Ivy asked with a scowl etched on her face. Undeniably, Lionel supported her financially, so she could


    act like a socialite in public, living the high life. She knew deep inside that she had nothing besides


    Lionel''s feelings for her.


    "You know what, you and Lionel are perfect for each other. You both twist other people''s words and act


    like the victim. Think whatever you like. I''m tired of arguing."


    Cassandra shook off Ivy''s hand and turned to leave, but Ivy stubbornly grabbed her sleeve again.


    "Who the hell do you think you are, Cassandra? How dare you look down on me? Don''t get all high and


    mighty. I have proof that you lived in the same room with Rufus at the hotel."


    Ivy ferociously stared at Cassandra, like a rabid animal. A diabolical smile slowly formed on her lips.


    No matter how beautiful a woman was, if she was caught in the whirlpool of hate, she would be


    consumed by jealousy. Cassandra now realized how far gone Ivy had gone.


    "A clean hand wants no washing. Nothing has happened between me and Rufus. Now, mind your own


    goddamn business."


    Cassandra grabbed Ivy''s wrist and forcibly removed it from her sleeve. There was helplessness in her


    expression.


    Cassandra was no further than two steps when she heard ss breaking and a bloodcurdling scream


    from behind.


    "Ahh!"! !


    The scream was painful. Cassandra quickly turned to see what had happened. The scene shocked her


    to her core.


    Ivy, with her bulging belly, fell down the stairs. The stairs, with steep steps, were long and winding. Her


    pregnant body couldn''t stop at all.


    She finally stopped andnded on the first floor with a sickening thud.


    At that very moment, Lionel stepped into the hall and witnessed the scene.


    Ivy tumbled down the stairs, while Cassandra was at the top, watching.


    "Ivy!"


    Lionel yelled in panic. He rushed to Ivy, crouched beside her and held her head up.


    "Ivy! Are you alright?"


    He began to tremble violently when he saw Ivy grimacing with a pained expression.


    Ivy smiled grimly, her lips quivering, her brows furrowed.


    "Lionel, believe me. I didn''t want to argue with Cassandra,"


    she murmured and then soon fainted.

 Chapter 136 Ivys Bet

    Chapter 136 Ivy''s Bet


    The quiet vi started to be noisy prompting the servants toe out and check what was going


    on.


    Jill, who had been asleep, was woken up by Ivy''s scream. She sat up with a start.


    "Horace! Wake up! Was that Ivy screaming?"


    Jill shook Horace awake before she got off the bed and ran outside.


    She could not help screaming when she saw Ivy lying lifelessly in Lionel''s arms.


    "Oh my gosh! What happened to her?"


    Jill ran downstairs in a rush, almost knocking Cassandra down when she passed by her. Cassandra''s


    head went nk at that time. She staggered on the impact; her legs buckled and shended sharply on


    the stair; her hand that still held the railing broke her fall. She wasn''t yet to understand what had


    happened.


    "Wake up, Ivy! Driver! Where is the driver? Take her to the hospital. Hurry!"


    Jill grew extremely distressed at the situation. Ivy was pregnant! What if the baby was hurt?


    Everyone was shouting loudly and engaged in taking care of Ivy. Cassandra sensed the darkness


    closing in on her.


    She remembered that she got rid of Ivy''s grip and walked a few steps away. But how had she tumbled


    down the stairs?


    Did she push Ivy with great strength so that she lost her bnce?


    Ivy''s face paled dreadfully. Cassandra felt something terrible might have happened.


    Suddenly, Jill screamed and raised her trembling hands.


    Everyone turned to find her palms covered in blood.


    Lionel lowered his head to see what was wrong. Ivy''s lower body was bathed in blood. It was indeed a


    terrible sight to behold!


    "Ivy! Please! Wake up!"


    sobbed Lionel as he anxiously stroked Ivy''s face.


    However, Ivy still remained motionless, eyes closed.


    Fear had taken hold of Lionel''s heart. The fear was like a venomous shadow that clung on to him.


    This was the woman whom he had loved for many years. He had wanted to marry her. But now she


    had slipped into aa with their baby. How did this terrible situation happen? It was because of her¡ª


    Cassandra!


    Suddenly, Lionel turned in rage and red at Cassandra with hateful eyes.


    "Cassandra, you are a devil!" he bellowed angrily. "Get the hell out of the house! Now!"


    He stared at Cassandra with daggers in his eyes as if the next second, he would cut her into pieces.


    Cassandra could not help shuddering at his re.


    She had never seen such hate in his eyes before. They were like the bloodied eyes of a monster from


    hell that wanted to incinerate her.


    "Cassandra! You are such a hateful person! How heartless of you to push Ivy downstairs! How could I


    not have known that you''re such a cruel woman before?!"


    Jill red at Cassandra. She had been curious about how Ivy had tumbled down the stairs. It was


    Cassandra''s master move!


    Cassandra opened her mouth to exin but no words came out. She did not know what she would say.


    How had she be the culprit? She had never wanted to be Ivy''s enemy and would have never


    hurt her, but now she was being med by everyone.


    Cassandra looked at Ivy lying in Lionel''s arms. Thetter was paralyzed with fear as if Ivy were already


    dead.


    Cassandra came back and was stopped by Ivy. Their conversation was not known to anyone except for


    the fact that Cassandra was present when rolled down the stairs. Lionel had managed to catch her, and


    herst words, just in time. Not only him but everyone would believe that Cassandra had pushed Ivy


    down the stairs because she was envious of her.


    Now, there was nothing she could do or say to clear herself.


    But Cassandra knew that it was Ivy. She had always wanted her to leave Lionel and the Tang family.


    However, her every effort had been in vain. Ivy could no longer bear her presence near the Tangs. Her


    hatred for Cassandra was so consuming that she had risked losing her baby to frame her.


    Everybody knew the importance of this baby to the Tang family. Should Cassandra be med as the


    murderer, there would be no way she could remain in the Tang family any longer.


    What was more, everyone in the Tang family would hate her guts!


    "Take her to the hospital RIGHT NOW. I''ve already called Jenks. The director of the obstetrics is


    heading for the hospital as we speak!"


    Horace was probably the calmest person in the house now. His words steadied Lionel from his grief


    and rage. Lionel came to himself and instinctively knew what he had to do. He picked up Ivy in his arms


    and ran out to the car waiting outside.


    "The apple doesn''t fall far from the tree. Just look at how terrible Vernon is, his daughter is no different.


    Do you know something, Cassandra? I will use you of intentional injury! You will soon be on your


    way to join your father in prison. Go keep your fatherpany!"


    Jill''s words cursed Cassandra venomously. The more she cursed, the more agitated she became. She


    even lunged at Cassandra and roughly picked her up.


    "Don''t pretend to be sad anymore! Ivy is hurt, not you! Why are you sitting on the ground and


    pretending to be the victim!? How are you so shameless?"


    Jill dragged her with great strength. Cassandra almost fell down again.


    "Stop it!"


    Horace''s booming voice reproached Jill in a firm manner. She stopped cursing and fighting against


    Cassandra. He, too, was deeply agitated but he would not attack Cassandra as Jill had.


    "Go back to your rooms and wait for Lionel!"


    Horace shot out his orders. Nobody dared to make a sound after that. A few servants immediately


    attended to the bloody debris of Ivy''s fall. Jill let go of Cassandra, stared hatefully at her and then


    walked to Horace.


    Cassandra sat on the stair and tried to hoist herself with the help of the railing.


    Her head throbbed her body ached. She could not remember how she walked back to her room and


    went to bed.


    Cassandra called Rufus but his phone was turned off.


    The first person she remembered was Rufus when she was desperate, but she was unable to reach


    him.


    She stayed awake and kept an ear open for his return, hoping that she would know instantly when he


    came back.


    But even she had to wait all night, Rufus still did note back.


    Lionel waited anxiously outside the operation room in the hospital. Time seemed to slow down for him.


    It felt like the light inside the surgery room had been on for years.


    Jenks approached the surgery room and Lionel met with him immediately.


    "Uncle Jenks, can you go inside to check on the progress of the surgery, please? Ivy was bleeding


    terribly!"


    Lionel''s face paled. He was no longer the high-handed person he usually was.


    "Don''t worry. I''ll go and check inside. Stay here,"


    Jenks tried to reassure him; but in his heart, he had a bad feeling. When he heard from Lionel that Ivy


    fell down from the stairs, he already had some reservations about the situation.


    Jenks had met with Ivy several times. His intuition told him that she was an intelligent woman. How


    could she allow herself to fall down from the stairs when she was so heavily pregnant? That did not


    make sense.


    When Horace called him, he could vaguely hear Jill cursing in the background, mentioning Cassandra''s


    name. Thus he predicted that Cassandra might have something to do with it.


    Jenks was consumed with mixed feelings when he thought of the things Cassandra had once shared


    with him. He thought that she would have a chance to break free of her cage this time. But now it


    appeared that she would be thrown out instead.


    However, would she be able to fly into the free blue sky again? Or would she be heavily beaten to the


    ground? No one could tell.


    Lionel watched Jenks enter the surgery room, his entire body slumped on the chair upon the doctor''s


    departure.


    He lowered his head and covered his head with his arms, thinking about the words Ivy had said to him


    before she lost consciousness.


    "I didn''t want to argue with Cassandra...I''ve never wanted topete with her...I mean it."


    Lionel closed his eyes painfully. Ivy, the woman he had loved for seven years, the woman with who he


    had spent the most beautiful period in his life, was now lying on the surgery table, precarious, between


    life and death.


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    She didn''t want topete with Cassandra, nor did she dare topete with her. All she wanted was


    his love and the promises he had made to her. But he had not delivered on any of his promises.


    He wanted to be Ivy''s partner, as well. But his marriage with Cassandra was always the unavoidable


    hurdle between them.


    He already decided to stay away from all the women he once had dated. All he wanted now was Ivy''s


    and his baby''s safety on the other side of the wall.


    The door of the surgery room finally opened a few hourster. A doctor came out and walked to Lionel


    with a heavy face.


    Lionel stood up immediately.


    "How''s she doing, doctor? And the baby?"


    Lionel asked, his voice shaking. He looked at the doctor anxiously, expecting a positive reply.


    "I''m sorry about the baby...It is a boy. She''s in a stable condition. But she lost a lot of blood and will


    need some time to recover."


    The doctor extended his hand and patted Lionel''s shoulder lightly before turning back towards the


    operation theatre.


    Lionel felt his world started to copse. ''Sorry about the baby? Why did the doctor say that?


    My baby is already thirty weeks old now! He is about toe to this world!"


    Lionel was unable to see anything in the darkness that enveloped him. For a while, he was in a


    catatonic state until a sharp fact stung his mind.


    "Cassandra!"


    He hissed her name through grinding teeth. The hatred in his eyes burnt in an inferno from hell.

 Chapter 137 We Lost Our Baby

    Chapter 137 We Lost Our Baby


    Cassandra had never paid attention to the sound of the wind so carefully before.


    She hated the wind and the rain. She liked the sun. But tonight, she listened to the gush of the wind all


    night long.


    It was still winter. The windst night was still chilly. It blew through the trees and caused the leaves to


    rustle.


    The wind sounded so sad as if it was worried that it would be soon be reced by the warmth


    someday.


    She kept calling Rufus. But she failed to get through. The automatic voice informing her of all the failed


    call depressed Cassandra. It was the cold voice of the machine, bereft of emotion, that affected her


    deeply.


    Cassandra remembered what Rufus had once said to her.


    "Let me be the one to turn to no matter what happenster, okay?"


    Yes, and here she was, calling him again and again, to do exactly that. However, he was nowhere to be


    seen.


    Finally, daylight came. Cassandra heard the bustle of the servants beginning their preparations for the


    day. She forced herself to bathe and get ready to go to work. However, the moment she opened the


    door, she saw Jill advancing towards her.


    Before Cassandra could greet her, Jill had already raised her hand and pped her in the face with full


    strength.


    "You bitch! Ivy''s baby is gone! Are you happy now?"


    Jill shouted the words as she shivered with rage. Tears rolled down her cheeks quickly.


    "It''s my first grandchild! How did you have the heart to do such a thing!?"


    Cassandra had not recovered from the impact of the p even though she could not feel the pain on


    her face anymore.


    ''How is that possible? Ivy''s baby is gone? It is a thirty-week old baby! And it is growing bigger and


    bigger!"


    Cassandra felt like she was in the most unimaginably horrid nightmare. How she wished everything


    could''ve return to peace when she woke up from the nightmare.


    She closed her eyes and then opened them again. Jill was still standing right before her, crying


    hysterically. Horace stood not far away with his hands behind his back, restraining his emotions.


    There was no expression on his face. But people could feel his anger simmer within.


    Even though Ivy was not his official daughter-inw, she had been living with the Tang family whilst


    pregnant. She was well-mannered and Jill favored her a lot. Horace, himself, bore no ill will towards


    her. Shockingly, she had a conflict with Cassandra just before her due date.


    "Jill, the car is ready. Let''s go to the hospital to see Ivy!"


    Horace did not acknowledge Cassandra. He spoke directly to Jill and led her away. Casandra could


    hear the soft sobs of Jill as she walked away with her husband.


    Cassandra walked downstairs in a daze, her mind nk. Once downstairs, she noticed the servants


    scrutinizing her. They didn''t greet her as warmly as they did before. Instead, they averted their eyes.


    It seems to her now that in their eyes she had be an evil woman.


    Cassandra could not concentrate on work the whole day. She asked about Rufus in a casual manner


    and learned that he had traveled abroad.


    She was at her wit''s end. His sudden, uninformed, absence had struck her harshly.


    After managing toplete her work for the day, she deliberated for long and left for the hospital.


    Ivy had been taken to Jenks''s hospital. Upon reaching, Cassandra asked the nurse about Ivy and


    finally located the room. It was a VIP room on the top floor.


    Standing at the door of the room, Cassandra could hear the unclear whispers and the softs sobs float


    from inside.


    She hesitated for a long time. Finally, she gathered the courage and knocked on the door, holding a


    bouquet of flower in her hands.


    A few secondster, the door opened. Lionel stood at the door. He looked exhausted and weary.


    His eyes zed when he saw Cassandra. His rage raised instantly.


    "Fuck off! I don''t want to see your face!"


    And he turned to shut the door, but Cassandra reached out to stop him hurriedly.


    "It''s for Ivy...the flowers. Please give it to her, please."


    Lionel was beyond mercy. He seized the bouquet from her hand and threw it on the floor.


    "What brings you here? Why have youe? Get the hell out of here! You are thest person we want


    to see!"


    The door mmed shut with a resounding echo.


    The nurses who witnessed the whole scene, fell silent for a while before they started whispering. They


    peeped and pointed at Cassandra while discussing with each other.


    Cassandra lowered her head and smiled bitterly at the flowers.


    Lionel turned around and walked back inside. Ivy knew that it was Cassandra. She implored tearfully,


    "Lionel, she''s your wife, after all..."


    Ivy had been recovering in bed ever since she regained consciousness. She delivered the dead baby


    with oxytocin injection instead of a genuine surgery. So she recovered slightly faster.


    The woman was now lying weakly in bed. Earlier if she had been spurned, she would chart a savage


    course for revenge. However, the loss of baby had greatly affected her. She waspletely


    demoralized and devoid of energy.


    How Lionel wished to see his former arrogant and wilful Ivy. This peaceful and quiet woman made him


    anxious.


    "She will no longer be my wife. I''ll divorce her, immediately!"


    Lionel was heart-broken. His baby was gone thanks to Cassandra. He had hoped to be favored by


    Horace once the child was born. Now his hope was gone with the baby. Holding onto the wife just


    wasn''t something he cared about now.


    Ivy''s eyes sparkled with joy. She lowered her head to hide her joy so that Lionel would not notice it.


    Earlier, she had discovered information that Joel had been prosecuted for giarizing Cassandra''s


    design and selling it to another designer. The Tang Group had suffered major losses due to this


    incident and had incurred a damaged reputation.


    Ivy hated Cassandra so much that she gritted her teeth every time she thought of her. Cassandra not


    only stole her position in the Tangs but also led to the arrest of her brother. This was just uneptable


    for her!


    In a live broadcast, Cassandra even made a speech on the stage as the representative of Tang Group.


    Cassandra was in good spirits while her brother was going jail! ''Why? That is unfair, '' Ivy had screamed


    at that time.


    The baby in her belly had started kicking her. She even lost her delicate figure because of the


    pregnancy.


    She paid a heavy price to get Cassandra out of the Tang family when she had a chance. However,


    Cassandra''s proposal to divorce Lionel was denied by Horace even as the date of the delivery drew


    closer.


    Now there was no turning back for her. Ivy had decided to grab thest opportunity and take a


    supremely risky step.


    Ivy stood behind the curtain at the time, waiting for Cassandra. When she saw Cassandrae in, she


    went out pretending she was going to fill the vase with water downstairs.


    Later, she kept provoking Cassandra, hoping to irritate her. However, Cassandra just responded calmly.


    Finally, she decided to take further steps. She touched Cassandra on purpose and missed her step


    falling downstairs deliberately after Cassandra gently pushed her away.


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    She was also questioning herself during the whole time. A million thoughts ran across her mind. Was it


    fair to the baby? What if something terrible really happened to the baby? Would Lionel feel sad?


    However, it was toote for her to regret when she felt the pain course through her. She struggled to


    say something to Lionel, through her gritted teeth, before she fainted away.


    For the rest of the day, Ivy suffered from great pain. She got through all her battles steadily; the one in


    her belly, the one where she was injected with the oxytocin and the one when she delivered the baby.


    She pretended to have had a change of heart and behaved generously, only in order to win more of


    Lionel''s sympathy. Only in this way would he be incensed enough to ruthlessly deal with Cassandra!


    Everyone knew Lionel was a romantic person. But Ivy was shrewd enough to sense that he might have


    a special feeling for Cassandra. She was his wife but she never allowed him to touch her, not even a


    finger. And Lionel did not force her! He must have a strong protectiveness towards the woman.


    As for Ivy? She had no other way but to put herself and her baby at risk to keep Cassandra away from


    Lionel for the rest of her life.


    Ivy was fortunate. She had won this round.


    After leaving the hospital, Cassandra roamed around aimlessly. She had no idea where she could go.


    If she went back to the Tang house, she would have to face Jill''s wrath. Cassandra had no energy to


    handle her anymore.


    So she decided against going back and booked herself into a hotel.


    She tried to maintain distance from the Tang family. However, Lionel came to her.


    When Cassandra was absorbed designing in her office, Lionel broke in and threw a file at her.


    "Sign it!"


    Cassandra was confused. She took the file. It was a divorce settlement.


    "Cassandra, I want to divorce you. The biggest mistake I''ve ever made during my whole life was to


    marry you!"


    Cassandra stared at the agreement on the desk with mixed feelings.


    She had been desperate to sign this paper, then walk out of the Tang family and forever leave that


    cage with her head held high.


    Now this dream was about to realize but in such an absurd way. She was being dismissed by Lionel.


    "Just sign the damn papers! Do it! Then we''ll go to the Civil Affairs Bureau to get the divorce


    certificates!"

 Chapter 138 Ive Been Missing You So Much

    Chapter 138 I''ve Been Missing You So Much


    Cassandra had signed her name on the dotted line countless times before but this was different. This


    time, she was feeling all sorts of emotions¡ªmost of which was relief. She smiled from ear to ear as she


    signed her name on the piece of paper Lionel handed to her.


    Signing her name on that dotted line was all she needed to finally free herself from the cage she had


    been stuck in for the past years. She was more than happy to do it.


    It didn''t matter if she was framed or not¡ªshe still ended up in the same ce. Now, she could finally


    be free and that was all that mattered to her.


    She didn''t even bother to read through the document¡ªshe just went ahead and signed her name.


    "Don''t you want to have a look at the terms?"


    Lionel was a bit taken aback at how calm Cassandra was. He didn''t expect she would be this cool and


    collected. Cassandra just casually signed her name without putting up a fight or protesting even.


    "I''ll read through them after I''ve signed. I''m sure none of these terms were written up to favor me, but I


    guess the worst would be asking me to leave the Tang family with nothing on my back. I don''t mind that


    because I don''t want to take anything that doesn''t belong to me."


    Cassandra shrugged, her tone was nonchnt but you could tell she wasn''t lying or pretending. It


    really seemed like she didn''t care about not getting any money from the Tang family. Lionel didn''t know


    what to make of this.


    Cassandra was right¡ªthe terms were irond, almost too irond especially for someone who had


    been married to him for five years. Firstly, she would not be able to take anything that came from the


    Tang family when she left. Since she had been working as a designer for the Tang Group, part of the


    terms also stipted that she had to finish the amusement park design withoutpensation. In


    addition, she couldn''t work as a designer for any otherpany in the next two years to preserve the


    secrecy and privacy of the Tang Group.


    The terms were too harsh that Lionel assumed Cassandra would start a spat making it a perfect


    opportunity to humiliate her. However, he was surprised to find her pausing for just a second before


    signing her name.


    She pushed Ivy down the stairs, consequently killing the forting son of his. Who could me


    Lionel for despising her? Lionel specifically asked hiswyer to draw up irond terms that he knew


    Cassandra would protest to. He wanted her to suffer for all that she''d done, but here was Cassandra


    acting like she didn''t care at all.


    Cassandra didn''t care that the Tang family would absolutely abhor her and she most certainly didn''t


    care that she wasing out of this whole deal without receiving a penny. She didn''t care that her life


    as the rich wife of a wealthy man had ended. She didn''t care that they spat all those hurtful words to


    her. She would merely lend them an ear and didn''t even bother retorting anything back. In fact, she


    really didn''t care about any of these¡ªshe just wanted to be done with this whole thing and get her


    freedom back.


    For Lionel, Cassandra was an evil woman because she virtually killed his unborn son. But seeing


    Cassandra''s demeanor today confused Lionel.


    What was Cassandra really thinking? What did she really care about? Lionel had no way of knowing


    the answers to all his questions.


    "All right. I signed all the papers. We can go to the Civil Affairs Bureau now to finalize our divorce,"


    Cassandra said while getting up. She straightened her clothes then turned around to get her coat from


    the hanger. She put on her coat and nced at Lionel, who was still standing and unmoving.


    Cassandra paused then said, "Or I can get a taxi there myself. I will see you at the Civil Affairs Bureau.


    Oh, I almost forgot. Here you go. The keys to the car your father gave me."


    Cassandra dropped the keys on the desk and headed out of the office with her head held high. She


    never looked back.


    Lionel just watched as Cassandra proudly left the office. He watched until he couldn''t see her shadow


    anymore. Then he turned to look at the keys lying on the desk. He was utterly flummoxed because this


    Cassandra was different from the woman he''d been married to for the past five years.


    Meanwhile, Cassandra didn''t expected for things to go as smoothly as she had wished.


    Getting a divorce was much easier than getting married especially, when she made it easy for herself


    by simply signing the papers without a protest. By the time they stepped out of the Civil Affairs Bureau,


    they were no longer married. She finally had nothing to do with Lionel Tang.


    The past five years were like a dream for her. She got married to the son of the Tang family when her


    own family was in need and she left the Tang family when her family was in trouble again. This was


    quite surreal.


    After getting the divorce, Cassandra went back to the house of the Tang family to get her things. Only


    by then did she find that there weren''t many things of her own in that house even though she had been


    married to Lionel for five years. She just packed her clothes and some of her personal effects and that


    was all. All of her other things, apparently, didn''t really belong to her.


    Of course, she also took the unicorn with her¡ªthe one toy that had been in the corner of the closet for


    years now.


    The eyes of the unicorn were still ck and gentle, just the way they were years ago. However, the


    person who owned it had changed so much over the years. Cassandra had grown from that little


    innocent and pure girl to this divorced woman today.


    She suddenly remembered that boy who had caught this unicorn for her. If she could ever see him


    again, she really wanted to thank him again for giving the lonely and depressed girl a warm gift that had


    lit up her whole world at that time.


    The Cassandra now was unbreakable. She was able to survive her former husband''s family framing


    her and divorcing her. They left her without any money even when her own family needed it badly.


    Cassandra was not afraid to get on with her life now that she was free. She thought there was nothing


    else that could break her anymore. She wanted to let the people who really cared about her know that


    she could finally live for herself and be the strong woman they wanted her to be.


    Cassandra knew she could do it, because now the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with


    was going to be by her side. He wasn''t very talkative and was dominantly stoic. The man was a bit too


    stubborn, sometimes even for his own good, but he cared deeply about Cassandra. He treated


    Cassandra differently, like she was special to him. You could see it in his eyes how much love and


    affection he had for Cassandra. She was absolutely smitten and now that she was fresh from a divorce,


    there was no reason why they couldn''t be together.


    In the end, Cassandra packed up only three suitcases. She didn''t take anything that didn''t belong to


    her in the house of the Tang family.


    Jill, her former mother-inw, was in the living room downstairs. She watched or rather, red at


    Cassandra as she moved her suitcases downstairs. The suitcases were heavy and Cassandra


    struggled to bring them downstairs all on her own. Two servants wanted to walk up to help her with the


    suitcases. But Jill stopped them.


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    "She is no longer the daughter-inw of the Tang family. And she''s not the one who pays you. I do!"


    The two servants exchanged nces before retreating. They couldn''t do anything.


    Cassandra snorted. She stubbornly moved her suitcases downstairs by herself. When she finally


    brought them out of the house, she was sweating all over.


    She turned her head back and looked at the house of the Tang family for thest time, then said


    goodbye in her heart.


    The taxi which she had booked arrived. She moved her suitcases in the trunk and got in the car. When


    the driver asked Cassandra where she wanted to go, the corners of her lips lifted into a smile.


    "The Garden Vi."


    This was where Rufus lived. And she had the key to the vi that Rufus had given her before.


    He had said to her that she was always wee in the vi. And now, Cassandra was going to take


    him up on his offer.


    There was a coded lock on the big gate. Cassandra put in thebination that Rufus had told her. It


    was her birthday. Then the gate slowly opened.


    Rufus lived in this big vi alone. He hired a couple of people toe and clean once a week. Other


    than that, he was the only one who lived, ate, and slept here. Cassandra used the key that he gave her


    to open the door to the house. Once she got in, she found that this house felt a bit empty and didn''t


    have a lived-in feel about it. It seemed that Rufus hadn''te home yet.


    As Cassandra looked around the room, she realized that this was going to be her home from now on


    and she couldn''t help but feel excited. She couldn''t wait to live her life and her future with Rufus.


    She went upstairs and chose a room. Then she started to unpack and fix her things. She hung up her


    clothes in the closet and put her unicorn beside the pillow.


    After that, Cassandra went to the nearest supermarket and bought all the things she needed. Then


    when she got home, she started cleaning the house and decorating the room.


    The Spring Festival was nearing. During the four years she spent abroad, Cassandra had always


    celebrated the Spring Festival with her ssmates. But of course, the Spring Festival in Rome was not


    as festive as it was in China. So this year, she was determined to have a good holiday with Rufus.


    Cassandrapletely transformed the whole atmosphere of the vi. Originally, it was just grey all


    over but now she made it lighter and more fun.


    She changed the grey table cloth into light green and put a clear vase with lilies inside on the table.


    Lilies were Cassandra''s favorite flowers. Suddenly, the room seemed toe to life a bit. It was


    starting to feel like home.


    The curtains were wide open, leaving only a thinyer of gauze with whitece. The light at dusk shone


    in through the window, making the whole room glow a golden light.


    Satisfied with her work inside Cassandra went out to the garden with a spade in her hand. She had


    bought two flower seedlings on her way home. She wanted to nt them in the garden so she could


    enjoy a garden of spring with Rufus next year.


    She chose a ce that she thought was suitable for growing flowers and crouched down to dig a hole


    in the mud.


    The setting sun shone down on her body. She looked like a fairy in the dusk light. A few strands of hair


    stuck to her forehead because of her sweat. Cassandra used her arm to wipe away the sweat. And


    right at this moment, she saw a Range Rover slowly slide through the big gate.


    Her eyes suddenly shone with delight. She was just too familiar with this car. She had cried in that car


    and beenforted in that car. It was Rufus''s car.


    Rufus was finally back!


    Cassandra immediately stood up. She even forgot to put down the spade in her hand and wide off the


    mud that was on her clothes. She was just staring at that car with expectant eyes and watching it


    slowly pull over and stop. Then, Rufus got out of the car.


    He was wearing a ck wool coat which made him look somewhat intimidating. Rufus closed the car


    door on his side carefully. He was now facing Cassandra. She could vaguely see his handsome face


    that could make every woman swoon.


    She just could not take her eyes off him, watching his every move with a big smile on her face.


    Cassandra was just so happy to see him. She couldn''t wait to start their new life.


    She knew that Rufus saw her too but he didn''t run towards her and envelope her in a hug like she had


    expected. Instead, he just stood there unmoving, looking back at Cassandra.


    Rufus was far enough that Cassandra couldn''t see the look on his face. She wanted to assume that he


    was just surprised but still nheless happy to see her here. He must be, right? After all, he had


    pleaded for her toe here so many times before but she kept refusing. This time, she came without


    telling him so he must have been surprised.


    And this time, she was ready. She was ready to begin her new life with him. A life of freedom that only


    belonged to Rufus and her.


    What if he asked her why she was suddenly here? How would she answer this question? A lot of other


    questions ran through Cassandra''s mind.


    Her heart was beating rapidly in her chest out of excitement. She stared at Rufus with intense and


    expectant eyes, waiting for him to start walking towards her. But suddenly, something unexpected


    happened.


    The car door on the other side opened, pulling Cassandra out of her trance. A woman dressed in red


    stepped out of the car.


    She had a great body, tall and thin. She was wearing a red hat and a long red coat. The ck


    waistband showed off her slim waist. Even from afar, Cassandra could tell that she was elegant.


    All of a sudden, Cassandra felt that time had stopped around her. She froze in ce and her world


    suddenly seemed so quiet.


    She couldn''t see clearly but she could tell the woman had a smile on her face based on how bouncy


    her steps were.


    She walked to stand beside Rufus, and tilted her head to look at him. Then she grabbed his wrist and


    walked towards the house, dragging him with her.


    They got closer and closer. So close that Cassandra could see the looks on their faces.


    The woman looked at Rufus with a sweet smile on her face. Then she reached out, put her arms


    around his neck and said in a seductive tone, "Rufus, didn''t you know? I have been missing you so


    much."

 Chapter 139 You Have Always Been This Stubborn

    Chapter 139 You Have Always Been This Stubborn


    The world went pitch ck as Cassandra gingerly closed her eyes, then the colors of her surroundings


    burst out when she opened them again. She had imagined her encounter with Rufus countless times


    just several hours before now. Finally, she was a free person¡ªshe coulde to see him without


    being judged and it wouldn''t be against her morals either.


    Maybe, while she slept, Rufus would silently go to her bedside and kiss her gently on the face. The


    tenderness would awaken her from her sleepy form and she would open her eyes in delight. Their eyes


    would meet at the first beam of sunshine, and they would smile at each other.


    Or, she would wee his arrival while she basked under the warmest sunlight at noon. They would


    embrace each other so tight and step on their shadows as if burying all their miseries in the past.


    Or again, he would find her at dusk, where the entire sky would be a wistful red. His eyes would be


    attractively dark brown like always, and he would whisper to her the sweetest words from his heart¡­


    In all the scenes that she had envisioned, there were only two of them. What she had wished for, was


    the life between only the two of them.


    Never in her wildest dreams would she have imagined that when they came across each other again,


    there were three of them¡ªand ironically, she seemed to be the outsider.


    Her eyes scanned down her own body¡ªdark stains were smeared on her clothes, and her hands still


    holding the spade she used for digging were muddy.


    Beads of sweat trickled down from her forehead. Her clothes were glued to her back, and she could


    almost hear the sound of the fabric rubbing against her skin when she started to move.


    This definitely wasn''t an ideal encounter.


    There by the porch stood Rufus and a proud, gorgeous woman by his side. Her eyes didn''t intend to


    hide her boiling contempt for Cassandra.


    A frown marred Rufus''s face. The beautiful woman had asked a question, but her voice was drowned


    in his thoughts. He didn''t respond, as he seemed to be quite confused with what he saw in front of him.


    "Cassandra, what are you doing here?" he asked in doubt.


    His voice wasn''t gentle; his expression wasn''t tender; he didn''t even intend to give her a warm hug. It


    was a totally different scene from her dream.


    He was even holding the hand of another woman. Cassandra didn''t know how to respond, but she


    managed to squeeze out a few words.


    "I¡­I''m just nting some flowers..." Silence hung like a heavy curtain in the air.


    Awkwardness crept through her skin as if she was the intruder who had broken into this property and


    even dug an ugly hole in the yard without the owner''s consent.


    "Isn''t it cold outside? Come in," he said.


    When the words came out of his lips, his brows were still creased, and then he walked into the room.


    The woman beside him followed suit, and Cassandra was left outside petrified like a statue.


    Suddenly, the woman in red whipped her head around and shot Cassandra a meaningful nce. A


    huge smile was stered on her face¡ªit was a smile that meant triumph and victory.


    Her lips curved into a willful smile in silence; then she turned her beautiful, arrogant head back and


    followed Rufus''s footsteps.


    A gust of the night breeze kissed Cassandra''s skin, making it quiver with goosebumps.


    Her body that felt so hot just now after her wearisome activities, was now like it was the coldest thing in


    a winter night.


    ''Who is this woman? Why is she able to hold Rufus''s hand so naturally? Why didn''t he reject her?


    Why was he not excited to see me? Why did he frown at me?'' she asked herself.


    Overwhelmed by the endless questions, Cassandra nkly stared at the half-closed door in a daze.


    The door was abruptly pushed open. The woman poked her head out of the door and glimpsed at her.


    Raising a hand to wave at Cassandra, she sent a flying kiss, and then shut the door.


    Cassandra felt so silly on the inside.


    ''That woman was saying goodbye to me. She even gave me a flying kiss to bid farewell and asked me


    to leave.


    I must look so stupid! I thought I have settle down here, but it turned out that I''ve upied someone


    else''s ce, '' Cassandra ridiculed herself.


    The depressing thoughts swallowed her mind as she retreated slowly. She went back until she reached


    the gate of the yard, then she nced at the faint yellow sky. The sullen sun was setting behind the


    thick gloomy clouds, just like her mood. In a sh, she turned around and ran. Her legs sprinted as if


    she was running for her life.


    ''The wind is blowing fast, isn''t it? Otherwise, why are my tears even blown out?'' Cassandra wondered.


    The wind beat her face and tangled through her hair as she ran even faster.


    The grieving tears streamed down her face and onto her lips. ''That''s salty, '' she thought.


    This ce was not familiar to her. Rufus''s vi was located near the suburb and was surrounded by the


    woods. Hardly any people could be seen in this deste area.


    However, Cassandra just ran and ran, until she lost track of time. It was only when she couldn''t catch


    her breath anymore that she slowed her steps down.


    She bent down and waited for a few moments to regain her breath. Shortly after she looked up at the


    sky and as far as she could see, the only thing beyond the woods was the orange sun. It radiated a dim


    glow which painted the entire horizon of its color before it fellpletely behind the trees.


    Her stiff body stood still as she watched the sun disappear bit by bit into the horizon. Soon enough,


    darkness fell.


    ''Cassandra, you see. You have waited from dawn till night. What you actually saw was not Rufus whom


    you have desired, nor the happy future that you have always dreamed about.


    It''s too bad that this is only a wishful thinking on your part, '' she internally scorned at herself.


    A bitter smile graced her lips as she grinned at her silliness and naivety.


    What kind of person was Rufus Luo? He was Tang Group''s CEO, Horace Tang''s son, the most


    promising young man in G City''s real estate industry. Everyone had heard of his name.


    He was known to be cold, harsh, and firm. He could dictate the fate of others; he could have anything


    he desired. That was the man Rufus was. How could she innocently believe that he was hers?


    That was quite ridiculous! As far as she knew, she was miles apart from the naive young girls who


    dreamt of princes to love. How could she fall into the trap of a man who just asionally cared for her?


    Was it because she had craved for love and affection for so long?


    ''Cassandra, you are an idiot!'' she berated herself.


    When she felt so lonely in the darkness of the woods, she recalled that Rufus had said that he would


    give her a home so that she wouldn''t have to wander around in search for a shelter. However, right now


    in the dark night, she had no ce to go. How was he going to keep his promise?


    "Cassandra! Why are you here?"


    The woman turned around in search of the sudden voice that called out her name.


    When she recognized the familiar voice, she surprisingly felt like a little deer caught by a hunter.


    Or else, why would Dylon happen to be around every time when she was so helpless?


    Her body turned around and there she saw Dylon with a heavy set of photography equipment in his


    arms. He stared at her in surprise.


    Cassandra''s eyes darted from left to right as she fumbled for an answer. "I¡­I am just here for the


    sunset," she sputtered.


    She had no idea how to exin to Dylon why she was there alone. As much as she wanted to vent her


    feelings to someone, she didn''t even know where to start so she just found herself a simple excuse.


    "Wow, really? I am also here for the sunset!" the ardent lover of photography eximed.


    His smile shone cheerfully as usual, and its infectious delight seemed to have driven some coldness


    away.


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    "Dylon, let''s go to the bar!" Cassandra suggested out of the blue.


    The strong urge to get drunk got the better of her. If she was drunk, she could forget all about the


    sorrows, miseries, and the agonies in her heart.


    She raised her head from behind the curtain of her hair and looked pleadingly at Dylon.


    "Let''s go to the craziest bar of G City and drink the most bitter beer!" she eximed.


    Meanwhile in Garden vi, Rufus did not notice the secret activities of the woman beside him, neither


    was he aware of Cassandra''s reactions. When he got inside the house, the scene that greeted him


    caught him by surprise.


    The theme color of the living room was changed from its old gloomy grey to a lively green¡ªgreen table


    cloth, green nts, and the greenish lily flowers which gave off a tinge of floral aroma.


    The whitece curtain swung gently in the breeze. He felt as if he had entered an entirely new house.


    A knowing smile crept on his cheeks. ''It seems that the little woman has renovated the room to start


    our new life!'' he mentally apuded.


    His fingers gently caressed the lilies, whose leaves still held a few water droplets. The fresh flowers


    randomly reminded him of the fresh, pure young woman who was seen gardening in the yard just now.


    Her movements were clumsy, but still enchanting.


    He didn''t want to show his intense feelings for her in the presence of others, though. That was why he


    tried so hard to suppress his care and concern and coldly scolded her. He didn''t actually fake?all his


    irritation. He really was angry when he saw Cassandra in the cold without her warmest clothes. How


    could she be so careless about her own health?


    Her health condition wasn''t the best as she had always been weak and fragile, and hospitalized


    frequently. She didn''t take care of herself in this chilly winter again. Rufus had to scold her so she


    would listen to him next time.


    "Amanda, wait a second. The stuff is upstairs. Let me get it for you," he said.


    After he spoke, Rufus made a beeline for the second floor.


    Amanda Ke requested contact details of all real estatepanies in G City. She said she wanted to


    invite representatives of thesepanies to her concert, and she didn''t want to miss any of them; and


    the relevant documents were in his study on the second floor.


    The study was at the end of the corridor. Before he reached it, he suddenly stopped midway and went


    a few steps back.


    There was one room whose door wasn''tpletely closed. The door mildly swung with the gentle


    wind.


    A hand gripped the door handle, and Rufus pushed the door open.


    Then he fell into another world. This room had been empty as he remembered it, but it was now filled


    with the scent of the little woman.


    The bed was tidy and clean, and the windows were free from dust.


    He noticed that the windows were open, which he guessed could be for venttion purposes. After all, it


    had been quite a while since someone lived here.


    A white doll suddenly caught his eyes.


    For some strange reason, Rufus slowly walked towards the bed and picked up the little white doll.


    It seemed old from its faded fabric and slightly rough texture¡ªit must have been washed many times.


    However, the owner of the doll must have cherished it so much that even though it had endured many


    years, it was still clean and white.


    The doll was a stuffed pony with a horn. Oh, that didn''t really sound right¡ªit was actually a creature


    from the fairy tales, and had a name of its own. It was called a unicorn.


    The gates of his mind suddenly burst open, and the memories that had been buried for ages flooded


    his consciousness. He recalled a lonely little girl in his thoughts.


    She stood alone in front of the w machine. She had been so amusingly determined that she dropped


    her coins into the machine one after the other even if she failed in all her attempts. Still, she was not


    willing to give up.


    ''Well, Cassandra, it seems that you had always been this stubborn, '' he thought.

 Chapter 140 Where Have You Been

    Chapter 140 Where Have You Been


    Long ago, in his younger years, Rufus was quite a rebellious child. He had lived with his mother ever


    since his birth, and had never seen his father. By chance, he knew that he was the bastard of Horace,


    the kind of bastard who would never be legitimized by his father because of thetter''s ambition.


    At that time, he was not yet mentally mature enough to ept the cold, harsh truth. Daily, he constantly


    felt defeated, depressed and dejected.


    Ever since the day he could form coherent thoughts, his mother had constantly told him that his father


    had passed away, and he was thest thing on his father''s mind even on his deathbed. Using that as a


    driving force, his mother pushed him to strive hard in his studies.


    And he believed it. With all his heart and soul he believed that he was loved by a father he had never


    seen. He believed that he was never deprived of love. He was determined to live his life to the fullest, in


    honor of his father, who did not have the chance to live long.


    He worked hard; he obtained the best grades; he was the posterchild of brilliance in everyone''s eyes.


    However, things started to change when Rufus turned 17. His mother''s health condition worsened. Her


    low blood pressure that gued her for years has pushed her body to the brink of copse.


    Maybe she was afraid of taking her secret to the grave, or maybe she was afraid of leaving her child


    alone in the world after she passed away. So she eventually decided to tell him every bit of the truth


    about his lineage.


    It turned out that the truth was too much for him to bear. He became a rebel for some time.


    He missed school; even if he did attend, he would only stay for half the lesson. He was also involved in


    a lot of fighting. In no time, he went from being the exemry student to a problem child, one who


    brought forth headaches for all the teachers and his frail mother.


    One day, he was reprimanded by his teacher. After much arguing, he was fed up and stormed out of


    school.


    While wandering around, he happened upon a stubborn little girl.


    He examined her uniform and realized that she was from another school. The skirt ended only above


    her knees. Rufus couldn''t help but stare at her exposed legs.


    She seemed to be obsessed with a w machine. He couldn''t keep count of how many coins she had


    put in.


    One, two, three¡­ She promptly inserted her coins into the slot of the machine, yed, but all seemed


    futile.


    Rufus stepped closer to the girl and observed her intently. Her earlobes were surprisingly tiny, and her


    skin was spotless and smooth.


    Her eyshes were elegantly long, and would swing everytime she moved. She stopped and stood


    still, gazing at the metal arm of the machine.


    Slowly, the arm inched closer to the white unicorn and lowered to grasp it. It always dropped close to it,


    but just couldn''t hold on long enough to pick it up.


    It was herst try. She had run out of coins. The tip of her nose was caked in tiny beads of sweat¡ªshe


    was nervous.


    To her dismay, the metal arm once again failed to get the toy she desired.


    Her shoulders slumped in defeat. She was visibly upset. As much as she wanted to try again, she was


    out of coins and had to go.


    Then, an idea formed in Rufus''s mind. He fumbled around his pocket and took out a coin, which he


    promptly inserted in the slot.


    Beating the w machine was pretty tough, but it could be very easy as you get the hang of it. The


    fundamental rule when it came to this game was to be fast and precise, which required a certain level


    of skill.


    It just happened that Rufus was a master of this. Most of the time, his ssmates would turn to him for


    help with this game. He had gotten so many prizes that he had literally got bored with it.


    But today, for some strange reason, he was moved by this little girl''s determination. She was so


    stubborn that she had spent so much just for that one doll.


    She could have easily bought a few dolls with the amount of money she spent.


    How silly she was!


    That was why he decided to interfere. Without any effort, he got the unicorn.


    The little girl was speechless when she finally grasped the doll she wanted so much. Her cute mouth


    was agape in shock. She was so cute.


    His voice was as tender as the warm glow of the afternoon sun. He just pushed the unicorn to her


    chest, and she epted it with both hands.


    "Here you are. It''s yours now. Next time, if you know you''re not good at it, don''t y it. You''ll just end


    up disappointed. And disappointment," he wagged one finger in front of her face, "is no good."


    He was right. Disappointment was no good at all. It was what made him a totally different person,


    stripped of his ambition and hope.


    Still clutching the doll, the little girl raised her head and stared at him nkly.


    Rufus took onest look at her before turning around to leave.


    Never had he seen the girl again.


    She left asting impression on him. He couldn''t ever forget her stubborn look. Maybe he saw himself


    in her at that moment. Then maybe what he couldn''t forget, was his stubborn self.


    After snapping back to reality from his daydream, he examined the familiar white unicorn in his hand.


    He couldn''t stop grinning.


    ''I see, Cassandra. That stubborn little girl by the machine was you, huh? It is indeed our fate to fall in


    love with one another, '' he thought.


    Having scanned the room, he could tell that she had atst moved all of her things in. This meant that


    she had finally left the Tang family and was free from the shackles of marriage with Lionel.


    A few days ago, he had been overseas handling some business matters. He was such in a hurry that


    he had no chance to tell the others about it. A lot of things had happened while he was gone, it


    seemed.


    Putting the reminiscent doll by the bed, he then walked out of the room, and went to the study to


    retrieve the name list Amanda had requested.


    With a mischievous smile on her face, Amanda opened her arms to embrace him.


    "Thank you, thank you, thank you, Rufus! It''s been so long. How about we grab dinner together? I can


    cook for you. My cooking skills are as good as my piano skills!" she proudly eximed.


    Amanda had been searching for him all these years, and now she finally found him. He had be


    even more handsome and mature than the man from her memories. He was so much more attractive


    now, as well!


    A feeling of regret crept into her heart. She shouldn''t have let him go. Back then she was too young


    and naive. She believed that she could find herself a better man. Even when they had been through


    hell together, she still left Rufus.


    As she recalled the past, she med herself for being so stupid.


    The good thing was, she thought, that it was not toote yet. Luckily, she learned from her past mistake


    and would definitely do it right this time! She was never going to give up until Rufus''s heart was hers!


    However, Rufus politely refused, "No, it''s okay. I have dinner ns with my girlfriend. I don''t have time


    to spare. I might have to take a raincheck on this one."


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    For a brief moment, when he mentioned his girlfriend, a rare kind of tenderness surfaced on his


    expression. It was also the first time she saw so much of contentment in his eyes.


    Warning xons rang in her head. ''Girlfriend? Was he referring to the woman who was dressed like a


    gardener in the yard he asked me to stay away from?'' she wondered.


    She even went towards the strange woman and asked her to go away. ''Could she be the girlfriend


    Rufus was talking about?


    How could Rufus settle for such a simple woman?'' she pleaded inwardly.


    Unable to contain her curiosity, she blurted out, "Your girlfriend¡­ You mean the woman who was


    digging a hole outside just now?"


    Amanda stammered when she asked this. How could that dirty woman be so deserving of Rufus''s


    caliber?


    A satisfied and warm smile formed on his lips, which irritated Amanda.


    "Yes, and her name is Cassandra. She''s my girlfriend and soon-to-be wife," Rufus answered proudly


    He had been so cold towards Amanda the whole afternoon, but at the mention of Cassandra, his face


    lit up like a Christmas tree. Amanda''s heart sank.


    She was aware that someone as handsome and fetching as Rufus had no shortage of admirers. As


    someone who was once an important part of his life, she knew that the only thing he was concerned


    about was to strengthen himself. He wanted to make his father regret abandoning him and his poor


    mother.


    At that time, even though they were a couple, Rufus just couldn''t give her any sense of certainty.


    He didn''t know how to flirt with girls; he was so rigid even when he was on a date.


    Amanda was once attracted to his appearance, but fell for his outstanding qualities. However, Rufus


    was aplete stranger to love. He knew nothing of romance and the subtle nuances of a functioning


    rtionship. Even though she loved him, she had to gave in to her father''s strong opposition.


    But now, Rufus was radiant. He smiled brightly for a woman, and even went as far as dering her as


    his future wife! Amanda started to doubt whether someone reced the Rufus she knew so long ago.


    "Well, your fiancee is gone,"


    Amanda jeered as she pointed towards the yard.


    Rufus was taken aback for a moment before he ran towards the door. She was right. The only thing in


    the yard was the small hill of mud¡ªCassandra was nowhere to be seen.


    He then peered at the main gate. He remembered closing it with his remote, but now it was wide open.


    Cassandra took off!


    "Amanda, I''m sorry but it seems I don''t have any more time for you today. I have to attend to this


    matter. Let me send you off."


    Before Amanda could say anything, he pulled at her arm and took her out of the vi. Then taking out


    his phone, he called Victor, "Get to Garden Vi fast. You need to pick someone up, in 5 minutes!"


    After letting go of Amanda, he went out to the main road and looked around. He wondered, ''Where did


    the little woman go?''

 Chapter 141 Got Drunk In A Bar

    Chapter 141 Got Drunk In A Bar


    The wind was chilly at night, making Rufus shiver. Suddenly, it urred to him Cassandra wasn''t


    wearing a jacket earlier that day when he saw her. She might be feeling warm while working in the


    garden. But where could she be right now?


    He worried that she would catch a cold or fever since she was only wearing a flimsy blouse with a


    knee-length skirt.


    She had just been nursed back to health and was finally getting better. The idea of her falling sick again


    worried Rufus.


    Presently, he stood outside the gate with Amanda, waiting for Victor. Amanda could tell Rufus was


    distracted. She already assumed it was about Cassandra without even asking him. She couldn''t


    believe Rufus would concern himself so much about other women. Amanda remembered when they


    were dating back then, he was always too cool. It was rare to see him behave like this, so on edge.


    Amanda had never been able to forget Rufus since she had left him. They were, after all, each other''s


    first love and he was such an outstanding man. The breakup had scarred her emotionally and she kept


    thinking of him for years thereafter.


    The situation was such that she was forced to breakup with him because of the pressure from her


    family¡ªher father didn''t approve of Rufus. She had tried to revolt against him in the beginning but it


    was no use. Her father won atst, leaving her no choice but to break up with Rufus.


    She still remembered the look on Rufus''s face when she told him she couldn''t be with him anymore.


    His eyes were a strangebination of intense fury and sadness. She remembered him clenching his


    fists, pursing his lips. He didn''t utter a single word.


    He didn''t ask her for an exnation, didn''t beg her to stay. He was still Rufus,posed as always,


    even in the face of such shocking news. To her surprise, he turned around, walking away with


    determination and leaving her alone in a void.


    She told herself if Rufus turned around or even so much as halted, she would run to him. To hell with


    her father, her family, the world, this was the man she loved!


    But as it turned out, he didn''t stop, not even for a second. Eventually his figure disappearing in the mist.


    Tears started to flow down her eyes and in no time, turned to howls. She fell down to her knees, crying


    as if there was nothing left for her in the world anymore. She knew then she could never forget what


    they had, and surely now, yearster, she still remembered every single thing from then.


    But now, Rufus was a changed man. Hisposure was gone. He had finally allowed himself to show


    his vulnerable side to someone. He had begun to show warmth, care, concern and worry.


    Rufus''s mind was still wandering and was only brought back to the current moment by a car that


    whooshed by them.


    The car looked very familiar to Rufus. This was the same car Dylon and Cassandra had gotten into that


    night after they had dinner together. Rufus had ended up following them, feeling angry and betrayed.


    And sure enough, they were together again. He could make out Cassandra''s silhouette in the


    passenger seat. He was sure, it was her.


    For a moment, Rufus forgot to breath.


    ''Why is Cassandra with that man again? What is the rtionship between them?'' Rufus''s head


    exploded with a hundred questions, his heart beating fast.


    "Miss Ke, where are are going?"


    Victor finally arrived. He opened the door for Amanda but she stood still, pouting. Her eyes were stuck


    to Rufus''s obviously distracted face. She kept looking at him in the hope that he would offer to drive


    her.


    Rufus didn''t notice her expecting gaze at all. He opened his mouth, gasping. Amanda''s heart raced


    thinking he would say something, but nothing came out of his mouth. Just then, he started walking


    towards the backyard. Hastily, he got into his car, determined to catch up with Dylon''s car.


    "Miss Ke, allow me to drive you home,"


    Victor offered again, clueless. He looked at her eyes brimming up with tears.


    Amanda suddenly felt depressed. Why hadn''t Rufus been gentle like this when they were together?


    Why was it that this woman made Rufus act so impulsively?


    The emotions overwhelmed her. She couldn''t bear to see this.


    She truly believed Rufus was hers and hers alone. They belonged together. He was the most


    handsome and intelligent person she had evere across in her life, and no one made her feel like


    this. Whoever this other woman was, she couldn''t let her tear them apart.


    Amanda nodded her head at Victor and got into the car, immediately texting someone.


    N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    This was what the text read: Help me check in on a person. Her name is Cassandra Qin. Give me as


    much information as possible.


    A few miles away, Dylon drove smoothly before he stopped at a red light. Cassandra lifted her head


    casually and what she saw in front of her eyes had her dumbfounded.


    On the other side of the road was a huge billboard, mounted at the side of a building. Manymps


    threw light on it. It was very eye-catching.


    It was about a concert that was to happen in the famous theatre in G city during the Lantern Festival.


    The billboard was painted fully in white and red, lookingpletely stunning and mesmerizing under


    the glow of the warm, yellow lights.


    There was the image of an elegant woman, wearing a red gown. She shed a wless smile, looking


    very ssy and confident. Her arms were almost muscr but had smooth skin.


    Ah ha! She must be a pianist, sitting on a stool in front of the white grand piano.


    The slogan in the billboard went like this, "A must-visit concert performed by the world-famous pianist,


    Amanda Ke. Let the music take you away."


    Her eyes moved all over it. In the top right corner, under the list of sponsors she saw the logo of TY


    Group.


    Her eyes flipped back to the woman. She was so beautiful, gorgeous and headstrong. Her body


    language spoke of her dignity and confidence. Cassandra was sure people would simply fall in love


    with her.


    "Amanda Ke¡­"


    Cassandra read the name softly, as it finally hit her.


    It was her, the very woman who had held Rufus''s arm before, telling him how much she missed him.


    Cassandra remembered thinking how good they looked together, natural and sweet, like a perfect


    couple.


    It turned out Cassandra was living a dream, a dream in which she and Rufus had fallen in love. But it


    seemed like now it was time to wake up.


    They headed on, sooning to a halt in front of the biggest bar in G city. The valet guy parked their


    car as they walked towards the entrance.


    Utter noise hit their ears the moment they got in. Cassandra hastily walked to the counter, already


    ordering several kinds of drinks from the menu.


    Dylon leaned on the counter, smiling at her ordering her drinks. "Cassandra, do you n to get drunk?"


    He thought she simply wanted to have fun.


    "Yes, Dylon. Let''s get drunk and have some fun tonight!"


    Cassandra raised the wine ss, chugging it entirely in a single go.


    The men around her started to hoot, pping their hands together. A woman drinking whiskey like that


    was sure to attract some attention.


    Dylon looked at Cassandra with his mouth open in amazement. He had never seen anyone drink like


    this! And definitely not whiskey!


    The alcohol already got Cassandra by the time she finished the second drink. But then she felt good, a


    warm feeling trickling down her chest. All her thoughts were just background noise now.


    ''Alcohol is a good thing'', she thought. Indeed, for a person who needed to get rid of their sadness and


    trouble, it was a good thing.


    So amazed by her own thought, she burst intoughter. Dylon noticed how beautiful she looked as her


    cheeks blushed. All the men around were looking at her too.


    "Dylon, aren''t you¡­ drinking with me?"


    Cassandra patted on Dylon''s shoulders, tilting her head, disappointed.


    "Of course I am! Let''s get drunk tonight!"


    Looking at her loosing herself like that, he didn''t feel like being left behind. Immediately, he reached for


    a shot.


    But his alcohol tolerance was much better than Cassandra''s. By the time he put down the ss,


    Cassandra had almost fallen from her chair.


    "Oh my gosh, Cassandra. You can''t drink! Why didn''t you tell me?"


    Dylon felt regretful. If he knew she couldn''t drink at all, he would never have brought her to a bar. Well,


    there she was, drunk already.


    He held her arm to provide some support. Right then, a tall man showed by their side. He pulled Dylon


    back, grabbing him by his shoulder and lifted Cassandra up, flinging her on his own shoulder and


    walked straight out of the bar without uttering a single word.


    Dylon was in shock. He stood up immediately and followed him, soon finding out it was Rufus.


    Rufus was very angry. How could Cassandra go to a bar and get drunk with another man!


    He had followed them to the bar. As soon as he walked in, he spotted Cassandra chugging a drink.


    She couldn''t even sit properly after 2 shots of whiskey!


    Rufus saw how the men around her were looking at her body.


    He couldn''t take it anymore and decided to get her out of this ce. Now, he felt Dylon''s hand on his


    shoulder.


    "Mr. Luo, I don''t think it is appropriate for you to carry your sister-inw like this."


    Rufus shed his angry eyes at him. Dylon could see how angry he was. But for Cassandra''s


    reputation, he gathered his courage to stop Rufus.


    ''Sister-in-Law?'' Rufus squinted at the thought. It seemed like Dylon didn''t know Cassandra and Lionel


    had already gotten divorced.


    He realized that at least he knew this before Dylon did! That thought relieved him, somehow as a proof


    of him being closer to Cassandra than Dylon.


    "Go ask your father what really happened to the Tang family."


    Rufus himself had learnt about the incident on the way to the bar. He knew it had to be Ivy who had


    gotten Cassandra into this situation. As he thought more and more about this, he felt sorry that she had


    gotten kicked out of the Tang family mansion and had to take all the me by herself. He felt frustrated


    at not knowing how to reduce her misery.


    After saying that, he just ignored Dylon and walked out of the bar carrying Cassandra on his shoulder.


    Heid her down on the backseat of the car and drove directly to his mansion.


    Even lying down, Cassandra felt dizzy. She couldn''t tell where she was. The smell around her was


    familiar. For a while, she kept trying to recollect everything and then suddenly, she opened her eyes


    wide, sitting up.


    Rufus! It smelled like Rufus. She murmured, "Rufus! Rufus!"

 Chapter 142 Youre Bringing Me The Hope

    Chapter 142 You''re Bringing Me The Hope


    Rufus mmed the car brakes all of a sudden, pulling the car to an halt.


    He turned around to check on Cassandra who was sitting in the back seat. Her face was extremely red


    and her eyes were closed with her eyshes moving slightly as she frowned. She seemed to be


    suffering from pain. She was murmuring his name and some inaudible words which Rufus couldn''t tell.


    Rufus held his breath and leaned closer towards the backseat, trying to discern what she was saying.


    Thankfully, he recognized some of the words she was saying. She said ''homeless'' and ''desperate.''


    All of a sudden, Rufus remembered their conversation that time. He had also pulled over by the road,


    and told her that he would be standing by her side at any time.


    He promised to love, protect and cherish her. He said that he would always be with her and give her a


    home.


    Rufus was silent for a moment. Then he thought, ''Cassandra, why are you talking about this? Are you


    reminding me to fulfill my promises?'' Rufus asked himself as he looked at Cassandra''s innocent face.


    Facing the steering wheel now, he smiled happily, then sped up and drove to his ce directly.


    As soon as they arrived, he carried Cassandra up to the bathroom. He filled the bathtub with warm


    water as it would help a drunk person sober, then gently ced the woman inside the warm tub.


    He wanted to take her clothes off; but unexpectedly, thedy who had been quiet and dazed suddenly


    began to struggle heavily.


    She was pushing and shoving whoever or whatever within her reach. Both her hands and her legs


    were desperately swinging and plunging in the air, causing the water in the tub to be spilled everywhere


    on the bathroom floor.


    "Go away! Don''t touch me! Go away!"


    With her eyes still closed, Cassandra''s eyebrows were frowning. She exerted her utmost strength and


    struggled to fight despite being half conscious.


    "Be a good girl, Cassandra. Calm down! It''s me, Rufus!"


    Rufus was holding her in his arms all this time so she wouldn''t hurt herself. Taking off her clothes was a


    struggle for Rufus, especially when he was doing it with only one hand.


    "No, Rufus! We can''t do it!"


    Cassandra opened her eyes, it was obvious however that her head was still nk. She couldn''t even


    recognize the man in front of her.


    Rufus reckoned that she hadn''t recovered from being drunk yet. Probably she even forgot that she had


    already been divorced, that was why she kept saying no to him.


    With the warm water wrapped on her body, she started to recover and regain consciousness gradually.


    Minutester, Cassandra slowly opened her eyes, focusing on the man right in front of her. She


    couldn''t help but be amazed at the handsome features of his face.


    He was still so gorgeous, with the usual cool face, the face of her savior, her protector, and the one


    who came to her every time when she needed help. This face belonged to the man she loved!


    Cassandrazily reached out and stroked his face gently. She thought all the while that she was in a


    sweet dream.


    As her hands touched his face, however, it felt so real. She could feel the warmth from his skin and the


    scent of his perfume lingered through her senses.


    "Are you done touching me?"


    Rufus asked, trying to suppress his desire aroused by her touch. His voice was so soft, so gentle and


    so soothing.


    "Hmm?"


    Cassandra moaned as she wondered why this dream seemed to be so real. But before she could


    figure it out, she felt gentle hands lifting her head. Rufus began kissing her.


    Cassandra''s throbbing head suddenly cleared at the warmth of Rufus''s kiss. She wasn''t kissing him


    back for she was surprised at the turn of events. ''Why am I here?'' she asked herself.


    She desperately wanted to clear things out with Rufus. She tried hard to push him away, but she failed.


    Rufus held her even tighter and his kisses grew deeper.


    "Cassandra, you know how much I cared for you. You have gone through all toe to me. Now it''s


    my turn. Let me show you how much I love you," whispered Rufus.


    Cassandra''s cheeks flushed crimson red. She started to feel the warmth rising up her body. Soon


    enough, she felt weak all over.


    "Rufus..."


    Her feeble tone made Rufus crave more from her. He wanted to pour out his love for her, the long-


    concealed passion and yearning he had for her.


    His eyes darkened, and he was no longer unable to control himself...


    The beautiful night turned out to be a great and passionate night for Cassandra and Rufus. They


    shared the love and enjoyed themselves to the mirth and passion without any bars hold. Rufus wished


    the night would be longer and Cassandra felt way happier in the arms of the man she loved most.


    The next morning, the birds chirruped clearly, teasing Cassandra''s ears. Rufus''s smell lingered under


    her nose and she opened her eyes looking around.


    Pulling herself up, she blinked her eyes and cleared her vision.


    She was in a totally strange room with a masculine design style. Obviously, it belonged to a man.


    Rufus leaned an elbow on the pillow and watched her waking up. A charming smile appeared on his


    face.


    "Good morning, my Sleeping Beauty," he muttered under his breath.


    Cassandra did not realize it at first. She held her breath upon setting her eyes on the half-naked man.


    The next second, memories ofst night shed back her mind. She found herself in the devil of a hole.


    Cassandra recalled how loud and daring she wasst night, and she also remembered that Rufus was


    angry yetughed at her because of her childish behavior. Turning her head towards Rufus, she


    warned him saying, "Rufus, you are my man now. I don''t want any other woman near you!"


    The queen pressed his chest and looked at him condescendingly as if she would kill him should he


    dare say no and argue with her.


    Though, in Rufus''s eyes, that was pretty cute. She had been resistant to him in the past but this time,


    she became so bold, which totally surprised him.


    Rufus reached out and stroked her face with a coltish smile on his face.


    "What? You''re warning me so soon after we spent a beautiful night together?"


    Cassandra turned away awkwardly to avoid his eyes. She couldn''t bear to think of what she didst


    night at the sight of his evil smile.


    ''Oh, Lord! Alcohol is the root of evil!'' she cursed herself.


    Rufus and Cassandra first met and had sex because of alcohol. Now it happened again. She was


    drunk and they made love again!


    Cassandra swore to herself that she would never drink again!


    Rufus saw through her and knew that she was being shy. He took something from the bedside table


    and put it on her pillow.


    Cassandra was on the her side of the bed. Rufus extended his hand from behind suddenly and pulled


    her over to turn and face him. Then slightly opening her eyes, Cassandra saw it.


    The small white unicorn seemed to be looking at her with gentle eyes and the smile resting on its


    mouth reminded her some memories from the past.


    "Do you still remember who gave this to you?" Rufus gently asked her.


    He was not making more fun of her. His voice turned gentle and affectionate.


    Cassandra reached out for the doll and held it in her arms. It made her feel warm at heart.


    "A strange boy gave it to me. I couldn''t catch any dolls from the w machine. So he got it for me."


    Cassandra''s heart was ddened at the thought of it. This doll was her only friend during her childhood


    days. It was from a strange boy, and she was thankful to him for it warmed her all these years.


    Rufus smiled slightly and cleared his throat. He extended his arm in a position that seemed like he was


    waiting for her to give him a hug.


    "You didn''t thank me at that time. But you have the chance now,"


    He spoke with a gentle expression on his face. Cassandra suddenly opened her eyes wide at his


    revtion.


    It was sunset when the boy gave her the doll. Before leaving, he said something softly to her,


    "Disappointment was not a good thing."


    She recalled the boy''s face on her mind. His face and Rufus''s gradually resembled each other.


    Cassandra gasped at his words all of a sudden.


    Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    It was him! It was Rufus!


    The boy, who gave her the first doll of her life and encouraged her at that very moment, was also the


    man who was lying beside her now!


    Cassandra couldn''t believe how magical it was that their threads of fate had been tied together right


    from the very beginning!


    From that day on, she had grown from an introvert girl to a tough woman. And the gentle boy had


    be a capable entrepreneur. What was more, they met again without knowing they were that girl


    and that boy and fell deeply in love!


    Cassandra would hold the doll in her arms and shared her secrets with it at night when she was sad


    since her father ignored her. She had wished her unicorn would bring her new hope like what


    happened in the fairy tales.


    She was so thankful that God had heard her prayers. It granted her the chance to meet Rufus again.


    If it were not for him, she probably would still be eating dirt and staying in the Tang family¡ªenduring a


    husband who didn''t love her, a father-inw who cared only about benefits, a mother-inw who


    always found fault with her, andter a child who was not her own.


    However, everything changed because of Rufus.


    "Disappointment is not a good thing. So you''re bringing me the hope, aren''t you?"


    Cassandra looked straight into Rufus''s eyes.

 Chapter 143 Arrange A Marriage For Rufus

    Chapter 143 Arrange A Marriage For Rufus


    Rufus looked at Cassandra affectionately. Her vulnerability and innocence, herplete submission to


    him as her only pir support made his heart melt. Rufus lowered his head to kiss her but was stopped


    by her hand.


    "From now on, you will not drink with any man without my consent. You should also tell me before


    going anywhere. If you break the rules, you will see the consequence." Rufus frowned as he warned


    Cassandra and pretended to be angry.


    Cassandra became all the more petrified to hear Rufus speak in such a stern voice. After she pulled


    the nket tightly out of natural reflex, she looked up at Rufus.


    He nced over her body as she pulled the nket on herself and then fixed his gaze on her face. His


    eyes softened at her innocent look.


    "You are my only love. Don''t suspect anything else,"


    Rufus said in a sultry voice. Cassandra looked into his eyes as his words echoed in her heart. There


    was so much of sincerity and resolve in his eyes! Cassandra suddenly felt so light that her whole body


    got rxed. The tension on her face gave way to a rxed and contented look.


    That was all she needed¡ªto be the one and only for each other for ever and ever.


    Initially, she was hesitant to bring up the topic of Rufus''s rtionship with Amanda. But after his


    confession to her, she did not need any more reassurance. It was the first time that Rufus made his


    promise with so much of determination. Cassandra pushed her urge to dig more about Amanda to the


    back of her mind and rxed in his arms.


    It had been so difficult for her toe out of the troublesome marriage. But from today onwards, she


    was resolved to live her own life without any unwanted interference from anyone.


    And Rufus¡­ She could trust him with her eyes closed! At every step of the way, it was Rufus who gave


    her a helping hand and removed obstacles from her path.


    Even if not for the help he had given her, she would still be indebted to him for the unicorn he gave her


    when she helplessly stood in front of the machine. Needless to say, it was Rufus who helped her with


    loads of opportunities when she first started her career as an architectural designer.


    He was the one who healed her in her past and continued to support her even now. What else could


    she ask for?


    Cassandra closed her eyes, buried her head into the warmth of his arms and indulged in his


    tenderness. At this very moment, she felt absolutelyplete.


    However, miles away, at the same time, there was a storm raging in the Tang household.


    "Father, I am nning to marry Ivy. I have made up my mind this time!" Lionel affirmed.


    He had mustered all his courage to confront his father. Horace had been a very strict father and Lionel


    could never speak or do anything against his wish throughout his life. Even this time, as he spoke to


    Horace, he could feel his knees tremble. Yet, he was resolute this time.


    Lionel loved Ivy and both of them had been through a lot already. He had almost lost Ivy once when


    she met with a car ident at the time of his marriage with Cassandra. And now, again, he was the


    one to be med for Ivy''s miscarriage. Had he not been so outrageous in forcing Cassandra into a


    physical rtionship, which was identally spotted by Ivy, she would not get in conflict with her. Now,


    there was nothing he could do to pay her back, except for giving her the recognition and respect her as


    his wife. Getting married to her was the only way topensate for her miseries and the long years


    that she had spent waiting for him.


    Horace had a stern look on his face. He sounded rather disgruntled to hear Lionel''s appeal. "Why are


    you in such a hurry? Don''t forget, that you just divorced Cassandra. Aren''t you bothered about what


    people would say about your sh marriage?"


    Horace scolded his son in a displeased tone, his face turning grim and a stern frown settling on his


    face.


    Lionel hadplete freedom to do whatever he liked all the time. As a result, he fulfilled his wishes


    without considering the possible consequences. Though Cassandra was gone, it was still not the right


    time to make Ivy a part of the Tang family. And moreover, Lionel was not the one to take the call in this


    regard. Horace would have a lot to consider before making the decision. It was not as simple as Lionel


    believed it to be!


    And the first thing that Horace would evaluate was the personal background. Though very few people


    were informed about Cassandra''s marriage with Lionel, it didn''t mean that Cassandra was too ordinary


    a girl. Just like Lionel who was the son of the Chairman of Tang Group, Cassandra was the daughter of


    Vernon Qin, the owner of Qin Group. Back then, Qin Group was still one of the leading real estate


    companies in the industry that earned much fame and recognition in G City. Plus, Cassandra herself


    was a befitting match for the Tang family. She was also a thriving young talent who made full use of her


    time in her college. Besides, she was doing very well as the Architectural Manager in the Tang Group.


    She was even named for the design of the amusement park project, which was a crucial case for the


    tourism development of G City.


    And as far as Ivy...


    Her parents had long passed away. She graduated from a nameless university. The only thing she was


    good at was to splurge money on expressive dresses for herself. What could she contribute to the


    Tangs?


    Horace had two sons, Rufus and Lionel. Rufus was capable to handle everything on his own. Horace


    hadplete faith in him that he would garner a lot of sess in future and Rufus lived up to his


    expectations. However, Lionel was just the opposite. Horace was seriously worried about him all the


    time. He not only was short-sighted butcked management and leadership skills as well. As much as


    Horace wanted Lionel to take charge of the Tang Group in the future, he couldn''t be assured, unless


    Lionel had a capable wife to help him.


    Ivy, at least for the time being, was far from Horace''s expectations. So he decided to take his time to


    consider before making a decision.


    "Father! Ivy has lost her baby and she is in a very vulnerable state. She is spending the whole day


    daydreaming on the hospital bed. I am so worried about her that she will not be able to recover unless I


    give her some reassurance!"


    Lionel sprang up from the chair anxiously to persuade his father. His face was red and his eyes zing


    clearly showing his desperation to convince his father to give a nod for him to marry Ivy.


    "Take your divorce with Cassandra as an assurance!"


    Horace stated with his voice raised and his eyes ring at his son.


    Yet Lionel wasn''t ready to retreat. As he stepped forward to confront his father again, Jill intervened to


    stop the argument between Horace and Lionel from getting worse.


    "Alright, alright. Lionel, finish your breakfast and go to work. Don''t bete. Later I will cook some soup


    for Ivy and visit her. You don''t have to worry about Ivy for the time being."


    Before Lionel could react, Jill pulled her son aside. After stealing a nce at Horace, who seemed not


    to pay attention to what she was doing, Jill hushed Lionel, "Don''t argue with your father. Now that Ivy


    has lost her baby, you have to be extra careful. Don''t give Rufus any chance to overtake you."


    More than anything else, Jill was bothered that Horace would deem Rufus more important than Lionel.


    Had it not been for Rufus, Lionel would have taken over his father''s role in thepany naturally. Ever


    since this illegitimate son came along, Jill had been noticing each and every move of Rufus in the


    family all this while. He had been increasingly gaining Horace''s trust. And unfortunately, this baby


    which could have been a perfect bargain chip for Lionel was gone. Thus Lionel had to stay obedient so


    as not to stimte Horace at this crucial point in time.


    Lionel looked at the worried face of his mother and realized that he had indeed been too impetuous


    and agitated in front of his father just now. However, this feeling of regret for his argument with his


    father was soon reced by his remorse for Ivy. He became gloomy thinking about the striking contrast


    between Ivy''s normal demeanor that was so full of life and the quiet and gloomy patient that she had


    be now.


    "Mom, can you at least try to understand my feeling for Ivy? We have been in a rtionship for seven


    years, seven long years! I admit that she is not the only woman that I''ve been with. But she is the only


    woman that I have loved! Why do you choose to be on my father''s side instead of me? Ivy has totally


    changed since the ident. I feel so sorry for her!"


    Lionel was provoked again when his mother asked him to stop mentioning Ivy in front of his father.


    Jill patted Lionel on the shoulder and said in a persuasive tone, "Go to work now. I will talk to Ivyter.


    Don''t worry."


    The stubbornness of Lionel irritated Jill. However, she could never help but coddle her son no matter


    what the circumstances were. And even this time there was no exception. She was displeased with


    Lionel venting his anger on her, but she still pacified him and persuaded him to go to work. When she


    returned to the living room, her motherlyposure gave way to a rather helpless state of mind.


    "Horace, Lionel has always been a sympathetic son, especially when ites to Ivy, who has been his


    true love. They have indeed been through much hardship. I can see why he loves her so much. Why


    can''t you just let them be?"


    Failing to convince her son, she tried to resolve the issue with Horace. The quarrel between the father


    and the son was certainly something she didn''t wish to see.


    "It''s too early to talk about it now. Let''s settle it in some timeter!" Horace maintained apletely


    nonchnt look as he said.


    He was clearly not in the mood to discuss this issue right now, so he just pushed it aside.


    Jill rolled up her eyes as she realized it was too tough a wall for her to break through. Then suddenly


    something else came to her mind.


    "Horace, I heard from Mrs. Zhuang, that Dawn Star Group is going to be funded by TY group. It is very


    likely that they are nning on some big moves. Do you n to do something about it?"


    Horace had been out of thepany for an entire year due to his health conditions. He stopped


    monitoring the activities of thepany since then, which were handed over to Lionel. However, right


    now, all the decision making power was with Rufus instead. Jill was worried that Rufus would take over


    the wholepany and sideline Lionelpletely.


    Currently, the Tang Group was mapping great heights of sess under Rufus''s leadership. They even


    managed to establish a partnership with the government. The projects on tourism that were deemed


    crucial by the government had been assigned to the Tang Group. If everything went well, the Tang


    Group would be rewarded profusely both in terms of profit as well as reputation. Once that happened,


    only sky would be the limit for them. And if no action was taken to restrain Rufus''s power... She was


    afraid that it would be toote by that time.


    "Well, do you really think I am just idling around at home? The Tang Group is certainly more attractive


    to investors than the Dawn Star Group! But why are you bothered about all this? As a woman, you


    should be concerned only about the family matter. And don''t forget Ivy. Take care of her. I don''t want


    Lionel to be brainwashed by her to challenge me anymore!"


    Horace stood up angrily and walked into the study, leaving Jill alone. As she watched Horace walk out


    of the room, Jill threw out the fork she was holding in her hand. The fork smashed onto the te


    making the room reverberate with the sound of the collision.


    "Both of you, father and son, put the me on me. Have I everined about what I have done for


    the Tang family all these years? I am in no way your emotional trash bin!"


    It was only after Horace shut the door that she started toin to the empty room. By that time


    Horace had got busy on the phone with one of the investors.


    After the call was picked up, a hoarse voice came from the other side. It was hard to deduce the age of


    the person, and the sound was unnatural, as though had been purposely modified using some sort of


    equipment.


    "We are still discussing our investment to yourpany. You don''t have to worry. But now, I need you


    to help me with something."


    The voice was so unnatural that anyone who heard it would feel uneasy.


    "Of course. What is it that you want me to do?"


    Horace didn''t seem to be bothered by the bizarre voice, perhaps because he was used to it. It was


    apparent he regarded the person on the other side as his superior, so much so that he was eager to


    meet his demands without even knowing the details.


    "Well, well, well. Your son, Rufus, is not married yet, is he?" the man asked, giggling.


    The weird voice as he giggled sounded horrifying as it literally echoed out of the phone and broke the


    silence of the room.


    "That''s right, my son is not married yet," Horace replied with the sameposure as before.


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    However, the question put Horace into a conundrum. ''Why would the investor ask such a question?''


    "Then," the man demanded emotionlessly, "arrange a marriage for him. The bride''s name is Amanda


    Ke." And then there was silence on either side of the phone.

 Chapter 144 A Foolish Man

    Chapter 144 A Foolish Man


    "Amanda Ke¡­"


    It sounded familiar to Horace as he repeated the name, but he found himself at a loss in pinpointing it


    to an actual face.


    "Ah, you might know her? She is a world-famous female pianist. She had a performance in a concert in


    G City not long ago,"


    The man smiled and reminded Horace after sensing his confusion.


    The name clicked into ce at the man''s remark. Horace remembered a concert in G City recently. The


    performers and singers were all from abroad; and major real estate developers in G City, including the


    Tang Group, sponsored the event.


    Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    Amanda Ke''s piano performance was the grand finale. The next day, her name poured out from almost


    all the headlines of newspapers and social media posts. There was an overwhelmingly unanimous


    verdict¡ª her performance was praised in words as an ''unprecedented sess.''


    With the turn of time, living conditions had been steadily improving in the city; and more and more


    people were gaining new appreciation for the arts. The government of G City was nning to build a


    new theatre in the newly-constructed tourism industrial area in order to host more performances from


    different artists in the future.


    As for the TY Group, they took advantage of this opportunity by holding a concert for Amanda, and was


    well-received by the public. The tickets almost sold out only hours after the performance had been


    announced.


    Horace didn''t pay a lot of attention to this in the beginning, so it took him some time to recall the name,


    and all he knew was that she was an excellent pianist.


    "I barely know her. How can I let Rufus and her be together?" he hesitated.


    It would be strange to set Rufus up with a woman whom he didn''t know at all. The very idea was


    ridiculous.


    The man chuckled at his response and said, "I will connect you with Amanda. You can rest assured


    that she would be agreeable to a marriage with Rufus."


    He sounded confident, hisugh was loud and had an odd ring to it.


    "Are they old friends? Then¡­ what about our business agreement?"


    Horace asked, his mind on the negotiations for the investment.


    "When Amanda and Rufus decide to marry, I will put the money into the Tang Group''s ount. Money


    isn''t a problem. Name your price, and we''ll be sure to match it," the man answered nonchntly.


    He didn''t seem to care about the money. From the way he spoke, it was as if the marriage between


    Rufus and Amanda was the only thing he had in mind.


    Horace weighed the situation. After some deliberation, he had arrived at a decision.


    "Alright. I agree to your terms. I look forward to the sess of this cooperation," he dered.


    The man hung up. Horace found himself still listening to the busy tone from the other end. The reality of


    the conversation had not yetpletely sunk in, and he was caught off guard from the abruptness of


    what had just happened.


    This investor came from a famous venture capital firm. A colleague had once mentioned to Horace that


    thepany was known for its risk-taking strategies. The riskier an investment was, the more willing


    they were to invest. It seemed that they had a lot of confidence.


    As a family business, the Tang Group had gone through a long line of ups and downs. Since the


    establishment of thepany, they had had to make a lot of changes and sacrifices, climbing their way


    to be one of the greatestpanies in G City today. They had a steady foundation with their long


    history in the business; but if they wanted to grow, they needed something else, especially funds.


    Now this seemed to be their best option as the Tang group needed their backing and investment.


    Thepany held arge amount of free cash flow in their hands, and was willing to invest in the Tang


    Group on the condition of the marriage between Rufus and Amanda. Horace found himself unable to


    see a logical exnation for this.


    Four years ago, he had done the same thing. He arranged for Lionel to marry Cassandra, but that


    decision ended tragically. And his grandchild¡­wasn''t even able to make it to this world. Now, he was


    asked once again to marry a son to a stranger. There was a heavy reluctance tugging at him with this


    decision.


    But the man''s words implied that they should let nature take its course between Rufus and Amanda.


    And so, technically speaking, if things went well, Horace would not be the one who arranged the


    marriage.


    He knew what kind of person Rufus was. He wasn''t Lionel. In fact, he seemed to be an opposite of his


    half-brother. Rufus wouldn''t be as submissive as Lionel, if he set him up with Amanda.


    With the gears in his head turning, Horace decided to check up on Amanda''s background first. As the


    saying goes, know the enemy and know yourself; in a hundred battles you will never be in peril. He


    pored his eyes over theputer as he searched her name.


    Meanwhile, in a presidential suite at a five-star hotel in G City, Amanda threw a file on the desk. She


    was seething with disdain.


    "A divorced woman!" she spat.


    Amanda honestly thought that Cassandra mighte from some family with a big name. She had to


    be someone with an esteemed background, from the way Rufus behaved around her. It turned out that


    she was just an ordinary woman with a failed marriage. To top everything off, she was the ex-wife of


    Rufus''s brother!


    Amanda looked at Cassandra''s resume carefully. In all fairness, she did win manypetitions since


    her university days. However, her achievements were a speck of dustpared to Amanda''s tower of


    sesses.


    She raised the wine ss to her lips, emptying the contents. It was an excellent wine with a warm, thick


    taste.


    Despite this, the drink did nothing to cool her temper. She gripped the ss as she thought of the other


    woman on the file. Cassandra was probably some second-ss bitch who could only resort to dirty


    tricks to seduce her brother-inw. A woman such as her would never deserve Rufus in a million years;


    and Rufus...he must have been blinded by her wiles. Otherwise, what other exnation would there be


    for his attachment to her? It made no sense.


    Cassandra, majored in design at Sapienza University in Rome. Upon finishing her studies, she was


    employed directly by the Tang Group and was given the position of manager in the design department.


    Then, she and Lionel got a divorce due to family disputes. She left the Tang family without taking any


    money.


    The file covered almost every aspect of Cassandra''s life down to the minutest detail, as if she had been


    ced under a magnifying ss. But Amanda wanted to know more. She wanted to dissect her if


    possible. She decided that Lionel Tang, Cassandra''s ex-husband, would be a good start.


    Pouring herself another ss of wine, she looked at the photo of Lionel and Ivy. It was dated two years


    ago.


    Amanda traced the timeline in her head. Two years ago, Cassandra would have still been in Rome, and


    Lionel was already seeing Ivy, which meant that Cassandra was not the person he loved. It was the


    other woman, Ivy.


    There were something strange about the date of Ivy''s case history. Three days after Ivy''s miscarriage,


    Lionel and Cassandra filed for a divorce. There must be some connection between the two events.


    She downed another ss of wine as a thought struck her. The only possibility that she could think of


    was that Cassandra was the reason why Ivy had miscarried, and Lionel couldn''t put up with it so he


    and Cassandra got a divorce. Another thing was that the terms in the divorce agreement were not to


    her advantage at all.


    ording to one article, Cassandra was banned from working as a designer in the same industry in


    theing two years. That would definitely cause a huge blow to her career.


    At her age, she did not have enough base to stand on to make it on her own. Such a young designer


    needed backing and rmendation to gain enough experiences in order to establish a name and


    build up a career. And the industry was not kind. It had always been a cut-throatpetition. While it


    was true that some designers managed to became famous after slow and constant effort, sess


    came at ater age to them. As for Cassandra, she just won the American architecturepetition,


    which would have been a great stepping stone to infiltrate the international market. However, she let


    the chance slip by for her divorce.


    Amanda''s lips curled into a satisfied smile. She felt as if she had already defeated Cassandra when


    she had just barely begun.


    Lionel had been very annoyed since he came to work. He kept pacing back and forth in the office. He


    felt stifled, and grabbed his tie to pull it down to give himself more space to breathe, however it still


    didn''t help calm his temper.


    When he arrived at thepany, Lionel saw Cassandra in the elevator, with some of her colleagues.


    He found himself pacing to the elevator, but he stopped at thest moment upon realizing that he and


    Cassandra had nothing to do with each other now after the divorce. He wasn''t supposed to have any


    form of contact with her.


    Lionel stepped back and watched the elevator close, his mind drifting with thoughts.


    Five years. Cassandra had been his wife for five years. Howe she was so far away from him all of


    a sudden?


    He could still remember the way she struggled when he tried to kiss her. Her eyes were blown wide


    and the color was drained from her face. She seemed to have been very scared back then, and Lionel


    felt remorse creep in his chest.


    He could still see Cassandra in the Tang Group for now, but she would be resigning and leaving the


    company as soon as she finished the project with the amusement park. What did she n to do after


    that?


    Horace had decided to let go of Vernon''spany. Lionel didn''t have any say on the matter even if he


    owned some shares in the Qin Group. In a short while, those shares would inevitably be sold; and after


    that, thest of his connection to Cassandra would also disappear. She was no longer his wife, and not


    even a business partner. It would be as if she never existed in his life.


    Lionel felt annoyed at the thought that Cassandra had to support the Qin Group on her own in the


    future and there was nothing he could do to help her.


    This moodsted for the whole morning, until a woman came to visit him.


    "Mr. Tang, the pianist Amanda Ke has called for you. She said that she has an invitation to deliver in


    person."


    Lionel was taken aback by his secretary''s words. ''Amanda Ke? The pianist? Why would she want to


    see me?'' he wondered to himself.


    Despite his surprise, he asked the secretary to bring her to his office.


    Amanda greeted him, invitation in her hand.


    "Hello, Mr. Tang. I apologize for the unannounced visit, but I would like to invite you to my concert on


    Lantern Festival. I look forward to seeing you there."


    She held out the invitation to him and smiled sweetly.


    Amanda was a beautiful woman. Lionel felt calmer at the sight of her. He had always liked attractive


    women, and there was one standing in front of him now.


    He returned her smile with one of his own and reached for the card. "Thank you, Miss Ke. It would be


    my pleasure to go and see your performance. The Tang Group had just been thinking about sponsoring


    the concert, but the TY Group was faster. What a pity!" he said, seeming regretful.


    Lying came easily to Lionel. The Tang Group had never talked about any sponsorship for concerts, but


    what he said just now was the perfect response. Not only did his wordspliment Amanda, but his


    words gave an air of sincerity to his answer.


    Still, Amanda was no fool. She knew that Lionel was lying.


    ''Such a foolish man. No wonder Cassandra chose Rufus.'' Amanda mocked him in her head, but her


    sweet smile never faltered.

 Chapter 145 Being A Ceiba Tree Beside You

    Chapter 145 Being A Ceiba Tree Beside You


    Everyone knew that the wildly sessful 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 psure 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 easilycent.


    "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


    internationalpetition. 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.


    N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    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 n to verify his guess.


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


    "Pleasee to my concert, your wife is wee 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..."


    His tone was cold as ice that one who heard it would shiver.


    ''If she had an affair with Rufus while we were married, it would all make sense that she pushed Ivy


    down the stairs for me to divorce her. Kicking her out was too light a punishment. I will have to destroy


    her entire life, '' fumed Lionel in the deep recesses of his mind.


    He decided he needed to make sure they were having an affair in the first ce, and how they


    conspired with each other to use his unborn child to get rid of him.


    Meanwhile, Cassandra showed the design to Rufus, promptly taking a sip of her pumpkin spicedtte


    afterwards.


    "The design of the amusement park is basically finished, and you can always tell me if I need to adjust


    any details. I''m going to turn in my resignation this afternoon."


    This was part of their divorce agreement¡ªLeaving the Tang Group and no engagement of design work


    within two years.


    Although thetter really hurt her career, Cassandra still looked calm.


    Rufus met her eyes after scanning through the design.


    "You don''t have to follow the rules in the agreement. I can always talk to Horace if you really want this


    job. An agreement is just that...an agreement. You won''t be breaking anyws just because you refuse


    to follow the terms,"


    Rufus stated with a frown. He thought Cassandra was taking this too seriously.


    Lionel asked Cassandra to leave the Tang Group, and it was thepany that would be taking the hit.


    She was familiar with how the Group operated, and she had already be the rising star in her


    department. Her resignation would make a huge dent in the design apartment, causing a lot of public


    spection.


    The Tang Group was a heavyweight in G City, so it would greatly affect their image if it reached the


    media that the vice president divorced his wife and thew her out of thepany. It was better to keep


    everything on a low profile. Rufus believed Horace would retain Cassandra in his employ after weighing


    out the pros and cons.


    However, Cassandra slowly shook 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 the Tang Group.


    Besides, the Qin Group was in dire need of her leadership. She had decided to relocate thepany


    to downtown for more convenient transportation and more abundant resources.


    "I signed the agreement, and I shall honor it,"


    Cassandra said firmly.


    ''Well, stubborn as usual. She must be reallymitted to a new life, '' Rufus thought as he stared at


    Cassandra intently.


    "Is there anything I can do for your father''spany?"


    Rufus knew that the Qin Group was in a fine mess since major stockholders left.


    "No need. I can handle it,"


    answered Cassandra immediately. Thest thing she wanted was asking for Rufus''s help.


    "Don''t push yourself too hard. You''ll be marrying me someday, so your business is mine as well,"


    Rufus said lovingly as he ced his hand on Cassandra''s hand gently.


    "I''ve always told you that you will never be alone as long as I''m here."


    He was extremely confident about his ability. The Qin Group still deserved to be saved, and he


    believed he could propel thepany to the top. Cassandra was inexperienced, he was afraid she


    would get too stressed out without his help.


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


    replied Cassandra with a serious tone. Her stubborness reminded Rufus of the little girl who spent all


    her money just for one doll in the w machine.


    Cassandra was truly different from other women. Usually a woman would cave as soon as the man


    offered his help, but not Cassandra.


    "You make me lose my sense of achievement,"


    Rufus yfullyined as he took his hand back and sat up rigid. He looked gentle, a stark


    contrast from his tone.


    "Rufus, have you ever read ''To the Oak Tree''? It was written by a famous poet."


    Taking a deep breath, Cassandra started, "If I love you¡ª


    I will never be a clinging trumpet creeper, using your high boughs to show off my height.


    If I love you¡ª


    I will never be a spoony bird, repeating a monotonous song for green shade.


    Or being the spring, bringing cool sce all year long.


    Or be a steep peak, increasing your stature, reflecting your eminence, Even the sunlight, Even the


    spring rain.


    No, all these are not enough.


    I must be a ceiba tree beside you;


    be the image of a tree standing together with you.


    Our roots, entwined underground.


    Our leaves, touching in the clouds.


    With each gust of wind, we greet each other.


    But nobody, can understand our words.


    You''ll have your copper branches and iron trunk, like knives, like swords, like halberds, too.


    I''ll have my crimson flowers, like heavy sighs, and valiant torches.


    We''ll share cold spells, storms and thunder.


    We''ll share mists, hazes and rainbows.


    Seemingly always apart, but also forever interdependent.


    Only this can be a great love.


    The loyalty is here.


    I love not only your strapping stature, but also your firm stand, the earth beneath you..."


    Her face was animated when she recited the poem. It was her favorite ever since she was young.


    The poem meant that love would need not onlypany, but also independence tost long.


    Rufus looked intently at Cassandra, and cast a faint smile as she recited her poem.


    Beyond the window in the distance, a pair of eyes were scowling at the couple.

 Chapter 146 Your Resignation Was Not Approved

    Chapter 146 Your Resignation Was Not Approved


    Lionel''s eyes grew big with anger as he stood outside the coffee shop. He was watching Cassandra


    and Rufus who seemed to be happy, drinking coffee, talking and enjoying each other''spany.


    Rufus and Cassandra, on the other hand, were unaware that they were being watched. They continued


    chatting andughing while taking a sip from their mugs. Lionel''s blood brewed in rage at the disy of


    affection. In his eyes, the way they talked with each other revealed that their rtionship was more


    than that of a boss and an employee. He had always been doubtful about their rtionship.


    Upon hearing from Amanda that she saw Rufus and Cassandra in the coffee shop near thepany,


    Lionel instantly left his office and headed towards the coffee shop. Judging from their interaction, his


    suspicions were now confirmed. He wanted to walk in and confront them right in their faces but


    refrained from doing so. Since he had divorced Cassandra, he discerned that he had no right to


    question her about her rtionship with Rufus.


    Just as Lionel was fumbling his mind whether to confront them or not, Rufus and Cassandra walked


    out. Afraid of being caught eavesdropping, he was about to hide. However, he was held frozen when


    he saw what Rufus was doing with Cassandra.


    Rufus put his arm around Cassandra''s shoulder and whispered something in her ear. Blushing instantly


    and bashfully pushing Rufus away, Cassandra turned around and headed toward thepany


    building.


    With the mirth evident on his face, Rufus looked at Cassandra''s back until it disappeared at the corner.


    Then he walked to his car, got in and drove away.


    N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    He had to host a meeting for the Union of Real Estates. Before his departure, Cassandra told him to


    come home early and asked what he wanted to eat for dinner. "I want you!" he whispered, which was


    the reason why Cassandra walked away with a blushed face.


    When he arrived at the building of the Dawn Star Group where the meeting was to be held, Rufus was


    warmly greeted by Arthur, the leader of the Dawn Star Group.


    This was the first meeting since the founding of the Union. To show the importance he had attached to


    the meeting, Arthur waited on the first floor to wee all the members who wereing to attend the


    meeting.


    "Wee, Mr. Luo! The Dawn Star Group is greatly honored by your presence. The meeting room has


    already been set. Let my secretary lead the way,"


    Arthur said politely as he shook hands with Rufus, who in return responded with a ceremonial smile.


    Although Arthur treated Rufus and the Tang Group as his biggest opponent, in such a condition he had


    to pretend to be nice and respectful because Rufus was the Director of the Union.


    Arthur had already known that Cassandra and Lionel had recently got divorced. That was really a piece


    of good news for him!


    He had nned to iste Cassandra from the Tang Group. Before he could carry out his n,


    however, Cassandra herself terminated her marital rtions with Lionel and moved out of the Tang


    family house.


    If Cassandra resigned from the Tang Group, they would have sure lost an excellent designer who could


    outwit the designers of the Dawn Star Group in project biddings.


    Arthur had carefully studied the government''s nning of the entire tourism industry. He got the


    conclusion that the architectural design in this particr field should be both practical and aesthetic,


    and that was just what he was good at. Without Cassandrapeting with him, he confidently believed


    that hispany could win those projects easily.


    These past days were really good days for Arthur. Hispany had stolen several big projects from


    the Tang Group. The only regret he had was that he had to share the amusement park project with the


    Tang Group.


    Originally, he could get the renovation projects of the amusement park in the bag. However, Jasper Li,


    his investor, intervened and asked him to cooperate with the Tang Group on this project.


    At first, he freaked out at the unreasonable request. Not wanting to confront his investor directly, he


    controlled his rage and tried to persuade him, "Mr. Li, mypany has already won this project. I''m


    confident that we could handle the job perfectly. If the project would be a sess, which I am sure


    would be, we will have an advantage in cooperation with the government in the future. You''re my


    investor, and that would definitely be good for you as well. I really don''t understand why you ask me to


    share it with the Tang Group. Can you give me an exnation?"


    Last time when hepeted with Rufus for the position as Director of the Union, Arthur was forced by


    Jasper to give up. Although that was against his will, he gave in for the sake of wanting investment


    from Jasper''s TY Group. But this time, Jasper intervened again by making another unreasonable


    request.


    "Young man, the enterprising spirit is a credit to a businessman. But if you seek to prevail over others in


    everything, that''s not good for you. The construction of the tourism industrial area is a huge project.


    The Dawn Star Group can''t take it alone, neither does the Tang Group. You have to let other


    companies have a finger in the pie,"


    Jasper said with a slow and deep tone, which was a typical feature of this calm man.


    "Since so, why not volunteer to give a small part of this project to the Tang Group for the exchange of a


    good reputation in the industry? And the Tang Group in return would be less hostile to you. I know the


    Tang Group is your biggest rival. But you twopanies are both important members of the Union, you


    have to learn how to seek agreement while shelving differences. Remember that an eye for an eye


    makes the whole world blind," he continued.


    Syncing his mind into what Jasper was speaking, Arthur thought he was right. Currently, the Dawn Star


    Group was not strong enough to y head to head with the Tang Group. After a moment of silence, he


    said with a discontented tone, "So you mean that I must make a concession? But I''m not going to give


    the impression of weakness!"


    Arthur had always been proud and boastful, not always willing to be outdone.


    "You''re not showing weakness, Arthur, but friendship. You must show the Tang Group that you''re a


    friend and not an enemy. Money is earned endless. But if you do not know when to stop, no one wants


    to cooperate with you. Then how could you carry on your business? The Dawn Star Group has still a


    long way to go. It is unwise to make a lot of enemies,"


    Jasper stated more seriously. He knew that Arthur stole the amusement park project from the Tang


    Group. He despised and looked down upon this kind of improper practice.


    Anyhow, what Jasper had said worked its way through Arthur. He began to reflect on himself.


    Arthur had grown up with hate towards Lionel and his family. He swore that one day he would exceed


    Lionel''s achievements, and his Dawn Star Group would rece the Tang Group''s leading role in the


    industry. For thest two years, he had been anxious to achieve quick sess and get instant benefits.


    It would probably be effective in the short run, but was not sustainable. His father was sick, bed-ridden,


    and couldn''t give him any advice. He appreciated that Jasper was there to give him advices.


    Definitely, Jasper was right. Harmony brings wealth; earning money and fame at the same time would


    be the right thing to do. Rome was not built in a day; and the Tang Group could not be defeated by just


    one project.


    "Which part do you think I should give to the Tang Group?"


    Arthur asked sincerely.


    "The Ferris wheel. I heard that Tang Group has already begun the design on that. If you like, you could


    also give them some small entertainment center projects,"


    Jasper said with a sigh of relief, which of course could not be seen by Arthur on the other end of the


    telephone line. Finally, he managed to carry out the task Rufus gave him. Actually, he didn''t understand


    why Rufus asked him to do that. Rufus could easily take back the whole project from Arthur by himself.


    Anyhow, Jasper did it. Arthur yed a stroke of big luck and got such an important lecture for free.


    He took Jasper''s advice. Instantly he arranged for people to go to the project leader and show his


    willingness to cooperate with Tang Group.


    The leader, who was tired of dealing with Rufus, was naturally most wee for Arthur''spromise


    and approved the Dawn Star Group and the Tang Group as the co-contractor at once. Several days


    later, the contract was signed.


    Arthur was d to see that the Dawn Star Group, was presented as the main contractor. For once, the


    Tang Group was falling behind them.


    However, what he didn''t know was that his opponent Rufus didn''t pay much attention to this project at


    all. He took all the efforts to get the Ferris wheel design project just for the sake of Cassandra.


    Rufus still remembered how excited Cassandra was when she saw the Ferris wheel. Her bright eyes


    were full of longing and excitement at the same time.


    She had expressed her ideas boldly about the design of the Ferris wheel. And it turned out that her


    design was excellent. This Ferris wheel project would be a milestone for both the Tang Group and


    Cassandra. Thus, Rufus made up his mind to take the project back from Arthur and help Cassandra


    realize her dreams.


    The agenda of the meeting of the Union was to talk about the construction of the tourism industrial


    area. Almost all the memberpanies were undertaking some projects, big or small, in this industrial


    area construction.


    They each expressed their own opinion. The Tang Group would assimte all the different opinions,


    made a conclusion and would present it to the responsible leaders in the government.


    After the meeting, people left one by one. A man came to Arthur, patted him on the back and said with


    a tone of admiration, "Hi, Arthur, I heard that you got an investment from TY Group. Nice work! TY


    Group''s boss has high requirements in choosing where to invest. Lots of people want to seek


    investment from them, but failed."


    The man was the boss of a smallpany. He had tried to seek cooperation with TY Group, yet he


    was rejected.


    "I''m honored. TY Group chose to invest with us because of the sincerity that we show,"


    Arthur replied politely. He was pleased to receive thesepliments.


    Rufus who was walking behind them clearly heard their conversation. A slight smile appeared at the


    corner of his mouth and then vanished before anyone could see it.


    ''Huh! Be honored?'' Rufus sneered in his heart. Dawn Star Group was just a ''useful chess piece'' TY


    Group needed in this game.


    They were just a pawn that Rufus took use of to facilitate the realization of his n. Ridiculously, Arthur


    was quite conceited and was ted with himself.


    ''Arthur, the game''s still on, you''d better watch out for yourself, '' Rufus thought in his brain as he shot a


    disdainful look at Arthur.


    Meanwhile, in the Tang Group, Cassandra handed in her resignation notice and her employee ID card


    to the personnel department. She shook hands with everybody there and bid each one of them


    goodbye.


    The employees of Tang Group had heard that Lionel and Cassandra got divorced. Their marital


    rtionship was made public justtely. Little did everyone think that they would get divorced so


    abruptly.


    Actually, there were lots of rumors around the office about Cassandra and Lionel.


    Cassandra took a deep breath and braced herself ready to leave. Just as she was going to step out,


    the door was kicked open and a cold-faced man burst in.


    "I haven''t approved your resignation yet. Take back your ID card!"

 Chapter 147 I Want To Feast On You

    Chapter 147 I Want To Feast On You


    Everyone panicked as they heard a sudden shout. Unaware where it wasing from, they looked


    around and finally found Lionel. He was standing in the doorway with a sullen face.


    Cassandra, on the other hand, shared the surprise too. She couldn''t believe it was Lionel who had let


    out the cry.


    ''Didn''t he ask me to leave the Tang Group for the divorce deal? Why is he around to embarrass me all


    over again?'' thought Cassandra looking agitated.


    "Mr. Tang, President Luo has approved my resignation. It is the corporation''s rule that dismissal of a


    managerial personnel should be approved by both the board of directors and the president. But


    resignation only requires the president''s approval," Cassandra replied.


    While speaking, she tried her best to be patient. She intended to reason with Lionel. The smile she had


    earlier started to fade. Now it was reced with an emotionless look.


    The whole ce contained pin drop silence. Following Lionel''s rebuke, nobody in the personnel


    department apart from Cassandra dared to speak. In a hurry, everyone turned their heads away from


    this conversation and made an attempt to busy themselves.


    However, Cassandra was well aware that their ears were still trying to make out their conversation.


    Turning around was only a facade to look good in front of Lionel. But curiosity was killing everyone


    present there.


    "Yes, I am the one who has the permission to resign you. There is no way you can leave without my


    approval. My signature is required for you resignation. Without it, you are trapped!" Lionel spat out with


    rage.


    After that, he stormed towards the Director of the Personnel Department and grabbed Cassandra''s


    resignation and ID card from his desk. Swiftly he handed them to Cassandra and warned, "Take back


    your resignation. You cannot leave here unless you have my signature. Put on the card and continue


    observing the corporation rules!"


    Lionel knitted his eyebrows as he red at her. Cassandra kept still and didn''t bother taking the things


    from Lionel.


    At the moment, she was speechless and thought his behavior was surprising. ''How can Lionel be so


    fickle? It was he who forced me to sign the divorce agreement. And now he is actingpletely


    different. Why is he ridiculously stopping me from leaving here?'' she wondered.


    "Mr. Tang, I have submitted my resignation to Mr.Luo and he has approved it. I will cooperate with you


    if you need any support in the future. It is certain that my resignation hase into effect as Mr.Luo


    has already signed it. From now on, I am not an employee of the Tang Group, therefore I am under no


    obligation toply to the rules set by this corporation."


    As she uttered these words, there was a look of resolution on her face. She seemed firm and wouldn''t


    budge.


    In the past few years, she had suffered a lot from this marriage. Marriage was supposed to give her a


    happy life but she never got to experience it. All of the beautiful dreams were ruined by this absurd


    marriage.


    Lionel had never managed to fulfill any of the responsibilities that a husband should. Moreover, he was


    unfaithful to her and got another woman pregnant. To top it all, he had the audacity to bring that woman


    to their house in order to care for her.


    Up until today, she had swallowed all the pain and humiliation. She did all this for the well-being of her


    family. She believed this would make their lives easy.


    But when his father was in trouble, her so-called husband just stood by and watched the drama.


    Furthermore, he bought equities from the shareholders when her father was in prison, attempting to


    annex her father''s corporation.


    Now she saw no need to tolerate him any longer. The sole reason why she was forced to live with him


    was gone and now she was an independent woman.


    All these years, he had never shown any respect for her. In truth, she didn''t mind the fact that he didn''t


    love or care for her; but he didn''t even consider her human enough for respect.


    Lionel, on the other hand, was quite frustrated hearing Rufus had approved her resignation. He started


    pulling on his hair like a wild animal in rage. Quickly, he moved a step closer to her.


    "You cannot leave this ce without my approval!" he screamed.


    Despite the anger in his voice, he was well aware that he had wronged Cassandra. Deep down he


    knew he had to let her go. However, there was a voice in his mind that begged him to stop her. The


    idea of her leaving was impossible for him to imagine.


    His mind was full of regret. He even turned panicky when he found he was unable to approach this


    woman as her husband.


    Earlier, Lionel had thought that his true love was Ivy. He thought she was way better than Cassandra in


    every aspect. Back then Cassandra seemed in and boring.


    He made up his mind telling himself that she wasn''t his type. But now as he watched her get out of his


    control, something inside him turned wild. He had this newfound passion for her.


    Lionel began to utter more nonsense in front of everyone.


    It was hard for Cassandra to overlook her colleagues who began winking at each other. Lionel''s


    manner must have left them shocked and surprised.


    To get rid of his badgering, she realized she had to do something. Standing still was not an option


    anymore.


    "Lionel, wake up! Don''t live life as if you were sleepwalking all day!"


    With that she strode by him and stepped out of the Personnel Department. Standing outside the


    building of the Tang Group, she gave out of sigh of relief. She was relieved that she didn''t even bother


    to listen to Lionel''s snarls.


    "Cassandra, stop! If you leave now, this door will be closed forever!"


    Lionel looked almost hysterical. ''So did I just drive Cassandra out of here?'' He thought helplessly. It


    was absurd that he didn''t love or care for her while she was with him all these years.


    Lionel gazed nkly at her back, but he was unable to see the relief on her face.


    ''Farewell, Lionel; farewell, the Tang Group; farewell, my absurd past...


    And farewell my youth!'' she celebrated inwardly.


    From now on, Cassandra realized she needed to be stronger. Life won''t be easy and she needed to


    shoulder the responsibilities to revive the Qin Group. Her family needed her, and she had Rufus as her


    support, so she must move on!


    She hoped one day she would be an upright tree of kapok, stand by Rufus and look equally


    confident with him.


    Cassandra had prepared a hearty meal and was eagerly waiting for Rufus.


    All the tables and chairs were spotless. Looking at her own effort and hard-work, she was brimming


    with contentment.


    In the courtyard, half of the flowers she bought were nted. The cold breeze led them to sway back


    and forth. A small smile grew over on her lips, like the freshest flower bud.


    Of course it must be Rufus who had nted those flowers. The soil in the roots was still fresh brown in


    color.


    N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    Sometimes he seemed harebrained, yet he was extremely careful every now and then. Seeing the


    flowers on thewn, she could picture him in the yard taking the trouble of strengthening them. Secretly


    Cassandra hoped they could sat by the window and enjoy the bloom together one day.


    Rufus''s Land Rover headed into the garage of the yard. He got off with arge bouquet of red roses in


    his hand.


    Cassandra flushed scarlet as she saw him enter the house.


    The rose looked so beautiful and dazzling! He beamed and walked to Cassandra with the smile that


    was more beautiful than the flowers.


    At this moment, he looked devastatingly handsome and Cassandra found it hard to peel her eyes off


    him.


    Rufus stopped right next to her and handed the bouquet to her. Quickly Cassandra grabbed it and


    wrapped her arms around it. It was such a big bunch that she could barely hold it.


    She bent down her head and the rich fragrance of rose filled her nose. It was such an intoxicating


    feeling.


    "The dinner is ready, let''s eat."


    Cassandra felt the pounding of her heart in the chest. She tried to suppress her thrill, but her trembling


    voice gave her away.


    "What dinner? Isn''t it settled that I would feast on you today?"


    Rufus yfully arched his eyebrow, reached out to wrap the woman into his arms but she immediately


    dodged him with her lithe move.


    "Don''t touch me or the rose will be messed!"


    Hugging the roses, Cassandra looked around, unsure where to ce them. This was the first time that


    Rufus had given her flowers. There was no way she would leave them anywhere. She treasured them


    very much.


    Rufus''s perfect lips curled into an amusing smile as he watched her fly about in the hope of finding a


    good ce to set the bouquet.


    "ce them wherever you want. If you like it so much then I will buy it for you every day!"


    Rufus offered. To please the pretty woman in front of him, he was willing to do anything.


    "Don''t, it doesn''t sound good. If you do it everyday then it won''t be a surprise!" she dismissed his offer.


    She didn''t want to bother him.


    Cassandra finally found a woven basket made of bamboo. Originally she nned to put sundries in it.


    But now it seemed to fulfill a good function loading such an amazing rose bouquet.


    Cassandra carefully unwrapped the paper binding the roses and ced the nutrient soil on the bottom


    of the basket. Carefully, she inserted the roses one by one into the soil.


    Dew was still on the petals of the roses. Cassandra loved fragrance that was permeating the air. It


    seemed like Rufus and these roses hadpletely changed the atmosphere.


    She was so busy with the task that she didn''t notice when Rufus stood behind her. Shock went through


    her whole body when she felt his arms sp around her body. His head was leaning on her shoulder


    now.


    "If you keep me waiting longer then I will really have to feast on you!"

 Chapter 148 To Know More About Her

    Chapter 148 To Know More About Her


    It felt like Rufus was burning into her skin. Part of her felt so shy that she wanted to tear herself apart


    from his embrace, but that only made him clutch her tighter and tighter.


    "Rufus.." Cassandra said softly. "The dinner is ready, I have to arrange the table..."


    Rufus gently nted his soft lips on hers before she could go any further. The fusing of their mouths,


    the feeling of his hands moving all over her back ignited a kind of electricity in her body. She moaned


    and exhaled with pleasure, only wanting him more. She let herself flow for just a few seconds, before


    saying, "Rufus...Stop... Please...It''s time for dinner. It took me so long to make all those dishes. You


    wouldn''t want to eat them all cold, would you?" Cassandra brought herself to say despite the fire she


    felt in the pit of her stomach.


    After leaving the Tang Group, she had hurried back simply so she could cook dinner for Rufus, which


    was something she had always wanted to do. For her, cooking for her beloved and waiting for him to


    come back home after a day''s hard work was the real happiness in life.


    With his face buried in her neck, he let out a small chuckle and finally pulled himself back. Well, he


    thought he could wait a bit after sensing her embarrassment. They had the whole night to themselves.


    At dinner, they sat face-to-face, with dozens of appetizing dishes on the table between them.


    "I don''t think Chinese food goes very well with red wine. I have here a pot of traditional yellow wine that


    my granny left me. Do you want to try it?"


    Before Rufus could even say yes, Cassandra already picked up a porcin cup, filling it up fully. As the


    pure, amber colour liquid flowed out of the beautiful, antique crock, a lovely, intoxicating aroma greeted


    them.


    "It tastes great, but this kind of yellow wine really has a kick to it. Just try a little first, you might get


    drunk pretty easily," she said, putting down the crock and pouring herself a cup of tea. "Cheers! With


    the wine and the tea, let''s toast for my resignation from the Tang Group today!"


    Cassandra announced gleefully, raising her cup and waiting for Rufus to clink it. Rufus was torn


    between smiling and weeping at her words.


    "I never knew one could be so happy losing their jobs, you know," he said, amused.


    And then he raised his cup, clinking it with hers. They looked deep into each other''s eyes as they


    sipped from their cups.


    The amazement escaped Rufus''s face the moment the cup touched his lips. Pleasantly surprised by its


    vor, he took a good look at the liquid. Now, it looked orange-red to him, even clearer in the white


    porcin cup. Although it looked fairly transparent, the taste of it was quite dense and as rich as the


    smell that lingered in the air. Even the aftertaste had the perfect bnce of acidity, sweetness and a


    slight bitterness.


    This was the first time he had had yellow wine. It was unlike anything he''d drank before, as if it had


    things to express and stories to tell.


    "This wine tastes really rich! It seems so special. Tell me more about it," he urged, reaching for her


    hand.


    Judging by the antique pot and its traditional vor, he guessed it had a deep historic background.


    However, Cassandra''s face fell at the question. A look of sorrow came across her beautiful eyes.


    "It has another name¡ªMaiden Rose," she said slowly after a while. "I was brought up by my granny,


    who was in fact my mother''s wet nurse. She was a southerner, and followed the tradition of burying a


    pot of this kind wine under the ground if a girl is born into the family. The wine is to be kept


    underground till the day the girl is married," she recalled. "This pot was prepared for me when I was


    born...but Granny passed away before I got married..."


    Cassandra continued, her voice trailing off just before she finished, with a sense of suppressed


    sadness. Her granny''s smiling face shed in her mind.


    When she was married into the Tang family, she had cried her heart out and had gone to findfort in


    the cottage where she had grown up with her granny. It was then that she found this pot of Maiden


    Rose kept under her granny''s bed. A yellowing, decrepit tag hung from it, with her date of birth written


    on it.


    She had burst into tears looking at those handwritten characters, memories of her beloved granny


    flooding her head. Granny was the only person she had most dearly loved ever since she remembered


    existing, a love she had neither received from her parents, nor given.


    At that moment, she had decided, wiping the tears off her wet cheeks, to keep the pot, as a token of


    her granny''s memory and for the happy moment of her life.


    As per that n, she should''ve brought it out four years ago when she married Lionel, but there was no


    affection involved in that marriage whatsoever. Her heart never allowed herself to present the wine to


    anyone, or to ever open and drink from it. But, now she was with Rufus, the man she truly loved. She


    had not been so sure of anything else in her life as she was about him. This was the right time, with the


    right man.


    Rufus kept looking at her face, touched by what she had just told him. He hadn''t expected that the


    story behind the wine would also be a story about Cassandra.


    He could somehow feel that she wasn''t really attached to her parents. For all he knew, her parents,


    Vernon and Edith loved Cassandra''s sister, Cloris, much more. No wonder, for her, the granny who


    prepared this pot of Maiden Rose held much more importance than her own real family.


    "Where is sheid to rest?"


    Rufus asked in a soft voice.


    "Her children died while they were still young. She treated my mother like her own daughter, and of


    course the love was mutual. We buried her ashes in the cemetery that''s located in the suburbs of the


    city, where we thought she would''ve liked to be,"


    Cassandra answered, no longer holding back her tear. She truly loved her granny and her memory


    always brought tears to her eyes.


    Rufus''s lips arched down in an empathetic manner as he saw her wiping her tears, looking slightly


    embarrassed. He cleared his throat, as if to gauge whether he should speak something or not.


    "Cassandra, I have taken a day off tomorrow, how about we pay her a visit?"


    he finally suggested. For one thing, he wanted to thank her granny for taking good care of Cassandra.


    And for another, he wanted to know more about Cassandra''s deep past.


    He still couldn''t figure out why Cassandra''s parents sent her away. She waspletely healthy, without


    any disease or defect, certainly no burden to the family. Why was it that Vernon didn''t like her, his own


    daughter?


    Through her tears, Cassandra smiled, feeling grateful.


    She clutched his hand and said, "How about we forget all these sad things and enjoy all these dishes


    I''ve made for you?"


    Changing the subject abruptly, she served him small portions of everything on the table. The sheer


    thought of him liking any of it filled her with joy and anticipation.


    One by one, Rufus tried all the dishes, pleased and surprised with each.


    The food was so delicious and she must have put all her heart into it. He never knew she was so good


    at cooking as they had all kinds of chefs at the Tang mansion. She''d never had the chance to show off


    her wonderful skills.


    "Did I tell you? I''ve always dreamt of preparing a table full of delicious dishes for a loved one. It never


    came true until just tonight,"


    Cassandra said, her chin cupped in her hands. There was innocence in her clear eyes.


    Looking at that beautiful face, Rufus lost all control of himself. Her beautiful plump lips were too


    tempting, at once arousing him.


    All of a sudden, he got up and walked to her side. Breathing heavily, he scooped her up in his arms and


    carried her to the sofa, looking deep into her eyes. Cassandra let out a small cry of surprise as he flung


    her on the sofa, but her voice was soon muffled by his lips.


    The roses he''d bought for her were ced next to the sofa on the table, emanating a sweet and


    enchanting smell into the air as the two were lost in each other, making love.


    In the morning, Rufus asked her if she wanted to visit the cemetery. Cassandra was overwhelmed by


    how much he cared. They decided to go to the suburbs.


    On the gravestone, there was a photograph of her granny, smiling wholeheartedly. Just looking at the


    picture, she looked like a warm and beautiful person, inside out. Rufus stared at the photo for quite a


    while before finally cing a bunch of chrysanthemums on her grave, then bowed to show respect.


    He could imagine how Cassandra felt. His mother had been the closest person to him, the same way


    Cassandra''s granny had been to her. Now, both of these women were granted eternal rest, leaving him


    and Cassandra to spend their days together.


    May they bless the two of them with peace and happiness...


    Cassandra was deeply moved by his sincerity and felt like she had regained courage to face the bad


    things in life. While they were leaving the cemetery, she suggested paying a visit to Edith.


    Edith still didn''t know about Cassandra''s divorce, because of which Cassandra felt this heaviness all


    the way home. She couldn''t imagine how her mother would react upon finding out.


    They reached the Qin family vi. Rufus got out of the car too. Cassandra had wanted to ask him to


    stay in the car and wait for her, but it seemed like he had already decided to go in with her.


    "Don''t be afraid..." he said, "I''m here with you,"


    Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    His voice was heartwarming andforting, giving her strength and resolve. She realized he wanted to


    go along so she wouldn''t have to bear the brunt of Edith''s ming and ranting.


    Giving him a grateful look, she nodded and rang the doorbell.


    Edith opened the door, Her face lit up when she saw Cassandra at the door. "Cassandra!" she


    eximed, giving her a long hug. Only then did she notice Rufus. She smiled at Rufus but was unsure


    of why he woulde with her.


    Nevertheless, she let them both in warmly and called out to Cloris with joy.


    "Your sister''s back, Cloris, and Rufus hase, too. Get them some water, will you?" she asked,


    looking toward the living room.


    Cloris had been lying on the sofa, watching TV. Her face darkened as soon as she sat up and saw


    Cassandra.


    She was still very mad at her. Thest time they''d met, she''d sttered paint at Cassandra, warning


    her not to go against Arthur. Arthur was moved by her petty action. Cloris remembered how he had


    hugged her, calling her a silly girl and saying she didn''t have to stand up for him in the future.


    "Oh, but I''ll feel terribly bad if anything happens to you!" Cloris recalled him saying.


    He had said it so heartily, and hugged her so tightly. To Cloris, it was a fruit of what she had done for


    him.


    Since then, she had orded herself to keep an emotional knot in her heart for Cassandra. Now,


    seeing her again, she felt quite ufortable, especially because Edith was around.


    Cassandra, on the other hand, smiled at her gracefully, as if nothing had happened.


    Honestly, what Cloris did to her didn''t evenpare to the trouble she had in her marriage with Lionel.


    Now that it had been resolved and she had moved on, she felt generally positive about life. She could


    easily let go of Cloris''s childishness.


    As she saw it, Cloris hadn''t entered the society yet. She still had a few years to be outspoken and


    impulsive.


    Since she was in a rtionship with Arthur, and deemed her sister as a stumbling block in his career


    path, it was perfectly natural for her to hold things against her. Disagreements were typical between


    siblings.


    Now that Cassandra no longer worked in the Tang Group, she posed no threat to Arthur. The coldness


    between them should automatically resolve.


    She decided not to think of it and greeted Cloris with a bright smile.


    "Hi, Cloris. I heard you are going abroad soon. Anything I can help with?"


    she asked, walking toward her and trying to start a conversation. To her surprise, Cloris stood up


    immediately with a cold, stony face.


    "I don''t feel well, mom. I am going to rest for a while," she said, stiffly.


    Before turning and leaving, she threw the TV remote on the tea table. The noise it made was so loud it


    sounded like her intention was to smash it to pieces.

 Chapter 149 A Business Woman On The Way

    Chapter 149 A Business Woman On The Way


    Cassandra was shocked by Cloris''s act. Her intent was bing too obvious through her reckless


    actions.


    "Are you alright, Cloris?"


    At this moment, Edith saw that Cloris was growing angry so she immediately went to her and started


    babbling anxiously. She was afraid that her daughter might grow angry due to not feeling well.


    Cassandra stopped where she was, looking down to see the remote control. Her eyes turned and saw


    Rufus. A sudden awkward feeling filled her.


    Later, Edith walked back to the living room with her frowning brows.


    "What happened to her? Why did her face turn pale all of a sudden? She seemed alright a minute ago."


    Not able to answer the question, Cassandra simply smiled to hide the truth she knew. She then tried to


    change the topic and said, "Mother, there is something important that I need to tell you. I''ve already


    divorced Lionel."


    She said trying to downy the gravity of her statement. It didn''t work as Edith still cried out loudly.


    "What did you say? Why didn''t youe to me earlier? When did this happen?"


    Edit asked as her eyes grew wide. This revtion was just too much for her to ept. Wasn''t this such


    a rash decision?


    "We got the divorce certificates just a few days ago. We don''t love each other and neither of us was


    happy in the marriage. With this, I can now concentrate on father''spany."


    Cassandra knew that her mother wouldn''t easily ept her decision, so she tried to exin it carefully.


    "How could you, Cassandra! Why didn''t you tell us anything before making such decision?"


    A frown formed on Edith''s eyebrows. She was surprised and very unhappy to hear this news.


    The marriage between Lionel and Cassandra was the idea from Vernon and her. Suddenly her


    daughter got a divorce without even informing her. She felt like her role and identity as a mother was


    being challenged.


    "Mother, I''m an adult now. I know what I''m doing,"


    said Cassandra as she looked directly into her mother''s eyes.


    While trying to find words to tell Cassandra, Edith simply looked at her. Suddenly, she remembered


    something about Vernon.


    Many years ago, when Vernon gave up a secure and well-paying job to start his own business, he had


    the same firm and serious expression as well.


    She realized that her elder daughter was so much like her husband.


    All of a sudden, Edith noticed Rufus standing beside Cassandra. With the divorce, she was no longer a


    member of the Tang family, so why was he with her?


    Cassandra immediately recognized the confusion in her mother''s eyes. But, she didn''t not know how to


    properly exin the situation.


    A sneer suddenly came from behind her.


    "Don''t you use that ''concentrate on father''spany'' excuse. You got a divorce so you can be with


    Rufus openly, am I right?"


    It was Cloris. She walked towards her and stared at Cassandra coldly.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    "Cloris, is... is that true?"


    Edith always tended to trust Cloris''s words more. She then nced at Cassandra and Rufus with


    skeptical eyes.


    "Mother, that''s not true..."


    Cassandra tried to exin her side. However, Cloris continued teasing, "You don''t have to pretend


    anymore! Do you think we''re all stupid? I know all your dirty little secrets. You''ve had feelings for Rufus


    way before the divorce. I saw that with my own eyes when I was serving my internship at Tang Group."


    Clorisughed menacingly. She remembered the night when she was almost raped by that nasty man.


    She knew that it was Cassandra who paid him to set her up.


    Cassandra opened her mouth to try to exin herself. But before any word came out of her mouth,


    Edith raised her hand and pped Cassandra across the cheek.


    The sound of the p echoed in the living room. It happened so fast that Rufus was not able to react.


    "You bitch! Get out of this house! I do not have a selfish daughter like you!"


    shouted Edith as she shivered in anger.


    Cassandra slowly ced her hand on her cheek, right where Edith''s handnded. And as she felt the


    warm, stinging pain, she felt her heart breaking.


    This was not the first time she got pped by her own mother. Thest time was when Edith found out


    that Cassandra acted on her own to sell the Qin family''s vi.


    Cassandra suddenly recalled that year when she turned 18, Edith cried in front of her.


    She was crying so hard while begging her to marry Lionel to benefit the Qin family.


    Cassandra felt pity for her mother, so she agreed. But, why could''t her mother ever understand how


    she felt?


    Edith immediately epted the twisted words that came out of Cloris''s mouth and didn''t even allow her


    to say her piece.


    Rufus reached out and held Cassandra in his arms to protect her.


    He lowered his head and said to Cassandra, "You''re being stupid. You''ve sacrificed so much for them


    but they take all of it for granted. There''s no point in exining yourself, let''s go." Even though he was


    talking to Cassandra, the words were for Edith.


    Rufus''s eyes were still dark like always, but they seemed to be colder than normal.


    Cassandra felt like all her strength drained out of her. She walked out of the house like a puppet being


    led by Rufus.


    The car started. Cassandra was still silent. Her left face started to swell up and turned beet red.


    "Why won''t my mother trust me, just for once?"


    Breaking the long silence, Cassandra finally spoke with a disappointed voice which would make


    anyone feel sad.


    "You don''t need others to trust you. Time will tell,"


    Rufus said, trying tofort her. He felt sorry for her and his heart ached upon seeing how her own


    family treated her.


    On top of that, what Cloris did raised doubts in Rufus''s mind, ''How could Cloris do that to her own


    sister?''


    "Time will tell... Yes...Time will tell. And I''ll prove it."


    Turning her head to look outside of the car, Cassandra noticed a lot of rednterns on the streets.


    Everyone was happily preparing for the uing Spring Festival. She nned to spend it with her


    family, but now that seemed like a wishful thinking.


    Rufus seemed to see right through her and reached out to ruffle her hair with his right hand as if he


    wasforting a sad child.


    "Don''t think about it anymore. What would you like to do during the Spring Festival? I''ll be with you."


    Rufus had a nice beat in his voice now. He was trying to cheer up the frustrated Cassandra.


    "I''m not sure yet..."


    Try as he might, Rufus failed to brighten her mood at this moment as she was feeling extremely down.


    "How about going to Harbin City? They have the coolest ice engraving shows during the winter


    season,"


    Rufus proposed. He was still trying his best to cheer her up.


    Ice engraving?


    Cassandra recalled her dream about the ice kingdom. Her eyes suddenly lit up, then dimmed as


    quickly as they lit up.


    "Well, no. I better stay at home and sort out Qin Group''s files. I need to find an office downtown. The


    current office lease is about to expire and it would be too expensive to renew the lease. The loss


    outweighs the gain."


    Cassandra was calcting the cost of thepany carefully. If she could find a good space downtown,


    thepany would be able to reduce significant costs even if there could be minor problems.


    "Do you have any ideas?"


    Rufus asked deliberately. He wanted to hear more from her.


    "It''s just a thought for now. I can no longer do the architecture designs now so I need to recruit some


    outside people. As for the other departments, there are some old employees who I can use in the


    company. They know it better and I''d like to keep them..."


    Cassandra talked on and on when it came to her n for Qin Group as if she would never stop. This


    finally began to cheer her up.


    Rufus admired this about her. She never learned how to manage apany and it was rare for a


    rookie to take everything into consideration.


    "Maybe you can cooperate with somerger constructionpanies and subcontract agreements with


    them. The Qin Group now is like a freshman in some ways, after all. You don''t need to set up so many


    departments. Focus on the priority first,"


    Rufus said, reminding Cassandra of some risks. He was afraid that thepany''s situation would


    deteriorate should she keep the unnecessary departments from the beginning.


    Cassandra was stunned. She realized what Rufus said made a lot of sense.


    Qin Group had terrible management in the past due to Vernon''s stubborn pride. He rented thergest


    and the most expensive office in the North District. Yes, it gave them a luxurious appearance but in the


    end, it was too expensive for thepany.


    On top of that, the design department existed in name only. The people there produced little to no


    decent works at all. It sucked thepany dry by being credited with contributing to thepany''s


    establishment.


    Of course, profits went down due to the number of expenses and Vernon was the best example. He


    made desperate moves for profit. Cassandra realized that she could learn from her father''s past


    mistakes.


    "Thank you, Rufus!"


    She turned around, looked at Rufus and thanked him sincerely. She felt that he couldn''t be more


    handsome now.


    "My pleasure. And stop thanking me all the time. You are my woman now. We''re family."


    Rufus rejoiced in his heart yet maintained a cool face.


    Cassandra bent towards him and left a gentle kiss on his face.


    She smelled so wonderful. Rufus could not help getting distracted.


    "I''m afraid I wouldn''t be able to control myself when you take the initiative."

 Chapter 150 When I Fell In Love With You

    Chapter 150 When I Fell In Love With You


    For Cassandra, it was her worst fear no matter when Rufus said these vague jokes, even when others


    were around. She felt all her blood rushing to her cheeks as she blushed. It seemed like the


    temperature in the car went up because of what Rufus had just said.


    "Rufus, why don''t we stop by the supermarketter? Spring Festival ising so I''m going to stock up


    on some items in case they raise the price during the holiday."


    It suddenly urred to her that the refrigerator at their home was empty. As a woman, Cassandra


    naturally wanted to take care of the household and the grocery shopping.


    "Raise the price? Don''t worry, your husband can afford the extra cost!"


    It was very rare to see Rufus tell a joke as he always remained silent and cold. But it seemed he turned


    into a normal husband who would flirt with his wife whenever he was with Cassandra.


    "Wait, don''t you rush to call yourself my husband. I haven''t authorized you yet,"


    Cassandra snorted, pretending to be annoyed but deep inside she was giddy and happy.


    It seemed that Cassandra was like a warm ray of sunshine pouring into Rufus''s world, melting his ice-


    like exterior day by day. It surprised her a lot that he turned out to be an ordinary person of flesh and


    blood who''d joke and tease her, care for her, and help her even before she knew she needed it. At


    work, Rufus was a "get-things-done" type of boss, so it was easy to forget how considerate and caring


    he could be.


    It seemed that... she got to know him better and better.


    The self-proimed husband pulled up in front of the biggest supermarket in G City. Cassandra and


    Rufus walked inside with a shopping trolley.


    This was the first time they shopped together. Rufus was in charge of the trolley and Cassandra walked


    beside him, looking around to spot the items they needed. She asked Rufus for advice from time to


    time.


    It looked like they were a married couple, doing their regr shopping. Cassandra felt happy at that


    moment.


    The two of them, both good-looking and seemingly a perfect match for each other, were eye candy to


    everyone else. There were people looking at them with envy all the time.


    "Do you feel like having some hairtail? How about I cook fried hairtail for dinner?"


    It seemed like Cassandra was asking Rufus for his advice, but the domineering wife had already


    tossed the pack of fish in their trolley before the husband could even answer.


    "Stewed celery and lily bulbs is good. I''ll get some."


    She picked up another packet.


    It wasn''t until the trolley was almost full that the busy wife remembered to ask Rufus what he wanted to


    buy.


    "What do you want for dinner? Well, forget it..."


    Cassandra blushed when she saw the sly smile on Rufus''s face.


    Bending down, he whispered into Cassandra''s ear. He was going to say the three words when she


    suddenly covered her ears and ran away.


    She knew very well what he was going to say¡ª"I want you."


    As they approached the check-out counter, Cassandra pulled out her purse before Rufus could and


    paid the bill. Rufus''s face hardened upon seeing this.


    Because of the crowd around them, he held back his temper. When they got to the car and everything


    was in the trunk, Rufus said, "I am going to pay the bills from now on. You don''t have to."


    It shamed the proud man to see his woman paying the bill herself.


    "We can go Dutch. You can pay the bill next time,"


    Cassandra said with a stubborn look. She is not yielding to his demands and stuck in her own ways.


    "Go dutch? No, I''ll pay for everything from now on!"


    Rufus pulled a long face and wanted to take over all future expenses. It seemed that Cassandra''s


    suggestion put him on the verge of losing his temper.


    Cassandra nodded in agreement and didn''t say anything else.


    Rufus knew Cassandra was a stubborn person, but to his surprise, her self-esteem was way higher


    than expected.


    Some women enjoyed the moment when their partners bought them things. And they used those gifts


    to show off how happy they were. But Cassandra was different, she wanted to show that she was equal


    to Rufus in all aspects. She wanted to be a tree next to him, not the one shadowed by him.


    When they got back home, Cassandra washed her hands and began to prepare the food. Rufus leaned


    on the kitchen door with his arms folded and enjoyed the scene as Cassandra bustled around in the


    kitchen. His affectionate gaze almost melted her.


    It was such a joyful moment and Cassandra hoped time would stop at that moment. She wished that


    her life could be simple and peaceful like this at all times.


    At the mansion of the Tangs


    Ivy was now brought back home. She was still quite weak and Jill ordered the servants to prepare a


    nutritious meal for her.


    "Aunt Jill...Please, you don''t have to worry about me. I feel a lot better now."


    Ivy tried to sound very considerate and put on guilty look as if she felt like she was a huge burden to


    Jill.


    "Ivy...You have gone through a lot. It''s my responsibility to take good care of you,"


    N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    Jill said as she sat beside the bed and tucked Ivy in.


    Ivy lowered her head and remained silent. A sad expression dominated her face.


    Jill gave a big sigh and began tofort her.


    "Cheer up, you are still young and healthy. It''s easy to get pregnant again. Get some rest so you can


    recover your strength. Besides, Lionel''s hands are full at the moment. We''ll talk about your wedding


    later,"


    Jill said as she tried to sound causal. She then waited for Ivy''s response.


    Instead, Ivy''s eyes gleamed with anger for a minute.


    She thought she could sessfully marry Lionel as soon as Cassandra was out of the picture. But now


    Jill said to talk about the weddingter. Later!? If not now, when!?


    She sacrificed her own child to win this battle and seeded as the other woman was nowhere to be


    seen in the Tang family. But, still, Jill wanted to discuss her weddingter. In no way could Ivy ept


    this.


    "Okay, I will get well as soon as possible,"


    Ivy said, trying not to show any of the anger inside her mind. As long as her biggest rival was out of the


    way, she could work out a long term n.


    Lionel came home veryte and was totally wasted, reeking of alcohol.


    "What is wrong with you? Get yourself washed up!"


    Ivy said with a frown as she looked at the drunk Lionel with disgust.


    The Tang Group had been awarded several projectstely and Lionel took charge of two of them. So


    he probably had to socialize with clients that night.


    Lionel ignored what Ivymanded and walked gingerly towards her. He then wrapped his arms


    around her shoulder.


    "I... I love you..."


    Lionel released a loud belch and murmured something under his breath.


    Ivy struggled to break free from his clutch but failed. She sighed and surrendered to whatever he was


    doing.


    "Do you know... When did I fell in love with you?"


    Even though he was very drunk as he spoke, Ivy could still make out what he was talking about.


    ''This jerk drank a lot and began to reminisce in the past, '' Ivy thought to herself.


    "Tell me, when did you fall in love with me?"


    Ivy echoed, as she tried to calm him down.


    "It...it was when the first time I saw you!"


    Lionelughed. It seemed he felt really proud and happy with his answer.


    With that, Ivy started to think back about the time they first met.


    She''d taken notice of Lionel way before they actually met. He was the only son of Horace, chairman of


    the Tang Group.


    He used to win all the basketball leagues among the universities and had so many followers. Lionel


    was very popr back then.


    It was well-known that Lionel of the D University was good looking and came from a rich family. His


    groupies, those girls, wouldn''t stop chasing after him. Lionel was young and very defiant at that time.


    How could Ivy miss the opportunity to meet such a great man?


    Ivy''s tough childhood turned her into a mature and shrewd girl at a very young age. But she went to a


    different school from Lionel. How could she get in touch with him?


    Some girls came to him with their love letters, choctes and other types of snacks. They all tried


    different ways and tactics but no one even got Lionel''s attention.


    But again, Ivy was different and she used a different approach.


    She paid off some gangsters and luked along Lionel''s way home every night.


    One day in a dark and narrowne, some gangsters were bullying a vulnerable girl. The girl tried to


    break free from them, she screamed and her clothes were torn apart.


    Lionel was tall and physically strong as he exercised regrly. He would not miss his chance to y a


    hero.


    He fought off all the gangsters and turned to the poor Ivy who was huddling in the corner like a scared


    animal. It made him felt like he had to protect her.


    Ivy got on her feet by pulling herself up using the wall as she trembled uncontrobly. The buttons of


    her shirt were ripped off and the tattered top exposed her ample bosom. Lionel felt his blood roar in his


    ears and he looked away.


    The startled girl asked carefully if Lionel could take her home. Lionel nodded in agreement at her with a


    reddened face and ced his coat on her.


    Lionel remained downstairs for a long time after taking Ivy to her dorm.


    After that, he kept asking Ivy out for different reasons. Ivy won his heart with her innocence and


    kindness.


    That was the best memory between them. Even though she approached Lionel because of his money,


    Ivy really did love him. But then he got married and everything changed.


    "Lionel, let me help you get in the shower."


    Ivy softened up as she recalled the happy moments between them. It made her heart ache to see


    Lionel this drunk.


    But, the next sentence Lionel blurted out left her dumbfounded.


    "I fell in love with you the day your parents brought you to my home!"

 Chapter 151 With You By My Side

    Chapter 151 With You By My Side


    In wine, there is truth. Through an intoxicated haze, Lionel recalled the first time heid eyes on


    Cassandra.


    The Qin family was the one who reached out to the Tang family for the proposed marriage. Still,


    Cassandra behaved like an arrogant and proud princess. She didn''t even look him in the eye.


    Lionel grew annoyed at that time. ''Who do you think you are giving me that look! I don''t want to marry


    you either!'' he thought. Both of them looked down upon each other.


    The Tang family entertained Cassandra and her parents to dinner. When a waitress served the meal,


    she identally knocked over a te. Horace became very unhappy and was about to lose his temper


    to yell at the waitress with his face darkened. But Cassandra did something surprising.


    She walked straight to the waitress and asked her if she was hurt or burnt. Then she apanied her


    out of the room to get some medicine for her wound. The waitress escaped from a disaster.


    It seemed like her attitude towards this waitress waspletely different from the one towards him.


    Lionel felt extremely curious so he found an excuse to follow her outside.


    Cassandra was whispering something in the waitress''s ears. She told her to be carefulter. Tears


    could be seen rolling down the waitress''s cheeks. It was clear that she was touched and appreciated


    Cassandra''s concern.


    "Just don''t be so careless next time. Go and get some medicine now," Cassandra said softly to her.


    The waitress was grateful. She then walked away, leaving Cassandra standing in the corridor with her


    back leaning against the wall.


    The corridor was dim and her tiny figure looked so lonely standing there.


    It was just a small incident. Cassandra was very young at that time. The waitress looked to be the


    same age as her so maybe Cassandra felt pity for her because of that.


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    However, Lionel continued to remember the image of that lonely figure in the corridor. How he wished


    he could have asked Cassandra, who was defensive against him at that time, whether they could just


    get along!


    But, the truth was cruel. They had no feelings for each other and there was nothing but pain throughout


    their marriage. Ivy almost lost her life in a car ident and Lionel assumed Cassandra was at fault.


    Why was she so arrogant? Why did she look down at him? Anger suddenly reced the curiosity to


    discover more about her in his heart.


    Lionel felt guilty towards Ivy. So he did whatever she asked of himter. Ivy became totally a different


    woman. She was no longer the obsequious girl but rather a tough and strong woman.


    Lionel, on the other hand, was not as faithful as when he was younger. He started to go around and


    went out with different women. Even with that, he kept his love for his first girlfriend, Ivy.


    After all these years, however, his love for Ivy seemed to fade as he became more and more interested


    in Cassandra but he couldn''t seem to win her heart.


    The very drunk Lionel had no idea that the woman lying beside him was not Cassandra, but Ivy.


    Ivy stared at Lionel with vicious eyes which could freeze people.


    ''Cassandra! Cassandra again! Why is she like a recurring nightmare that kepting back to my life?


    She married Lionel but thank God they already divorced. But she took his heart away as she left!''


    Ivy stopped staring at Lionel. She clenched the corner of the quilt, hatred flooding her heart.


    ''Cassandra, I made you disappear the first time when you got in my way. I can make you disappear


    again!'' cursed Ivy.


    The sky was dark, the moon and the stars were nowhere to be seen. A piece of thick cloud covered all


    the lights.


    On Spring Festival Eve, Cassandra and Rufus snuggled together on the couch, watching the Spring


    Festival g on television. Cassandraughed easily at the sketchedies. She giggled from time to


    time, which was something Rufus could not understand.


    "Is it really that funny?"


    Rufus did not think the skits were funny. But he did think that Cassandra looked so cute when she


    laughed. He observed that her eyes would turn crescent and light up as she chuckled.


    "Rufus, you know what? This is my first time to watch the whole g,"


    Cassandra told Rufus in a serious tone when there was a break in the show.


    "Oh? Howe?"


    Rufus''s eyebrows raised as he asked. He did not care much for the g, but this was a new


    opportunity to get to know Cassandra some more so he wouldn''t miss this chance.


    "I''ve been staying with my grandma ever since I could remember. Father and Mother would pick me up


    and take me home for New Year''s Eve dinner. When the night fell, Grandma and I would sleep in a


    small room in the vi of our house. I could hear Cloris''s and mother''sughter from downstairs in the


    living room. I knew they were watching the g. But I couldn''t join them,"


    Cassadra recalled as she stared into the distance, as if visualizing it from long ago. What happened


    during those times made her heart feel heavy.


    "Why couldn''t you join them?"


    He knew that Vernon didn''t like Cassandra very much. But keeping his own daughter away from


    watching the television, wasn''t that taking it a bit too far?


    "Because Cloris was there. Somehow, she was scared of me when she was a little girl. She would hide


    whenever she saw me approaching her. Mother and Father did not want to see her all fussy and angry


    so they asked my grandma to take me back to the bedroom early."


    Cassandra felt depressed now. It always made her sad whenever recalling Cloris''s fear of her.


    Both of their parents preferred the obedient and cute Cloris over her. Their faces would freeze


    whenever they saw Cloris trying to hide from her so they would find any excuses to send her away.


    Cassandra had no choice but to walk away and watch as her father yed with Cloris from a distance.


    "Have you ever asked why she was afraid of you?"


    Rufus became thoughtful. He''d never heard of a situation like this before.


    "Never. I only saw Cloris once a year. So I didn''t think too much. When I came back as a middle high


    school student, she didn''t fear me anymore like before. And that was it. But we were never really close.


    I lived on campus most of the time and would only go back home once a month. We rarely talked to


    each other."


    Cassandra wrapped her arms around her bent legs, with her chin resting on her knees.


    "I stayed with my grandma in one bedroom. But I wasn''t able to sleep at all. She snored loudly. It was


    too noisy. So I secretly got up and pushed open the door so slightly, just enough to hear the television


    andughter from downstairs."


    During that time, Cassandra was so scared to be found still awake and listening to the television. So


    she wouldn''t wear her slippers and crept to the door in barefoot.


    They sounded so happy. How she wished she could join them downstairs and be a part of the family


    while watching those shows! But it wasn''t meant to be.


    The only thing left for her was to listen to their voices by the door and simply imagine being with a


    loving family.


    "Didn''t you watch the reys of the show?"


    Rufus asked as he reached out and held her in his arms. What a silly girl! Stupid but extremely cute.


    "The reys? I would still be alone..."


    The cute and beautiful woman''s voice fell as her eyes dimmed.


    "I always felt like that I was excluded from my family. So I was quite a loner when I was a little girl.


    Things eventually got better as I grew up though."


    The thought and memories of her gloomy past still made Cassandra sad. So Rufus kissed her gently


    on the forehead to show his love andfort her.


    "When I went to Rome for university, I still couldn''t watch the g at the student''s apartment because


    of the poor inte connection. That''s why I''ve never seen the entire g."


    Cassandra shrugged her shoulders to show her helplessness.


    "Then, I came back here. So this would be literally the first time for me to watch the whole g."


    Cassandra buried her head into Rufus''s arms as she said that. She could not feel happier.


    How she wished she could be with him for the rest of her life! Staying with him made her feel that she


    had a home. He made her feel like family.


    All of a sudden, the tender moment was disturbed as the bell rang. Rufus frowned and walked towards


    the door to check the monitor. He waspletely annoyed at whoever rang.


    Both Jasper and Michelle were standing outside, waving and smiling at him.


    Rufus opened the door to let the two of them in. Cassandra got up in surprise to see them here.


    "Michelle, what are you doing here!?"


    ''It is New Year''s Eve. Why isn''t she celebrating with her family, but instead, she came here, to Rufus''s


    home?'' Cassandra wondered.


    Michelle blinked her eyes a few times and then she understood that Rufus had never told Cassandra


    about her real identity.


    "I''m Rufus''s aunt. This is my husband, Jasper. Obviously, we''re here to spend the night with my dear


    nephew because we''re family,"


    Just as she said that, Michelle tossed the big bag filled with snacks straight on the table. Cassandra


    opened her eyes wide in surprise. Wasn''t that too many snacks!


    But, what was more shocking was that Michelle was Rufus''s aunt! Rufus had never said anything about


    it before. He had kept his lips sealed and never even gave a hint about her real identity. Now it was all


    clear how he could make a reservation for Michelle''s custom-made dress.


    And about her husband...


    Cassandra looked at Jasper from head to toe secretly. There were some gray hairs on his head, which


    actually made him look more mature and charming. He had an impressive appearance and an


    extraordinary temperament. Who was he? What did he do?


    "They came without any invitation. Well, I''m afraid you won''t be able to finish the g tonight,"


    Rufus said in a seemingly helpless voice. A smile crept on his face.


    The beautiful fireworks lit up the night sky. It was loud and pretty outside.


    It was time to ring out the old year and ring in the new! Cassandra prayed in her heart, ''I hope Rufus


    will be by my side every year starting today.''

 Chapter 152 An Encounter With Lyndsy

    Chapter 152 An Encounter With Lyndsy


    Cassandra was starting to get busy as the new year starts.


    First order of business was to go to the North District office of Qin Group to end the current lease for


    the office space. She then started to dismiss employees with recurring poor performances. Last, she


    had a meeting with the hard-working people of thepany.


    "Currently, our finances at Qin Group are not looking very good. But, I believe we can turn this around.


    With you guys who remain, you are the new backbone. And I know you will drive thispany to a


    new and brighter future. I hope each and everyone of you take this opportunity and work harder. I


    promise, your hardwork will be generously rewarded."


    The staff she retained did not have a lot of experience, but Cassandra preferred their youthful energy


    and good work ethic.


    However, finding a new office space was proving to be a different challenge. It was difficult nowadays


    to find a good office location at an affordable price.


    Although Cassandra was a local of G City, she had stayed with the Tang Group as a designer ever


    since she graduated. She knew very little people outside of the organization. Where could she start to


    look for someone who could help her?


    Aftering out of another real estate agency without closing a deal, she felt like giving up already.


    None of them could offer her any reasonably priced office spaces. She started worrying that she would


    never find the right one.


    She was only starting and already found herself facing with such a huge obstacle. It was disheartening


    the young entrepreneur.


    But she couldn''t give up. She knew that. So Cassandra looked at her notes to see which agency to visit


    next. This one was not far from where she was now so she walked towards their office.


    Although it was spring now, the wind was still cold.


    This was thest agency on her list. If they still couldn''te to terms for an office, she would have to


    go back to the drawing board and do more research.


    Surprisingly, she was offered a really good deal at one of the city''s most luxurious office buildings.


    It was spacious and bright on the third floor of the office building, but even more surprising was that the


    price was affordable.


    Cassandra immediately signed the lease. After getting the key, she looked at the empty office and


    nned how to arrange the departments for the future.


    Suddenly she heard a loudmotion downstairs. Cassandra looked through the window and saw a


    large group of reporters and cameramen by the flower beds surrounding a woman.


    People kept pushing over each other in an attempt to interview this woman. ''What a scene!'' Cassandra


    thought to herself. She couldn''t help herself but watch the rare scene unfold before her.


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    Although she was too far away to hear anything, the woman in the middle of all the chaos actually


    looked familiar to Cassandra.


    The reporters kept taking pictures and seemed to want to get closer inside the building, but it just got


    more and more crowded.


    Suddenly, a couple of people came out of the office building wearing simr red vests, probably staff of


    somepany in the building. They squeezed through the crowd to stop the reporters and escorted


    the woman into the building safely.


    The guards would not let any of the reporters enter the office building. Scattering around near the


    entrance, the reporters seemed prepared to wait there for a long time.


    Cassandra stuck her tongue out and thought, ''Being a celebrity could not be easy! Reporters and


    cameramen following you wherever you go. There is no privacy.''


    She then took one more look around the office space and felt ready to go purchase office supplies.


    Then, her first job since taking over Qin Group was going to start¡ªdecorating thepany she now


    owned.


    Cassandra was in a much better mood now after finding the perfect office space. She felt relieved and


    was ready to leave the building. Since the elevator would not being for a while, she decided to


    take the stairs instead.


    As soon as she opened the fire door to the staircase, Cassandra heard a woman arguing with


    someone.


    "Are you kidding me? There was supposed to be one leadingdy, me! Why there are two now? Don''t


    take me for an idiot! This was not mentioned anywhere in the contract!"


    The woman''s voice sounded very angry. She paused for a few seconds to catch her breath and then


    erupted in another fit of rage.


    "Don''t give me that! You may have made me into a star but I am not a talentless bimbo with no brains.


    Don''t you darepare me to that girl!"


    Listening to the argument, Cassandra realized that the woman was talking to someone on the phone.


    She hesitated, unsure of whether to take the stairs or not.


    If she continued down the stairs, the woman would surely find out she was listening and probably


    use her of eavesdropping. She thought for a few seconds before deciding to go back and wait for


    the elevator instead.


    Just before Cassandra was able to close the fire door, the woman''s words caught her attention once


    again.


    "I''m Lyndsy Su, a mega star! Just because I''m easy to talk to doesn''t mean you can take advantage of


    me, OK? If you do not get rid of her character I''ll tear up this contract and leave thepany!"


    Cassandra felt a bit shocked. ''This woman is Lyndsy?'' she thought to herself in disbelief.


    She remembered looking through the window and thinking the woman looked familiar. It was Lyndsy all


    along!


    Cassandra didn''t recognize Lyndsy right away because she wasn''t a huge fan of celebrities and


    gossips.


    In a way, these two were old acquaintances. Rufus asked Lyndsy before to give the dress to


    Cassandra at Michelle''s auction event, and this dress turned out to be the key for Courtney to open up.


    Well... It seemed like Lyndsy had been sidelined in her new movie. No wonder she was so angry.


    Cassandra stood there in a daze and forgot to close the door slowly. It got away from her grip and the


    door mmed shut making a loud bang.


    "Who''s there!" cried a startled Lyndsy.


    She didn''t expect anyone to climb up the stairs.


    "Oh, ah, it''s me..."


    Knowing that there was no use in hiding anymore, Cassandra pushed the door open and showed


    herself by the staircase.


    "Cassandra? Is that really you? What are you doing here?"


    Lyndsy was having the phone call by the window of thending between the third and the fourth floors.


    There was a look of surprise on her face upon seeing Cassandra by the fire door.


    "The new office I chose for my dad''spany is here on the third floor."


    Cassandra looked at her with a smile on her face as she admired Lyndsy''s best actress level charisma.


    Lyndsy nodded. Yet she still looked like her head is filled with different thoughts.


    "You seem to be... in trouble?"


    Cassandra asked boldly.


    Stunned by her frankness, Lyndsy realized that Cassandra must have heard what she just said, so she


    nodded in silent agreement.


    "Every job has their own challenges that are hidden from others. Like you, a designer whose work got


    giarized. You must know how I feel."


    Lyndsy''sparison of their problems surprised Cassandra. She thought that she was hired by Rufus


    merely as an actress. She did not expect Lyndsy to know about her problems.


    "Was your role snatched away from you?"


    Cassandra asked as she was a little curious. She had heard about these skeletons in the closet in


    showbiz.


    "Well, not exactly like that, but more or less."


    Lyndsy walked down the stairs and stood in front of Cassandra, still looking frustrated.


    "I had top billing in my next movie. It was written in the contract. Then there was this other actress who


    had a supporting role but somehow through whatever tricks, she got the script rewritten and now has


    as many lines as I have! I hate sneaky bitches like this!"


    Cassandra had an idea about Lyndsy''s rise to fame. Her acting skills had always been superb and she


    had been in a lot of big-name directors'' films. She would also get top billing in all of them and each one


    soared at the box office.


    Basically, having Lyndsy as the face of a movie was a guarantee of the box office. Why would anyone


    try to offend her?


    "Didn''t your agency set everything up for you?"


    Cassandra asked in deep wonderment. Generally speaking, the agency should be very protective of a


    big star like Lyndsy and should have negotiated with the film producers about a matter like this.


    Unexpectedly, Lyndsy snorted while rolling her eyes.


    "It was the agency that actually pursued a script rewrite. They just signed this new actress and


    probably wanted to give her a start. But how dared they use me as a stepping stone! If They had


    discussed it with me when I signed the contract, I would not be as angry as I am now!"


    Hearing her words, Cassandra realized that Lyndsy was very straight forward and would probably


    offend a lot of people because of that. Could the agency considered her as a difficult star to manage so


    they were looking for a fresh, new star?


    "By the way, I want to get out right now. Would you know if this building has any hidden exits or a


    backdoor perhaps? Since the news that there would be two heroines in this film broke out already, I


    have been followed everywhere by those damned reporters downstairs!"


    The problem was that this was Cassandra''s first time in the building as well! She wouldn''t know where


    the other exits were.


    But those reporters were really persistent. They were still waiting downstairs and showed no signs of


    any intention to leave.


    Cassandra looked at Lyndsy and suddenly got an idea. She grabbed Lyndsy''s hand and said, "Quick,


    come with me!"

 Chapter 153 The Real Boss

    Chapter 153 The Real Boss


    The lobby was full ofmotion as anxious journalists were waiting. They were chatting and cleaning


    their equipment waiting for their target to appear. All of a sudden, a person wearing the same outfit as


    Lyndsy''s came out of the building.


    "Lyndsy... Lyndsy is here!"


    Somebody from the crowd spotted the figure and screamed her name out of surprise and excitement.


    In an instant, everyone turned their heads and rushed forward following the figure with their cameras.


    The figure ran out of the office building and came to a halt about 200 meters away from it.


    Photographers and cameramen surged forward. Zooming and clicking on their devices to capture the


    figure''s reaction as they began asking her questions.


    "Lyndsy, what''s your opinion about having two heroines in this movie?"


    "Lyndsy, it''s said you want to break up with thepany. Is that true?"


    "Lyndsy, you..."


    Everyone was stunned when suddenly, the figure at the center of the crowd took off her mask with a


    grin.


    "Have you guys mistaken me for someone else?"


    Silence fell upon the group, those who bombarded the fake Lyndsy with questions stared at the petite


    girl, dumbfounded. They examined her features from head to foot, she was not Lyndsy.


    "But the clothes..." a journalist eximed in disbelief.


    "Please, could you excuse me?"


    Cassandra elbowed her way through the crowd and hailed a taxi, swirling the mask by her finger.


    It was not until the cab sped off did these gossip-providers understand what was going on.


    "We have been fooled!"


    Someone blurted it out and everyone present began to regret their carelessness. With their shoulders


    in a shudder and their heads low, the crowd dispersed gradually one by one.


    Cassandra looked back in the cab and smiled as the crowd scattered.


    Enjoying her victory, Cassandra was surprised that such a simple trick could fool the journalists. It


    seemed that they were so desperate to interview Lyndsy that they didn''t notice the woman in Lyndsy''s


    clothes was way shorter than her.


    On the back of her mind, she recalled the moment when she pulled Lyndsy to thedie''s room with her.


    She suggested that they should exchange outfits.


    Cassandra pointed at Lyndsy''s coat and motioned her to took it off and give it to her so they could


    switch over.


    "Your clothes are too brightly colored. They are too eye-catching."


    Lyndsy began to inspect her clothes in the mirror. She was wearing a light blue dress matched with a


    rose red coat. The colors were both bright and in sharp contrast. While Cassandra was in a in grey


    coat and arge scarf covered half of her face. It was easy to keep a low profile in Cassandra''s outfit.


    "But we are of different figures..."


    Lyndsy was tall and willowy while Cassandra was petite. It was easy to tell the difference.


    "It''s okay. Don''t worry. I will rush out to attract their attention. They will follow me as long as they see


    your clothes. When there''s no one around, just go ahead and run away!"


    Cassandra took off her scarf and ced it around Lyndsy''s neck. She made several loops around her


    face until only her eyes were exposed.


    Lyndsy checked herself out in the mirror. Indeed, no one could see her face wearing the scarf and


    besides she didn''t have another way to escape from the ravening journalists. She was going to give the


    trick a try.


    With everything set, and their clothes already exchanged, Cassandra and Lyndsy prepared themselves


    for the trap that they set for the journalists.


    Cassandra put on the mask and took a deep breath before she ran out of the main entrance.


    Luckily, the n did work, as the journalist dashed after Cassandra the moment they saw her running


    out.


    "Miss, you told me to drive forward. But I don''t know where you want to go..."


    The taxi driver asked Cassandra with a confused look. He was eyeing Cassandra from the rearview


    mirror.


    Cassandra pondered for a while and told the driver to go to the newly opened Decoration Material Mall.


    She remembered that she needed to pick up some office supplies and some materials for decorations.


    The Decoration Material Mall was opened half a year ago and was different from other markets selling


    furniture. Thepany running the mall didn''t make profits from leasing to various shops but housing


    only quality and well-known brands instead.


    This high-ss shopping mall was actually one of the affiliates of the TY Group. Cassandra was


    startled at how clean and luxurious the mall was when she walked inside.


    Cassandra looked around and browsed in from one shop to another. Feeling a little tired, she sat on the


    bench at the center of the hall. She didn''t notice that a pair of eyes were looking down at her from


    above.


    "How long are you going to hide it from her?"


    Jasper studied the woman with interest. He stood behind the office window, Cassandra wouldn''t see


    who he was even if she happened to look up.


    "Hide it from her?"


    Rufus took a sip of the red wine and swirled the ss.


    Jasper felt annoyed when he turned around and saw Rufus enjoying the wine.


    "Why do you have to steal my precious wine every time youe here? Why don''t you tell her that you


    are the chairman of the TY Group? What would she think of you if she gets to know about it one day?"


    What Jasper had said stirred up a flicker of fear in Rufus''s originally cold eyes.


    Cassandra was a woman with high self-esteem. Even though when she was the daughter-inw of the


    Tang family, Cassandra would pay for all her expenses, except for the amodation and food. Her


    sry could cover all her bills since she didn''t have to take care of the broken Qin Group before.


    Unfortunately, now...


    Cassandra sold out part of the worn-out machines of the Qin Group and gave up the luxury office


    building thepany rented to pay off its liabilities. Now she even came this long way to the mall to


    pick up the items herself. She did all these to cut down expenses and save her father''s dyingpany.


    Even though she was having a hard time taking on the economic burden of her father''spany,


    Cassandra still insisted on paying the bills when they shopped together in the supermarket.


    Rufus knew what the stubborn girl was thinking of. She didn''t want to be defined as the kind of sugar


    baby who depended on men for money. Cassandra even turned Rufus down when he offered her some


    financial help.


    "Rufus, don''t worry about me. I got it. I will definitelye to you when I have no other way to go. Trust


    me, I will take care of everything!"


    Cassandra gave him a determined look and the steadinessing from her eyes made Rufus


    astonished at the woman''s determination.


    It made Rufus''s heart ache to see that such a vulnerable girl going through these on her own. Besides,


    she kept turning down his favor as if he was a stranger.


    But he didn''t me Cassandra for her aloofness as he could understand it was because shecked a


    sense of security.


    It was maybe because her parents didn''t care for her when she was a kid and left her to the granny.


    They didn''t even want to watch TV with her during the Spring Festival which was supposed to be an


    asion to have a happy family reunion.


    Her parents were so nice to her sister but definitely hard on her. The contrast in their treatments


    developed Cassandra''s strong self-esteem.


    Even though she was kind and capable, Cassandra still felt insecure all this time. Thus, she didn''t


    depend on him much and her self-esteem kept pushing the man who loved her so much away.


    Rufus felt that his feelings for Cassandra was ambivalent. He admired Cassandra for her ability and


    independence on one side and wished her could lean and depend on him on the other.


    All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    Under the circumstances, Rufus worried that Cassandra would keep away from him further if she


    learned that he was the chairman of the TY Group. There was no way she would ept the


    considerate man''s favor anymore, even a secret one.


    Jasper could tell that Rufus''s mind was in a turmoil as he remained silent, swirling his ss of wine.


    From Michelle''spliments of Cassandra, Jasper could tell how hard Cassandra worked. It came


    naturally for Michelle to speak highly of her as the two were of the same type.


    "Well, you such a poor guy. I know how hard it is. The hindrance you met now was exactly the same as


    the one which stood between me and your aunt. It took me a long way to win her over. She was also a


    strong woman. Don''t you remember how proud I was? Now you see I end up to be one of her


    followers..."


    Jasper heaved a sigh as the memory of his tough days came shing back his mind.


    "But, hey, cheer up. I could offer you a piece of advice,"


    Jasper uttered mysteriously. He cocked one of his eyebrows towards Rufus, waiting for the cold man to


    ask him what it was.


    Rufus nced at the excited man in smug satisfaction but didn''t say anything. He knew Jasper was the


    kind of man who couldn''t stand holding the excitement back to himself.


    As expected, Jasper pulled a long face a minuteter as there was no response from Rufus.


    "You know what? If it were not for your aunt, I would keep away from your matter, as far as I can! I hate


    your ice-like face!"


    Rufus snorted. With a slight grin on his face, Rufus''s face melted and his eyes gave him away, shining


    with satisfaction.


    "What it is?"


    Under the eager gaze of Jasper, Rufus had no other choice but to speak out the question.


    "Ask her to marry you! It was not until your aunt married me did she began to pay more attention to


    me,"


    Jasper whispered to Rufus''s ear with a wicked smile on his face.


    "When you two finally get married, she will definitely turn close to you. And, by that time when you help


    her, the assistance will be from a family. She has no reason to turn you down anymore!"


    Jasper suggested, full of confidence, advising Rufus based on his own experience.


    Rufus''s cold eyes brightened up. He was imagining how he would propose to Cassandra.


    It never urred to Rufus that it was a way in. Jasper''s advice sounded somewhat practical.


    Cassandra was so tough because no one cared for her during her childhood. But as long as they got


    married and he became her husband, Rufus believed he could melt her aloofness away by the care


    and warmth from the family they made.


    "I see she has been hanging around out there for a while and hasn''t gotten what she wanted. How


    about I going down and helping her?"


    Jasper looked at Cassandra who was sitting on a bench and bending over to pound her legs as in


    massage. She looked terribly exhausted.


    "Don''t worry. I won''t let her know you are the real boss here," Jasper teased Rufus.

 Chapter 154 The Past Had Gone By Without A Trace

    Chapter 154 The Past Had Gone By Without A Trace


    Cassandra felt a dull pain stabbing at her back and waist. Sighing out loud, she could feel tight knots in


    her muscles. It was indeed not an easy job to manage a business.


    "Cassandra?"


    A familiar voice called out to her. She looked up and met a man''s concerned gaze. He seemed very


    familiar, and it took Cassandra a moment to recognize him.


    "Oh, Uncle¡­ Uncle Jasper!"


    She hesitated on using the honorific, unsure of how to address him. Calling him ''Uncle-In-Law'' did not


    seem very appropriate as she hadn''t married into Rufus''s family yet. At the same time, ''Brother'' would


    sound too intimate, and so she settled for ''Uncle''... The only problem was that Jasper looked too young


    to be addressed as such.


    Sure enough, he gave her an awkward look upon her greeting. He signed inwardly, ''Am I that old?''


    At this moment, a man in a suit strode to his direction and bowed before him respectfully.


    "President Li, we didn''t expect that you would being today. Is there anything I could do for you?"


    Cassandra peeked at the name tag on his chest. It bore the title "Supervisor".


    But her thoughts were elsewhere instantly. ''What? President Li?'' Cassandra tried to hide her surprise


    upon hearing the man call Jasper ''President''.


    "I have checked the reports. Good work,"


    Jasper said to him, with calm and formal air. It was as if a different person was standing in front of her.


    She failed to find any trace of theughter and yfulness he had on the night of New Year''s Eve.


    The man visibly brightened at the president''s acknowledgement.


    Then, Jasper turned to Cassandra and asked her softly, "Are you here to shop for anything?"


    His voice pulled Cassandra from her thoughts and back to reality. "Oh, I''m here to pick up some


    supplies," she managed to reply.


    Jasper waved a hand at the supervisor, and in an instant he was at his side, wearing a big smile.


    "Give Miss Qin the cost price of all the products. Charge the remaining bnce cost to my ount,"


    he instructed. The supervisor nodded repeatedly.


    "Well, thank you so much for your help, President Li," Cassandra uttered with gratitude, stunned by his


    generosity.


    Not once had it crossed Cassandra''s mind that Jasper would be the president of this huge mall.


    From what she knew, this mall was owned by the TY Group, an international business which had


    engaged in industries of all aspects. If that was the case¡­she turned to Jasper with wide eyes. That


    must mean that Jasper was the president of TY Group. Cassandra almost reeled from the realization.


    She recalled how she addressed him as ''Uncle'' earlier, as if she was rted to him. Somehow, she felt


    awkward when she thought about how it might have seemed to others.


    The two of them exchanged small talk and Cassandra made sure to address him as ''President Li, '' this


    time, even as she stumbled over her words. Jasper felt even more ufortable at the sudden show


    of formality. ''So Uncle sounds better...'' he thought to himself.


    The supervisor personally showed Cassandra around and enthusiastically gave rmendations


    about which brands were best for the designs she had in mind. In reality, Cassandra already had a


    clear picture in her head of what she wanted, but she hesitated. She had a limited budget, and she had


    to think well and make adjustments if necessary.


    But with Jasper''s help, all she needed were offered to her at an unbelievably low price. She silently


    thanked him for his graciousness. Now, she could get the things she needed without too much


    worrying.


    Cassandra''s steps were light as she walked out of the mall. It was a good day and she felt very


    pleasant as she bounced on her feet and wore a smile on her face. Today seemed like her lucky day.


    She had already crossed out two tasks from her list.


    As she passed by the market, she decided to buy some chicken to stew with tea. It would be good to


    celebrate this day with Rufus.They could have tea together and she would tell him all about what


    happened in her day. She clutched the bags in her hand and hurried home in excitement.


    The time ticked by and it was 9:00 in the evening, but there was still no sign of Rufus. Cassandra


    checked her phone. No messages. Her calls were also unanswered. She felt his absence put a damper


    on her spirit and her mind was racing a mile a minute thinking about where he could be.


    It was very unusual. There had never been a time before when Rufus didn''t call or send her a message


    if he couldn''te home.


    In ordinary days, he lived in the home of Tangs, but he told her that he woulde to visit on the


    evening of Lantern Festival. What could be going on?


    ncing at the clock, she stood up and put the dish she had cooked in a pot to keep it warm. Then,


    she slumped back on the couch and waited. The sound of the clock seemed very loud in the silence of


    the hall, and she felt the rhythmic sound lulling her. After some time, she drifted into sleep.


    In her dreams, she was enveloped in the warmth of Rufus''s arms.


    Meanwhile, in thergest concert hall in G City, Amanda''s performance was had paused into an


    interlude.


    Children''s voices filled the room as the choir sang on the stage. They had an almost ethereal sound as


    the melodies echoed through the chambers.


    Horace and Rufus were seated in the front row. Turning to his side, Horace said, "We must sponsor


    Miss Ke''s next concert. It would be a good step to enhance our cultural influence and visibility. It would


    be good to show our involvement inmunity matters, or people would start calling us as uncultured


    bumpkins."


    He was evidently satisfied with his idea, and sank back to his seat.


    Rufus said nothing in response, his face expressionless. He nced at his watch and counted the


    seconds. He hadn''t nned toe to this concert at all. However, Horace asked his driver to wait for


    him right outside the office building and insisted on himing along.


    Rufus sighed in his seat. He also had received an invitation to this concert, but going was thest thing


    on his mind.


    There had been other invitations in the past. Amanda had sent him two tickets for her previous show


    through her assistant, but he gave them to Victor and Ste.


    He had watched countless of her concerts. He remembered the crowd''s faces when she yed¡ª


    mesmerized, and in absolute adoration. It was all too familiar, as he too, had once been one of them.


    He closed his eyes as memories drifted back to him.


    Like all the others, he had been captivated by her beauty and her elegance. At one time, she had


    seemed to make his world brighter and more beautiful. But that happinesssted a short time. He could


    still remember how distraught he was when she broke up with him at her father''s request. All at once,


    his world turned gloomy, as if she took all the light with her. It took him a long time to move on. One


    day, he woke up to find every trace of her gone from his heart. That morning, he felt as if he had once


    again found freedom after being at a loss.


    Now, he was told that Amanda wanted to go back the way things were before. The knowledge brought


    him no feelings at all. It was as if his past self was a stranger. He had no desire to be involved with her


    in any way, and he only did sost time to help her.


    His thoughts drifted to Cassandra, bringing up the image of her drunk and in tears. A pang of pain


    clutched at his heart. He never wanted to see it happen again.


    Lionel''s voice broke through his musings as he replied to Horace.


    "Rumor has it that the local government is nning to appoint a spokesperson for the scenic spot, and


    they have their eye on Miss Ke," he said.


    A hint of a smile was pulling on Horace''s face as he heard the words.


    After the call with the investor, he had been digging for any information he could find about Amanda Ke.


    He was more than satisfied about the things he read. She would be the perfect match for Rufus¡ª


    young, beautiful, talented, and from a good family. If he could pair them up, marriage would naturally


    fall into ce.


    However, Rufus remained silent and unresponsive about this. He sat on his chair restlessly.


    He had promised Cassandra that he would go to the Garden Vi to have dinner with her on this


    holiday. He nced at his watch for the hundredth time that evening. Given the time, it would be close


    to midnight when he arrived home.


    She must be anxious, waiting for him; and of all things, he had even left his phone at his office, so he


    had no way of reaching her.


    He shifted in his seat, trying to find a morefortable position as his mind wandered to her.


    When the interlude finished, Amanda emerged in a golden dress. There was a beat of silence as the


    crowd held their breath at the sight of her. Everyone''s eyes were fixed on her as she crossed the stage


    and sat down on the chair, her movements elegant and graceful.


    She took a deep breath and started ying, her fingers leaping on the keys. The music echoed through


    the halls, ying a melody that was vibrant as spring.


    It was as if she and the piano melded into one being, and the audience lost themselves in the


    wonderful sound.


    On the contrary, Rufus''s face fell into a hardened expression as he listened.


    He recognized this music. He knew every note by heart. It was the piece that Amanda was ying


    when they met for the first time.


    Charlie Ke, Amanda''s father, was his mentor in the training camp, also the vice president of the Dark


    Night Group.


    Charlie liked him. He even invited him once to his home for dinner after a training session.


    Rufus remembered the day that moved his heart for the first time. As soon as he stepped into the hall,


    the warm, melodic music poured out and came to his ears.


    Then there was Amanda, silhouetted by the light from the gigantic windows, her white dress flowing as


    she yed the piano. He held his breath at the vision of her bathed in the brilliant sun.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    Her eyes were fixed on the sheet music, and Rufus felt as if his heartbeat fell in time with the flutter of


    her eyelids. Long, fair, fingers danced on the ck and white keys, and the beautiful sound filled every


    corner of the room.


    In that dazzling light, she looked like a fairy that had descended to the world of mortals.


    It was love at first sight.


    He found outter that she was Charlie''s daughter, and he was courteous and respectful to her at all


    times.


    Unbeknownst to him, Amanda also felt the same way for him; and she found every possible excuse to


    go to the training camp to see him.


    It was only a matter of time until their feelings reached the peak. They were each other''s first love.


    Rufus was in the darkest days of his life at that time. His mother was lying in the hospital in vegetative


    states, wasting away. He burned the memory of her in her deathbed, vowing that one day he would


    return to the Tang Group to get revenge. Horace would suffer the same agony they felt.


    His feelings for Amanda ran deep, but his inexperience had gotten the better of him. Despite being one


    of the best students, he was clueless when it came to matters of love.


    Other men would woo women with romantic gestures, flowers, and gifts, but Rufus seemed to have no


    clue of any of these. And despite favoring him as a student, Charlie was against their rtionship.


    In Charlie''s eyes, Rufus was no doubt among the most talented of his students, but him being his son-


    inw was an entirely different matter. He was young, and had nothing to his name.


    He came between them and forced her daughter to leave Rufus.


    Their love came to a tragic end; and Rufus found himself alone with his own despair.


    Feelings of the past came back to him. The day Amanda left, he vowed to do everything he can to be


    sessful. Amanda would regret not choosing him, and Charlie, for tearing them apart.


    Now, he had stayed true to a part of that promise. He was at the top, but he found himself unable to


    recall the pain and the hatred that came with thoughts of her. It seemed as if everything had been


    wiped away.


    He didn''t care in the slightest whether she regretted or not. It did not matter to him any more. He had


    carved out his career and built up his name. Later on, he found that he no longer felt pain at the sound


    of her name; and his memories of her grew dimmer and dimmer each passing day.


    His first love had ended, and it had stayed buried in a past that had gone by without a trace.

 Chapter 155 Unexpected news

    Chapter 155 Unexpected news


    When Amanda finished, the audience roared with a thunderous apuse.


    She stood up, bowed to show her appreciation; and then her eyes scanned the crowd for Rufus.


    Finally, they settled on him and happiness reeked through her body.


    Rufus noticed the way she looked at him. When he met her gaze, he promptly moved his eyes away.


    But Amanda wasn''t upset. Just one look which hadsted only for a few seconds filled her with


    contentment.


    Nothing could spoil her mood today. The admiration she felt for him exined the extra piece which


    was not listed on the program. It was exclusively for Rufus.


    When she gave Lionel the admission ticket, she also saved one for Rufus. Instead of giving it to him by


    herself, she handed it over to his assistant. In spite of this, she highly doubted he would show up. She


    vividly remembered what happened thest time¡ªshe had given him two tickets for the concert but


    instead of Rufus, an unknown man and woman showed up.


    ''But today he came!'' her heart wanted to scream again and again. When she first spotted Rufus on a


    VIP seat, her mouth was agape with surprise.


    All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    Once the information finally sank in, she looked around and spotted Lionel. He was sitting with an old


    man who wore a stern look.


    Out of excitement, she decided to continue with another piece soon after her half-time break.


    Secretly, she hoped the piece would strike a chord in Rufus''s heart. Her intention was to revive his


    memories. She wanted him to recollect their past and feel nostalgic.


    A sly smile crept on her face when she realized this was their little secret. Nobody else in the audience


    had any idea about her intention. They presumed Amanda had yed an extra piece as a bonus.


    Artists often rewarded their fans with an extra piece so nobody found this to be unusual.


    Amanda continued tomunicate with the audience using her music. It left everyone intoxicated.


    No one could have guessed what would happen next.


    When the second half ended, everyone stood up to apud. Amanda once again bowed and showed


    her gratitude.


    For the hundredth time, her eyes drifted andnded on Rufus. But this time, she didn''t look away. In an


    emotional tone, she began speaking, "There was a time when I thought my music was only recognized


    overseas. Due to this, I pushed myself to make a mark there. But gradually I havee to learn that


    music has no boundary. Due to my Chinese ancestry, I find myself getting more and more drawn


    towards the music industry of China. After giving it a lot of thought, my studio and I havee up with


    a solution. We have decided to shift the focus from overseas to home. Yes guys, you heard me right!


    My new studio is going to be located here in G City!"


    It took a few seconds for the audience to realize their ears weren''t ying tricks on them. To confirm


    their doubts, they started whispering to one another. There was a part of them that still couldn''t believe


    what they heard. They didn''t understand why Amanda would choose G City for her future development.


    Seeing their confusion, Amanda added, "I understand why you all look so surprised. You must be


    wondering why I picked G city out of all the ces. You might want to know why I didn''t choose Beijing


    which is the capital of culture. Also there is Shanghai which is the capital of prosperity. Ipletely get


    your concern and won''t hesitate beforeing clean to you people. To be honest, I admire the vitality


    of G City, but that''s not the sole reason for shifting here. The truth is the person I care about is living in


    this city."


    In her gentle voice, she went about and filled the audience with truth. There was something very


    vulnerable in her eyes.


    She took a small break topose herself and then went on, "I''m very concerned about him hence I


    wish to be closer to him. Every time I feel the pulse of G City, it is as if I''m feeling his heartbeat.


    I don''t mind if he treats me as a friend or a stranger, I''ve decided to settle in G City. I am not sure if my


    decision will have any impact on him but I definitely think it is worth a try."


    The audience were once again taken aback by her statement. They couldn''t believe she was pouring


    her true feelings before them. They sat there inplete silence. The earlier whispering stopped.


    "After a lot of inquiries, I have concluded that we don''t have a professional music school here in G City.


    Hence I''ve decided to build one which will be called ''Amanda Piano School''. The aim of this institute is


    to provide education for the ones who are talented in piano music. I wish we can seed in building a


    good intellectual atmosphere in G City. Also, I expect support from you guys. I need it very much."


    As she finished, Amanda was already flushed tomato red. This idea had been on her mind since a long


    time ago. Yet she didn''t nned to announce it today. But when she found out Rufus was in the


    concert, she decided there was no need for any dy.


    Even though everyone else was a little surprised, she truly believed that Rufus would understand her


    intention. When she expressed her feelings to him in front of so many people, her desire was to make


    him understand the extent of her devotion.


    Out of curiosity, Amanda looked arounded and fixed her gaze on Rufus''s direction. While she did this,


    pure emotions were depicted in her eyes. Horace who was sitting next to Lionel thought there was


    something offbeat about her behavior.


    "Lionel, do you feel that Miss Ke seems to be looking at our direction very often?"


    Horace asked Lionel in a low voice. There was suspicion in his tone. He wanted to confirm his doubts


    with Lionel.


    Obviously, Lionel had observed this even before Horace pointed it out. He noticed that Amanda kept on


    fixating her gaze in their direction. He also suspected Rufus was the man she was interested in, but he


    had no idea about their history.


    ''Could it be that Rufus and Amanda know each other?


    Rufus used to live overseas and Amanda grew up overseas. There might be some connection between


    them.


    Moreover, Amanda mentioned the person she cares about is living here. Were they lovers before?'' his


    sharp mind started to guess.


    "Father, I don''t think this is the right time to make a wild guess. She didn''t say anything yet, so let''s not


    jump to a conclusion," Lionel replied back.


    Lionel was still in a sour mood and thinking about Rufus spoiled it further. The knowledge of Rufus''s


    secretive rtionship with Cassandra was eating him alive.


    "I''ve already picked up a site for my music school and I''ve also selected the constructionpany.


    Now I would like to wee the president of thatpany on stage in order to sign the contract with


    me!"


    After Amanda finished, she gave a sign to the Miss Manners to hand her the contract. In a matter of


    seconds, they had the table on the stage.


    The audience couldn''t restrain their excitement. This news waspletely unexpected and they


    started talking and whispering to each other.


    When they came here, their sole purpose was to watch and enjoy the concert. No one would have


    expected to hear such a good news. And the fact it was announced by Amanda magnified their joy.


    Now to make things even better, the signing of the contract would take ce in front of them.


    Amanda looked around the hall and once again fixated her gaze on Rufus.


    "I would like to entrust the construction of Amanda Piano School to the best constructionpany of G


    City, the Tang Group!"


    It was an explosive news and people roared with apuse. In truth, Amanda had decided the


    constructionpany even before she announced her decision. Like all her other steps, this one was


    also a well-thought-out one.


    After a while, the audience looked in Rufus''s direction. Tang Group was an up-andingpany


    recently. Everyone knew that Rufus was the president of Tang Group. In fact, he was more than just a


    president, he was the one who was in charge of Tang Group now. So they were well aware he would


    have to sign the contract. Expectantly, they turned to him.


    Everyone was waiting for Rufus to get up. They were a little disturbed by the fact that he remained in


    his seat. His eyebrows were pulled together and doubts were etched in his eyes.


    He didn''t understand why Amanda had done this. If she wanted to make her future school and herself


    popr, there was no need for her to get him involved.


    What surprised him more was that she didn''t talk about the construction of this piano school with him in


    advance. Hence this news came to him all of a sudden and caught himpletely off guard. He


    realized If he didn''t go up to the stage, she would be humiliated.


    But there was a part of him that stopped him from doing it. ''Would she misunderstand things if I sign


    the contract? Will she think I want to start things all over again?'' he questioned himself apprehensively.


    It suddenly became awkward. The audience stopped whispering and all eyes were on Rufus. The


    dreadful silence left him feeling a little frustrated.


    Everyone started to think that Rufus didn''t know how to appreciate favors. They just couldn''t


    understand why he would humiliate Amanda in her own concert.


    Horace, on the other hand, looked surprised when he heard the announcement from Amanda. Secretly,


    he was very pleased with it. He concluded that Rufus and Amanda had already made an agreement


    and this concert was only a way to make it official. But when he noticed Rufus''s hesitancy in getting up,


    he started to think that maybe his guess was wrong. ''Is this an idea that Amanda conceived at the spur


    of the moment?'' Horace wondered.


    Amanda who earlier had a beaming face now felt embarrassed since Rufus didn''t respond to her


    request.


    When she bravely made this announcement, she was positive that Rufus would do her this favor for the


    old time''s sake.


    Besides, Rufus was now the president of Tang Group. He had to consider the benefit of the group. This


    music school was a project that would promise them a good name. Overall, it was a great opportunity


    for them to be in the public eye. She didn''t think there would be any reason for him to reject it.


    But Rufus still didn''t move. No one knew what was going on in his mind.


    Amanda stared at Rufus. Their past was like a constant wind which whooshed in front of her.


    Ever since she met Rufus, she had immediately fallen for him. Even the small qualities like the fact he


    smiled less and talked less didn''t bother her.


    What she liked the best was that he always came straight to the point without the slightest hesitation.


    His words were usually short but it always conveyed what was required.


    When he had dinner with Amanda''s family, he talked a lot with her father, Charlie. They talked about


    everything from astronomy to geography, from humanity to military. She sat looking fascinated when


    she watched him speak.


    Since that day Rufus had begun to upy her mind. Piano and Rufus were the two things that she was


    most passionate about.


    He didn''t like to talk much so she would be the talker when they were together.


    When they went outside, he was a little shy to hold her hand so she would be the one who did it without


    any hesitation.


    Also, he was scared to make the first move to kiss her, so she became the one who initiated it.


    She almost gave all of her girlhood passion to Rufus. Yet it didn''t budge or change his stern look.


    Even now she had prepared the stairs, the red carpet, for him to walk on, but he was reluctant.


    No matter what she did, her hard work would fall short.


    Now watching the audience, she felt embarrassed. Her expression became rigid. If she didn''t get a


    signed contract, she wouldn''t be able to continue with her n. All her efforts would go in vain.


    Everything was prepared in such a short period of time because she was excited to have it done.


    Time continued ticking away and everyone was still looking at Rufus.


    Just when she was about to leave the stage, a voice spoke in the hall with an echo.


    "Thank you Miss Ke. Thank you for your great kindness. Tang Group is honored to receive this


    proposal. We are looking forward to our cooperation!"

 Chapter 156 Leave Me Alone

    Chapter 156 Leave Me Alone


    All eyes turned to the lone figure who spoke. Lionel stood up with a smile and an air of confidence.


    He started for the stage as soon as the words left his lips and stopped right beside Amanda.


    Amanda was disappointed at Rufus''s reaction and expected that he wouldn''t do anything more today.


    She thought she was going to be stuck in this awkward situation. Surprisingly, Lionel was the one who


    rescued her. She felt grateful.


    She didn''t let this opportunity pass and immediately took advantage when Lionel made the offer. They


    signed the contract on the spot. The thunderous apuse sounded soon after.


    Horace, who was on the edge of his seat, secretly sighed in relief. Fortunately, Lionel came forward


    with a solution with to tricky problem. Otherwise, he could already see the headlines for tomorrow''s


    paper¡ªTang Group, too arrogant?


    "What''s wrong with you, Rufus? It''s an honor to be invited by Miss Ke. Why didn''t you take the


    chance?"


    He asked Rufus with an unpleasant tone. His eyebrows were furrowed.


    This was the perfect chance for Tang Group to make its mark in history. What on earth was Rufus


    thinking by not making a move?


    Rufus just stayed silent and observed the jubnt Amanda and Lionel shaking hands onstage.


    He didn''t like this form of coercion. Amanda attempted to force him into making some kind of response.


    He hated being forced most of all.


    After signing the contract, Lionel went back to his seat. Amanda bowed deeply and ended the concert


    right there. She proceeded backstage amidst the deafening apuse.


    Rufus had nned to leave wordlessly, but Horace stopped him by cing his hand on his shoulder.


    "Where are you going in such a hurry, Rufus?"


    Horace asked suspiciously. He was visibly angry at Rufus.


    Rufus did not fear him. He merely turned around and asked in return, "Father, don''t you think the


    contract signing was a hasty move?"


    He frankly spoke his mind.


    Lionel, who was standing beside them, frowned at what he said. Rufus was clearly implying that his


    decision was too hasty.


    "What? I don''t see it like that. What I saw is that you refused to make the right decision at such a critical


    time. You disappoint me!"


    Horace was quite livid whenever he remembered the crucial moment. He had always believed Rufus to


    be a reliable man who would always make the right decision; but today, he decided to close his eyes to


    the situation when it came to Amanda.


    "Even if you didn''t want the contract signed, you could have said something. How could you leave her


    hanging onstage like a fool?"


    Horace was still ming Rufus while Lionel jibed with his father''s words.


    "Father''s right, Rufus. Miss Ke invited us in her kindness. You could have at least said something. She


    is the official spokesperson for the Department of Tourism. She is endorsed by the government itself.


    You''d better not offend her."


    Lionel certainly didn''t pass up on the rare opportunity to teach Rufus a lesson. He kept the ball rolling


    while Horace was reprimanding him.


    However, Rufus just sneered then turned to face Lionel.


    "Has the construction of her piano school been reported to the government? Is the government even


    aware of it? Do you know?"


    Rufus asked aggressively with an icy tone.


    "Well¡­ Now that she announced it so openly, she must have informed the government first!"


    Lionel began to feel like he made a bad decision because of Rufus''s questions. His eyes kept on


    shifting, looking for a way out.


    "As far as I know, Amanda came to G City before the Spring Festival. She stayed here for three days


    before leaving. After the festival, she came here a week in advance to prepare for the concert. She


    must have been quite busy with the rehearsals and all that. Do you possibly think that she had time to


    spare to apply for a permit?"


    All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    Rufus expressed his sentiments strongly.


    Horace who was listening, stopped talking and started to consider his words carefully.


    Getting permission from the government to establish a school was a critically important thing. It took a


    really long time to conduct feasibility tests. Amanda and the government were connected for only a


    month. Even if she had already submitted the application before the concert, one month was too short


    to get the approval. At best, the application materials were just now being received by the government,


    waiting for discussion and review.


    "You''re guessing! The government probably gave her the green light in advance!"


    Lionel was struggling at this point. Rufus raised valid points. Regardless, he would never admit he was


    wrong.


    If Amanda did not apply for a permit, the contract would be a joke. Lionel had signed his name on a


    sheet of paper for something that might not exist at all! People would take him for a fool!


    "Lionel, stop it!"


    Horace had experienced a lot of things in the field of business. He delved deeper and figured out that


    Amanda might only sign the contract for the hype. She definitely thought of this in the heat of the


    moment. Otherwise, the Tang Group would not have known from nothing.


    Two presidents and the chairman of Tang Group were present in the concert!


    All of them had no idea, let alone their employees.


    But why did Amanda propose the contract be signed on the spot? The answer remained clouded.


    Lionel shut his mouth immediately after his father''smand. His heart was in turmoil.


    Rufus nced at Lionel and added insult to injury, "Think carefully before you act next time. If you


    stayed still for a few seconds more, I would have said something to solve this predicament. You were


    too impatient."


    Rufus''s eyes were like daggersden with poison. It hurt and caused pain without mercy.


    If Lionel had stayed in his seat, Rufus would have refused Amanda politely. He would im that this


    wasn''t the proper environment to discuss business and Tang Group could schedule a more appropriate


    time to review the contract. That way, Amanda would have saved face and Tang Group would have had


    enough time to review the school project and decide.


    "Always think twice before you act! Don''t do anything reckless without your brother''s approval!"


    Horace cast a fierce nce at Lionel. Thetter wanted to say more in his defense, but he knew it


    would be wasted. He instead swallowed his words.


    He had to pick his battles. Sure it wasn''t his lucky day.


    A whileter, Rufus arrived at the gate of the venue. Victor had driven hisnd rover over, waiting for


    him. He also brought Rufus his phone.


    Rufus took the phone and swiped his finger to unlock the screen. There were several missed calls, and


    a text message from the little woman,ining.


    "I''m starving¡­When will you return¡­"


    Rufus''s heart tightened the moment he pictured the poor Cassandrals sending him that message.


    It was almost midnight. He wondered whether he could make it or not.


    "Is it prepared?"


    Rufus asked Victor anxiously.


    "Yes, Sir. It''s in the trunk,"


    Victor nodded with eager eyes.


    Rufus got into the car and sped away. The car was a dot on the horizon in just a few seconds.


    That was what Horace and Lionel saw when they got out of the theatre; Rufus''s Land Rover speeding


    away right in front of their eyes.


    "Victor, where is he going?"


    Horace felt strange. It was quitete. Why didn''t Rufus head straight home? Where was he heading?


    "I''m sorry, Mr. Luo didn''t inform me of any details. He just told me to bring his car to the theatre and


    wait for him,"


    Victor answered passively without a speck of emotion. Horace couldn''t glean any other information.


    However, Lionel felt differently. He had a bad feeling. ''There''s no way he''s going to the office to work,


    it''s way toote. He''s in such a hurry too¡­'' thought Lionel.


    "Forget about him. Lionel, let''s head home!"


    Horace trusted Rufus had a good reason for speeding away like that. So he took Lionel and asked the


    driver to head home directly.


    Lionel went straight to his room the moment they arrived. He removed his clothes to run a bath. After


    washing, hey on his bed, ready to sleep.


    He was still angry about what happened today. Somehow he felt that Rufus set this trap for him.


    After Amanda made her proposal known, Rufus remained passive and glued to his seat for at least a


    minute or two. He didn''t do anything even when everyone had all eyes on him.


    If he really knew that Amanda''s school wasn''t permitted yet by the government, he would have stood


    up immediately for a reply. He was that capable.


    But then, he merely stayed silent. The only exnation he could find was that Rufus was waiting for


    him to stand up and say something.


    Lionel had always longed for his father''s approval and praise. Before Rufus took over Tang Group,


    Lionel was the president of thepany. He managed everything! But now, he was reced so easily


    by Rufus. He just couldn''t reconcile with this fact.


    Now there came a chance to turn the tables. He broke the ice with the act of saving Amanda. And at


    the same time, people would realize who was actually in charge. He could also show off his good


    manners. He was killing three birds with one stone!


    What a perfect opportunity! How could Lionel pass up?


    Thinking more on this, Lionel grew more upset. He twisted and turned in bed, just was unable to fall


    asleep.


    A pair of soft hands, with stark white skin and shiny red nails hugged Lionel from behind.


    Lionel felt that Ivy''s burning body pressed onto him. However, he was too bothered by his thoughts to


    do something. He took her hands and pushed them off his body.


    "What do you think you''re doing? Leave me alone. It''ste. I''m tired and I had a bad day. Just go to


    sleep!" Lionel said in an annoyed tone.

 Chapter 157 A Firework Display For Cassandra

    Chapter 157 A Firework Disy For Cassandra


    Ivy was astonished at what Lionel said just now. She froze in ce. It was as if someone threw a


    bucket of ice water on her, which instantly doused the burning desire she had for him.


    ''When ites to our sexual life, Lionel has always been so active for so many years. He has never,


    ever refused me like he just did today. What is wrong with him?'' She thought to herself.


    After she finished that trail of thought, she felt even colder than the moonlight outside the window.


    It was the fifteenth day of the Lunar New Year, which was also known as the Lantern Festival. Horace,


    Lionel, and Rufus went out to the concert so it was only Jill and Ivy at home.


    The two women spent the night talking, where Jill mostlyforted Ivy and told her to take better care


    of herself. She also mentioned that the Tang family was prepared topensate her abortion that was


    caused by Cassandra.


    Even though deep inside she was still very anxious, Ivy was trying her best to stay behaved and


    sensible. She simply nodded along and agreed with what Jill said.


    "I love Lionel. Nothing else matters," Ivy said sincerely.


    ''I know that Jill loves Lionel best among her family. For as long as I can show her that there is nothing


    more important to me than Lionel, she would definitely see me as the most suitable wife for her son, ''


    Ivy thought.


    Since she came back from the hospital, Ivy felt that everyone in the Tang family had changed their


    attitudes towards her. Though it was not obvious, she could feel it.


    Ivy never hesitated to go after Lionel after he divorced Cassandra. However, it felt strange that she


    seemed to have to walk on eggshells with the Tang family.


    It wasmon for someone who had nothing to lose to dare to do anything. Ivy was like that. Since


    day one, she had nothing but the baby in her womb. She had no choice but to frame Cassandra in


    causing the abortion. If she failed, she would rather die and took Cassandra down.


    But, this was the opportunity she had been waiting for. Cassandra had divorced Lionel and left the Tang


    family. ''My long-cherished desire for many years is about to be fulfilled. This is my chance. I must seize


    this chance to get what I want, '' Ivy thought. ''But somehow, it feels like it is much more difficult than I''ve


    imagined.''


    Originally, Lionel was the President of the Tang Group, and he was being groomed to be the sessor


    of thepany. However, the position was now upied by Rufus and it seemed that he had taken


    Lionel''s ce.


    When Lionel and Cassandra were still married, Horace actually appreciated his daughter-inw.


    Rumors had it that the father and son actually argued about the divorce. Lionel took the divorce


    settlement to Cassandra and asked her to sign her name on the contract. He did it behind his father''s


    back so that the divorce went through in the end. Horace found out after it was already done.


    There was no use for Horace to stop the divorce. He knew his words would no longer sway them so he


    turned a blind eye.


    Then, Ivy had moved in with the Tang family since she became pregnant with Lionel''s baby. Jill liked


    her because Ivy did all she can to tter her.


    Ivy thought that Lionel loved her very much. However, as they grew closer, she gradually discovered


    that he was strongly possessive of Cassandra and actually wanted to win her heart. She knew she had


    to do something about the situation. This led her to gather the strength to abort her own baby and


    framed Cassandra. The loss of his baby caused him to lose his mind. In anger, he asked Cassandra for


    a divorce without thinking. Ivy justified her action by thinking that ''If I haven''t done like this, they''d still


    be married and I''d be nowhere near being Lionel''s wife.''


    Her goal was now within her grasp. She was the one sharing Lionel''s bed. Then, in a drunken stupor,


    Lionel said that he was actually in love with Cassandra. This shocked Ivy.


    But instead, she didn''t dwell into what he said that much. She only hoped that Lionel would marry her


    and treat her well in the future.


    She then tried to seduce him by fondling his back, showing her desire. Surprisingly however, he bluntly


    refused her. What did this mean?


    Maybe he was too tired to understand what Ivy was thinking about? Not long after, his breathing


    became steady, which signified that he was asleep.


    She stared at his back, hoping that she could read his mind. But it was impossible.


    She wondered, ''We''ve been together for seven years. Are we going through the seven-year itch? Are


    we going our separate ways soon?


    No! Absolutely not! I will never allow this to happen to me.


    I have sacrificed so much for him already. It''s impossible to stop now!''


    She would do anything to be Lionel''s wife. No matter what.


    The moon shined coldly on the couple in bed before it hid itself among the clouds.


    Rufus was worried to miss the clock hitting midnight so he drove his car as fast as he could, checking


    the time every now and then.


    When he entered the vi at the end, he gave a sigh of relief upon seeing that it was only 11:30 in the


    evening.


    He prepared everything in the courtyard, pushed the door open and went in.


    As usual, the house was still very clean. Ever since Cassandra came to live there, she had taken upon


    herself to clean it every day after getting back from working in Qin Group.


    Rufus thought that he never saw Cassandra clean the house when she was staying in the Tang family


    house. Of course, all chores there were done by servants. Knowing that he lived in a house cleaned by


    her hands, Rufus felt warmer.


    Stepping into the dinning room, he saw his sweetheart curled up on the sofa, like a small hedgehog.


    How cute she was! The television was on, but the volume was very low. The light shined on the her


    face. The shadow was changing but she kept her calm and beautiful face all the way.


    He slowly walked towards the sofa, leaned forward and stared at her beauty.


    She slept so soundly that she didn''t even notice himing in. She must have been very tired.


    He then remembered what he saw at the Decoration Material Mall this afternoon. Cassandra was so


    tired that she slumped into a chair and struck her legs and waist. A hint of concern then appeared in his


    eyes.


    Then Rufus fantasized, ''If she was an ordinary housewife, she wouldpletely rely on me. She would


    be obedient and always put me first. I would be happy to see that.


    However, she is unique and different from other woman. I am very much fascinated by her charm and I


    think I''m deeply in love with her.'' He then lowered his head to kiss her.


    Cassandra seemed to sense something and suddenly opened her eyes. She then saw his beautiful


    brown and smiling eyes right in front of her, it was heartwarming. Suddenly, she pushed him away and


    hurriedly sat up.


    "Ah! I fell asleep!" Cassandra eximed.


    She straightened her clothes and tried to stand up. Since she slept in an awkward posture, her legs


    were already numb. She almost fell to the ground the moment she stood up.


    Fortunately, a pair of powerful arms caught her and pulled her into a warm and loving embrace, thus


    avoiding her hitting the floor.


    A chuckle came above her head and she heard a deep voice say, "This is my house. But seeing your


    reactions, somehow, I feel like an intruder!"


    Rufusughed at her sensitiveness and panic. Faced with this, she was so ashamed that her face


    began to turn bright red.


    "You came back sote I fell asleep," she whispered.


    Cassandra buried her little face into his arms. A pitiful feeling was obvious in her words.


    "Well, here I am. I hurriedly came back because I want to be with you," Rufus replied softly.


    Rufus stretched out his hand to nce at his watch and saw that the 10-minute countdown he set


    earlier was fast approaching.


    He lifted her into his arms and carried her to the bedroom like newlyweds did.


    She felt very shy and thought, ''How could he do this? He just came back and he''s taking me straight to


    the bedroom.''


    As they walked into the bedroom, they approached therge window and he pulled them open.


    Cassandra became confused at why he would do this. She thought to herself ''It''s so cold outside. Why


    would he open the window? It''s not stuffy in here anyway.''


    "Face the window and close your eyes. I have a gift for you," he requested with excitement in his voice.


    Rufus raised his lips as he stared at her waiting for her response.


    "A gift? What gift?" Cassandra asked.


    Her face was filled with confusion and it actually looked pretty cute. Seeing this, Rufus couldn''t resist


    the temptationto kiss her. But he refrained from doing so.


    "Honey, don''t ask anymore questions, okay? Just close your eyes and you will soon find out," he


    answered.


    Standing by her side, he pulled her head against his chest, put his hand over her ear and covered her


    eyes with his other hand.


    "What are you doing? Why are you being so mysterious?" she asked.


    Cassandra then pouted her lips with a look of discontent.


    Leaning against him, she felt his heart beating faster and faster. The anticipation was building inside


    him and now it seemed like it was transferred to her. She started to hear his heartbeat again, which


    was different from her own.


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    His was so strong and powerful and pulsed with great vitality.


    "I''m going to count down now. Open your eyes as soon as I hit one. Do you understand?" Rufus asked


    her.


    He bowed his head and gave her a quick kiss on the top of her head as a sign offort.


    Hearing what he said, Cassandra felt more curious and excited so she hurriedly agreed to it.


    Rufus then narrowed his ck eyes as he turned to look out the window.


    He then checked the indicator of his wristwatch and began to count down urately, "Five, four, three,


    two, one..."


    As he counted to one, Rufus quickly moved his hand from her eyes to cover her ears to protect them


    from the loud sound.


    Her beautiful eyshes fluttered like the wings on a butterfly as she opened her eyes.


    A deafening sound suddenly came from outside the window. Fortunately, her ears were covered by his


    hands. Otherwise, it would have hurt her ears.


    Looking up, Cassandra watched a wonderful disy of colorful fireworks lighting up the beautiful night


    sky.

 Chapter 158 The Fireworks

    Chapter 158 The Fireworks


    Cassandra''s eyes were wide open, astonishment covering her face.


    Fireworks lit up the sky in a dazzling array of pattern after pattern.


    Some were green, the sparks raining down like a meteor shower.


    Some were purple, glowing like smiling faces.


    Some were gold, blossoming out like wild flowers.


    And then there were the red, holding their shapes in burning hearts as the entire sky was painted bright


    with the color of romance.


    As each explosion lit up the sky and scattered like falling flower pedals, the dark night shone as bright


    as day. Cassandra was enchanted.


    She couldn''t keep her eyes from the sky. Her astonishment slowly turned into jubtion and she


    couldn''t wipe the smile off her face.


    The burst of each firework reflected in her eyes and Rufus gazed as each color lit up her shining eyes.


    "Like it?"


    His voice was so soft and warm that even with two simple words, Cassandra could feel her knees


    buckle.


    "A lot! It''s so beautiful. Thank you."


    She felt her voice choke, her eyes starting to well up a little bit as the gratitude spilled out of her.


    Rufus smiled, instinctively leaning over and leaving a soft kiss on her forehead.


    "I''m d you like it."


    He''d shipped the entire set of fireworks equipment along with all the fireworks from overseas but had


    thought little of the cost. All he could think of was making sure Cassandra liked it.


    For Cassandra, the fireworks painted the most picturesque scene into the night sky. But for Rufus, the


    real beauty was in her eyes.


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    In her pure eyes, the fireworks bloomed. These were the clearest eyes he''d ever seen in his entire life.


    As the fireworks faded into the night sky and the sounds of the explosions slowly drifted away, a sense


    of peace fell over their night.


    Rufus removed his hands from covering Cassandra''s ears, making their way down to cup her cheeks.


    He gently lifted her face, his eyes never wavering from hers, full to the brim with love.


    "So, how are you going to thank me, huh?" he asked, a mischievous smile creeping onto his face.


    His hands felt as hot as magma but his movements were soft as a feather; as if he was handling an


    invaluable piece of treasure.


    His fiery eyes seemed to burn through her and Cassandra couldn''t help but feel a little unsettled. She


    could never really behave calmly in front of him, especially when he spoke with such an irresistible tone


    and looked at her with such passion in his eyes. She felt as though she might fall down at any time,


    melting into a pool of liquid at his feet.


    "Rufus, I... I¡­ How do you want me to thank you?" she stammered with a bashful look.


    This was nothing like her normal, articte self. Within seconds, she''d been transformed into this shy,


    stammering girl. Thest few words came out as soft as a murmur, barely audible if he had not been so


    close to her.


    A wicked smile crept across his face and just like that, his lips were pressed fiercely against hers.


    He closed his eyes, relishing the taste of this woman. A feeling of contentment filled his body.


    Cassandra, on the other hand, was caught off-guard by the impromptu kiss. Her eyes stayed wide


    open in disbelief, and she could see nothing but the thick eyshes of this man.


    Though he kept his eyes closed, he could feel that her mind was elsewhere from the kiss so he


    naughtily bit her lip.


    "I don''t have anything to eat so if your mind continues to wander, I''ll have to have a taste of you


    instead," he threatened yfully.


    Cassandra instantly closed her eyes.


    She had really eaten nothing when she was waiting for Rufus. Her stomach had been crying for food.


    Before he could finish ''tasting'' her, she would probably faint due to hunger.


    Cassandra couldn''t help but feel a little embarrassed by his brash suggestion and she didn''t dare to


    move as far as her body was begging, afraid he might push it too far. So she stayed how she was,


    wrapped up in the kiss until her entire body became so soft that she had to lean into his arms to keep


    herself from falling.


    Time passed in silence. After what felt like a century, Rufus pulled away unwillingly from her seducing


    lips. It was only then that he opened his eyes to gaze upon her pink cheeks and twinkling eyes.


    Suddenly, a round of firecrackers exploded just outside the window. Just as one stopped, another went


    off as families set off their crackers in celebration of the Lunar New Year.


    It slowly dawned on Cassandra. If these families were starting to set off their firecrackers, it must have


    passed midnight. And tonight, it meant the 15-day long Spring Festival hade to an end.


    "I''m d I got to spend my birthday with you,"


    Rufus said. Cassandra was taken aback by his abrupt confession.


    "What? Your birthday is right on the fifteenth day of the first month? Why didn''t you tell me?"


    Cassandra eximed.


    She was upset that his birthday had slipped right under her nose.


    She hadn''t gotten him any present and worse, it was he that had gifted her the wonderful disy of


    fireworks. Surely, this was backwards.


    "What do you want for your birthday? Let me treat you, okay?"


    Cassandra looked up at him, the look of frustration and wonder mixing across her face. He felt a little


    amused.


    "There''s no need for that. You are my gift," he said, cupping her face affectionately.


    And he meant it. Cassandra was indeed the best gift he had ever received and nothing else could


    compare with how important she was to his life.


    "No, I''ve got to get you something," she insisted.


    She was turning obstinate, embarrassed at her own carelessness for overlooking this asion.


    When it was her birthday, Rufus had organized a wonderful surprise for her and yet now on his


    birthday, it was her again that had received the surprise. He had been so thoughtful and meticulous


    both times and here she was, not even knowing it was his birthday. She med herself.


    A sense of love and pity filled him. ''She is as stubborn as she has always been, '' he thought.


    In truth, he didn''t care much about celebrating his birthday. Even his father, Horace barely paid


    attention to the day so he could barely expect Cassandra to.


    "I thought you already got me a birthday present. What about our dinner tonight?"


    Rufus asked as he pushed the stray strands of her hair off her face, hoping to distract her from her


    frustration by changing the topic.


    The little trick worked as her eyes immediately lit up.


    "Yes, I got the recipe from someone else. Come and try it," she eximed in excitement.


    Cassandra grabbed his hand, pulling him down the stairs to the dining room. This newfound excitement


    casting out any frustration from before.


    She sat him down at the table,ying out a table cloth in front of him and setting out the tableware.


    Then she ran into the kitchen to prepare the tea stew chicken she had cooked earlier that night.


    Cassandra removed the lid of the pot, the fragrance of tea and chicken filling the room, making her


    stomach growl.


    Rufus couldn''t help but smile. As she sat the chicken in front of him, he picked up his fork to cut up a


    small piece of the chicken and put it in his mouth, savoring it slowly.


    "Well, this is great. If bing an architect doesn''t work out for you, you should definitely consider


    bing a chef," he said with delight.


    He wanted to make sure she feltplimented for her cooking skills, in an attempt to pacify her regret


    for not knowing it was his birthday.


    Cassandra seemed to buy it. Her smile was so wide across her face and her eyes started to squint as


    she ran in and out of the kitchen to serve the other dishes she had been cooking up that day. They


    enjoyed her lovingly-prepared dinner but more importantly, each other''spany.


    Outside the Garden Vi parked a red sports car. A woman sat in her car, her eyes filled with the blood


    red streaks of fury. She was struggling to keep the tears of rage from streaming down her face.


    As she watched the fireworks light up the sky, Amanda spotted the unmistakable silhouette of two


    figures, entangled in an embrace through the window. The sight failed to light up the heart of Amanda.


    She couldn''t bare the embarrassment she''d felt since the show.


    She had even asked someone to buy a birthday cake so that she could surprise him when he went up


    on stage. But how was she to know that the person who came up to ept the offer wasn''t Rufus, but


    Lionel instead?


    Nevertheless, she managed to force a polite smile andplete the signing of the contract. When the


    curtain fell, she had rushed to backstage to change her clothes as soon as possible but the only man


    she was looking for had already gone.


    She followed him to his house in the hope of still giving him his present. But it was toote now. It


    seemed he already had the best present right next to him. Amanda looked down at the birthday cake


    and the nicely wrapped gift box she was clutching. She felt like a joke.


    She threw the gift box down, a ceramic unicorn inside rolling out.


    The horn of the unicorn crashed onto the floor below the seat, the figure cracking with as much ferocity


    as the breaking of her heart.


    Amanda was used to having all her wishese true. But this was the one that evaded her. She had


    tried and failed so many times with Rufus. She had spent hours crying over him, hurting over him,


    confronting her father for him. Even more, she had thrown the opportunity to perform overseas away


    just toe here, to his city.


    ''I did all this for you, Rufus, '' shemented.


    ''You know that. You know my heart is with you. But you''ve trampled over it again and again.


    When you heard that Cassandra was gone, you pulled me out and asked Victor to take care of me as


    you rushed off to find her. This time, you drove off immediately after the concert, again just for her. You


    couldn''t even stay for just one second for me. And here you are, enjoying the fireworks with her.


    Where did you learn this romance from? When we were together, you were as dumb as a stone. You


    didn''t even daree close to me. Anytime I wanted to touch you, you instinctively moved away,


    keeping a safe distance between us. Was it because you were afraid? Was it because you''d been hurt


    by a loved one before? I''ve tried so hard to be close to you...


    But what about now? What changed? You hold her in your embrace. You kiss her. You look at her with


    such burning desire as if you are going to melt her!''


    Amanda couldn''t contain her overwhelming sorrow any longer. She grovelled on her steering wheel, a


    wail of grief escaping from her lips.


    ''What''s so good about Cassandra anyways? She was married to someone before! She flirted with


    other men when she still had a husband waiting for her back home. Why would you choose her,


    Rufus?'' Jealousy roared inside of her.


    But her undeniable pride held the tears in her eyes.


    ''No, stop it, Amanda. Are you going to give up now?'' she berated herself. ''How can you give up!''


    She had never got over the mistake she madest time. And this time, she was determined to get what


    she wanted, no matter the cost.


    ''I want Rufus back at my side. I want Rufus to only have eyes for me.


    I am the only one who truly loves him, '' she thought, with newfound conviction.

 Chapter 159 Lyndsy’s Decision

    Chapter 159 Lyndsy¡¯s Decision


    It was already the start of spring when Cassandra finally put up the signboard of herpany outside


    the office building.


    The peach flowers were budding wildly; the grasses sprouted vigorously; and the orioles were singing


    among the leaves of the willow trees. Even the air had started to smell sweet. A perfect wee of the


    early spring.


    Rufus would usually stay inside the Tang House most of the time, but he tried to make a point to go out


    and spend time with Cassandra. It was good for them both; the time they spent together was the most


    rxing time of their week. It was even morefortable when they were in each other''s arms. The


    fragrance of her body made Cassandra all the more irresistible.


    Cloris had gone abroad to study and Edith lived alone in their old house. Cassandra would give her a


    call once a week, just to update her about thepany, but not much else, especially not her personal


    life.


    Rufus was a forbidden topic between the mother and daughter; and even though Cassandra was still


    sulking about it, she was unable to say anything else. Her mother wouldn''t be able to ept their


    rtionship yet and she wasn''t the one to press the issue any longer.


    The Qin Group had just started over in G City and Cassandra was running around to get more


    business opportunities every day. Regardless of how tired she was, however, she would always clean


    up the vi herself each day.


    In her heart, she saw the vi as her home with Rufus, and she was trying her best to keep it warm and


    comfortable.


    Cassandra also tried to make thepany feel homely to her employees. She hired highly skilled


    chefs to cook nutritious work lunches for them and allowed employees to take paid vacations. As time


    passed by, all of them had learned what kind of boss she was and plenty of her workers were thankful


    to her. There were also a lot more people who wanted to work for her.


    For the sake of her employees'' well-being, Cassandra also made sure to have regr medical exams


    for them, bringing them to Jenks''s hospital.


    While the employees were waiting in line at the physical examination center, the young people were


    busyughing and joking around one another as Cassandra was calling one of her clients outside the


    door.


    "Yes, Mr. Wang! We''vepleted the design you requested. A member of our team will bring it to you


    personally this afternoon, but if there''s any other inquiry or question, please let me know!" Cassandra


    spoke eagerly over the phone, before hanging up.


    She cherished every client she had and sincerely hoped to develop a long-term rtionship with them.


    All the work that herpany did was treated with great care, no matter how small or trivial it was.


    While she was talking, a young man in white uniform passed by but he stopped as he turned towards


    Cassandra''s frame.


    "Cassandra? Is that you? What are you doing here? Are you sick?" he asked, worry in his eyes.


    It was Dylon. He looked as handsome just as he always had been in the past, looking at Cassandra


    with a concerned expression on his face.


    Cassandraughed. "No, don''t worry. I''m not sick. My workers are having their routine physical


    examinations here," she exined.


    She nced over towards the small crowd in the hallway to stress her point.


    Dylon had recently learned of her divorce with Lionel and felt sorry for her, which was only further


    emphasized when he saw her contorted face before calling out to her. It must be difficult for her to go


    through the divorce.


    Thest time they met, Rufus had taken her away from the bar. Dylon thought Rufus might be


    someone special to her, but he refused to believe it.


    He was reluctant to ask and intrude because this woman deserved happiness wherever she sought it


    from. Cassandra was waiting for him to talk, eyes kindly peering at him as if he were an old friend.


    Dylon cleared his throat. He didn''t want to risk ruining his friendship with her with his foolish desires.


    "How are you? It''s been such a long time! Would you like to grab a bite?" he asked politely.


    Dylon smiled sheepishly as he waited for her to respond.


    He was the son of the Director of this hospital and had graduated from the most prestigious medical


    university in the country. If he had spent more time on his residency and not his hobby, Dylon would


    have already be one of the chief physicians in the hospital.


    However, even though he was just an ordinary physician, he was still praised for his impable


    professionalism andpassion. He was idolized by many in the hospital, but especially so by the


    female nurses.


    Cassandra thought for a second before nodding. Rufus wouldn''t being over to the Garden Vi


    tonight, so it would probably be fine for her to have dinner with Dylon.


    "Yeah, sure. But is it all right if we eatter? I still have to wait for all them to finish," she replied,


    smiling.


    Dylon tried to suppress the tingle he felt when he saw her beaming at him like that.


    After work, Dylon met with Cassandra at the gate of the hospital, and left together to find a ce to eat.


    When they arrived at the restaurant, they found that it was packed with customers. They had to wait


    outside for their turn.


    Suddenly, a group of people dashed toward them while they were chatting over the street side.


    Cassandra looked at them and saw them hurdling their cameras and microphones.


    ''I-Is this the paparazzi? Who could they be here for?'' she asked herself quietly.


    They were running towards the entrance, just where Cassandra and Dylon were.


    "Come on! Move! We''ll lose our jobs if we don''t get her this time!" one of them screamed.


    The crowd smashed against one another by shoving and elbowing. Dylon quickly grabbed Cassandra


    by her arm and pulled her closer to prevent them from running over her.


    "Why are they so reckless and in a hurry? Are they even professional?" heined.


    Dylon looked with his eyebrows scrunched together as he watched them running around like headless


    chickens.


    "How are you? Were you hurt?" he asked worriedly.


    He had turned his head to look at Cassandra, worry washing over his features.


    "No, thanks to you," Cassandra said shyly.


    She was grateful for his quick reflexes.N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    After the paparazzi had run away a few hundred meters, a figure slipped from the crowd waiting in line


    for a table in front of the restaurant.


    She had a tall and slender frame, her ck raincoat loose around her body. Her face was covered with


    a ck cap, sunsses, and a scarf; an incredibly odd attire choice for the warm spring evening.


    Cassandra looked at her, frowning, trying to figure out if they had met before because she looked


    incredibly familiar. The woman looked up and turned to face her. When they were facing one another,


    the corners of her red lips quipped up and she cracked a smile at Cassandra.


    Cassandra was wondering why the smile was so familiar and everything finally clicked in her head. It


    was Lyndsy!


    She widened her eyes and opened her mouth to call her name, but Lyndsy put her finger to her own


    lips quickly.


    Cassandra immediately kept her mouth shut. As she looked at the crowd, she shrugged her shoulders


    and put her tongue out at Lyndsy instead saying a word.


    Lyndsy moved her way to Cassandra and pulled her sunsses down a little, her bright dark eyes


    shining with mischief.


    "Look! Pretty impressive how I got away from the paparazzi, huh? I can blend with the environment like


    a chameleon now!" she spoke earnestly.


    Cassandra looked at Lyndsy from head to toe with an understanding smile.


    It seemed that Lyndsy and Cassandra were brought together by fate for they could even run into each


    other this way. It was such a small world.


    On the other hand, Dylon was still standing close, riveted to ground. It took him a while before he could


    compose himself. He never thought he''d ever be able to see a famous actress up close.


    Despite of her beauty and quirky behavior, Lyndsy seemed to be a straightforward person. She acted a


    little boyish as well; clearly nothing like her characters. He didn''t recognize her until muchter.


    "Have you had dinner? We''ve been waiting for our turn out here, if it''s okay for you, you might want to


    join us! It''s not a problem, right, Dylon?"


    Cassandra asked and turned to Dylon for his approval.


    He cleared his throat and quickly nodded to her.


    Cassandra smiled at him before turning to call the receptionist to manage a table at corner. She walked


    back to the pair immediately afterwards.


    Lyndsy was thankful that Cassandra was trying to veer the attention away from the three of them. She


    quietly hummed her gratitude when Cassandra came back.


    Once their names were finally called, they entered the restaurant. Their table was near the very end of


    the room, concealed behind severalrge indoor nts. Lyndsy plopped down on the chair facing away


    from the other restaurant-goers and sighed in relief.


    Cassandra sat next to Lyndsy and Dylon stationed himself on the other side of the table. Shortly


    afterward, a waiter approached to serve the steaming hotpot that was filled to the brim. The three of


    them ate cheerfully.


    "Ah, I almost forgot! Thank you for helping me outst time. I still have your dress in my ce. Don''t


    worry, it''s dry cleaned! I can have it sent to youter," Lyndsy said in between bites.


    Her cheeks were burning from the heat and her eyes crinkled in gratitude.


    "Don''t mention it! I still have your dress too, so it''s really nothing to worry about. Maybe we could just


    find another time to exchange them? By the way, you need to tell me about your new movie! Have you


    started shooting?"


    She remembered that Lyndsy had told her that she was just about to start on her new project.


    Lyndsy''s smile slowly faded and she looked away.


    "I-I''ve decided to terminate my contract with the movie. I''m also going to leave my agency soon.


    Actually I''m nning to start my own studio. You see, it''s better to depend on myself and not someone


    else I don''t trust," Lyndsy exined.


    Cassandra wanted to hug her tight. Lyndsy was such a kind soul who never deserved to look so sad.


    Lyndsy was pure, authentic, and honest, but because she became a star at such a young age, there


    could have been a disagreement between her and her agency. She tried not to press about her


    decision, and instead, focused on her ns for the future.


    "What about the damages? Would you be able to afford it?" Cassandra asked worriedly.


    She knew about the liquidated damages that movie stars tended to face whenever they terminated


    their agreements. Whenever news broke out about actors terminating their contracts with their firms,


    they were often considered as incrediblyrge scandals.


    "Hmph. They vited the agreement first. The director of the movie switched the leading female role


    without consulting me. You can''t even imagine how sketchy they all are, and I wouldn''t want to bother


    you with the toxicity. The movie producer''s so, so stupid. The entire film production is such a mess.


    Nothing like myst few movies," Lyndsy sighed irritably.


    Her face was contorted in irritation.


    "Anyway, TY Group is actually pretty reliable and capable. They bring out the most brilliant scripts; they


    hire really talented directors; and their movies are always well-reviewed. I worked with them in that


    particr movie that won me the Best Actress Award!" Lyndsy said.

 Chapter 160 Rude and Violent

    Chapter 160 Rude and Violent


    "The TY Group seems to have a wide range of businesses; their interests in entertainment and other


    fields are remarkable. In fact, I''ve bought some decoration materials in one of their mallsst time,"


    Cassandra ryed.


    She was bursting with curiosity as the TY Group was mentioned in the conversation.


    "Indeed. They started off with securities and finance, and they are very famous abroad too. Now they


    prefer doing business at home. They kicked off with investments and are now eagerly engaged in all


    kinds of industries. Moreover, in its efforts to seek higher grounds, the TY Group is now paying


    attention to the entertainment industry. You know what? The films they had invested in the past two


    years had hit huge box-office sesses. Now they have set up their own filmpany and will make


    and sell their own films in the future."


    Lyndsy''s eyes widened at her description of the TY Group. Her metaphors were so detailed that it was


    as if she were enumerating the heirlooms of her own family. Cassandra was enthralled by her words


    and couldn''t take her eyes off her as she spoke.


    "Why don''t you join TY Entertainment as they are so strong? With a good tform and your


    respectable reputation, you will surely win more awards," Cassandra suggested.


    Expressing deep concern about Lyndsy''s prospects, Cassandra was excited at the thought of seeing


    her seed in the future.


    "Oh! TY Entertainment is apany after all. You know, I''ve got a fiery temper. In case I have trouble


    with the senior management, for sure they will keep me idle intentionally."


    Lyndsy knew her ws well, but she also had her own ideas.


    A crow is never the whiter for washing herself often. For Lyndsy, it was better to follow her heart than to


    fawn on others. It was hard to run her own studio, but she wouldn''t need to restrain herself.


    She had a strong character, and it was true that it would be more suitable for her to set up her own


    studio. In that way, nobody would interfere with her and no one would mess around her.


    "Since you have the ns to set up a studio, won''t your agency make things more difficult for you?"


    Cassandra thought that if the agency knew that Lyndsy wanted to set up her own group, they would


    deliberately put obstacles in her way, so that her ns wouldn''t be realized.


    "They know nothing about this. I have secured the business license. Then I will submit a case to the


    court, iming that the contract they signed for me is at variance with the facts. Surely, I will have to


    pay the liquidated damages which shouldn''t be too much since the agency is the guilty party."


    Lyndsy trusted Cassandrapletely, so she always confided things to Cassandra.


    They chatted while eating, from work to skin care products and many other topics women liked to talk


    about.


    On the other hand, Dylon just kept his silence. Being a man as he was, he couldn''t get a word in the


    girls'' talk.


    Lyndsy stole a curious nce at Dylon from time to time. She thought that his face seemed familiar, but


    she couldn''t remember where they''d met before.


    Just then Lyndsy''s phone rang, her agent''s name shed on the screen, but she refused to answer it.


    "It''s so annoying! My agent always assigns me to some vulgar business shows. It really degrades me. I


    don''t mean to belittle business shows, they''re supposed to be meaningful. How stupid he is to drag me


    in such boring shows!"


    Lyndsy looked impatient and seemed very unhappy with the way her career was going.


    After hanging up the phone, Lyndsy pressed the lock screen button, and the screen went dark.


    Suddenly something came to her mind. She pressed the button, and the screen lit up again.


    Swiping on her phone deliberately, she looked up at Dylon and tilted her head, the wheels churning in


    her head as she scanned the back of her mind for a memory she had once.


    "Are you a photographer? I remember meeting you at a photography exhibition abroad once. When


    you were talking to the organizer, I saw you from afar."


    Lyndsy''s gaze sharpened as her eyes were fixed at Dylon''s face. There was an expression of surprise


    on her face.


    Dylon remained silent. He did have a photography exhibition abroad, but he couldn''t remember


    whether Lyndsy had been there or not.


    Lyndsy excitedly showed her phone to Dylon.


    "Look! I have taken a photo of your work. I like it so much that I have been using it as a screen saver."


    Dylon narrowed his eyes on her phone. It was his work. In the photo, green was in the air.


    It was taken from a look-up angle. The leaves in the summer were shiny green and pleasant. Crouched


    on a branch of a tree was a pure white kitten. It was staring at the camera lens with its eyes of different


    colors, appearing to be lovely and pitiful.


    "I remember there was an exnation below the work that the kitten could not climb down the tree and


    you took this photo while waiting for the firefighters, right?"


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    A happy smile hung on Lyndsy''s lips. Obviously, she really liked Dylon''s work.


    "Yes, you''re right. At that time, we were all waiting anxiously; but she just crouched leisurely, looked left


    and right, and asionally licked her hair. In fact, she didn''t hurry down. I called her name, and she


    looked down at me with her head tilted. That was when I took the photo."


    Dylon did not expect that Lyndsy had really attended his exhibition and kept a photo of his work. He felt


    good to meet a friend sharing the same interest.


    "Great! So that means, you''ve met each other long ago,"


    eximed Cassandra, with a soft, teasing smile on her face.


    Indeed, the world was big, and people met each other by destiny, just like Cassandra and Rufus. Their


    paths had crossed since many years ago, but she didn''t know until recently that the unicorn doll


    apanying her as a child was actually a gift from him.


    Cassandra suddenly felt guilty about the fact that Rufus gave her too much, but she gave him too little


    in return.


    She wasn''t even able to give him any gift for his birthday. So she made up her mind to buy something


    for him one of these days.


    After the sumptuous dinner they shared, Dylon sent Lyndsy and Cassandra home.


    Dylon sent Cassandra to the door of a grandiose vi. He eyed the vi inquisitively but he said


    nothing.


    As Cassandra had made such a mess of her life, he knew she couldn''t afford this splendid and


    expensive vi. It was evident who the owner of the vi was, so Dylon didn''t bother to ask.


    Cassandra went inside the hall and was surprised to see Rufus watching TV on the sofa.


    It was a boring TV show. The light and the shadows danced on his face. He had a poker face, and his


    eyes wandered.


    Obviously, his attention was not on the TV. He was just pretending to be watching.


    "Oh Rufus, what brings you here today? Why didn''t you tell me you woulde?"


    Cassandra was startled. Rufus usually would inform her every time he came, but today he came


    without letting her know.


    "I couldn''t get through to you,"


    Rufus answered in a frigid voice. He seemed very upset.


    Cassandra took out her phone from her bag. It turned out that her phone had been turned off


    automatically as the battery was empty. She apologized in difiture immediately, "I made a few


    calls to my clients today. I was out and there was no ce to charge the battery, so it has been turned


    off automatically. I''m sorry, Rufus."


    Cassandra was guilty and knew that it was her fault. In an effort to make up to him, she went to the


    sofa, wrapped her arms around his neck from behind, and gently stroked his shoulder with her head.


    However, her gentle and coquettish act failed to soften Rufus''s hardened face. He still looked sulky.


    "Where did you go? Why do youe back sote?"


    Rufus acted like a husband who asked about his wife''s whereabouts as she stayed outte.


    Cassandra burst out intoughter. She finally knew what Rufus was angry about. He couldn''t contact


    her, and she came back sote. He must have felt left out as he stayed alone in the vi.


    "I had dinner with my friends, so I came backte. Why, did you wait long?"


    Cassandra sat beside Rufus, curled up and snuggled herself into his chest, feeling his heartbeat.


    Rufus subconsciously reached out to fondle her hair, but soon went rigid, remembering that he was still


    upset with her.


    He wanted to ask her so many questions, but his heart was softened as she acted pettishly. He didn''t


    know how to deal with this woman every time she acted so child-like.


    "And who are these friends you stayed with sote?"


    Rufus tried his best to make his tone natural, but it was still strained.


    "Just some acquaintances."


    Cassandra did not want to mention that she met Lyndsy tonight. After all, only a number of people


    knew that Lyndsy wanted to terminate the contract. She trusted Cassandra, so she told Cassandra


    about her ns. Cassandra did not want to betray her confidence.


    Rufus''s grief came in waves, slowly devouring him. He had seen Dylon''s car in the monitor and


    Cassandra got off his car, but she didn''t mention Dylon''s name.


    ''Is there something between them? Does Cassandra try to hide something from me?'' Rufus thought


    silently.


    Cassandra moved closer to Rufus and murmured in his ears, "Rufus, you''re rarely visiting me here. I


    feel so lonely. Every time youe, I''m so d as if I''m celebrating the holidays."


    Her voice was nasal. Rufus put out his hand to gently stroke her face, and he felt the brewing tears in


    her eyes.


    Cassandra moved away to dodge Rufus''s hand. She felt very humiliated. Her joy was immense when


    she saw Rufus waiting for her in the hall, but she dared not show her excitement.


    She wished she could see Rufus when she came home every day, but she knew it was too much to


    hope for.


    Rufus''s lips hardened and an angry mask shadowed his face at Cassandra. His moves were rough like


    he wanted to give full vent to his anger on top the little woman. ''Why is she hiding that from


    me?''

 Chapter 161 Ready To Propose To Her

    Chapter 161 Ready To Propose To Her


    Rufus couldn''t feel his face. He was desensitized from his surroundings. He even failed to notice


    Cassandra''s cry of pain.


    The only thing he focused on was the feeling he felt when he witnessed Cassandra getting out of


    Dylon''s car. It was like a bucket of ice water pouring onto him. He couldn''t believe what he saw.


    His mind was upied by this. He didn''t notice his thrusts were getting harder and harder. Cassandra


    bit down on her lower lip, drawing blood. She tried to stifle her moans until the torture ended. She fell


    asleep soon after they were spent. The corners of her eyes still glistened from the tears even when she


    was already asleep.


    Rufus, on the other side of the bed, couldn''t sleep. He put on some clothes and walked out of the room.


    He went down and stood in the middle of the garden with an emotionless expression.


    He lit up a cigarette and was soon letting out puffs of smoke. The smoke clouded his already cold


    expression.


    The night wind gently kissed his face. The flowers he helped Cassandra nt swayed in tune with the


    breeze. They were already sprouting out small green leaves. They seemed to make the garden look


    alive, a stark contrast to how Rufus was feeling at the moment.


    N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    Rufus took out a velvet jewelry box from his left pocket and grasped it with his hand. He gently flipped it


    open, and a beautiful ring with a clear-cut diamond at its center appeared.


    It was a tinum ring decorated with four ws that held the gem. The ring itself was simple, but one


    look from even a non-expert would know that it was priceless.


    The diamond was imported from overseas. It cost him a ton of money to acquire it from an auction


    abroad. It had the highest grade of rity and color, and was even more rare because of its carat


    weight.


    Rufus heeded Jasper''s advice. He thought that this would really show Cassandra howmitted he


    was to their rtionship. He would give her a home, their very own home. That was when he began


    nning a proposal to her.


    He thoughtst night was the right time.


    The Range Rover''s trunk was filled to the brim with Ecuadorian roses. He nned to make Cassandra


    open the trunk, and then get down on his knees as soon as she was surprised.


    He texted her and informed her that he would be at the Garden Vi came the evening. To his


    disappointment, Cassandra didn''t reply. He was extremely worried, so he called her. It went straight to


    voicemail.


    Rufus tried to reassure himself that Cassandra must have an emergency, or a good reason. As soon as


    he got off work, he drove to the vi as fast as possible to wait for her. He waited for 3 hours. She was


    dropped off by Dylon.


    Rufus felt so empty. He hated himself for being so stupid, but he also felt sad and hurt.


    Cassandra wasn''t even his first woman. Ever since he and Amanda broke up, he buried himself in


    building up thepany so he hardly had any time for a serious rtionship. But every man had his


    needs. He had plenty of flings to attest to that.


    But Cassandra was different.


    Other women fell in love with his physique or his money, since he was a generous lover. They all


    wanted something from him. Cassandra, though, disappeared immediately after the night they slept


    together. She didn''t even leave her phone number.


    This made its mark on Rufus. He was driven insane by his curiosity about her. When he did eventually


    get to know her better, he set his sights on conquering her.


    She was beautiful, yet stubborn. She was so bull-headed. As time passed by, his heart gradually


    became more open. Before he knew it, he was already in love with her.


    With a loud ck, Rufus closed the box. He couldn''t bear to see the beautiful ring right now. It only


    reminded him how much of a fool he was.


    His eyes were cold, no trace of emotion was present.


    At the same moment, Cassandra was sound asleep on the sofa. Neither of them knew where their love


    was going, and how much it would affect their lives.


    When Cassandra came to, the sun was already up. She was still on the sofa and her body ached.


    Rufus was nowhere in sight.


    A nket was covering her body. Rufus must have put it on her after she felt asleepst night. This


    confused her though. Normally, Rufus would carry her to their bed and sleep beside her.


    Cassandra''s thought trailed off, while she was in a fetal position. All of a sudden, she remembered that


    her phone diedst night and she hadn''t charged it since. She got up and swiftly plugged her phone in.


    In a few minutes, her phone booted up. Then came the torrent of ringing.


    A ton of messages starteding in, vibrating the phone to no end. Missed calls from Rufus also


    showed.


    Cassandra''s heart fell when she thought of why he seemed angry. She opened her call log and saw


    twenty missed calls from Rufus and a dozen texts from him as well.


    "I aming to see you tonight."


    "Why didn''t you pick up my call?"


    "Pick up my call right now, Cassandra!"


    "Where are you? Don''t ignore me. I have something to tell you."


    "I am mad at you."


    ...


    Cassandra sank to the floor after seeing his messages. ''Well, I really fuck up this time, '' Cassandra


    thought.


    ''What should I do right now?''


    Cassandra was at her wit''s end. She felt remorseful and helpless at the same time. She wanted so


    badly to make up for what she did, but didn''t know how.


    She should have noticed Rufus was pissedst night. He was just so different towards her yesterday.


    He was rude and irritable. Rufusst night was totally different from the Rufus she knew.


    He even went out before she woke up. That never happened before. He would always wait for her to


    wake up so he could say goodbye.


    Cassandra made her way into the garage. As expected, Rufus''s car was not there. He really went


    away without waking her up. This only served to frustrate Cassandra even more. She turned around


    and walked back towards the room, but she stepped on something on the way there.


    She looked down on the floor and saw myriad cigarette butts scattered on the floor.


    Her heart sank again. She felt so terrible and her mind was in chaos.


    Was Rufus so stressedst night that he smoke this much? Did she make him that unhappy?


    Cassandra had a strong feeling that it was about her. She must have done something that made him


    mad.


    When Cassandra picked up her phone, fully intent on calling Rufus to apologize, her phone rang. Caller


    ID said it was Lyndsy.


    Cassandra answered right away. Lyndsy''s anxious voice came on, "Cassandra, where are you? I''m


    coming to pick you up! It''s an emergency!"


    Urgency was clearly evident in Lyndy''s tone. It sounded big. But what happened that she needed her


    help? Cassandra was immensely worried.


    "You don''t have to. I''m too far from downtown. Just tell me the address and I''ll be there as fast as I


    can,"


    Cassandra promptly replied. Lyndsy didn''t have to go the distance. It would just be a waste of time.


    She had to go to work anyway.


    They decided to meet at a dessert cafe near the Qin Group''s office. Cassandra walked in the shop


    which rung a small bell. She immediately spotted Lyndsy sitting at a neaby table, then walked over and


    gracefully sat down.


    "Well? What happened? Why are you in such a hurry?"


    Cassandra cast a concerned look at her friend, who was sitting right across her. She wondered what


    had happened. Lyndsy had a big red scarf around her neck which hid half of her face. She also sported


    a pair of heavily tinted sunsses and a big hat even though they were already inside the shop. One


    could hardly see her face, let alone recognize her.


    "Cassandra, I went into thepany this morning. I wanted to talk to them about the termination of my


    contract, so I brought my original there. I thought it would be so easy as long as I paid them a certain


    amount of money. What I didn''t expect was they refused to sign my release because apparently, I


    broke the terms of the contract we signed!"


    Lyndsy tried to control her tone, but it was still shaky because she had the jitters.


    Cassandra couldn''t see her eyes because of her sunsses. But she could tell that Lyndsy was


    nervous as hell. She understood. Lyndsy was shocked that thepany would do this. Not honoring


    the terms of a contract was a serious usation.


    "You breached the contract? How the hell did that happen?"


    Cassandra''s confusion only grew by the minute. In her opinion, Lyndsy couldn''t have broken the terms


    of the contract, now. Especially when she wanted a release contract with thepany.


    Lyndsy didn''t reply. She ced her phone in front of Cassandra and tapped it on. She gestured at


    Cassandra to look at the news on the phone screen.


    Cassandra picked it up and looked down. Her eyes widened in shock when she saw the words on the


    screen.


    It was a microblog post which had already made its rounds online with over ten thousand recipients. It


    was also trending at this very moment.


    The ount who posted the picture seemed to be an ordinary Joe. He only posted a few photos and


    captioned them.


    "I saw Lyndsy when I was eating hotpot with friends. Is the man sitting across her, her boyfriend? I


    remember she denied having a boyfriend. We obviously can''t trust celebrities when they say that!"


    The photos were obviously taken by a low-end phone since they were so blurry. They were apparently


    taken yesterday when the three of them were having hot-pot.


    Though they weren''t clear, Cassandra recognized Lyndsy''s profile. Dylon sat across her was also


    easily identified.


    Strangely, Cassandra wasn''t present in the photos. Her body was covered by a big palm tree nted


    indoors.


    "When I signed the contract with thepany, there was a term that specifically said I couldn''t have a


    rtionship for the duration, or I''ll have to pay a huge amount of money!"


    It was obvious that Lyndsy was panicking right now. Her hands were balled into tight fists, and she was


    quivering.


    "Earlier this morning, I went to thepany to discuss the contract further. They refused and said this


    stupid post did serious damage to the image they so carefully built. Now there are some badments


    about me online. They said I caused a huge loss to thepany and they even threatened to take


    legal action against me!"


    Lyndsy grew more agitated as she went on. She thought that when the contract expired, she could


    finally be free. She never expected this to happen so close before her contract came to an end!


    "Lyndsy, calm down! Let me see thements first."


    Cassandra opened the profile who posted the photos. The person seemed to be an average young


    man, not paparazzi who followed Lyndsy everywhere. Unfortunately, this worked against Lyndsy since


    people would believe a normal person more than a mere paparazzi.


    The photos bugged her even more. They all were taken specifically at angles which left Cassandra out.


    They seemed to be taken right when Dylon and Lyndsy were discussing about photography. One was


    taken when Dylon and Lyndsy were huddling close since she was showing something on her phone.


    They looked quite intimate. If someone who didn''t know them saw this photo, he would surely mistake


    them as a sweet couple.


    She scrolled down further towards thements section. Thements took her by surprise. There


    were really venomousments aimed at Lyndsy. They called her a liar.


    To be fair, celebrities were also human. It was normal for them to form rtionships. It wasn''t anything


    new. Why was this such a serious problem for Lyndsy? It all seemed strange.

 Chapter 162 My Girlfriend

    Chapter 162 My Girlfriend


    Cassandra pored over social media posts and found that many of them were from major personalities


    who had overwhelming following in the inte. There was an endless string ofments after the


    posts.


    Cassandra continued checking their tweets and posts. After a while, it was clear to her that these were


    all negative reports about Lyndsy.


    "Lyndsy is hard to get along with. It is already a known fact in the entertainment industry. She will go


    through any length to maintain her poprity, even if the actions are questionable."


    Comments of the same nature could be seen everywhere. It shocked Cassandra. She had no idea


    what to make of it.


    "When a wall is about to copse, everybody gives it a push," Lyndsy sighed. "I know who I am. I don''t


    think about other people''s feelings. I deserve it."


    She leaned back on the chair as she spoke. Frustration was boiling inside her, but she held her lips


    tightly shut. Looking at her now, it would be impossible to think of her as a super star. Her hair was


    mussed, her skin pale, and her eyes had no trace of life in them. It seemed that she was now ruined,


    and there was nothing she could do to improve the situation. Cassandra felt sympathy for her even as


    she read the negativements about Lyndsy.


    She had started out as a child star. It was said that she came from poverty. Therefore, she worked a lot


    more and much harder than other actresses.


    Her breakthrough came when she starred in an action movie. There were a lot of physical scenes, but


    she chose not to use a body double, saying that she wanted to make the fight scenes look more real


    and vivid. She went to action school and dedicated all her time in learning the stunts. During one of the


    scenes in the film, she once got a fracture and often came home bruised. Her passion tranted into


    the big screen and everyoneuded her true-to-life performance.


    Lyndsy reaped the fruits of her hard-earned position and her name was cemented in the industry when


    she was nominated in an international film festival for that film. Despite not bagging the award, she


    made a deep andsting impression on domestic and international reporters alike. For days, her name


    poured out of the headlines, and the film that she starred in was a gigantic box office sess.


    Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    After that, producers and directors flocked to her, offering her the lead parts. Everyone wanted her, and


    everything she appeared in was a guaranteed sess. Soon enough, she became one of the top box


    office earners. Many well-known actors and directors mentioned her as someone they wanted to work


    with. All her hard work had paid off into such astonishing achievements.


    Lyndsy had always be outspoken. People who truly knew her would praise her with the frank and direct


    way she had of handling things. However, sess had a lot of pitfalls. Alongside praises, there were


    also plenty of criticisms about her, describing her as a mean gossipmonger.


    Cassandra tried tofort Lyndsy, "Don''t worry. There are always news of this sort in the


    entertainment industry. I''m sure that the noise would die down soon enough. We can still fix this."


    "Fix it? How?" she spat bitterly. "As things stand now, I have no other option but to leave thepany.


    They wouldn''t even let me stay until the end of my contract. Their value will plummet if they allow it;


    and even if they do, they would just use this chance to put me in a leash and control me. I won''t have


    that,"


    Lyndsy spoke, red-cheeked with rage. She had been in the industry long enough, and she knew those


    senior executives as well as she knew the back of her hand. They were the sort with tons of money


    who treated people ruthlessly, and all they cared about were filling their pockets. They would resort to


    the lowest, unspeakable means if it meant their bank ounts would fatten up.


    It was more than likely that money was involved with the outpouring of the social media posts.


    In normal circumstances, when such thing happened to celebrities, theirpanies and agents would


    waste no time and act quickly to try to quell the damage and rebuild their image with PR campaigns


    and strategies. Lyndsy was a top star. One would think that herpany would be scrambling to pour


    water over the fire and stop further damage to her. After all, she was the cash cow, and her agency was


    one of the biggest. They had plenty of resources at their disposal.


    However, instead of responding with damage control, they twisted the situation to their favor and


    threatened her. It would not be far-fetched to assume that they were the ones behind the very rumors


    themselves.


    Cassandra furrowed her brows as she racked her brain, trying toe up with a solution. She was


    running out of ideas, and this was beyond her area of expertise and experience. She knew nothing


    about the entertainment industry, and it would take a while for her to figure these things out.


    Suddenly, Cassandra''s phone rang. It was Dylon, and for some reason, he sounded hesitant.


    "Cassandra, I''ve been barraged with questions since this morning. They wanted to know if the man in


    the news was me. I don''t know how to exin it but¡­"


    Dylon was feeling both depressed and irritated. He just had an operation this morning. The moment he


    stepped out of the operating room, he was surrounded by a crowd of nurses.


    "Dr. Tong, are you really dating Lyndsy? The actress Lyndsy?"


    "Dr. Tong, how long have you two been together? You''re such a secret keeper!"


    "Does Lyndsy really have bad temper, like what the news said about her?"


    "Dr. Tong¡­"


    Dylon was annoyed at their ramblings. He was usually a nice and patient person, but he couldn''t put up


    with this senseless questioning. He felt cornered by the inquiries that came from all around him, so he


    called Cassandra and asked for her help.


    "Where are you? Can we talk? I''m just a normal person, and I have absolutely no interest in bing


    a celebrity. There are always people in the hospital, and there would always be gossip. I can''t put up


    with that. It would just get in the way of my work," he continued.


    One more concern in Dylon''s mind was of his father. If those rumors reached Jenks he would be


    worried. He wasn''t in very good condition these days, and Dylon didn''t want to aggravate it any further.


    "How about this? I''m with Lyndsy right now. You cane and see us. We can discuss things together


    and think of how to solve this," Cassandra replied, trying to calm him.


    His call came at a good time. She and Lydsy were running out of options, and Dylon might have better


    ideas. After all, two heads were better than one, and three heads would be better than two.


    When Dylon arrived, Cassandra showed him the posts and the news, prompting his response.


    "Dylon, what do you think? Do you have any ideas about what we can do?" she asked, leaning her


    head towards him hopefully.


    Even Lyndsy was at a loss. Since she started acting, she had been able to ovee anything that


    came her way and she climbed her way to the top. This was the first time she came face-to-face with a


    problem she could not solve. To make matters worse, it hade at such a bad timing when she was


    at a turning point of her career.


    "What if we make a public announcement that we''re just friends?"


    Dylon suggested, thinking that it would be the best option.


    At this, Lyndsy was quick to chime in. Shaking her head, she answered, "It won''t work. Mypany


    won''t back me up and help me exin to the public; anding from just us, it wouldn''t be believable.


    To be honest, it might just add insult to injury."


    Lyndsy''s exnation made a lot of sense. If things were that easy, she wouldn''t be sitting here and


    sighing.


    "Oh my god," Cassandra remarked out loud, wide-eyed and with one hand over her mouth.


    Immediately, Lyndsy and Dylon''s attention were on her. "People have started looking you up and


    posting information online," she said to Dylon.


    Cassandra was surfing the and checking thetest news about Lyndsy. Suddenly, she came across


    a post that had Dylon''s background information.


    Dylon was taken aback. He grabbed Cassandra''s cell phone and scanned the posts.


    "Dr. Dylon Tong. He is a photographer on wild animals. He graduated from medical school and is the


    recipient of many awards¡­"


    It was shockingly detailed. Cassandra saw horror and revulsion rise in Dylon''s face.


    Dylon was inwardly panicking. He had been living a simple and happy life in the past years, very far


    away from the limelight. All of a sudden, his private life was now exposed for all the public to see.


    Within a matter of minutes, his name was one of the most searched things in search engines. It was


    rming.


    While they sat in shock, a man of medium height came to their table and snapped a photo of them.


    They had been so fixated on trying to think of the solution that they did not notice him until a sh


    grabbed their attention.


    They all turned to look at the man, shock and confusion in their faces. The man, however, just smiled.


    He didn''t seem to be apologetic at all.


    "Ms. Su, are you on a date dating with Mr. Tong? Sorry for interrupting. I''m leaving now!"


    The man hurriedly turned around to take his leave, but he had not taken three steps when Dylon


    caught up to him and put a firm hand on his shoulders.


    "Excuse me. Can you delete the picture you just took?" he asked as he coldly stared him down.


    Dylon was serious. He had never been treated with such rudeness in all his life.


    "It''s my camera, and it''s my photo. Why should I listen to you?"


    The man answered and met his gaze in challenge, as if he didn''t do anything wrong. Such jerks did


    exist in real life after all.


    Dylon''s fuse almost blew up. Fighting to keep his voice down, he threatened the man, "Did you get our


    consent? As far as I know, you didn''t. This is an invasion of privacy. Would you like to end this,


    peacefully, or would you prefer to see me again in court?"


    This whole day had been getting on his nerves, and this man just stirred up his frustrations further. He


    was no longer in the mood to be nice or polite.


    "I didn''t take a picture of you. I just took the picture of the vase on the table, and I''m not deleting it!"


    The man knew that he was in the wrong. It was unbelievable how he tried to wriggle out the situation


    with such a poor excuse.


    That was the final straw. Dylon hadpletely lost his patience. He grabbed the man''s camera,


    determined to delete the photo.


    The man struggled, trying to get his camera from him, but Dylon was much taller and he raised the


    camera out of his reach.


    In just a few seconds, the picture was deleted. Then, turning back to the man, Dylon gave him his


    camera back.


    "You can leave now," he said sternly.


    Dylon went back to his seat as if nothing had happened, but his face betrayed his anger.


    The man checked his camera. The picture was gone.


    "How can you do that?! You can''t just take my camera and delete my picture. You¡­ You are so


    unreasonable!" he shouted, causing a scene.


    The man was a paparazzi. He had been tailing them for quite some time now; but the moment he


    finally got a good picture, Dylon deleted it. Now, he had no material and might even get sacked.


    "You know that you''re the one being unreasonable. I don''t want to talk with scum reporters like you.


    Leave now, or I''m pressing charges," Dylon snapped back.


    It was just one shock after another. Cassandra had never seen Dylon so angry. His jaw was clenched


    tight and his knuckles were digging into his palms. She could almost feel the heat of his fury.


    It was probably true that gentle and decent men were the worst when angered. She looked at him and


    felt anxious at the sight of his hard expression.


    The man muttered to himself and left reluctantly. Dylon, Cassandra and Lyndsy sat around the table,


    still not knowing what to do.


    After what happened, they were more aware of the eyes around them. One waitress in particr


    seemed to recognize Lyndsy, and she kept throwing looks to their direction. The trio realized that it


    might not be a good idea for them to stay any longer, especially after the scene with the man earlier.


    Lyndsy spoke up first, "Let''s call it a day. Cassandra has to go to work any way. I''ll see you guys


    another day."


    She sounded frustrated. They had spent a lot of time and energy but came up with nothing helpful.


    "Lyndsy, please don''t worry. I promise I''ll keep thinking of a solution,"


    Cassandra reassured, trying her best tofort Lyndsy. The three of them stood up and walked to the


    door.


    Nothing could have prepared them for the sudden crowd that gathered around them at the door. The


    man from earlier was in front. He wore a fake smile as he spoke to them.


    "Ms. Su, are you on a date with your boyfriend?"


    There were multiple shes from around them, phones and microphones were thrust in their faces from


    all directions. They could barely make out the sentences as all the reporters spoke simultaneously,


    asking for statements and answers.


    "Ms. Su, there''s a rumor going around that you will leave the entertainment industry and marry your


    boyfriend. Is it true that you''re pregnant with his baby?"


    "Ms. Su, your boyfriend is a photographer who earns a lot of money. Is that the reason you quit the


    show business?"


    Cassandra struggled to stay on her feet as they got pushed around. ''What kind of questions are these?


    They are ridiculous!'' Cassandra thought to herself.


    Then Cassandra looked at Lyndsy. She was grinding her teeth and fuming. Cassandra had to think of


    something quickly before things got worse.


    Suddenly, Dylon pulled the woman into his arms and smiled at the reporters.


    "This is my girlfriend. Please stop asking me such nonsense. She will be angry with me."

 Chapter 163 Dylon’s Declaration

    Chapter 163 Dylon¡¯s Deration


    A sudden hush fell over the hubbub of th crowd. One could almost hear a pin drop within the dead


    silence.


    All eyes were fixed at the three people at the center of the issue in question, mouths gaping in shock.


    shes of the cameras halted and hands holding the microphones hung awkwardly suspended in


    midair even as the media''s gaze scrutinized their every movement, looking for signs that would give


    any secrets away. However, their eyes failed to prate their expressions, especially Lyndsy''s, as she


    was wearing huge sunsses. Thankfully, it served as a good cover up. Nobody would be able to tell


    her shock beneath the dark shades of the lenses despite the practiced smile on her face.


    The next thing Casssandra knew was the sensation of Dylon''s arms wrapping around her waist and


    drawing her closer.


    His words and actions were like tranquilizers injecting into the veins of the excited crowd. No one had


    uttered a word since his deration. The situation seemed too sudden topletely sink in. Feet were


    nted into the road in this stupefied silence.


    It was Lyndsy who recovered first. She took her sunsses off, and shed a big smile to the crowd


    that had gathered around them.


    "I believe the misunderstanding has been cleared up now. As you have just heard, I was having dinner


    with two of my friends the other day, and I have no idea why it was only me and my male friend on the


    photos. Camera angles, maybe? I''m sure you would know better than me," she remarked cheerfully,


    although the implication rang loud and clear to everyone. Either that, or the photos were framed! She


    chose to leave thisst part out. Judging from the reluctant gazes of the reporters, she knew they


    understood the bite in her seemingly harmless words. "Please give my friends privacy. They''re not


    celebrities, and this is harrassment. The next time this happens, you can be sure that we would take


    action," she ended, emphasizing thest sentence in a strong and clear voice.


    After her words, Lyndsy shed her billion-dor smile again. Its warmth had a startling contrast to the


    coldness in her eyes as she gave an once-over to the reporters in front of her.


    Cassandra''s mind hadpletely shut down as she tried to make sense of what had just happened.


    ''Girlfriend? What were you thinking, Dylon? You should have discussed with me first! Or maybe even


    given me a hint at least, '' she thought to herself as she struggled to untangle her thoughts.


    Gradually, all the media and the paparazzi came to their senses and looked at one another in dumb


    silence and disbelief.


    They had been tailing Lyndsy for the past days to dig up some more dirt. When the news of her dating


    blew up on the inte, they were sure that they hit the jackpot; and they watched her more closely


    than ever, knowing it was only a matter of time before a juicy secret revealed itself to them.


    The man who snapped a photo at the cafe was one of them. They had sent him to take the pictures of


    Lyndsy and her so-called boyfriend, but to their surprise, it seemed that they hadpletely missed


    the mark.


    Dylon''s earlier deration that Cassandra was his girlfriend, not Lyndsy, had left them speechless. The


    scenario had not crossed their minds. What now? They would look like fools who made a great fuss


    over nothing. They thought they were digging for gold, which turned out to be useless rocks in the end.


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    Seeing that his words had taken the journalists by surprise and confusion, Dylon felt his irritation


    dissipate, reced by a certain mischief. A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.


    He bent his head and ''kissed'' Cassandra on her forehead. His lips did not touch her skin¡ªhe merely


    hovered above her long enough to give them the illusion. He knew that it would confirm his words.


    Then he turned to the crowd and smiled, his eyes glinting with mischief. After what they put him


    through, he felt a distorted sense of satisfaction. He would y them to the end. He was entitled to that


    much.


    "Lyndsy was having dinner with us the other night, so please stop making stories up from unknown and


    unreliable sources. It hurt both my girlfriend and Lyndsy, and it won''t bring you anything but court


    cases. However, I admire your hard work. You people from the media really have it hard, don''t you? I


    respect your dedication," he paused to keep himself from smirking at his words. "The milk tea and


    cakes here are wonderful. Please help yourself with them. I''ll pick up the tab for this one. Have a good


    day!" he finished.


    Dylon waved a hand to the waiters, instructing them to make a head count of the people there and


    leaving some cash in their hands.


    After that, he took Cassandra''s hand and led her out of the cafe.


    The crowd of journalists automatically parted to give way to three of them.


    At the same time, Lyndsy waved to the journalists with a wide smile on her face, and said, as if adding


    insult to injury, "See youter, everyone! I''m going back to work now. Please take care!" she said in a


    honey sweet voice.


    The paparazzi watched them as they disappeared, unable to utter any word.


    "He... Are they making fun of us? This is unreal!" one of them said, ruffling his head with a hand.


    They felt like they had been thoroughly yed.


    "I don''t think so. Did you see the expression on his face when he kissed his girlfriend?" another one


    responded in an equally exasperated voice.


    They went as far as to give a public disy of affection, even more so in front of cameras. It was


    unthinkable that they were not in a rtionship.


    There were sighsing from everywhere. "What now? I have no material to write about after this!" a


    third person spoke out.


    At once, everyone was reminded of their purpose foring.


    Now that they knew Lyndsy was not involved in the issue, there was nothing left for them to uncover.


    It was a total failure. Now, the only thing they were sure of was getting an earful from they supervisors,


    if they were lucky enough not to get sacked.


    Before long, the waiters came out with drinks and delicious cakes on trays. They handed them out to


    the sullen reporters with cheerful smiles on their faces.


    The mood of the crowd took a 180 degree turn at once. The earlier cursing was reced with nothing


    but praises. "That guy is so generous. His girlfriend is lucky."


    "Right! He''s nice, and good-looking too! He could totally be a model or an actor."


    They savored the cakes and tea, mutteringpliment for Dylon. Only one man among them did not


    share the sentiment. He was wearing a scowl and left his food untouched. The man who took the


    photos earlier was mottled red and with fury and embarrassment.


    ''Damn it! Of all things, that son of a bitch even wins them over. What the hell!'' he thought angrily. ''I''ve


    taken their money to throw mud on Lyndsy, but everything is ruined. This is his goddamned fault. How


    am I supposed to finish my job now!'' he cursed inwardly.


    ''There''s no going back now. It''s impossible to dig dirt on a non-existent rtionship. I need to find


    something else quickly.'' His thought flowed as he racked his desperate brain for ideas.


    A hint of viciousness showed up in his eyes, coupled with the coldness of his darkened face.


    Dylon let go of Cassandra''s hand once they got to a quiet ce, far from the reporters.


    "I''m sorry, Cassandra! But I never meant to offend you," he started to exin. "They were pushing too


    far and this was the only thing I could think of to get us out of that mess," he said with an apologetic


    expression on his face.


    He looked so sincere and nervous that Cassandra almost felt sorry for him. She smiled at him, equally


    embarrassed.


    "It''s okay. Your quick thinking saved us. We finally got rid of them," she replied, trying to dissuade his


    guilt.


    Dylon was still overwhelmed in the relief of finally getting away from the reporters and the sh of their


    cameras that he he wasn''t able to respond to Cassandra''s words. He did not notice the conflicted look


    on her face as she spoke.


    Cassandra knew Dylon well enough, so she understood that he had been pushed into a corner and


    had no other way of escape. In any other circumstance, he would be too decent of a person to put her


    into such an awkward position. Something tugged at her chest when she remembered his proud


    deration. There was something else that bothered her, and it had nothing to do with the kiss, or with


    Dylon.


    She was shaken out of her thoughts when Lyndsy grabbed her, and after making sure no one was


    around, she embraced her tightly and kissed her on her forehead. Cassandra gaped at her as she


    touched a hand to her forehead.


    "Thank you Cassandra! You''re a life saver!" she eximed as she gathered her in a crushing hug.


    Herughing grin and herughing eyes a pleasant change from the dispirited air she had around her


    earlier. Cassandra let out a sigh of relief as she felt her mood lighten with Lyndsy''s brightness. Despite


    the half-truth of it, she knew she made the right choice to stay silent when Dylon dered her as his


    girlfriend. She didn''t regret it, and Lyndsy was looking much more alive now than earlier. Luckily,


    everything would work out well.


    "Hah! Let''s see what those damned journalists coulde up with this time," she said, her chin going


    up. Then she turned to Dylon and Cassandra andughed again. "Thanks to both of you, this whole


    mess is over," she grinned, sincerity gleaming in her eyes.


    Seeing her excitement, Dylon felt the need to take a step back and be careful, just in case. He looked


    around them to check once again, and said, "Don''t holler till you''re out of the woods. I can''t believe the


    questions they asked earlier were so aggressive. I don''t think they''re going to stop here. It''s better to be


    cautious." Then as an afterthought, he added, "You''d better pay more attention with your agency as


    well. Who knows if they might be involved."


    Dylon felt a slight worry and wanted to tell her to think of good backup strategies. He had a taste of how


    persistent the paparazzi and the media could be, and he could only imagine what it was like for famous


    stars to deal with them on a regr basis. They got lucky and were able to escape for now, but things


    might turn out differently the next time.


    "They were nning to make a scandal out of a made-up rtionship that I have, but thanks to both of


    you, that n has bitten the dust, and they have nothing left on me. I seriously doubt that after today,


    they''ll have anything else," Lyndsy said confidently.


    She stood with her head and shoulders high, her eyes clear and determined, as if nothing could defeat


    her.


    Dylon shook his head helplessly, even a soft chuckle escaped him. Lyndsy was the reigning queen of


    the acting industry, but she came across as naive sometimes for someone of her stature and


    experience. He felt as if he had to be the one worrying for her in her stead.


    Lyndsy had started off her career from an advantageous position. It was rare for an actress to carry off


    a prize abroad. She had been the first, after some years, to break into the international scene this early.


    To top it all off, she was signed by one of the biggestpanies in the business that even the media


    had to restrain themselves where she was concerned.


    But now, things had taken a turn for the worse, right after she decided to break things off with her


    agency. Among other things, the executives must have blown their fuses at this decision, mainly


    because their interests were threatened. They would not let her off that easily. They had won this fight,


    but the battle was still a long way off.


    "It''s best to be well-prepared. This might only be the start of the worst," Dylon reminded her again.


    He could say nothing more when faced with that sunny expression on her face. At least for now, the


    best he could do was to be a gentle reminder.


    "Rx. I can do it!" Lyndsy patted her chest cofidently.


    Finally, she felt like she could breath. She was feeling good because things got sorted out, even for a


    little bit, and it was obvious to Dylon that she didn''t take his words seriously. He shook his head silently,


    but said nothing else.


    "Hmm," the two of them were startled to hear Cassandra speak as she checked her watch. "I have


    ns this afternoon and I need to go back to mypany now," she said, shifting her gaze between


    them with a curious look in her eyes.


    They had been talking so familiarly, and it was as if they''ve forgotten her existence. Time flew by that


    day, and before they knew it, it was past afternoon.


    "I''ll take you there," Dylon hurriedly offered.


    Cassandra shook her head and smiled politely at him.


    "No, it''s only a few blocks away. I can manage. Please take care on your way back," she said with


    finality in her tone.


    Then she waved to them and turned around to walk to the direction of herpany. Dylon stood and


    watched her, lost in his own thoughts.


    "Thanks, buddy!" Lyndsy said casually.


    She patted him on his shoulders. Dylon was pulled from his thoughts at the contact and his gaze fell on


    the shoulder where her hands brieflynded. He wore a nk expression on his face, but he was


    stunned by her sudden movement.


    The real Lyndsy was nothing like the roles she yed in the movies. She was always an elegant, noble


    lady in films; but the woman standing in front of him now was much simpler and honest. She had an


    almost childlike air to her, and at times she had a certain boyish charm to her movements.


    However... Dylon liked the less-than-perfect, real life Lyndsy much more than the ideal woman


    everyone else saw on screens and in theaters. She was full of life, and her edges and faults only


    served to magnify her brightness. The image of her twnkling eyes as she grinned without restraint


    came back to him. ''That''s not a bad look on her face, '' Dylon thought to himself.


    At this time, Lyndsy had turned around and walked away from him, her pace confident and brisk as it


    sounded on the pavement.


    Dylon lingered for a little while. He looked up at the dark clouds that had gathered against the expanse


    of the blue sky. It was going to rain.


    Moving step by step to thepany, Cassandra felt the earlier heaviness tug at her more fiercely now


    that she was alone with her thoughts.


    A moment ago, when Dylon announced that she was his girlfriend in front of so many people, she was


    astonished at first. Butter on, the surprise was reced with a mncholy as she thought of the


    rtionship between Rufus and her.


    She couldn''t help but wonder, would theree a day when Rufus too would dere their rtionship


    proudly in front of all people, regardless of the reaction of her mother or his father, just like Dylon did


    just now? Cassandra bit her lip as she ignored the hollowness that had now turned into a stabbing


    pain. Steeling herself, she willed her legs to move, even as every step felt much, much heavier.

 Chapter 164 A Ragged Colt May Make A Good Horse

    Chapter 164 A Ragged Colt May Make A Good Horse


    A sad smile formed on Cassandra''s lips. The miserable day made her feel depressed.


    Previously, love was a taboo between Rufus and her because she had been married to Lionel. Now


    that she had gotten a divorce, they were still in the same ce.


    Was he waiting for a good time? Or was he not thinking about it at all?


    Cassandra raised her head. The billboard at the crossroad ahead had been reced, but it was still an


    image of Amanda.


    She made a bigger ssh in G Citypared to other female stars. Cassandra heard from her


    employees that she would be appointed as the tourist ambassador of G City.


    It was clear that Rufus loved Cassandra only. However, every now and then, Cassandra would find out


    something or hear something that would make her heart drop.


    Amanda used to be with Rufus until he broke up with her. When he did, she didn''t press on and Rufus


    didn''t bother to give an exnation too. They just parted ways and now their romance was nothing but


    a thing of the past.


    However, Cassandra couldn''t get over it.


    In big bold letters and a spring-like theme, Amanda''s billboard was definitely something.


    Cassandra stood on the other side of the road and just gazed at the image of Amanda smiling on her


    billboard.


    She was a beautiful woman and very few men could resist her given her identity.


    When Cassandra returned to thepany, she wasn''t in the best mood. As soon as the elevator doors


    dinged open to her floor, an assistant walked up to her right away.


    "Manager Qin, Mr. Wang is waiting for you in the office."


    Cassandra was the boss of Qin Group on paper, but she didn''t want anyone to call her President Qin.


    In her heart, it was still Vernon''s position.


    "Okay. I''ll meet him now."


    Cassandra lifted her spirits by pasting a smile onto her face.


    Mr. Wang was an important client. They presented the design draft yesterday. He might havee


    today to seal the deal and talk about further business.


    "Manager Qin¡­"


    The assistant opened her mouth and then closed it for several times¡ªshe was hesitant to speak.


    "What''s wrong? Is everything okay?"


    Cassandra could feel her insides dropping as she sensed the assistant''s hesitance.


    "Manager Qin, Mr. Wang seems to be unsatisfied with our design."


    The assistant frowned. Worry was etched on her face. When Mr. Wang arrived at their office, his face


    was twisted into a scowl. The assistant served him tea before calling Cassandra. Cassandra hade


    right in time.


    Cassandra was nonplussed as she listened to the assistant.


    The design draft they submitted was finished by the design department. She had reviewed it herself


    and was sure that there was no problem.


    Although it was not outstanding enough for apetition, it outshone other ordinary designs. Anyone


    with a discerning eye could easily tell that it was an excellent design. Why didn''t Mr. Wang like it?


    "I see. I''ll go talk to him. Wait outside. I''ll call you if necessary."


    Cassandra was on the verge of panicking but she knew she couldn''t, so she forced herself into calming


    down. She didn''t want to worry her assistant any further. She was the manager here and her job was to


    solve problems.


    With a hand on the doorknob and a few deep breaths from her chest, Cassandra walked in with a


    bright smile.


    "Sorry to have kept you waiting, Mr. Wang. I was held up by some work."


    Cassandra maintained her cool demeanor as she approached Mr. Wang and shook hands with him


    before sitting.


    Mr. Wang pushed the design draft in front of Cassandra and bent his fingers to knock on the table.


    "Take a look at this design draft."


    Cassandra opened it with a smile, quickly browsed, and then closed it.


    "Mr. Wang, I have personally reviewed the draft. It is wless and it meets your requirements. May I


    know what your concern is?"


    With her fingers interlocked, Cassandra looked very confident.


    "Well, I''ll go straight to the point. I''ve heard a lot about you. That''s why I chose yourpany for my


    project. But this," he pointed to the draft, "is not your design. Someone else designed this but not you."


    Mr. Wang furrowed his eyebrows as if in anger¡ªfor him, he was cheated.


    "Mr. Wang, I''m the manager here and not a designer, but I can assure you that I was still fairly involved


    in this design. I personally reviewed and supervised this entire draft. There''s absolutely no problem


    with it,"


    Cassandra exined patiently, still smiling.


    "I don''t care who designed it. I want you to put your signature on the design. No matter how good the


    design is, I can''t ept it if you are not the designer! I chose to work with yourpany because I


    admired your talent. Why else would I choose you over so many otherpanies?"


    Mr. Wang was obviously not new to the business¡ªhe didn''t buy Cassandra''s exnation at all


    because he was still fuming.


    The divorce agreement between Lionel and Cassandra clearly stated that she couldn''t work as a


    designer anymore. Although she participated in thepany''s design drafts, she wouldn''t sign her


    name to avoid arousing suspicion. She couldn''t do anything about this.


    Mr. Wang was unexpectedly very concerned about the designer of the draft. Cassandra had to


    appease him, "Mr. Wang, while I know ourpany is rtively smallpared to others, you still


    can''t deny that we''ve provided you with services and benefits you can''t find anywhere else. We treat


    every client sincerely, and we squeeze our profits. You will get maximum value for money from our


    design. Other biggerpanies don''t do this. Qin Group is not new to this, and you know that. It was


    established years ago. We just decided to focus on design this year.


    Design is absolutely our strong point. You chose us because you believed in the strength and skills of


    our design department, right? No other designers in G City can present you with a design as good as


    this. Don''t even get me started on how reasonable our price is,"


    Cassandra charmingly smiled at Mr. Wang as she waited for him to respond.


    She didn''t want to mention the terms of her divorce agreement which led to this arrangement so she


    could only convince Mr. Wang of the benefits of choosing Qin Group to work with him.


    "Manager Qin, I have nothing against yourpany. In fact, I''m very happy about yourpany¡ª


    you''re giving me a fair price and you''re the boss now. I''m very happy with all of that. We''ve worked with


    each other when you worked for the Tang Group. Although it was just a small project, the construction


    company praised your draft profusely and the project waspleted perfectly. I know what you''re


    capable of. But this design draft is not under your name, and I''m not sure I''m satisfied with that."


    While Mr. Wang wasn''t angry now, he still wouldn''t budge on making Cassandra sign her name as the


    designer.


    "Mr. Wang, I believe that as a CEO, you should take the interests of yourpany seriously and it


    should be your priority. When I worked as a designer in the past, I devoted myself to my work. Design


    was my top priority, and I didn''t need to worry about other things. However, since I took over Qin


    Group, everything has changed.


    A manager should make decisions based on the interests of the wholepany and not just one side.


    For example, for this draft¡ªwhile I can easily sign my name on it, but it would be terribly unfair to its


    real designers if I do that, right? They worked very hard for this design and if I sign my name on it, I


    would be taking credit for their hard work.


    I personally chose all my designers. They deserve to sign their names on this draft because they


    worked on this. I won''t deprive them of their right to do that on ount of my personal affairs. I believe


    you can understand that, Mr. Wang."


    Cassandra''s sincere, reasonable arguments silenced Mr. Wang.


    Cassandra sensed his hesitation, so she went on, "Mr. Wang, rest assured that we value your project


    very much and we will work very hard on it. My signature will not change anything because we''ll work


    hard nheless. Having Qin Group design your project will be your greatest investment."


    Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    Mr. Wang looked at Cassandra and gave a heartyugh.


    Cassandra heaved a sigh of relief when Mr. Wang let out thatugh.


    He shook his head with an easy smile and said, "Haha. Vernon''s daughter is remarkable indeed. You


    are much more capable than your father. A ragged colt may make a good horse. Keep going and surely


    you''ll go ces!"

 Chapter 165 The Petite Woman In The Bathtub

    Chapter 165 The Petite Woman In The Bathtub


    Mr. Wang finally stood up, design n in his hands. He nodded to Cassandra with a satisfied smile on


    his face, his curious expression now long gone.


    "Ms. Qin, I believe that yourpany''s sess will be beyond expectation. You have the ball at your


    feet! Please ept my congrattions in advance!" he smiled sincerely.


    Cassandra''s sheer confidence dispelled whatever doubt he had before. He looked at her approvingly


    before turning to leave her office.


    Cassandra thanked him eagerly and promised to not let him down.


    Once he was out of earshot, she squealed in delight for sessfully nailing down the business


    transaction.


    Her happiness was short-lived, however, when it finally dawned on her how exhausted she had been.


    Since she was the operator of the group, her mother was unable to help and her sister was too young


    to understand, she had to do most of the work herself. But no matter how frustrated she was,


    Cassandra knew it was all worth it. Her father must have felt the same when he started the group. She


    smiled to herself.


    Although she had won several grand design prizes before, Cassandra promised Lionel that she


    wouldn''t work on designing in the next two years, which somehow restricted her to gather arger


    clientele for herpany.


    Most of the cases they undertook were simr that of Mr. Wang, and many clients came to her for the


    sake of her previous works. She quietly hoped that the group could provide them with some brilliant


    works in order to establish a long term cooperation rtionship. Facts speak louder than words.


    However, if she was just able to design again, she knew she could have gathered argerwork of


    prospective customers.


    A loud p of thunder broke her from her thoughts as she suddenly felt her feet quake beneath her.


    She got dizzy as she noticed the ss windows rumbling.


    Cassandra knew it wasn''t vertigo, but she couldn''t figure out what it was. She closed her eyes until the


    shaking subsided.


    As if on cue, her phone beeped to alert her of the news. She quickly took her phone out to check.


    It said that a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck A city. The alerts updated her every other minute. The


    earthquake and the thunder shower triggered severalndslides and there were still unconfirmed


    reports on casualties. The earthquake was strong enough to affect the surrounding cities.


    G City wasn''t very close to A City, but citizens there also felt the strong vibration.


    Taking several deep breaths, Cassandra slowly stood up from her chair despite her dizziness.


    When she opened the door to leave her office, the hallway was in utter chaos. Her employees were all


    scattered outside, discussing the earthquake.


    "It was so scary! I saw the ripples in my mug and thought that I shook the desk by ident!" a female


    employee said.


    Her voice was trembling and shaky.


    "My uncle and his family are in A City. I tried calling them but I still couldn''t reach them! I''m so worried,"


    another employee cried out.


    She was about to burst into tears and some of her colleagues gathered around tofort her.


    "Don''t worry. They must just be busy ensuring they''re safe so they don''t have time to call you. That, or


    the connection might just be too busy because everyone''s doing the same thing. Just try againter!"


    "She''s right! Don''t worry. I''m sure they''ll contact you once they''re safe!"


    Cassandra cleared her throat when she approached the huddled crowd, and all of them quickly grew


    quiet and looked at her.


    "Let''s all call it a day! The weather report says it''s also going to rain soon. Please be careful, and make


    sure that all of you message me as soon as you''re home," she said.


    She knew it was the right thing to do. Primarily, her employees would be safer if they weren''t at work,


    and they wouldn''t even be able to focus since they were all too worried. That, and she also had to go


    home.


    She nced outside to look at the dark clouds forming in the distance, before looking back at her


    employees earnestly.


    They were incredibly surprised by her words. All of them smiled and sighed in relief, thanking her


    eagerly.


    "Thank you so much, Manager Qin!" "You''re seriously the best boss I''ve ever seen!"


    "Thank God! No, thank you, Boss! I was just worrying about the disgruntlingmute home. You''re a


    lifesaver!"


    "I rode my electrical bicycle here today, and it''ll be impossible to ride it home in such a stormy weather.


    I''d better hurry up before the stormes! See you tomorrow, my sweet boss!"


    The employees'' praises kept oning as they piled their things together and left one by one.


    Cassandra looked at her watch and found that if she didn''t hurry herself, she''d be trapped within the


    rush hour. She grabbed her things quickly back in her office and ran to the exit.


    Upon leaving the main entrace, the wind almost blew her away. The gust was so strong and cold, and


    the fog had started to form in the city.


    Cassandra hailed a taxi hurriedly and rushed towards the Garden Vi without much dy. It suddenly


    came to her that she forgot to close the windows this morning. She had to get home as fast as she


    could otherwise it would the house upside down.


    When she arrived, Cassandra dashed to her door and hurriedly closed the windows. Right at this


    moment, the rain drummed on the window pane heavily.


    Cassandra sighed heavily before going to her room to change. Once she was done, she dumped her


    damp clothes in the dryer and walked to the living room to copse on the sofa. She reached for the


    remote and turned on the TV. Just as expected, the news was broadcasting the severity of the


    earthquake and the storm. Her stomach knotted at the horrific scenes caused by the earthquake in the


    news.


    It was getting darker and darker outside. Different from the wind ind, the storm from coastal cities


    was blustering around the house, together with the thunder, the rain and the lightning shing across


    the sky. Fears were raised up in Cassandra''s heart and she buried herself deep in the soft sofa with her


    arms across her chest.


    She was alone in such a huge house, which seemed emptier than usual. The violent thunderstorm was


    roaring louder outside, rattling her windows from the strong gusts of wind. To her, it sort of felt like the


    end of the world.


    She started to think about Rufus. If only he were here, she might not feel as scared.


    If he were here, she could burrow her entire body into his chest and he would''ve caressed her face


    tenderly. She would be safe in his arms and that would have been enough for her.


    She was pretty sure, however, that it was only her fantasy or daydreaming. All she had at the moment


    was herrge house and the noisy TV in this stormy night.


    After a long while, ncing out the window beside her, Cassandra saw the two flower nted in the


    yard. Her heart dropped to her stomach at the sight of them.


    They had just branched out a few days ago, but under the heavy rain, they were bound to die. The poor


    nts were incredibly fragile under the strength of the storm. As they swayed in the wind, Cassandra


    took it as a sign that they were asking for her help.


    Rufus had nted those two flowers for her, and if they were blown away, she would never forgive


    herself for watching it happen.


    Cassandra jumped to her feet, grabbed arge raincoat, and ran to the door without hesitating. She felt


    obligated to protect them. However, once she opened the door, the storm roared against her small


    frame. She pushed forward despite the strong winds and ran outside.


    Cassandra took a deep breath and made her way to the nts. Each step she took, the wind fought


    back, as if it were trying to prevent her from getting to the nts. When she made it, she quickly spread


    her oversize raincoat and secured around the bottom with some heavy rocks, covering the flowers.


    Seeing the nts now safe and sheltered, she finally heaved a sigh of relief.


    The rain was falling down heavily, like tiny stones hitting on her shoulders. Suddenly, a strong gust of


    wind blew up and she choked, coughing and swallowing several times.


    To her horror, just as she was coughing, she suddenly felt someone approach her from behind. And the


    next second she was lifted up into a warm embrace. Cassandra screamed in the rain until she saw


    Rufus''s wrathful face in front of her. A warm current of joy coursing around her body, she bit her lips


    and nestled her head on his shoulder.


    She let him take both of them back inside the house. Rufus kicked the door open, walked in and closed


    the wuthering outside behind them. Then he turned to the woman, his eyes as cold as ice.


    "What the hell were you doing outside? It is raging storm outside, for God''s sake! You''ll get sick


    standing in the middle of the heavy rain!" he scolded her.


    Rufus sounded both furious and concerned. Only Cassandra could trigger both emotions at the same


    time, and she knew it.


    Cassandra was thin and weak. What was she thinking exposing herself to the rain? Rufus looked at


    her, ring as he checked her face for any sign of guilt. Cassandra merely looked back, eyes glistening


    and cheeks puffed.


    Cassandra brought her arms to his waist and hugged him tightly, feeling his strong, speedy heartbeat.


    She didn''t dare say anything else. Despite shivering in damp clothes, she felt incredibly warm inside.


    She knew that Rufus cared for her and that he was just too worried for her.


    "I''m sorry. It won''t happen again," she murmured quietly.


    Her arms rose to his shoulders and hugged him tighter. Rainwater continued to drip between the two of


    them.


    "Again? Of course, not again! The next time you do that again I''ll leave you alone and lock you out!"


    Rufus warned.


    His actions betrayed his cruel voice. He carefully carried her upstairs to the bathroom. Then he put her


    in the bathtub and turned the hot water on.


    "Take off your clothes," he ordered.


    He sounded incredibly irresistible and Cassandra was overwhelmed by his cool voice.


    She took her nightgown off and threw them aside, blushing. The wet clothingnded with a soppy flop


    on the tiled floor.


    Rufus still red at her, but he couldn''t help swallow at the sight of her naked form.


    "Are those two nts really more important than your own body? You''ll pay dearly for it in the future!


    Everything in the world is apart and outside of you but your health, because your health is the only


    thing that belongs to yourself!" he chided once more, trying to not get distracted at her beautiful figure.


    Rufus didn''t n toe to the Vi today, but the thunderstorm changed his mind and he was afraid


    that Cassandra would be terrified alone.


    He drove back as quickly as possible, only to see her standing outside like an idiot.


    With her back to him, she didn''t notice his car and was busy covering the nts against the strong


    storm. Her stubborn figure reminded him of what happened during the typhoonst year¡ªthe woman


    also walked into rain determinedly.


    Rufus felt that he couldn''t breathe, and anger started to slowly boil inside him. He ran to pick her up


    harshly and hurried inside without talking to her due to his annoyance.


    On his way to the vi, his mind was too busy worrying if Cassandra would be terrified being alone in


    such a big house. Seeing her standing in the rain only put his back up as he even felt hurt himself when


    the rain hit on his body.


    "I''m sorry... I was just scared that they might be blown away," she exined shyly.


    Cassandra didn''t dare speak loudly when Rufus was mad at her. He only had little patience when he


    was angry, and it wasn''t the right time to anger him even more.


    Cassandra''s shyness immediately softened Rufus''s expression and he sighed irritably. She had


    be his weakness that he couldn''t even get mad at her properly.


    Rufus fixed his eyes at her frame; all his muscles were tensing when he saw her crouching in the


    bathtub. He crouched down next to the tub, right beside her head.


    He held the shower head and began bathing her, hands carefully brushing over her hair and her face.


    Cassandra''s pale skin had started to flush from the hot water. When their eyes met, he could see


    himself in her glistening eyes.


    All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    She pouted her lips and looked at him innocently.


    "I just wanted to keep those nts alive so that I could watch them bloom, with you!" she said.

 Chapter 166 Dont Call Me That

    Chapter 166 Don''t Call Me That


    Cassandra blinked her eyes repeatedly. In this bewildered state, she looked like a beautiful doll.


    By looking into her enchanting eyes, Rufus felt his heart soften.


    ''Well, she is definitely a silly woman. She drenched herself in the rain because she wanted to ensure


    her flowers were safe!'' Rufus thought andughed at the hrity of it.


    "If you are so fond of flowers, I will ask someone to nt you a whole garden of them. That way you


    can enjoy them to your heart''s content,"


    Rufus offered in apassionate voice. As he waited for her response, he tucked her hair behind her


    ears. It was dripping with water.


    The warm water showered Cassandra and filled the air with clouds of steam.


    "No, no flowers. If possible, could you nt two Chinese parasol trees?"


    Cassandra''s eyes lit up. She looked at Rufus, hoping he would give her an affirmative reply.


    "So you want to have Chinese parasol tree? But why? Chinese parasol trees are often surrounded by


    phoenixes. Are you trying to attract phoenixes?" Phoenix, in ancient mythology, was a kind of bird that


    preferred to settle down on Chinese parasol trees. And its presence insinuated confession of love.


    Its symbolic meaning suddenly dawned on Rufus. He raised his eyebrows at Cassandra suspiciously.


    Hearing his absurd suggestion, Cassandra shook her head and grinned.


    "No way, I had no idea about that. I asked for them because they look lovely. When summer arrives, it


    would be amazing to sit under the shade. Anyway, I need just two of them,"


    Cassandra replied to Rufus in a convincing tone. She shook his arms, acting like a spoiled child


    begging for his consent.


    Rufus''s eyes trailed down and Cassandra noticed a spark in them. Watching his gaze, she blushed a


    little.


    "Hey, what are you looking at!" she screamed.


    Rufus burst intoughter.


    "You know what I am looking at," he retorted back.


    He came forward and gave her a long kiss. Cassandra tried to catch her breath when Rufus finally let


    go of her. And Rufus observed her with his tender eyes. He could tell that Cassandra had savored that


    kiss.


    He stood up and handed out a towel to Cassandra before he turned to leave.


    "Sweating is good for you. Now you won''t fall sick," he added with a smirk and closed the door shut.


    Rufus''s words left Cassandra stupefied. It became apparent that he had kissed her to stop her from


    falling sick.


    However, she had thoroughly relished that kiss hence she couldn''t help feeling stupid. ''What is wrong


    with me!'' she shrieked internally.


    Her face had turned crimson and she buried it into the towel. The warmth in her heart was equivalent to


    the steam in the bathroom.


    Hours passed but the rain showed no sign of ceasing. The television andwork were all reporting


    about the pouring rain.


    Almost all streets were flooded. Cassandra was confined in this mansion. She couldn''t go anywhere.


    "Well, we''re literally living in an ocean-view house now."


    Cassandra sighed as she looked at the streets through the window. Suddenly, Rufus held her from


    behind.


    "Stop looking outside, there is no way we can go outside. How about we do some exercise to release


    our pressure?" Rufus proposed with a wink.


    "What pressure? I don''t have any pressure! Go ahead and do it on your own, Rufus. Leave me alone,


    please,"


    Cassandra rejected Rufus''s offer. She didn''t understand why Rufus was so energetic all the time.


    "You don''t have any pressure?"


    Rufus squinted. He was putting his hands on her waist. But now, he loosed his hands and leaned on


    her shoulders with his weight.


    "Come on, Rufus¡­ You''re so heavy!"


    Cassandra screeched and tried to thrust him away.


    "Now, do you feel the pressure? I do, I can feel it Cassandra. Come on, let''s do something to rx


    ourselves."


    "You...you are such a jerk!" the little woman argued back bashfully.


    Rufus and Cassandra spent their whole day in the mansion.


    Rufus followed Cassandra everywhere. No matter where Cassandra went, he would make it a point to


    be around her. Even when she was cooking in the kitchen, he stood by the door and admired her.


    "Stop posing. Come inside and help me."


    Rufus was speechless when he heard her invitation. He peeped and noticed that she had finished


    cutting the cabbage. At the moment, she was beginning to make sd.


    "Don''t you think it''s a perfect idea that men work outside home whereas women take in charge of the


    housework? It is going to be my responsibility to take care of the family. You, on the other hand, will


    have the liberty to rx and stay young..."


    Rufus faltered in his speech. With the mention of future, he began to picture it in his head.


    "Excuse me? I can work too. In case you forgot, I have a job, okay? Why don''t you stay home and let


    me be the breadwinner?" she asked bringing him back from his reverie.


    Cassandra turned around and talked back, waving her knife at Rufus.


    "You? The breadwinner? I''m afraid you won''t be able to support the family. I hate to admit but I am


    spender. Your money won''t be enough for me,"


    Rufus teased her.


    "Spender? I am sorry, you will have to adjust to a life eating just in rice and buns. That is the only


    luxury we can afford."


    Cassandra poured the sd dressing to the ss bowl and stirred the fruits and vegetable she just


    made.


    Rufus burst intoughter. ''Eating just in rice and buns? Seriously? I am the president of the TY


    Group¡­'' he thought with pride.


    But Cassandra didn''t know his status yet.


    While they were at it, Rufus had a sudden urge to spill it.


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    In Cassandra''s eyes, Rufus was an overseas returnee who had once studied and worked abroad.


    When he graduated, he came back to take over his father''s business. And that was all Cassandra


    knew about him. As for his true identity, she knew nothing.


    ''If ever she finds it out, will she me me for keeping it a secret?'' he wondered.


    Worry consumed him and he decided to change the topic. "How good are you at cooking? Have you


    cooked for anyone before?"


    Rufus asked feigning a smile.


    Hearing his question, Cassandra stayed still for a few seconds. Her stiffness didn''t go unnoticed by


    him. Rufus thought he made a mistake by asking this question.


    "I once attempted to bake for my father on his birthday. But it turned out to be a disaster. My stupidity


    almost burned down the kitchen. Since then I have cooked for no one."


    Cassandra wasn''t so cheerful as she was a few seconds ago. She became sad and her earlier


    enthusiasm disappeared.


    Just the memory of her family was enough to make her despondent. ''If the Qin family caused her so


    much misery then why is she so hellbent on helping them?'' Rufus thought curiously.


    He was well aware about everything she had done to save Vernon''spany. She even sold her own


    car. Now he couldn''t fathom what it was all for.


    The Qin family didn''t give her any sweet memories. Unlike Cloris, Cassandra wasn''t very liked at home.


    And yet she spared no effort in protecting her family. Her generosity was beyond his understanding.


    Every time Rufus thought about his mother who stayed in the hospital for ten years, his hatred towards


    Horace grew stronger. But Cassandra¡­ she was different from the rest. She held no grudges against


    anyone.


    Cassandra brought the sd to the table and smiled at Rufus.


    In a soft voice, she asked, "Would you mind helping me? Just bring the steak to the table. Look at me, I


    am multi talented. I''m graceful in the drawing room and skillful in the kitchen as well. Besides, I can


    manage apany effortlessly. Aren''t you proud of me? Tell me you consider yourself lucky to have


    me around!"


    Having prepared these dishes, Cassandra seemed self assured at her own ability.


    Rufus went to bring the dishes as she ordered. Surprisingly, he didn''t object ore back with a cocky


    remark.


    In truth, he agreed with her. He was indeed very lucky to have Cassandra with him. However, he didn''t


    know how long their rtionship wouldst.


    It was dark outside. Cassandra and Rufus drank some wine together.


    "Remember thest time we had steak here? You were the one who cooked. But today, I made it for


    you. How wonderful this is! What are you waiting for? Please taste it," Cassandra ordered impatiently.


    Internally, she was waiting for hispliment.


    Rufus took a bite and it truly lived up to his expectation. She had done a wonderful job and he gave her


    hispliments generously.


    "Wow, it tastes delicious. My wife is indeed a master chef!"


    After he paid thispliment, silence filled the air.


    Cassandra was surprised to hear herself being referred to as his wife. She felt embarrassed and shook


    her head immediately.


    "Don''t call me that...It feels a little strange¡­"


    It wasn''t that Cassandra didn''t like it. It was just that this word waspletely novel to her. In spite of


    being married, Lionel had never addressed her as his wife.


    It was hard to tell where they stood in their rtionship now. They weren''t married and it sort of felt


    akward being called this way.


    Rufus was surprised too. Maybe it was the atmosphere that prompted him to call her that. Moreover, he


    and Cassandra had spent a great day together. They slept together, cooked together and now shared a


    great dinner together, just like a normal married couple. So it came out of his mouth naturally.


    Instantly, an idea popped into his mind. Rufus remembered the diamond ring. He realized now was the


    perfect time for him to propose her.


    He kept the ring in his pocket so that he could use it when the perfect opportunity red up.


    Slowly, Rufus dug into his pocket and felt his fingertips touch the box. A smile appeared on his face


    when he was pulling it out of his pocket.


    With a soft smile, he said, "Cassandra Qin, I might have to start calling you that from now on."

 Chapter 167 The Arrival of Charlie

    Chapter 167 The Arrival of Charlie


    Cassandra shot Rufus an inquisitive nce. ''What is he trying to say?'' she wondered in puzzlement.


    Rufus stood up and moved a little closer to Cassandra. He was about to get down on one knee.


    "Cassandra, I..."


    Before he could finish his words, his phone buzzed and interrupted him. With its vibration, he found it


    hard to focus. Halfheartedly, he reached for the phone and answered.


    "Rufus, my father is here in G city. He is showing ardent desire to see you,"


    Amanda''s voice spoke from the other line.


    Rufus nced at Cassandra and hesitated.


    "Go ahead if it''s urgent. You have been with me for the whole day. There must be a bunch of work on


    your desk. I have to call the supervisors for some arrangements after cleaning up anyway."


    Cassandra gave him a little chuckle and then nodded her head considerately.


    It had been ages since Rufusst met Charlie. Back in Dark Night Group, Charlie supported him a lot,


    hence Rufus had nothing but respect for him. Since his honorable teacher was present in G City, he felt


    obligated to meet him.


    "Okay, I''ll be right there."


    Hanging up the call, Rufus was still disconcerted about not being able to profess his love. But on the


    other hand he didn''t want to do it hastily so he put if off for some other day.


    "I am sorry that I have to leave. But don''t worry, I will see you in a couple of days."


    After this, he lowered his head and nted a soft kiss on her cherry lips. Without saying another word,


    he left the house.


    As he opened the door, gust of wind blew in and Cassandra shivered slightly.


    The cheerful smile on her face died down. It was reced with distress.


    When he picked the phone, Cassandra got a glimpse of the caller''s name. It was Amanda, but she


    acted like she hadn''t seen it and pretened that it was a call from work.


    It hurt her a lot but she knew it was the right thing to do. She had no grounds to confront him.


    Sitting in solitary, she was overwhelmed with grief. She turned around and looked at the dinner she had


    made with so much love. The word Rufus uttered before he left broke her heart into pieces.


    Rufus said he woulde to see her in a few days and she believed him. Their rendezvous were


    always wonderful and he wouldn''t leave without having sex with her.


    But now she started to question these meetings. ''Am I just a timepass for him? Am I a piece of toy he


    comes to enjoy with once in a while?'' she wondered.


    When he desired her, he woulde and spent some time with her. But when he found something


    better to do, he would be gone for several days. And while he was gone, she would bepelled to


    live in this isted ce with memories of him. All she had forpany was the rattling of windows at


    night.


    ''With Amanda''s one phone call, he left me. This makes it pretty obvious about who is more important to


    him. I am definitely not his first priority, '' she told herself.


    She presumed that all these days he must have been trying to bnce the two of them. Maybe he


    finally realized who was better¡ªand he was leaning more towards Amanda.


    Cassandra nkly stared at the cold steak and tears started to well up in her eyes.


    Clouded with tears, she could barely see anything. But she realized her life was symbolic to the steak


    on that te. When it was steaming hot, it tasted delicious and made everyone''s mouth water with


    desire. But once it became cold, it would only end up being thrown away.


    What Rufus said still lingered in her ears. A sad smile entered her lips as she recalled his promise. He


    had pledged before God that he had eyes only for her.


    Ironically, she had been deluding herself. It turned out that she didn''t upy a very important space in


    his heart.


    She was too self-righteous to think that after all kinds of hardships, everything would go smoothly and


    they would have a happy ending. In fact, the gap between them was not only her absurd marriage, but


    also his deliberate concealment.


    After Rufus hung up the phone, she wanted to interrogate him. There was a part of her that wanted to


    deliberately propose to go with him. Somehow she managed to suppress these thoughts and settled for


    a stoical smile.


    Fights were not her thing and she despised having them. Nothing forcibly done was going to be


    agreeable. If Rufus chose Amanda, then that was his decision and her words couldn''t change a thing.


    There were so many questions she had in her mind, but she decided to sit in this isted mansion


    feeling tongue-tied.


    After the rainstorm, stars twinkled all over the sky. The crescent moon broke through the clouds,


    casting a bright light over Cassandra in the dining room. She was ovee with a feeling of alienation.


    It seemed like this feeling would never go away.


    Rufus arrived at the hotel where Charlie stayed. In the presidential suite, Charlie, wearing a radiant


    face, was chatting with his beloved daughter.


    His face brightened when he spotted Rufus.


    "Rufus, you haven''te to see me for more than a year. You would call me from time to time in the


    past, but why are you so busy this year?"


    he med Rufus without scruple in a stentorian voice.


    Rufus walked up to him and replied with great respect,"I''ve been busy helping my father manage Tang


    Group this year. On top of that, I have to take care of the business of my ownpany. I really didn''t


    have time to visit you. I hope you will excuse me."


    Rufus used to visit Charlie every year in the past, but this year in G City, he didn''t even have time to


    return to TY Group, let alone attend to other things.


    Charlie stood up and studied Rufus with a satisfied smile on his face.


    "I have been paying close attention to you. Tang Group is increasingly prosperous under your


    leadership. Congrattions!"


    Charlie thought highly of Rufus. When he first joined Dark Night Group, Rufus left a deep impression


    on Charlie. Therefore, Charlie was very fond of him. Due to this, he tried to deal with Rufus in a very


    strict manner. He saw great potential in him and wanted him to achieve great sess.


    Luckily, Rufus had lived up to all his expectations. He was finer than the rest, both in physical fitness


    and in business training.


    His development was the most remarkable among all the members. In a matter of few years, TY Group


    had risen to fame, and its business began to expand rapidly.


    Later, he joined Tang Group to help his father with his family business. The profit gained in the year


    with his aid was much higher than the sum of what they had achieved in thest few years.


    Only the best teenagers in the world were chosen to join the Dark Night Group.


    They trained business talents and outstanding people in all walks of life.


    During that year, when it came to physical skills, Victor was one of the best; while Rufus, on the other


    hand, was excellent in both physique and finance.


    Most of the members trained in Dark Night Group had their business all over the world, and Rufus''s


    achievement had exceeded the record over the years.


    All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    Members of Dark Night Group couldn''t expose the secret that they were once trained in the group. The


    group stayed concealed and they vigorously hunted for talents from all over the world. Their goal was


    to train them to be the best.


    When these people were capable enough in all aspects, they would graduate and start their business.


    Because of these members, Dark Night Group had be the biggest, mostplex and least known


    behind-the-scenes pusher in the world.


    Charlie was the Chief coach of Dark Night Group. He was responsible for training members and


    maintaining the ties between members and the group.


    "I''m ttered,"


    Rufus, with downcast eyes, answered in a humble voice.


    He felt honored that Charlie had such a high opinion of him. Also, Charlie had helped him a lot secretly.


    When he set up TY Securities, Charlie asked his friends to grease the wheels, so his business would


    move smoothly.


    As the saying goes, he who teaches me for one day is my father for life. In Rufus''s heart, Charlie was


    just like his father.


    Horace, on the other hand, never managed to gain such respect from Rufus. He was not fit to be a


    father since he always chased money and fame.


    Amanda stood beside Charlie. A dull red flush suffused her face the moment she saw Rufus.


    She pulled back her long hair in a pony tail, exposing her clear and smooth forehead. In a ck knitted


    dress, she looked like a noble ck swan.


    Rufus who came in a dark green suit with dark blue stripes looked as handsome as Apollo. No one


    could tear their eyes from him.


    What a perfect match they were.


    "Amanda, go downstairs and find out when my meal will be delivered."


    Charlie suddenly turned to his daughter. Amanda was stunned, but she quickly nodded and walked out


    of the room.


    ''Father can just call the reception for this. Why did he have to ask me to go personally?'' Amanda


    wondered.


    "What''s wrong?"


    Rufus immediately asked as he detected that something must be wrong. He was certain that Charlie


    had something to tell him.


    Instead of beating around the bush, Charlie exined,"Rufus, I came for Amanda this time. You know


    that she is my only daughter. I love her dearly and hope she can apany me in my old age. But she


    told me that she wanted to build a piano school in G City. I don''t feel very good about that,"


    Charlie''s voice was low and somewhat sad, he was a father who loved and cared about his daughter


    after all.


    Rufus felt relief wash over him when he realized this was what Charlie wanted to say. In a cheerful


    tone, he replied,"You don''t have to worry. I will make a clean break with Amanda and won''t be involved


    with her ever again. In fact, I refused to help her when she told me that she wanted to build a piano


    school in G City."

 Chapter 168 You Are My Destiny

    Chapter 168 You Are My Destiny


    Rufus exined to Charlie and promised that he would not date Amanda again. He knew Charlie loved


    his daughter very much so that he would prefer keeping her around instead of developing her own


    career in G City. It was too far away from home and him.


    "No, I''m not stopping you from seeing her. Instead, I actually want you to help me take care of her,"


    Charlie said with a wave of his hand. His wordspletely surprised Rufus.


    Then Charlie sighed and exined when he saw how surprised Rufus was, "As you know, Rufus, I


    didn''t allow your rtionship with Amanda when you were in Dark Night Group. It was not because I


    disliked you. The only reason was because you were both too young at that time. Besides, I knew why


    you came to the Dark Night Group. You entered into the group because you hated your father and you


    wanted to train yourself to be a strong man to take avenge on him. I didn''t want my daughter to stay


    with a man who had so much hatred in his heart."


    There was nothing Charlie could do now about the past. What''s done cannot be undone. ''It''s no use


    lamenting about all of that now, '' he thought as he sighed out loud.


    When Rufus joined the Dark Night Group, he was far more mature than his peers at the time, even


    though they were all the same age. It was probably because he never had a childhood. Rufus had to


    make it on his own and had to grow up way too fast for his liking.


    He barely socialized andmunicated with others. He concentrated only on intensive training in his


    mind and body.


    Rufus was still a student at that time. Charlie was a sophisticate. He recognized that Rufus was clever,


    and believed that he would have a promising future. So he took care of him. He even invited Rufus


    home to treat him. Then unexpectedly andpletely unbeknown to him, Rufus and his beloved


    daughter fell in love.


    Charlie remembered back to the day when he asked a question to all the students before they started


    training.


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    "Why do you all want to be a part of the Dark Night Group? I would like you all to individually tell me


    your reasons and borate on the importance of this in your life."


    Charlie stood with his feet slightly apart and his hands sped behind his back. The young faces


    looked back at him with great respect. Then one after another, they began to report their reasons and


    goals.


    "I want to develop the most powerful physique, muscr arms, strong fists and legs!"


    "I want to be focused and evolve into one of the most talented business geniuses!"


    "I want to be the wealthiest man in my country!"


    Every young man was ambitious. They had the most important quality of excellence, which was their


    confidence.


    When it came to Rufus''s turn, he stated in a low voice, "I want to make someone regret his choice."


    At that moment he showed no emotion at all.


    The training field went silent upon his words. Everyone turned their heads and looked at this


    handsome, well structured young man with curious eyes.


    This was a very strange statement and they all wondered what he meant by this. They exchanged


    looks at one another, having no idea what this young man was talking about.


    ''And tell me, who would that be?"


    Charlie asked. He narrowed his dark piercing eyes and looked intently at this emotionless man.


    "My father," replied Rufus.


    He kept his chin high and his face stayed expressionless. He would never stand down out of defeat,


    towards his father.


    All the people were shocked by his words. ''Did he mean to pledge war against his father and bring him


    down?'' they wondered secretly. ''But why?'' they werepletely confused.


    Charlie was also shocked by Rufus''s attitude. Being an experienced coach though, he didn''t show any


    surprise or emotion in front of these young men, who were watching intently.


    Rufus impressed Charlie the most out of all the new recruits. This was the first day they met.


    His goal different from others'' and the determination in his eyes left Charlie deep impression.


    Rufus became obsessed with practice, working harder than anyone else. This became his way of life


    later on. He endured the hardship and pushed through, showing the most stamina during training. He


    neverined about his pain or being tired. He never gotzy but strove to better himself in every


    way, using training as his tool.


    He focused on excelling every minute of the day. He knew what it would take to reach his goal, and


    step by step, he was getting close.


    Charlie got to know more about Rufus gradually. Later, he understood why Rufus hated his father so


    much. How could a man do that to his family? It was inhuman. He treated Rufus''s mother with such


    malice, and then threw her into a dingy hole of a ce, leaving Rufus as a young boy to care for


    himself. That was where the inner strength had developed, unfortunately at a terrible price though.


    Charlie had paid a visit to his mother and arranged better care for her, in a far better establishment.


    Rufus hadn''t trusted anyone, apart from his mother. But what Charlie had done made him trust and


    respect him.


    Rufus built a strong rtionship with Charlie and understood where he wasing from as well. In the


    end, Amanda broke up with him as Charlie wished. But he didn''t me Charlie. Instead, he understood


    him. He was a good father who loved his daughter and would protect her with his life.


    Rufus knew he carried a lot of revenge and had no ce for anything else. If Amanda had stayed with


    him, Charlie would have been constantly worried about her, and for good reason. His heart was filled


    with too much hatred to have a ce for Amanda, which would break her heart eventually.


    The romance he shared with Amanda was over, a long time ago. This mention of their past made


    Rufus puzzled. Charlie asked Rufus to take care of Amanda, which totally confused him.


    "You took over the Tang Group. And I know you''re doing quite well. This is a real feather in your cap.


    You truly are a brilliant businessman. That makes me feel worthwhile. I''m proud of you, Rufus. You let


    go of your hatred with your family and have managed to get along well with them all. I''m so d to see


    that. I knew you had it in you," said Charlie.


    Then he reached out and patted Rufus''s shoulder. He continued apuding Rufus, "How far you have


    come is outstanding.


    You are a man, when you let go of the hatred. I''m confident that Amanda would live a happy life with


    you now. That''s why I hope you can take care of her for me in G City. Could you give her stability and


    protection when she needs it? She''s a woman, after all. It''s not so easy for a woman to establish a


    school all by herself."


    Charlie had been worried about Amanda. A woman shouldn''t be living her life alone. There were too


    many terrible things going on in the world. He felt such relief at the thought of Rufus who could be his


    daughter''s soul mate. There wasn''t anyone else he would rather have as his son-inw.


    Rufus was speechless for a moment as he felt quite lightheaded. He wondered whether he should tell


    Charlie his real thought.


    ''Let go of hatred? That is not going to happen. I''ll never let it go, '' thought Rufus to himself.


    When he was in Dark Night Group, he kept reminding himself that he had to stand up and keep


    fighting. He couldn''t allow himself to feel pain, even when he was hit so badly that wounds engulfed his


    body. He knew that he would lose the chance of staying in Dark Night Group if he lost the fight. There


    wasn''t a better ce for him to grow strong and to carry out his n other than the Dark Night Group.


    He couldn''t afford to be kicked out, at the time.


    Rufus remembered the time when he gritted his teeth while applying rubbing alcohol to sterilize his


    wounds. It hurt so much that he wasn''t able to fall asleep. The pain spread over his entire body, yet he


    managed to hold on. He never made a sound, though the sweat ran off his body like rain.


    He remembered how he managed to survive in the treacherous business world. It was tough when he


    just entered the field. He risked his life and struggled for survival. Finally, he established and developed


    TY Group, a grandpany, all by himself.


    He did all of this, thanks to his hatred towards Horace Tang, his father.


    Rufus reasoned Charlie might think that his hatred for his father was gone, otherwise he would have


    made Tang Group disappear by simply purchasing it via TY Group, in order to get even with his father


    in a mild way. But as a matter of fact, that wasn''t the case. Rufus had a different n to achieve his


    goal. He would get back at Horace and the Tang family in a more terrible way.


    His poor mother had been lying on a bed for ten years. It was ten years in hell. He had experienced hell


    as well in hardship and torment. Rufus felt hopeless at one point and could do nothing about the


    situation to help his mother. He could barely look after himself as a child. He had lived with such guilt


    and no one to turn to. Life hadn''t been fair to him. He still felt the sting of pain, as he remembered


    those days.


    As he was growing to be a capable and independent young man, Rufus nned the establishment and


    development of TY Group. His great uracy in nning and management made it all happened. He


    had big ns for the TY Group, intending to make it a hugepany, even though it hade so far


    in such a short time. He still had a way to go, regardless of how tremendous it looked.


    He worked so hard at everything in order to make that man whom he called father regret abandoning


    his wife and son the way he did.


    Rufus was determined to make Horace experience pain and sorrow, the same way he and his mother


    had. It would never be as simple as that, making Tang Group disappear. No, Horace deserved a lot


    worse than that. He would pay for the wrong he had done, and there would be consequences.


    He wanted Horace to know, how it felt to lose everything he had gained.


    He wanted him to know how it felt when his son betrayed him! Rufus had been working this out in his


    mind for years. He would make Horace overwhelmed and filled with such sorrow.


    Rufus''s face stiffened and his muscles palpitated near his jawline. He clenched his fists so hard that


    they turned white and blue veins stood out on the back of his arms.


    Finally, he said, "I''ll never let go of my hatred, never a day in my life!"


    He looked straight into Charlie''s eyes. Charlie was shocked by his expression.


    Rufus continued, "I''m sorry, Charlie, but I''m still nning for my revenge. I live, eat and breath my


    ns, thinking of different ways to destroy that man. I wish I could say, I had let it all go. You have


    always been such an inspiration to me. If it hadn''t been for you, I would never have got to where I am


    today. So, I''m grateful for you. But I''m afraid I can''t take care of Amanda. How can I be a loving,


    kind man to her when my life revolves around the destruction? Please forgive me."


    He paused for a moment and then continued speaking again, "Amanda deserves better, someone


    without any hatred in his heart, a person who would love her deeply and defend her, give her babies


    and help raise them. I''m not the right one for her.


    I can''t predict who I''m going to be and whether I would stop my revenge n in the future. But as for


    now, I''m sure I''ll do whatever I can, to continue my n. I don''t want Amanda to be a part of something


    so destructive. I only want what''s best for her."


    Rufus took a deep bow, showing Charlie his respect for him as a master trainer. He didn''t want to lie to


    him or let him down. He felt too much for him. Charlie was a good man. But Rufus must decline his


    request of taking care of Amanda.


    Charlie couldn''t understand why he could''t let it go. He even offeredhis most beautiful and precious


    possession. He had never expected that Rufus would reject.


    When Amanda told him she would establish a piano school in G City, Charlie strongly opposed.


    Amanda assured him over and over that Rufus would take good care of her, so he decided to pay a


    visit to G City to confirm Rufus''s attitude.


    At first, he was quite pleased when he learned about what Rufus had done in G City. He set up the TY


    Group and meanwhile managed the Tang Group well. Thus, Charlie reasoned that Rufus already


    stopped hating his father and believed that Amanda would be happy to be with this man who had love


    in his heart.


    He thought Rufus and Amanda had already reached an agreement and he was just rying his


    blessing. But this was definitely not the case as Rufus stated today. It seemed that it was Amanda''s


    wishful thinking.


    Charlie remembered that Amanda told him on the phone that she would go to G City where Rufus was.


    She said that she would never break up with Rufus again. That was why Charlie thought his daughter


    and Rufus had been dating all this time, and that was why he paid him a visit.


    However, what Rufus told him now puzzled him.


    So Charlie frowned at him and asked, "I thought you and Amanda are dating, aren''t you?"


    At this time, the door opened suddenly and Amanda walked in with a determined expression on her


    pretty face.


    "Father, Rufus is the only man I love. I want to be with him!"


    Then she walked straight to Rufus. She raised her eyes to look at the man she loved so much yet felt


    heartbroken for, and said with an affectionate voice, "Rufus, you are my destiny. We can be dynamic


    together. I will help you get over your pain. We will rece it with wonderful memories and more love


    than you could imagine. What do you say?"

 Chapter 169 A Farewell Dinner For Dylon

    Chapter 169 A Farewell Dinner For Dylon


    Walking her way to the hotel restaurant, Amanda instructed the manager to deliver Charlie''s meals as


    soon as possible and then made her way back to the presidential suite. Right when she came to the


    door, she overheard her father''s words as he talked to Rufus. "Didn''t you and Amanda get together?"


    With that, she pushed the door open without any hesitation. Amanda announced to her father with a


    firm voice that she had decided to be with Rufus.


    Amanda''s sudden promation surprised Rufus. Actually, he knew that Amanda still liked him after


    what had happened between them. But being a gentleman as he was, he was not willing to reject her


    straight away right in front of her father, and he knew it would break her heart.


    Rufus himself had also been hurt by love once and got lost without knowing what to do after Amanda


    broke up with him. Still, he cherished the good memories of the past with Amanda. She was so


    beautiful and innocent when they were together and he wanted it to stay that way on his mind; thus he


    didn''t want to hurt her now.


    In fact, Rufus had already figured out her intentions when she suddenly changed the repertoire after


    the break at her concert.


    Later, she announced that she would like to set up a piano school in G City. She even drafted a


    contract and asked Rufus to sign it. Thus, it led Rufus to conclude that the purpose of her visit to G City


    must have something to do with him.


    Time had passed and people changed. Rufus didn''t love Amanda anymore. Instead, his heart beat only


    for Cassandra.


    Although Cassandra was not as famous and sessful as Amanda, and her family was not as glorious


    as Amanda''s, Rufus was deeply in love with Cassandra since the day he met her. She was so special


    and different from everyone else.


    The reason why he liked Amanda before was just that she was truly a beautiful girl when they were


    both young. But his feelings for Cassandra was totally different. As a man, he just wanted her and be


    with her for the rest of his life.


    If he were to choose between Cassandra and Amanda, he sure would settle with Cassandra, the one


    he loved and cherished the most.


    "Amanda, have I ever told you that I already have a girlfriend?"


    Rufus looked at Amanda and tried to state in a low voice because he was afraid of how she would


    react. However, it seemed that Amanda didn''t care about Rufus''s rejection at all.


    "Girlfriend? Why does that matter? She doesn''t deserve you at all!"


    Amanda eximed with a confident expression. Obviously, she didn''t think Cassandra was even at par


    topete with her.


    ''She had a divorced and her father is now in prison. What''s worse was that herpany was at stake.


    She''s nothing to me!


    I am the youngest female pianist who had won numerous awards in the world so far. There are a lot of


    men who sought after me and I can just choose one to be my boyfriend. However, I only love Rufus


    and I believe that he is bound to be my man sooner orter. I will surely beat Cassandra!'' Amanda


    thought while eyeing Rufus interestingly.


    "Amanda, love is never about matching. It''s about whether you can afford it or not. Its sharing one''s


    soul to another," Rufus countered.


    For Rufus, Amanda was still the proud little girl she was years ago. It seemed that she had not


    changed a bit, still simple yet capricious.


    Rufus, on the other hand, had grown up and was now very mature. His childishness faded gradually


    and it was reced with professionalism and integrity, which made him handle things with ease.


    "Are you still mad at me for breaking up with you?"


    Amanda''s eyes suddenly filled with tears, and the sad expression on her face made Rufus felt sorry for


    her.


    He turned away from her in an effort to avoid her eyes, shaking his head.


    "Amanda, let the past be in the past. I don''t want to talk about it anymore. Besides, G City is just a


    small city and it''s not the right ce where you can fulfill your dream. So, you''d better go back to where


    you''re from."


    Rufus turned to leave as he finished his words, but Amanda rushed up to him in a hurry and hugged


    him from behind.


    When her body was pressed against his broad back, Amanda noticed that he was no longer the skinny


    boy he used to be. Instead, he had be a handsome and masculine man, and his body had grown


    very strong with fit muscles.


    Pathetically, she missed all the good things and the experiences they could have had together.


    Amanda couldn''t help crying every time she thought of the break-up with Rufus that year.


    "Rufus, I''m not going anywhere! I just want to stay with you in G City. This is the ce where you were


    born and I know that you want to stay in your hometown. Then I''d love to be with you and stay with you


    till the end of my life!"


    Amanda broke down in tears. Rufus''s relentless rejections had taken its toll on her.


    Charlie felt distressed and was frustrated when he saw his daughter crying so sadly.


    "Well, it''s all my fault! If I hadn''t forced you to break up with Rufus, you would never have to be


    miserable like this today!"


    Charlie''s face was filled with guilt. The tears on his daughter''s face were just like needles piercing


    through and hurting his heart badly.


    Rufus took Amanda''s hands off his waist and turned to hold her shoulders. He wiped the tears on her


    face with his hands.


    "Amanda, we are not going to be coupled anymore. If you still treat me as your friend, then I''d be quite


    willing to help you when you need me. But if you want to be my woman, I have to say sorry because


    that would be impossible. I will not love any other women except Cassandra Qin! Do you understand?"


    After saying that, Rufus turned to Charlie, and bowed deeply and respectfully to him again. Then he


    walked towards the door and strode out of the room.


    Looking at Rufus''s back as he walked out of the suite, Amanda was crying so miserably that she was


    even out of breath.


    Charlie hurried forward to support her daughter. His eyes were full of anxiety as he didn''t know how to


    console Amanda.


    "Amanda, stop crying, dear. Since he doesn''t want to be with you, you should go back with me. Aren''t


    you going to set up a piano academy? Dad will help you set up as many piano academies as you want


    to!"


    A daughter was always her dad''s sweetheart, and Amanda''s tears pained Charlie a lot that his heart


    even felt like it was tangled with thorns.


    "That bitch... What... What merits does she have? Why would Rufus prefer her over me?"


    Amanda sobbed so sadly that she even twitched to catch her breath.


    "Don''t cry, baby girl. Listen to me. You are the best and that bitch is no match for you. There''s no need


    topete with her! Don''t stoop down to her level."


    Charlie helped Amanda sit on the sofa. He was once a proud and tough leading character in the Dark


    Night Group; but now he was an ordinary father who cared nothing but his daughter. And he was trying


    hard tofort his broken-hearted daughter.


    "Dad, I''m so sad! My heart hurts! I just want Rufus, and... Nothing else but just Rufus! Just Rufus..."


    Amanda threw herself into Charlie''s arms and cried harder with her shoulders trembling.


    "Baby girl, it''s all right. Dad will help you. Dad will help you to drive away that bitch!"


    Charlie caressed her daughter''s trembling shoulder with a broken heart.


    "Really? Dad? Are you really going to drive her away?"


    Hearing Charlie''s words, Amanda was still sobbing, but she was no longer crying heavily.


    Charlie proved his words were effective and then he continued to assure Amanda,"Yes! I promise! I''ll


    help you earn Rufus''s attention. It''s a deal!"


    As long as his daughter would be happy, he would do anything even the impossible.


    "Okay. Deal! You cannot go breaking your own words!"


    With Charlie''s assurance, Amanda immediately brightened up. She pouted her mouth with an innocent


    expression and her red eyes gazed upon her father thankfully.


    "Have I ever failed to do anything you want me to do? I''m your father and you are my princess. I''ll do


    anything for you, dear. Even if you don''t believe anyone else, you must have confidence in me!"


    Over the years, Charlie had nothing to fear except his precious daughter.


    He hadn''t forced her to do anything her entire life, except once that he had asked her to break up with


    Rufus.


    Charlie was also very upset after their break-up. If it hadn''t been for his stubbornness, Amanda would


    not be so sad now.


    Realizing that Charlie was treating her so child-like, Amanda suddenly burst intoughter. Feeling


    relieved, she put her head on Charlie''s shoulder.


    "You are so nice, Dad! I love you so much!"


    In Charlie''s ears, Amanda''s voice was pleasant like the sound of a silver bell. Without any doubt,


    seeing her happy smile was the best reward for him.


    In life, no matter how strong-minded a person was, he or she was bound to have his or her


    weaknesses; and this was what Charlie kept telling Amanda since she was still a little girl. Amanda had


    kept Charlie''s words in her mind till now.


    There finally appeared a smile of triumph on Amanda''s face, who was now leaning on Charlie''s


    shoulder. ''Cassandra, do you think that you can take my ce to be Rufus'' woman?


    What a pity! You haven''t recovered from yourst failed marriage. I''m afraid that you''re about to enter


    the darkest time in your life.'' Amanda thought in silence.


    After Rufus left, Cassandra sat in the dining room and was lost into her own thought for a long time.


    ''It was alreadyte and Rufus won''t be home tonight. Is he with Amanda now? Would he be holding


    Amanda and telling her all the sweet things he''d ever told me before?'' Cassandra pondered to herself.


    She suddenly shook her head as she thought of the odd questions on her mind. She tried desperately


    to banish all these strange ideas out from her head.


    ''I must trust Rufus. He met Amanda because he had something urgent to deal with her. The truth is


    certainly not like what I thought, and I shouldn''t make wild assumptions since I don''t have any evidence


    to prove that Amanda has any intimate rtionship with Rufus.'' Cassandra thought further.


    But no matter how hard she tried tofort herself, such self-suggestions did not seem to work for her.


    Cassandra slowly became more and more depressed.


    She got up to finish cleaning around the house. Then shey down on the bed in a daze, picked up her


    mobile phone and began to surf the Inte.


    The hitting headlines were all about the earthquake that happened in A City. It seemed that no one


    cared about Lyndsy''s news anymore. This was nice to know and Cassandra finally felt relieved for her.


    At least now the media would not pay too much attention to the news about the entertainment industry.


    Furthermore, Lyndsy could try to terminate her contract with thepany, so as to avoid any other


    unexpected idents from happening.


    Pictures of the earthquake were constantly being uploaded to the Inte. The tragic scene of the


    disaster-stricken area was in such a mess that it made everyone seeing the pictures feel really


    heartbroken.


    As Cassandra continued to browse, she learned that the death toll from the earthquake continued to


    rise; and there was a severe shortage of relief supplies.


    Then all of a sudden, Dylon''s came in on her phone. "Cassandra, the hospital has sent a medical team


    to the disaster-stricken area and I''m going with them tomorrow morning. Would you like to hold a


    farewell dinner for me?"Original content from N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 170 Throw Yourself In Another Mans Arms

    Chapter 170 Throw Yourself In Another Man''s Arms


    Cassandra didn''t respond. She was a bit hesitant as she held the phone by her ear. As soon as she


    recalled Dylon iming that she was his girlfriend in front of the media, Cassandra couldn''t help but


    feel iffy. She didn''t know how to face him anymore.


    "Cassandra, are you mad at me?"


    Dylon asked in a careful tone. He was a smart man and he could sense Cassandra''s hesitance. When


    Cassandra didn''t respond to him, he started to worry that she might be mad at him for what he did the


    other day.


    "Uh, no. Uh, I''m just in the middle of something..."


    Cassandra didn''t want to hurt Dylon''s feelings. She just made up an excuse so she wouldn''t have to


    talk to him any further.


    After a few more inconsequential exchanges, Cassandra hung up the call. Her head was in such a


    chaotic mess right now that she didn''t know what to do. Dylon was a very good friend of hers and she


    didn''t want to hurt him at all but she really didn''t know how to remain friends after what happened the


    other day.


    It was ridiculous that Dylon would im they were together when they clearly weren''t. Meanwhile,


    Rufus, who was actually in a rtionship with her, had lied to her about receiving a call from another


    woman.


    That was pretty ironic.


    Just as Cassandra was getting lost in her own thoughts, Lyndsy''s call came in and she was


    straightforward as usual.


    "Cassandra, Dylon told me that he thought you might be angry with him. I''m very sorry, it''s all my fault.


    He did that for me because I needed help. How about as an apology, I treat you two to dinner tonight?


    It can also be Dylon''s farewell dinner. Don''t worry, there won''t be any journalists tonight so they can''t


    interrupt us. We can go to a private club where only VIPs can get in, okay? How does that sound?"


    Lyndsy had never been one to beat around the bush especially with people who were close to her¡ª


    she always went straight to the point. Since she considered Cassandra and Dylon to be her friends,


    she wanted to make sure everything was okay between the two. Cassandra didn''t know what to feel.


    She knew Lyndsy didn''t want to cause any trouble and just wanted to have dinner with them. And in


    fact, Dylon didn''t exactly do anything wrong. It was just that Cassandra had felt weird around him after


    what he had said the other day and it had nothing to do with Lyndsy.


    "Fine, give me the address and I''ll be there," Cassandra agreed with a silent sigh.


    Meanwhile, Jasper and Rufus were sitting face-to-face inside a box in the high-end private club.


    In front of them, a man was performing a tea ceremony on the table. The faint and fresh scent of the


    tea filled the whole room.


    After finishing the tea ceremony, the man silently nodded to them and left the room, leaving Jasper and


    Rufus alone so they could discuss important things.


    "The Dawn Star Group is getting better and better everyday. But I don''t think that they are willing to be


    bought. Arthur just wouldn''t agree. He''s prettypetitive,"


    Jasper said as he picked up his cup of tea to take a sip. The tea not only smelled great but it also


    tasted amazing.


    "I have never considered buying the Dawn Star Group,"


    Rufus answered, holding his cup in one hand and slowly spinning it as the tea inside made small


    waves. Something shed in his eyes but it was too quick that Jasper didn''t have enough time to figure


    out what it meant. Rufus''s face was unreadable.


    "What? You don''t n to buy the Dawn Star Group? Then why did you ask me to invest a huge amount


    of money in them?"


    Jasper was startled so much that he almost dropped his cup of tea. The look on his face was a mixture


    of confusion and curiosity.


    For the longest time, Jasper always knew what Rufus was going to do. He knew him so well. Rufus


    was a force to be reckoned with in the industry¡ªhe saw things in a unique way which made him the


    capable and sessful man he was today. That was why he could make the TY Group a big name.


    Besides, their businesses were promising too and they were just growing continually.


    Given that, Jasper was pretty sure that he had a good idea what Rufus wanted to do. He thought that


    Rufus invested so much money in the Dawn Star Group so he could slowly infiltrate it and eventually,


    acquire it. By the end, he would make it a part of the Tang Group.


    But now, Rufus had told him that he didn''t even consider buying the Dawn Star Group? What the hell?


    How did that happen? What was Rufus'' n then? Why did he ask him to invest so much money then?


    "We invested the money and we gained the profit. That''s enough. Don''t ask any more questions,"


    Rufus responded simply. It was clear that he didn''t want to talk about it anymore. He drank thest sip


    of his tea. His face remained stoic.


    "How can I not ask any more questions? Rufus, I''m your uncle-inw for God''s sake and the CEO of


    the TY Group. I think I deserve to know your ns."


    Rufus has always been the type of man to be independent. He always made decisions on his own but


    at the same time, he also knew his limits. He wouldn''t ever ignore any choice that could make his


    business prosper. Rufus always told Jasper what his ns were and listened to whatever input he had.


    But this time, he didn''t. Jasper had assumed that Rufus was going to buy the Dawn Star Group but


    now that Rufus had told him that that wasn''t his n and he wasn''t willing to tell him more. Jasper


    didn''t know what to make of Rufus and all this.


    The Dawn Star Group was the Tang Group''s biggest rival in G City. If they bought Dawn Star Group


    then Tang Group wouldn''t havepetition anymore. And wasn''t that what Rufus wanted?


    "Then I think you should go back now,"


    Rufus said nonchntly. He really didn''t want to give away too much because he knew that if Jasper


    and Michelle found out that he had never really given up on his revenge n, they would surely try to


    stop him. Rufus didn''t want that to happen so he had to keep his n a secret.


    "You brat. Do you really want to get rid of me this soon?"


    Jasper said intively.


    Ever since Rufus had returned to G City, Michelle had tagged along with him following his every step,


    leaving Jasper alone in another country to take care of the business. It was a rare chance for him to be


    back in the G City and he couldn''t believe Rufus was already asking him to leave. He didn''t want to go


    back right away without Michelle.


    "By the way, recently, manypanies and groups under the Dark Night Group were attacked by some


    unknown business groups. Their method is the same. I''m a bit worried that something might happen to


    the Dark Night Group,"


    Rufus said with a slight frown on his face. He couldn''t help but worry as he thought of all the things that


    happened to the members of the Dark Night Group all over the world. He was afraid something big was


    going to happen.


    "Yeah, I heard about that too but they haven''t found out who''s behind all of it,"


    Jasper said in a serious tone. Being attacked by people you didn''t know was no joke.


    "That''s the reason why I asked you to fly back and look after our business. I can sleep better at night if I


    know you''re there because that way, if anything happens, we can deal with it right away,"


    Rufus said casually as he discreetly observed the look on Jasper''s face. Jasper, on the other hand,


    was still busy figuring out who would attack the Dark Night Group.


    "But who the hell would be bold enough to go against the Dark Night Group? If it only happened once


    or twice, I wouldn''t be surprised. But this is getting serious now because over half the members were


    attacked!"


    Jasper mumbled, eye brows knitted in a frown. He rested his chin on his palm as he racked his brain.


    Rufus remained silent as he drank his tea.


    The Dark Night Group was indeed the biggest and most powerful group in this industry. Though there


    were some newpanies rising, they never posed a threat to the Dark Night Group. It had nothing to


    be afraid of after all.


    This had never happened before and what made them even more worried was that they couldn''t figure


    out who was behind all of this.


    But... If anyone was stupid and bold enough to go against the TY Group, then Rufus would surely make


    them pay! He would never allow this to happen.


    Something cold shed through Rufus''s eyes but it quickly disappeared. He downed the rest of the tea


    in his cup in one gulp.


    Meanwhile Dylon, Lyndsy, and Cassandra arrived at the private club. The exterior of the club looked


    nothing special. But stepping inside, Cassandra could tell as a designer herself that it was exquisitely


    decorated.


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    "Don''t worry, Cassandra. Only people who have VIP cards can get in here. No one will interrupt us


    tonight!"


    Lyndsy winked at Cassandra, assuring her again. Then she led Dylon and Cassandra as they made


    their way through the club¡ªshe was obviously a regr here.


    "I have already booked a private box. No. 7,"


    Lyndsy said to a waiter and pointed to the direction of their private box. The waiter immediately nodded


    and guided them to it right away.


    Cassandra followed behind Lyndsy. But she didn''t notice the floor was still a bit wet because a cleaner


    just wiped the floor and it hadn''t fully dried down yet. She lost her bnce and slipped.


    "Watch out!"


    Dylon was quick to react. He reached out and grabbed Cassandra by her waist so she wouldn''t fall. In


    order to steady themselves, he pulled her into his arms, letting her rest against his chest.


    Everything happened so fast that Cassandra didn''t realized exactly what was happening¡ªshe


    remained frozen in Dylon''s arms for a good few moments.


    Right on cue, Rufus walked out with Jasper trailing behind him. As soon as he stepped out, he saw


    Cassandra in Dylon''s arms.


    At this moment, Cassandra and Dylon really did look like they were hugging each other, very intimately.


    Dylon lowered his gaze to look at Cassandra. He had a soft look in his eyes while Cassandra looked up


    to him helplessly.


    "Cassandra, be careful,"


    Dylon warned Cassandra who was still a bit shaken from nearly falling. He had a light and soft smile on


    his lips which calmed Cassandra. They untangled themselves right away. Cassandra''s face was a bit


    red as she was a bit embarrassed.


    "Thank you,"


    Cassandra said in a grateful tone. If it weren''t for Dylon, she would surely have hurt herself because of


    her carelessness. But when she turned her head to look ahead, her eyes were met with a pair of eyes


    that she was extremely familiar with.


    She had seen these eyes countless times by now. But never in a million years were they this cold and


    angry.


    It seemed that there was a storm silently raging in those eyes. Cassandra could tell how angry, sad,


    and most importantly, disappointed he was with her.


    "Well, what a nice coincidence,"


    Jasper mumbled. He too saw the whole scene between Dylon and Cassandra and how they seemed


    so intimate. He could tell how angry Rufus was right now.


    Last time, they saw Cassandra leave Dylon''s apartment and now, here they were again, hugging. This


    would be too much of a coincidence now.


    This was getting serious. Rufus must be furious. And Jasper was worried that Rufus might do


    something that he would regretter.


    Cassandra suddenly felt numb as she could tell that Rufus must have misunderstood the situation


    based on the look on his face.


    "Oh! Mr. Luo, fancy seeing you here! What a coincidence!"


    Lyndsy, who saw Rufus, walked up and greeted him with a smile on her face.


    But Rufus didn''t say anything back to Lyndsy. He just ignored her and walked straightly past her to


    stand in front of Cassandra. He lowered his head and stared at her with angry eyes. His jaw tightened.


    Rufus was tense, as if he was trying to contain his emotions.


    "Are you really that desperate to throw yourself into another man''s arms the second I leave?"


    Rufus''s tone was icy cold and it pierced through Cassandra''s heart.

 Chapter 171 Going Home With A Man

    Chapter 171 Going Home With A Man


    For Cassandra, Rufus''s usation of her was akin to standing naked in the middle of a freezing winter.


    Dylon opened his mouth to exin but Cassandra chimed in right away. She had a huge smile on her


    face as she reached out and took his arm.


    "Well, didn''t you disappear after taking a call from some woman? Isn''t that the same?"


    Cassandra questioned Rufus and looked straight into his eyes boldly. It seemed like she was trying to


    provoke him but deep inside, she felt nothing but sadness.


    Was he implying she couldn''t wait to throw herself into another man''s arms? Did Rufus see her as a


    slut?


    All of the sweet words Rufus had once whispered in her ear meant nothing to her now.


    Dylon was frozen because so many things had happened in thest few days from people assuming he


    was Lyndsy''s boyfriend to being used by Cassandra as a shield.


    Rufus narrowed his eyes and looked back into Cassandra''s eyes. She was ring at him.


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    Cassandra felt her legs weaken but she didn''t give in¡ªshe managed to power through as she stared


    Rufus down.


    In her heart, Cassandra tried to make herself feel better by cheering herself on, ''No one can defeat


    you, Cassandra! Don''t give in now!''


    She felt a lump in her throat. How she wished she could cry it all out but she held her tears back. She


    raised her chin and red at Rufus.


    "It''s not what you think,"


    Rufus said and looked at Cassandra, knowing very well she was just being stubborn and defiant. He


    didn''t have much patience left.


    While it was true that Amanda had called him, Rufus had refused Amanda and he only left to see


    Charlie. He simply chose not to tell Cassandra for fear that she might get upset.


    He preferred Cassandra to know nothing. As long as she stayed beside him, she would be happy and


    satisfied, wouldn''t she?


    "So what''s it like? I believe what I see; and what I saw was you went out after you answered the


    phone,"


    Cassandra grimaced. Actions spoke louder than words, right?


    "What about what I just saw now? Is there any truth to that?"


    Rufus found Cassandra''s smile unpleasant. His heart prickled as if a dagger was stabbing it.


    "Yes, Rufus, what you just saw is the truth. Since you''re lying to me, I don''t see any reason why we


    should still be talking. Now if you''ll excuse us, there''s something I need to discuss with Dylon."


    Then Cassandra took Dylon''s arm, looped hers around it and walked past Rufus.


    Everyone was bewildered. Lyndsy was so surprised that she almost dropped her sunsses.


    How could Cassandra humiliate Rufus in public like that!


    Rufus clenched his fists. The veins on his temples bulged. Jasper was filled with apprehension how


    Rufus would respond, so he led Rufus out of the club to avoid more conflicts.


    "Let''s go, Rufus. We should go now!"


    Rufus let himself be pushed by Jasper until they were outside the club. When they arrived at the gate,


    Rufus immediately threw a punch at the column on one side.


    Jasper flinched at the sound of Rufus punching the hard cement.


    Then he turned to look at Rufus. Thetter still had a cold look on his face. His eyes were gleaming as


    if he was nning something that no one else knew about.


    "You''re too impulsive. How could you embarrass Cassandra in front of so many people! You went too


    far."


    Jasper frowned. He felt what Rufus said to Cassandra was inappropriate.


    Rufus was conflicted. He wasn''t one to be impulsive and rash, but when it came to Cassandra, he just


    turned into a different man.


    Seeing Cassandra close to Dylon just made him jealous, so he spoke those words without even


    thinking twice.


    "But Cassandra was stubborn too! She could have exined to you but she didn''t. Both of you are


    stubborn!"


    Jasper ced a hand on Rufus''s shoulder and patted him gently as a way tofort him.


    Rufus and Cassandra were so much alike. They would never let their pride down to talk to one another


    when they were fighting. It would take them a long time before they would understand one another fully.


    Meanwhile, Cassandra, in the room, kept her head down. Lyndsy had to call her name to get her


    attentiontried since she was so preupied.


    "Dylon''s going to A City tomorrow for the rescue, so I''d like to propose a toast to him. Dylon, as your


    friends, we hope you can take a good care of yourself. Be safe and we will see you when you get


    back!"


    Lyndsy downed the ss and turned to check Cassandra whose mind was obviously somewhere else.


    She didn''t know what to do with this lifeless and downhearted Cassandra.


    "Don''t do this, Cassandra. Come on. It''s just a fight, nothing serious,"


    Lyndsy said as she filled the ss with more wine. Her face was starting to redden.


    "But you know what? I admire you! You won this round, you''re awesome!"


    Lyndsy remembered when she was asked to win the dress at the auction as a gift to Cassandra. At that


    time, she was already curious about Cassandra especially with what Rufus did. And here she was now,


    drinking wine with Cassandra! It was all fate!


    "Cassandra, do you want me to exin it for you? I can go talk to him. It''s nothing serious anyway..."


    Seeing how unanimated Cassandra was, Dylon just wanted to make this whole thing go away for her.


    "No, it''s okay, you don''t have to. We have many other things we need to worry about..."


    Cassandra shook her head and gave a bitter smile.


    The biggest issue between them was trust. Neither Cassandra nor Rufus ever mentioned it but now it


    was creeping up on them and causing a strain in their rtionship.


    The time they''d spent together was too short for them to know each that well or Cassandra just didn''t


    know much about Rufus.


    Rufus knew all about Cassandra and her past because she had told him everything.


    But when it came to Rufus, he would just m up and change the topic. He never talked about his past


    with her.


    What had he been doing overseas all these years? What happened to him? Who did he meet? What


    was his rtionship with Amanda? Cassandra knew none of the answers to these questions. She knew


    nothing!


    Before, the only problem they had to solve was Cassandra''s marriage to Lionel; but now the problem


    was settled, their trust issues started to surface.


    Cassandra didn''t know anything about Rufus''s past or his secrets. He purposely hid them from her by


    not talking to her! What a joke! That was absolutely uneptable!


    Lyndsy and Dylon exchanged nces, both of them not knowing how to deal with orfort


    Cassandra.


    Cassandra was seemingly surrounded by a cloud of darkness that kept other people away.


    "I have to get up early tomorrow and go to A City with the medical team. Let''s call it a day?"


    Dylon wasn''t feeling all too well about what happened either. He barely ate anything despite being


    served with so much delicious food.


    Lyndsy didn''t eat much too. She only had a few drinks.


    "Cassandra, I''ll drive you home, okay?"


    Dylon offered but Cassandra shook her head.


    "I don''t want to go back to Garden Vi now. I''ll stay somewhere else tonight."


    Dylon and Lyndsy exchanged looks again, both of them feeling helpless.


    "All right, that''s fine, I''m going to my father''s ce tonight and you can stay at my ce then. It''s close


    to your work, anyway."


    Cassandra didn''t object this time. She was fine with this arrangement because she was so exhausted


    that all she wanted to do was sleep.


    The three walked out of the club. Lyndsy went to her car and Cassandra rode with Dylon. The two cars


    left the club.


    However, a Range Rover was trailing them behind.


    Rufus had been waiting outside for a long time. The night was cool which helped to cool both his body


    and his mind.


    His heart ached when he thought of the hurt look on Cassandra''s face.


    He knew he went too far by embarrassing her like that. He used her of something he knew to be


    false. He understoodpletely why Cassandra would act that way.


    Therefore, Rufus decided to open up and tell Cassandra about everything when they got home. He


    would tell her that Amanda was his first love but it was all in the past now and she didn''t need to worry


    about her.


    He knew he could convince Cassandra by using reason and not force.


    Rufus heaved a sigh of relief when he saw their cars separate at the crossroad. Dylon''s car was driving


    in the direction of Garden Vi.


    Would Cassandra be pleasantly surprised when she saw he was back?


    Would she believe him if he was honest to her about everything?


    However, Rufus''s smile disappeared when he saw the car turning at a corner. ''This isn''t the way to


    Garden Vi. Where are they going?''


    Dylon''s car pulled over in front of an apartment building. Both Cassandra and Dylon got off the car and


    went inside the building.


    Rufus and Jasper had seen Cassandra here before. She was only cleaning herself up then because


    Cloris slopped her pigment all over her and stained her clothes. But tonight, she had no reason to be


    here.


    Rufus lit a cigarette. He raised his head and looked at the floor where Dylon''s apartment was on. The


    light was turned on and Rufus could see the shadows moving behind the curtains.


    There was a cold look on his face; and he didn''t even noticed when his cigarette burned out.


    ''Cassandra, how could you stay in another man''s apartment at this ungodly hour?''

 Chapter 172 Horace Being Hospitalized

    Chapter 172 Horace Being Hospitalized


    Rufus fixed his eyes on the figures behind the curtain. He couldn''t make anything out from the vague


    shadows beneath the cloth.


    He could do nothing but guess what they could be doing. As a man who wantedplete control over


    things, he hated not knowing what was happening inside the room.


    As he was restlessly trying to peek past the curtain, his cellphone rang. Victor''s name popped up on


    the screen. "What is it?" Rufus asked.


    "Mr. Luo, Mr. Tang was just sent to the hospital. He had an asthma attack," Victor said anxiously.


    There was static and noise over Victor''s end, and Rufus could hear Jill''s worried voice in the


    background.


    "Shit. Okay. I''ll be there in a bit. Have someone here to watch over Cassandra. I''ll text you the


    location," Rufus said in an upset voice. It had been an awful day.


    Rufus threw his cigarette on the ground and extinguished it with his foot fiercely. He nced back at


    the window again, but the light had already beem turned off.


    His eyes darkened just as his jaw started to clench. Rufus gripped his phone and quickly texted Victor


    the location before shoving it back into his pocket. Then he rushed towards the hospital.


    Once he reached the hospital, most of the Tang family members were seen waiting outside the


    emergency room.


    Jill was sitting by the bench, trying her hardest to wipe her tears away. Ivy was doting on her, patting


    her on the back to calm her down. Lionel was pacing the hallway, struggling to keep himself steady.


    Rufus approached the family and walked up to Lionel. When their eyes met, Lionel stopped pacing and


    kept himself still.


    "What happened? How is father?"


    Rufus''s face now looked solemnly grim, which, Lionel falsely thought, was due to his worry for Horace.


    "Mother and father were fighting, and that was what triggered the attack," Lionel answered quickly.


    While he spoke, his peripheral vision nced at Jill, who couldn''t stop her tears from streaming down.


    Rufus held a cold expression and looked towards the direction. Jill seemed to notice the gaze, so she


    raised her head and met Rufus''s eyes.


    She hated how he looked at her. She stood up quickly, eyes all red and puffy.


    "What are you giving me that look for? Don''t think that you''re not to me for this! We wouldn''t even be


    fighting if it weren''t for you! It was all your fault! Your father is now in an emergency condition because


    of you!" the woman yelled hysterically.


    Jill heaved, suddenly realizing how exhausted she was from crying and worrying. She gasped for air to


    catch her breath before plopping back down on the bench. She couldn''t help but let the tears fall once


    again. Ivy, worried that the situation would worsen, immediately stood in front of her and let Jill cry


    without Rufus''s antagonizing gaze.


    Rufus sneered angrily, ''This is so ridiculous! Horace is an idiot for choosing her over my mom. She''s


    rude and nd.''


    The emergency room suddenly opened. Horace was lying on the emergency bed as the nurses pushed


    him out through the door. Once Jill saw Horace, she quickly threw herself over to the bed and wailed,


    "Horace! Please don''t do that again! How can Lionel and I live without you? No one would ever be able


    to protect us! Tang Group will be taken away quickly without you! We''re just as good as dead without


    you!"


    Lionel tried to interrupt his mother to tell her to stop. She was making a scene and everyone could hear


    her.


    "Mom, please. People are watching."


    Jill suddenly realized how inappropriate she was and quickly raised herself up to stand beside the bed.


    She turned her eyes to the doctor and nurses around who shot her annoyed nces, and quickly


    wiped her tears away.


    "Doctor, how is my father?"


    Rufus asked in spite of the embarrassing moment.


    "He is better now. Asthma is a chronic disease, and it can recur easily. For now, he has to rest well.


    He''ll have to stay as an in-patient at the ward for a few more days, just so we can monitor him. He can


    only be discharged once he''s stable enough."


    The doctor seemed to be relieved to hear a normal inquiry other than Jill''s ballistic speech. He knew


    about the Tang family because they shared a close rtionship with Jenks Tong, who was the director


    of the hospital. And given that they were a prestigious family he expected them to be eloquent people.


    He bit his tongue to say nothing harsh so he wouldn''t embarrass himself, the family, or his superior.


    It did make him wonder, though, why a woman like Jill would be part of the Tang family. Moreover, she


    was the matriarch! It was incredible!


    The doctor heard the other son speak from beside the mother.


    "Will father be fine?" he limply asked. "Nothing can happen to him since the CEO of Tang Group is still


    Rufus!"


    ''What a family... s...'' the doctor sighed inwardly.


    He shook his head as he left the troublesome family, leaving the nurses to handle the patient.


    After Horace was transferred to the hospital ward, Rufus stood beside his bed and fixed his gaze at his


    own father who was sleeping peacefully.


    Horace was already an old man, so different from his former self ten years ago. Rufus could still see


    his thriving spirits when he had the unnned encounter at the entrance of Tang Group back then.


    Horace had aged so much since then. His eyes had wrinkles around them and his hair had gone white.


    His cheeks had begun to sag. Despite his appearance, however, Rufus knew that the same free-


    spirited man was still there somewhere, proud to lead the new Tang Group. Even if he spent the recent


    year at home, he refused to let go of his position as the Chairman of the Board.


    His face was incredibly pale. On the backside of his wrist an IV sat protruding into his vein, and an


    oxygen mask covered his nose and mouth. He almost looked like a corpse in Rufus''s eyes; and Rufus


    would have believed that he was dead if it weren''t for the beeping from the Electrocardiograph Machine


    that measured his heart rate, by the bedside.


    ''Horace Tang, you are so weak now! You can''t even match up against me! There''s no point in beating


    an old dying man!'' Rufus eximed inwardly.


    He then walked out, and asked a servant from Tang family who was waiting outside the room, "What


    happened to my father and Jill? Tell me everything."


    Rufus folded his arms across his chest, eyes expectant.


    The servant was obviously frightened by what had happened. With a trembling voice, he started to


    describe to Rufus what he knew of¡­


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    After the rain finally subsided at night, Jill rushed out shopping with Ivy. She bought plenty of clothes


    and jewelry. But it seemed that the experience wasn''t delightful, as the moment she came back, Jill


    threw the packages of luxurious items onto the couch and started toin, "Mrs. Zhuang really


    thinks she''s someone now. Dawn Star Group isn''t even herpany! How can she put on airs like


    that? She''s just such an arrogant bitch!"


    She grumbled under her breath as she crossed her legs and arms in front of her.


    "Why? What is it? What are you on about again?"


    Horace nced over at Jill.


    "Ivy and I met her at the mall. She looked so proud of herself as if she were the head of Dawn Star


    Group. She had that smug look about her that was just so annoying! You would''ve hated it if you saw it,


    too! It''s nothing more than a few lucky projects, and she thinks that the Dawn Star Group is taking over


    the industry! Damn her!"


    Jill was frustrated. A servant in the room approached her and offered her some juice to quench her dry,


    screaming throat, but she narrowed her eyes at the servant impatiently.


    "No. Are you an idiot? Can''t you tell that I''m not in the mood for your damn juice! So fucking annoying!"


    Jill waved her hand angrily, shooing the servant away.


    Unbeknownst to the servant, Jill''s hand knocked the ss of juice out of the her grasp. The ss


    shattered onto the floor, with juice spilling all over.


    "Jill Xie, that''s enough. Don''t vent your anger at someone else," Horace chided as he looked at her.


    The young servant was frightened by the woman''s wrath. She quickly knelt down to pick up the pieces


    of broken ss.


    "What do you mean? Don''t we pay her to do this? What''s wrong with cleaning the fucking floor! What''s


    so wrong about me venting my anger! It helps me calm down!" Jill screamed.


    Her face was flushed with anger.


    "You''re being unreasonable and selfish, Jill," Horace huffed angrily.


    He couldn''t bear the temper of his wife anymore and walked away. It wasn''t going to yield anything to


    argue with an insane old woman.


    After he had only taken a couple of steps, Horace seemed to remember something. Turning to the


    butler, he said, "Give this girl a bonus for this month, as my apology for having to put up with such a


    scornful woman."


    The servant turned to look over her shoulder and gave a small smile. She was so grateful for Horace


    as she heard his words.


    Jill''s eyes red. "Scornful? How dare you! I am the matriarch of this family! How can servants deserve


    apologies from the matriarch of Tang family! This is absurd!" Jill screamed.


    "Horace Tang! What have I done that made you dislike me so much? I haven''t done anything wrong!


    This damn servant couldn''t even hold a ss properly! I''m being generous enough by not even


    deducting the damn ss to her sry! And you! You''d give her more money by destroying our things?


    You''re being ridiculous!"


    Jill stormed towards Horace''s frame who had his back turned to her. Something snapped in Horace''s


    head, and he spat at Jill, "I have given you the power to manage Tang family. How many servants have


    you fired within the few years with such a privilege? You think firing a hundred employees is ethical?


    Don''t you think that''s a little too much? You are scornful, Jill. None of the employees could say anything


    good about you when I went to talk to them. Don''t you think you should reflect on your actions? Since


    the day I allowed you into this family, you have ruined our connections to the family''s rtives and


    peers. Have you ever heard mein?"


    Horace turned, face contorted irritably as he coughed to gather his breath.


    Jill scoffed, "Wow. I''m actually surprised that you''re mad at me now. It all makes sense! You couldn''t


    have gotten mad at me before because you needed money from my family. My money''s the only thing


    that''s important to you, isn''t it? But now that the Xie family is not as well-off as it was, you begin to pick


    on me. You have started to confront and defy me. If you really don''t like me, then you should have just


    married Hellen! Divorce me and marry her instead! Then you can kick me and Lionel out of the family


    and live your happy life with Hellen and Rufus. I can promise you, that everything in this family will go


    ording to your wish!"


    Jill turned even more agitated and was speaking outrageously. She even mentioned Hellen Luo,


    Rufus''s mother, whose name had remained forgotten for years.


    "Hellen has passed away. How dare you... You are insufferable! How dare you even mention her! If she


    were here, she would definitely be much better than you ever will be!"


    His chest was heaving as he angrily pointed at Jill. He grabbed his chest with his other hand as he


    started to cough harder.


    "It''s a shame then that the bitch is dead. I just wish that her son had died along with her. After leaving


    for so long, he justes back one day to Tang Family? You''re blind, Horace! That damn child is after


    something! I have devoted myself to Tang family for years, but now my worth is not even as much as a


    dead person. I might as well be dead, too!"


    As she threw her temper, Jill pretended that she was going to bang her head against the wall. Ivy, who


    had kept quiet throughout their quarrel, hurried to pull Jill back and console her.


    However, before he could do anything about it, Horace copsed to the ground with a hand over his


    chest.

 Chapter 173 Heading For A City

    Chapter 173 Heading For A City


    Rufus''s face remained emotionless even after the maid had told him all the details.


    Was Jill merely behaving this way because she thought of Horace as a grumpy, old, arrogant man? It


    couldn''t be denied, though, that Horace''s health had deteriorated day after day¡ªhe was getting old


    and therefore, grumpy and arrogant as many men hade to be.


    Rufus had no other thought in his mind but to make sure he executed his n right away. Horace was,


    after all, old enough now¡ªhe might die before experiencing what it was like to be betrayed by his own


    son and at the same time, lose his ownpany. Horace deserved no less after all he''d done to Rufus


    and his mother. He did not deserve to die a peaceful death.


    Meanwhile, in the ward, Jill still hadn''t stopped sobbing and Lionel was starting to be impatient.


    He kept bugging the nurse, asking what time his father was going to wake up. In fact, he did it so much


    that the nurse had started to avoid him.


    Rufus waited outside the ward the whole night. Before dawn, Horace finally woke up.


    "Horace, Horace, how are you feeling now?"


    Jill rushed towards Horace the moment he opened his eyes.


    Rufus was also wide awake and alert outside the ward¡ªhe was calm and so sure of what he was


    going to do.


    The doctor came in to check all of Horace''s vitals and was seemingly satisfied. He spoke in a cool


    tone, "Everything looks good here. He doesn''t need as many people to stay with him¡ªone is enough.


    The rest of you can go home and rest. Mr. Tang needs quiet too."


    The ward was so crowded that the doctor advised them to leave in order to give Horace some peace


    and quiet.


    Rufus scanned the room with his eyes before he offered to stay, "I will stay here and look after him. You


    can all go home first ande relieve meter."


    Rufus''s tone was calm and somewhat matter-of-fact. Jill nced at him from the side and murmured,


    "Such a hypocrite," before yawning and leaving the room with Ivy.


    "Father, I have to go and attend to a few appointments. I''ll be right back after I''m done,"


    Lionel said as a goodbye to his father. When he left, only Rufus and Horace were in the room.


    Although he had already woken up from hisa, Horace still looked pallid and weak.


    He tilted his head as he looked at Rufus with a confused look on his face, as if his mind was buzzing


    about something.


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    Rufus didn''t make a sound, instead he just gazed nkly back at his father.


    "Rufus, I had a dream. I dreamt of your mother,"


    Horace said in a weak but yearning tone.


    "She stopped talking to me. I''d lost all contact with her for years. I had no other way to find out you


    were my son," he continued.


    Horace pressed his eye lids together as if he was deep in thought.


    Rufus remained silent and stoic but inside, he was raging.


    After a while, Horace fell back into a deep sleep. Rufus took this chance to call Victor so he left the


    room and made his way to the corridors.


    "Tell me what happenedst night."


    The previous night, Cassandra and Dylon went to Dylon''s apartment. Victor would''ve stopped it if


    something was really going on between them.


    "Mr. Tong left after awhile so only Miss Qin spent the night at the apartment. Nothing happened,"


    Victor reported in a calm tone.


    Even if he had already expected this, Rufus still couldn''t help but heave a sigh of relief.


    "Go to thepany now and get me the files I need to deal with."


    When he hung up the call, Rufus immediately pulled up a photo saved on his phone.


    The photo was of his mother, young then, sporting a huge smile. Her hair was roughly tied with a


    handkerchief.


    In theing years after that photo was taken, she became sick. Hellen was practically a vegetable¡ª


    couldn''t talk or move. She had been merely staring into nothingness, unmoving.


    She died ten yearster.


    When his mother was struggling to earn money so she could support him, Horace married Jill and they


    had Lionel. Horace had this whole new and happy life while his mother worked herself to the bone for


    him.


    Her body ached all the time but she endured the pain day in and day out. She neverined even


    when she was getting sicker and sicker everyday.


    She willingly took all the burden of supporting Rufus, which was unbeknownst to Horace.


    He was too caught up with all the money and power Tang Group and Jill brought to him.


    Rufus shut his phone and raised his eyes. Once again, never had he been more sure of anything in his


    life.


    ''Horace Tang, I''ll make you watch Tang Group copse into a million pieces then your family''s going to


    abandon you. Soon, you''ll know what it feels like to lose your loved ones!'' Rufus angrily thought in his


    mind.


    That night, Cassandra slept like a baby. She only woke up when the sun creeped inside the apartment.


    When she woke up, she was surprised to find that it was already nine in the morning.


    She hastily started preparing for the day. When she got to work, she sensed that something was


    wrong.


    The building was uncharacteristically quiet and from a considerably near area, she could hear


    someone crying.


    "What happened?"


    Cassandra asked as she made her way to the sound of the crying¡ªit was an employee who was


    wiping her tears away.


    She stood up and tried to fix herself in front of Cassandra, but couldn''t handle it because she bursted


    into tears and was unable to get a word out.


    "Her uncle is in A City. She can''t contact him since the earthquake,"


    Another employee piped in, his tone sympathetic.


    Suddenly, Cassandra realized something. Now she wasn''t so surprised at how quiet everything was.


    "Come, let''s go to my office," Cassandra said to the youngdy.


    She was going to talk to this youngdy somewhere a bit more private.


    She led the employee to her office and shut the door closed. When she started speaking, Cassandra


    used aforting tone, "Don''t cry, we don''t know anything yet. The situation might be a bitplicated


    in A City right now, but that''s pretty normal. Don''t get yourself work up over nothing yet, okay?"


    She produced a piece of tissue and handed it to the employee.


    "My... My parents died when I was a child. So my aunt and uncle took me in and treated me like their


    own. I''ve tried calling them but I can''t reach them. Manager Qin, I''m just so worried about them..."


    Tears continued to stream down her face.


    "I know you''re worried about them. How about you take a few days off? You can rest and spend some


    time with yourself while you wait for news, okay? Would you like that?"


    Cassandra didn''t know what else to do. She couldn''t imagine what it would be like to lose the loved


    ones. Her employee had no idea if her aunt and uncle were safe ¡ªthat must be a nightmare.


    "Manager Qin, I''d rather just go to A City and look for my aunt and uncle myself! I can''t just wait here,


    doing nothing. I won''t be able to stand it. I have to go there!"


    thedy said decisively.


    "Don''t be so impulsive. Things are pretty bad in A City right now. Even the nearby cities were affected


    by the earthquake. All the roads and transportation are shaky at best. What if something happens


    again on your way there? Don''t make your uncle worry about you like that, okay?"


    Cassandra thought back to all the news that she had heard. There werendslides that blocked the


    roads. Aftershocks were happening more often¡ªA City wasn''t a safe ce to be at right now so it was


    extremely dangerous if she went there. She didn''t want any of her employees being unsafe or putting


    their life at risk.


    "But I can''t stand it anymore, Manager Qin. I''ve been calling them all day yesterday and no one''s


    answering. I don''t know if they''re safe or not. I didn''t even get much sleepst night because I was up


    late worrying about them. I have no choice but to go. I''ve already made up my mind,"


    the girl wiped her tears away as she spoke.


    Cassandra nced at her name te¡ªMaggie from the Design Department. She also took part in Mr.


    Wang''s project¡ªshe was a very valuable and hardworking employee to have.


    Suddenly, Cassandra thought of something a bit crazy.


    "Well, if you insist, I guess I''ll have toe with you!"


    Cassandra walked to Maggie and ced a hand on her arm as a gesture of support and care.


    "Ma... Manager Qin..."


    Maggie hadn''t expected this at all. She couldn''t believe her ears¡ªher boss was going with her? Did


    she hear that correctly?


    "I don''t have much on my te right now and I can hand over the rest of the work to others. We''ll leave


    in the afternoon,"


    Cassandra said in a resolute tone. She met with some of the department heads to hand over her work.


    Then she asked her assistant to gas up her car.


    Cassandra never used thepany car if it wasn''t for work. She was a strict follower of thepany


    rules because she wanted to set an example to her employees. In fact, she was a stickler for the rules


    that she would take a taxi to work everyday.


    But today, she decided to use the car just so she could go with Maggie to A City and everyone was


    buzzing about it


    "Wow, Manager Qin is such a good boss. Where else will you hear a boss apanying her employee


    for a family visit?"


    "Well, it''s not really a family visit but more like a family search! I hope Maggie finds her aunt and uncle


    though. God bless her!"


    Cassandra quickly dropped by the Garden Vi to pack up some clothes.


    Victor updated Rufus right away.


    "Miss Qin has just left the Garden Vi holding a suitcase full of clothes."


    Rufus felt his heart skip a beat when he heard this. What on earth was his little woman up to?

 Chapter 174 What Are You Up To Here

    Chapter 174 What Are You Up To Here


    Cassandra and Maggie left thepany and drove to the A City together.


    While inside the car, Maggie kept on trying to call her uncle. In spite of several tries, she kept on getting


    the busy signal. This left her frustrated and irritated. Cassandra noticed the worry on Maggie''s face.


    "Don''t look so troubled. The cell is not turned off at least, be d. This could be due to the poor signal.


    It is normal since A city has been severely affected by the earthquake. They must still be working on


    restoring signals,"


    Cassandra tried to soothe her.


    "Thank you foring with me, Manager Qin!"


    Gratitude was evident in Maggie''s eyes. She had no idea what would have happened if Cassandra


    hadn''t been kind to her. This wonderful woman granted her the permission to leave work midway and


    then also drove her to the A City. It wasn''t easy to find such a helpful and understanding boss hence


    Maggie waspletely touched.


    "If you really want to thank me then just take a good rest at the back. Then you will have enough


    energy to find your uncle when we get there, alright?"


    Cassandra replied, smiling. She looked at Maggie''s reflection in the rear-view mirror to check whether


    she was resting.


    Listening to her words, Maggie finally leaned back in the seat. Cassandra breathed a sigh of relief and


    retrieved her eyes from Maggie.


    The closer they reached to the A City, the more congested it became.


    Cassandra noticed that the road was cluttered with several vehicles moving here and there. Some


    were delivering relief goods; some were rescue teams of volunteers; and some were here also in


    search of people like Cassandra and Maggie.


    It usually took a six-hour drive to reach A City but today it took longer because of themotion.


    It was already pitch dark when Cassandra finally stopped the car. She parked the car and observed the


    surroundings. She noticed that it was a small township, and there was no inn here. Due to this, they


    decided they had to spend the night inside the car. When silence was about to fall, Maggie began to


    speak.


    "My uncle loves me as much as a birth father would love his child. He would make it a point to bring me


    everything that he gets for his kid, my cousin. In fact, he never ever made me feel left out."


    Speaking of her uncle, Maggie had a lump in her throat.


    "Hey Maggie, don''t get sentimental. Your uncle is going to be alright!"


    Cassandraforted her. At this point, Vernon shed through her mind. She thought about the


    treatment she received from him. In spite of being her birth father, Vernon couldn''t even give her the


    love that Maggie''s uncle showered her with. ''Or is it because there is something wrong with me?''


    Cassandra couldn''t help thinking.


    Her thoughts went back to the summer vacation when she was in the second year of junior school. She


    remembered the day so vividly like it was yesterday.


    Cassandra was fully prepared for that day for it was Vernon''s Birthday. Etched in her mind was an idea


    to make a birthday cake, thanks to her culinary ss in school. She had bought all the ingredients in


    advance, hoping to surprise her father.


    As all the family members were taking a nap at noon, she tiptoed into the kitchen and began to fly


    about in order to work on her surprise cake.


    Cream, flour, milk... Cassandra followed the recipe in her memory and made a sponge cake batter


    sessfully. She was about to open the oven to put it in when she heard a little voice.


    All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    When she turned around, Cassandra found Cloris, dishevelled and sleepy-eyed, standing in the


    doorway of the kitchen.


    "What are you up to, Cassandra?"


    Cloris asked in her sweet voice. She was so endearing.


    "Hush... I am making a birthday cake for Dad. I wanna give him a surprise!"


    Cassandra put her index finger against her lips, motioning for her sister not to talk aloud.


    Cloris blinked. For a moment or two, a big glee was on her face.


    "If you are making a cake for dad, then what should I do?" she asked.


    Cloris walked over and stood by Cassandra. Eagerly she waited for Cassandra''s orders.


    After a while, a gleam of excitement lit up Cassadra''s eyes as an idea crossed her mind.


    "Dad likes fried eggs very much hence mother often cooks it for him. How about you fry an egg for


    him?"


    Her father''s high praises for her mother''s extraordinary cuisine skills sprung into Cloris''s mind. And she


    was tempted to make a fried-egg for him.


    Cloris agreed enthusiastically, "It is a great idea! Let''s cook some fried-eggs and we can eat together!"


    Cloris pped her small hands and then she stretched on her toes to open the door of the refrigerator.


    In her tiny hands, she held a basket of eggs.


    "Break the eggs into the bowl. I will teach you how to make it!''


    Cassandra passed a bowl to Cloris before she turned back to set the oven.


    It should be preheated for five minutes so Cassandra carefully waited as she stood near the oven. The


    sponge cake mixture was in her arms. Just when she was about to open the oven, she heard a shriek


    coming from behind.


    "Aaaah!! ... ..."


    A fearful scream which came from her little sister had disturbed the whole house. Cassandra whipped


    around and the sight made her drop the cake pan. It fell on the ground and the cake batter spattered


    everywhere.


    She had no idea how the pan on the gas stove managed to catch on fire. The kitchen was smoky from


    the whoosh of meing from the pan.


    The sliding door was opened all of a sudden. Vernon and Edith rushed inside wanting to know the


    reason behind thismotion.


    Vernon scooped up Cloris into his arms and immediately hurried away. He only stopped when he was


    certain that there was a big distance between them and the kitchen. On the other hand, Edith put the lid


    on the pan in haste and finally the me died down.


    Cloris kept wailing with fear. Vernon patted her back to soothe her. All the while Cassandra was gazing


    agape at the mess on the ground.


    "What was going on, Cassandra?"


    Vernon questioned her in a harsh tone.


    During normal days, she and Vernon didn''t talk much to each other. But as she heard his furious tone,


    Cassandra started to shudder with fear. She dropped her eyes and bit her nails out of anxiety. Panic


    had overtaken her and she couldn''t find her voice.


    Looking at Cassandra, Edith shook her head and let out a sigh. By now she had given up the hope to


    get an answer from Cassandra and went on to take Cloris from Vernon''s arms.


    "Cloris, how did the pan catch on fire?"


    Vernon turned to Cloris and questioned her. But now he had used a gentle voice. He brought his arm


    forward and started wiping Cloris''s tears.


    "Cassandra... Cassandra asked me to fry egg..." she replied before she resumed wailing.


    Concern and anxiety was written all over Vernon''s face as he saw Cloris''s tears streak down her little


    cheeks.


    "Cassandra, how can you let your sister touch the gas stove? I cannot believe you asked her to do


    such a dangerous thing! Do you consider her as your sister or not? Don''t you know how old she is?"


    Vernon scolded her. His knitted eyebrows indicating how upset he was at this moment!


    "Sweetie, don''t touch those stuff in the kitchen anymore, okay? Come on poppet, daddy will take you


    out and we will do something fun!"


    Coaxing Cloris, Vernon stretched out his hand and took Cloris''s hand before leading her outside.


    Now Edith walked towards Cassandra and let out a disappointed sigh.


    "Cassandra, don''t ever bring you sister to the kitchen. She is still a little child. You have no idea how


    heartbroken we would have been if something happened to her."


    After that, Edith stretched out to stroke Cassandra''s face briefly before she went out as well.


    The servants entered the kitchen and began to clean up the ce. The crushed cake batter had been


    swept into the dustbin.


    Gazing at the unrecognizable batter mixed with dusts, Cassandra felt her heart break into pieces.


    Cloris was only two years younger than her yet her parents were always partial towards her. All she did


    was ask Cloris to break the eggs and there was no harm in doing so. ''I never asked her to touch the


    stove!'' her mind had screamed.


    Yet in the presence of her father, she turned inarticte. She was unable to defend herself even


    though she knew this wasn''t her fault.


    What stopped her from speaking was Vernon''s scowl. She remembered how it was filled with repulsion


    and impatience. Ages had passed since this incident but even now it haunted her mind. Cassandra still


    remembered how she shifted her gaze from her father and tried to fight back the brewing tears.


    To the 13-year-old girl, her father''s love for her was too little. In her mind, she even questioned whether


    her father loved her at all.


    But after this unfortunate day, Cassandra didn''t mention this incident inside the kitchen to anyone nor


    did she enter the kitchen until she studied abroad. Slowly, she tried to forget it and began to cook food


    items that interested her.


    Yet she never cooked anything for her parents anymore. She lost the desire to please them.


    Even after several attempts, sleep wouldn''te to Cassandra. Thinking about the past had left her


    feeling suffocated. She badly needed to get off the car in order to breathe.


    As the town was the only way to go to the A City, she noticed that there were lots of cars parked by the


    road. People sat in groups and had a chitchat while they smoked.


    All of them looked uneasy. They were all heading for the A City, but they were skeptical whether they


    could squeeze their way there.


    After all, the government rescue team had to pass smoothly hence they heard news that the road had


    been blocked for private vehicles. They might be sent back and their effort might end up being futile.


    Leaning against her car, Cassandra gazed at the starry sky meditatively.


    She prayed that everything would go well tomorrow. She sincerely hoped Maggie would be united with


    her uncle. Therefore, Maggie''s filial piety and her thousands of miles'' drive wouldn''t be an utter waste.


    After two hours of rest, they resumed the journey. Soon Cassandra realized the highroad to the A City


    was indeed blocked. It was under the traffic police''s scrutiny and no private vehicle was getting the


    permission to pass.


    "Please, my friend''s uncle has been out of touch. Let us pass through, please, we are really anxious,"


    Cassandra pleaded, but the police seemed indifferent to her pleas.


    "It is not that we thwart you from passing by, but there is an rm ofndslide on the highway ahead. It


    is at the foot of the mountains. It''s too dangerous and we can''t let you go. We are here for your safety,


    please try to understand,"


    The policeman exined helplessly. Maggie was so anxious that she was close to tears.


    "Cassandra, what are you doing here?" someone called her.


    Cassandra turned around and found Dylon getting off the bus, with a look of surprise.


    "Aren''t you supposed to be in the G City? What are you doing here? Go back immediately. At the


    moment, it is quite dangerous over here!"

 Chapter 175 Ill Go With Her

    Chapter 175 I''ll Go With Her


    Cassandra was the person Dylon least expected to see here. The situation had been so dangerous,


    with aftershocks seizing the location every other minute. It boggled him how Cassandra managed to


    drive up here despite the risk.


    "I can''t go back now. I need to find Maggie''s uncle and his family!"


    Cassandra said stubbornly.


    Dylon looked at Maggie whose eyes were red and swollen. Her hand was being held by Cassandra


    tightly. He frowned slightly before answering, "Park the car at the town hall nearby and get on the


    ambnce with us!"


    Dylon pointed at the vehicle he just got out of.


    Cassandra smiled at him, grateful with his offer.


    "Thank you so much, Dylon!" she eximed as she hurried over to the car and drove towards the town


    hall.


    Once she was done, she and Maggie ran to the ambnce and rode with Dylon on the way to A City.


    Everything was in ruins. The roads were all destroyed, and buildings kept crumbling apart.


    "My team was dispatched to the site near the home of Maggie''s uncle. You two cane with us. But


    you must follow me closely,"


    Dylon exined to Cassandra and Maggie. They had started to formte a n just to ensure all their


    safeties.


    Maggie''s uncle lived near the school, where he and his wife worked as teachers.


    The house was crumbling and bound to fall any time soon. It was just a good thing that her uncle and


    his family weren''t there. However, some necessities in the house were gone.


    Cassandra noted that the towels and quilt were gone. "Your uncle must''vee back to take them out


    somewhere else. Don''t worry, Maggie. They probably went to an emergency shelter nearby,"


    Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    Cassandra reassured. Maggie''s face softened upon hearing her manager''s words.


    "Thank you, Manager Qin. I''ll go and search around in a bit. I saw some tents by the yground when


    we passed,"


    Maggie said excitedly, trying to look for a few supplies before heading out herself. Cassandra followed


    suit.


    The yground was crowded with people. Maggie searched around several times but failed to see her


    uncle and his family.


    Cassandra, however, was determined to find him. She took Maggie to the broadcast station and asked


    the broadcaster to page Maggie''s uncle for them over the loudspeaker.


    It only took a few minutes until a middle-aged man peered out of one of the tents. Maggie immediately


    recognized him and ran towards the tent. The man smiled as she rushed over to him.


    "Maggie! What are you doing here?"


    The man''s eyes were watering from happiness. He never would have expected for Maggie to appear in


    A City.


    "Uncle!"


    Maggie immediately ran into her uncle''s arms and wailed. She was so happy to see him!


    Cassandra stood aside and felt a lump in her throat. It was so precious to see this family reunion. She


    revelled in theforting feeling of bringing the family together, trying to dispel the ache in her heart


    because she knew that this would never happen to her.


    Neither her father, Vernon, nor her mother, Edith, was the type to hug her that way.


    Maggie''s voice rang her out of her thoughts. "Uncle, this is Manager Qin. She came with me all the way


    to A City to search for you!"


    Maggie beamed at Cassandra gleefully.


    Maggie''s uncle was a stout old man who had a kind face and a gentle stature. He wore a pair of


    sses to frame his face, which shifted downwards as he looked at Cassandra, holding his hand out to


    her. Cassandra immediately epted it and shook hands with him.


    "Manager Qin, thank you for going out of your way to bring Maggie here. Your journey must have been


    so dangerous. From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much!"


    Maggie''s uncle was well aware that it wasn''t an easy task to apany someone to such a dangerous


    ce. It also was a rare sight to see a manager going at such great lengths for her subordinate.


    In truth, Maggie''s uncle had been just as worried about Maggie''s well-being, especially when he lost


    contact with her. At least he could rest easy now, since they were all together.


    "Uncle, has my dear cousin brother contacted you yet?"


    Maggie asked, curious about whether her cousin brother had contacted his father to check about his


    safety.


    "Hm? Who? I have no son like him!"


    Maggie''s uncle suddenly cursed in a cold and angry tone. The mere mention of his son''s name made


    him immediately feel unpleasant.


    Maggie bit her lower lip and held her tongue back. She didn''t want to spoil such a good reunion.


    "Come on, let''s go. Your aunt and cousin sister are not far from here. I''m sure you''d want to see them,


    don''t you?"


    Maggie''s uncle quickly took her arm and tugged at it. However, he stopped and turned to Cassandra,


    nearly forgetting her presence.


    "Manager Qin, there''s quite a shortage of food and water here at the evacuation center. We do have


    enough food with us, however. Would you like to join us for lunch?"


    Maggie''s uncle asked sincerely. However, Cassandra immediately shook her head and declined the


    offer.


    "No, I do not wish to intrude on such a nice family reunion. Please, I insist. Maggie, just go and spend


    time with your family. I''ll go to see if Dylon needs anything, or see if there''s a search and rescue team


    that I can volunteer with."


    Cassandra nced over to the rescue teams not far away from them, who were strategically nning


    their entry into one of the abandoned buildings. Maggie smiled and thanked her once again, before


    turning to leave with her uncle.


    Cassandra then headed to look for Dylon, who she found waiting in front of a ruined building.


    The entire ce was in shambles. What was once a tall building had been reduced to two floors. The


    first floor had sunken so far below that it caved into a basement. Cassandra noted that because of the


    storm and earthquake, the area was covered in a sludge of dirt and mud. It seemed that there was


    going to be a sinkhole sometime soon.


    The ss windows were shattered everywhere. The scaffolding seemed to still be intact but only


    barely, which was why the search and rescue teams were under crucial time pressure.


    The rescue team was using the thermal imaging to find missing persons underground. They were


    extremely focused and diligent with their work; aplete opposite from the frowns and worried


    expressions on their faces.


    "Dylon, what''s wrong? Are there people still trapped inside?"


    Cassandra asked Dylon as she approached. He was worrying a pen in between his teeth.


    "Yes. At first we thought that everyone was evacuated. It wasn''t as crowded as the other areas since


    this was a pretty old building and there were only a few business centers inside. However one of the


    evacuees warned us that the building''s security team was still trapped inside. We''re trying to find a way


    to get to them now,"


    Dylon exined ruefully. There was pain in his eyes, and it tugged at Cassandra''s heart to see such an


    expression. The rescue teams hadn''t rested since they arrived, because they were all too busy trying to


    rescue the others who were trapped.


    Dylon stationed himself outside of the ruined building, so that if the rescue team managed to retrieve


    people, he would be able to immediately administer first-aid treatment.


    "That means they''ve been stuck for a day already? The aftershocks happened yesterday!"


    Cassandra eximed, growing anxious over the lives at stake. The rescue team was just about ready


    to go inside; and Dylon and Cassandra patiently waited by the sidelines.


    "Yes. No one knows what''s it like inside the building now. We''re not even sure if the building''s stable


    enough to do a rescue operation. But it''s a risk we have to take. We can''t just let the people die down


    there,"


    Dylon shook his head and sighed. He was silently praying for everyone''s safety.


    "But wait, what if there''ll be another copse? It''s so risky to bring them down there, it might hurt more


    people!"


    Cassandra worried her bottom lip between her teeth.


    "I know that. And everyone is aware of that as well. That''s why we''re all nervous. It''s such a risky


    operation but there''s not much else we can do."


    Dylon stood there, looking at the remains of the building and frowned with his arms crossed against his


    chest.


    Cassandra raised her head and looked at the ruins as well. There was something about the structure


    that seemed all too familiar.


    Suddenly, it hit her.


    "Dylon, I think I know the building!"


    Cassandra gripped Dylon''s arm and dered happily. There was delight in her voice and her eyes


    sparkled with tion.


    "You know the building? How?"


    Dylon was puzzled.


    "I''ve studied the building in ss. It''s a structure built well over a hundred years ago in A City. A world-


    famous architect designed it! He designed it to make the main structure withstand the strongest


    possible earthquakes. If you look closely, the main frame of the building is still fixed!"


    Cassandra pointed at the metal rods that protruded out of the building. Her face was flushed with


    excitement.


    "So, you know how it''s designed?"


    Dylon asked, slowly catching up with Cassandra''s gleeful insights. His hopes seemed to grow higher


    upon hearing her confident exnation.


    "Yes! Yes I do! I was still studying in Rome then. My professor used it as an example during one of his


    lectures. His grandfather designed it himself!"


    Cassandra pped her hands and shoved Dylon away from sheer zest as she revelled in her


    memories.


    "Could you go talk to the team! Let me go with them. I can lead them to the security office safely,"


    Cassandra said, not really waiting for Dylon''s response as she started to walk towards the men. Dylon,


    however, caught her wrist with his hand and tugged at her hand to make her stay.


    "No. You are not going inside. It''s too dangerous!"


    Cassandra narrowed her eyes at him, bewildered. She was their best chance to get in and out safely,


    and Dylon didn''t want to risk it.


    "Time is of the essence, Dylon! The longer we wait out here, the more dangerous it''ll be inside. I need


    to go with them! I swear I know this building. It will not copse. I trust the architect and the


    construction quality!"


    Cassandra asserted. She was confident enough that she could make or break the mission, but it was


    the quickest way to get the rescue team to the trapped security personnel at the quickest time possible.


    "No. I can''t risk that. I''ll call the rescuers instead and just so you can exin the buildingyout to


    them. I cannot authorize you to go in there,"


    Dylon sent a doctor nearby to call some of the rescuers. Two of the rescuers quickly ran towards


    Cassandra and Dylon.


    "You don''t understand. It''s aplex building that is difficult to maneuver and exin. Just let me go


    inside! The situation may be moreplex because of the tremendous shock. They wouldn''t know it.


    Like I said, the longer we stay out here arguing about this, the more dangerous it''ll be, Dylon!"


    Cassandra was slowly getting angrier as Dylon kept turning her down. He looked at her once, and back


    at the building. When he was being hesitant, he and Cassandra heard a man''s voice.


    "I will go with her!"

 Chapter 176 To Love You

    Chapter 176 To Love You


    Hearing the very familiar voice from behind, Cassandra couldn''t believe her ears.


    The voice was low yet sweet, the sexyziness on it was so persistent that it lingered through


    Cassandra''s senses. It was the voice that would melt her heart every time she heard it.


    Longing to see the face that bore the voice, Cassandra slowly turned around and saw Rufus standing


    behind her. Her eyes betrayed the mix of emotions she felt upon seeing him, she suddenly felt excited


    and wanted to wrap him around her arms.


    "Ru... Rufus... Why are you here?"


    Cassandra could hear her voice trembled as she asked Rufus. He was so unpredictable and she was


    not expecting him to be here, thus she didn''t know what to say or how to react.


    ''How could it be possible? Hasn''t he been staying in G City all this time? Is he supposed to be mad


    with me after assuming that Dylon and I had an intimate rtionship?


    Haven''t we already broke up by the misunderstanding? Are we in a cold war because neither of us


    would speak first? Why did he suddenly show up?'' These questions baffled Cassandra. She wanted to


    ask Rufus for answers so as to clear her heavy head, however, looking at his face, she deemed it wise


    to just stay silent.


    Driving on her way to A City, whenever she saw a miserable scene caused by the tragic earthquake,


    Cassandra was relieved to think that Rufus was not with her to witness all of these.


    For some reasons, she didn''t want Rufus to see such incidents because it would break Rufus''s heart


    seeing so many innocent people suffering. Cassandra knew that despite his strong personality Rufus


    had a soft spot for victims of cmities like this.


    There were too many casualties reported around the earthquake-affected region. People were


    gnashing and weeping along the streets, mourning for the loss of their loved ones. When one saw too


    many deaths, he would be miserable at first but would be gradually insensitive in the end.


    Cassandra could take it all but she didn''t want Rufus to withstand any of it, not at all.


    Cassandra knew that Rufus was a much deeper personpared to her. She didn''t want him to see


    any scene of suffering, anything miserable.


    "You don''t have to go in. You can stay outside and give us instructions on what to do with the help of


    the real-time cameras."


    The rescuers immediately handed themunication devices to Cassandra when they heard that


    Cassandra could help them rescue the survivors.


    "This is the headset. This one is the walkie-talkie. And with this, you can view our exploration in real


    time on the screen. You can tell us the way through the walkie-talkie until we find the survivors trapped


    inside the building."


    The rescuer talked a-mile-a-minute in giving instructions to Cassandra and looked at her with a stern


    face when he finished. He assumed that she followed him along the way.


    "Did you get it? Again, we thank you and appreciate your help! It really matters to the people here."


    With that, the rescuers turned around and walked inside the building. Cassandra looked down at the


    devices on her hand. She put on the headset, checked on the walkie-talkie and wiped off the dusty


    screen of the hand-held monitor.


    "Walk to the left. There is a weak spot on the right. It will copse easily. The path to the left will take


    you a little longer but it is safer.


    This is a corridor. The security room should be on the edge of the corridor. Go straight!"


    Cassandra fixed her gaze at the screen. With the weak light in the building, she guided the rescuers


    inside from time to time.


    On the screen of the device in her hand, the rescuers slowly approached the security room. The door


    had been distorted. When they kicked the door open, they found a man inside the room, he was


    unconscious and his legs had been trapped and pressed by a heavy cab.


    "Great! We found him!" Cassandra eximed in joy. "Now, Dylon, it''s your turn."


    Cassandra immediately handed the monitor, the walkie-talkie and the headset to Dylon, and winked at


    him.


    "After you pulled him out, cover his eyes with a cloth because the sudden dazzling light will hurt his


    eyes when he went out of the darkness."


    Dylon said as he put on the headset. He started to teach the rescuers how to perform basic first-aid.


    After that, they carried the man out.


    Cassandra turned to look at Rufus who had fixed his eyes on her all this time when the rescuing


    commenced. He seemed to be mesmerized at the turn of events. However, realizing that Cassandra


    was now looking at him, Rufus slowly raised the corners of his lips and smiled.


    "I''m d you are here!"


    Such a simple sentence seemed to pass through every obstacle between them. The day before


    yesterday, they were separated by a long distance but now they were just feet apart and appeared to


    be pulled closer.


    "Hey, you! How could you do this to yourself?"


    Rufus narrowed his eyes and gazed at Cassandra''s innocent yet tired face. "Don''t you know how


    dangerous it is in there," he added in a voice full of concern for her.


    He had no idea that she was so bold to bring her staff to A City and volunteered to help with the rescue


    mission.


    Learning about what Cassandra had done, Rufus didn''t sleep at all and made his way to A City. He


    started looking for her the moment he got here. Now when he finally found her, she was nning to go


    rescue people who were trapped inside a fallen building. ''What did she think of her life? How could she


    not treasure her own life?" Rufus asked himself in disbelief.


    Cassandra, however, just stuck out her tongue. She definitely knew what Rufus meant but was not


    taking it seriously.


    Such a cute response to counter his anger immediately melted the coldness of Rufus''s heart. He


    suddenly reached out to seize Cassandra''s arm and pulled her against his chest. For a moment he was


    grateful that she was safe and held her even tighter.


    Cassandra was caught off guard. She wanted to protest but was held silent as soon as her face


    touched his firm chest.


    Once again, she heard his heartbeats. They were as loud as thumping drumbeats and as fast as


    rushing river waters. Cassandra knew that his heart beat faster this time because of her. She had


    worried him and angered him for not telling him of her n of helping people at A City.


    Cassandra let out a sigh that was almost unnoticeable and wished that Rufus would not end the


    embrace. She just stood against his chest, silently.


    At that moment, it seemed that nothing could disturb the two of them, not even the earthquake. They


    both wished that they could be hugging each other like right now till death parted them away from each


    other''s arms.


    Dylon rushed to meet the rescuers when they lifted the stretcher out. Rufus reached out to rub


    Cassandra''s hair and whispered in her ear, "Let''s go home. Go back with me."


    He was a little rxed this time. He didn''t look as cold as earlier. The warmth of their embrace


    somehow subsided his worries and fears.


    "Rufus, there''s something that I need to talk with you."


    Cassandra pulled herself away from Rufus''s chest and looked up into his eyes.


    "What is it?"


    Rufus raised his eyebrows. He noticed the hesitancy masked on her face.


    "I... I don''t want to go back yet. I want to stay here for now as a volunteer! These people need my


    help."


    Cassandra gathered her strength and tell him her decision. Her eyes wandered at first when she


    talked. She was afraid to look directly at his eyes at the thought that what she was about to say would


    provoke his anger.


    She knew that Rufus would definitely object so she had been well prepared. No matter what he would


    say, how fiercely he would object her decision, she would stay to help with rescue work in A City.


    Inside those copsed buildings, there might still be many survivors waiting for rescue. They were


    hopeless and helpless stuck in the darkness. They must be terrified, being tortured physically and


    mentally.


    Since she knew so much about the building structure, Cassandra believed that she would be a great


    help.


    With stubbornness in her eyes, she didn''t plead with Rufus to let her stay because she knew she would


    stay even if Rufus wouldn''t agree with her decision. She would definitely not leave.


    But unexpectedly, the cold man slowly smiled and looked into her eyes, "Then, I''ll stay with you."


    She had never seen him smile that way before; and the way he said the words, "I''ll stay with you"


    relieved Cassandra and encouraged her even more to do the noble cause.


    In her mind, she thought of the moment when she volunteered to enter the wrecked building, a sudden


    voice shouted from the behind, "I''ll go with her." It was Rufus and his face slowly appeared in front of


    her. She imagined it like in the movies¡ªa hero stepped up and came for her rescue. Cassandra


    suddenly felt touched. She was grateful to Rufus for being with her, especially during times of crisis.


    Cassandra stared at Rufus¡ªthe features of his face that she loved most, the creases of the corners of


    his lips, and the dark mysterious eyes he had¡ªall of these made Cassandra want to hug him.


    In his eyes, there were many emotions. But there was one thing that was as same as hers¡ªresolution.


    "We''ll share cold spells, storms, and thunder.


    We''ll share mists, hazes, and rainbows.


    Seemingly always apart, but also forever interdependent.


    Only this can be a great love.


    The loyalty is here:


    I love not only your strapping stature, but also your firm stand, the earth beneath you..."


    Cassandra slowly and endearingly recited the poem ''To the Oak Tree'' to Rufus. "Did you remember


    that too, Rufus?" she asked.


    All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    "To love you, I won''t only love you but also the things you insist. My dear Cassandra," Rufus adding,


    beaming with softness.


    Cassandra felt relieved. This moment was so romantic and her happiness was so genuine; she couldn''t


    help tears of joy from falling down her eyes.


    The conflicts between them, no matter they were misunderstandings or truths, were now wiped out.


    Maybe that was how it was when you truly loved someone.


    All they knew this time was they trusted each other, they protected each other, they stared at each


    other, and most especially they were made for each other.


    Ambnces and emergency convoys around them came and left. Cries were everywhere.


    Cassandra took a deep breath and turned around to continue helping the rescuers. Rufus stayed


    beside her.


    "Hello. My name is Cassandra Qin. I am an architectural designer. Since I learned much about the


    buildings, I hope I could be a volunteer to help you here!"


    Cassandra looked at the rescuers with a firm and persistent face, eager to help them out.


    "Okay, go with Dr. Tong and work with us. Wee to the team and thank you for being a volunteer."


    They just witnessed and recognized the professional performance of Cassandra. They were thankful to


    wee her when they heard that she would stay to help.


    Cassandra turned around and showed Rufus an ''OK'' gesture. Rufus smiled at her with his hands in the


    pockets.


    Amidst thend of disturbance, the clouds of dust, the cries surrounding them, Rufus''s smile was like a


    beam of sunlight that lightened up everything for Cassandra.


    "Oh, Rufus, you''re my Apollo. You''re the sunshine of my life. You are my hero!" Cassandra mused


    herself.


    Both of them were staring at each other in the midst of the turmoil and chaos. They gave each other


    the firmest belief and the truest heart.

 Chapter 177 Never Lost Her Again

    Chapter 177 Never Lost Her Again


    In spite of the situation being so chaotic, Cassandra couldn''t turn a blind eye to Rufus''s charm. She


    stood spellbound as she observed the dust stick to his carved face.


    Soon she realized this was not the right time or the right ce to be captivated by Rufus''s look. In


    order to peel her eyes off from his handsomeness, Cassandra turned around and began to follow the


    rescue team to the next disaster site. On the other hand, Rufus was swiftly unloading the boxes of


    water and instant noddles from the car.


    This experience meant a great deal to Cassandra and Rufus. They were beyond happy to be working


    together for a good cause. Somehow doing it together seemed like taking their rtionship to the next


    level. It was like they had been through thick and thin together.


    Rufus squinted and looked at another building not far away from him. Cassandra was analyzing the


    situation along with the rescue team in front of the building. She seemed very engaged and was


    pointing her fingers to the building while talking to other rescue team members.


    "Cassandra, don''t you dare think of leaving me again!"


    Rufus murmured to himself.


    When he first heard that Cassandra was gone, he was beyond worried. Panic had engulfed Rufus from


    every corner. Victor informed him that Cassandra had packed her luggage and left the Garden Vi. He


    was also informed where she was headed. His first reaction was fury which was soon reced by


    worry. Rufus realized he couldn''t stand a second without knowing if Cassandra was safe.


    Horace had been still resting in the hospital ward. It was his responsibility to care for him until Lionel


    would show up there. He repressed his urge to find Cassandra for the time being.


    As soon as his duty was over, Rufus dashed for the A City. On his way, he noticed the road was filled


    with vehicles carrying the patients. It wasn''t easy for him to reach his destination. On top of that, he


    could see the casualty rates had amplified. The radio in his car confirmed all his worries. He realized


    how bad the situation actually was and sped his car to get there faster. Sweating with anxiety, he


    prayed for the well-being of the woman he was in love with.


    ''Why is she so damn reckless! Before bringing the staffs to A City, why didn''t she consider talking to


    me?'' his mind uttered with frustration. Inside his mind, Rufus swore he would teach her a lesson once


    he found her.


    But what was buried behind his anger was anguish. In truth he had no idea if she was alive. In order to


    get this thought out of his mind, he was covering it up with anger. He had been using anger as his


    defense mechanism.


    When he noticed that her car was parked near the city hall, Rufus thought he had finally found her. But


    on further inquiry he was told that she had indeed gone to A City.


    This piece of information heightened his concern. For a split second he had wished that Cassandra


    wouldn''t be inside the city.


    With a heavy heart, he made his way to the disaster area. It was done very quickly as he had no


    difficulty getting inside. Without wasting any time, Rufus inquired about Cassandra but nobody seemed


    to have the details that could enlighten him. As he was passing by a school yground, a voice


    reverberated from the radio and made his heart beat faster. ''She was here!'' he thought with resolution.


    She was looking for her friend Maggie''s uncle. This was a pure stroke of luck and he internally


    celebrated.


    He expectantly stood in front of the school gate and waited for Cassandra''s arrival. Once he saw her,


    his heart finally rxed. Instead of addressing her right away, he decided to follow her.


    As he tailed behind Cassandra, Rufus overheard her conversation with Dylon. When he heard the


    whole story, he was ovee with mixed emotions.


    He wondered how the woman he loved so dearly could have been so brash. ''Why did she insist on


    apanying the rescue team? Is she not aware how dangerous it is?


    What about the people she cares about? If something happened to her, what would happen to them?''


    Rufus wondered. All the while he was thinking about himself. It seemed impossible to envision a life


    without Cassandra. This made him realize the depth of his love.


    Once again he was furious at Cassandra for putting her life at risk without considering his emotions. He


    was prepared to scream the hell out of her, but when he opened his mouth, he only said, "I will go with


    her."


    Perhaps this was what he truly felt. He was willing to support her no matter what she did.


    At the end of the day, all that mattered to him was that they were together.


    In the chaotic A City, Rufus followed Cassandra and kept an eye out for her. He was helping others not


    far away from Cassandra, but his eyes would look for her every 10 seconds.


    He had lost her once hence he wasn''t willing to take any risk again.


    After hours of working, night finally came. Everyone looked exhausted and Cassandra was no


    exception. Her face and clothes were dusty from all thebor.


    She felt quite dirty and wished for a shower but the water resource was limited in the disaster area. Wet


    towel was her only choice so she began washing her face and hands with it. While she was engrossed


    in this task, a voice spoke from behind.


    "Are you tired?"Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    Rufus hugged Cassandra as tight as he could. Right now they were outside the tent.


    Today he had witnessed her selflessly risk her life for others. If he had to bepletely honest, he felt


    rather proud of her. Yet a part of him worried about her safety.


    "Yes, I am quite tired but it''s alright because I''m very happy. The rescue team seeded in saving five


    people today!" Cassandra replied.


    Removing Rufus''s hands from her waist, she turned around and hugged him. As she leaned on his


    chest, she could listen to his heartbeat. In this tired state, this felt like heaven to her.


    Somehow his heartbeat always filled her with a sense of security. It was like she could feel his vitality


    and energy. Moreover, she felt the closest to him in this position. At the moment, this ce was in


    chaos but she was disconnected from it all. To her it seemed like they were the only two souls present


    here.


    "Well, you need to stop caring about others all the time. Your health matters too! Look at you, you look


    burned-out."


    Rufus patted on Cassandra''s shoulder gently. In spite of her weak appearance, she was resilient and


    strong. After working for a whole day, even her voice had became hoarse.


    "I''m fine, alright? You''re the one who should be taking care of your heath. I mean, you''re the president


    of the Tang Group. And you spent your whole day unloading water and instant noodles!" Cassandra


    said with a mischievous smile.


    When Rufus set out today, his only intention was to find Cassandra. He wasn''t prepared for this hence


    he was wearing his suit. While he unloaded the relief supplies, his attire caught the attention of


    everyone. In their eyes, he didn''t look like an ordinary volunteer. In fact, to the onlookers he came


    across as a celebrity figure.


    "Oh please! That is not a big deal. Look around, almost every worker here is a man. If anything, you


    are the odd one here. I, on the other hand, can handle this."


    Rufus smiled, put his hand on Cassandra''s back and pulled her into his arms.


    "Rufus¡­"


    Cassandra blushed and tried to escape from his grasp.


    Rufus held her tightly and lowered his head. Carefully, he ced a soft kiss on Cassandra''s lips,


    ignoring the startled look that people were giving them.


    He had been watching her from afar the whole day. He did this because he didn''t want to interrupt her.


    But now he couldn''t resist himself from doing what he had been dying to do.


    In Cassandra''s mind, Rufus had be a hero. She was impressed with the work he had done today.


    Even though she knew he was strong, she never expected he woulde into the disaster area to do


    these menial tasks. Moreover, she couldn''t detect any trace of fatigue on his face. Cassandra had no


    knowledge about the training he received from the Dark Night Group. His first training given was


    physical training. Those who didn''t pass this stage was immediately kicked out from the group. In short,


    physical training was of utmost importance there.


    Rufus worked day and night during those days. His earnestness made him much better than the


    others. While everyone was asleep, he would still be running in the yground. This was the sort of


    commitment Rufus was capable of giving.


    Wind blew on his face and Rufus was brought back to reality. For a moment he was lost in his past.


    Cassandra''s cold hand touched his face and he looked into her eyes.


    "Rufus, Dylon and I¡­we''re just friends. I want you to know there is nothing going on between us."


    This had been at the back of her mind for weeks. But she finally mustered up the courage to say it out


    loud. Their rtionship was going smoothly and she wanted to wipe out any residue of


    misunderstanding.


    "Amanda and I are just friends too..."


    Rufus sighed and was about to exin his rtionship with Amanda. However, he was interrupted.


    "Cassandra,e with us and be quick. We have been informed that a woman and her child are


    trapped in a copsed building!"


    The leader of the rescue team eximed and waited for Cassandra.


    Without any hesitancy, Cassandra let go of Rufus''s face and ran to the leader.


    "I aming!"


    She hollered back in her hoarse voice. Watching her frail condition, Rufus was tempted to hold her


    back. But he was well aware that she wouldn''t stop at any cost. Without any choice, he followed her.


    Along with the rescue team, Rufus and Cassandra arrived at the residential building. On their arrival, a


    man ran towards them. Tears were falling down his face and he stammered while speaking,


    "Plea...please save my wife and son. The...they are trapped. I just returned fro...from another ci...city!"


    The man broke down.


    His face and hands were peppered with dust. They realized he must have attempted to dig into the


    ruins with his bare hands. Spots of dry blood was also visible on the tip of his fingers.


    Seeing the miserable condition of this man, Cassandra''s heart ached. She couldn''t bear to watch his


    agony any longer. She turned her face and studied the structure of the building.


    It was a typical residential building. The cracks in the ground caused a steep slope on the building. And


    she realized it could copse any second.


    The team took out their equipments and let out the rescue dogs. Without wasting another second, they


    began their duty.


    Having ants in his pants, the man was following around the team with a grief stricken face. Every now


    and then he would beg them to save his family.


    His helpless pleas tortured Cassandra. She bit her lips and hoped they would find his family as soon as


    possible.


    Just when she was praying, the rescue dog barked. They began digging the ground below them. The


    rescue team grabbed their equipments and ran to the area where the dog stood. The light shed and


    the equipments beeped, showing signs of life.


    Knowing she had to be quick, Cassandra immediately gave hermands. She told the team how to


    dig, what direction to focus and what direction to avoid. In a matter of minutes, she carefully filled them


    with her n.


    This building was at great risk of copsing so she advised them to be very careful.


    The team started their work and the concrete foundation brackets were exposed in the air soon.


    It was a corner in the bathroom, a safe ce to cover oneself during an earthquake. The man''s wife


    seemed to have somemon sense and this knowledge relieved Cassandra.


    The team moved the bricks and a figure came to their view.


    "There she is! There she is!"


    The man was delighted to see his wife. He wanted to step forward but he was held back by the team.


    They looked at the woman, standing. She bowed and squatted on the ground. Her head was hit by a


    stone. As a result, the whole area was drenched in blood.


    The wound on her head had turned into a scab. It looked like she had remained in that position for


    long. Her wound was intense and everyone knew she had very little chance to survive.


    Everyone present on the scene held their breath in anticipation. They were anxious and worried. A


    member in the rescue team brought his equipment and walked toward the woman. He put his index


    finger under her nose and felt her breath. Shaking his head, he looked back at the others.


    After receiving this sad news, everyone remained silent. Earlier there was hope, but now the


    atmosphere be mournful. Cassandra lost her bnce and almost fell onto the ground, but Rufus


    held her.


    Today she was full of hope since she watched five people survive. But this woman''s death changed it


    all.


    While he was about to move her body, the rescue man observed her hands were tightly bound over


    something. He squatted and tried to see what it was. As he removed her hands, he let out a scream,


    "I''ve got the baby!"


    The baby was in deep sleep. His face was bereft of any wound. He was tucked safely in his mother''s


    arms.


    The sight sent shivers down Cassandra''s spine. She couldn''t fathom it.


    After standing agape for a few minutes, she finallyprehended what had happened. ''The woman


    sacrificed her life to save her baby, '' her mind perceived. Cassandra felt a tenderness towards this


    woman and her motherly love.

 Chapter 178 Secret Investor

    Chapter 178 Secret Investor


    Cassandra was startled, as were all the people around her.


    The baby slept soundly, as if nothing had happened, oblivious to the act of motherhood by which he


    was saved. Somehow, the mother had squatted with him in her arms, protecting him against the falling


    boulders with her own body.


    Cassandra''s mouth fell open in horror, surprise, gratefulness. All at once, these emotions were so hard


    to process that her hands started to tremble.


    Something seemed to cross her mind abruptly but only for an instant. She couldn''t hold on to it no


    matter how hard she tried.


    The mother had protected her baby, keeping all the dangers at bay. This truly, was the power of love


    and love alone.


    Dylon snapped to his senses, still recovering from the shock of what had just happened. He sprung


    forward to test the blood pressure and pulse of the baby, then carried him to the ambnce which had


    just arrived at the scene. Standing by the ambnce, he saw the father of the baby, wailing helplessly,


    knelt down on his knees.


    Cassandra didn''t know what to look at, the destruction or the distancing of loved ones. She felt solemn,


    stirred and numbed by the misery around her.


    Naturally, the night was disturbing. Cassandray in Rufus''s arms, snuggling against his chest. Her


    eyes were stuck to the wall, as if it was a canvas on which was ying all images from the events of


    the day that she couldn''t get out of her head. She didn''t realize but she was now mumbling. Rufus


    arched his neck to hear her better but he couldn''t make out any proper words.


    Soon, thereafter, she fell asleep. Sleep was equally appalling. She dreamed of a strange woman,


    holding a baby in her arms, crying in horror, looking right into her eyes.


    "Don''te closer!" Cassandra yelled, rmed. "Stop!" Louder, this time.


    She could not make out their faces. They might as well have been made out of sand sifting through the


    wind.


    All Cassandra saw was the woman clutching her baby, as if she was holding the most valuable


    treasure that ever existed. The most disturbing thing was the hostility and hatred with which she stared


    at Cassandra.


    Cassandra felt tremendously sad and helpless. The sadness hit her oddly, making her desperate to ask


    for an exnation. Why did the woman hate her so much? She wanted to ask, yell, shriek but no sound


    came out of her wide open mouth.


    The dream tortured her the entire night,ing and going in shes, like memory left behind by terrible


    things. She was grateful to have been woken up by some noises in the morning.


    The moment she opened her eyes, she saw Rufus lying next to her, looking straight at her. There were


    concerns and a sweet sense of care in his eyes.


    "Did you have a nightmarest night? I know you didn''t sleep well."


    Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    Rufus initiated an exchange, hoping she would release some of her stress and anxiety. He brushed his


    hand across her cheek, then held her by her bare shoulder.


    "It''s nothing. It''s just...because of whatever happened yesterday."


    The imagery of the dream was still fresh in her mind. She didn''t know what it meant or whether it was a


    premonition for something. She didn''t want to talk about it. One, describing it would mean reliving the


    horror of it; and two, she didn''t want Rufus to worry about her.


    "Ummhmm...See, your body is really weak right now. You won''t be able to make it. Just go home and


    rest, okay?"


    Rufus constantly worried about her health. He wished she would leave as soon as possible and spend


    some time in peace, rejuvenating.


    "What are you saying? I can''t leave! You know they are short of hands. We don''t know how many


    people are still trapped underground. How can I leave at such a crucial moment? I''ll wait at least till the


    rescue is drawing to an end."


    She rejected Rufus''s suggestion without an inch of hesitation. It didn''t matter how she felt. The situation


    at hand was much serious than her own health.


    The rescue vehicles were driving in and out inrge numbers. The streets that were usually boisterous


    with people and activities were now carpeted with rubble, dishevelled hair and dusty faces. If she left


    now, she wouldn''t be able to forgive herself for the rest of her life.


    Rufus''s heart ached on seeing her so exhausted. Knowing she won''t dither, he pulled her into his arms.


    There was something about her that touched his soul.


    She was the kind of woman who was strong headed for the things she believed in and yet so kind,


    giving and unselfish.


    In the days that followed, Cassandra kept working with the rescuers. Rufus stood by them


    unconditionally, too.


    He transferred thousands of boxes full of emergency supplies to distribute in the disaster-struck areas,


    which solved many burning problems¡ªhunger, hygiene, and shelter being the primary of them.


    In just a few days, Cassandra became one of the toughest volunteer in the crew. She didn''t talk much


    and only spent her energy in helping the rescuers with providing professional knowledge. She hoped to


    save as many people as possible.


    Due to her professional knowledge in the field, she could bring many reliable solutions for the rescue


    which not only were less time-consuming but also improved the overall security. The rescuers were


    appreciated due to her excellent ideas.


    After most of the rescue missions werepleted, some rescue teams gradually withdrew. Only some


    special search-and-rescue teams stayed for aftermath of the earthquake. Cassandra was too


    exhausted to continue the job.


    So set by Rufus, she quit from rescue and went back to G City with Rufus.


    On the first night they spent in Garden Vi after going back, Cassandra finally slept soundly. Sleeping


    straight for 10 hours, she woke up fresh and content.


    When she opened her eyes to the sun-lit, off-white walls, Cassandra felt like she was back to the


    human world from hell.


    "Please let me know next time you n to leave the vi, okay?"


    Rufus seemed to beg her for her own protection. He pulled her into his arms, as she buried her head in


    his chest. A strange mix of feelings oozed in his heart as he recalled how hard she had worked to


    rescue the affected people.


    The love between them in those circumstances seemed too little and insignificant, as if it held no


    importance aspared to the task at hand. But as soon as they got back to the vi, Rufus realized


    how scared he was of them falling apart.


    "Hmm..."


    Cassandra made an affirming sound and snuggled further into him, feeling his warm skin on her own.


    She thought they finally had some time to rx after what seemed like having been in a hell-like


    battlefield. But she was wrong. The happy time was due to leave as abruptly as it hade.


    Further away, in the Tang Vi, Jill paced right and left,fortable and rxed.


    She felt happy to discover Rufus was on a business trip, being the man she was most disgusted by.


    Horace, on the other hand, wasn''t particrly in a good mood when he came back from the hospital. In


    fact, he seemed much more depressed than before.


    Jill thought it was because he was ill. She kept trying to encourage him every now and then, but it


    never worked. He looked as still as a stone carved into a sculpture.


    Inside his study, Horace didn''t have a better way to deal with his frustrations. All he could do was heave


    a sigh and confront him directly when Lionel approached him, "Lionel, why didn''t you take those


    projects? How could you let Dawn Star Group get ahead of us? I already told you it''s like eating a cake.


    If someone eats more, you will naturally have less! The gap gets erged!"


    Horace felt anxious. Only when Rufus left, he realized how much he relied on him for the smooth


    running of the business.


    Lionel, like everyone had suspected, was an ordinary businessman. Dawn Star Group''s tactical moves


    had won them several project contracts right under Tang Group''s nose.


    "Father, I''ve already done whatever was in my control. What could I do if they had bigger and better


    moves? Now, they have the economic strength to begin several projects in parallel. We can''t surpass


    them."


    Lionel was convinced he was innocent. Sometimes, he didn''t know how topete because of his own


    limitations.


    "I''m trying to contact the investor. You go handle the situation, now that Rufus is not here. Don''t make


    any troubles, understood? Please take this seriously," Horace replied, irritated and tensed.


    He had already gotten nervous the day he received a call from Rufus informing him he was going on a


    business trip and didn''t know the returning date.


    He had nned to hand the Tang Group over to Lionel. That was the only measure of expediency


    when Rufus was not there to manage it. He thought Rufus would do his best to manage the group but


    eventually realized he kept himself limited.


    Based on his understanding of Rufus, if he had put in 100% effort, Dawn Star Group wouldn''t have had


    the chance to even have a finger on the cake. Rufus seemed to use only little of his power and skills,


    just enough to keep Tang Group floating at a high level in the market, but not enough to surpass Dawn


    Star Group.


    This wasn''t Horace''s original n. It seemed like his heart was in his throat. Dawn Star Group''s recent,


    back-to-back moves worried him to the core and kept him at the edge all the time.


    "Father, don''t be so worried. You''re the chairman of Tang Group. Arthur is still scared of you


    and he would never drive away or exterminate us. We still have some projects of the industrial district,"


    Lionel said, trying tofort Horace.


    His intention was good but he didn''t realize the severity of the situation. He didn''t think it was necessary


    to worry about suchpetition as long as Tang Group had projects to do.


    Horace was done trying to make him understand with his shortsighted vision. He simply waved his


    hand at Lionel, signalling him to leave the room. He needed time to think of immediate


    countermeasures.


    Horace paced up and down in his study. After a while, he finally dialed the phone number that was


    burnt in his memory.


    The voice on the other end was as hoarse as he remembered it used to be.


    "Mr. Tang, needless to say, you are in some big trouble... Do you seek help from me?"


    The person seemed unsurprised, casual and calm, as if there was nothing unusual happening.


    "Yes...Tang Group needs huge investments to stay afloat. I''d like to know how things are going. Have


    you made a decision yet?"


    Horace trod with extreme care, choosing his words carefully before he spoke. It was crucial that he


    kept this man on his side.


    "Well, Mr. Tang, I think I already told you. We will offer you anything you want the day your beloved son


    Rufus and Amanda get engaged. Surely, you haven''t forgotten that. The illness couldn''t have been that


    bad."


    The tone didn''t change. The way he talked didn''t convey any chance of concession. It startled Horace.


    He really seemed to be after Rufus and Amanda''s marriage. Horace didn''t understand why. What


    would it mean to him?


    "Mr. Tang, don''t worry. There will be no harm inflicted upon Rufus if he is engaged to Amanda. The only


    thing I want is for Rufus to settle down and have a happy family. After that, he can serve Tang Group as


    he''s been doing all these years. This is the only way we can reach any conclusion and ensure a safe


    investment."


    This man sounded so sure. He had pointed out exactly what Horace was doubtful of and already given


    a justification for it.


    Now Horace hade to a realization. They seemed to trust Rufus too but weren''t satisfied about the


    way he operated, which was too reserved.

 Chapter 179 Mr. CEO

    Chapter 179 Mr. CEO


    "Please rest assured that I will personally settle the matter between Rufus and Amanda as soon as


    possible,"


    Horace spoke in a respectful tone. It was rather strange that the owner of Tang Group, the most


    powerful real estatepany in G City, presented himself in such a manner.


    "Then we will have the money prepared and look forward to your good news,"


    a raspy voice replied. Then, a loud beep sounded as he hung up the call.


    Horace rubbed his forehead to analyze the information he had just received.


    During the concert, Amanda proposed that the Tang Group would be taking over the construction of the


    new piano academy. She even invited Rufus to sign the contract already. This was somewhat peculiar


    as it showed that the two had some sort of past and could have been more than just friends.


    Horace did not have much background information on Amanda. But based on what he deduced, as a


    female pianist who had been acknowledged internationally, she would have very powerful supporters.


    It was highly possible that this group of investors were closely rted to her.


    It could be further concluded, from the ambiguous attitude of Amanda towards Rufus during the concert


    the other night, that the person she mentioned about to make her stay in G City was none other than


    Rufus himself.


    With that in his mind, Horace knew that if he wanted the investment from their group to strengthen his


    ownpany, he should do everything in his power so that these two would marry each other.


    Meanwhile, in Amanda''s new studio in G City, there was an internal call for hering from her


    assistant.


    "Miss Ke, the Chairman of Tang Group ising in for a visit, but he does not have any appointment


    set for today."


    Amanda was actually browsing the news on the inte when she heard the call and it startled her a


    bit.


    ''The Chairman of Tang Group, Horace Tang is here? Isn''t he out of our dealings with the Tang Group?


    Why would hee here?'' she wondered.


    "Ask him toe in!" Amanda ordered.


    This was Rufus''s fathering in and she was not ready for him. Amanda stood up and straightened


    her clothes as best as she could before her guest arrived in her office.


    Just a few secondster, Horace was led into the office by her assistant.


    He was wearing a conservative dark business suit and looked spirited despite his old age. With an


    amiable smile, he greeted Amanda, "Miss Ke, I would like to apologize for visiting you without any prior


    arrangement."


    Horace held a warm smile as he spoke. He seemed very friendly and for some reason she felt at ease


    to converse with him.


    But, Amanda knew that he was the head of the Tang Group. No matter how harmless or amiable he


    appeared on the surface, she knew that nothing was as simple as it seemed.


    "Mr. Tang, you do not have to apologize for anything. Tang Group is my biggest partner in G City. It is


    my honor to have you here!"


    Amanda replied and smiled politely.


    "Speaking of partnership, I havee to discuss our business today. May I know if the timeline for the


    construction is ready?"


    Horace asked with a smile as well.


    During the concert, Lionel was the one who went up the stage and signed the contract on behalf of the


    Tang Group. Rufus then reminded Horace that Amanda might not have the proper legal documents


    signed by the government, so the Tang Group had not started any discussion about the project. This


    was some kind of tacit rule within the industry.


    However, the investors of Tang Group were so excited to see the progress that Horace had toe


    himself to get more details from Amanda.


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    Amanda knew that Horace was asking about the legal procedures, so she just smiled at the question


    then procured a stack of documents from the cab.


    "This is the endorsement from the government. I have already chosen the site for the construction. We


    can start any time we please. I will be waiting for the representatives from Tang Group toe and


    confirm all the details with me."


    Amanda projected an understanding smile and thought, ''Horace Tang, you sly old fox. You''ve kept


    silent for so long simply because you thought my studio and my project were not legalized. I''m nning


    to be the city''s spokesperson of the Industrial Tourism District. Why wouldn''t I get all the


    requirements done as soon as possible?'' As a matter of fact, the documents had just arrived. It was


    convenient that Horace came now and his doubt could be addressed.


    Horace became even more surprised as he flipped through the documents. ''This Amanda really is


    something. These requirements would normally take months, but she''s done with them in a fraction of


    the time. She really must have a good background, '' he thought to himself.


    However, suppressed any and all signs of his surprise, Horace he tried to speak in his normal tone,


    "Miss Ke, it is our honor to participate in the construction of your school. We will certainly assign our


    most capable team to build the school for you."


    He then neatly folded the files and handed them back to Amanda.


    "Thank you so much, Mr. Tang. The Architecture and Design Department of yourpany has


    received many great reviews and praises. I also heard that the department lead is Manager Qin. I will


    be very happy to have her work as the lead architect."


    Amanda grinned, as she feigned ignorance to what had happened to Cassandra.


    "Hmm, Miss Ke, that might be a bitplicated. But I do not want to hide anything from you. Due to


    family matters, Manager Qin is no longer part of ourpany."


    Horace was a bit embarrassed about it, but he had to tell her the disappointing truth.


    "Ah! I am so sorry to hear that. I didn''t get the chance to work with Manager Qin. But... Isn''t she the


    wife of Lionel Tang?"


    She faked a surprised look on her face.


    "They''ve divorced, actually. They found that they weren''t suited for each other."


    Horace became even more embarrassed as she went deeper and personal into the issue. How could


    he keep still as he revealed such embarrassing family issue to an important business partner?


    "I do understand. Problems will arise if they don''t suit each other,"


    Amanda replied in a pitiful yet understanding tone. That was enough for her, so she stopped


    interrogating and went back to the matter at hand.


    "But, I do trust the Tang Group. Even without Manager Qin, I''m sure the you can still provide me with


    amazing results. I will work andmunicate closely with your team and be clear with my


    expectations,"


    Amanda said, as she returned to her business style of speaking.


    "Not a problem. I do have one more request, if you don''t mind. May I ask when would you be free for


    dinner? My wife is a huge admirer of yours and loves your piano performances. Maybe we can host


    you some time?"


    Horace invited while he kept the amiable and calm smile he had held throughout the conversation.


    Amanda was overjoyed with Horace''s invitation. It was rather unexpected but it was still something she


    had wanted for so long.


    "That sounds great! I can make it whenever it is convenient for your family," Amanda agreed straight


    away.


    The sweet smile on her face made her seem so innocent. How could she even reject the offer to get


    closer to Rufus?


    Horace, of course, had his own n. He wanted to invite Amanda for a dinner after Rufus was back.


    This would be a perfect chance for him to observe what the rtionship between the two was like. If


    possible, he would create more opportunities for them to interact and forge a stronger rtionship.


    Now that he had achieved his goals for this visit, Horace rose from the chair and excused himself. After


    he had gone out of the office, Amanda continued browsing the news. One particr video caught her


    attention.


    A reporter was interviewing the rescue team after the earthquake in A City. At the back of the rescue


    team stood a familiar figure.


    Her heart skipped a beat, and she maximized the screen to take a closer look. After some scrutiny,


    Amanda found the person who seemed to be examining the copsed building was none other than


    Cassandra.


    ''That''s very weird. Why is she in A City?'' Amanda wondered.


    The screen then changed and the reporter started to introduce the volunteers who joined the rescue


    work. Another person stood out from the crowd. It was Rufus!


    He was signing on the confirmation sheet for the driver who transported emergency goods and


    materials, then the reporter asked him, "Excuse me, sir. I heard that you have donated a great deal of


    emergency goods and materials, under the name of yourpany, to the victims of this earthquake.


    May I know what are your views on the relief efforts by yourpany?"


    The eyes of the female reporter began to glisten as she looked at Rufus with admiration. After she


    finished asking, she turned her microphone towards Rufus.


    "We are just trying our best," replied Rufus in a cold tone.


    With an undeterred face, he kept his sentence short. But the reporter was obviously expecting more,


    both for herself as well as for the viewers, so she tried to probe deeper, "May I know whether your


    company is going to support the rebuilding work afterwards?"


    Though the question had be a bit awkward, she wasn''t ready to give up just yet.


    "Sure," answered Rufus.


    Again, his answer was short. The reporter realized that there was nothing much she could obtain from


    this man, so she withdrew the microphone in quiet embarrassment.


    This was one of the top videos for the day, just because of Rufus''s stern way of answering and the


    reporter''s silly way of asking. While everyone else wereughing at the interview, Amanda gritted her


    teeth, and her eyes were zing with fire and jealousy.


    ''Cassandra is helping out in the disaster-struck A City with Rufus? No wonder I can''t find him anywhere


    in this city!


    I thought he was overseas to resolve certain issues for TY Group, but I couldn''t have imagined that he


    actually went to A City with Cassandra doing volunteer work!'' she eximed to herself.


    As she searched rted news, Amanda found out some hotments.


    "This handsome guy is the CEO of Tang Group, thergest real estatepany of G City. He is cute,


    wealthy and most important of all, single!" "Don''t miss out the chance to be the female lead in the story


    ¡ªMr. CEO Falling in Love with Me. Girls, volunteer in A City. Quick!"


    "He is sweet, handsome, and rich! Please take me, Mr. CEO!"


    "Oh honey, you are so cute! I love you already!"


    "This is a rich guy! He is so unique. I can''t believe such a person ever exists around us!"


    ¡­


    Rufus became an overnight sensation after his clips of volunteering in A City were shown all over the


    country. The fervent crowd then started to research more about this young CEO which spiked the


    number of searches for the Tang Group.


    From what Amanda knew of Rufus, he wouldn''t be bothered by these kind of rumors. However...


    Sometimes, the bias of the rumors can be a subtle thing, which she decided to make use of.


    A sly grin crept up her cheeks. She randomly created a web ount and typed away.


    After she sent out her message online, Amanda picked up her phone to make a call.


    "Is this Business Newspaper? You know that Mr. CEO being talked abouttely? I have a great piece of


    information for you about him!"

 Chapter 180 A Fight With Lionel

    Chapter 180 A Fight With Lionel


    Things at work seemed to be picking up just when Cassandra returned to thepany.


    Mr. Wang brought several friends to Qin Group and rmended Cassandra to take on a few projects


    for them.


    "Mr. Wang spoke highly of Manager Qin''s working ethic and rmended yourpany to us. Don''t


    let us down!" a client remarked as he signed the contract with Cassandra.


    She was on a roll. It almost seemed like she was already used to getting such demands.


    "Rest assured that we will do our best to satisfy every client!"


    Cassandra replied confidently, which made the client smile with content.


    With this momentum and word-of-mouth among clients, Qin Group should be able to move past its


    current financial predicament pretty soon.


    Right after the client left, someone else came knocking on the door, looking for trouble instead of


    business.


    "Cassandra,e out here!"


    Cassandra knitted her eyebrows when she heard the familiar voice obnoxiously shouting from the


    cubicle outside the office.


    "Manager Qin, there''s a man out there causing trouble. Should we ask security to kick him out?"


    the assistant asked her through the slightly opened door, looking distraught.


    "No, it''s someone I know. Send him in,"


    Cassandra replied as she calmly put away her papers.


    Lionel kicked open the door of her office, stormed in and stood in front of her desk.


    "You have some nerve snatching away clients from Tang Group. Who gave you the right to do that,


    huh? Are you out of your mind?"


    Lionel red, his face full of indignation.


    As it turned out, Mr. Wang and the other clients who recently signed their contracts with Cassandra


    were Lionel''s old clients. When he found out that their most recent works were signed with Cassandra,


    he fumed with anger thinking that Cassandra was deliberately trying to sabotage him.


    Stunned, Cassandra looked at the angry Lionel who almost looked like a rabid monster.


    "Lionel, you don''t have proof to back up that usation," she answered.


    She wasn''t intimidated by Lionel. She kept her head up while staring at him, unfazed.


    "Proof? You need proof? The clients you signed were all Tang Group''s and I was the one who


    personally signed them before. We have been working together for a long time. Why else would they


    end their contracts with Tang Group when you left and turn to Qin Group immediately? Isn''t that good


    enough proof?"


    Lionel boomed as he pounded the desk with his fist.


    Cassandra sneered at his attempt to me her for his own failure.


    "If your clients ran away, you should look yourself in the mirror first instead of yelling in front of me.


    Don''t you feel embarrassed? As the Vice President of Tang Group, isn''t it degrading for you toe


    here and use our littlepany of doing you wrong? If you really believe that I have something


    illegal, feel free to hire awyer to sue me!"


    Cassandra had no intention of arguing with Lionel. He was talking nonsense just like his mother, Jill.


    "Don''t think you can get away with this just because you left the Tang Group,"


    Lionel threatened. He was not prepared for Cassandra''s sharp response. It made him even more


    furious.


    "Thanks for reminding me that I''m not employed at Tang Group anymore, Mr. Tang. That said, I don''t


    have to listen to your reprimand. Please see yourself out!"


    Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    Cassandra said calmly as she sped both arms across her chest. She sat on her chair and looked at


    Lionel indifferently. Her aura was that of courage, strength, and authority.


    "Cassandra Qin, you bitch!"


    Lionel yelled as he pointed at her with a shaking hand.


    "Karma will get you, just you wait! You cannot steal all my clients!" he said angrily.


    Then, Lionel walked out the door and almost knocked over the assistant with a dozen files in her arms.


    The assistant walked in with a look of concern and inquired, "Manager Qin, he didn''t do anything to


    you, did he?"


    Everybody outside the office heard Lionel''s growls from the inside. Several male colleagues even


    pulled up their sleeves ready to help Manager Qin kick him out. The assistant, however, decided to try


    go in and see what was going on first herself. Before she could open the door, she was almost knocked


    over by the rampaging Lionel.


    "Him? He wouldn''t dare! He''s a coward!"


    Cassandra didn''t think Lionel was worthy of her attention. Knowing him for such a long time, she had


    already seen through the man.


    He was incapable of anything and yet thought highly of himself. If anything went wrong, he would only


    me it on other people. It was never his fault.


    Cassandra rejoiced at the fact that she was no longer married to him.


    Still angry, Lionel rushed back to his car and hit the steering wheel with such a force that he almost had


    to destroy his car to subdue his anger.


    Cassandra refused to yield to his intimidation and left him almost speechless.


    He thought that after leaving the Tang family, she would struggle to survive. But now, it seemed like she


    wasn''t having too much trouble starting a new life after all.


    Lionel believed that he could me her for the failure of hispany and she would have given in.


    However, she was actually much stronger than him, which had dealt a heavy blow to his ego!


    His recent business had been snatched by Dawn Star Group, and now, Cassandra was going to get a


    piece of it too. He now had very few of his old clients. If he couldn''t find new ones soon, his position in


    the Tang Group would be in jeopardy.


    Everybody fawned over him when he was the president. But after Rufus took over, as Horace''s eldest


    son, people kissed his ass more.


    The high-level executives he had nted in Tang Group were all dismissed by Rufus for various


    reasons. He also didn''t seed in relying on Ivy''s son to regain his status in the family. Now, he was


    really backed up to a corner.


    His thoughts were interrupted by a call from Ivy.


    "Lionel, what time will you be back home this evening? Your father said that he had an important guest


    coming over and he wants you to be home early," she said.


    Instead of beingforted with Ivy''s gentle voice, it made him even more irritated.


    "I don''t have time! I''m working right now! Don''t call me unless it''s important!"


    Lionel yelled as he cut off the call, shut down his phone and threw it to the back seat of his car. He


    massaged his scalp through his hair and tried to ease his suppressed indignation.


    Looking up, he suddenly saw Cassandra carrying a briefcase as she walked out of the office building.


    She went across the road and hailed a taxi. Lionel got an idea.


    Cassandra looked as if she were on her way to meet a client. Maybe he could follow her to see who


    she was going to meet since so many of Tang Group''s clients had been taken by her.


    Lionel put on his sunsses and started tailing Cassandra''s taxi while maintaining a safe distance.


    Cassandra, in the taxi, did not realize that Lionel was following behind her. Since she came back from


    A City, thepany''s car had been sent for maintenance. She had been taking a cab going to her


    meetings for the past few days.


    Inside the briefcase were files about a client rmended by Mr. Wang. He was a foreigner who


    wanted the Qin Group to handle his design.


    Cassandra and her team had already finished the design requested ording to his requirements and


    he suggested that she bring it over to the hotel he was staying in.


    Cassandra went straight to the client''s room when she arrived at the hotel, and a young man opened


    the door to greet her.


    He was dressed in a suit with an amiable smile on his face.


    "Manager Qin, right? Hello, I''m David, assistant to Tom. I''m here to represent him,"


    he said as he ushered Cassandra into the room. There seemed to be no one else in the two-bedroom


    suite.


    "Is Tom noting?"


    Cassandra felt a little confused because she had previously signed an agreement with Tom.


    "Tom has already returned home because of other business, and I''ve been tasked to check the design


    draft for him,"


    David replied, smiling infectiously. He led Cassandra to the sofa and poured her a ss of water.


    "Mr. Wang bridged ourpany to yours and our design team has been working day and night on this


    project. I have reviewed everything and there is no problem with it. I think Tom will be satisfied,"


    Cassandra said as she handed the design draft to David. She picked up the ss of water and drank.


    A satisfied glimmer of light shed across David''s eyes, but he still looked through the design with a


    smile on his face.


    "It is not easy to run apany alone. You are such a strong woman,"


    David remarked as he absent-mindedly scanned through the pages. It was obvious that he was looking


    for something to talk about with Cassandra.


    Meeting David for the first time, Cassandra did not know how to react to hisment. She gave him an


    awkward smile in response.


    "I am managing it on behalf of my father. When my sister graduates, she will join me in running the


    company,"


    she shared as she drank another mouthful of water and wondered why David kept talking to her about


    unrted things instead of inspecting the draft.


    Suddenly, Cassandra felt dizzy. She shook her head slightly, thinking it was an illusion.


    "Is something wrong, Manager Qin?"


    David asked with concern.


    Cassandra looked at him and found that her vision began to blur. A feeling of despair enveloped her


    whole body!

 Chapter 181 Amandas Visit

    Chapter 181 Amanda''s Visit


    Lionel trailed Cassandra inconspicuously. He quietly followed her in as he saw her enter the hotel.


    It had been an hour since Cassandra entered the room; and yet, she had not been out. Lionel started


    to grow impatient.


    What was taking her so long? Was there something wrong?


    Lionel decided to knock. Before he could, he saw a familiar figure walking towards the room from


    another direction.


    It was a woman in a pink dress. She stood at an average height and was wearing a huge pair of


    sunsses that hid most parts of her face. Still, it was evident that she was pretty with her tiny nose


    and plump lips.


    That was Cloris! Now, Lionel was confused. ''What''s she doing here?'' he wondered.


    Cloris walked towards the room that Cassandra went into. She knocked and David opened it to let her


    in.


    "How''s everything going?"


    Cloris asked, taking her sunsses off. There was cold arrogance in her eyes.


    "She fainted. Everything went well,"


    David replied confidently at the job well-done.


    Cloris walked to the bedroom and saw Cassandra lying on the bed. She looked fast asleep. A sneer


    appeared on her face.


    "I''ll do it myself. You can leave now!"


    Cloris said, tilting her head. David signaled to remind her of his payment and she took the hint


    immediately.


    Cloris took out an envelope from her bag and handed it to him.


    "Here''s the money we''ve agreed on. Take it. If anyone asks you about it, you know nothing!" she


    instructed.


    Cloris worked hard to make sure this n would be realized. She managed to contact Mr. Wang using


    David''s connections and had him earn Cassandra''s trust. Later, she lured Cassandra here using the


    name of Mr. Wang. The thought that she would finally have revenge on Cassandra made Cloris very


    happy.


    She closed the door after David left the room and stared at her sister with hatred.


    ''You asked for it, bitch!'' she cursed in her heart.


    Cloris went abroad to study after the Spring Festival and called Arthur as soon as she managed to


    settle down. Unfortunately, the man who had been so considerate to her suddenly became so distant.


    "Arthur, why didn''t you answer my call?"


    Cloris asked when she finally managed to reach him.


    "I''ve been busy in the business these days,"


    he answered absent-mindedly.


    "Everything is new to me here. I miss you so much and I''ve texted you a lot. But you never text me


    back,"


    Clorisined, frowning. She felt like something was wrong with Arthur but she did not have the


    heart to ask why.


    "Told you, I''m busy,"


    he replied, a little irritated.


    "Are you hiding something from me?"


    Cloris asked, unable to stand it anymore. She went straight to the point.


    "You are thinking too much,"


    Arthur replied dismissively. It was clear that he was not in the mood to talk and he didn''t care to


    borate.


    Cloris did not know what to say. She held her breath not knowing what to do next. After a few seconds,


    she hung up without responding.


    Something must be wrong with Arthur. He was not usually this rude to her.


    Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    Cloris remembered that before she went abroad, Arthur would do whatever she asked. But why did he


    change so greatly? Only a few days had passed. It made her very skeptic.


    Arthur, however, kept his mouth shut no matter how many times Cloris asked. He never told her


    anything. He only kept repeating that he was busy at work.


    Later, he even went on to stop answering the phone.


    Bothered and clueless, Cloris continued to push him for a response until he finally gave her one.


    "I''m sorry, Cloris. I just can''t stand the fact that you slept with another man,"


    Arthur said. He sounded very frustrated. This made Cloris''s heart ache so much. It almost felt as if a


    knife were stabbing at it.


    "That was an ident! And nothing happened!"


    she replied, finding it difficult toprehend. She was still in her hometown when that happened and


    Arthur did not seem to dislike her because of that before. Now, it seemed to have consumed him.


    "But I just can''t stand it. Whenever I think of you lying with him...I... I''m sorry, Cloris. I''m afraid it''s time


    for us to break up,"


    he said and hung up immediately. Meanwhile, a disdainful smile appeared on his face.


    ''Stupid woman! Your sister is out of the Tang Group. She is no longer a threat to me. You are useless


    now.


    Why would I keep something useless in my hands? It only makes sense for me to throw you away as


    soon as possible.


    It''s so stupid of you to ask me for a reason. I can''t tell you the truth but I still have to give you an


    answer to shut you up, '' thought Arthur.


    He blocked Cloris''s number and proceeded to walk into a steaming massage room. Then, He turned to


    his masseuse and ordered, "Sever me well. And what''s even more important, serve my friend well!"


    Then, he talked to the strong man lying on the bed with a smile.


    "She''s one of the best in G City. Feel free to tell her your needs. She will do whatever you want," he


    assured him.


    A satisfied expression spread across the man''s face. He nodded to show his approval.


    Arthur made a bow, retreated out of the room, and closed the door behind him.


    The man in the room took the pretty masseuse''s hand and asked in an inviting tone, "What''s your


    name? You have very nice skin..."


    Then, his hand stroked the woman''s hand back and forth gently as if he were stroking a piece of


    precious jewelry.


    The masseuse drew her hand back and pushed him to the bed tantalizingly.


    She drew close and whispered in his ear, "Be patient, sir. We are just starting."


    The corners of the man''s lips curved upwards, forming a smile. He replied quietly, "Yes, I''m a patient


    man.


    It''s going to be interesting."


    Cloris stood stunned and confused the moment Arthur hung up. It was uneptable. She was not


    going to back down so easily after he treated her so rudely. She decided to go back home and see if


    Arthur was really telling the truth when he said that he was busy with work.


    She proceeded to a detective agency in the ck market, intending to hire someone to tail after Arthur.


    David was the detective she got to know.


    She described herself to be a poor woman abandoned by Arthur and wanted to know whether her


    boyfriend had another woman. David didn''t doubt her story. He took her money as payment and started


    spying on Arthur day and night. However, even after several days, David didn''t find a trace.


    Cloris, in the meantime, stayed in a rented apartment to focus on the mission. She did not even tell her


    mother that she was back.


    Everything seemed to be all right with Arthur. He ran his business like always and did not even visit


    night clubs. He really did not seem to have a different woman. He was still the same man except that


    he didn''t like her anymore. He changed and Cloris med only one person: Cassandra.


    If it were not for Cassandra, she would not have stayed with a strange man alone. Then, Arthur would


    not have broken up with her because shey with that strange man though nothing literally happened


    between them.


    The moment that her hatred for her sister entered her mind, it started to spread all over her body.


    It thrived in Cloris''s heart. Whenever she thought that she was abandoned by Arthur and lived a


    pathetic life while Cassandra divorced Lionel, fell in love with Rufus, and lived a happy life; Cloris could


    not be more resentful.


    Why did Rufus fall in love with Cassandra but not her?


    Why was Cassandra living such a happy life now?


    That was not fair!


    They were sisters. She had lived a better life than Cassandra before their father went to jail. She had


    been the apple of her parents'' eye. But now, she was unable to go back to her own home and her


    boyfriend broke up with her. She lost her backbone and there was no one she could rely on anymore!


    ''Cassandra! Cassandra! It''s all your fault!'' roared Cloris in her mind.


    She gritted her teeth and red at Cassandra lying on the bed. Then, she reached out and started to


    remove her clothes.


    In the vi of the Tang family, Rufus was surprised to find a guest in the living room when he came


    home.


    She smiled brightly with big eyes and a pretty face. It was Amanda. She chatted with Jill and Ivy


    happily.


    Rufus frowned a bit upon seeing her. Why was Amanda here?


    He nned to go to his room discretely but Jill greeted him unexpectedly, which was something very


    unusual.


    "Rufus, we have a guest. Come and greet!"


    Jill beckoned to Rufus. He paused for a while but finally walked to thedies.


    Amanda fixed her eyes on Rufus the moment he entered the house.


    He was always handsome and masculine. Even though he looked to be quite impatient now, Amanda


    felt her heart still beat fast for him.


    "Nice to see you again, Mr. Luo," she remarked.


    Amanda was always elegant in public. People could hardly imagine the sadness she kept inside.


    Rufus extended his hand and shook hers politely. Then, he excused himself saying, "Forgive me, I''m


    afraid I have to go to the study to deal with some business."


    Noticing that Horace was not in the living room, Rufus inferred that he must be in the study and


    decided that it was a good excuse to leave.


    "Were you going to talk to me? We can talkter. No business tonight. It''s my honor to receive Miss Ke


    home,"


    said Horace who suddenly walked to the living room from the study with a smile on his handsome face.

 Chapter 182 You Are Behind All Of This

    Chapter 182 You Are Behind All Of This


    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 yourst concert. I was feeling quite under the weather. I heard it


    was a great sess, congrattions,"


    Ivy eximed. 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 ites to running a piano school. Actually, I want to


    discuss the construction project with you, Mr. Luo, in theing 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 hee 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 y,"


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


    Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    Jill dly 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 rtionship 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 Ivyplimented Amanda desperately; while Amanda just smiled, throwing shy nces


    over to Rufus from time to time.


    To the untrained eye, you wouldn''t be able to catch the tension that hung above the room. But looking


    around, everyone in the room had their own axe to grind, their own agenda to pursue. The facade of


    jovial harmony was just a front.


    Rufus''s phone vibrated. He took it out and answered. Muffled voices could be heard from the other end


    of the line. And suddenly, his face fell and he stormed out of the room without a word.


    "Rufus! Where are you going?"


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


    But Rufus was already nowhere to be seen.


    Meanwhile, across town in the hotel, Cloris took out her camera and began to set it up. Her n to take


    Cassandra''s nude photos was alling together.


    ''How dare you send someone to try and molest me, Cassandra, '' she sneered to herself. ''Well, just you


    wait. I''ll post these nude photos online and everyone will be able to see your true colors.''


    A vicious monster growled within Cloris as she adjusted the camera onest time.


    Lionel had been hiding in the corner of the corridor surreptitiously. He''d watched as David came out of


    the room, opened up an envelope stashed with money and walked off, nodding with satisfaction.


    Lionel''s heart sank. He knew David must have a hidden agenda. But what was Cloris doing here?


    What were the two of them up to?


    As David left, Lionel snuck up to the door he had just exited. He pressed his ear against the door,


    hoping to hear what was going on inside. But it was deadly quiet inside.


    ''What should I do?'' he thought. ''Should I break in to find out what they are doing?


    But I had already caused trouble in Qin Group this afternoon, and Cassandra was pretty upset with me.


    What if the two sisters are just having a regr date...there is just no reason for me to go in. I''m


    probably imaging it.''


    But Lionel couldn''t shake off the uneasy feeling in his stomach. He was worried about Cassandra.


    As he stood by the door, trying to figure out what to do, someone suddenly appeared before him.


    "What are you doing here?"


    Rufus bellowed, his cold face covered in a frown of displeasure.


    Lionel was taken aback. Why was Rufus here? It seemed like more and more people were getting


    wrapped up in this drama.


    "I''m here on business,"


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


    Rufus 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 open.


    Lionel looked on, speechless. How was Rufus able to break down the door of a five-star hotel room


    with so much as a punch?


    Suddenly, security guards came rushing over. Lionel tried to stop them at the door.


    Rufus walked straight into the suite, unfazed. There was no one in the living room, but the bedroom


    door remained closed.


    He walked 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 in, dumbfounded, the camera still in her hands.


    ''What is Rufus doing here?'' Cloris''s eyes were wide with disbelief.


    Rufus''s eyes slowly scanned the room, instinctively gulping as his eyes came to the naked body lying


    in bed.


    He rushed over, wrapping Cassandra up in a quilt.


    "Put down the camera and get out," he said to Cloris, the wordsing out like icicles piercing through


    her.


    Cloris couldn''t believe she''d been caught red-handed. She didn''t want to make the whole situation


    worse, so she dragged her feet out of the bedroom obediently.


    Rufus helped Cassandra to put her clothes back on, anger zing through his heart.


    Cloris had been nning on taking nude photos of Cassandra! How could Cloris hate Cassandra so


    much? They were sisters!


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


    Cloris had tried to do to her, she would be heartbroken.


    He couldn''t help the rage from contorting his face as he thought about how unfairly Cassandra had


    been treated by her family since she was a child.


    It was better not to tell Cassandra about this, he decided.


    With Cassandra appropriately covered up, he walked out of the bedroom and closed the door behind


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


    confused.


    "Get out of here. We''ll pretend this never happened," Rufus said, trying to contain the anger in his


    voice.


    The look he was giving Cloris could have turned water into ice.


    Cloris was shocked. She didn''t expect Rufus to let her go easily. She''d been ready for throwing down a


    challenge to Cassandra.


    "Go before I change my mind and call the police to arrest you. And if you ever try anything like this on


    Cassandra again, you will suffer the consequences!"


    Every muscle in Rufus''s face was tensed up. He was trying to hold back his anger for the sake of


    Cassandra who stilly unconsciously in the bedroom.


    Cassandra had once said that Cloris would help to run the Qin Group after she graduated. But


    unexpectedly, her sister was holding onto so much hostility.


    It was the greatest agony to be betrayed by your own family. Rufus knew it for himself, and he


    desperately wanted to keep Cassandra away from such pain.


    As Cloris rushed out of the room, Lionel finally found his words.


    "I sent the security guards outside away. Now tell me what happened."


    Lionel stared at Rufus, his eyebrows raised expectantly.


    "You don''t need to know."


    Rufus''s heart was breaking more as he thought about the sadness tinged with Cassandra''s childhood,


    and continued to do so now.


    "Fine. If you don''t tell me, I will ask Cassandra myself,"


    Lionel said defiantly, hoping he might see Rufus waver, but he was disappointed.


    "Lionel, mind your own business and behave yourself. Don''t poke your nose into things that do not


    concern you."


    Rufus always treated Lionel like a child. A sh of disdain came through him.


    "Rufus, Cassandra is my ex-wife. You cannot do this. This is incest!"


    Lionel pushed, with unexpected violence in his tone. He couldn''t stand Rufus''s continued arrogance.


    "As you said, she''s your ex-wife. Since you have divorced each other, it''s not an incest anymore,"


    Rufus retorted withissez-faire. The veil of charm on his handsome face hid a deep sense of contempt


    for this sad man.


    "Fine. I''ll go dig into it. I will figure out what you''re up to."


    Lionel''s finger pointed right at Rufus''s nose, his re fuelled by his anger.


    Rufus carefully pushed Lionel''s finger away from his face, a look of sympathy in his eyes.


    "Since you''ve got so much time on your hands, why don''t you think about how you''re going to tackle


    the projects in the industrial area? The marketing department has been a mess sinceing under


    your leadership."


    Rufus''s cruel words touched a nerve in Lionel.


    He knew as well as Rufus that his recent projects had been taken off him, either by the Dawn Star


    Group or by the Qin Group. Filled to the brim with frustration, Lionel stamped his foot and roared, "Shut


    up, Rufus! I know you are behind all of this!"

 Chapter 183 I Couldnt Remember

    Chapter 183 I Couldn''t Remember


    "You''d better keep your mouth shut if you have no proof at all,"


    Rufus said as he casually settled himself on the couch. With his legs crossed, he looked calmly at


    Lionel who was desperately furious.


    Thankfully, Cassandra was now awake. The sharp quarrel just outside her room baffled her and began


    to hurt her ears.


    Looking around, she realized that she was lying in a bed of apletely unknown room. She didn''t


    know what was going on and why she was here.


    Managing to sit herself up, Cassandra massaged her temples to help herself recall what had


    happened.


    She remembered that she was talking about her design with David. Her memory, however, was quite


    limited that she failed to recollect what happened next.


    Where was she? Why was she sleeping here? She had no idea about that.


    Cassandra forced herself to stand up and walked unsteadily toward the door.


    As she opened the door, she saw Rufus sitting on the couch as calm as he had always been, and


    beside him was the already red-faced Lionel who was staring at Rufus with eyes full of rage.


    Apparently, the argument that she had heard when she woke up was from them. Cassandra was


    wondering when the two unfriendly brothers had got together.


    Seeing Cassandra approaching, the two men unanimously turned their eyes towards her.


    "You''re awake?"


    Rufus asked as he stood up quickly and walked toward Cassandra to support her. He held Cassandra


    by the arm and walked her to the couch.


    Cassandra sat by Rufus''s side on the couch and gently rested her head on Rufus''s shoulder. Lionel


    disdained the scene and looked at them with a feeling of difort rising in his heart.


    Cassandra was his former wife. Despite the fact that it was he who divorced her on his own initiative by


    signing the divorce agreement with her, it still felt awkward seeing her acting that way with Rufus.


    Their rtionship was clearly evident and they were showing it openly in front of Lionel. His temper


    rose at the thought that she was having an affair with Rufus, his half-brother!


    "It seems that I fainted. What happened? And where is David? I remember I was talking with him,"


    Cassandra inquired, noticing the papers on the table.


    "You fainted from having a low blood sugar. David is quite satisfied with your design, but he was so


    careless that he left the papers here. I''ll arrange for someone to send it to him,"


    Rufus answered her questions calmly without taking his eyes off from her.


    "Then why are you here? And why is Lionel here too?"


    Cassandra continued asking because her doubts were notpletely cleared yet. Rufus and Lionel


    were both here, which gave her an assumption that there could be something wrong and it could not be


    that simple.


    "I happened to call you at that time. David answered the phone and told me what happened,"


    Rufus replied. He had expected that Cassandra would ask so, therefore he made a call to her phone


    before she could gain consciousness again. He believed that the call log would support his story.


    Lionel knew that Rufus made up such a story trying to hide the truth from Cassandra. Judging from the


    expressions on her face, Lionel''s heart softened when he saw Cassandra in such a confused state.


    Lionel himself didn''t know what exactly happened, but he was sure that Rufus was not telling the truth.


    He could easily tell that David was not a good guy, and Cloris had something to do with what had


    happened. Rufus rebuked her seriously. What on earth did Cloris do to Cassandra that made Rufus so


    angry? Why didn''t he tell her the truth? What was he trying to hide from her?


    epting Rufus''s answer, Cassandra asked no further. With an awkward tone, she then turned her


    eyes to Lionel and asked coldly, "Then why are you here?"


    Lionel hade to herpany that afternoon and made trouble out of nothing. Cassandra was


    overwhelmed at how conceited he was to show his face again. He must be up to no good.


    "I''m waiting for Rufus to go home with me,"


    replied Lionel immediately. Even he himself was surprised at this answer. He didn''t know why his brain


    would cooperate with Rufus in lying to Cassandra.


    Cassandra, who was equally surprised, turned his eyes to Rufus and failed to find any change of


    expression on his face. She knew the two brothers very well and they had always lived a dog-and-cat


    life. But now they were about to go home together. How could their rtionship improve all of a


    sudden?


    Since Rufus didn''t deny what Lionel had said, Cassandra chose to believe Lionel. Anyhow, they were


    brothers with amon father. If they could really get along well with each other, that would be a good


    thing.


    "I think I have recovered my strength. Let''s go,"


    Cassandra said after a moment of silence. When she was about to get up and walk out, Rufus pulled


    her back into his arm and looked at her with his deep ck eyes full of concern.


    "Lionel, you are needed at home. Don''t wait for me. You can go home first," Rufus said.


    It was clear that Rufus was hinting at Lionel to leave, but Lionel refused to take it. Rufus had no


    intention of hiding his intimacy with Cassandra from Lionel, which meant that he didn''t put any


    importance on Lionel''s status as Cassandra''s ex-husband. Lionel, on the other hand, was infuriated at


    Rufus''s actions.


    "It''s not a big deal. I can wait for you and then go back home with you,"


    Lionel replied, casting a provocative nce at Rufus.


    Cassandra looked at the two men and sensed a sort of conflict. She frowned, pushed Rufus away,


    stood up and said, "You can go, both of you! I''m fine. I''ll take a taxi myself."


    When they were still husband and wife, Cassandra was a little afraid of Lionel, because she was


    worried that he might lose control of himself and forced her to have sex with him, which she couldn''t


    even reject because of their marital rtionship. With their marriage null and void, she feared him no


    more. Cassandra knew that Rufus was worried about her, but she was eager to show him that she was


    now strong enough to protect herself.


    Cassandra was stopped from walking out when Rufus''s phone rang. He took it out from his pocket,


    nced at it and hesitated to take the call. It was from Horace.


    "It must be father, right? He is all edgy and in haste to get us back home,"


    Lionel said casually, shrugging his shoulders.


    Noticing Rufus''s unwillingness to obey his father, Cassandra persuaded gently, "Rufus, go back home.


    I''m fine. I can go home myself. I''ll give you a message when I arrive. I promise."


    Cassandra didn''t want Rufus to displease his father for her sake.


    Shooting a loving look at Cassandra''s pale face, Rufus stood up and said, "Well, let me walk you out


    for a taxi."


    With that, he held Cassandra by the waist and they walked out of the room.


    Lionel followed behind them silently, jealous as a turkey.


    Thinking that if things hadn''t gone wrong with him and Cassandra, it would be him who was holding


    Cassandra in such an intimate way instead of Rufus. Lionel wanted to give himself a big p. He


    regretted that he divorced her on the spur of the moment. He had doubted a long time ago that


    Cassandra and Rufus were having a rtionship in secret. It turned out that he was right. However, he


    was now in no position to prevent them, or even confront them.


    Or perhaps there was actually something he could do...


    Cassandra trusted Rufus so much, who actually didn''t deserve that. Suddenly, an evil idea came into


    Lionel''s head.


    ''Cassandra, you''re so naive. Would you still love Rufus when you know that he has cheated you?''


    Lionel said to himself with a sneer.


    Saying goodbye to Cassandra, Rufus and Lionel drove together back to the Tang family mansion. The


    whole family was waiting for them in the dining hall. Their father, Horace, gave them both a reproving


    look and motioned them to take their seats quickly.


    "It''s very rude of you to have our dear guest Miss Ke wait for you!"


    Acting the hostess of Tang family, Jill scolded with an air of importance. Of course, she was referring to


    Rufus, whom she expected would not say anything against her at the presence of a guest.


    "Mother, we had an emergency in thepany. We''ve tried to deal with it as soon as possible so we


    cane back home in time. I''m so sorry, Miss Ke. Please ept my apology,"


    Lionel said as he sat down beside Ivy. At Amanda''s presence, he tried to act like a gentleman. "Never


    mind. It''s no big deal," Amanda responded with a polite smile.


    Ivy stepped secretly on Lionel''s foot under the table to punish him for not receiving her calls.


    Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    Lionel pretended that nothing had happened and continued with his casual conversation with Amanda.


    "Miss Ke, our cooperation project is about to begin. I''d like to make an appointment with you to talk


    about some details."


    Lionel actively brought up the topic of the project. Amanda had signed a contract with the Tang Group,


    which could earn thepany both money and fame if everything would turn out fine.


    "Sure, I''ll arrange for my assistant to talk with you," Amanda replied simply.


    Actually, she was in no mood to talk with Lionel about the project at all. Her attention was attracted by


    Rufus, who was now just sitting there silently.


    Amanda was a little bit down and ufortable because of Rufus''s indifference.


    "Rufus, do you know that Miss Ke has studied abroad too? I think you two will have a lot to talk about."


    Seeing that Rufus deliberately keep his mouth shut, Horace had to think of a topic to bring him into the


    conversation.


    "Mr. Tang, actually Mr. Luo and I are old acquaintances. We''ve known each other for many years. Do


    my memories serve me right, Mr. Luo?"


    Amanda said with a cheerful voice as she looked directly at Rufus.


    "Yes," Rufus responded dryly and continued to eat. Clearly, he had no intention of saying something


    more. They all sat in awkward silence, without anyone knowing how to break it.


    Thankfully, Ivy started to y her role as a social butterfly. "Miss Ke, I heard that you have been


    selected by the government as the spokesperson of the tourism industrial area of G City. The


    government also wants to choose another spokesperson from the outstanding native enterprise


    representatives. Did they ask you for some rmendations?"


    Ivy started a conversation that she knew would boost Amanda''s pride. She knew that Amanda couldn''t


    resist such ttery.


    With such a topic fitting in exactly with her wishes, Amanda replied at once with a cheerful tone, "Yes,


    the government ns to select a young entrepreneur from those leadingpanies in G City. They


    hope that the spokesperson could show the city''s tolerance for new things as well as its adherence to


    the tradition. So I guess they want to choose a young man from an experiencedpany."


    While speaking, Amanda was secretly ncing at Rufus to see his reaction.


    "The Tang Group and the Dawn Star Group are the two leadingpanies in G City. Bothpanies


    participated in the construction of the tourism industrial area. Lionel is the vice president of the Tang


    Group and is also a representative of young entrepreneurs. He is a qualified candidate. Don''t you think


    so?"


    Ivy responded smilingly, with a selfish motive of rmending Lionel.


    Actually, Amanda didn''t agree with Ivy, but she still wore a proper smile and answered tteringly, "Of


    course, Mr. Tang would make an excellent spokesperson. I would rmend him to the government.


    But, eventually, it''s up to the government to make the final decision."


    Amanda rebutted Ivy skillfully. Deep inside her, she thought that she would definitely not say a word for


    Lionel to the government, because she had her own favorite, Rufus.


    However, Rufus was quite unresponsive with their conversation. In the whole course, he just sat there


    eating silently, not giving even a nce at Amanda.


    "Mr. Luo, I am a believer of a saying that great wits have short memories. It seemed that you fail to


    remember me, right?"


    Amanda asked directly. Since Rufus refused to talk with her and pretended not to know her, she


    decided to take the initiative.


    Rufus slowly raised his head, shot a short look at Amanda, and then said dryly, "I couldn''t remember."


    Hearing his reply, Amanda''s smile froze on her face.


    What did he mean by those three simple words? What did he forget? Did he forget everything about


    her or the fact that they had been lovers?

 Chapter 184 Passionate Kisses

    Chapter 184 Passionate Kisses


    Rufus might have been physically close to Amanda, but now to her, he felt so distant¡ªhe was there but


    he wasn''t really there.


    She gazed at Rufus''s handsome face, feeling something break inside her.


    It was clear to everyone now, not just Horace, that Rufus was avoiding Amanda.


    Since he was a member of the Tang family, the very least he could do was be polite to Amanda who


    was a guest of Horace''s.


    However, Rufus could care less. He knew very well that Amanda was only here to make herself look


    good to his family. It was quite obvious that almost everyone else too knew.


    In fact, Rufus had changed over the years and he''d stopped loving her a long time ago.


    Suddenly, Rufus''s phone buzzed¡ªit was a message from Cassandra.


    "I''m already at the Garden Vi. I''m okay. Don''t worry about me," the message read.


    Rufus''s face broke into a smile of relief, something Amanda didn''t miss.


    It needed not be mentioned that Rufus lit up at the sight of Cassandra''s message. And as for Amanda?


    She had bent over backwards trying to get a smile out of Rufus but to no avail.


    Amanda scanned the table carefully looking at each person on the table as she racked her mind for


    ideas. Horace was growing old so he was obviously just interested in the benefits that came with her.


    Jill obviously knew nothing about music but she insisted on getting involved. Horace probably set her to


    this so Amanda could grow to like the family. And as for Lionel and Ivy¡­


    Amanda had been secretly watching them and she realized that there was no love at all between the


    two.


    She heard that Ivy had been having an affair with Lionel for years. Ivy tried to set Cassandra up by


    falling down the stairs on purpose and hurting her baby. She set this up so that Cassandra would get


    kicked out, making an opening for her to take Cassandra''s ce. But her n failed miserably¡ªeven


    though Cassandra ended up divorcing Lionel, Lionel still didn''t ask her to marry him. While she was


    living in the Tang house, she and Lionel weren''t together legally. She must have been massively bitter.


    Amanda watched them all closely beforeing to a decision in her mind. She put on the fakest smile


    she could and said to Ivy, "Miss Luo, I heard that you majored in administration management in college.


    My office is short of hands now. May I have the honor to invite you to work in mypany?"


    Amanda made the offer to Ivy.


    That was just too shocked for Ivy toprehend what Amanda had said to her in a short time. She had


    been depending on Lionel since she graduated and never worked before. She had lived an extravagant


    life thanks to Lionel and probably she''d already forgotten all the skills she learned in college. Why did


    Amanda offer her a job? That was just too amazing!


    Lionel had gotten so drunk the other night that he identally spilled his true feelings for Cassandra¡ª


    that was how Ivy confirmed that he really didn''t love her anymore so she wanted to have a n for


    herself.


    Her dream of marrying Lionel seemed to be impossible and she was in an awkward position with the


    rest of his family¡ªthey were too polite to ask her to leave. She was virtually Lionel''s wife but she in


    herself knew that wasn''t true and she wasn''t that valuable in this family.


    Horace was seemingly getting on Amanda''s good side which Amanda didn''t seem to mind. She was


    obviously well-liked among the Tang family so Ivy would be dense to decline Amanda''s offer.


    Lionel, meanwhile, couldn''t help but chuckle to himself¡ªhe had been with Ivy for quite a while now and


    he knew for a fact that all Ivy knew were clothes, make-up, and gossip. There was no way she would


    survive working an office job.


    Lionel was just about to refuse Amanda''s offer for Ivy but Ivy beat him to it.


    "Of course. Thank you, Miss Ke, for thinking of me. I''ve always wanted to find a way to apply all that


    I''ve learned from my degree,"


    Ivy said in a sweet voice, bowing her head slightly. She had no other choice but to work for Amanda. It


    was just what she really needed.


    Lionel was at a loss for words.


    Horace was happy to see Amanda get along with Ivy and even make a job offer to her.


    It is said that a woman always get her way when chasing a man. Now that he knew Amanda still had


    feelings for Rufus, he would do whatever he could to help Amanda and Rufus get together.


    They did have history after all. Amanda, who was no ordinary woman, was in love with Rufus; and


    Rufus would be an idiot to reject her.


    Rufus kept to himself the entire meal. The conversation never lulled, though as everyone seemed to be


    in a light mood.


    Amanda was well aware that Rufus wasn''t very interested in talking to her right now and she knew that


    it was all because of Cassandra. However, she maintained her happy demeanor and forced herself to


    chat with everyone. Everyone else seemed to be having a good time.


    Amanda intended to leave right away after dinner, but Horace had another n in mind¡ªhe wanted to


    make sure that Rufus and Amanda left together.


    "Rufus, I''m nursing a horrible headache, would you please be so kind as to see Miss Ke out for me?"


    Horace disguised his order as a suggestion; but in reality, Rufus really had no other choice but to


    oblige. As the master of house, if he was unable to see any guest off, his firstborn son would have to


    do it.


    "You didn''t have to bother, Mr. Luo, but thank you!"


    Amanda said before Rufus could refuse.


    Rufus stood up with the same stoic expression he''d been wearing the whole night to walk Amanda


    across the court to the gate.


    When they arrived at the courtyard, Amanda stopped.


    "Rufus, I know you''re still angry at me and I know you don''t want to talk to me. But I just want to tell you


    that I love you and I always have, even after all these years. I''ve never looked at another man because


    you''re the only man I see."


    As she spoke, she turned around to look at Rufus. Tears were welling up in her beautiful eyes and she


    looked nothing short of delicate.


    "I don''t care,"


    Rufus said coldly.


    He had turned Amanda down so many times now and she refused to listen. She still wouldn''t let go of


    him so Rufus had no other choice but to set it straight even if it meant being harsh. He needed to do


    that so she could just move on.


    "How could you do this to me? We used to be happy with one another and you loved me, didn''t you?


    You loved me, I felt it. I know it in my heart, you loved me! You may have Cassandra but you''ll realize


    soon that I''m just the better woman. I''ll prove it to you. Rufus, you won''t be happy with anyone else but


    me,"


    Amanda fixed her gaze on his face and wore a sad smile. She was no longer the confident woman she


    usually was¡ªwhenever it came to Rufus, she just crumpled up like a pathetic woman.


    If only she could back to the past when they were young and Rufus loved her dearly, she would. The


    Rufus then wouldn''t hurt her the way he was doing now.


    But Rufus had already changed, and things happened, he had fallen in love with another woman. Their


    time together had long passed.


    "I''ll walk you out,"


    Rufus said as if he didn''t hear a word Amanda just said. He walked towards the gate, stopped, and


    looked back at Amanda as if he was just waiting for her.


    Amanda felt her heart was broken into pieces now. How could Rufus be so cruel to her? Indeed, he


    was a cool man in the past. He would never treat her like how he did today.


    The light cast a shadow over Rufus''s sharp and angled face. His eyes were dark and emotionless.


    All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    Amanda remained where she stood¡ªunder the pear tree. From afar, she gazed at Rufus as she swore


    under her breath, ''I''ll prove it to you, Rufus. You''ll be mine again someday. We''ll be together again.


    I''ll make you fall in love with me again!''


    By the time Cassandra arrived home, she still felt a bit light-headed. She took a very quick shower and


    went straight to bed.


    That night, she had a dream.


    She had a dream about Rufus.


    Suddenly, she woke up.


    When she woke up, Cassandra thought she was still dreaming because a pair of arms had been


    enveloped around her and a heavy breathing filled her ears.


    Rufus sensed she''d woken up so he whispered in her ear, "What woke you up? Do you need some


    loving?"


    His face broke into a huge smile before he kissed Cassandra on the lips fervently.


    He arrivedter than Cassandra did. She''d already been sleeping by the time he got in the room so he


    slid next to her in the bed and wrapped her in his arms.


    But when she woke again around dawn, he was nowhere to be seen.


    Cassandra felt a bit disappointed. She just wanted to be with him day in and day out without any


    interruption.


    She held a difficult position with the Tang family so if she and Rufus were married, it would take a while


    before they could adjust.


    Cassandra lifted her head to peek through the window and glimpse the two Chinese parasol trees


    brought by Rufus. A light smile yed on her lips as she murmured quietly to herself, ''These trees


    grow together, share the sunlight with one another, and stand through the storm together until the end.


    Rufus, I hope we''ll share our lives the same way they do. I don''t ever want to be apart from


    you.''

 Chapter 185 Be My Dancing Partner

    Chapter 185 Be My Dancing Partner


    As promised, Amanda gave Ivy a job in herpany. She only needed to work short hours but her


    sry was much higher than she could imagine.


    Ivy knew very well why Amanda was giving her the job, and it was because Amanda wanted to learn


    more about what Rufus was up to. Consequently, Ivy was always happy to share everything she heard


    and saw in the Tang House, whether deliberately or unintentionally.


    However, the only pieces of information Ivy had at the moment were the recent developments of Tang


    Group and unimportant conversations between Rufus and the Tang family, which Amanda could find


    out on her own too.


    To her surprise, Amanda treated her even better. Aside from chatting with Ivy, she had never asked Ivy


    to do other things in the studio. It seemed that Amanda believed everything she said without suspicion.


    Ivy felt lucky and was very pleased to work with Amanda.


    "Ivy, there will be a dance party in three days. All the government officials will be attending. Please do


    come as well with Mr. Tang," Amanda invited Ivy with a pleasant smile on her face.


    Amanda seemed to be on her way out of the studio already as she was wearing her coat when she


    knocked on the door and invited Ivy.


    On the other hand, Ivy had learned about the dance party and heard that the spokesperson for


    enterprises in G City would be selected during that event. This person would also be representing the


    tourism area of G City with Amanda.


    Because she had not formally married into the Tang Family, Ivy assumed that she wasn''t invited to


    parties like that. But, Amanda dide to ask her in person to attend so she was overwhelmed.


    "I don''t know whether Lionel will take me to the party. It''s embarrassing but we hadn''t gotten married


    yet..." Ivy responded technically.


    She looked at Amanda for a response even before she could finish her sentence.


    With an assuring smile, Amanda told her to be patient.


    All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    "I''ll talk to your future father-inw and he will talk to Mr. Tang. I think that my opinion carries an


    important weight to him now," Amanda promised.


    She was too smart to not know what was in Ivy''s mind and knew how to make Ivy satisfied.


    This was a very good opportunity for Amanda. She was making sure that everyone she needed was


    there. The more, the better.


    And Ivy was an important part of her master n, she needed to make sure that she showed up to the


    party.


    At the same time, Cassandra was very busy working in her office when suddenly her assistant came in


    carrying an invitation.


    "Manager Qin, the government office sent an invitation here asking you to take part in a dance party in


    three days," the assistance reported eagerly.


    She ced the invitation on Cassandra''s desk but her eyes were fixed on it curiously.


    She wondered who sent this invitation and why they invited Cassandra. Thepany was not big


    enough or well-known for such asions.


    Cassandra was obviously confused thinking who had sent this invitation to her too.


    She grabbed the white envelope containing the invitation and hurriedly opened it. The dance party, as


    mentioned, was scheduled in three days. The letter was from the mayor''s wife.


    Cassandra remembered that she yed mahjong for the first time in her life with the mayor''s wife, but


    couldn''t figure out why she would ask her to the party.


    She didn''t suspect anything with the invitation and decided to go out of politeness.


    Cassandra thought for a while before she took her phone to call Michelle with the intention of asking


    her to make a dress for the party.


    "Really? You''ve got toe here now! I just made a dress and it would be perfect on you!" Michelle


    excitedly eximed.


    Cassandra could clearly hear the suppressed excitement in her voice.


    Both of them were designers, so Cassandra knew the feeling of wanting to share a piece of work they''d


    done to others. The feeling of kicking their heels in excitement.


    Cassandra smiled over the phone and she went straight to Michelle''s studio after hanging up the


    phone.


    The moment she entered the studio, Michelle thrust a dress into Cassandra''s hands. Before she knew


    it, Cassandra was being pushed into the fitting room. So she got changed and walked out. Michelle''s


    face became radiant and she covered her mouth with both hands. Her eyes were on the verge of tears.


    "Perfection! You''re gorgeous, Cassandra!" she held her breath and eximed.


    It was a pink dress dotted with numerous silk flowers which were grouped in clusters. They were so


    vivid that they seemed more like real flowers. When people saw the dress, they felt like they could


    smell the fresh flowers of spring. The color was especiallyplimentary to Cassandra''s fair skin. It


    looked as if she was the Goddess of Flowers herself.


    "Wow, Cassandra, even I can''t take my eyes from you! I''m sure that Rufus''s jaw will hit the ground


    when he sees you in this dress," Michelle whispered in her ear.


    She stood behind Cassandra and ced both hands on her shoulders while grinning a mischievous


    smile.


    Cassandra flushed up to the roots of her hair. Compared with the vivid flowers on the dress, she was a


    lot more charming.


    "Actually Michelle, I have no idea about any of Rufus''s past. Can you tell me more about him when he


    was little? I want to know more," Cassandra asked, switching the topic.


    Michelle was the younger sister of Rufus''s mother and she must know lots of things which Rufus had


    never talked about. Cassandra looked at her expectantly.


    Michelle drifted away for a second and she knew how Rufus was now. She believed that Rufus might


    not be ready to talk about his past experiences to anyone at the moment, even to the woman he loved.


    She looked into Cassandra''s eyes and heaved a heavy sigh.


    "Rufus was quite stubborn even when he was a little boy and would turn a deaf ear to all advice from


    others once he made up his mind about something. He always focused on a certain way even if the


    end of it was dark," Michelle recalled and shook her head.


    Cassandra lifted the corner of her lips and gave an approving smile, as that was the Rufus she knew.


    He had never changed. He was so stubborn and no one could make him turn back.


    She remembered the time when she was living in the Tang House. Even when she tried her best to


    avoid seeing him and turning him down, he would not give up. He set his mind on her and always tried


    to be with her.


    Thanks to his stubbornness, they were able to be together now and Cassandra felt really lucky.


    "Rufus was very close to his mother, who brought him up all by herself. Because of him, my sister gave


    up the chance to study abroad because she was pregnant during that time," Michelle continued the


    story.


    The oil painting that Cassandra saw one time suddenly popped into her head. It was his mother and


    the young Rufus, both looked peaceful and happy. She could clearly see a deep connection between


    the mother and son.


    "But life was tough even for a pretty woman like my sister. She was very stubborn too; Rufus inherited


    most of her personality. My sister have lived in poverty for a long time and carried everything on her


    shoulders, but she never asked me for help. She took on multiple jobs just to support both of them until


    finally, the heavy work took its toll on her body. Then she passed away after spending ten years on the


    sickbed," Michelle''s voice choked and paused for a while.


    "Ever since his mother got sick, Rufus had changed. He wasn''t born cold. You just never know what will


    happen next, right?" she asked, as she tried topose herself as she recalled the painful past.


    The moment she and Rufus met for the first time shed into Cassandra''s head. She guessed that his


    mother was still alive during that time since he offered to help a strange little girl and even tried to


    comfort her.


    The man was very different from that little boy from the past. Now, he always showed a cold exterior


    especially to people he didn''t know. This was why most people were scared to meet him in person.


    "Rufus has been an outstanding boy in my eyes. I understood why he was like that to other people.


    Imagine going through that pain and suffering with your mother and eventually losing her. He has


    grown to look more mature than his peers. Even with all that, I know he''s looking forward to a family of


    his own. But he will never speak that out," Michelle concluded and winked at Cassandra.


    Cassandra''s eyes widened in shock. She had no idea about that and it was the first time she ever


    heard it. She always assumed that he wanted to keep away from family life due to his deeply traumatic


    family history.


    Meanwhile, Michelle was not surprised at Cassandra''s response.


    "Cassandra, I know that Rufus loves you, and he fell in love with you even when you were still Lionel''s


    wife. Once he hasmitted to you, it will be impossible for him to leave you or cheat on you. As his


    aunt, I certainly hope that the two of you can grow old together; as your friend, I want to warn you that


    you need to be more tolerant of Rufus. He''s been hurt more than you can imagine before he''s met


    you!" Michelle said with a serious tone now.


    After that, she heaved a long sigh and decided to tell Cassandra about what happened between Rufus


    and Amanda. But before she could even begin, she was interrupted by her assistant.


    "Michelle, some officials'' wives are insisting to see you immediately. They said that their dresses didn''t


    fit properly and wanted you to alter them immediately," the assistant exined hurriedly in a low voice


    that only Michelle and Cassandra could hear.


    Cassandra was aware that they needed to pay more attention when dealing with officials. It was difficult


    to keep a good rtionship with them.


    "Please go and see what happened, Michelle! Thank you for telling me so many things about him, and I


    owe you a lot. Just let your assistant wrap the dress for me and I''ll be out of your hair. I also got other


    ns," she urged Michelle.


    Cassandra gave a sincere smile and her eyes glimmered with gratitude.


    Michelle also smiled at her, knowing that she had to leave now. She nned to tell Cassandra about


    Amanda the next time they met. With that, she bid goodbye and left hurriedly.


    Cassandra returned to her office with the dress and to her surprise, Lionel was waiting for her there.


    "Why go through the trouble of visiting my office, Mr. Tang? What can I do for you," she asked directly.


    She put the bag on her desk and looked at the unexpected and unweed visitor, wondering whether


    he was there to argue with her and if it was, why.


    "Cassandra, are you stupid or are you pretending to be stupid? Did you already forget about what


    happened at the hotel the other day?" Lionel asked ironically.


    He sat on the guest sofafortably as if he was in his own living room, with his legs and arms spread


    in the mostfortable position he managed. Noticing Cassandra''s face slowly changed, he couldn''t


    help but sh a piece of triumph in his eyes.


    ''My dear ex-wife, I don''t believe that you trust that bastardpletely, '' he thought.


    The fact of the matter was, Cassandra didn''t really believe what Rufus told her the other day. She had


    lost consciousness and couldn''t remember a thing. She had no other choice.


    Besides, David''s design was taken away by Rufus too, and the residual payment was made. The case


    waspleted, but she still couldn''t figure out what really happened and she was curious about it.


    "If you want to know, I can tell you, but I have one condition. You need toe to the dance party in


    three days, as my partner," Lionel proposed.


    There was a wicked and self-satisfied smile on the corner of his lips, as he believed that Cassandra


    would agree to his demands.

 Chapter 186 Men Are Strange Animals (Part One)

    Chapter 186 Men Are Strange Animals (Part One)


    "No way! I''m not interested in hearing your side of the story," Cassandra said defiantly.


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    Immediately and with such determination, sheid down her case. Cassandra felt herself gaining


    strength and boldness, each day of her separation from this man she detested.


    She hated to admit that this man had caused a lot of damage. Cassandra was so innocent when she


    met Lionel. During their arranged marriage, they just could not seem to get along with each other. His


    hatred and her resistance drifted the two further and further away. She had never been afraid of


    Lionel''s threats before, and would never allow them to affect her in the future.


    "You don''t want to know what''s happened, do you?" Lionel said, with a smirk on his arrogant face.


    He was quite surprised, as he looked for that familiar curiosity in her eyes. Casandra no longer fell for


    his mind games. Sitting like a blueprint in front of her. He had be so obvious. The years of reading


    his every action had made her extremely perceptive. The repulsiveness sat in her throat when she


    looked at him.


    "I do, but I trust Rufus more and will believe what he has told me. Your information is normally


    fragmented in lies and concealment," Cassandra said coldly.


    Cassandra took a deep breath and looked at Lionel calmly. She no longer felt anxiety and had no pit in


    her stomach. How wonderful it was to be free of his bondage.


    She wondered why Rufus hasn''t told her everything. As she pondered, she realized, he was protecting


    her. He was a caring man, always putting her well being first. These two brothers couldn''t have been


    any more different, even if they tried. Lionel was just a critically hard man. He could notmit, and


    had no loyalty.


    Lionel had his teeth clenched, seething with annoyance. Cassandra had been pushing himtely. He


    was going to make them regret their rtionship. If he couldn''t have her, neither could his brother. He


    always believed he was better. Thinking he had to prove his point, in everything he did. ''We will see


    about that.'' Anger rose up within him.


    His thoughts flickered back to their marriage which onlysted about five years. ''Did she ever trust and


    believe in me as she believes in Rufus. How is that possible?


    What on earth has Rufus done to win over her trust? Could he have promised her shares in the


    company? Is he after herpany. I don''t know, but I''m going to find out. How dare he just walk in


    here and take over. He must have been manipting her heart. He is so smooth, yet arrogant as hell.


    How can that self-righteous prig think he''s better than the rest of us!'' Lionel thought.


    "Do you think you should believe in a man, who seduces the wife of his younger brother?"


    Lionel sneered scornfully. A contemptuous look crept over his face.


    "Lionel, listen, from now on, you are not wee here. You are not to put a foot into mypany. I''ve


    had enough of your nonsense, tost me a lifetime. I don''t have to listen to you anymore. I need


    nothing from you. You have lost nothing here. I don''t mind you ndering me, in fact I''m used to it. Not


    Rufus, he has always picked up and fixed your mistakes. I''m no exclusion. Without him, the Tang


    Group would definitely not be what it is today and would have been overshadowed by the Dawn Star


    Group, I am not exaggerating. What he has achieved is astounding. If you were half the man he was,


    you would go a long way. I don''t care what you say, or what your intentions are. You never took into


    ount how I felt before. Rufus and I are together. We respect each other, we work well together, and


    we have each others back. We don''t have the sick, unhealthy rtionship that you are thinking in your


    filthy head."


    Cassandra looked right into his eyes. Her thoughts flew to Rufus whom she wanted to share a


    meaningful life with. Did Lionel ever have any of those values? She couldn''t help shaking her head.


    During their marriage, he brought his pregnant mistress into their home. The unscrupulous two showed


    their affection openly in front of her, this went on for many months. The horror show, finally became too


    much. Ivy confronted Cassandra, and toyed with her emotions. She deliberately put on a show


    tumbling down the steps and miscarrying her bastard child. The me rested fair and square on


    Cassandra.


    Rufus, was the only member of the Tang family who cared about her. She tried to put up with them in


    respect for Rufus. Cassandra just hoped the Tangs would unite. The Qins were segmented all over,


    and had no way of bing a family again. Her heart longed for something she could call her own.


    She did not want them to share the same tragedies as the Qin family. The brothers never spoke too


    much in the house. Rufus apparently kept a distance with his father as well. And Jill, was never fond of


    Rufus to begin with. Cassandra felt bad for him as she believed deep in her heart that he did not


    deserve all these treatments.


    Michelle had once spoken to her about the importance of family to Rufus. Being raised by his mother


    under hard conditions, he had be tough and strong. In her days of sickness, Rufus had grown up


    into a more indifferent person. What would happen to him if the Tang family had broken down?


    Michelle told her,"Rufus has been longing for love and the warmth from aplete family, he won''t


    admit it though." Thinking of what Michelle said, Cassandra felt like been torn apart. Although she had


    yet been told much about Rufus''s past, she knew that her beloved man had suffered and lived a hard


    life.


    He still had a family, with parents and a half brother. Not that they were close, but she wanted the best


    for him. She never wanted to separate him or bring anymore pain into his rtionships. Cassandra was


    well aware of what it meant without love, support, and care from family.


    "Not the filthy way as I think? How do you know what I am thinking?" "How do you know in what way I


    see you?" said Lionel with a darker face, clenching his teeth.


    He changed from his rxed posture into sitting up right, and his neck stiffened.


    "Lionel, I don''t want to argue with you anymore. I''m tired of your nonsense. Please get over it and get


    out. Stop meddling in my business! I trust Rufus, and it''s never your ce to judge."


    "I will never ept you and my brother together." said Lionel. Cassandra didn''t bother to waste her


    breath, knowing that he just wanted to get on her nerves.


    Lionel was quite frustrated that he never got the response he wanted.


    He knew he was the reason for Cassandra leaving him. She was such a stunner, how did he miss that?


    He had all those mistresses, and not one couldpare with her. This woman used to be his legal


    wife, but now she was in his brothers arms. With this thought, a sudden pangs of rage flooded through


    him.


    "If Rufus does marry you, then you will no longer be my ex, but my sister-inw!" Lionelughed out


    loud. "But...I''m not sure whether that will go down too well with daddy dearest. Rufus would just do it to


    spite him anyway."

 Chapter 187 Men Are Strange Animals (Part Two)

    Chapter 187 Men Are Strange Animals (Part Two)


    "If Rufus does marry you, then you will no longer be my ex, but my sister-inw!" Lionelughed out


    loud. "But...I''m not sure whether that will go down too well with daddy dearest. Rufus would just do it to


    spite him anyway."


    Lionel had a sinister smile on his face. He gazed at Cassandra meaningfully, satisfied to see her stiffen


    instantly.


    She felt a stab to her heart. ''Would Horace ept her? What about the Tangs?''


    Rufus and she were in the awkward status now. She once hoped to get the blessings from the two


    families, but would that be possible?


    Her father Vermon, had no idea of her love life, being stuck in prison. Edith, her mother, would never


    approve of anything she did. And Cloris, her sister, kept being hostile towards her.


    Besides, just imagine how the Tangs would react! Jill never liked her, seeing her as a gold digger. She


    knew for the fact that Cassandra married into the Tang family formercial benefit of the Qins. The


    Lady of the Tangs was always looking down her nose at her. She was such a pompous, pretentious


    woman, believing that only certain people had the right to breath in her oxygen.


    Horace, never epted her as part of the family. The day Cassandra''s father was imprisoned, he


    showed his intense indifference towards her. Then it dawned on her, she would never truly be epted


    by the Tangs.


    And Lionel... In the wrong ce at the wrong time, with the wrong man, she had started a tragic life. He


    had ruined all her fantasy of marriage for her. Her thoughts about marriage and rtionships, had


    be practical. Not that she didn''t want the fantasy, it just felt as though it was unattainable.Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    If it weren''t for Rufus, what would have happened to her? Her knight in shining armor, came to her


    rescue. The thoughts of his strong beefy physique, warm smile, strong heartbeats and stunning eyes


    made her legs all wobbly.


    "I won''t regret my rtionship with him. Rufus has never minced his words about marriage. But it didn''t


    worry me; even if we never get married, I am content to just be with him."


    Reminiscently her thoughts wondered, as a smile developed on her lips.


    Marriage? She never had a marriage, it was just a trade. Neither she nor Lionel had the choice and


    they weren''t happy at all. She was done with marriage. When she thought she was stuck in her tragic


    marriage, then Rufus came into her life, and all of it changed. He was everything she ever wanted in a


    man. Being with the man who cared and loved her was all she had ever wanted. What else could she


    ever ask for?


    "Cassandra, you will definitely regret, not knowing Rufus''s true colours. He seems charming but there''s


    another side," shouted Lionel. "That''s riching from you, Lionel," sneered Cassandra. "I really just


    don''t care."


    Lionel was still not happy that Rufus had toe and scratch in his sd. It made him curious and all


    the more irritated, having not imagined Cassandra would even give up marriage only to be with Rufus.


    "Well, I''ve never even said a word of ''regret'' about our marriage, and you know that. How should I


    regret over anything else?"


    Cassandra scoffed, trying to get her bearings together.


    It was life, anyway! Everything in her past made her who she was today. And she was happy to move


    along now. Cassandra remembered someone once said," Never regret. If it''s good, it''s wonderful. If it''s


    bad, it''s experience."


    "So you trust him, with all of your heart?"


    Lionel started challenging again, with even more of a gloomy on his face.


    "Lionel, who are you trying to kid, you are with Ivy. You should know better, that''s love! "Well, don''t


    waste your breath anymore. I will go to the ball only as a Qin and won''t take a partner,"


    Cassandra snapped.


    "Oh well, quite impressive, Cassandra, I will wait and see how the Qin Group ends up," Lionel stated.


    Then mming his hand on the table, he got up and left enraged.


    Pressing her temples, Cassandra had a slight headache starting the side of her head; she was happy


    he had eventually left, a bitter smile crept onto her face.


    What a strange person Lionel was! All the words he said during the whole span of their marriage, were


    less than what he said after their divorce. Moreover, he deliberately created difficulties for her from time


    to time.


    The discord of two brother had crept into their rtionship since the beginning. However, why did she


    have to be involved in it? And howe Lionel just couldn''t let her go!


    Men were strange animals!


    Cassandra had an appointment with Ste in the afternoon. After informing her assistant, she left


    urgently, spotting the time on the clock above the receptionist desk.


    Ste looked sternly toward Cassandra, as they met. Cassandra began chatting and smiling trying hard


    to cheer her up, but all in vain.


    "Don''t be mad at me, please! I didn''t mean to ignore you. I''ve been quite upied recently...You know


    you are my best friend, Ste!"


    She drew closer to Ste who was looking at her with an inquisitive look. Cassandra smiled, waiting


    patiently for her reply.


    "Humph!"


    Ste jerked her head sideways to avoid facing Cassandra.


    "I will treat you to seafood buffet if you forgive me..." Cassandra suggested softly.


    Sure enough, Ste''s eyes lit up. Cassandra''s generous invitation was too good to ignore.


    Cassandra knew exactly where Ste''s weaknessy.


    "It is settled then!"


    Ste echoed her response in no time, with a smug smile on her face.


    "Ste, you know I didn''t mean to ignore you, okay? The Qin Group has just started over. Everything


    needs to be done at the same time, you know how it goes. And I have no one to really help me to see


    to the wholepany. You know what? I haven''t taken a break in such a long time."


    Cassandra also felt dead beat, but she had to persist since it was her father''spany...


    "That doesn''t make me mad! I am mad because you have been keeping your secret love life from me!


    Do you really take me as your BFF, friend?"


    Ste pouted angrily.


    Cassandra was mystified, wondering how the knowledge of their falling in love had reached Ste, as


    Rufus and she hadn''t mentioned a thing.


    "How... "How did you know that?"


    Cassandra asked Ste in a daze. Cassandra was utterly perplexed, wondering when Rufus decided to


    publicly dered their rtionship.


    Ste narrowed her eyes and pretended to glower at Cassandra, before pulling out her mobile. She


    tapped open the News app and handed it to Cassandra.


    "Take a look for yourself! You have made the headlines!"


    The confusion was written all over Cassandra''s face. She took the phone from Ste dubiously and


    froze as her eyes nced upon the news.


    It was the photo in which Dylon was wrapping her in his arms and addressing the journalist.

 Chapter 188 It’s Easier For A Woman To Pursue A Man (Part One)

    Chapter 188 It¡¯s Easier For A Woman To Pursue A Man (Part One)


    Cassandra was still shocked. It took a while before it wore off and she was able to pull herself together.


    At the side, Ste crossed her hands and raised them to her chest.


    "Why didn''t you tell me about this, Cassandra? I''m your best friend and I can''t believe you keep secrets


    from me! But please ept my best wishes. It''s lucky of you to find a sweet and handsome boyfriend


    in such a short time! I hope he can heal your wound. It was romantic of him to announce you as his


    girlfriend to the whole world! How I envy you!" Ste chatted non-stop.


    Her face showed an expression of admiration, especially that she didn''t have a boyfriend at the


    moment.


    Cassandra curled her lips. She looked at the photo again before she averted her eyes to Ste, not


    knowing whether tough or cry about the situation.


    She thought hard how to exin everything to Ste. If she chose to say that Dylon and her pretended


    to be lovers to get Lyndsy out of trouble, then she would have to exin why and open up about what


    happened to Lyndsy. And it was impossible to borate the entire story in just a few words.


    While Cassandra was thinking hard on how to exin the entire situation to her friend, Ste just talked


    and talked.


    "When will that silly goose spontaneously do something like that? Will I ever experience something like


    that in my life? If he can act like your boyfriend, I''ll sure be jumping at it!" Ste muttered.


    Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    The serious and depressed expression on her face made Cassandra part her lips with an abortive


    attempt at augh.


    Cassandra knew exactly who she was talking to. It was Victor, who always followed Rufus like his


    shadow wherever he went.


    Victor had left a good impression on Cassandra. He might not talk much and always showed a cold


    exterior. But he was a good man, responsible and very considerate of others.


    Cassandra lightly bumped Ste on the shoulder with a teasing smile on her face.


    "Since he''s as silly as a goose, you can be more enthusiastic. It''s okay for a girl to pursue a boy


    nowadays. It''s not a big deal as long as you two can be happily together," she suggested.


    As far as she was concerned, it was impossible for Victor to take the first step. So Cassandra knew she


    had to encourage Ste to take the initiative.


    "I don''t know. It might be embarrassing to ask him to be my boyfriend. And call me old fashioned, but I


    believe the man should take the first step!" Ste grumbled at the thought.


    She suddenly felt down and was unable to continue with her yoga session. Shey t on her back on


    the mat and stretched out on all fours.


    "Don''t be depressed! You''ll be together when the time is right and it really doesn''t matter who says the


    three magic words first," Cassandra continued to try and cheer her up.


    She shook her head at Ste and could not stand the expression on her face.


    Ste sat up with a jerk as if something stung her from behind.


    "Oh, speaking of which, I just remembered a piece of gossip I heard the other day. Oh, it''s beyond your


    imagination, Cassandra! It is the biggest news and the hottest chin-wag in Tang Group right now. Do


    you want to know what the gossip is? It''s about Mr. Luo, the most attractive man ever!" Ste


    whispered secretly but filled with excitement at the same time.


    Her eyes lit up and she couldn''t hold back. It seemed that the depression of not being able to make


    Victor confess just faded away.


    "Mr. Luo?" Cassandra asked right away with a confused tone.


    What a day this had be! One shocking news after another. But it was strange and rare for Rufus


    to be the center of gossips.


    "You know what? A woman is crazily pursuing Mr. Luo recently! Shees to his office at the Tang


    Group every day to bring him lunch. She stays inside his office the whole lunchtime and doesn''t leave


    until the afternoon when everybody needs to get back to work!" Ste described vividly as she saw it by


    her own eyes.


    "Somebody sneaked a peek at what she brought for lunch. It was indeed a feast for the eyes. She


    made it with her own two hands, just for Mr. Luo!


    But as I learned, Mr. Luo never reciprocated any interest to her. It''s weird, because I''ve never seen a


    woman so brazen to show up in his office every single day! And she wasn''t shut outside!


    People believe that Mr. Luo must be attracted by her, but he''s unable to break his habit just yet. You


    know how cold he could be! As time goes by, I guess that his heart will soon be melted by this woman if


    she doesn''t stop. Soon he will throw himself at her feet. Huh, Victor is just the same as him!


    It''s just a matter of time. Let''s wait and see what happens next. They''re well matched as a couple, he is


    an eligible bachelor and she is an elegant pianist. Hmm, what a perfect pair they make!"


    Ste''s eyes gleamed and danced, happy like ark. Her cheeks became red from excitement. On the


    other hand, Cassandra''s heart was sinking down as if a rock was tied to it and her entire body was


    suddenly frozen. ''The pianist...Amanda Ke!'' A name shed across Cassandra''s mind.


    That same woman had held Rufus''s arms intimately and she had made Rufus leave her without any


    hesitation with just a phone call.


    Cassandra could see the billboards of that woman every day on her way to work, and she was smiling


    gracefully like an angel along the skyline of G City''s busy streets.


    That same woman was just like a shadow that existed between Rufus and her, half visible and half


    hidden; it was impossible for Cassandra to get rid of the shadow because she kept reminding them of


    her existence every now and then.


    Cassandra had deliberately ignored the woman and was reluctant to think about her. She made an


    effort to avoid her own suspicion breaking her rtionship with Rufus.


    Until now, what Ste told her had forced her to reconsider this woman and thought that she was not as


    simple as she used to think.

 Chapter 189 It’s Easier For A Woman To Pursue A Man (Part Two)

    Chapter 189 It¡¯s Easier For A Woman To Pursue A Man (Part Two)


    This woman had managed to see Rufus every day, but Cassandra could only see him once or twice a


    week at the most.


    She brought lunch to his office every day, but it was rare for him to eat any food that Cassandra


    cooked.


    Cassandra remembered the promise Rufus made to her the other day when he said that she was the


    only woman he loved, which sounded like a joke to her now or a dark joke, dangling in front of her face


    and smiling at her weirdly. Cassandra felt dizzy and started to rub her forehead.


    "What''s wrong with you, Cassandra? Are you okay?" Ste asked as she worried about her friend''s


    sudden change of demeanor.


    She noticed something strange about Cassandra. Her face turned pale and beads of sweat formed on


    her forehead.


    "Nothing, I''m fine. Do you, do you know the name of that woman?" Cassandra struggled through to


    ask.


    She was almost certain who the woman was, but was unwilling to ept it. She asked anyway as she


    hoped that Ste could give her a different name.


    When she decided to be together with Rufus, she prepared herself mentally for that. She knew that a


    lot of women were after him due to his standing and good looks. Cassandra understood all that.


    She had made up her mind to trust Rufus and believe everything he said to her. She took his promises


    seriously and was confident that she wouldugh at all the gossips about him.


    "Oh, I almost forgot to tell you! Her name is Amanda Ke, a very popr pianist who is living in G City


    now!" Ste snapped out.


    The name pushed Cassandra over the edge again. She stared at Ste''s mouth as she spoke but


    couldn''t hear any other words she said.


    Her nightmare hade true.


    Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    The name being uttered to her felt like a sword stabbing into her heart and the pain was so great that it


    was difficult to breath.


    "Oh, I saw her in the public service advertisement," she gasped.


    Cassandra tried to act normal in front of Ste even with all the pain in her right now, but every word


    she spoke seemed to cost herst strength.


    She was almost out of breath, everything was a blur in her eyes and she couldn''t feel her arms and


    legs anymore.


    "More than an advertisement, Cassandra! The Government of G City is going to make her the


    spokesperson of the Industrial Tourism District. They said that they would be able to enter the


    international market with the help of Amanda''s global influence and position. Hoping this can improve


    the level of impact on the local tourism industry of the city. Oh, and they''re going to select another


    outstanding local entrepreneur to work with Amanda¡­" Ste kept talking.


    It seemed that Ste wouldn''t stop talking until the end of time. Cassandra felt her chest blocked up as


    if a heavy rock was ced on it.


    In the eyes of others, Amanda was talented and beautiful, and only a woman like her could stand by


    Rufus.


    Then, what about Cassandra?


    Except for Lionel and a few other people, no one actually knew about their rtionship.


    She looked at Ste and felt the urge to tell her to stop talking nonsense because Rufus was her man.


    However, she was unable to say a word about it because she wasn''t ready to see the expression on


    Ste''s face upon finding out about the truth. She was still scared and felt they''re not ready.


    In the minds of Ste and all other people, Rufus and Amanda was a perfect couple; they wouldn''t


    believe her even if she told the truth. They might think of her as a crazy person.


    It was ridiculous that she even told Lionel shepletely trusted Rufus, but now she realized that she


    had been yed as a fool since the beginning.


    They said that Amanda was pursuing Rufus and it was because they didn''t know him well enough. The


    truth was, if Rufus didn''t want to see a person or to do something, no one in this world could force him


    to do so, no matter how hard they tried.


    Since Amanda could enter his office freely and openly in front of all the employees every day, it meant


    that Rufus allowed her to do so; if he didn''t take Amanda seriously, it was impossible for him to agree.


    It turned out that Cassandra was the other woman, and the most stupid woman at that.


    "Cassandra, what''s the matter with you? You look rather pale. Let me take you to the hospital. I bet


    you''ve been working so hard recently. You''re not made of steel, my dear friend!" Ste said worriedly.


    She stopped talking, came over to Cassandra and examined her as a concerned friend.


    Cassandra felt a tingle in her eyes and tried hard to hold back her tears from flowing down.


    "Right, I''m justpletely exhausted. It''s nothing and I just need to sleep more," she exined and


    patted Ste on her shoulder.


    She cracked a smile to try and hide her sadness from her friend.


    "Okay, don''t stay here with me now. Go home and get some sleep. It''s very rare for you to take an


    afternoon off. Let''s eat seafood another time when you''re better. Let me send you back" Ste urged


    her.


    She then stood up to get changed, but Cassandra suddenly stopped her.


    "No, I can go back by myself. I can take a taxi and I''ll be okay after a good night''s sleep," she said with


    a smile on her face.


    She didn''t want Ste to worry about her anymore and refused her offer to drive her.


    Cassandra felt that she was lucky to have someone to care for her and love her, but thest thing she


    wanted was to trap them in her own despair.


    If someone needed to be trapped, she preferred to be that person and take all the misery alone.

 Chapter 190 Amandas Resolve (Part One)

    Chapter 190 Amanda''s Resolve (Part One)


    Cassandra nked out. It was thete evening, off-work peak hour, and the taxi was stuck in the


    middle of all the cars heading from the CBD towards the residential areas. The traffic moved so slowly;


    the taxi moved like a snail.


    Cassandra leaned against the window and looked out at the buildings all around her. And her eyes


    happened to fall upon a huge billboard, with Amanda''s smiling face on it.


    It was that typical smile of her, pure and elegant, confident and amicable.


    Part of her suspected Amanda hade to G city for Rufus.


    What was the rtionship between the two? Her head was filled up with doubts and spections.


    Endless questions wed at her heart, because of which she feltpelled to confront Rufus directly.


    But she was afraid of seeing him, afraid that she would copse at the mere sight of his face, that she


    would fall to her knees and wail endlessly, that she would expose her most vulnerable, fragile self. Most


    of all, she was afraid Rufus would despise that weak side of her.


    ''How do you forget to be obstinate, Cassandra? Where''s your perseverance? Where does all your


    strength vanish to when you see Rufus?'' she castigated herself.


    While she was lost in her own musings, Rufus was still at work. Amanda, who was determined to get


    back her true love again, sat on the couch, watching him work since noon.


    She hadn''t left the room since she hade to have lunch with him, who kept ignoring her. However,


    she seemed to be mentally prepared for this cold treatment and hence wasn''t really bothered by it.


    As long as Rufus didn''t kick her out, she felt hopeful.


    Moreover, maybe it was for Charlie''s sake that he wasn''t saying anything harsh enough to chase her


    out.


    When it was time to leave, Rufus turned off hisputer and wrapped up everything. Amanda finally


    got up and walked toward him, clutching his arm with her hands.


    "Rufus, let''s watch a movie tonight," she said.


    Her eyes seemed to flicker with hope and anticipation. She even had the tickets ready for a romantic


    movie, the best kind for a couple to see on a date night. All she needed was a man to watch it with.


    "I have something else nned," Rufus said, trying to decline politely.


    With creased eyebrows, he slid his arm from her touch as naturally as possible.


    "It''s okay! I can wait for you until you finish."


    Amanda wasn''t ready to give up. Smiling with hope, she again twisted her arms with his.


    "It''s a business matter. I don''t know how long it''ll take,"


    Rufus answered coldly. Yet again, he pulled away from her.


    Without making any talk further, he started to walk away. He was just about to open the door of the


    office, when she appeared in front of him and leaned against the door, blocking his way.


    "Rufus, you don''t have to hide from me. Why can''t you treat me like a normal friend?" she pleaded.


    The warm smile on her face froze as Rufus stared at her coldly. He was probably the only person in the


    world who had the power to ignore her beautiful face.


    "I can, but I don''t randomly watch movies with ''normal friends.'' Move it. I need to get out," Rufus said,


    rejecting her again, this time harsher.


    She persisted. He sighed and slotted his hands into his pockets, looking at her with no hint of emotions


    on his face.


    "Rufus, do you remember the first time we watched a movie together? You said you would watch many


    more movies with me in the future. As the CEO of TY group, surely you can''t eat your own words."


    Amanda''s expression juggled between disappointment and self-pity. Anyone who saw that face


    would''ve sympathized with this ''poor girl'' who looked like she was going to burst into tears. But it wasn''t


    enough to sway Rufus.


    Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    "Amanda, stop it with the tricks. How can you be so naive? You know I am in love with Cassandra. Stop


    wasting your time and mine."


    Rufus had actually been trying to maintain distance from Amanda for quite some days. He didn''t care


    what she did or acted like. He was convinced she would have to give up if he didn''t respond to her.


    To his surprise, Amanda kept going further and further. Today, she had stayed in his office the entire


    afternoon. If anyone had visited him during this period, he would''ve


    definitely asked her out despite her identity as Charlie''s daughter.


    Charlie had just left G City. Before leaving, he had made a request to Rufus.


    "Sometimes, Amanda is capricious, but she really loves you. I regret breaking you two up years ago


    but trust me, she still loves you. I just hope you treat her well. Even if you don''t resume a rtionship


    with her, let her down gently. Don''t hurt her, please."


    Rufus knew his revered mentor, Charlie, had doted on Amanda, hence he agreed to this. It was a token


    of gratitude for his valuable guidance.


    And indeed, he was keeping his promise. Even though he didn''t want to be in a rtionship with


    Amanda, he never intended to hurt her. He had decided to allow Amanda to do whatever she wished.


    The best he could do was to turn a blind eye to all her actions.


    But it seemed like Amanda wasn''t discouraged by his indifference¡ªfrom sending him flowers, to


    staying in his office, to blocking his way and now inviting him for a movie¡ªshe was so persistent.


    Finally, Rufus''s patience started to fade.


    "What''s so good about Cassandra? She is divorced! What tricks has she yed to trap you?


    I have heard the clients that signed contracts with herpany are none other than the regr clients


    of Tang Group. Did you make that happen? Rufus, you weren''t a person like this. Why do you treat her


    so generously and kindly, and me so coldly?" Amanda was now shouting at him, having lost all her


    patience.

 Chapter 191 Amandas Resolve (Part Two)

    Chapter 191 Amanda''s Resolve (Part Two)


    At this point, she could no longer pretend she wasn''t bothered by Rufus''s indifference. The anger that


    had umted over the past few weeks broke out. She felt like she was better than Cassandra in


    every possible way and made a more suitable match for Rufus. Yet, Rufus kept ignoring her!


    "Amanda, consider this a warning. Do not speak badly about Cassandra in front of me. This is thest


    time I''m telling you this."


    Atst, the remaining bits of patience for the daughter of his respected mentor got drained. His face


    was grim. Darkness arose from his eagle-like eyes, piercing through her.


    Rufus firmly believed he knew Cassandra better than anyone else. Her marriage with Lionel was widely


    misunderstood. The clients she had were also not due to his reference. Whatever she had reaped was


    the result of her own efforts. How could Amanda disregard all her hard work without knowing anything


    about her?


    "I will speak! Cassandra is nothing but a slut abandoned by her husband. Only you would treasure


    such a filthy woman!"


    Amanda lost all her manners in front of someone like Rufus whom she knew from head to toe. She


    acted like no less than a kid, shouting out those careless words.


    Rufus''s jaw clenched; his eyes widened as a dark look came on his face.


    "Enough! Don''t ever show me your face again!" Rufus roared.


    His eyes seemed to be made of cold metal. Amanda quivered, taken aback by his sudden uproar.


    He had now turned violently angry toward her. Using some strength, he shoved her away from the


    door. She couldn''t even bnce herself and almost fell to the ground but Rufus didn''t even look at her.


    Without waiting another second, he strode out.


    The empty space around her seemed to gnaw at her wounded heart as sheposed herself and


    stomped out helplessly, in anger.


    All the days of Rufus''s cold behavior came back to her. She thought of all the times she brought lunch


    for him, which always ended up untouched. Still, she kept an affectionate smile whenever she came


    and left. Rufus never even bothered to thank her or look at her.


    Despite being at the end of such unresponsiveness, she had to ready herself to feign aposed look


    as she walked along the corridor outside his office, such that all the employees would think of her as


    Rufus''s girlfriend.


    It had be too much for her to bear!


    Even as she smiled and walked on gracefully, her eyes squinted cunningly. ''Rufus, I really don''t think


    this is the end. You cannot behave so heartlessly with me, '' the voice in her head screamed.


    Meanwhile in Tang family, Lionel reached home, drunk again, stumbling on his way into his bedroom.


    Ivy, who waited for him on the bed, only nced at him briefly, with no intentions of helping him.


    Horace had demanded of Lionel to take Ivy to the party as his dancing partner. Lionel threw one


    excuse after another to reject the idea. Horace eventually got enraged and mmed the table shouting


    in fury, "Lionel! Don''t forget you are going to represent Tang Group in this party. You will bring along


    whoever Imand you to bring. If you don''t agree to what I say, remember I am still your father!"


    Horace kept his eyes fixed on Lionel''s face. Jill constantly fretted about Horace''s asthma, afraid it


    would be triggered again. She went up to him and patted his chest to soothe him.


    "Lionel, tell me what''s on your mind. I just don''t get it. In the past, you wanted to bring Ivy with you to all


    the parties. What''s the problem now? Plus, Ivy is so sociable. She can definitely help you interact with


    more people and establish good rtions and contacts. What''s the hesitation for?" Jill asked in doubt.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    The mystery seemed enigmatic to her. Back when Lionel was married to Cassandra, he pressed on


    taking Ivy to the celebration banquet where someone purposely reced the video they used to frame


    Cassandra with an obscene video footage of him and Ivy. Despite that embarrassment, he still wouldn''t


    let Ivy go. Now, his attitude towards her seemed to have changed over night. Where did the


    enthusiasm go suddenly?


    Lionel had had an unsatisfying conversation with Cassandra during the day which had made him very


    upset. And now, at home, he was being forced to take Ivy to the party. This added to his low mood,


    making him feel depressed.


    Originally, naively, he nned to take Cassandra as his dancing partner, to make Rufus jealous. It was


    already grieving enough that she refused to go with him and now he was left with no choice but to take


    Ivy along.


    This was the reason he had gone to a bar and get drunk. He indulged himself in the dazzling and foggy


    environment of the bar. That seemed like the only way for him to get Cassandra out of his head.


    How ridiculous he felt! When Cassandra was legally with him, he never cherished her, instead, always


    pushed her away. It was only after she left him that he saw her true value in his life.


    Recently, he had instructed someone to ask the doctor who handled Ivy''s pregnancy about the night


    Cassandra pushed her down the staircase. The doctor, to his surprise, said that the baby had already


    died because of oxygen deficiency way before Ivy reached the hospital.


    That meant it was highly possible the baby already died before the ident!


    He had employed so many methods to get close to Cassandra after the divorce, but she continued to


    arrogantly avoid him. Yet, he stooped low for her like a begging dog.


    Lionel, soaked in the smell of alcohol, still struggled to stand still. In a daze, he saw a woman on his


    bed. He closed his eyes, shaking his head before opening the eyes again to get a clearer picture. To


    his eyes, it looked like no one else but Cassandra!

 Chapter 192 Why Did You Choose Him (Part One)

    Chapter 192 Why Did You Choose Him (Part One)


    With anger etched on Ivy''s face, she passed Lionel a look that could only be described as distaste.


    Ever since she got discharged from the hospital, she started sensing a strain in their rtionship. As


    the days passed, Lionel was getting further and further away from her. At the beginning, she assumed


    Cassandra''s departure would make her path clear. But things weren''t as easy as she had hoped. Even


    after Cassandra left, Cassandra''s memory haunted him.


    Lionel would oftene home in a drunken state. And while he was wasted, he would chant


    Cassandra''s name. This made Ivy''s blood boil in rage. By now, she had lost all her confidence and


    hope in this man. Yet she hadn''t given up on her aspiration to be a part of the Tang family. In fact


    her greedy mind was trying to figure out a way to turn this dream into a reality. As she knew she


    wouldn''t get much support from Lionel, she realized Jill was herst resort.


    However, she couldn''t stop fretting about it. She knew that Jill was Horace''s wife and, as a


    consequence, had a prominent position in the house. In spite of this, her dubious mind reasoned that


    Jill wouldn''t have much say in Lionel''s marriage rted matter. Moreover, things weren''t so lucid. She


    realized she had a long way to go.


    While she was lost in her thoughts, Ivy felt Lionel''s tender touch on her neck. It gently moved up and


    stopped on her soft face. On a closer inspection, Ivy noticed a hazy look in his eyes.


    "Why did you have to choose him? How could you do this to me?"


    Lionel murmured to himself. His face depicted the rawest form of sadness.


    As soon as these words were uttered, Ivy understood it wasn''t intended for her. ''Herees his


    Cassandra melodrama, '' her mind screamed and she let out a jeer.


    Unable to take it anymore, Ivy retorted back, "She chose him because he is better than you in every


    aspect. He is smart, intelligent and capable. And do you know what you are? You are just a loser who


    is doomed!"


    Hostility knew no limits. Ivy was aware that Lionel was drunk and wouldn''t remember this conversation


    tomorrow. During such days, Ivy never thought twice before throwing him the most derisive words.


    When he was sane, she didn''t dare say such things. Now that he had no feelings for her, anything that


    she said could be used against her. Hence she thought it was her responsibility to ensure that he


    wouldn''t get an excuse to leave her.


    Back in the days, she would throw tantrums for no obvious reason because she knew that Lionel would


    still love her. But now she knew that shield of love had vanished. She had no power over him. Her


    worth has dwindled and whether she was around or not didn''t really make a difference to him.


    If he left her, she would have no one to rely on. All these years she had depended on Lionel but now


    everything was on the brink of disappearance.


    "Loser¡­Why do you think I am a loserrrrrr¡­" Lionel spluttered.


    Today he had consumed a lot of alcohol and had lost his ability to reason. But the vicious remark made


    by Ivy kept on echoing in his mind.


    "Yes, you heard me right. You are just a loser! You have been here with Tang family for nearly 30 years.


    In spite of this, you are nothing whenpared to Rufus. If you don''t believe me, ask your dad. Even


    though he has been here only for year, everyone can tell who is more capable. Now you know why


    your wife Cassandra left you and went after him. You were the CEO of Tang Group all these years. But


    as soon as Rufus entered the picture, you were discarded like a piece of waste. So tell me, what have


    you achieved so far? Maybe you look down on him thinking he is an illegitimate son. But the truth


    remains that you can never be half as good as him!" Ivy finished with an exasperated sigh.


    She was positive that Lionel wouldn''t remember a thing once he came back to his senses. All these


    days she had bottled up a lot of emotions hence she took this opportunity to release her pent-up anger.


    Right now, she had no fear of anyone or anything.


    On the other hand, Lionel was still trying to make out what those words meant. Inside his head, they


    were uttered by Cassandra rather than Ivy. ''Is Cassandra trying to test my patience? She needs to stop


    nagging me.'' His oppressive side began to order him. Feeling abashed, he made an effort to move his


    body.


    Maybe his sanity was lost, but he knew his physicality was still there.


    On the spur of the moment, he lifted his body and pressed it against the woman on the bed.


    T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Maybe I can''tpare with Rufus and I am fine with that. But you are my wife, not his! There is no


    way he is going to possess you. Never! That can''t happen," he yelled as he exerted his pressure on


    Ivy.


    His mind was still in chaos and as far as he was concerned, he was still married to Cassandra.


    Under his control, Ivy could barely move. She wasn''t a frail woman but she couldn''tpete with a


    man, especially a fierce and strong man like Lionel.


    She let out a sob and wondered what had happened to Lionel. The man who passionately expressed


    his sincere love for her was dead. And Cassandra had killed him. This man who was lying on top of her


    wasn''t her Lionel. He was someone who chose to indulge in alcohol and illusions.


    Already Ivy had a bad impression of Cassandra, but Lionel''s condition intensified her hatred.


    Because of Cassandra, her world had turned upside down. She had done everything to the best of her


    ability. She even sacrificed her innocent baby to ensure that they would divorce. Yet the plight she was


    enduring didn''te to an end. While she was living with toil and tears, the culprit behind her downfall


    was relishing her sweet life. ''Life can be so unfair!'' she bitterly muttered to herself.

 Chapter 193 Why Did You Choose Him (Part Two)

    Chapter 193 Why Did You Choose Him (Part Two)


    After a few minutes, Lionel''s grasp loosened and she realized he had dozed off. She stood up and


    went to the bathroom to let the warm water flow over her bruises. When she was done, she leafed


    through her wardrobe and selected an appropriate dress which would veil the marks left by Lionel''s


    torturous touch.


    Sleep wouldn''te to her, so Ivy stayed up till dawn with her poisonous thoughts. ''Cassandra, are


    you satisfied with you triumph? You may have divorced Lionel, but you are still teasing him. You haven''t


    left us because you are still a hurdle on my path.


    You have disrupted my life and taken everything that was mine. Do you think I will give up so easily?


    You are wrong! I will make you pay for it, '' she decided.


    At the corner of the street which was opposite to Cassandra''spany, Ivy lingered eagerly for


    Cassandra''s arrival.


    Tucked inside her pocket, she had a pair of small scissors. It was tiny but razor-sharp.


    It was the sort of scissors people used for paper cutting and package opening. But today, Ivy wouldn''t


    employ it for any of the aforementioned functions. ''I will be cutting Cassandra''s face with it, '' she


    thought with a vile smirk.


    Just when she was having this internal conversation, she observed that her target had appeared. At


    this moment, she was hardly a dozen meters away.


    Cassandra got off the taxi, and was waiting for the traffic light to turn green so that she could cross the


    street to thepany located at the other side.


    ''On the outside she looks like a perfect and elegant woman. It must be hard for people to guess what a


    dirty and despicable person she actually is!'' Ivy dered inside her mind.


    Her heart was engulfed with pure hostility. Her freezing coldness was palpable to anyone who nced


    at her.


    ''Cassandra, I am going to sh in your deceptive face. I will unravel and show the world your hidden


    ugliness. It''s time for everyone to see your true color. I want to see how you will ensnare men with it!''


    Ivy let out a small chuckle.


    As she got herself ready for the attack, she was suddenly pulled back by someone.


    "Ivy, what are you doing here?"


    An anxious voice demanded, leaving her confounded.


    ''Why is Amanda here!'' Ivy felt like a deer caught in the headlights.


    Amanda seized the scissors from Ivy''s hand.


    "So you are nning to take revenge with these? Wake up, Ivy! How do you think it is possible to


    attack someone in the broad day light? You can''t get away doing such a thing in front of so many


    people. Do you intend to get yourself locked behind the bars?" Amanda challenged.


    She swayed the scissors in front of Ivy''s eyes before she hurled them into the dustbin. She then


    grabbed Ivy and made her sit inside her car.


    Ivy was still in a daze¡ªshe could barely focus. Inside the car, she saw that the signal turned green and


    Cassandra crossed the street along with other pedestrians. Everything else was a blur.


    When Cassandra disappeared out of her sight, Ivy felt suffocated. It was like someone had drained all


    her energy and determination. She slumped onto the seat and nced out of the window with a


    faraway look.


    Her opportunity to attack Cassandra had psed. Having realized what was going on in Ivy''s mind,


    Amanda had a wicked n. Feigning a caring look, she began saying, "I am aware about everything


    that has happened to you. That woman used to be Lionel''s wife. She is also responsible for your


    miscarriage. Your feeling towards her ispletely reasonable, I agree. But what you were about to do


    was wrong!"


    As she spoke, she adopted a concerned tone. She was such a great actress thus it actually sounded


    like she cared about Ivy''s well being.


    "What is rational and irrational is least of my concern. You have no idea what I am going through. He is


    obsessed with her to such an extent that he moans her name while we are fucking together! I can''t


    stand it! I have reached my breaking point."


    As she voiced out her sorrowful story, Ivy closed her eyes. Amanda watched two streams of tears


    trickling down her chins.


    All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    Taking out a piece of tissue, Amanda gently wiped the tears off her face.


    "Lionel is definitely a yboy. He probably has plenty of women outside and simrly his devotion for


    Cassandra must be temporary. At the moment, he is beguiled by that cunning woman. But I am sure he


    will return to you in the end,"


    Amanda said, trying her best to be the beacon of hope for this dejected woman.


    Vehemently shaking her head, Ivy retorted back, "No, that''s not the case. While he was drunk, he


    audaciously confessed that he is deeply in love with Cassandra. He told me it has been a while since


    he felt this shift in his emotion. I am the fool who was deluded into believing he loved me! Their


    marriage happened for sheer business reasons hence I saw no reason to worry. But who could have


    known she would also grab his heart!"


    Once again Ivy recalled the time when Lionel confessed about his love for Cassandra. Just the thought


    of it sent shivers down her spine. She couldn''t help trembling. The wrath she felt for Cassandra would


    only be subsided with revenge. Her heart craved to see Cassandra in a grief-stricken state.


    "Ivy, I get what are you going through, I really do. But with the scissors, the most harm you could have


    inflicted on her would be a few surface wounds. Sooner orter, someone would have stopped you.


    And then what? You would be sent behind the bars. It''s not worth it!"


    Amanda sighed as she swayed her head in dissatisfaction.


    "What else can I do? When I was pregnant, I meant something to their family. I could have easily


    spoken for myself. But now I have be worthless to the Tang family," Ivy groaned in a dispirited


    tone.


    Once again, Ivy relived all the struggle she had gone through to fulfill her desire of being the member of


    Tang family. ''I did everything possible, '' she thought sullenly.


    "Right now Cassandra is only concerned about Qin Group. I don''t think she gives a damn about Lionel.


    If you wish to inflict pain on her then your target should be her belovedpany," Amanda goaded her.


    Upon hearing Amanda''s point of view, Ivy fell into a long silence. Amanda gave out a satisfied smile


    since she understood Ivy was absorbing her words. ''Yes, I think this woman will take the bait, '' she


    happily thought.

 Chapter 194 Perfect Match

    Chapter 194 Perfect Match


    Ivy might have a tricky mind but that didn''t mean she was a woman of wisdom. She was a bit dense


    that she would even go as far as sacrificing her own son just for driving Cassandra away.


    To Amanda, Ivy was a naive woman ready to be used at her disposal.


    When Amanda saw that Ivy was deep in meditation, she started the car.


    "Ivy, aren''t you going to attend the ball? Do you already have something to wear? I can help you. I''ll


    take you to my friend''s shop and we can choose a dress for you. Put all your worries aside. What''s


    important is you wear something nice so you can go with Lionel to the ball. You know we women gotta


    work!"


    Amanda yed her words with two meanings, which not only stopped Ivy''s awful ideasing out this


    morning but also drew her over her side.


    Not to mention Amanda hated Cassandra too¡ªthese were the types of people she wanted to keep in


    her life!


    "Manager Qin, here''s the Business Newspaper for today,"


    the assistant said as she ced today''s newspaper in front of Cassandra ¡ªand on the front page was


    Cassandra''s interview from the other day.


    "I think they made a mistake..."


    the assistant said hesitantly, sneaking a shy nce at Cassandra.


    Cassandra grabbed the paper and quickly skimmed through the article and there it was¡ªa quick blurb


    about Cassandra''s personal affairs.


    Business Newspaper: Manager Qin, as a business woman, what can you say about love?


    Cassandra: Don''t look for it. It''lle.


    Business Newspaper: Is there someone special in your life right now? Maybe, someone you love?


    Cassandra: Yes, I do have a partner right now and I love him very much.


    Business Newspaper: Do you have ns to get married?


    Cassandra: We haven''t talked about that yet.


    Business Newspaper: Hoping for the best, Manager Qin.


    Cassandra: Thank you so much.


    "I don''t think there''s anything wrong here. What are you talking about?"


    Cassandra said in a puzzled tone as she raised her head to look at the assistant. All the questions


    were pretty standard¡ªnothing impressive or offensive.


    The assistant bit her lip and flipped to the next page to show Cassandra another article.


    It was the entertainment section and the article was about Lyndsy.


    The article was apanied by a huge photo of Lyndsy''s face. The title of the piece was "Best


    Actress''s Boyfriend Was Snaked By A Former me! Rumored Woman in Man''s Heart said to be ''Two-


    Faced and Artificial."


    The article basically said that Lyndsy had a business colleague who stole her boyfriend. For her own


    sake, she kept mum about it.


    The other woman meanwhile was described as a powerful woman. Although the woman wasn''t named,


    the description matched Cassandra''s precisely: a divorcee whose father was in jail. This article could


    not have been more tant.


    Cassandra merely shrugged it off, a light smile ying on her lips. She was already so used to the


    rumor that it had already be a joke to her, something to beughed at.


    Cassandra was very aware of what Lyndsy was like and what she''d just gone through. There were so


    many things going on in her life that every detail of it was being broadcasted everywhere.


    "Don''t worry about it, this is nothing,"


    Cassandra said nonchntly as she crumpled the newspaper into a ball and threw it in the trash bin.


    "But... We have two clients in the middle of a deal who''s suddenly refusing to sign the papers. They


    said they wouldn''t sign because your character and values were questionable..."


    The assistant wanted to say more but decided against it when she saw the look on Cassandra''s face.


    "I''m not guilty of anything so I don''t need to clean up after myself. You have to stop caring what others


    think and say of you,"


    Cassandra said, consoling the assistant. If she worried about everything going on in her life, she would


    have died of anxiety by now.


    "What about the clients?"


    The assistant said in a worried voice.


    "I''ll handle it. I''ll be attending the ball tonight, I can talk to them after."


    Cassandra offered to fix the situation so that her assistant wouldn''t have to worry about it anymore.


    Cassandra took a deep breath when she thought of going to the ball¡ªshe was going to have to face


    her industry peers and some higher-ups alone. She needed to be on her best behavior so that she can


    make the Qin Group look good.


    It was a great opportunity and she would be stupid to not take advantage of it.


    The ball was going to be held at the biggest hotel in G City. Cassandra arrived on time and she found


    that so many people were here and they were all clustered in groups.


    Cassandra didn''t know how to join a group chatting so she kept to herself, just observing everyone.


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    Guests arrived by the truckload and they were guided inside by Miss Etiquettes.


    Suddenly, people were fussing towards the doorway¡ªa man and a woman had just arrived at the ball


    hand in hand.


    The man was Rufus who looked like a god in his dark suit.


    The woman was Amanda d in a green, fairy-like dress.


    They looked perfect together that everyone was staring at them and admiring them.


    "Were you at Amanda''sst concert?"


    The two women standing next to Cassandra were whispering between themselves.


    "Yes, Amanda said she was staying in G City for someone and now anyone with eyes knows that it''s


    Rufus from the Tang Group."


    "That''s true. The Tang Group was also the one who will build the Amanda Piano School. Their lives are


    so connected, huh, well they are like husband and wife."


    "G City is verymitted to development now and it''s all thanks to Rufus. It could even attract


    international attention especially if Amanda''s going to be the spokeswoman for the tourism area..."


    They spoke in hushed tones but Cassandra could still hear them clearly.


    She lowered her arms to her side and gripped her dress tightly, her palms sweating profusely.


    She and Rufus hadn''t talked in days but she assumed he was just busy with his business. But


    apparently, she was wrong because he was obviously busy with Amanda and not his business.


    As they stood together hand in hand, they truly looked like a perfect couple.


    Rufus skimmed around the room until he found Cassandra standing alone in a corner¡ªthe look on his


    face suddenly softened. He tried to lift his arm to wave at Cassandra but Amanda tightened her grip on


    his arm.


    "Oh, they''re here. I can already see some of the officials I know. Come, I''ll introduce you."


    Amanda purposely ignored the fact that Rufus was just about to wave Cassandra over. She dragged


    Rufus across the room to mingle with the officials.


    Rufus stole a nce at Cassandra who was just getting herself a ss of wine from a waiter¡ªat this


    moment, Rufus felt his heart sink.


    He knew pretty well that she was a lightweight and if she did get drunk, it was going to be pretty


    embarrassing.


    As he thought of all of these, Amanda was dragging him across the room.


    By the time Cassandra lifted her head with the wine in her hands, she could only see Rufus''s back.


    There was barely any space left between Amanda and Rufus¡ªthey were standing so close to one


    another that Cassandra felt her heart ache.


    It seemed that everyone belonged with someone and here she was, standing out like a sore thumb in


    her lonely corner.


    After he had finished mingling with the officials, Rufus scanned the room again in an attempt to look for


    Cassandra but she was nowhere to be found.


    Around this time, music was already ying and people were slowly making their way towards the


    dance floor. Amanda, of course, wouldn''t miss this opportunity to force Rufus towards the center of the


    dance floor.


    Rufus danced with Amanda robotically, his eyes still sweeping the room.


    Amanda felt her insides drop when she realized Rufus wasn''t even looking at her.


    Amanda orchestrated this entire thing so that she and Rufus would end up showing up at the ball


    together.


    She did this purposely because she knew Cassandra was going to be here. She wanted to show


    Cassandra that she was the woman for Rufus and not her. Cassandra was nothing but amoner to


    her and she couldn''t believe she even had topete with someone like her.


    Amanda never left Rufus''s side just to make sure he wouldn''t talk to Cassandra. This sight of Amanda


    and Rufus side by side the whole night broke Cassandra''s heart.


    No woman could care less about her image and status in a rtionship. Amanda knew that with


    everything Cassandra was going through, Rufus was in no ce to bemitting to anything much


    less a rtionship. And Cassandra wouldn''t be wrong to doubt him at this point too.


    Distrust can break a rtionship. In this case, all she needed was to sit back and watch from afar.


    "Rufus, I''ll be announcing that you and I are going to be the spokespeople for the tourism area of G


    City. Get ready, okay?"


    Amanda whispered to Rufus, purposely brushing her head against his chest so she could close in the


    little space between them.


    "I don''t need you to tell me what to do,"


    Rufus said coldly, stepping back so that he would create a space between him and Amanda.


    "I didn''t mean to boss you around. I''m just reminding you how valuable I am to your business and I''m a


    bit sad that I have to remind you of that," she paused and looked at Rufus in the eyes, "she can''t do


    anything for you, Rufus, she''ll only hold you back."


    Amanda''s tone was knowing and suggestive and on her face was a casual smile.

 Chapter 195 A Woman of Easy Virtue (Part One)

    Chapter 195 A Woman of Easy Virtue (Part One)


    Rufus seemed indifferent and danced gracefully with Amanda, matching her every step. However, the


    subtle tension evident on his face and cold eyes betrayed his true feelings.


    The moment thest note ended, he withdrew his body contact with Amanda in a swift motion and


    started for the exit.


    "Where are you going, Rufus?" Amanda asked quickly in a low voice.


    She grabbed his arm in a futile attempt to stop him, surprised by his sudden retreat.


    "Let go of me, you hear me?" Rufus replied passively.


    He cast a soul-piercing re at her and Amanda felt her hairs stand up under his icy gaze. Rufus had


    been tolerating her meddling the moment she appeared unexpectedly. He restrained himself like a


    proper gentleman would, but if she continued to make a scene, he couldn''t predict what he would do


    next.


    Amanda''s heart skipped a beat as if an invisible hand squeezed it painfully. Powerless to do anything,


    she loosened her grip and just watched him fade away from her sight.


    When he was dancing with Amanda moments ago, Rufus noticed from the corner of his eyes, a figure


    who went out the side exit that led to the small garden outside. He had an idea of who it was.


    Flowers bloomed beautiful in small patches, and their fragrance nketed the small slice of Eden.


    Even the full moon in the sky couldn''tpare to the spring-feel of the garden.


    Under the nearby flower tree, a petite figure stood alone. The silk flowers embroidered on her pink


    dress amplified the flowers blooming on the tree. One could easily say she was the Goddess of


    Flowers.


    Rufus breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Cassandra. The hard lines of his face softened as his


    anxiety slowly drifted away. Wonder filled his eyes as he smiled without noticing.


    At that moment, Cassandra was lost in her own thoughts, staring at the full moon high above the night


    sky. The noisy stage and busy bodies dancing the night away only served to alienate her, her heart


    numb from witnessing Rufus leading Amanda in a romantic dance.


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    Her head just went nk at the sight, and she decided to get some fresh air or she would have fainted


    right there and then.


    While she was wallowing in despair, a pair of warm and familiar arms wrapped her in an embrace from


    behind.


    "Why are you staring at the moon like that? You want to take a chunk out of it?" Rufus whispered gently


    into her left ear.


    His voice was low and maic, drawing her in and pushing her heart into overdrive.


    "No, I can''t even if I wanted to. I just came out to get some fresh air," she murmured, her lips pursed.


    She tried to get away from him, but this only prompted Rufus to hug her tightly.


    "Were you bothered because I danced with another woman?" he asked gently.


    Rufus was half-chuckling. Cassandra only moaned because he knew exactly how she felt.


    Even when Rufus knew she was there, he still chose to hold Amanda in his arms instead of dancing


    with her. They were so romantic and close that it almost killed Cassandra.


    "No, I weren''t..." she grumbled and cast her head down to look at the ground.


    Rufus noticed her body stiffen. The way she straightened her neck meant that she was being stubborn


    and embarrased at the same time. He let out a loudugh.


    He turned her around to face him, lifted her chin up with his thumb, and made an intense eye contact.


    His eyes shone like the twinkling stars in the night sky.


    "Promise me that you''re not mad. What you saw back there was me just being polite," he frankly


    pointed out.


    Rufus waited for the reaction on her face, some kind of signal that would say that she was okay.


    This time, however, Cassandra didn''t raise her head to meet his eyes like she always did. She just


    looked downwards, denying Rufus a chance to see the emotions in her eyes. He could only see her


    long, elegant eyshes fluttering. Maybe she was trying topose herself.


    At that exact moment, music slowly seeped outside from the great hall, elegant and gentle. A smile


    formed on his lips and Rufus put both hands on her slender waist, and then slowly dancing to match


    the mellow music.


    Cassandra quickly realized that Rufus was inviting her to dance. Although she hadn''tpletely


    forgiven him, her body still matched his rhythmic movements.


    She still bowed her head though, refusing to meet his eyes.


    Rufus was powerless before Cassandra. He sighed deeply and pressed her little head against his


    chest, to let her feel the strong and steady beating of his heart.


    The moon illuminated the couple''s surroundings as well as themselves, clearly in each other''s arms.


    They were like fairies dancing under the moonlit night.


    The silence spoke more than any conversation could. Rufus and Cassandra dared not utter a word.


    They enjoyed the peaceful music of ''Kiss the Rain'' wordlessly, slowly moving to its tempo and gentle


    beat, bathing in the fragrance of the flowers and mellow moonlight.


    Soon after, Cassandra felt she was flying. The warmth that emanated from Rufus''s strong hug would


    always put her in a good mood and easily get over annoying things that happened to her.


    She never wanted him to be around all the time, but she did need him to be with her during her


    vulnerable moments just like now. One simple hug would solve everything.


    Carried away by the romance in the air, both of them didn''t even notice a pair of diabolical eyes fixated


    on them from a small crack on the door. Amanda red at them with unadulterated hate in her eyes.


    She look straight at them and cracked a sinister smile.


    ''Well done, Cassandra! Well done, indeed. Such a clever move to seduce Rufus outside in order to


    dance with you. You think I wouldn''t find out? You are so naive!'' she snarled as she thought of this.


    Averting her gaze, Amanda turned around and found Ivy gossiping andughing with a group or rich


    women. Despite the distance between them, Amanda could see the mischievous smile on her face as


    Ivy whispered into the women''s ears.

 Chapter 196 A Woman of Easy Virtue (Part Two)

    Chapter 196 A Woman of Easy Virtue (Part Two)


    Amanda couldn''t quite make out what they were taking about, but she was pretty sure it was about


    Rufus''s dance partner right outside. Knowing Ivy, it was probably something bad.


    Since Ivy had be so desperate that she even almost resorted to hurt Cassandra with a pair of


    scissors in broad daylight, Amanda knew how her hatred ran deep for Cassandra.


    She could rte all too well, as she herself had the urge to tear Cassandra apart at times. She was too


    smart to use her own hands, though. The best way would be to use other people to destroy her.


    "No wonder I haven''t seen you aroundtely! I was so curious where our resident party queen had


    been all this time. I thought you had your child already! I am so sorry for what happened, Ivy!" a young


    woman said.


    Her eyebrows were furrowed and her lips pouted to show how she pitied Ivy. She also patted her back


    for good measure.


    Ivy never focused on work ever since she graduated. She did, however, work on her social skills.


    Hence, she was involved with the clique of every wife of the enterprise executives. Most of them had


    nothing to do everyday but sit pretty and show off their extravagant lifestyles.


    But because Lionel was quite generous to Ivy and she herself was good at taking cues at other


    people''s words, she was exceedingly popr among the wives.


    "I was so incredibly devastated from losing my poor baby, and I had to stay at home to recover. That''s


    why I turned down a lot of you invitations. Please don''t take it the wrong way," she said with a voice full


    of emotion.


    She looked so convincing that all the other women she was with felt pity and empathy for her loss.


    "Please be more careful in the future, honey. Especially going up and down the stairs. Tell your mother-


    inw to install those non-slip handles! It will solve all your problems!" another elder woman chimed in.


    She gave her suggestions strongly.


    "Thank you for your advice, but it would be so much better if people didn''t plot behind my back. I am so


    lucky she moved out! Otherwise, I wouldn''t be surprised if I died someday," Ivy sighed.


    Her head was downcast and she started to sob, trying desperately to hold back the tears.


    All the other women averted their gaze when they got what she meant.


    As Ivy had told them before, Lionel and her were madly in love for so many years. However, to help her


    father gain a stake in the Tang Group, Cassandra persuaded Lionel''s father to let her marry into the


    family. Forced by the patriarch of the family, Lionel had no choice but to ept the arranged marriage.


    This made Ivy look like the meddler in their union, but in truth, it was the exact opposite.


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    When Lionel finally gathered courage to convince his father for a divorce, Cassandra agreed albeit with


    arge amount of alimony in exchange. They refused to pay; so in a fit of rage, Cassandra pushed Ivy


    down the stairs and the rest was history.


    Decieved by Ivy''s story, the wives began to believe Cassandra was evil and Ivy was indeed the victim.


    ''Since I can''t hurt you physically, Cassandra. I''ll just ruin your name among the wives, '' Ivy thought as


    she smiled icily.


    "She''s running her ownpany now, right? With her willpower and skills, thatpany is going


    ces! I heard it was growing at an exponential rate, but now I can''t even begin to imagine the things


    she did to reach that!" the third woman eximed.


    She shook her head in disgust, affected by her own sentiments. This left the other wives in reflection,


    trying to scour Cassandra''s life for more wrongs.


    "I think she gets what she wants by clinging to the influence of different men! Didn''t you see the news


    the other day? She''s now the girlfriend of Jenks Tong''s son! Even more, his son announced before the


    media that she was indeed his girlfriend! I saw Lyndsy''s photos and she looked like she''d seen a


    ghost!" the fourth woman defended Lyndsy.


    Jenks had been wearing the mantle of hospitals for years in G city, and he was very well-known for his


    personality and professional integrity. Hearing that Cassandra was clinging to his son as well, they


    made visible their disgust.


    "Poor Lyndsy! I always admire her acting skills! Even the queen of movies couldn''t stop her boyfriend


    from leaving her for another woman. I remember that she sent the dress she won at the charity auction


    last year to the bitch. Hmph, the woman is such an ingrate! Lyndsy is way too naive to be her friend!"


    another wife loudlyined.


    All the wives present recalled the event because they were allpeting to win the princess''s dress


    that night. Lyndsy had no idea how many women fumed when she gifted it to Cassandra.


    They all looked down on Cassandra when they knew how shamelessly she stole her friend''s boyfriend.


    "My husband''spany is working with her for a project! Oh, God! I have to talk to my husband after


    the party. He needs to stay away from such a woman. I''m scared of what would happen since she''s so


    easy!" one of them proimed.


    At that moment, all the wives thought of the same thing¡ªkeeping their husbands away from Cassandra


    as far as possible.


    "That is such a good point! Open your eyes,dies! Pay attention to every detail and move she does,


    since I believe she will do anything to achieve her goals!" another woman added fuel to the fire.


    Ivy wore the satisfied smirk of someone who had just seeded. Everything was falling into ce. She


    didn''t even break a sweat.


    The wives of the executives were simpletons, only entertained by the stories they themselves made up.


    ''Now Cassandra, let''s see what you can do!'' Ivy thought as she clenched her jaw.

 Chapter 197 Name In The Envelope

    Chapter 197 Name In The Envelope


    Rufus held Cassandra in his arms as they slowly danced to the music that had long stopped in the


    garden.


    Cassandra didn''t want anyone to see them so she tried to wriggle herself free but Rufus wouldn''t


    budge.


    "Why? Don''t you want me to hold you?"


    Rufus raised his eyebrows. He didn''t want to let her go because having her in his arms was the best


    feeling in the world.


    "No, I just don''t want anyone to see us like this,"


    Cassandra said in a low voice with a hint of shyness¡ªsomething Rufus immediately picked up on as


    the look on his face softened.


    This wasn''t news to Rufus¡ªhe knew exactly what Cassandra was worried about. She was worried


    about what people might think of her if they found out that she was seeing Rufus, Lionel''s big brother,


    just days after divorcing Lionel. And Rufus knew all about this from the very start.


    Nothing could stand in the way of their love because for Rufus, all that mattered was that he was with


    her.


    Cassandra loved him dearly but she was careful for fear that she might lose him.


    How Cassandra wished she could spend every waking moment with Rufus but she had to hold herself


    back. Even when she''d miss him, she would just send a sly text message to him because she didn''t


    want to disturb him.


    She did love him but she was treading on thin ice; she was so careful to not say too much or do too


    much. This only made Rufus''s heart ache.


    He took the diamond ring with him everywhere he went. That night, the moon looked especially


    beautiful. Rufus, as he took in this fine weather and fine music, ran a palm over his pocket as he tried


    to take the ring out to surprise her.


    He wanted to tell her that nothing else mattered¡ªnot the people that talked about them or what not¡ª


    as long as they were together. If they were together, they could surpass anything.


    "Cassandra, I want to tell you something,"


    Rufus said, clearing his throat and looking at Cassandra softly.


    "Yes? What is it?"


    Cassandra avoided his gaze.


    The repulsive odor of the nearby made people feel dizzy. The sound of those insects buzzing from the


    hall filled the air.


    It was like they were the only two people in the world. To Rufus and Cassandra, no one else was


    around and it was just the two of them. Cassandra could feel her heart beat quickening in her chest.


    But...


    "Rufus, hurry up ande in, it''s starting!"


    Suddenly, the sound of Amanda''s high-pitched voice filled their ears. She was calling for Rufus.


    "Are you done smoking yet? Hurry up! They''re about to announce the spokesman!"


    Amanda feigned confusion like she didn''t see them so she just turned around and went back in.


    Meanwhile, Rufus and Cassandra both froze due to the sudden molestation.


    After a few moments of silence, Cassandra finally spoke.


    "Go ahead, that''s business. This is amercial ball after all,"


    Cassandra said, twisting her face into almost a grimace. If she had her way, things wouldn''t end up this


    way but it wasn''t like there was anything she could do.


    ''Smoking? He told Amanda he went out to smoke? Why couldn''t he tell Amanda he was going out to


    see me?'' Cassandra asked herself in silence.


    Well, she could be likened to a cigarette¡ªburning herself until she''s on fire. When the cigarette was


    burned out, all would be left was smoke and the cigarette butt. However, smoke disappeared and


    cigarette butts got thrown into trash eventually.


    ''Cassandra, you''re acting stupid! He just hands you a lighter and you just take it like you can''t wait to


    set everything on fire!" she reprimanded herself in her mind.


    When he saw the look on Cassandra''s face, Rufus suddenly decided against saying what he was going


    to say.


    "Wait for me in the Garden Vi. I''ll tell you then."


    Then Rufus left and went back into the hall. He recalled how Amanda had told him that he was going to


    be the spokesman but he was done being told what to do.


    Cassandra didn''t move. She remained frozen under the tree just watching Rufus until he disappeared


    in the shadows. ''Wow, he left just like that, '' Cassandra thought to herself as a bitter smile formed on


    her lips.


    ''A man doesn''t stay for a cigarette that''s already been smoked.''


    She lifted her long dress as she slowly made her way back to the hall.


    The mayor was already on the side of the stage. He was going to announce the spokesman of the


    tourism district who would be apany Amanda. He held the envelope containing the name of the


    spokesman in his hands¡ªthe spokesman was chosen by officials of the government via a voting


    system. Everyone took a collective breath waiting for the mayor to open the envelope.


    As soon as he saw Amanda, Rufus went to her right away. He pulled her aside as he donned a cold


    look on his face.


    "Stop this. I don''t want to do this. I don''t want to be the spokesman,"


    he said through gritted teeth. Rufus, unlike Lionel, didn''t like to be in the spotlight. Also, he only ever


    did things if he wanted to. In that, he had no ns of developing his businesses in G City.


    "I can''t! They''re already about to announce it. It''s already done!"


    Amanda said, taken aback.


    "Yes, you can. You''re the one that started this whole thing. You most certainly can make mayor cancel


    this! Or I''ll go on that stage and you know what I am going to do!"


    Rufus suddenly exerted himself as he held her wrist. Amanda changed her expression. She was


    writhing as he tightened his grip on her wrist. The look on her face changed.


    Amanda was a pianist so her biggest assets were her two hands. She couldn''t believe it when Rufus


    tried to hurt her hand but she knew that now was not the time to test his patience.


    "Let go and I''ll go talk to the mayor."


    Deep inside, Amanda was hurt. She couldn''t believe Rufus was acting like this when all she wanted


    was the best for him.


    However, the look on Rufus''s face made Amanda shrink in fear. She knew his temper and if she went


    on any longer, he would break her hand in just a snap.


    Rufus roughly dropped Amanda''s hand and scowled at her. As she was rubbing her wrist, Amanda


    spotted Cassandra in a corner watching them.


    She decided to change her n¡ªshe reached out and grabbed Rufus''s arm.


    "Rufus,e with me please and tell the mayor yourself. It''s the same thing,"


    Amanda said, changing her expression. She looked absolutely ravishing under this light and with that


    bright smile of hers. Her voice was sweet like an angel.


    To Cassandra, however, Amanda was nothing but a spoiled brat.


    Rufus was standing with his back to Cassandra so she could only see Amanda''s face. They were


    walking towards the mayor with Amanda dragging Rufus''s arm. As they glided across the hall, she


    wore a beautiful smile and they looked gorgeous as a couple.


    Suddenly, Cassandra found her gasping for air. She retreated far enough that she was now standing in


    front of the buffet table. She tried to extend her hand in the pretense of grabbing a ss of water.


    But then, a woman walked over and reached out to take thest ss of water. She lifted it to her lips


    and took a sip.


    Cassandra''s hand had frozen mid-air momentarily before she realized what was going on.


    "Cassandra. you look good. Word on the block is you''ve got about every other project in town."


    On Ivy''s lips was a light smile ying but her eyes betrayed its sincerity.


    Cassandra knew that Ivy was purposely taunting her so she bit her lips close and acted like she hadn''t


    heard her.


    If Cassandra was being frank, she really didn''t know what she truly felt about Ivy.


    R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    She partly hated Ivy because Ivy had already tricked her once by using her of something she didn''t


    do. Fortunately, that was how Cassandra was able to divorce Lionel. She also had some pity for Ivy


    too.


    There had to be another reason or otherwise Ivy never would''ve made her own baby disappear.


    However, it was still pretty obvious that Ivy was once trying to rece her in the Tang family.


    Cassandra could not, for the life of her, understand how a woman could just spend her life leeching


    onto a man. ''I could never do that, '' Cassandra thought to herself.


    Cassandra always had faith in herself and she knew that to get the life she wanted, she had to be


    strong and independent.


    That was why she never epted any of Rufus''s offers to help. Instead, she spent her energy working


    to help herself.


    "Thanks for your concern. Yes, Qin Group is quite busy nowadays,"


    Cassandra replied politely then turned around to leave. She never had enough patience to deal with Ivy


    for very long because she could see how fake Ivy was being to her. And she didn''t want to start a fight


    or anything.


    Whenever she recalled how Ivy threw herself down the stairs, Cassandra still felt disgusted. She didn''t


    know what stupid and insane idea this woman had up her sleeve this time. Either way, she didn''t want


    to get involved anymore.


    Rufus and Amanda made their way towards the mayor. Amanda wore a beautiful smile on her face.


    "Excuse me, mayor. I need to talk to you."


    Since Charlie was in excellent terms with the mayor, all of the other government officials respected


    Amanda.


    "What can I do for you, Miss Ke?"


    The mayor asked, looking at Amanda intently.


    "So here''s the thing. Rufus thinks he hasn''t stayed in G City long enough to qualify as a spokesman


    so... he was hoping you could give the title to someone else,"


    Amanda said light-heartedly but she made sure her tone was final and conclusive.


    The mayor seemed shocked. He looked at Amanda then at Rufus, then stifled a chuckle.


    "Miss Ke, although you rmended Mr. Luo and we took that in consideration. Ultimately, the


    spokesman was still decided by the votes. To be honest, even I don''t know whose name is in this


    envelope,"


    the mayor lifted his hand to wave the envelope in front of them, on his face was a kind smile.

 Chapter 198 You Are Even Dirtier Than The Mud

    Chapter 198 You Are Even Dirtier Than The Mud


    Amanda was astonished at the manner in which the mayor spoke; he seemed apletely different


    man. She knew the mayor as a family friend. They had discussed about the candidate for the


    spokesman, and it was sort of agreed on that Rufus would be the one representing the Industrial


    Tourism District with Amanda. But, why was the mayor acting so strangely today?


    "Excuse me a moment, Miss Ke, I am going to announce the results!" Mayor said.


    With a formal and polite smile, the mayor stepped onto the stage.


    Being the most important part of the ball, all the people hushed, waiting intently for the announcement


    to be read out.


    It would be a great honour for whoever became the spokesperson of G City. Being an integral part of


    the government, G City could advertise abroad, making it appealing to the tourists trade. In addition, it


    was to promote and advance one''s career, and a great mission to be working with Miss Amanda Ke.


    Rumour had it that the favourite to win by a mile would be Rufus.


    As the Director of the Union of Real Estate, the Tang Group was naturally a powerful candidate.


    Amanda having a close rtionship with the Tang Group was by no means a surprise if the


    government chose Rufus.


    All eyes were on the centre podium. The mayor, facing the microphone, pulled out the page with a


    name. Nervously clearing his throat, he began.


    "Spokesperson of the G City Industrial Tourism District, is conferred to our local entrepreneur..."


    He paused, sort of teasing the audience yfully, and his eyes swept a nce at the audience.


    Waiting in silence, Rufus still wore a expressionless mask on his face.


    Amanda became a little anxious, stealing a quick nce at Rufus. Fearing Rufus would say a tactless


    remark as he didst time at her concert. This could embarrass the mayor on today''s important


    asion.


    A very confident man stood beaming in the audience, pushing his already protruding chest out further


    than before.


    "The president of Dawn Star Group, Mr. Arthur Zhuang! Congrattions!"


    The mayor resumed in his loud and clear voice, followed by an ufortable silence.


    ''Arthur Zhuang? How could this be? Wasn''t it supposed to be Rufus?''


    Amanda was astonished. She had been given a reassuring promise from the local government. Rufus


    would be the spokesperson. Howe it turned out to be Arthur instead?


    Rufus never changed his detached look, disguising his true emotions which grew more intensive and


    showed in his eyes.


    Finally faint apuse broke the silence, which drew the remaining audience out of shock, before they


    apuded loudly.


    Arthur smoothed his tie, wearing his confident smile, and strolled onto the stage to deliver his speech.


    The mayor stood by, smiling decadently, yet stealing a nce at the winner with a glint of resignation in


    his eyes.


    ''Arthur, you dirty little scoundrel! If you hadn''t ckmailed me, you would never have had a chance, ''


    the mayor cursed within him. Resentfully the mayor watched Arthur having his moment of glory. ''The


    wheel turns my friend, I''ll be watching you. When you slip up one way or another I will be there, '' the


    mayor thought revengefully.


    Arthur had found evidence that the mayor had been abusing the public funds. If found guilty, the mayor


    would have to pay back the funds, be publicly humiliated and even loose his position. His family and


    friends would abandon him. After a lot of deliberation, he had no choice.


    To the mayor, the man who was delivering his amiable speech, was as vicious as a devil. At the


    thought of Arthur, he felt a chill down his spine. His face showed no expression as his thoughts went


    wild.


    After the speech, Arthur waved at Amanda, motioning her onto the stage.


    Reluctantly smiling back, Amanda walked slowly towards the stage and finally stood next to Arthur.


    It was too sudden and strange. Amanda was at a loss for words unable to respond, throwing an


    appealing look at Rufus.


    Secretly pleased at today''s result happened to go as he wished, Rufus however remained nonchnt.


    He had no interest in taking on the position any way.


    But... There must be arge amount of information behind this result. A mixture of gut and curiosity,


    would spur him on to disclose the truth behind the scenes.


    Journalists waiting to capture this moment on the sides now all scampered to the stage to snap up


    photos for tomorrow''s headlines. At the same time, the music resumed, and the party continued as the


    shock of the event muffled in the excitement which engulfed the hall.


    Experiencing so many mixed emotions as she spotted the silhouette standing on the stage was not


    Rufus, Cassandra wondered what to say or do.


    ''Being a spokesperson involved in the position could have been a great advantage for Rufus, ''


    Cassandra thought. Nevertheless, she was quite relieved that she didn''t have to see Rufus and


    Amanda, standing together on the stage. She was vulnerable and knew how hard it would have been


    for her.


    Women were always torn by their contradicting emotions and thoughts. Cassandra knew she needed


    to get a grasp on it.


    She had been so caught up in her mind that she was blissfully unaware of a evil plotpiling to


    destroy her. Ivy was intent of getting even with Cassandra. She med her for her miscarriage and


    seethed with bitterness towards her. Ivy who was closing on the little woman, had the assignment with


    her.


    "Ouch!" Ivy cried suddenly.


    That cry pulled Cassandra down from her dream cloud. Ivy had slumped down on the floor for some


    reason. Cassandra couldn''t figure out what was happening. Ivy had her knees already on the ground,


    her hands supporting her body, bellowing usations at Cassandra.


    Ivy had seeded in drawing the attention she needed. Arge crowed had their full attention squarely


    ced on Cassandra.


    People were inquisitive to see the extent of the damage, whispering to each other as many of them


    knew who they were.


    Cassandra knew this was a scam, as she hadn''t touched anyone around her. "This woman again, what


    was she up to now..." There was some little buzz of conversation went among the crowd. "Gee, Mr.


    Horace Tang''s former daughter-inw is making a scene again..."


    Ivy had teared up, staring at Cassandra with a pathetic look.


    "Cassandra Qin! How can you be so vicious, you tripped me deliberately!"


    Ivy used Cassandra, keep the attention on them. She used a harsh tone to express her pain and


    helplessness.


    "No, I didn''t. Don''t do this Ivy, you trying to frame me. Why are you doing this? Are you looking for


    attention, or revenge now?"


    Cassandra was surprised that Ivy would go to these lengths, what was more, with such arge


    audience and government officials standing around them. It was so embarrassing.


    "What did I do? Cassandra, you have signed the divorce agreement. You have nothing to do with the


    Tangs, but how can you do this to me? I''m sorry Lionel has left you, but you don''t need to be jealous


    ande after me. You are always trying to hurt me!"


    Ivy kept interrupting Cassandra as she was trying to talk.


    More people moved forward and began to whisper.


    "Look, thatdy is Cassandra, the present manager of the Qin Group. How could she be so mean and


    y such a low trick."


    "It.s just unbelievable. It''s not Ivy''s fault they broke up. She''s quite a decent girl and having all these


    people as witness. Such a malicious act it must be very upsetting!"


    "Not even capable officials can settle their own family troubles. How embarrassing for the Tang family.


    Cassandra has been known to be the difficult type. It''s been said that when she was the manager of


    the Architecture and Design Department in the Tang Group, she would grab all the projects herself and


    left other designers no chance of improving themselves."


    "Gee, is that true?" "But she looks so cute. Well, is true, we cannot judge a person by their


    appearance."


    ...


    The whispers were growing louder into normal talks and Ivy remained in the same position on the floor.


    She had no intention of moving. The more onlookers, the better. Her own dignity didn''t concern her,


    since she had already lost her eptance in Tang family. Her values had always beencking and her


    respect for others didn''t exist. Her n worked, and her acting was brilliant. She had won the sympathy


    of people and was milking it all the way.


    Having never expected Ivy to stoop to that level, Cassandra creased her brows, at a loss for what to


    do.


    All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    Lionel pushed his way through the crowd and walked over. Seeing Ivy still on the floor, he bent down


    and helped her up immediately.


    Ivy was delighted at the attention as people verbally sympathised with her. She took her acting career


    to a different level; her hobbling and cringing added a pathetic look for special effects. Lionel would


    have sympathy towards her, she was sure of that.


    Even though Lionel was jealous and reluctant for Rufus to get all the status. He had hoped Rufus


    could''ve won this nomination, since the benefit of the Tang Group''s winning would have been huge.


    The final result shocked Lionel to his core. He never would have believed it, if he hadn''t witnessed it


    himself. Thest person he could have nominated would be Arthur.


    He couldn''t think of a worse candidate. Lionel remembered when Arthur was still one of his errand


    boys, he had no spine and was obsequious. How could he bear to face that one of his own errand boy


    now had turned out to outss him?


    In some strange turn of events, Arthur became president of the Dawn Star Group. At the same time,


    Lionel also became the president of the Tang Group. Fortunately, the Tang Group ranked higher in


    terms of theirprehensive strength. Lionel had been proud and giving himself airs all the time.


    Then both corporations had made rapid development, but the Tang Group under Rufus''s leadership


    was always one step ahead.


    However, apparently, the Dawn Star Group had got a remarkable victory in this round.


    The industrial tourism programme, formted by the government was very important. The two


    spokespeople were even more so. However not one question was raised on the qualification of


    Amanda Ke, who was a world renowned pianist. ''Why did the local representatives choose Arthur?


    This ispletely beyond me, '' Lionel gave out a long sigh.


    ''Rufus always beats the opposition and has this superiority towards others. Howe he is


    whitewashed by Arthur this time?'' Lionel thought to himself despairingly.


    Thismotion of Ivy being tripped by Cassandra with people gossiping and inquisitively gazing made


    him inme with anger.


    After helping Ivy on her feet, Lionel vented all his frustrations and anger out on Cassandra.


    "Cassandra, you have now gone too far! How could you do this to Ivy? What do you think you are


    doing?"


    In a fit of rage, Lionel shouted at Cassandra.


    "Lionel, listen, she did this to herself. I have nothing to do with it! Don''t sling mud at me!"


    Cassandra found Lionel was so unreasonable after their divorce. He still sought every chance to set


    himself against her and would create a disturbance in herpany absurdly. Now with so many people


    around, how could she remain silent?


    "Sling mud at you?" Lionel sniggered. "I am afraid the mud seems clear inparison to you. Well, it


    seems you came here alone, right? So seeing Rufus with Miss Ke, made you bitter huh?"


    Cassandra frowned upon hisst remark, feeling her chest tightened and a few drops of perspiration


    gathered at the base of her neck.

 Chapter 199 Take You Home

    Chapter 199 Take You Home


    Lionel was livid over the decision to make Arthur the next spokesperson. He was severely upset, which


    was why he snapped at Cassandra that way. However, when he saw Cassandra''s face fell, Lionel held


    his tongue back.


    Cassandra didn''t deserve to be yelled at that way. She wasn''t even at fault. Lionel nced around him


    and immediately regretted saying those words. There were plenty of people, including some


    government officials, who were looking at them. It was such a humiliating situation.


    Ivy immediately echoed before Lionel spoke something to defuse the tense situation, "You broke Lionel


    and me. And now, you''re ruining Miss Ke. It makes me wonder where you found the audacity to keep


    ruining people''s lives. Why don''t you just stay away and leave us and the Tang family alone? Your


    father''s already rotting in jail and he deserved it. That alone should be reason enough for the Tang


    family to refuse you. Don''t even try to me the Tang family on your family''s misery!"


    Ivy knew Cassandra''s weaknesses well. She cursed her with everything she coulde up with.


    Cassandra was incredibly upset that her knees started to buckle,posure and strength seemingly


    vaporizing out of her.


    From the eyes of the people who didn''t know or barely knew Cassandra, it seemed to them that she


    was a gold-digging subus that would use her men to get ahead.


    After she divorced Lionel, she immediately clung herself to Rufus. It looked like she yed tricks


    behind everyone''s back.


    All the people looked at Cassandra disdainfully. They absolutely despised her. Cassandra was so upset


    at Ivy''s words that her body started to tremble with anger.


    "It''s been a particrly long time since I was a member of the Tang family. Why are you looking at me


    like I had something to do with your failures? I haven''t done anything to you. Don''t you dare use


    me!"


    Cassandra bit back. Her retort, however, easily fell on deaf ears because everybody was already


    having the bad impression of her.


    The onlookers started to whisper and belittle her. They didn''t care about the severity and the


    consequences of what their gossiping would lead to. The spectators were hungry for drama and they


    were just about to eat a handful of it.


    "Don''t you dare try to spin this on me, you harlot. You''re not as innocent as you think you are, don''t y


    the fucking victim. Jesus Christ, I know everything you''ve done behind our backs. It''s a good thing that


    I''m kind to you. I wouldn''t tell other people about the atrocious things that you''ve done. Let''s focus back


    on today''s topic, shall we? You tripped me, and I demand an apology from you."


    Ivy was being aggressive. When Lionel was there supporting her, she became bolder. She would never


    let Cassandra go that easily.


    "Tell me, Ivy," Cassandra started. "Why the hell would I apologize for something I haven''t done? You


    wronged yourself and went out of your way to frame me. I will not apologize to someone as despicable


    as you!"


    Cassandra spat. There was absolutely no way that she would ever apologize to such a snake!


    Witnesses be damned, Cassandra knew she was innocent.


    "Everybody, look! Look at her! This is Vernon''s daughter! Purely like father, like daughter. Dishonorable


    little shits!"


    Ivy turned around to face the people and spurred their attention. Vernon''s criminal action was a joke to


    everyone in the field. Everybody equally despised him. What was his daughter trying to do all alone,


    defeating the powerful Tang family? It was absolutely impossible. Only dreams could help her achieve


    that goal.


    Cassandra watched as Ivy used the crowd to get to her, and slowly, she could feel her ears ringing. It


    was high-pitched and loud, and Cassandra quickly shook her head to dispel it.


    "Don''t you dare insult my father. The court has already given him a fair trial. To err is human. He''s


    already realized his mistake, and is paying for it in jail. He has had time to reflect while in jail. However,


    there are asions where the court simply couldn''t give a fair trial. Someone knows what you have


    done. Do I have to remind you what that was? Fabricating a charge against the wrong person, or even


    premeditated murder!"


    Cassandra gritted her teeth and squeezed the words out slowly, spitefully, one by one.


    Ivy had framed her for the death of her baby; a plot that Cassandra knew was made by Ivy all along.


    Cassandra said so, in order to remind Ivy that she knew of the truth. She didn''t bother to reveal it to the


    public because she wasn''t an attention-seeking monger like Ivy.


    Ivy suddenly felt a bit guilty upon Cassandra''s speech, knowing that Cassandra was right. She had


    intentionally taken some medicine and killed her own child before the ident. Then she decided to pin


    it on Cassandra by luring her onto the second floor and throwing herself down the stairs. Ivy was


    certain that her n was foolproof. She never expected that Cassandra actually knew everything.


    Suddenly, a tall man appeared from the crowd. He had forced himself through and walked straight to


    Cassandra. The man then stopped beside her, and looked over at Lionel. It was Rufus.


    "What are you doing, Rufus? You are a member of the Tang family. You are not supposed to stand by


    an outsider''s side!"


    Lionel shouted angrily. He raised his chin at Rufus and provoked him on purpose. He didn''t believe that


    Rufus would speak mean words to him openly! They were brothers, after all.


    Rufus''s eyes darkened and he cast a cold re at Lionel and Ivy. He hadn''t even begun showing his


    true anger, but the people were starting to get scared.


    "I''m not taking sides. I only support whoever is being reasonable. You want to know if Cassandra


    tripped Ivy? That''s easy. There''re so many cameras here in the lobby. Go and get the video footage


    and the truth will speak for itself. If you insist on making her apologize, we can go and check the video


    to confirm it. However, I don''t think you''d like that, huh?"


    Rufus cooly replied. He didn''t shout, but his speech was clear enough to be heard by everyone.


    Ivy''s face immediately paled.


    T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "O-Ouch! Lionel, my head is aching. I want to go home now,"


    Ivy frowned and closed her eyes as she held her fingers against the temples of her head.


    "What? A headache? Howe all of a sudden? Don''t worry, dear. Let''s go home now,"


    Lionel replied, voice tense. He quickly held Ivy in his arms andforted her.


    The crowd started to be skeptical about Ivy''s sudden behavior, but they couldn''t do anything


    about it. Was Ivy really sick? Or was she just fooling the crowd?


    Lionel apanied Ivy who kept whining about her migraine outside. Most of the people left around


    the same time when they did.


    All the people present were either famous or from prominent families. None of them wanted to be


    involved in the trouble. They would not care about other''s family affairs.


    But generally speaking, probably they wouldn''t have a good impression on Cassandra.


    "Are you all right?"


    Rufus bent slightly to Cassandra and asked her worriedly.


    Cassandra didn''t want to respond. She smiled bitterly and nodded, a tiny indication to help ease


    Rufus''s worrying.


    "What? Do you not want to talk to me? Please don''t me me for what the Tang family did to you. Talk


    to me, please."


    Rufus grew anxious when he saw Cassandra was so upset. He was afraid to see such a frustrated look


    on her. He liked the lively and joyful Cassandra.


    Cassandra raised her head slowly and looked at him. Her eyes were nk.


    "They think I''m a bitch, right? Marry Lionel for money, divorce him for money, and get closer to you for


    the damn money again..."


    A sad smile appeared on Cassandra''s mouth. Her teasing and sorrowful tone made Rufus''s heart


    prickle.


    "Stop thinking about that! You don''t need to care about what they think. I trust you. That alone should


    be enough!"


    Rufus put his hands on her shoulders andforted her. He looked into her eyes deeply.


    Her mind nk, Cassandra simply stared back at Rufus''s dark eyes.


    "Why? Why do you trust me so much? I''m an ambitious woman. I''m eager for sess..."


    Cassandra''s voice was weak. Before she could finish her words, Rufus ced his hand on her lips. His


    hand was warm against her cold, pale skin.


    "I trust you, because I trust my heart. My heart told me to trust you."


    Then he grabbed Cassandra''s hand, feeling the soft, cold skin against his calloused fingers.


    Slowly raising his hand, Rufus ced the little woman''s hand over on his chest. Cassandra could feel


    the steady, but loud heartbeat against his sternum. She suddenly grew warm.


    "No matter what they would say about you, I trust you. My heart beats fast only for you,"


    Rufus rarely spoke such loving words to her. He always proved his love and passion for her through


    actions alone, not with words. He felt so shy when he said those words and his heart began beating


    faster immediately.


    Looking at Rufus''s handsome face, Cassandra felt all the negativity expel out of her. She closed her


    eyes to breathe, eyshes quivering underneath his gaze. When she opened her eyes, tears


    immediately started to flow out.


    Rufus realized that nothing in this world hurt more than seeing her cry. He reached out his hands


    towards her face once again, and wiped her tears away.


    "No, no. Don''t cry. You''ll look like an albino rabbit with those red eyes if you do!"


    His joke relieved Cassandra. She let herselfugh. Rufus was right. It didn''t matter what everyone else


    thought. They were nobody to her.


    As long as she had Rufus by her side, she was a fearless woman.


    "I want to go home,"


    Cassandra sniffed and looked at Rufus pleadingly.


    This was not a ce for her to stand in. All the people were talking about the drama she was involved


    in and mocked her in this very ce. All she wanted to do now was go back home to Garden Vi.


    Staying here a bit longer would make her go crazy.


    "Let''s go home, then."


    Without thinking twice, Rufus bent over and scooped Cassandra up in his arms. He walked towards the


    gate with Cassandra clinging onto his shoulders for support.


    Everyone was shocked at the sight of them together, wide-eyed.


    All the gossip and rumors about Cassandra and Rufus were proven to be true from that gesture alone.


    Cassandra, Lionel''s ex-wife, former manager of the Design Department of Tang Group, and the current


    head of Qin group, was whisked away by Rufus, Lionel''s brother. The onlookers started to chatter once


    more.

 Chapter 200 Amanda Is Sent Into The Hospital

    Chapter 200 Amanda Is Sent Into The Hospital


    Intimacy radiated across the hall as Rufus held Cassandra passionately, and everyone present gaped


    at the sight of them. When Amanda saw this, anger brewed inside of her that she held the ss in her


    hand tightly. Her strength was so great that her fingers were beginning to turn pale and it seemed that


    the ss she was holding would shatter any moment. She was trembling in anger, and her lips


    twitched in rage.


    Amanda red at Rufus as he walked out with Cassandra in his arms, and her face was filled with


    jealousy and annoyance. She was so angry that there seemed to be a burning fire in her eyes.


    ''Cassandra, you are so stupid! How can you let Rufus do this for you in front of so many people! How


    dare you ignore the bad reputation it would bring to Rufus for being so reckless to leave with you!


    You''re just a woman who should be criticized by everyone. Why is Rufus so gentle to you? Why?''


    Amanda thought irritably.


    Just as Amanda was lost in her own thoughts, a man''s voice was suddenly heard from behind her.


    "Hello, Miss Ke. Hope to get along well with you!"


    The man''s voice sounded very gentle. He was staring at Amanda with a beaming smile. At this point,


    Amanda had braced herself and was beginning to feel awkward.


    She turned around and found that the man standing next to her was Arthur. He had a look on his face


    as he tried to start a conversation with Amanda.


    Amanda thought Arthur''s smile was somewhat weird, but she couldn''t tell exactly why she felt that way.


    ''Was this the man who had reced Rufus to be the spokesperson? Why did the government make a


    sudden change in the decision? What was with him that changed the decision? What is his real


    identity?'' she wondered.


    Rufus didn''t want to be the spokesman in the first ce, so the fact that Arthur was elected as the


    spokesperson was not so unusual. However, the sudden change of ns was so strange and it made


    Amanda probe as to what the truth was.


    "You have such a great influence and high morale in G City, Mr. Zhuang. I also hope that we can get to


    know each other well!"


    Amanda answered with a sweet smile, hiding away her doubts for Arthur.


    "Thank you, Miss Ke. It''s their decision. They valued me enough to make me the spokesman! To be


    honest, it waspletely out of my expectation and I was quite surprised!"


    Arthur had seen the angry expression on Amanda''s face when Rufus and Cassandra left. He looked at


    her with an understanding smile, but he did not bother to ask her the real reason for being so angry.


    "That''s great, Mr. Zhuang. In fact, I admire you for achieving so much at such a young age!"


    Amanda always knew how to deal with businessmenplimenting them without making them feel it


    was on purpose. So she praised Arthur liberally.


    Arthur was a superficial man who enjoyed being ttered by others. Naturally, his face lit up after


    hearing Amanda''s words.


    Still, Arthur did not forget what the man had told him to do. After a short chat, he smiled at Amanda and


    changed the topic.


    "By the way, Miss Ke, Mr. Ji asked me to tell you that he missed you very much."


    After saying that, Arthur lifted his ss slightly, nodded to Amanda, then turned and left.


    Upon hearing the man''s name, the smile on Amanda''s face suddenly froze.


    The name itself recalled the most horrible nightmare for Amanda. It was like a venomous snake


    wrapping around her neck so suffocating and making her pale.


    It was the worst nightmare that happened to her that year. Amanda shivered with fear at the thought of


    it and tried desperately to shut off the memory on her mind.


    ''How was Arthur rted to him? What on earth does he want with me?'' Amanda doubted.


    She felt so desperate as if the sky above her was covered by heavy clouds. At the same time, she


    knew that something bad was about to happen. Her body began to tremble with fear as she still held


    the ss in her hand.


    A man standing near her seemed to notice the oddity in her and asked her with concern, "What''s wrong


    Miss Ke? Are you okay? Are you feeling ill?"


    He thought that Amanda might be ufortable and somewhat hypoxic because the room was too


    stuffy. He held her waist and wanted to take her out for some fresh air.


    Amanda, however, tried to squeeze a smile at the man who was caring for her and then fell on the


    ground with her eyes closed.


    A female guest screamed in horror when she saw the scene. At the same time, the guests that were


    around Amanda instantly gathered around and began to babble.


    "Call an ambnce! Be quick!"


    Someone called for an ambnce and other guests were so shocked that they had no idea what to do


    but stare at Amanda, who was lying on the ground. Soon, the reporters surrounded Amanda and were


    busy taking as many pictures as they could.


    The scene was chaos. However, in the far corner of the hall, Arthur was standing quietly. He took a sip


    of the red wine with a sinister smile on the corner of his mouth.


    ''It seems that Mr. Ji is very important to Amanda, '' Arthur thought.


    Meanwhile, as Rufus and Cassandra arrived at the door of the vi, Rufus kicked the door open,


    walked in with Cassandra in his arms and closed the door with his foot again.


    "Be gentle! Are you going to destroy the door?"


    For almost the whole time Cassandra was held by Rufus in his arm, they were never parted except


    when she was driven back home in the car.


    Rufus portrayed such an impulsive and intimate behavior towards Cassandra in front of so many


    people today, regardless of what others would gossip about them. Cassandra was sad yet happy about


    it.


    She felt sad because she and Rufus had been trying so hard not to disclose their rtionship to the


    public. But today, Rufus just revealed their rtionship on such an important asion, which meant


    that all their efforts became useless.


    On the other hand, she felt happy because Rufus boldly admitted that she was his girlfriend. It was as if


    thorns were pulled out from her chest. Their rtionship was no longer a secret, and there was no


    need to care about what other people would think or say about them. Atst, they were free to express


    their love for each other.


    What Cassandra felt, was really a kind of contradictory andplicated emotion. She thought all the


    while that she was generous enough to ept the cruel fact that her rtionship with Rufus could not


    be made public. This made her train herself that she would not mind whether she could be admitted as


    Rufus''s girlfriend or not. She even pretended that she had nothing to do with Rufus. But she was


    wrong!


    All her assumptions were disproved by what happened just now, because Cassandra realized that


    every woman including her had amon wish. They all hoped that their beloved man would be brave


    enough to stand and show their love for their partners in front of everyone in the world.


    Rufus took Cassandra directly to the bed. He gazed at Cassandra seriously yet attentively, and his face


    was full of pity.


    "I will let everyone know that you are my girl."


    Rufus was gentle yet somehow bossy. He was dering that he was the only one in the world who


    could be Cassandra''s boyfriend.


    "Rufus, aren''t you afraid?"


    Cassandra asked with her eyes closely fixed on him.


    "Afraid? What should I be afraid of?"


    There appeared a confident smile on the corner of Rufus''s mouth.


    "Afraid that people will gossip about us..."


    Cassandra''s eyes narrowed slightly. She didn''t want to hear anybody saying anything bad about Rufus.


    Rufus stared at the little woman with a spoiled smile and gently caressed her snowy face.


    "Well, let them gossip all they want. I''m not afraid of anything."


    They stared at each other with affection and time seemed to be at a standstill.


    Cassandra regarded his dark eyes. She waspletely attracted by Rufus''s directness and bravery.


    She put her hand around his neck and gave him a sweet kiss on the cheek.


    She belonged to Rufus and only he could appreciate her beauty.


    Cassandra could feel her temperature rising as her passion and desire for Rufus burned. However,


    Rufus''s phone rang at this critical moment.


    Both of them turned to look at the screen of the mobile phone and found out that the call was from


    Amanda.


    Rufus didn''t answer the call. He locked the phone with his eyebrows knitted. He didn''t want to listen to


    what Amanda would say, but the phone kept on ringing.


    R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    He was about to turn it off. However, his phone rang one more time. This time, it was from Charlie.


    Rufus nced at Cassandra apologetically and then answered the phone.


    "Rufus! I heard Amanda was sent into the hospital just now! She''s been looking for you! Go to the


    hospital and see her now!"


    Charlie''s voice over the phone was full of concern as he was so worried about his daughter.


    "I told you to take good care of Amanda when I left several days ago. Have you forgotten that?"


    Charlie med Rufus in an angry voice, but Rufus did not refute at all.


    Cassandra changed into her pajamas and then got out of the bed slowly in silence. However, she was


    shaking her head in disbelief with her lips pale as she turned her back on Rufus.


    ''Amanda! Why is it always Amanda?'' Cassandra thought.


    Like a devil''s name, it was cursed and unspeakable. It seemed that it was chasing Cassandra and


    cornering her with nowhere to go.


    "I''ll go to the hospital to see Amanda right now. Don''t worry too much, Charlie." Rufus responded over


    the phone.


    Charlie was a mentor to Rufus so he couldn''t refuse his demands. He was left with no other choice but


    to say yes.


    Rufus hung up and turned to find Cassandra. When he saw that she was stepping out of the bedroom,


    he felt a sharp pain in his heart.


    He hurriedly walked up to her and grabbed her arms. Then, he turned her around and let her face him.


    "Cassandra, I''m sorry. I have to go see Amanda. She''s in the hospital right now. I hope you


    understand."


    His voice was full of apologies and he was very sorry.


    "Never mind. Go and see her at once. I''m tired, and I''m going to bed soon."


    Cassandra gave out a reluctant smile and tried to pretend that she wasn''t bothered at all.


    "I''ll be back soon..."


    Rufus touched Cassandra''s face and kissed her gently on the forehead.


    Cassandra pushed him with a smile.


    "Go ahead! I''ll be waiting for you."


    Rufus took a firm look at Cassandra and then hurried out of the vi.


    Momentster, Cassandra heard the sound of his car driving away and the sound of the gate slowly


    closing in the courtyard.


    She had been used to these sounds, but now they just sounded so cruel.


    ''Rufus, why do you hurt me like this? I''ve been so patient and I''ve given up a lot of things for you!''


    Cassandra thought bitterly.


    It seemed that the originally beautiful night suddenly turned into a ck hole, which had taken away all


    Cassandra''s good wishes.

 Chapter 201 Jump Off The Rooftop (Part One)

    Chapter 201 Jump Off The Rooftop (Part One)


    Amanda had already seen the doctor and medication had been applied. Shey on the bed in a private


    ward, wondering if someone would visit her. Her dad had phoned and would be with her in the morning.


    Shey motionless on the bed, staring nkly at the ceiling. Her thoughts wondered to a different time.


    Her life was full of hope, love and direction. There were so many prospects. Why couldn''t she find love


    again? She was a young, naturally beautiful woman. She had long thick cascading ck hair and a


    rounded face with dimples that pieced her oliveplexion. Her height was average, but her body was


    not. Huge eyes reminded you of pools of milk chocte.


    Rufus knew it was nothing serious with her as she was already awake the moment he came in. He


    motioned by tapping on the door and went to her bedside.


    "How are you feeling now?" Rufus asked with a calm voice, still showing no emotions on his perfect


    face.


    His concern for Amanda was purely courteous and out of deep respect for Charlie. Cassandra was all


    he thought about¡ªhe just wanted to go back to her and put his arms around the little woman. She was


    completely different from Amanda. An image of her sad and hurt face reappeared in his mind, stabbing


    him on the heart.


    His voice brought Amanda back to the present. She rolled herrge brown eyes to look at the person


    who stood in front of her.


    Amanda stared into his face. She couldn''t let him go yet. Tears were running down her cheeks. This


    was the man for her. There wasn''t anyone else who couldpare. She wanted no one else. She


    wouldn''t let up until he was hers again.


    Rufus had seen Amanda crying before. She had cried hysterically; he had always turned a blind eye to


    her. Now, she was crying silently which caught him off guard and made him wonder if anything went


    wrong.


    "What happened?" Rufus asked, concerned.


    He narrowed his eyebrows, waiting for her reply.


    "Why do you like Cassandra the way you do? She was your sister-inw, do you like a divorced


    woman?" Amanda asked in a hurt tone.


    Her voice was hoarse and cracked as she spoke. She stared into his eyes searching for answers.


    "I like her because she is Cassandra. It has nothing to do with anything else," Rufus said bluntly.


    He had changed to a softer tone now, but it was still clear and firm.


    "What do you like about her?"


    Amanda continued to quiz, looking at his expression. His eyes lit up and warm softness crept in at the


    thought of Cassandra. The sudden changes on his good-looking face filled her eyes and shattered her


    heart.


    Rufus looked questionably at Amanda. He used to be in love with this once unsophisticated woman.


    That was then, and he was in love with Cassandra now.


    For Amanda however, this wasn''t the case. She had never stopped loving Rufus and trying to win him


    back. ''Cassandra is a very unusual woman, one of a kind, '' Rufus thought.


    "I admire her strength, determination, passion and zeal for life. She is kind and generous, with so much


    love to give. I love her daring, her stubbornness, and her tolerance. There is such a depth to her and


    her values of family and life are inspiring..."


    Rufus''s eyes gleamed as he remembered everything about Cassandra, ''What an amazing woman she


    is.''


    Amanda watched Rufus''s soft expression, her lips trembling and more tears welling up in her eyes.


    ''Rufus, '' she thought to herself, ''Why do you like her so much? You have fallen head over heels in love,


    haven''t you? You have exined a perfect woman!


    Youvish her withpliments. Why is she so wless and perfect in your heart?''


    Rufus couldn''t stop talking and thinking about Cassandra''s many virtues. He drew back looking at


    Amanda and sighed gently.


    "She''s aplete package and she''spletely different from the rest. Why all the questions


    Amanda?" Rufus asked.


    Yes, Cassandra was indeed different from others.


    Everyone thought she married Lionel for money, but no one knew about her struggle, suffering, pain


    and helplessness in that marriage.


    Everyone thought that she emptied Lionel''s bank ount, and profited by her divorce. Rufus knew that


    she didn''t buy a vehicle. Although it was inconvenient, she used public transport or take the taxi to


    work, to avoid suspicion. She never used thepany cars for private purposes and had set an


    example for many employees.


    Everyone thought that she dated Rufus for his position and finances, but it was he who kept her to stay


    with him, not that she was reluctant to leave.


    Everyone thought that she was obsessed with fame and fortune, but only he knew the whole truth


    behind it. In the face of criticism and bad publicity, she had neverined to him or asked for his


    help.


    If there were an animal topare her to, it would be the hedgehog, a remarkable animal known for its


    prickly spines. She would curl into a spiky ball like the little creature when in danger to keep herself


    from harm rather thane to him for help.


    T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Herpany encountered many difficulties, but she never asked for favors or finance or any kind of


    help. Rufus had offered to help when he heard about the problems, but she always turned him down.

 Chapter 202 Jump Off The Rooftop (Part Two)

    Chapter 202 Jump Off The Rooftop (Part Two)


    Other women in the same situation would''ve taken advantage of a wealthy man and manipted him


    into spendingrge amounts of money. Cassandra never used his money and kept turning him down


    when he wanted to buy her expensive gifts. She even became adamant in splitting the bills and grocery


    costs when they shopped at the supermarket.


    No one but Rufus knew that Cassandra was self-contained, sensitive, stubborn and persevering.


    Amanda felt her heart fragmented. She regretted asking Rufus such questions. Thest question he


    asked her stayed unanswered.


    Feeling humiliated and categorized as one of the rest, Amanda saw what Rufus spoke about


    Cassandra. She was stunningly beautiful and stood on a level of her own. She looked wless, as he


    had made her out to be. How could shepete with this?


    "Rufus, can you stay with me tonight, please? My dad won''t be here until tomorrow. I know I''ll be afraid


    to be alone in the ward," Amanda asked, while batting her eyshes.


    Amanda''s pleading in a weak, croaky voice made him feel protective towards her.


    Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    Rufus looked at Amanda, giving off a barely audible sigh.


    If she didn''t force him hysterically back in the day, he would think she was still as morous as before.


    Rufus hesitated for a moment, before epting her so called harmless request. ''Men are so gullible, ''


    Amanda thought.


    "Get some rest. I''m here with you."


    His mannerism rxed Amanda, and she felt safe and content by his side. She wanted to spend the


    little time they had together, but the effects of the medication had be contrary to her wishes. As


    she fought the sleep, drowsiness stole her moment with the one man she longed for.


    Amanda buried her face in the hospital nket, closed her eyes, and soon breathed deeply and evenly.


    She held tightly onto Rufus''s hand, and was reluctant to let go as the sleep took hold of her.


    Rufus looked at her fatherly as an older brother who would protect his sister.


    ''I''ll watch over her andfort her by making her feel safe. After Charliees, I can leave, '' he


    thought. Rufus longed to be with Cassandra. Just lying next to her was enough. He had missed her


    and was looking forward to his time with her. Never had he felt like this for anyone.


    Charlie had done so much for him back in the Dark Night Group, taking such good care of him. Helping


    out his daughter should be the least Rufus could do.


    Rufus stayed next to Amanda''s bed, watching over her until the morning came.


    People began to scurry around in the corridor. The hustle and bustle of seeing to people''s needs had


    begun. Rufus looked at his watch; it was already 6 AM. Charlie would probably be here soon.


    Rufus stood up and had a good stretch. Amanda slept soundly. He knew she was okay, so he turned


    and walked out of the ward.


    As soon as Rufus shut the door quietly, Amanda opened her eyes.


    She stared toward the door. It was disappointing that she didn''t spend the time she wanted with him.


    She had to think of other ways to hold his attention.


    No water''s enough when you have crossed the sea; no cloud is beautiful but that which crowns the


    peak.


    Amanda knew she stood no chance. She was in love with Rufus, so she couldn''t have feelings for


    anyone else, even when she tried. Unfortunately, Rufus didn''t share her feelings. He didn''t love her.


    After they parted as friends, Rufus managed to move on easily, but she never did.


    ''How could he just walk away from the past and be madly in love with another woman?'' Amanda


    thought sadly, her mind filling with rancor.


    Rufus''s continual praise prompted her resentment towards Cassandra. ''Why do you have to be so


    perfect?'' she thought resentfully.


    Rufus raced back to the Garden Vi. Cassandra was nowhere to be found.


    The bed not slept in was cold to the touch. His heart had a sinking feeling. He wondered where she


    was.


    Not a sound could be heard in therge vi. Rufus searched every room quickly. There wasn''t a sign


    of Cassandra anywhere.


    He felt a little anxious about the disappearance of Cassandra. His heart pounded. ''Where does she


    go? Surely she would have let me know if she had to leave. Hope she''s okay, '' he thought. Just as he


    was about to loose all hope, he found her bag with her cell phone and keys in it.


    Finally, Rufus found her on the rooftop of the vi. She sat on the edge, her feet dangling in mid-air. His


    heart leaped at the sight of her.


    Cassandra clenched the unicorn she was given at a young age and looked at the sky overhead.


    The rising sun shone her lonely back. Her loneliness was tangible.


    Rufus was relieved to see her, but felt nervous.


    He gingerly approached her, holding his breath and tiptoeing, as though walking on thin ice. He


    reached for her and held her tightly against him in his arms.


    Cassandra must have been sitting here for a long time. Her body shivered and she was ice cold.


    Rufus could finally breathe as he held her, but he wondered why she sat out in the cold like this.


    "Cassandra, what are you doing up here?"


    Rufus said in a wavering voice. He didn''t know why Cassandra sat here. It disturbed him.


    She frowned at him, as though she was in a bad mood.


    She ignored him and gazed off into space, a faraway look in her eyes.


    She didn''t ask why he left for so long or tell him she missed him. She just nced at him and turned


    away to look at the sky again.


    "Cassandra¡­"


    Rufus clutched her to him. There was an aching void in his heart, an empty feeling, even with her in his


    arms.


    She was frozen and needed him. Last night, he kept thinking about her the entire night as he sat next


    to Amanda in the ward.


    Did Cassandra also think about him sitting on the rooftop?


    Cassandra clenched her eyes, and then opened them again, turning her gaze back gradually.


    She curled up her lips and said something Rufus didn''t quite make out, "You know what? I''ve had times


    like this before, sitting on the rooftop all night against the wind and nning...to jump down at dawn."

 Chapter 203 She Is My Woman (Part One)

    Chapter 203 She Is My Woman (Part One)


    Rufus''s embrace tightened further when he heard what she had just said.


    "I will not allow you to jump. If you do, I will tear down the Qin family house and yourpany!"


    Rufus shrieked at Cassandra on the spur of the moment. The domineering way in which he spoke


    would have made herugh normally but she just wasn''t in the right mood now.


    In the end, she forced a bitter smile, underlying her soberness and bewilderment.


    "I remember, when my family wanted me to marry Lionel, and I strongly opposed it. On that night, I


    went to the roof of my parents'' house with this unicorn and spent the entire night sulking. I remember,


    the wind blew so strongly but still wasn''t enough to blow my miseries away.


    I kept asking myself, why it had to be me? Why did I have to make such apromise?


    Ever since I was young, I received less care and love from my parents aspared to my sister. Why,


    then, did I have to bear the responsibility in such a situation?"


    Cassandra poured out her heart, her eyes half-closed, mellowed by tears. She kept thinking of how her


    family treated her when she was young and the tears started to flow out in streams.


    "I stared at the sky from night to dawn, till the moon and stars faded and the first light appeared, till the


    sun rays pierced through the clouds and illuminated the sky.


    Then suddenly, I heard sounds of colliding tablewareing from the kitchen and my mom speaking in


    the background. Eventually, the smell of breakfast wafted through the air."


    She started to calm down. Her tears left traces on her cheeks even after the wind dried them away. Her


    eyes turned wistful, as she stared down at the lights all over the city, which looked blurry through her


    wet eyes.


    "That was when I realized something. I realized I couldn''t die like that. I thought that even though my


    parents never loved me enough, they were still my parents, after all. And they were the ones who had


    granted me life and brought me into this wonderful world. I thought, if I chose to end my life, I would


    never be able smell the breakfast cooked by my mother again, never be able to hear those lively noises


    again, and never be able to see another sunrise."


    She paused for a moment, then turned her head in Rufus''s direction, looking directly into his eyes.


    His eyes were dark and deep, harboring emotions that were beyond her to decipher. She had never


    seen him like that.


    "Rufus..." she continued, her voice seemed to contain hints of an impending confession, "I am scared


    of being alone. I have been alone in this vi most of the time. There is no other sound but that of my


    own footsteps and no body else around me but my own shadow. I feel so lonely.


    I keep wondering when you''d be back. This ce feels and smells like home only when you are


    around. Only then, I don''t feel lonely."


    Rufus gazed at her intently, his eyes flickering.


    He had never heard such wordsing from Cassandra before. She always came off as a strong and


    independent person who didn''t need to rely on anyone for her own happiness. The thought of her


    feeling lonely in a quiet house never crossed his mind.


    "I''m so sorry, Cassandra. I promise I''ll be home more often," Rufus said softly.


    The guilt engulfed him. He saw her loneliness; he saw her grief. Now, he felt more remorseful than


    Cassandra.


    "It doesn''t matter, Rufus. I''m used to it," she said, not sure whether she was consoling him or herself.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    A broken smile crept up her lips, somehow making her look like a somber angel.


    Rufus clung to her, hugging her tightly, sitting next to her. After a while, she pushed him away and


    slowly got up.


    The dawn had transited into a bright morning. The sun had surfacedpletely above the horizon,


    glowing on the two of them, full of warmth and hope.


    "Rufus, I have decided to move out," Cassandra announced, quietly.


    She gazed at his sunlit face, determined not to dither no matter what he said.


    This was the decision she''de to after struggling the entire night mentally. She couldn''t keep herself


    in such a miserable state anymore. For so long, she had indulged herself blindly in her love for Rufus


    and in the process, hadpletely forgotten who she was.


    He''dete in the night and leave early in the morning. His short-lived presence would leave a trace


    of warmth and the smell of his body. That was the most of what she got to spend her day with while she


    longed for him terribly.


    Sometimes, he would even leave right in the middle of a conversation, or dinner, when someone


    reached out to him. She couldn''t stand it anymore.


    "No way! I don''t allow it!" he shouted, getting up quickly.


    His face turned grim; his heart seemed to drop in ice water.


    He had held her in his arms in front of so many people. Everyone had almost figured out they were


    together. Why would she ask to move out at such a point?


    "I don''t care whether you allow it or not. I have to do it. This ce is too far from work. I want to shift to


    somewhere closer."


    Cassandra had expected Rufus to react like this, and hence was already determined to stay strong and


    stick to her decision.


    "If it''s about getting a taxi everyday, I can arrange a car and a driver for you," Rufus offered.


    Rufus was growing impatient. He tried to address whatever her concern was right away but that wasn''t


    what Cassandra was worried about.


    "Rufus, I don''t want you car and your driver. All I need is to find a ce of my own. Every corner of this


    ce reminds me of you and you are never around."

 Chapter 204 She Is My Woman (Part Two)

    Chapter 204 She Is My Woman (Part Two)


    Her eyes turned doleful. His shadow seemed to exist around her always, but never his person. There


    was nothing she could do but missing him. The constant nagging feeling of his absence had been


    killing her.


    In the past, she could bear with it, as it was countered by her immense love for him. She wanted to give


    him a home where he could enjoy the warmth of a family when he got back.


    But she realized this love couldn''t stand after she had been disappointed for so many times.


    Every time she felt closer to him, every time she felt she loved him more, Amanda would appear out of


    thin air and take him away.


    Now, she truly had enough of this misery which seemed to run on a loop.


    Rufus''s hands rested loosely besides his thighs, but his fists tightened so much that his hands turned


    pale. The emotions were so hard for him to process; he ground his knuckles together, resisting the urge


    to scream at her or say anything out of line.


    His lips were pursed, body clenched, as he tried to summon all his patience. In his mind, he told


    himself, ''Cassandra only feels insecure. I can''t me her for trying to escape me because she doesn''t


    feel safe anymore.''


    "Cassandra, I promised to never let you live without a home again. I am a man of my words. Stop


    thinking about moving out. I promise toe back here more often."


    The muscles on his face were clenched too, which made his voice sound stiff and hoarse.


    How could he let Cassandra go? He had almost ruined his rtionship with Tang family for her, which


    could hinder his future prospects drastically. Yet, he''d done it anyway.


    And it took her one night to make this sudden decision. How could he not feel angry?


    "It''s okay, Rufus. We are both adults. I really don''t mind the distance as long as we have each other in


    our hearts. Whenever you''re free, we can spend time together. Just think of our meetings as dates."


    Cassandra chose her words carefully and kept her tone in check. She could tell Rufus was angry and


    did not want to provoke him further.


    Although, of course, she understood her decision itself was enough to stimte him to such an extent.


    "Cassandra, stop it! I am saying it for thest time. I don''t allow this!


    If you move out, I will tear yourpany down right now! Don''t even think I am kidding."


    He had never spoken to Cassandra in such a harsh manner. He didn''t stay a single second on that


    rooftop after that and stomped downstairs angrily.


    ''That damned woman! Even after I said no, she still challenged my patience!'' he cursed.


    Cassandra was shook for a second but regained herposure soon, looking at Rufus walking away


    like that, smiling wryly.


    ''All you know is to say no. Will you ever reflect on yourself?


    If it weren''t for your ambiguous attitude, why would I ever choose to leave our home? This ce, after


    all, has experienced so much of my longing and expectations, '' she thought to herself.


    What Rufus wasn''t aware of was that his obstinate reaction had strengthened her determination even


    further.


    In his office, Rufus vented his anger at work the entire day. He sent back several submissions and


    scolded everyone harshly for tiny errors.Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    It wasn''t really a great deal. Everything just inspired an exaggerated response from him because of the


    anger he felt toward Cassandra.


    "Mr. Luo, do you need to take some rest? You seem a little worn out today."


    Victor had noticed there was something wrong with his boss today. He mustered up some courage and


    suggested him to leave early.


    Little did he know the cause of his agitation had nothing to do with tiredness or sleeplessness. Rufus


    couldn''t get the thought of Cassandra leaving out of his head.


    He slouched in his chair, eyes closed, rubbing his forehead. After a while, he finally made up his mind.


    He got up and told Victor, "I''m going back to Tang family. Call me if there''s anything urgent."


    After that, he strode out of thepany and drove back to Tang family.


    Immediately upon stepping into the lobby of Tang family house, Rufus sensed something awkward.


    Ivy and Jill were not home, while Horace sat on the couch. The TV was on but the look on his face


    seemed to be far off.


    He turned his head to see Rufus standing and without any greetings, got up and headed toward his


    study.


    "Come with me," he said.


    Rufus knew intuitively what he was going to talk about. Mentally prepared, he followed Horace into the


    study.


    Horace sat in his chair and signaled him to take a seat too. Silence persisted for a few seconds. Finally,


    Horace asked, "Rufus, what''s going on between you and Cassandra?"


    Clearly, Horace had heard about what had happened the previous night. He had been waiting on the


    couch for Rufus just so he could confront him with it.


    "We''re together. She''s my woman,"


    imed Rufus, fearlessly.


    "Shut your mouth! She is your younger brother''s ex-wife!


    How can you be with her?"


    Horace was offended by Rufus''s shamelessness. He got up in anger, mming his desk. The vase


    kept on it started to wobble and fell, rolling to the edge. Just before it could fall, Rufus caught it, then


    looked up at Horace.


    "They are divorced. They are not rted in any way, legally. My rtionship with Cassandra isn''t


    against thew. There shouldn''t be any problem due to that," he replied, his expression still as if set in


    stone.


    Rufus kept himself calm despite Horace''s uproar. He didn''t let a single hint of diforte across


    his face.


    "No problem, you say? There is a huge problem!"


    Horace said, losing it entirely. He breathed loudly and puffed his mouth. At any second now, he could


    explode and the repercussions could be drastic.

 Chapter 205 Horaces Visit (Part One)

    Chapter 205 Horace''s Visit (Part One)


    "You are a Tang, and you are my son! Our family was deeply rooted in this city and has developed into


    a prominent family! No one in this family is allowed to be involved in a scandal like this!"


    Horace bellowed as his face grew red because of anger.


    "It''s not a scandal. Every single man or woman has the freedom to fall in love with another person.


    Both of us are unmarried. We are doing well together,"


    Rufus replied in a rxed tone. All this time, never did he think that his rtionship with Cassandra


    was shameful.


    "You... How dare you contradict and talk back to me!"


    Horace was furious now. He ced his hand on his chest and started breathing fast.


    "Father, don''t be so angry, please. There were conflicts and idents in this family because


    Cassandra and Lionel didn''t love each other. We are different. I love her and she loves me. And if you


    insist that it''s improper for us to be together, we will move out. We won''t live here."


    Rufus finished his words calmly and looked at Horace who was out of breath.


    "I''ll call your doctor,"


    Rufus said and left the study to make a call to the doctor. He had expected Horace would oppose, but


    he would not stop loving Cassandra. He would be with her no matter what and no matter how, even if it


    meant he had to beat all the odds for her.


    Aside from all his worries with Cassandra, his father was another thing. Horace''s body was getting


    worse as days passed by. Rufus decided to speed up his ns.


    Otherwise, his revenge n, which had years of preparation, would be in vain if Horace would die too


    early.


    In his revenge plot, Rufus would make Horace realize the feeling of extreme heartbreak. At that time,


    he would be smiling to see Horace''s suffering face. That would be his only way to avenge his mother


    who had lived a miserable life because Horace had abandoned her along with him.


    After Rufus left the study, Horace took his hand away from his chest. His pale face recovered to normal


    as well. Yes, he was just pretending to be out of breath in front of Rufus, in case he would have a


    change of heart seeing how his father was affected.


    Horace didn''t anticipate that Rufus would be so calm and unaffected. He didn''t even offer to support


    him when he was breathless. Did he look through his trick? Did he know that he was just pretending?


    Or was it because he didn''t care about his father at all?


    Horace became skeptical and remained unhappy pondering his thoughts.


    All this time, he had tried hard to help Amanda get closer to Rufus. He knew that he had to seed as


    soon as possible in order to win the huge investment he was hunting for. But unexpectedly, Cassandra


    intervened.


    Rufus had such a stubborn personality. He would not be forced by others to do something. ''Probably I


    have toe up with another wise n, '' Horace said to himself.


    He learned from the news report earlier that Amanda fainted away. Horace tidied his clothes and


    decided to go to the hospital to pay her a visit.


    He had a sinister n in mind and he would try his luck this time with Amanda. He would discuss with


    her how to win Rufus''s heart back.


    In the hospital ward, Charlie passed an apple to Amanda with a reassuring face.


    "Amanda, you should eat something. How about some fruits? You haven''t eaten for long. It''s not good


    for your body."


    Charlie''s eyes were filled with worry for his daughter.


    All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    "No, I don''t want to eat now."


    Amanda turned her face away. She must''ve cried a lot for her eyes were red and swollen.


    "Don''t worry, Amanda. Rufus is being obsessed with that woman for now, but that won''t be for long.


    You are my daughter, you are smart and you are a pianist. You are a perfect woman! How could she


    compete with you? Don''t get angry because of her. It''s not worth it. Your health matters the most. Be a


    good girl. Eat something, please!"


    Charlie sweet-talked Amanda in an indulgent tone as if she was still a baby girl.


    "No! I said no!"


    Amanda pushed Charlie''s hand away and covered herself with the quiltpletely.


    The apple Charlie was holding dropped on the ground. It didn''t stop at where itnded. It rolled for


    several rounds and stopped as it hit the walls.


    Charlie shook his head and sighed helplessly. He didn''t know how to deal with his stubborn daughter,


    let alonefort her.


    "Please be a good girl, Amanda. Don''t be so willful, okay? I promised you I would help you. I won''t


    break my word. But for now, the priority for you is to take good care of your body. You fainted away


    yesterday. I''m so worried about you. I am restless to see you in such a terrible situation."


    Charlie patted the quilt tofort her like what he had done when she was still a little girl.


    "How will you help me?"


    Hearing her father''s promise, Amanda sat up hastily. Her face lit up because of excitement.


    Charlie was stunned at first. He began to think of how he could help her but didn''t answer her question


    immediately.


    When Amanda saw her father''s hesitation, she became frustrated again. With a frown she said, "I know


    you have no intention to help me, Father. You told me you would help mest time when you left, but


    you did nothing! You are just fobbing me off!"


    Amanda pouted, her eyes grew red and she was on the verge of crying again.


    "No, no. I''m still working on a perfect n. We need toe up with an excellent strategy, right? Rufus


    likes Cassandra now. We have toe up with a n to stop him from loving her. Otherwise, there


    would be endless troubles waiting for you if we did it too imperiously,"

 Chapter 206 Horaces Visit (Part Two)

    Chapter 206 Horace''s Visit (Part Two)


    Charlie exined whileforting Amanda with a ptrap face.


    "Then, tell me. How could I stop him from loving her?"


    As a matter of fact, Amanda had a n. But she decided to be an innocent and poor girl in front of her


    father, hoping that he would solve the problem for her. In that way, she would not have to do it herself


    and would avoid the possibility that Rufus might me her should he find out that she had set a trap for


    Cassandra.


    But when it came to Charlie that would be a different thing. He was Rufus''s respected teacher. Even


    when he would do something to Cassandra to make her leave Rufus, Rufus would never say a word to


    me him. Amanda was certain about it.


    When Charlie was about to speak something to answer Amanda''s question, there was a knock on the


    door.


    Both the father and the daughter exchanged looks with each other and then Charlie answered, "Come


    in, please!"


    The door opened, and it was Horace. He was standing at the door, wearing a gay smile.


    "Mr. Tang?! What brings you here!"


    Amanda eximed, she was totally shocked and confused as to what brought Horace to give her a


    visit.


    "Oh, how about you call me Uncle Horace from now on!"


    Horace smiled and walked in. When he saw Charlie, he was sure that he must be Amanda''s father


    judging from their resemnce.


    "You must be Amanda''s father. Nice to meet you."


    Horace offered a handshake. If he guessed it right, Amanda''s father must be somebody well-known


    and prominent.


    Charlie was tall and had some air of authority. His aura wasmanding a powerful presence, which


    made people feel suppressed in front of him.


    If Horace was not a sly old fox, probably he would surrender to Charlie''s power too.


    Horace had always inferred that Amanda probably had a strong family background. Seeing her father


    in person, he confirmed his assumptions.


    Should Amanda marry Rufus someday, marvelous benefits would be on the way for him and the Tang


    family!


    Horace calcted the possibilities in his mind while wearing a caring and genial smile.


    "Amanda, how are you feeling right now?" asked Horace.


    He changed the way he addressed her to ''Amanda'' and didn''t address her as ''Miss Ke'' anymore. Since


    he asked Amanda to call him ''Uncle, '' he felt it would be wiser to call her first name too. It was better for


    them to get closer. They were going to be family anyway.


    "Thank you for asking, Uncle Horace. I''m feeling much better."


    Amanda was a perfect face-changing pretender. A few minutes ago, she was acting unreasonably to


    her father, but now, she was wearing a polite smile. She was a tactical woman, invulnerable and wise.


    At the same time, Charlie was gauging Horace with his eyes secretly.


    Horace was a middle-aged man who had been struggling with the business for many years. Charlie


    asserted that he was not as amiable and genial as how he showed himself.


    He was a stranger to Amanda and was not in charge of the Tang Group anymore. Unusually today, he


    paid Amanda a visit in the hospital. One would note without any purpose. Something smelt fishy.


    ''What is his purpose foring here?'' pondered Charlie. Then he recalled that Rufus told him once


    that he never gave up his revenge n against Horace, which meant that Horace would be trapped


    into a disaster sooner orter.


    Charlie despised the kind of man who abandoned his woman and his child. But he wouldn''t show his


    dislike in front of Horace now. He had to be polite, at least.


    Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    "Hmm. I saw the report about what happened yesterday. I talked to Rufus beforeing here. Actually,


    he is quite lost too. Probably Cassandra, you know, my ex-daughter-inw is confusing him. I believe


    Rufus is blinded by her honey words."


    Horace med Cassandra for Rufus''s actions of being distant to Amanda, which actually was not the


    case. But he didn''t care. All he needed was an excuse. Cassandra was no longer a member of the


    Tang family. He didn''t have even the slightest care about her fame or reputation anymore.


    Hearing Horace admit his son''s mistake, Amanda was surprised.


    "Uncle Horace, I don''t me him. We loved each other. But we broke up a long time ago. I understand


    that it''s not that easy for him to ept me again in a short time. I''m not in a hurry. I only hope that


    Rufus would gradually learn to ept me again."


    Amanda kept calm and didn''t show any surprise. She answered Horace in a considerate and sensible


    way with a sad expression on her face.


    Judging from Horace''s attitude, Amanda inferred that he was on her side. That would make things


    easier for her when she got the support from Horace.


    It would be better if her marriage with Rufus would be blessed by his family.


    "I''ll talk to Rufus again. He''s my son, after all. Hopefully, he would listen to me,"


    Horace promised while shaking his head to show his annoyance. He felt troubled thinking about


    Rufus''s attitude.


    They talked more for some time. Thenter, Horace excused himself to leave.


    After Horace had left, Amanda turned around and looked at Charlie.


    "Father, you seem to dislike him. Why?"


    Amanda had been curious why her father cast a cold nce at Horace the whole time. She and Horace


    talked a lot. But her father never joined them. He just sat there, in silence.


    Charlie thought of Rufus''s revenge n at the sight of Horace. ording to Rufus, he would break up


    with his father sooner orter. Should Amanda and Rufus marry and when that day came, would


    Amanda live a happy life with the Tang family? No, she would be trapped in a worse situation whenever


    the Tang family copsed...

 Chapter 207 Lets Get Married

    Chapter 207 Let''s Get Married


    Charlie avoided telling Amanda the ugly truth. She was his dear daughter. He would do anything to


    avoid hurting her. Rufus''s n was ruthless. As her father, it was his sole purpose to make sure


    Amanda was happy.


    "Amanda, listen." Charlie stepped forward before continuing,"I don''t think Horace is as kind and gentle


    as he makes out to be..."


    Charlie let his mouth open, wanting to continue but could not find the words. Amanda was clever. She


    knew exactly what Charlie was trying to say.


    She knew that Horace had his own agenda. Amanda had always been the morepetitive daughter-


    inw aspared to Cassandra. Her higher social standing and reputation could help the Tang family


    erge theirwork and ess better resources. Horace was indeed a clever businessman. He took


    advantage of that fact.


    "Father, you don''t need to worry. Rufus will be the one living with me and I believe he''ll protect me."


    Amanda beamed at Charlie.


    Charlie''s hardended heart gradually softened. His daughter looked so innocent. He decided right there


    and then to withhold the truth.


    If things got bad between Rufus and Horace, Charlie would spirit Amanda away from the Tang family


    altogether.


    Meanwhile, Rufus left the Tang family and went back to the Garden Vi, only to find Cassandra


    packing her bags. This infuriated Rufus.


    "Cassandra, didn''t you hear what I said this morning?"


    Cassandra ignored him, neatly packing her clothes.


    "Rufus, I''m not breaking up with you. I just need to move out. We''re not married. This?" Cassandra


    gestured at the whole room,"This is wrong. I have no reason to be staying with you. Your reputation is


    taking hits."


    Cassandra kept on folding her clothes as she exined.


    She didn''t stop, so Rufus went to her side and grabbed her wrist to catch her attention.


    "I''m telling you. Don''t test my patience. I don''t care what people say about me. If you think you don''t


    have any reason to live with me under the same roof, then I''ll give you one. Let''s get married."


    Rufus reached into his pocket and took out the gorgeous diamond ring he always had with him.


    "Just slip it on. Let''s head to the office and get registered!"


    Cassandra''s mouth was agape, visibly dumbstruck.


    The diamond was almost the size of a small rock. It rested on a tinum setting and almost blinded her


    because of its sheen. It looked priceless. However, Cassandra didn''t feel excited at the moment. She


    found the proposal foolish. It wasn''t even done in a proper way. It felt rushed, forced even. Rufus only


    did this because he had to stop her from leaving. Cassandra felt her eyes welling up. She felt so sorry


    for herself.


    She closed the ring box gently, and handed it back to Rufus.


    "Rufus, you don''t have to force yourself to do this. You really don''t."


    Cassandra took a deep breath and looked directly into Rufus''s eyes. She looked passive and


    emotionless.


    "So you''re saying you don''t want to marry me?"


    Rufus raised his eyebrows in confusion when he saw Cassandra close the box. An ufortable


    feeling shed in his eyes.


    "No, Rufus. I want to marry you, but not like this."


    Cassandra closed her eyes when she said this, and then slowly opened them. She bit her lower lip as


    she looked at the tall man in front of her.


    "Rufus, I think we need to give each other some space so we can understand what we want. We need


    to ease into each other''s life. When the timees, we can reconsider if we really want to be together


    or not.


    I just got out of a messy marriage. You knew first hand how bad that rtionship was. It was a failed


    marriage. I don''t want that to happen again. I''ve developed this kind of phobia about marriage. It''s not


    just about the two of us anymore. It''s about two families. I need to clear my head and not to ruin our


    rtionship at the same time. I hope you understand.


    Sure, I long for a happy family of my own. But as of now, we really don''t have a sense of security, right?


    Neither of us is confident of this rtionship."


    Cassandra spoke her mind and the words rang true. She had always wanted to say these things to


    Rufus but she never was able to muster the courage. Today she finally did.


    Rufus clenched his jaw and fists, trying his best to hold his temper at bay. He was about to lose


    himself, but opted to stay silent.


    He wanted so bad to understand Cassandra because deep down, he knew she was right.


    All throughout, neither he nor Cassandra felt any security.


    They didn''t really meet, and fall in love like any other normal couple. He had his own revenge on the


    side. He always treaded carefully as if he was on thin ice. Cassandra sacrficed everything.


    Rufus had always been assertive with Cassandra, and she had never said anything about it and just


    persevered.


    "Rufus, we need to cool off. Let''s take things more slowly. Isn''t it better if we had more time to get to


    know each other more? You have your own goals to achieve and I have the Qin Group to manage. We


    can talk, chat and even date when we''re free. It''s way better than living together and slowly destroying


    this rtionship."


    T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Cassandra lowered her eyes. Under the bright light, her thick eyshes cast their own shadows and


    fluttered elegantly.


    "Destroy? You think us living together is destroying this rtionship?"


    Rufus lowered his voice. Cassandra could feel his immense sorrow.


    It turned out that living with him was a torture for her.


    Rufus thought she moved to the Garden Vi by her own choice. He thought she would wait for him


    and was willing to be his woman. But judging from what she just said, she didn''t want this life at all. She


    had been suffering from the start.


    "You''re taking this the wrong way, Rufus. I''m moving out for your own good. I''m doing this for you!"


    Cassandra remembered the news headlines she saw today. They were all rumors about her.


    She didn''t want Rufus to face these unfounded rumors. That was when she decided to leave the


    Garden Vi and give each other some breathing room.


    If she didn''t and things continued the way they were, their rtionship could have deteriorated even


    further, to the brink of copse. What was worse, they couldn''t even enjoy their private life because


    paparazzi would be at every corner stalking them. Cassandra didn''t want that to continue. She had to


    leave.


    "Fine. Just leave, if that''s what you really want!"


    Rufus flung the box on the floor in his rage. The ring fell out and bounced towards the corner.


    Rufus''s loud voice terrified Cassandra. She trembled in fear as Rufus shifted his anger into sorrow and


    grief.


    "Cassandra, I don''t really know what you think of me now. But as for me, I have a clear conscience. I


    have always treated you well and cared about you. If you really feel that you want to leave. We can


    break up. Are you good with that?"


    Rufus lifted his head a little to look at Cassandra''s face, drained of all color. His heart was broken.


    How he begged that Cassandra would see her mistake and apologize. He wished that she could admit


    that her persistence and pride were all for show. He wished that she was willing to stay in the Garden


    Vi, to stay with him.


    However¡­


    "Rufus, you''re ridiculous,"


    Cassandra said icily. She then closed her luggage promptly and stood up, ready to leave.


    When Cassandra started walking past Rufus, he tried his hardest not to grab her hand. He could feel


    her clothes touch his. It was the only physical contact they had before she went out the door.


    In a snap, all the memories flooded him. He recalled her enthusiasm when they first met in Rome. She


    was wasted at the time. He remembered her serious no-nonsense attitude when they met again at


    work. He remembered her incredible strength, her independence, everything about her.


    The sound of the luggage hitting the steps of the staircase sounded farther and farther, until it finally


    faded.


    The door downstairs opened and was swiftly closed. This shattered his heart into a million pieces.


    The sound of the luggage wheels was no more. The whole mansion grew quite. The silence was


    deafening. It was now empty, devoid of life.


    The calm breeze rustled the Chinese parasol trees in the courtyard.


    Rufus heard nothing but the rustling trees.


    The mansion with no Cassandra was an empty and quite mansion.


    Rufus started to understand what Cassandra meant.


    There should be all kinds of sounds in the mansion. There should be the ngs of pots and pans in the


    kitchen, as someone was cooking. The mother should be talking. Yummy scents should being


    from the kitchen. It was the smell of a well-deserved breakfast.


    Cassandra wanted a steady family so bad, but he couldn''t give it to her.


    His proposal, in Cassandra''s eyes, was impulsive and forced. It was a joke to her. He didn''t seem


    sincere at all.


    He was so stupid to let her leave and even offered to break up with her!


    Rufus walked to the small corner of the bedroom, kneeled and slowly picked up the diamond ring.


    It still shone, exuberant and eye-catching.


    He sped the ring in his hand tightly.


    Then he turned around and walked out of the bedroom. He went out to the courtyard and found it


    empty. Cassandra must have called a cab and took off.


    He was going to tell her that he would be waiting for her. He was willing to give each other the


    breathing room they so desperately needed. He was willing to ovee the problems together for their


    future.


    But she left. She wasn''t even able to hear his epiphany.


    Night fell.


    Nothing good ever happened at night.


    Rufus''s cellphone kept on vibrating, making a continous buzz. He answered the phone and heard


    Jasper on the other end of the line who sounded anxious


    "Rufus, get to TY Group as soon as possible. The things that happened to the members of the Dark


    Night Group happened to us too!"


    Jasper was always efficient and calcting. He handled his work extremely well so it was rare that he


    would be this anxious. The problems must have been nigh unsolvable.


    Rufus hung up and took a longst look at the empty street. He walked briskly back to the garage,


    popped open the door via remote, and got into his car. On his way out, he called up Victor and told him


    to book a flight.

 Chapter 208 The Secret Investor (Part One)

    Chapter 208 The Secret Investor (Part One)


    Standing by the corner of the street, Cassandra fixed her gaze at the crossing from behind a bush.


    She was hiding and waiting for someone. She hoped that Rufus woulde and look for her. Patiently,


    she waited for him to call out her name. She was expecting to see him so anxious because of her. That


    was what she wanted, and the reason why she was hiding behind the bush. She was curious to see


    what Rufus would do.


    Besides, she really wanted to hear Rufus say that he was sorry and that maybe they should talk about


    their rtionship. Cassandra assumed that they just needed to talk things over and everything would


    turn out fine. She hoped that he could be honest and tell her what was happening between him and


    Amanda. She didn''t like being left out by her own boyfriend for the sake of another woman. She just


    wanted to know everything.


    When she finally caught sight of Rufus, her heart beat faster. She was nervous but excited at the same


    time.


    Rufus was looking around for her. He looked very anxious and desperate, and there was a deep frown


    on his face. Undoubtedly, he was restless because he couldn''t find Cassandra.


    Seeing Rufus''s behavior, the corners of Cassandra''s lips lifted into a striking smile. She was contented


    to see that Rufus cared so deeply for her. She looked at Rufus with soft eyes while hiding behind the


    bush.


    ''Rufus, I knew you woulde here to look for me. I knew that you would tell me the truth, '' she


    thought to herself, clearly very satisfied with his actions.


    But right when she was about to walk out and show herself to Rufus, his phone rang. He picked up the


    call and talked for a few seconds. Then he turned around and left. Seeing that Rufus was about to


    leave, Cassandra was held frozen on her hiding spot, her heart slowly shattering into pieces.


    Cassandra kept hiding, wishing and praying that Rufus would not leave and would continue to search


    for her. What she saw next blew all her hopes away. Rufus got in his Range Rover and drove away


    without looking back. After a moment, hepletely disappeared from her sight. Cassandra was left


    alone and devastated.


    It was a just a phone call. But it was also a call that made Rufus give up looking for her. It must have


    been Amanda who called him. Cassandra had no doubt about it, judging from the way he hastened. If it


    were somebody else, Rufus would haven''t taken the call and just ignored whoever it was. The caller


    must be somebody more important than Cassandra and the thought of it broke her heart causing tears


    to well up in her eyes.


    Once, twice, thrice...


    How many more times was she going to be hurt by Rufus? How bad did she want it to happen for her


    to realize that she didn''t mean much for him? How many times more was she going to be heartbroken


    till she would learn to stop her foolishness?


    The smile on Cassandra''s face turned into a bitter smirk. She was silentlyughing at her own folly.


    How stupid of her to think that she meant something to Rufus? Realizing that she was nowpletely


    alone, she felt cold all over her body. Her heart throbbed rapidly. She wanted to shout and cry and


    curse, but she just didn''t have the energy to do anything. The night grew cold and Cassandra felt like


    she was falling into an inescapable deep hole.


    ''Cassandra, just let it go. It is what it is. After all, he already told you that he wanted to break up with


    you, right? Then this is it. This is the end, '' she said to herself.


    Cassandra touched her face and she hadn''t realized that she had been crying all this time. Tears kept


    falling down her face. She cried and cried until she was numb.


    She was very discouraged. She couldn''t help but feel sorry for herself. How could she be this fragile


    and allow herself to be hurt by a man? Bracing herself up, she was reminded that, it was just a break-


    up, so there was no need to be this sad. She had been through so much that she shouldn''t be this


    emotional over a break-up.


    Cassandra took a deep breath and wiped off the tears from her face. She tried to contain her emotions


    and frustrations. She didn''t want to cry. Though no one was here to see her like this, she felt weak


    whenever she cried. From that moment on, all she wanted was to be strong and take good care of


    herself. She swore not to cry for Rufus anymore, he was not worth it after all.


    Cassandra gently patted her face and tried to calm down. She gathered up all her strength and was


    prepared to move on with her life. She could be sad for a short moment, but she whould pick herself up


    soon.


    "Good-bye, Rufus," she said with conviction.


    All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    "Miss, do you need a ride?"


    A taxi drove over and pulled beside her. The driver rolled down the window and asked her if she


    needed a ride. In fact, he saw Cassandra from afar. She was standing by herself with big suitcases. He


    thought that she must need a ride right now. Luckily, he was right.


    "Oh, yeah. Please help me with my suitcases. Thank you,"


    Cassandra answered. She had already made up her mind as to where she would stay from now on.


    There was an apartment not far from thepany that would be ideal for singles like her.


    The driver helped her put the suitcases in the trunk and drove downtown.


    Cassandra was directing the way to the apartment, but suddenly, the driver stopped his taxi in front of a


    hotel.


    "Why did you stop here? What is wrong?"


    Cassandra was confused. Was something wrong with the car? Did they run into something making the


    tires t? Or the driver was waiting for someone?

 Chapter 209 The Secret Investor (Part Two)

    Chapter 209 The Secret Investor (Part Two)


    "Miss Qin, I have no choice. There''s a person inside the hotel who has been waiting for you. He told


    me to drive you here. Please go inside and meet him. When you''re done, I will drive you to the ce


    you want to go,"


    The driver ryed to her while looking at her through the rear view mirror. He had a bashful smile on


    his face. Clearly, he knew that what he was doing wasn''t right.


    "What the hell? Why are you doing this? You are a taxi driver, and I am your client. How could you ask


    me to get off halfway? Besides, how could you sell me out like this? It''s ridiculous! I won''t go!"


    Cassandra bellowed in a furious tone. Of course, she didn''t want to go inside the hotel to see some


    mysterious man. She didn''t know who wanted to see her for God''s sake! It was pretty dangerous and


    precarious, and she wasn''t willing to take the risk.


    "Miss Qin, please, just listen to me. Please don''t make it hard for me. I was left with no other choice. I


    can''t get cross with any one of them. But I promise that you will be safe going in. I swear with my


    honesty! I will be waiting for you here. And if you don''te out in two hours, I will call the police for


    you,"


    The driver said in a careful yet persuasive tone while smiling awkwardly at Cassandra. He just hoped


    that he could get this task done as soon as possible.


    "Your honesty? Do you have any honesty at all? You just sold me out for God''s sake!"


    Cassandra didn''t know what to say anymore. She felt so angry with the driver right now. She wasn''t


    expecting such weird incident would happen to her.


    While arguing with the driver, a man walked to stand beside the car and stooped down to talk to her,


    "Miss Qin, we are sorry to make youe here this way. My boss is a professional investor. He just


    wants to talk to you about his ns of investing with the Qin Group. I am sure that you will be


    interested in his offer."


    Hearing his words, Cassandra looked at him for a moment, then shifted her gaze to another man just


    behind him. The man behind looked calm and sure of himself. His hair had gone grey, and he was quite


    tall for his age. Cassandra assumed he was the boss, and the other man affirmed his assumption by


    nodding his head in response to her inquisitive gaze.


    The man who just talked to her seemed to be a very respectful man. To be honest, he even seemed to


    be afraid of his boss. The middle-aged man, who was the boss, indeed seemed very overpowering and


    so intimidating. He had his hands behind his back and stood there without a word. His behavior was


    enough for Cassandra to tell that he was influential.


    ''So he is an investor?'' Cassandra couldn''t help but doubt for a few seconds. Thinking silently for a


    short moment, she opened the car door and got off the car.


    "We can talk here. Or you cane to my office tomorrow to talk. I have other things to do, so I don''t


    have time to chat inside the hotel,"


    Cassandra said politely to them. She walked out and said these words only to show her politeness and


    respect for this said boss. If he really wanted to invest with herpany, he should have done it


    professionally. To be honest, Cassandra hadn''t thought about this and was willing to ignore whatever


    he would offer.


    "Miss Qin, I believe that you will need this investment. Let''s go inside and have a good talk,"


    The man was also polite to Cassandra. But still, she refused to concede.


    "If you really want to invest with mypany,e to my office. I really have things to do right now.


    Excuse me."


    After saying these words, Cassandra got in the taxi again and asked the driver to start the car. The


    driver looked between Cassandra and the two men outside the car with an embarrassed look on his


    face. He didn''t know whom he should listen to.


    At this time, the middle-aged man slightly nodded his head to the driver. The driver finally let out a sigh


    of relief and started the car.


    "Who was that man?"


    Cassandra asked the driver in a curious tone after they drove away from that hotel. She was confused


    with the man''s identity.


    "I have no idea, Miss Qin. Please don''t ask me,"


    The driver answered in a shaky tone. Obviously, he was afraid. Cassandra thought for a moment and


    didn''t ask any more questions. Well, if they really wanted to invest, then they would surelye and


    find her again. It was just that there must be something that they wanted from her, and she had no idea


    what it was. Anyway, she should be vignt.


    Weighing things out, Cassandra believed that the Qin Group was heading a good way. She had no


    intentions to draw any investments right now. Cassandra just wanted to do well in what they were doing


    and keep herpany steady.


    As for what the mysterious man wanted from her, she had just dismissed the idea for she didn''t have


    the time or energy to think about it anymore.


    Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    The taxi drove downtown. Passing by the most crowded area of the city, a big billboard with Amanda''s


    face on it shone brightly,plicating Cassandra''s feelings even more.


    Cassandra rolled up the car window and withdrew her gaze from the streets. She didn''t want to keep


    looking at that face anymore. Instead, she stared at the traffic ahead of her in G City, letting herself be


    immersed in the liveliness.


    "What is going on?"


    As soon as Rufus arrived at the TY Group HQ, he walked straight into Jasper''s office.


    Straightforwardly, without greeting, he just asked about the situation.


    "Here, take a look at all these projects,"

 Chapter 210 The Secret Investor (Part Three)

    Chapter 210 The Secret Investor (Part Three)


    Jasper simply answered, handing him a few documents. He gave Rufus ample time to go over the


    documents while he started exining.


    "The groups under ourpany were always losing at biddings. I found it pretty strange. So I asked


    some people to look into it. Guess what I have found out?"


    Jasper said with a serious look on his face, wearing a deep frown. Obviously, he found the situation so


    annoying and was also worried about theirpany''s status.


    "Ourpetitors won the bids by the base bid price?"


    Rufus said, after going over the documents. He was good at his job, and of course, it was easy for him


    to find out what was wrong with those bids.


    If it only happened for one or two times, they could still consider this a coincidence. But the same


    situation happened for many of their projects. This was definitely unusual. There must be someone


    behind their back who had been sabotaging their business.


    Jasper just nodded at his words. His eyebrows knitted into a tight frown.


    "It''s not just that. When I tried to find out who is behind all this, I just couldn''t find a thing. There''s no


    trace or shreds of evidence. And look at this¡­"


    Jasper said while giving Rufus more documents. The frown on his face was getting tighter. He was


    really exasperated about this.


    "Recently, our TY Securities also lost a number of good clients. They all went and invest in a newly


    opened securitiespany. ording to them, the newpany takes less money than us,"


    Jasper said in a low whispered voice. The thought of the many clients they had lost to the new


    company made Jasper felt so discouraged.


    "This will do no good to theirpany, and I am sure that they know it. This is like suicide. They''ll


    make little profit, and it will also affect the whole industry. No matter what, a malignpetition is never


    the best way to kill yourpetitors,"


    Rufus exined in a cold tone. With these words, he threw the documents on the desk with a disdainful


    look on his face.


    He knew that malignpetitions were childish and low. It seemed that the leader of the newpany


    was pretty stupid. This would do them no good, and it would endanger the whole industry.


    "Yes, it''s not a smart way to get into the market. But it doesn''t matter that we know this or not. The ones


    who don''t know this are the clients. If they find out that the newpany charges less, definitely they


    would go to them. We just can''t stop them,"


    Jasper said, shrugging. In fact, he had already talked to many big clients about this. But they all


    insisted that the TY Securities should lower their prices so as topete with the newpany. Of


    course, Jasper couldn''t agree to that, thus those clients just took their money and left.


    "Don''t mind them. Just focus on our loyal clients. I believe that soon, that newpany will face


    serious problems because of this malignpetition. They will not be a threat forever."


    Rufus let out a deep sigh. He raised his hands to rub his throbbing temples. A headache suddenly


    struck him. He just had too many things on his te.


    Jasper''s call made him feel anxious and alerted. Moreover, he wasn''t able to rest on his way to the HQ


    because he was worried. Now, he just felt exhausted and wanted so badly toy his back on a floppy


    bed.


    "Are you okay, Rufus? You don''t look good,"


    Jasper asked in a worried tone. It was rare for him to see Rufus this tired and stressed. If Jasper''s


    memory was right, he had never seen him so weak and vulnerable. Rufus was always energetic and


    collected. He was good at hiding his feelings, and he was always powerful and strong. He was a genius


    in this industry, brilliant enough to juggle his true feelings with disyed impressions.


    "I am okay. I just need some rest and I will be all good again,"


    R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    Rufus replied. Then suddenly, he raised his eyebrows, as if he remembered something.


    "How about Arthur recently? Did you hire someone to watch over him? Do you have an idea of the


    persons he''s been in contact with recently?"


    Thinking about the sudden change of the spokesperson in G City, Rufus still felt a bit uncertain.


    "Arthur? He just focused all his attention on getting the projects of the tourism district. He is just too


    ambitious for his own good, and we can never really trust this kind of man,"


    Jasper said in a serious tone. After Arthur got the investment from the TY Group, he became bold and


    eager. It was not a good thing for both Rufus and Jasper. He had too many ideas, and to be honest,


    they were not candid, actually not good at all. He just kept doing vicious things to get what he wanted.


    "If he keeps being like this, I believe he will end up in prison just like Vernon sooner orter."


    Something shed through Rufus''s eyes at the mention of Cassandra''s father. It seemed that he


    should use Arthur as soon as possible. He was worried that Arthur would cause his own death soon


    and affect the big n. He should take advantage of him and quickly get rid of him after that.


    "To be honest, Vernon really had a stroke of bad luck. In this industry, nobody is 100 percent innocent


    and truthful. We all know this. Someone must have sold him out and sessfully sent him to prison.


    Poor Cassandra, Not only does she have to pay a big amount of penalty for her father, but she also has


    to take over the Qin Group for him at such a young age,"


    Jasper said in a pitiful tone while shaking his head. In front of him, Rufus breathed heavily. His heart


    dropped hearing what Jasper had said. He couldn''t help but felt remorse for Cassandra.

 Chapter 211 The Hidden Enemies (Part One)

    Chapter 211 The Hidden Enemies (Part One)


    "Why not pay more attention to thepany''s affairs instead of her?"


    Rufus asked, grumpily. Cassandra''s very name hit his sensitive nerve. His tone became aggressive as


    soon as Jasper mentioned her.


    "Why? Is it true that your rtionship has some problems?"


    Jasper leaned forward, his eyes widening. He was amused to see Rufus act so out of his regr cold


    and calm way.


    "What do you mean by ''some problems''? What have you heard?"


    Rufus wanted to end this conversation right away but thought it was wise to face it, sooner orter


    these questions were bound toe up. Plus, he was aware Jasper had his tongue in his cheek.


    "Isn''t it all over the news? People are saying someone has stepped out and imed he is dating


    Cassandra now and it is her who stole Lyndsy''s boyfriend. Haven''t you read about it? It''s all over the


    inte!"


    Jasper said in surprise. He had assumed Rufus might already have heard about it.


    "No. I never pay attention to this kind of gossip,"


    Rufus answered tly, his eye brows knitting. Yet, he was surprised by whatever Jasper had just said.


    "You know the man. That guy we met at the private club the other day? A Mr. Tong, does it ring a bell?


    He made an announcement to a big crowd of reporters that Cassandra is his girlfriend!"


    Jasper exined hurriedly, while checking his phone for the article. He found it pretty easily and


    presented it to Rufus. Rufus''s face turned cold just after casting a single nce at it.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    After reading it, he remembered how Cassandra clung to Dylon''s arm intimately and how closely they


    sat together at the club.


    Then there was Cassandra staying in that man''s apartmentter the night. What was more, she was


    even with him in A City for the rescue operation after the earthquake.


    "You see? I don''t understand why your aunt likes her so much. The more I find out about Cassandra,


    the more convinced I am of her being a loose and easy woman," Jasper said, disgustingly.


    "How could she have an affair with another man while being with you? And not just that! They''re so


    shameless they even made it public in such a high-profile way!"


    He kept going on and on, without noticing the effect on Rufus.


    "Just forget about it. I don''t want to hear her name now,"


    Rufus interrupted him sharply. Jasper''s careless words seemed to have hit him deeply. It was like he


    was stabbed in an already existing wound; only this time it went deeper into his soul. He just couldn''t


    bear it anymore.


    Finally now, Jasper noticed Rufus''s stern face and shut his mouth.


    Secretly, he had taken pleasure in fretting Rufus over this. It was rare for Rufus to lose his calmness


    and give in to his emotions, but it looked like love had made him too mellow, and too vulnerable.


    "Well then...about work...From?what?we?know, all thepanies and corporations of the Dark Night


    Group have been attacked by some unknown forces this time. So I don''t think that there is any


    businesspetition involved. Honestly, it looks like someone is purposely trying to sabotage the Dark


    Night Group,"


    Jasper said, stroking his chin to denote thoughtfulness. One could see he was back to talking about


    work in all seriousness, forgetting all about the gossip he was indulging in pleasure-fully until now.


    "Yes. I have ordered some people to investigate into the matter but nothing has surfaced yet,"


    Rufus replied. He, too, had put his mind back on the work.


    The strangest thing about this matter was that all thepanies known to have attacked the Dark


    Night Group in the past were seemingly ordinary yet they had the resources to carry out foul means to


    bring it down.


    If it was truly all aboutpetition, they were likely to be squeezed out of the market by their own


    peers because of all the dirty tricks they were using. In the end, they would have to sacrifice their own


    reputation and market shares. Whoever was behind all this didn''t seem to care about the results at all,


    because they kept doing things which weren''t particrly good to anyone but just worse to themselves.


    Moreover, they seemed to be well funded, for they were trying to harm otherpanies at the cost of


    their own profits.


    Considering that even the Dark Night Group couldn''t find out the source of this nuisance, it could be


    said that the enemies hiding in the shadows were not just cautious but also extremely skilled.


    "Obviously, they aim at taking the Dark Night Group down, and are intending to reach that point by


    attacking its memberpanies,"


    Rufus asserted, thinking out loud. He kept trying to thread things together and this seemed like their


    only possible intention.


    "You mean it isn''t over yet?"


    Jasper asked, his skin almost changing colors. Above everything else, a stab in the back was always


    hard to foresee and much less, to avoid. And that was what they were most susceptible to do in this


    business.


    "Definitely. They are fighting a guerri war now, and I''m sure that they have a lot of other objectives.


    They won''t stop until they get what they want,"


    Rufus said, thumbing through the documents in his hands. From what he could tell, these enemies


    meant to throw the TY Group into a panic stage, so that they could make them y into their hands,


    eventually.


    "What do you think we should do then?"


    Jasper asked, looking at Rufus worriedly, hoping that he woulde up with a way to solve the


    problem.


    "We will meet changes with constancy," Rufus responded calmly. "Maintain the status quo and maintain


    the profits as they are.


    Otherwise, we may fall into the trap they have set and mess things up ourselves."


    Despite the urgency of the matter, Rufus managed to speak with rationale and make dispassionate,


    meaningful judgements, with his signature look-ofposure back into y.


    "But...you know, many of our peers have followed their ways in the past..."


    Jasper hesitated and looked up at Rufus, evidently embarrassed.


    He knew it wouldn''t be a problem for the TY Group even if they would lose some customers in this


    price war, but he still found it hard to swallow that doing nothing proactively would be a good idea. How


    could they just grin and bear it?


    "Don''t worry and just do as I say. I will find out who is behind these attacks as soon as possible,"


    Rufus interrupted him and raised his hand to stop him from continuing.


    Jasper just shook his head, saying nothing in return.


    He realized that dropping the matter was all he could do right now. Thanks to his own self, Rufus


    wasn''t in a great mood. Now that he had made up his mind, any argument further would only irritate


    him.

 Chapter 212 The Hidden Enemies (Part Two)

    Chapter 212 The Hidden Enemies (Part Two)


    For a while, he just stood there, shaking his head, contemtively.


    "Oh, by the way, do you remember the wife of Mr. Gary Zheng? Whitney?"


    Jasper asked after a pause, suddenly remembering.


    "Of course. She''s one of our VIPs, and has put most of her assets under our management.


    Why do you ask?"


    Rufus raised an eyebrow, wondering why Jasper had mentioned her out of the blue.


    He also thought about how Cassandra wouldn''t be able to take control of the Qin Group if Whitney


    didn''t offer her equity shares.


    "I heard she''sing back to develop her career here, and has transferredrge amount of funds to


    her domestic capital ount recently. I think she''s preparing for a big move soon,"


    exined Jasper, looking down at the floor, lost in thought.


    "Isn''t it normal for our customers to transfer funds from one ount to another? What''s so strange


    about it?"


    Rufus asked, doubtfully, bringing a pen to his lips. He couldn''t ce exactly why Jasper was worried or


    would even bring it up.


    "Well...the thing is, she once mentioned to her subordinates she might bring her daughter here to G


    City as a permanent resident,"


    Jasper said, shaking his head in bewilderment, getting to the point.


    "And alternately, I remember her saying she had no intention ofing back here and that her


    daughter liked living abroad. Don''t you think there''s a catch here? Why would she suddenly change her


    mind?


    Something doesn''t feel right to me."


    Jasper went on. He was totally intrigued by this news, and didn''t realize that he sounded very gossipy


    now. However, Rufus found it unnecessary. He stood up, walked to him and patted him on the


    shoulder.


    "You know what? It''s a pity you didn''t choose to be some kind of entertainment-reporter,"


    Rufus joked, feeling torn betweenughing and weeping. To tell the truth, he had somehow guessed


    what was on Whitney''s mind.


    All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    Originally, she''d chosen to settle in Norway for the sake of her daughter''s illness, such that they would


    have a positive change in their lives.


    After Cassandra had helped her figure out what was troubling her daughter, the girl must have started


    doing a lot better, which would exin why Whitney wanted toe back to G City now.


    It was only natural for her to want to return to her hometown now that she finally had the chance.


    "Anyway, I will leave after going through those files again. Keep a close watch on how things develop.


    And most importantly, don''t worry, stay cool. It''s no big deal,"


    Rufusforted Jasper before getting back to his office.


    He sat behind his desk, looking through the files Jasper had given him. But in a few seconds, his


    attention was somehow caught by a photo on the desk. It was a photo of his mother and himself.


    He reached out to take it up, and gently stroke the photo frame while staring at the picture, from where


    his mother smiled back at him. She was still in her prime when the picture was taken. Her little boy


    stood by her side, palpable and inexperienced. In a way, it was a family picture,plete in itself.


    The little, fatherless Rufus often got into fights with others his age and even elder when he was


    laughed at in school. At times, he would lose his temper and me his poor mother for not having his


    father around. She endured all of it, hisints, anger, frustrations, along with her own pains.


    On the other hand, the person who had brought misery upon them was still leading a good andvish


    life in G City, unpunished.


    The Tang Group was very rmed right now, given that Dawn Star Group was getting bigger and


    stronger day by day.


    "The time hase," he murmured, looking at his mother in the picture.


    "You will see, mother, the person who abandoned us won''t just get away with it," he spoke in a manner


    of vowing, clenching his teeth.


    In G City, Cassandra had gotten her new apartment all shipshape. It got trulypleted only after she


    ced her little unicorn toy by her bedside, just like before.


    It was ced such that she could look at it every night before going to bed, and every morning, as soon


    as she opened her eyes. She appreciated its undemanding, non-perturbingpany. Every time she


    looked at it she was filled with warmth and happiness.


    Every so often now, she found herself sitting at the edge of her bed, gently stroking it. It felt soft and


    looked pure and cute, like always. The very act of moving her fingers on its fur rxed her. And yet,


    when she thought of herself like a third person, she only saw a lonely girl, craving for humanpany


    and real love.


    She hadn''t heard from Rufus for two days; this time, there was an aching void in her heart telling her


    this wasn''t usual, wasn''t something not to worry about.


    Before, she had epted they might not get enough time to talk or meet for days in their busy work


    lives, and because of which she was able to bear the solitude, no matter how much she missed him,


    how hard she ached for his touch. She had always believed Rufus loved her and that she had a


    permanent ce in his heart. All this time, she felt as long as they loved each other, even his absence


    contained a kind of abstract presence of his being.


    But now, everything had changed. The faith she had in him was turning into helplessness and sorrow.


    She wanted to call him, text him, somehow listen to the sound of his voice or just to find out how his


    day was, what was he up to, how things were going. But she restrained herself, thinking of how bluntly


    he had said ''Let''s break up, '' right to her face.


    She kept asking herself, ''Is it true that I''ve been dumped by Rufus?''


    It was a reality she found too hard to ept.


    The unicorn still seemed to stare at her with tender eyes, just as Rufus once did.


    Her brain flooded with memories every now and then, no matter how hard she tried to distract herself.


    His face, hisughter, the time they had spent together¡ªeverything shed through her mind in an


    instant.


    She thought of how wicked he could be sometimes, his anger in between the long stretches of


    calmness, his tenderness for her. Everything had be a thing of the past.


    Ever since she had encountered him in her life, part of him had attached itself to her, a part that


    eventually became love, admiration and respect, which was something she found extremely hard to get


    over now.


    Everything felt so...strange and ufortable without him.


    Here she was sitting at the edge of the bed again, looking nkly at her unicorn toy, thinking of the


    good old days when her thoughts were suddenly interrupted by the ringing doorbell.


    Snapping to her senses, Cassandra walked out to the living area.


    "Who is it?" she asked, involuntarily.


    "It''s me,"


    a very familiar male voice answered from behind the door.

 Chapter 213 Dote On You Too Much (Part One)

    Chapter 213 Dote On You Too Much (Part One)


    Cassandra dashed to open the door, excited to hear a familiar voice.


    Finally, he was back. Dylon had returned after the disaster relief mission, looking a lot leaner and


    darker than before. He must have endured great difficulties.


    "I''ve brought you food. Want some?" asked Dylon.


    His hands were loaded with parcels, like a pack horse carrying essentials for a team up Mount Everest.


    A bright smile was drawn on his face, as he motioned by raising his hands high.


    "Sure, I would love to! This is such a wonderful surprise and youe bearing gifts. How good to see


    you, dear friend! You are so thoughtful. I haven''t had dinner yet."


    Cassandra was so delighted to see Dylon safe. Hurriedly, she gestured Dylon toe in. She felt so


    emotional at seeing him that her eyes welled up.


    Dylon had arranged a room for her in this apartment building, below his, so that she didn''t need to stay


    at hotels, which would have been expensive and inconvenient.


    "When did you get back?"


    Cassandra jovially asked, as she began opening packages. The grilled corn captured her attention,


    making her mouth water. Quickly, she bit into it. "Oh wow, this is so delicious!" Cassandra stated as


    juice dribbled down the corner of her mouth.


    "I just got back this morning. I took a shower and had lunch with my parents. Then I immediately came


    to you. That''s what good friends should do, right?"


    He beamed as he spoke to Cassandra in a cheerful tone, but the fatigue in his eyes was too much to


    hide.


    "You should have had a good rest at home first. I''m so honored to have you here," Cassandra said


    jokingly.


    She was so excited seeing Dylon again; her face formed a fixed smile.


    "You did a lot for the rescue team and medical team in A City. This is a small gesture to say thank you


    for all you''ve done. I haven''t had a chance until now to express my gratitude."


    His eyes showed sincerity and a warm smile poured out his appreciation.


    "If not for the issues in thepany, I wouldn''t have been back so early." Cassandra shrugged. "It must


    be exhausting engaging in full-time relief work."


    Company business kept forcing her back to G City. She regretted not being able to volunteer as much


    and save lives in A City.


    "Cassandra why did you move?" Dylon asked with a frown on his face. "Did you have a dispute or fall


    out with Rufus?" he asked abruptly.


    Dylon wasn''t here only to thank Cassandra, but to know her motive for moving. Although Cassandra


    smiled, he could tell there were hints of sadness behind her smile and a perplexed look in her stunning


    eyes.


    Lowering her head, she carried on chewing the corn but remained silent. The corn, had lost all appeal


    the moment she heard Rufus''s name.


    "''Is it because of me? Did I cause any trouble between the two of you, by announcing that you are my


    girlfriend?" Dylon was concerned. "Would you like me to exin to him?" he tried to prompt an answer.


    Dylon didn''t want anything to impair Cassandra''s happiness because of him.


    "It''s nothing like that. I feel morefortable staying closer to mypany and need to have some


    time to focus on problem solving. So stop jumping to conclusions," Cassandra retorted.


    She felt so agitated that she just wanted a way out of this discussion. She didn''t feel like scratching it


    all up again, not now.


    "Cassandra, do you know that you roll your eyes every time you feel irritated." Dylon exaggerated the


    eye rolling. "So just tell me the truth. I can help you. I am the person who you always run into when you


    are lost, remember?" Dylon goaded.


    It seemed the words had no effect on her mood. The smile from Cassandra was stiff and unconvincing.


    "Cassandra, I know it has been very hard for you and Rufus to be together. I just hope that the two of


    you will make a good couple. If there is anything I can help with, I will do my best." Dylon had been


    such a good, supportive friend.


    His eyes were brimmed with sincerity when he offered his help. He could see there was a lot that piled


    up since theyst spoke and she was having difficulty processing it all.


    The hearty words almost lured Cassandra''s tears out. She was so fragile and her emotions were so


    sensitive when it came to Rufus. However, when it came to work, she could withstand all the hardship


    and trouble.


    Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    How could she express the situation to Dylon? Should she say that Rufus and Amanda had


    something? Her life had bepacted with other rtionships. Despite Rufus loving her, how


    long could he resist the conquest of a young irresistible woman''s charms? Regardless of his values, he


    was a man. Should she say that Rufus had left her several times, to run after Amanda? The slightest


    thing, Amanda would phone for. He felt obliged to help her and would never turn her down. But as for


    her, he never gave any exinations of what and why he did anything. To avoid all that discussion


    maybe she should say their rtionship was not as stable as it seemed.


    As confused as she was, Cassandra didn''t want others to worry about her. If she had constantly been


    burdening her friends, she wouldn''t have any left.


    "It''s no big deal. Rufus and I are both adults. We know what we are doing. It would be best if we can be


    hand in hand till the end. But even if we can''t make it, we won''t me each other," stated Cassandra.


    She sneezed hard, then rubbed her eyes to try to hold back her tears. She didn''t'' want Dylon to see her


    emotionally weak side.


    What she didn''t know was, the more she tried to hide her emotions, the more Dylon felt sorry for her.


    "Cassandra, sometimes you are just too stubborn. It may be better for you to give in sometimes and


    allow him to lead and look after you," suggested Dylon.

 Chapter 214 Dote On You Too Much (Part Two)

    Chapter 214 Dote On You Too Much (Part Two)


    He couldn''t help giving her advice, feeling as though he could be a couples counsellor. He sounded


    quite good at it.


    "Give in? Why do I have to give in? I didn''t do anything wrong. I haven''t been bossy or controlling. I


    would like a normal rtionship for once. I don''t think I''m being unreasonable."


    Cassandra couldn''t understand. It was Rufus who hurt her by swaying between her and Amanda. He


    would express his love for her but in the next moment, turn to another woman in a hospital. He stayed


    with Amanda the entire night, leaving her alone. As the situation didn''t change, her heart hardened.


    He wanted to possess her and wouldn''t let her go. He refused to understand why she made the


    heartbreaking decision, saying she was unreasonable. He couldn''t see his me in all of this and


    wouldn''t begg her to stay and try again.


    Seeing the stern look Cassandra gave him, Dylon let out a deep sigh.


    ''Well, that''s normal for people in a rtionship. They always me the other half when there are


    conflicts, saying they are innocent. No one likes to be med. Anyway, they might just get back


    together after a few weeks, '' Dylon thought.


    "You brought beer as well?" Cassandra squealed.


    She took out several cans of beer from the bag with an excited smile.


    "No, you''re not drinking It''s not for you. I''ll drink it myself!"


    Dylon hurried to stop Cassandra. He still remembered what happened at the barst time. Cassandra


    overindulged. That scene was still too fresh in his memory to forget. Rufus had to fetch and carry her


    out as she waspletely intoxicated.


    "You are extremely sensitive about a little mishap," Cassandrained.


    She didn''t resist as there was a lot of variety in the parcels and took the grilled meat from the other


    food box instead.


    Dylon smiled in relief and opened a can to drink before she changed her mind.


    They had the TV on and enjoyed their dinner. For a moment, the chatter andughter managed to help


    Cassandra forget her pain. However, the night wasn''t destined to be a peaceful one. The door bell rang


    again.


    "It may be the property managementing for my signature. I wasn''t here during the day," Cassandra


    surmised.


    After stuffing another piece of squid into her mouth, she got up to open the door.


    Dylon had already strolled towards the door, opening it on her behalf.


    He was stunned and his mouth hung open as he stared into the face standing at the door.


    A man outside was holding a bunch of beautiful fragrant roses.


    The moment he saw Dylon, the warm grin that he was wearing vanished. A tornado started to stir in his


    eyes, and his face suddenly turned dark.


    Cassandra wondered why Dylon was standing still at the door for so long.


    "What happened?" she asked curiously. "Just go ahead and sign for me!"


    she muttered as she was chewing the squid.


    Dylon slowly turned around smiling embarrassedly.


    "Hmm¡­ Cassandra I''m off. I remember there''s still something I have to do. Take your time," Dylon said


    apologetically.


    Then it took him no time to flee hurriedly from the awkward situation.


    Rufus stepped forward into the doorway and surfaced himself from the shade of the door.


    Cassandra walked towards the door,ing face to face with Rufus. She felt like her heart was


    jumping into her throat.


    This was not the first time that she received roses. Rufus always brought her the fresh ones.


    He stood right there, with the roses in hand. Was he trying to ask her toe back to him?


    "You¡­ W-Why are you here?"


    Cassandra stuttered as she was trying to get her words out. It was so unexpected.


    She looked like a mess, being totally unprepared for the visit. Her hair rested on her shoulders in a wild


    fashion; her tracksuit wrinkled with sleeves rolled up; her mouth was still full of squid with sauce arond


    her lips; she looked the furthest thing from morous. She was battling to ept the flowers from


    Rufus, who looked handsome in his formal business attire.


    For a moment, she was at a loss and didn''t know how to behave. It seemed that whatever she did


    would still be inappropriate at this moment. Her face now was a red ze as she tried to search her


    expression for emotions. The anxious reaction of Cassandra only made this man confirm his


    suspicions.


    "I apologize that I didn''t inform you earlier about my visit. I didn''t intend to interrupt your evening with


    your boyfriend," Rufus said in a deep unemotional tone.


    His cold eyes swept across the food boxes and beer cans on the tea table, and he seethed with anger.


    Rufus thought that Cassandra would be alone and heartbroken for a while after moving out. If it hadn''t


    been for an urgency at the TY Group HQ he wouldn''t have let her go so easily.


    When he managed to find her address, he was feeling uneasy, as he knew that Dylon had an


    apartment here as well. Nevertheless, he convinced himself that it was a coincidence.


    However, there was no way he could convince himself the moment the door opened. He had brought


    her so many roses, only to find the little couple having barbecue and watching TV together. How could


    he be so stupid, thinking she longed for him as he did for her? He wanted to have her back and love


    and spoil her. Now he was betrayed and his heart felt ripped out.


    Cassandra sensed the discontent in his voice, and the excitement of seeing him instantly disappeared.


    Waiting for the bomb to explode, she looked at Rufus fearfully.


    ''Dylon is obviously not my boyfriend. Doesn''t'' he know that? The three of us spent quite some time in A


    City together with the relief work. If there was something between Dylon and I he would have picked it


    up then, '' Cassandra thought.


    "Rufus, you are the most small-minded man that I have ever seen!"


    Cassandra blurted out with her face red, but now it was because of anger.


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    "Small-minded?"


    Rufus repeated as he walked slowly towards Cassandra. Looking down at her, he had his cold eyes


    fixed on her.


    "Cassandra, it seems that I have doted on you too much."

 Chapter 215 You Are Only Mine

    Chapter 215 You Are Only Mine


    As Rufus drew closer to her, Cassandra''s heartbeat began to race.


    "What...d-do you mean..by that?" she asked, stuttering a little.


    The air was filled with an impending doom. Cassandra could feel perspiration forming on her forehead.


    Watching her uneasiness, a sinister smile crept up on Rufus''s lips. If someone witnessed him in this


    expression, he or she would have believed he was a Satan from the hell.


    "Since you''ve doubted my good intention, I think it''s time for me to show you my atrocious side."


    His malicious smile conveyed that he was about to lure her soul out. His eyes reeked with cruelty which


    Cassandra had never seen before.


    Suddenly, Rufus flung the bouquet of roses disdainfully aside. Without any second thought, he


    callously stomped on the flowers lying on the ground. His brutal contact led the flowers and the stems


    to break apart. White fluid oozed out of it. To Cassandra, it seemed akin to a sacrificial offering.


    "Rufus, just stop!" she groaned.


    Her body started to quiver. In such a tiny apartment, she knew she didn''t have a ce to hide.


    Wrath was roaring from his heart while fire was gleaming in his eyes. If this fire were real, it could have


    burnt down the whole ce in a matter of seconds.


    Cassandra winced each time she looked into his eyes. Haltingly, she began to retreat. If he were his


    normal self, he would certainly have felt sorry for his love.


    But today, he was engulfed by immense jealousy which, as a consequence, blinded his eyes. Rufus


    was oblivious to the fear on Cassandra''s face.


    When she realized he was getting closer, Cassandra began throwing random things at him. She hauled


    whatever that was within her reach¡ªpillow, rm clock, as well as other misceneous items in the


    living room. However, Rufus dexterously dodged her attack. His strong body continued to advance


    towards her.


    "You¡­Stop! If you don''t then I''ll call...the police!" Cassandra spat out her feeble warning.


    It wasn''t just her body, even her voice was trembling. She dashed behind the couch to escape from the


    man''s hunt. It was as if they were ying the game of The Eagle Catches the Chickens.'' The eyes of


    the eagle turned sharp and grim. Watching her futile attempts at escape, Rufus became even more


    determined. While the chicken, Cassandra, was quivering in horror.


    "You want to call the police? Go ahead and do it. Do you need my help? Shall I call the head of the


    police station as well?" Rufus offered sarcastically.


    He was nonchnt to her threats. Any attempts to resist him would do her no good. If anything, it


    would only ignite the fire on him which was already roaring.


    Terrified, Cassandra was prepared to dial the police using her trembling fingers. Seeing her boldness, a


    sharp light shed across his eyes. Before she realized it, he lurched forward and grabbed the phone


    from her hands. As she was registering the situation, he hurled it away.


    Cassandra was horrified. ''Just a moment ago, he was at the other side of the sofa. How did he manage


    to reach here in a blink of an eye?


    He is so agile! There is no way I can escape him!'' Cassandra thought with misery.


    "Woman, I see that you take pleasure in challenging me."


    The wicked smile once again surfaced on his face.


    Cassandra used her pale hands to cover her face. With the phone out of their way, he wasing for


    her.


    She felt her body being engulfed with his arms. Effortlessly, he carried her straight into the bedroom.


    Cassandra felt like she was about to nk out. He forcefully threw her onto the bed and her mind


    finally registered what he was about to do. Before she could stop him, she found him flopped on top of


    her body.


    His hands gently trailed on her soft face. This genial touch filled her with some relief and she opened


    her eyes. That was when she noticed that the fiery look in his eyes still persisted.


    "You need to know you are just mine. From this moment onwards, you don''t have the permission to


    hang out or keep any sort of connection with other men!"


    Rufus spat out in a dominating voice.


    "Rufus, you have to let me go. You have no right to force me into anything. And if you dare to do


    anything against my will, I will never forgive you!" she retorted back.


    In spite of his strength, Cassandra wasn''t willing to give up. She writhed and struggled under his power.


    Using all her might, she attempted to push him off her body. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn''t


    break free from his control.


    "You don''t'' want it? Are you sure you don''t want it?"


    he questioned with a haughty smile. He had spent a great deal of time with Cassandra hence he was


    fully aware where her weaknessy. This made him well adept with tackling her.


    Upon hearing his words, Cassandra trembled and Rufus felt it too. Watching this, he let out a naughty


    smile which celebrated his victory.


    "Stop fighting and be docile. Otherwise you will suffer."


    When he spoke this time, Cassandra once again detected some gentleness. Yet she was doubtful


    whether she had imagined it. His eyes squinted as he looked at the little woman beneath.


    Their eyes locked for a second and she started to believe he didn''t intend to harm her. Slowly, she


    abandoned the fight and let him do as he pleased. With a smile, he went on to enjoy his feast. While he


    savored her, she felt like she was floating in the sky. His embrace was strong and tight. It seemed like


    they were in this position for a century.


    The chasing and the screaming had drained all the energy out of Cassandra''s body. She fell asleep


    with her hands wrapped around his muscr body. Rufus gazed at the woman sleeping peacefully


    beside him. He gingerly removed her hands off his body and covered her exposed body with a nket.


    ''I could watch her all day, '' Rufus thought. Earlier he had been hard on her. Now his eyes contained


    nothing but warmth. He relished and scanned every detail of her face.


    ''Cassandra, you look like an angel from heaven when you are sleeping. But sometimes your actions


    make me believe otherwise. Why do you do this to me? You torture me with your actions. Why do you


    take gratification in ripping my heart open?


    How I wish that you would be more obedient! I hate being a devil in front of you, but you leave me no


    choice. Please don''t go against me all the time, '' Rufus hoped beseechingly from within.


    He had to admit that her stubbornness was something that attracted him. Her brave and challenging


    words fascinated him a great deal. Yet sometimes it went out of control and stole his peace of mind.


    Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Not wanting to disturb her, Rufus quietly left the bedroom. Once he was outside, his eyes fell on the


    roses that were lying scattered on the floor. Guilt consumed him and he regretted his earlier actions. He


    squatted down to inspect them. Prudently, he set aside the ruined ones and handpicked the good ones.


    Meticulously, he ced them on the side table.


    Right after he returned from overseas, he rushed to find Cassandra. This trip made him realize how


    hard it was to live without her. To make their union more memorable, he had ordered the best roses he


    could find. All his excitement was shattered when he caught Dylon with her in the room. The sight of


    another man stimted his fury. He lost his sanity and imed ownership over her by forcing her into a


    sexual intercourse.


    Now that he was back to his senses, Rufus felt ashamed of his impulsiveness. As a way of making


    amends, he took care of the flowers he had indignantly shattered. Gradually, the aroma of the roses


    permeated the room, creating an atmosphere that would easily evoke the most romantic memories.


    Unconsciously, Rufus was affected by the smell and had the urge to wake Cassandra up.


    A sudden desire to kiss awake the Sleeping Beauty and enjoy her body was once again stimted. But


    the sight of her sleeping in the most tranquil manner dissipated this yearning.


    Just as Rufus set down the roses on the bedside table, his phone vibrated. He looked at it and realized


    it was Amanda''s call. He had no desire to talk to her, so he set the phone to silent mode. All he wanted


    to do tonight was to spend time with Cassandra. They had enough fights and misunderstandings in


    their rtionship. He didn''t wish to do anything that would deteriorate the situation.


    He knew it was partially his fault too. A healthy rtionship wouldn''t be possible with concealment. If


    he had made things clear to Cassandra in the very beginning, they could have saved a lot of problems.


    The presence of Amanda seemed to have a great impact on their rtionship. ''I really need to discuss


    about this with Cassandra, '' he thought with determination.


    He peeked at the phone once again and realized Amanda hadn''t given up. She was still calling,


    nonstop. A little annoyed with her persistence, Rufus decided switching the phone off would put it to a


    full stop.


    Just when he was about to push the switch off button, a message popped on his screen.


    It stated, "Rufus, would it be possible for you toe to the hospital? I am diagnosed with a rare


    disease. And I want to see you."


    The message was short, but it was enough to send shocks through his body.


    ''A rare disease? What could this rare disease be?'' he wondered in bewilderment.


    Even though he had no feelings for Amanda, he still didn''t wish her ill. In fact, he wanted her to live a


    happy life. Knowing that something was wrong with her right now, he didn''t have the heart to leave her


    alone.


    He nced at Cassandra who seemed to be sleeping peacefully. Taking a deep breath, he


    straightened his clothes and walked out of the room.


    As soon as the door shut, Cassandra opened her eyes. She sat up on the bed and stared nkly at the


    door in front of her.


    She had dozed off for a few minutes, but the second Rufus left the room, she woke up. After this, she


    found it hard to go back to sleep. The sound of him tidying up the roses brought a smile on her face.


    Rufus returned a whileter; she could tell even with closed eyes that he had brought in the roses by


    the grance of the flowers.


    Just when she thought everything was going to be alright, he left her. She had heard it all¡ªthe


    constant phone call and the sound of the message.


    Her hope faded and all she could feel was the sound of her heart sinking.


    ''Rufus, how can I trust you? Every time I put my faith in you, you give me a reason to distrust you. A


    call from another woman is enough for you to abandon me, over and over again, '' her mind howled in


    fury.

 Chapter 216 Clark Ji (Part One)

    Chapter 216 rk Ji (Part One)


    Cassandra held her breath against the invisible hands that gripped at her heart.


    Love was a trap. At one second, warmth would fill her and send her feet floating off the ground; the


    next moment, it would send her crumbling as if knives were cutting through her heartstrings. Rufus


    enveloped her with joy such as that she had never known before, and he came in her life at a time


    when she least expected it. Despite this, she was not allowed that. Just as he came, he was free to


    come and go whenever he pleased, and certainty was something that did not exist between them. At


    times, she felt like a ship without an anchor, forever drifting in the waves of her emotions.


    At this moment, the waters of Cassandra''s mind were filled with nothing but turbulence. Rufus said,


    time and again, that he loved her and that she upied his heart. Why were his eyes following another


    woman then? Cassandra thought long and hard, but the silence of her thoughts offered no answers.


    The red roses that Rufus brought were blossoming, their petals moist with water. To Cassandra, the


    trembling dewdrops looked like tears under the faintmplight.


    Rufus mmed on the gas and drove as fast as he could to the hospital, heading straight to Amanda''s


    ward.


    Her lone figure appeared to him as he opened the door. She was sitting immobile at the edge of her


    bed, her face emotionless.


    The sound of the door pulled her attention and she turned her head to him.


    "Thank you foring, Rufus!" she said, forcing a smile on her lips.


    It was a strange expression to see in her face. Gone was the light of the proud pianist he had always


    known her to be. Despite the curve of her lips, she looked so sad.


    "What did the doctor say?" Rufus asked immediately.


    He heard earlier that she was sent to the hospital from loss of oxygen, but something nagged at him.


    He wanted to be sure.


    Amanda looked down at her hands as theyy folded across herp. "The doctor suspected that I


    might get the Becket''s disease," she murmured, speaking in a hushed voice.


    He almost failed to hear the slight tremble in her words.


    Rufus had never heard of such a disease, but the gloom that enveloped Amanda was something so


    real that he could see her panicking.


    "Are they sure about it?" Rufus followed.


    He reached out for the medical record on the headboard. There was nothing there.


    "No, they aren''t," Amanda answered in response to his question. "They will do some testster and the


    results wille out in two weeks," she told him in a pained voice, as if speaking physically exhausted


    her.


    She had never once thought that something like this could happen to her. A rush of anxiety poured


    through her and she grabbed Rufus''s shirt in desperation, cold shivers racking all over her body.


    "I''m scared," she said, and lifted her pleading eyes to meet his. "Can you stay here with me, Rufus?"


    Rufus hesitated for a long moment, staring at the white, trembling hand that clutched at his shirt.


    Cassandra was still waiting for him, and he had thought that he could go back to her after making sure


    of Amanda''s condition. But now, he was at a loss on what to do about what he had just learned and


    Amanda''s pleas.


    "My father had gone back to deal with some emergency. Please, Rufus! Don''t leave me here alone,"


    she pleaded again, tears forming in her eyes.


    After those words, she began to sob. Tears were running down endlessly along her cheeks.


    Rufus could feel his heart soften at the sight of her. There was nothing else he could do. He did not


    have it in him to leave Amanda at such a trying time. He owed that much to her father. Charlie was the


    one person who believed in him when he had little more than nothing to his name. He would do him


    this favor.


    Then, he sat on the edge of the bed as Amanday down. She reached out for his hand and held it


    tightly, afraid that he would leave.


    "I''ll be here with you. Go to sleep and rest," he said, reassuring her with his words.


    How could he possibly leave her in this cold and dark hospital alone, at a time when she was sick? He


    was left with no other choice but to stay beside her.


    Amanda nodded to him, her eyes brimming with gratitude and relief, and closed her eyes. Fear and


    exhaustion had taken a toll on her, and her eyelids were weighed down with sleep shortly.


    Rufus heaved a sigh of relief. Disentangling their hands, he turned around and went outside to the


    balcony. He lit a cigarette and took a long drag. Spirals of smoke rose from the stick and disappeared


    with his breath in the spring air.


    Meanwhile, in the headquarters of Dark Night Group, Charlie saw red as he thrust the documents on


    his hand to the floor.


    "What the hell is rk doing now? Didn''t he know that our members are being attacked one after


    another? Why isn''t he doing anything?"


    Charlie shouted at his henchmen, who stood quietly with their heads lowered. Everyone knew better


    than to dare utter a single word.


    Charlie trained his men with an iron fist, but he could deal with them gently when he deemed it


    necessary. Not once had he lostposure in front of his men, until today.


    This middle-aged man had always kept his cool. He knew that restraint was also a show of power.


    If Charlie lost control like this, it could only mean one thing: things were going to be very, very serious.


    He had been staying in G City to take care of Amanda for the past days and nned to see Cassandra


    to have a talk with her, but he had to return immediately because of these unexpected circumstances.


    In the past, thepanies established by members of the Dark Night Group had been attacked or


    framed bypetitors. Issues and scandals were nothing new to them, but this time was different. It


    was a full-scale invasion, and the enemy had been constantly on the offensive.


    They were quickly taking over the market, and most moderate-sizedpanies took the brunt of the


    blow. Charlie had to watch them fall one after another, like perfectly arranged dominoes.


    The strangest thing was that they had no idea who they were up against. He had already sent his men


    to investigate and gather intel, but nothing came of it. At surface level, it seemed like it was nothing but


    a horizontalpetition, but Charlie knew better. The truth was much moreplicated, and this was


    only the tip of the iceberg.


    Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    The Dark Night Group had been standing strong for many years and had cultivated countless talents.


    With the support of the powerful group, all members shot up to sess rapidly. The group gave them a


    solid starting point, and the members gave a considerably firm foothold to the group. Day after day, and


    year after year, the Dark Night Group grew in sess and influence, and almost dominated the whole


    financial market as of today.


    With this sess camepetition. The higher they went, the fiercer it got. It was inevitable that


    outsiders stopped at nothing to try to destroy them, but with their strength and resources, the group


    remained firmly standing its ground.

 Chapter 217 Clark Ji (Part Two)

    Chapter 217 rk Ji (Part Two)


    This was all the more reason why it was uncanny how they had failed to find who their rival was this


    time. What kind of enemy could hide itself so carefully?


    Charlie strode back and forth in his office with his hands sped behind his back. His frame gave off


    an oppressive air to people around him.


    Then, his head shot up, and everyone held their breath at the movement. "Did you ever contact rk?"


    He suddenly asked his assistant, his eyebrows knitted in question.


    R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    "Mr. Ke, Mr. Ji has been out for quite some time now, and we couldn''t contact him,"


    The assistant replied carefully, his voice trembling as he watched Charlie''s face warily, searching for


    signs of another outburst.


    "This is ridiculous!" Charlie roared. "His father had entrusted the group to him, but where is he now


    when he is needed?"


    Charlie cast a stern nce at his assistant, his frustration boiling inside him. The son of the former


    president fell a long way off from his expectations.


    When his father passed away, rk was next in line to his father''s position. He was supposed to


    handle everything in the group, but he failed to act like a proper owner. This young man had never


    taken his job seriously, and he was nowhere to be found when something happened, not to mention


    being dependable enough to solve problems. Charlie was the second inmand and had to clean up


    after his mess, taking charge of everything, bustling to and fro and bearing all hardships without any


    comint.


    Had rk not been the son of the former president, he would have been thrown out long ago.


    "Mr. Ke, I found something the other day. I''ve been wondering whether I should tell you¡­"


    the assistant spoke in a measured voice, looking at Charlie with hesitation. From his face, Charlie had


    a foreboding sense that things were about to get worse.


    "Hurry up!" he snapped, losing his patience. "If you feel that it''s necessary, tell me now; if it''s something


    you can take care of, then don''t bother. Do I always have to do the work?"


    Charlie stared at him. Yet another disappointment. His assistant had no conviction of his own. It


    seemed that he had wasted time in mentoring him.


    "It''s about Mr. Ji..." his assistant breathed out hurriedly. "I heard that he was contacting the Thai, and


    was having close rtions to firearms merchants in Thand recently," he finished.


    The assistant stood shaking as he told Charlie what he knew, his skin pale despite the sheen of sweat


    covering his forehead.


    Even he couldn''t believe it when he heard the news. He had no idea why rk was associated with


    those gangsters, and once they had established a connection with him, it would be difficult to get rid of


    them.


    He thought of it as nothing but a rumor at first, however, he had confirmed the news again and again.


    Solid evidence piled up until it was impossible to deny the truth. He contacted them multiple times. With


    this knowledge, it was his duty to report it to Charlie.


    A visible shudder swept over Charlie and he looked into the assistant''s eyes. His eyes were stormy and


    he wore a grim expression.


    Those merchants in Thand were enemy to all decent people, and it was better to not have anything


    to do with them. They were notorious for under-the-table deals, and they had no qualms when it came


    to dirty business, as long as the person could match their price.


    The most terrible thing of all was the drugs.


    If rk was in contact, there would be the ugly possibility that he was also involved in drug dealing¡ª


    something that was strictly forbidden in Dark Night Group.


    Upon the group''s founding, the members hadid down strict rules for training neers. Anyone


    who wanted to be a member needed to undergo a stringent review process before being epted;


    afterwards, they would be monitored closely to make sure that they would not involve themselves in


    any illegal dealings.


    However, rk was an exception.


    He had always been a frivolous boy, and because his father was the boss of the group, he looked down


    at everyone else, except for his father and Charlie. Having grown up in privilege and never having to


    work hard for anything did not prepare him well for the responsibilities and ways of the business.


    Things took a turn for the worse when his father died and he seeded his position. Now that he was


    higher than Charlie, rk was getting more and more irresponsible and disrespectful. Even his


    language changed. He had begun cursing and calling him names, as if he owned him.


    Charlie had always let impropriety of his behavior slip out of respect to rk''s father. However, this


    was a different matter altogether. Rules were rules, and however things proceeded was no longer in his


    hands.


    "Don''t say a word to anyone about it for now. Send more people to look into whether rk had really


    been involved, and keep me informed!"


    He ordered his assistant. After these words, he heaved a deep sigh.


    Things were getting more and more problematic as the situation unfolded, and it came at such a bad


    timing. He already had his hands full with the current domestic strife and foreign aggression that


    threatened the economic stability of the market. And now, rk. If he had truly broken the rules, it


    would be impossible for him to remain as the leader of the group. On the event that it happened, they


    would have to decide who would take his ce as soon as possible.


    Charlie had gone through numerous great storms in his life, and he knew that if they had to rece


    rk with a new leader, there would be a rain of blood, with all the others wanting a im to the


    position. It would take quite a while before everything settled, and only then could they work to fix the


    problems that they were facing.


    In his heart, Charlie never saw rk as his boss. He was far too unqualified, but he supported him all


    these years in respect to the memory of histe father. A promise was a promise. On his deathbed, the


    late president asked him, to take care of his son, and so he did.


    However, this and that were different matters. He would not take rk''s side or show any mercy if he


    deliberately broke the rules.


    Charlie had always believed that Rufus was more suitable than rk to take the helm of the group.


    He was far better than rk, in mind and in action; if Rufus was willing to step forward to the task,


    Charlie had no doubt that most of the executives would give him their favor.


    Charlie had watched as Rufus built his own empire. It was the greatest sess they had seen since


    the establishment of Dark Night Group. The young man had ambition, drive, and purpose¡ªthings that


    rk had none of. Lost in his thoughts, Charlie wondered if Rufus would ept to handle this trouble.


    He had just one w: he was bent on destroying his own father, and he was clinging to that hatred and


    using it as fuel.


    One day, this loathing would burn him. At this thought, Charlie couldn''t help but heave one deep sigh


    after another. There was much work to be done.

 Chapter 218 A Heartbreaking Scene (Part One)

    Chapter 218 A Heartbreaking Scene (Part One)


    Rufus crouched on the sofa the whole night. Early the next morning, he bathed his face with cold water


    and then was ready to head for thepany. He was surprised, however, when he turned around to


    leave. Amanda got up from her bed and stood at the door of the restroom.


    "Are you leaving, Rufus?"


    pretending to be so meek and innocent, Amanda asked Rufus, her beautiful eyes looking at him and


    her lips puckering slightly.


    "I''m going to work,"


    Rufus wiped the water dry on his face and answered briefly.


    "Will youe back here and apany me after work? Please!"


    With frowned eyebrows and expectant eyes, Amanda crossed her fingers and put her hands by the


    chest, praying.


    Hesitant for a while, Rufus finally nodded to agree.


    Seeing his gesture of showing agreement, Amanda smiled immediately. Her face was like flowers


    blossoming in the live spring, beautiful and sweet.


    Unexpectedly, she tiptoed to leave a soft kiss on Rufus''s face and then turned around, ran to her bed,


    and covered her whole body with the quilt shyly.


    Astonished, Rufus was stunned by her act. He remembered that this happened once in the past.


    They were still young back at that time when Rufus was trained in the Dark Night Group. One day


    when Amanda was sick and stayed at home, Rufus went to her room to pay her a visit. He sat beside


    the bed and chatted with her.


    Simrly, Amanda kissed him so unexpectedly and then covered herself with the quilt. He was annoyed


    because she ''attacked'' him unexpectedly, yet amused by her cute behavior.


    In his mind, Rufus could still remember how Amanda was like that time. However, everything changed.


    Now, she was no longer the innocent girl and he didn''t love her anymore. Rufus sighed with a heavy


    heart. He shook his head to stop himself from thinking about the past and then walked out of the room.


    With Rufus gone, Amanda removed the quilt and sat up. With careful hands, she picked up the pinhole


    camera in the fruit basket by the bedside table. An evil smile appeared on her face.


    What happened just now was well recorded by the camera, the picture of how she and Rufus behaved


    intimately. She was desperate and excited to show it to Cassandra.


    Her wild reverie was interrupted when a doctor wearing a white coat entered the room. Amanda


    stopped smiling straightaway.


    "Doctor, is everything done?"


    Raising her head a bit, Amanda asked and looked at the doctor disdainfully.


    "Yes. I reced your sample with the one from a real patient. The result will definitely be positive."


    The doctor''s face was pale. He was obviously nervous facing Amanda. He was constantly rubbing his


    hands together in front of his body.


    "I''ll send you the other half of the money to your wife''s ount when it''s done. Keep your mouth shut


    up. Am I clear?"


    Giving the doctor her promise and warning, Amanda waved her hand, indicating that he should leave.


    After the doctor was gone, a strange smile appeared on her face.


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    ''Cassandra, your man, Rufus, is indeed a perfect man. I don''t want to let him go, never will, '' murmured


    Amanda silently.


    She came up with her perfect n to fake her illness in order to make Rufus attend to her for a longer


    time. What would Cassandra feel if her boyfriend always stayed with another woman? Amanda was


    sure that an independent woman like Cassandra would never be happy about it. Gradually, problems


    and conflicts would arise between them. When that day came, all she needed to do would just be


    sensible and considerate to Rufus and then she would win Rufus''s heart back again.


    She was Amanda, and she would do whatever to win Rufus''s love.


    On the other hand, there was another thing she must do now. She had to find herself someone strong


    to protect her from that mischievous man. He was such an evil and insidious man, and Amanda could


    sense his scent lingering. She knew that he was just at bay and was getting closer to her.


    After she finished her work and went back home, Cassandra stared at her phone for a long time,


    hesitating whether she should make a call to Rufus or send him a message to ask about his


    whereabouts.


    She never dared contact him since he was gonest night. Cassandra felt as if a stone was pressing


    upon her heart. She was restless and worried somehow.


    All day, she had been thinking about how to get along with Rufus when she thought of the fact that he


    had spent another night with Amanda.


    She wanted to be cruel-hearted and leave him. But she didn''t have the stomach to do that because she


    was unable to deny her feelings for him.


    Her heart was broken at the thought of the possibility of them being apart. It hurt so much that she


    could hardly breathe.


    With a bitter smile on her face, Cassandra took the heart of pride and sent him a message.


    "Will youe here for dinner tonight? I''ll make you some fish soup."


    After the message was delivered, Cassandra waited anxiously. She was uncertain what Rufus would


    reply.


    To her surprise, the reply came in an instant. Her phone vibrated. Cassandra unlocked the screen to


    check the message at once.


    "In the hospital. Have dinner yourself."


    Depressed upon reading this message from Rufus, Cassandra heaved a deste sigh.


    She rarely offered to invite him toe and had believed that he would ept her offer. However, his


    reply was out of her expectation.


    ''To the hospital? Would he stay with Amanda again?''


    Questions lingered on Cassandra''s thoughts silently. She couldn''t understand why Amanda would stay


    in the hospital for such a long time. Yes, she fainted away and needed to be looked after. But this long?


    That was just unbelievable that she didn''t recover after spending so many days in the hospital. Rufus


    was keeping her apany day and night. Obviously, he was taking care of her like what a boyfriend


    would do to his girlfriend. But why didn''t Rufus exined things to her? He was supposed to enlighten


    her why he preferred to stay with Amanda than her.

 Chapter 219 A Heartbreaking Scene (Part Two)

    Chapter 219 A Heartbreaking Scene (Part Two)


    ''Well, forget about it. Amanda is sick now. Rufus takes care of her as a friend. That''s all.''


    Momentster, she braced herself up and decided to stop thinking about them.


    She felt bored staying at home alone. So she decided to go out and took a walk. When she passed a


    bakery, an inviting delicious scent of bread and pastries diffused out from it. Cassandra couldn''t resist


    the smell and walked in, intending to pick up some pieces of bread.


    While she was inside the bakery and her head low while choosing among the variety of bread, the door


    opened. A woman came in, then she said happily, "Come here, Rufus. The bread here is super good. I


    want to buy some!"


    Through the bread shelves, Cassandra saw Amanda walking into the bakery. She was stunned at the


    sight of her.


    Her body was held frozen while her brain started to work quickly. Immediately, she turned around and


    hid in a forgotten corner.


    Rufus walked in with an uninterested expression on his face.


    He had nned to leave after paying a visit to Amanda. But unexpectedly, Amanda changed her


    clothes secretly and imed that she wanted to go out to have a walk. Rufus was unable to make her


    change her mind. So he had to go out and keep her apany.


    But in his heart, he was still thinking about Cassandra. She was alone in the apartment and she must


    feel lonely. All Rufus wanted was that Amanda would finish buying the bread quickly so that he would


    send her back to the hospital and go back to Cassandra.


    He stood beside the cashier counter and didn''t step inside further. The waitress''s face turned red and


    her heart beat fast when Rufus leaned against the counter, close to her.


    Amanda picked some loaves of bread with a pleasant look on her face.


    Earlier in the hospital, Rufus went out and waited for Amanda to get prepared to go out. He left his


    phone in the ward, then Amanda happened to see Cassandra''s message. So she replied to her and


    deleted the messages afterward.


    With her little trick done, Amanda felt exhrated at the thought that Cassandra would spend a boring


    and gloomy night alone.


    "I''d pick some for you, Rufus. Your breakfast!"


    The overjoyed woman chose some that Rufus liked and raised her hand to him as if she was waiting


    for his praise. Her smile was as sweet as honey.


    Some waitresses whispered among themselves.


    "Look at that man! He''s so gorgeous! He looks like a superstar!"


    "Stop whispering like an idiot. He''s Rufus Luo, the president of Tang Group. He is the richest bachelor


    in G City. Look at that woman! She''s Amanda Ke, a famous pianist. They were born to be a couple.


    Feeling jealous of her? Look at you! You are almost slobbering."


    "Oh. She is even more beautiful than the stars. I admire her so much."


    "Yes, she has a beautiful face. What''s more, she has an influential family background! She is way out


    of our league."


    "Oh, I want to ask for her autograph!"


    A girl with a pen and notebook in her hand walked to Amanda and asked for her autograph. Amanda


    was a generous woman. She signed the autograph for her fan and even took a picture with her. The girl


    was so delighted that she jumped with joy.


    Cassandra, hiding in a far and lowly corner, saw everything.


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    Probably Rufus and Amanda were an excellent match in everyone''s mind.


    A perfect man like Rufus was doomed to marry a perfect woman like Amanda.


    With the thought in mind, Cassandra felt a sense of inferiority in her heart. Her pride was wounded


    badly by the scene.


    Hiding in the corner, Cassandra was imbued with frustration. She couldn''t help stepping back to make


    sure they would not see her. She didn''t want herself to show up in front of them so pathetically.


    After rummaging through the bread shelves, Amanda paid for the bread she bought and then walked


    out with Rufus, her hand holding Rufus''s arm.


    After they left, Cassandra walked out from the corner. She already lost the desire to buy something


    now.


    So she pushed the door open and walked out, then headed for her apartment slowly with a heavy


    heart.


    Cassandra felt like she was a fool. What did Rufus text her?


    ''In the hospital? But why was he keeping her apany to the bakery now? What did I see just now?


    He''s lied to me!'' Cassandra thought angrily.


    If she had not gone out today, if she had not walked into this bakery, she would never know the truth.


    God helped her to know the truth.


    ''Cassandra, stop being a fool anymore. He doesn''t belong to you and he does not care for you, ''


    Cassandra talked to herself.


    She was still alone when she was back. Cassandra took a shower like a puppet and then put herself to


    bed. However, no matter how she tried to fall asleep, it didn''t work anyway.


    Tossing and turning on her bed, she couldn''t help wondering what Amanda and Rufus would do when


    they were staying together at night.


    The feelings of mixed emotions inside her left a hollow inside her heart. She was confused about


    whether to trust Rufus again or not. Moreover, a million thoughts were running on her mind.


    Suddenly, the bell rang. Cassandra was distracted by the ring. She walked to the door and opened it.


    With a paper bag in his hand, Rufus was beaming while standing at the door. He raised the bag to


    Cassandra and shook it.


    "I brought you this bread. I heard it tastes good,"


    Rufus said to her happily. However, in Cassandra''s eyes, his smiling face was so unpleasant.


    Tears rolled down from her eyes all of a sudden without any sign in advance.

 Chapter 220 Rufus, Wed Better Break Up!

    Chapter 220 Rufus, We''d Better Break Up!


    ''Tastes good? Must''ve been Amanda who said it.


    Amanda bought this bread for him, but he turned around and gave it to me? It''s ridiculous how he


    thinks I know nothing about this.


    Rufus, you must be wallowing in satisfaction right now as two women pine for you at the same time.


    What exactly am I to you?'' she thought to herself.


    Her trust in him was already at the brink of copse, but because of this, it had fallen rock bottom. ''Is


    there any good reason, any reason at all to stay in a rtionship with a man who uses what his other


    lover gave him to tter me?'' she wondered, apparently in a daze.


    "Rufus, we''re bearking up!"


    Cassandra wrestled with herself before blurting it out, hear tears like torrents streaming down her


    cheeks.


    "What''s wrong with you, again?"


    Rufus''s smile was gone like the wind and was reced with a look of concern when he saw her tears.


    A wave of panic engulfed him.


    ''Why is she crying? Is it because of my tardy return?


    But no matter how upset she is, she has no right to break up with me because of that small slight, '' he


    thought and got kind of crossed.


    "I remember saying that to you before, are you just using that to get back at me?"


    Rufus asked, knitting his eyebrows and studying her expression, grasping for some sort of clue that


    would give away her true intentions.


    Cassandra only shook her head, unable to say anything.


    "Tell me what happened, Cassandra. Please, please talk to me,"


    Rufus pleaded. He took Cassandra''s arm and held it tightly. She was wracked with sobs.


    His stomach did a one-eighty. He was so physically close to her, yet their hearts and feelings were so


    far away from each other.


    He silently wished that she would stop being so stubborn and be gentle like other women. He just


    couldn''t bear seeing her in tears.


    "I don''t love you anymore. We''re done,"


    Cassandra cried out desperately and in one swift motion, pulled her arm out of Rufus''s grip.


    Once upon a time she had always imagined that she would live a happy and peaceful family life with


    Rufus.


    But the recent events had only reminded her that she was never good enough for him. They weren''t


    fated to be with each other.


    "No!"


    Rufus hissed with a snarl. He refused to believe what he had just heard. What he believed were her


    bitter tears, which betrayed her true feelings¡ªshe was still deeply in love with him.


    "I''ll be here for you as soon as I get off work tomorrow onwards, okay?" Don''t say things like that!"


    Rufus triedforting Cassandra, to no avail.


    "No..." Cassandra shook her head slowly as she closed her eyes, tears streaming down her cheeks,


    "it''s impossible for us to be together. I mean it, Rufus. I really don''t love you anymore. I can''t continue


    to love you. I can''t afford it anymore, so I give up."


    Cassandra took a step back and turned around, some of her tears glistened as they fell of her eyes.


    She then returned to her apartment.


    She mmed the door shut, full of bitterness, and left Rufus standing outside. She refused to open it


    no matter how hard he banged on the door.


    Leaning against the door, Cassandra slowly sunk to the ground. She bit her hand to keep her sobs


    from escaping. She didn''t want Rufus to hear.


    "Cassandra! Open the damn door! Please!"


    Rufus kicked and banged the door desperately, not giving a damn about his priceless Italian tailormade


    shoes.


    "Cassandra, I''m begging you, please talk to me! I''ll do whatever you want!"


    The image of her weeping filled Rufus with dread. He ached to hold her in his arms, to reassure her


    that everything would be okay.


    Yet what he just said only added more water to her tears.


    ''Could he really do that? Give me whatever I want?'' she thought to herself, full of doubt. What she


    wanted was quite simple, but it was a simple thing that he could never give her.


    She wanted nothing more than a simple life, a man devoted and faithful to her, with whom she could


    celebrate life and love until their death.


    ''But can you really do that, Rufus?'' she cried silently.


    ''Your life is full of excitement. Ever since I met you, my life began to take a different direction into


    unknownnds. I can only feel my way into my world since it was so dark, '' her thoughts recalled all the


    past events since they met.


    Before she married Lionel, she was absolutely enthralled by him, drawn by his maism and looks.


    He was so perfect, aside from his identity.


    His identity had clearly foreshadowed the tragedy that was their romance. How could she have been so


    blind? Nheless, his constant profession of his love for her never failed to disarm her and


    eventually, sumb to it.


    She had thought that he waspletely devoted to her and only her, but it was just wishful thinking


    and naive of her to believe that. She had been so confident, but now it had all disappeared in the face


    of Amanda.


    She was never bothered by her unfavorable circumstances of birth, nor by what others thought of her.


    But in Rufus''s heart, Amanda had been gradually tipping the scales in her favor.


    Over and over again, by simple calls and messages, Amanda would take Rufus away from her.


    Countless lonely nights, Cassandra would stare up at the empty white ceiling and sometimes looked at


    the distant night sky, sparsely popted by stars. She twisted and turned, haunted by nightmares.


    And time after time, Rufus behaved like it was nothing.


    She waited and waited. She waited for his exnation, but now she was tired of it.


    With him gone, she thought she would suffer less and shed fewer tears for the rest of her life.


    Cassandra shut her eyes, fighting back the tears.


    Rufus was talking sweetly to her, trying to soothe her weary heart. One neighbor popped his head out


    of the window and eyed the handsome man suspiciously.


    "Cassandra, what in the world is it that you want?"


    Rufus had never experienced such desparation.


    No other woman could bring such chaos into his heart. He felt his blood boiling; his heart could beat out


    of his chest.


    He punched the door with all his might, again to no avail. He only bruised his hands.


    "Believe me or not, I don''t care. I''ll bring it down if you don''t open this damn door now!"


    Rufus barely finished his words when Cassandra felt the door shake. He apparently charged at it.


    In the next few seconds, the hinge sounded to be in too much stress. Cassandra started to get


    flustered.


    "I am so tired...I am so, so tired. I want to sleep..."


    Her eyes had been worn out by the constant crying. She felt spent; her tears had run out.


    Cassandra''s response relieved him a little.


    His heart flipped by the little woman''s weary tone.


    "Okay. I''ll let you rest. I''ll see you tomorrow!"


    Rufus rested his head on the door with his eyes shut. He stroked the door gently, pretending it was


    Cassandra.


    "Don''t bother. I won''t be here tomorrow night!"


    Cassandra added in a trembling voice. It took her a lot of guts to say what she said about breaking up.


    She feared that the visit tomorrow would make her determination waver.


    She was scared that she would be unable to contain herself anymore and jumped at him for a hug. She


    had to do this, if she didn''t want to taste the bitter pain again.


    "You''re not allowed to be anywhere but here! I''ll try toe early tomorrow,"


    Rufus rebuffed in an indifferent tone. He thought she was being too petty.


    With that said, he turned around and quickly left, his face a mask of sorrow.


    Cassandra slowly got to her feet and looked at the peephole. She made sure that Rufus had left before


    she weakly opened the door.


    There was a paper bag at the foot of the door, containing the bread Rufus tried to give her.


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    She took the content out of the bag. It was her favorite kind, with the dried pork floss. Ironically, their


    tastes really matched.


    Her lips curled into a wry smile. She took the bag, went to the kitchen and tossed it into the trash. She


    wouldn''t eat a gift another woman had given Rufus.


    Meanwhile, Rufus arrived at the Tang Family home. He was about to head upstairs when the light went


    on in the living room. He saw Horace approaching in his nightgown.


    "Where have you been? Look at the time!"


    Horace said with a frown. It had been days since Rufus had dinner with the family.


    "I have been busy,"


    Rufus uttered briefly and continued to the stairs.


    "I will never consent to you two being together!"


    Horace blurted out. Unsatisfaction seethed in his voice.


    "I am an adult. It is my right to choose anyone I like,"


    Rufus said as he paused without turning around.


    ''What? Howe he''s saying the same words he has said to Lionel? Does he really believe I''ll follow


    hismands to the letter?'' Rufus sneered inwardly.


    Horace had never felt the weight of responsbility that a father shouldered. For Rufus, he wasn''t worthy


    of it. All that Rufus did for him was no more than what he needed to aplish his revenge.


    He could destroy the Tangs at any moment of his choosing.


    "I am your father, your elder! How dare you disrespect me at my own house?"


    Horace roared, outraged by Rufus''s unexpected defiance.

 Chapter 221 The Altercation

    Chapter 221 The Altercation


    Rufus''s brows knitted together as a light smile yed on his lips¡ªhe found this whole thing with


    Horace hrious.


    "While I respect your opinion, I''m going go with what I think is right. Facts are facts. Cassandra and I


    are in a rtionship and you can''t change that,"


    Rufus said in a firm tone¡ªhe didn''t care that Horace was fuming.


    "Rufus, you have so many women to choose from, even better women, Amanda, for example..."


    Horace tried to speak in a soft tone but Rufus interrupted him.


    "Amanda doesn''t stand a chance. The only woman I love is Cassandra!"


    Rufus purposely sounded final and resolute but Horace was persistent.


    "Rufus! You should know your ce as she should! You''re too good for Cassandra! She''s not good


    enough and you know it! She''s not good enough to be part of the Tang family!"


    Horace bellowed.


    "Didn''t she suffer in the first ce because of the Tang family? She was forced to marry into the family


    for money then she was shoved aside after the divorce. How dare you tell me she''s not good enough!


    What do you know? I don''t care what anyone else thinks because I know who she is. I know her better


    than anyone. The Tang family may have kicked her aside but she''s way better than a certain group of


    people who act all high and mighty on the outside but are actually the dirtiest people I know!"


    ''No one in the entire Tang family can say that they''re better than Cassandra.


    Horace abandoned his wife and son¡ªhe deserved to be hated.


    Jill is a bored housewife who does nothing but badmouth her so-called friends within her social circle.


    Lionel is just waiting for the chance to rise to power in the Tang group so he can squander the family


    business.


    And Ivy, well...'' his thought trailed off.


    Something flickered in his eyes when he thought of Ivy. ''I''ll make her pay eventually for framing


    Cassandra. But as for now, I need her for my n.''


    The Tang family might seem perfect on the outside but in reality, it had been already rotting from the


    inside.


    The Tang family''s throne was atop a hill¡ªjust one push would make their kingdome crashing


    down.


    "You¡­ Are you insulting me?"


    Horace angrily pointed a finger at Rufus.


    This was thest thing he expected of Rufus¡ªhe was never one to disrespect him like that.


    "I didn''t name names. You came up with that one all on your own," Rufus said simply.


    It didn''t take long before people started hearing Rufus and Horace going at it with one another. Jill tried


    to intervene but she looked frightened at the sight of her husband being angry.


    "Horace, calm down. Getting angry isn''t good for you. You''re supposed to be recovering,"


    she spoke as she glided towards Horace to assist him in his breathing.


    Lionel and Ivy had heard the fighting as well and came out to check what was going on.


    When Ivy heard, "...the dirtiest people I know", she flinched. Her face reddened and beads of sweat


    formed on her forehead.


    ''Could it be, Rufus knows anything? Does he know about what I did with Joel? Does he know


    everything?'' Ivy wondered.


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    She hadn''t talked to Joel in a while and she didn''t know if he had confessed or something. The more


    she dwelled on it, the more worried she became.


    Lionel kept to himself but he had secretly gone to pick on Cassandra several times and he was unsure


    of how much she had told Rufus.


    He could more or less guess out what had Cloris done to Cassandra before, but he had no way of


    knowing whether Rufus had talked to Cassandra about it or not.


    When he saw that it was his father that Rufus was having a spat with, he couldn''t help but chuckle to


    himself.


    Since they were both Horace''s sons, Rufus was his number one rival in owning the Tang Group.


    Unfortunately, Lionel didn''t have the instincts of a business man. Before Rufus came back, he had


    scraped by with a few aplishments here and there but that was mostly because he was Horace''s


    son. When everyone else saw how sessful Rufus was, he''d just been shoved aside and even


    reprimanded by Horace himself.


    Horace had generously thanked Rufus over the years¡ªmany even in front of Lionel. If his father


    decided to give everything to Rufus, Lionel would have nothing left.


    However, now that Rufus was outright disrespecting Horace''s wishes even after he''d been


    reprimanded, Lionel now still stood a chance. ''Maybe, he''d be disappointed enough in Rufus to write


    him out, '' he thought to himself.


    As Horace and Rufus continued to go at it, Lionel kept quiet but carefully listened in.


    "Rufus! I allowed you to keep your surname even after you returned but now you won''t even listen to


    me about Cassandra? How dare you disrespect the Tang family for her! We''re only looking out for you


    best interests! This is for you too!"


    Not once did Horace put down his shaking finger that was still pointed at Rufus angrily.


    "You''re only thinking of yourself. All you care about is money. That''s all you care about,"


    Rufus said remorselessly. No one had ever disrespected Horace to his face like that before. Horace


    would never admit it but Rufus was right¡ªall he really did care about was money.


    Everything that he did was for money. He didn''t marry Hellen because Jill''s family was extremely


    wealthy and generous.


    Ever since Rufus returned, Jill hadn''t so much as batted an eye to him. She kept pretending that he


    wasn''t there.


    Lionel saw Rufus as his greatest rival. Rufus was the only person who stood in his way of position and


    power in the Tang family and the Tang Group.


    Ivy was undoubtedly angry with him for having Joel jailed. To make matters worse for Ivy, she couldn''t


    even visit Joel for fear that people might judge her for being rted to a criminal.


    All these people cared about were themselves.


    Meanwhile, Cassandra was used to being abandoned and she could even marry someone she didn''t


    love just to save her family.


    Vernon spoiled Cloris and never gave much thought to Cassandra but nheless Cassandra did what


    she could to save her father from going to jail.


    When the Tang Group was about to acquire Qin Group, Cassandra was the one who made sure it


    wouldn''t happen.


    She wasn''t interested in the Tang''s money at all. She didn''t take a penny from her divorce and she


    worked herself to the bone for her father''spany.


    It was such a shame that Cassandra was beingpared with the Tang family when she didn''t


    deserve that kind of disrespect.


    "Rufus, don''t be so arrogant. How can you talk to your own father like that? Do you really think you''re


    so indispensable that we wouldn''t be able to survive without you?"


    When Jill saw that Rufus was unfazed, she couldn''t hold back at all when she directed these words


    towards Rufus.


    When Rufus wasn''t around, Lionel was the one who helped keep thepany running and it was


    doing fine. ''Rufus just thinks too much of himself. Does he really think that he''s the lifeline of the Tang


    Group?'' Jill thought.


    "Well, if you don''t need me then that''s fine, I don''t have to be here anyway. But I suggest you think


    twice before letting me go. Arthur of the Dawn Star Group has targeted Tang Group as his number one


    enemy and numbers show they''ve been doing really well. If anyone else can take him down then be my


    guest,"


    Rufus spat back as he red at Jill.


    ''Who can they depend on for this? Jill? Lionel? Are they joking? They don''t know the first thing about all


    of this!'' Rufus thought to himself.


    There were several reasons why the Dawn Star Group was doing welltely. First, Arthur was very


    talented so there was no surprise about that. Second, they received somerge investments from the


    TY Group. Andstly, it was the Tang family''s own doing¡ªthey gave Arthur an opening in the market.


    Arthur was not only the CEO of hispany but also their best architect. His work could actually


    compete with Cassandra''s in bidding wars.


    When Cassandra was still around, Arthur would never be able to beat her. One could say that


    Cassandra held Arthur back simply by being better than him.


    However, part of the divorce agreement was that Cassandra quit designing. She was legally forbidden


    to sign her name under any design. Since then, the Tang Group hadn''t churned designs as good as


    before. Bidding war after bidding war, they kept losing to the Dawn Star Group. With their rise came the


    Tang Group''s subsequent fall.


    A person''s heart could be likened to a kite¡ªwhen a kite''s string broke, it flew higher. The same was


    true for the heart.


    This was also true for Arthur''s career¡ªhe''d be so sessful that he didn''t even bother hiding the


    fact that he tantly stole clients from the Tang Group. The string that was holding Arthur''s career back


    was none other than Cassandra.


    Meanwhile, the Tang family was still disillusioned that they were still number one. Rufus thought they


    were all naive and foolish.


    "Give the position to me. I''ll be the CEO. I''ll manage thepany,"


    Lionel piped in out of nowhere¡ªhe''d been watching the whole thing from upstairs. When he heard


    Rufus mention the CEO position, his eyes lit up. ''This is my chance!'' he thought to himself. ''I can''t


    believe Rufus is quitting! I''ve got to take this chance!''


    "I''m confident that I can make things better," he promised.


    Rufus sneered at Lionel''s unwarranted confidence. He raised his head to look at Lionel and his eyes


    were sharp as knives.

 Chapter 222 Unless I Were Dead

    Chapter 222 Unless I Were Dead


    "You want my position? Okay, let''s call all board members together and initiate voting. The candidate


    with the most votes wins, I''ll happily resign if I don''t win," Rufus said assertively.


    Rufus''s insolent smile and confidence humiliated Lionel. He didn''t take Lionel seriously and didn''t even


    see him as a threat.


    Rufus had good reasons to be confident. He was far more qualified than Lionel in progressive thinking


    and far more learned overall. Lionel himself was uncertain about the vote. Those senior executives on


    the board were smart and foxy. When he was the CEO, Lionel needed to respect and listen to them as


    he used their discretion to make decisions or pass a n. He needed their consent as well. Rufus,


    however, didn''t need to do that. He was so talented and experienced that they would listen to him and


    follow his instructions strictly instead. Rufus had no problem running the Tang Group.


    What if the senior executives made things difficult and thepany became unmanageable for Lionel


    when he went back?


    Every time he thought that there was no one to trust or rely on in thepany, Lionel felt frustrated and


    jealous of Rufus.


    Rufus had already taken away Lionel''s authority. He had no say on the board. He was part of the


    executive members but the members didn''t take him seriously. So his restrictive power was pretty


    much of no use.


    "Lionel, go back to your bedroom! You stay out of it!" Horacemanded


    He lifted his head up and red at Lionel.


    Lionel knew that he wasn''t able to rece Rufus. He knew he shouldn''t get involved in the


    conversation in the first ce.


    Horace, who had the final say in thepany, wanted to restrict Rufus''s authority and power. He would


    then be able to force him to break up with Cassandra. But Rufus stood assertively and showed no form


    of surrender.


    Horace''s plot failed dismally.


    "You go back too. Let''s talk about it another day," Horace said arrogantly.


    Feeling infuriated, he pretentiously waved at Rufus and asked Jill to help him upstairs. Disappointment


    showed on his face. He was at a loss for words, and this didn''t happen often. He was humiliated by his


    own son.


    Jill red at Rufus, annoyed.


    Rufus grew up as an illegitimate child. Since his return there had been no peace and serenity in the


    Tang family. Their lives were filled with quarrels and sadness. Jill felt irritated, ming all drama on


    Rufus. She didn''t like this man at all.


    Rufus just smiled rebelliously. He didn''t seem to care about his father''s feelings as the Tang family had


    never truly epted him. He had always been an outsider and could think of it never changing.


    Why then should he showpassion and care about them?


    Rufus''s eye showed conceit and hatred. He swore one day he would turn this luxurious mansion into a


    despicable hell hole.


    Cassandra''s cell phone had been vibrating in her bag. She knew it was Rufus calling again but still


    ignored him.


    T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Cassandra and Rufus had nevermunicated frequently before. Since she moved out, Rufus called


    her continuously. She had put her phone on vibrate mode as the annoying ringtone rang countless


    times in a day.


    She decided to be obstinate this time. There was no difference whether they got back together or broke


    up since she would be the one getting hurt.


    Rufus was preupied with Cassandra. His mind became saturated with her and how to hold onto her.


    He became enraged easily at times. His assistant was fearful of going into his office, for fear of being


    scolded for minor things.


    "Pardon me, Mr. Luo?"


    Rufus was absent-minded when the assistant reported her work to him, which was rare as he was


    always serious about his work. His attention was in the wrong location and not in the office. His


    assistant battled to get his attention by calling him several times.


    "Oh? Okay. Just leave the files on my desk,"


    Rufus told the assistant uninterested.


    The assistant felt great relief. Working with Rufus had be extremely stressful. His face looked cold


    and perplexed with dark gloomy rings around his eyes, and his tendentious mood was tangible.


    The assistant turned around and left the office quickly. She breathed a sigh of relief, with hands on her


    chest.


    Resting his chin on his right hand, Rufus started to think about Cassandra again. She didn''t answer his


    calls. No one ever did that and it pissed him off.


    Was she serious this time?


    The thought about Cassandra sobbing yesterday made Rufus feel upset.


    Cassandra decided to go to the Garden Vi to pick up her things and return the key to Rufus after


    work or find a way to leave it for him. She didn''t actually want to see him.


    She was packing her bags in the mansion. Looking around, she felt overwhelmed at how mixed her


    feelings were. She remembered the beautiful moments spent in every corner¡ªthe kitchen where she


    sat on the counter spooning with Rufus or trying to cook special meals together; the firece where


    theyy in each other''s arms on the rug; the bed where there was fiercely erotic lovemaking.


    Cassandra regarded this mansion as her own home. She cleaned every part of the furniture and swept


    every corner and now she was leaving. It was sad and reluctant for her to be leaving. ''Better to have


    loved and lost, than never to have loved at all, '' she thought. Her heart sank. She felt gutted, wishing


    there would be a way to make it work. But she knew the answer, and carried on collecting her


    possessions.


    She didn''t ask for much. She just wanted a steady rtionship. Her wish seemed to be too much of a


    luxury that Rufus couldn''t afford.


    When she finished, Cassandra carried her luggage and slowly walked out of the mansion, making a


    mental note of every part.


    Rufus nted the trees and flowers for her in the courtyard. But she would never be able to hear the


    trees rustle or watch the flowers bloom with the man again.


    She smiled, at the memories, but her heart was broken.


    ''Goodbye Garden Vi. Goodbye Rufus, '' Cassandra thought to herself as the tears started again.


    Her phone vibrated again. Rufus kept calling her. Cassandra stared at the screen, sighed and finally


    answered the call.


    "Where are you? Why don''t you answer my calls?"


    he sounded anxious. Cassandra ignored his call. No one dared to do that to him, ever.


    "I''m in the Garden Vi," she answered bluntly.


    Cassandra sighed and bit her lips, determined to keep the tears from running.


    "Did you change your mind?"


    Rufus couldn''t help smiling. He thought Cassandra was moving back to the mansion.


    "Rufus, I put the key in the mailbox. I''m leaving. I''m on my way out," she said quickly, implying that she


    was leaving him. She battled to show her determination to Rufus over the phone.


    "Cassandra, what do you mean?"


    Rufus immediately got nervous. ''Is Cassandra breaking up with me?'' He couldn''t believe she was


    being dead serious. He turned around at once and drove to the Garden Vi.


    "Rufus, you''re driving. Be careful. I''m hanging up."


    Cassandra could hear Rufus hit the breaks. She was concerned about his safety, so she hung up.


    "Wait! Don''t you dare hang up again!" he shouted.


    Rufus punched his fist in the steering wheel, then stepped on the gas, racing boisterously.


    Cassandra hung up on Rufus, again! How dare she!


    Rufus couldn''t believe that the little woman would return the key. It seemed that she had made up her


    mind. Thinking that she would never visit him or the Garden Vi, he felt forlorn and disappointed.


    It was the first time that Rufus cared about a woman like this. He loved her and wanted to spend the


    rest of his life with her. It was the first time he would go to these lengths to please a woman. The result


    was unexpected. He had even contemted marrying her before. This was something he had never


    considered with any woman before.


    Rufus knew Cassandra was special. She was sensitive, passionate and capable at everything sheid


    her hands on. He tried his best not to let his male chauvinism breakdown her self-esteem and hurt her.


    He tried without avail.


    When the Qin Group were looking for a new office, he asked the office owner to lease the office to her


    at an extremely low price. Then he made up the difference secretly.


    Rufus would normally let the people know that he did them a favor. In the business world he would


    never do anything that was unprofitable, but Cassandra was one of a kind. He loved her and wanted


    her to be happy. He wanted to be a part of everything with her. He was willing to do things she wanted.


    This was a serious character change for him. And it was all because of her.


    ''Cassandra doesn''t repay my kindnesses. She cares about the Qin Group more than she cares about


    me.


    Her family treats her appallingly and yet she tried her best, even sacrificed her marriage, to save her


    father''s business. But why does she reject me cruelly even though I have done so much for her?'' he


    thought sadly.


    The more Rufus thought about it, the more he got annoyed. He called Cassandra again, but she didn''t


    answer him.


    Cassandra slowly walked down to the street. There were vines on the wall, carrying pockets of


    beautiful yellow flowers, which had such a sweet happy fragrance.


    Rufus and she had known each other as lovers for about a year. However, one would think they had


    known each other for at least ten years. All couples fought, so did they. The conflicts between them


    were so intense and frequent that it had toe to a stop.


    ''Love hurts but ours tortures, '' Cassandra felt exhausted.


    Rufus kept calling her, which made Cassandra irritated. ''Does this man not take no as an answer and


    since when did he be so childish?'' she was getting annoyed.


    Cassandra answered the phone again. He asserted angrily and fast, "Cassandra, save your words until


    I arrive. I''m at the Garden Road now!"


    Rufus was anxious and angry but most of all desperate.


    "Rufus, I''ve left the vi. You don''t need toe here," Cassandra said rebelliously.


    She saw a taxi driving to her direction and waved him down.


    "Cassandra, do you think I''m ying a love game? I tell you what. I want you to be my woman. Do you


    hear me? I won''t let you go!" Rufus cried out.


    This woman meant everything to him. She was the one. He could never find anyone else like her. He


    couldn''t let her go.


    "Rufus, we can still be friends," Casandra said pitifully.


    She felt as if a knife was piercing her heart, but she still turned him down.


    She was afraid that she would cry next, then would run into his arms again. She missed him so much


    already. She feared that she would never be able to leave again, once she went back to him.


    "Cassandra, don''t ever think about leaving me, unless I am dead!" he said loudly.


    His voice was mixed up with a high-pitched braking sound and then crashing.


    Then Cassandra heard the busy tone from the other end of the phone.


    Her eyes widened. Cassandra''s pulse started racing. Her mind became erratic. She shouted into the


    bleeping phone, "Rufus, what''s going on? Rufus, no please no! Rufus, answer me,


    please..."

 Chapter 223 The Sudden Accident

    Chapter 223 The Sudden ident


    Cassandra stood at the side of the road, holding the phone in her hand and dumbfounded. She didn''t


    know what had just happened.


    She heard something loud. Where could it havee from?


    Suddenly, she had a good guess on what had happened so she turned around and ran back to the


    Garden Vi immediately.


    The wind blew across her face as she breathed heavily and quickened her pace.


    Her heart was beating rapidly and she could only see darkness but she held on to the one person who


    was keeping her going.


    It was Rufus! Rufus!


    Rufus could feel his body aching all over when the terrible car ident happened. But nothing could


    compare to the ache his heart was nursing.


    "Cassandra..."


    Rufus murmured the little woman''s name. A glimpse of a familiar figure was suddenly running towards


    him.


    Was it Cassandra? Or an illusion?


    Rufus couldn''t tell who the figure was because he couldn''t even open his eyes. Before he knew it, he


    had already fainted.


    Cassandra saw Rufus''s Range Rover crash into a wall from a distance¡ªthe front of the car looked


    quite damaged.


    Her chest tightened at what she''d seen; her heart began to beat so fast that she felt it would jump out


    of her chest anytime soon.


    She ran and ran until she''d closed the distance between them.


    When she arrived at the car, she saw Rufus slumping over the wheel. His legs were stuck inside the


    car and he looked terrible. It was hard to digest the entire scene.


    Cassandra felt as if someone had grabbed her heart and crushed it¡ªshe couldn''t breathe.


    She tried to ram the door open but it was locked and she couldn''t break it from the outside.


    She then tried to smack the window hoping that Rufus would wake up to the noise but he didn''t even


    flinch. He wasn''t moving at all. Did he just faint or was he...dead already?


    Cassandra was crying and shrieking, "Rufus, wake up! Don''t leave me! Rufus!"


    What Rufus had said before came true.


    He said the only way he''d let Cassandra leave him was if he died.


    ''I won''t leave you anymore, Rufus! Don''t do this, Rufus! Wake up!'' Cassandra shouted in her heart.


    She quickly made a call then continued to look for a way to break inside the car. However, they were in


    a deserted area and no one was even passing by. She started to get desperate.


    Suddenly, an idea came to her. She dialed Rufus''s number and hoped that the ringing would wake him


    up.


    It didn''t work. Rufus justy there, unmoving.


    Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    "Rufus, wake up! Please! You''re scaring me!"


    Cassandra shrieked through tears as she tried futilely open the car. She was starting to get worried as


    Rufus had already stayed in an oxygen-deprived space for too long and his legs had been stuck for a


    while now too.


    She came up with another idea¡ªshe used her keys to try to break the window open from the corners.


    She just kept trying and trying. Eventually, the window started to show some cracks, but her hands


    were already red and swollen.


    She continued to hit the window through gritted teeth. When enough cracks had shown, she took a


    deep breath andnded a clenched fist through the window. The window shattered into pieces.


    Cassandra stuck her hand inside the window and swung the door open from the inside¡ªall the while,


    her hand was shivering. She reached inside the car and grabbed Rufus''s body in an attempt to drag


    him out of the car.


    Rufus was tall and big while she was short and slim¡ªshe wasn''t strong enough to move him.


    But this didn''t stop Cassandra from trying anyway¡ªthis was an emergency after all. She gathered all


    her energy and soon, she was able to drag him out of the car in one piece.


    Sheid Rufus down on the road and started to resuscitate him¡ªshe tried pumping his chest hard and


    fast with her hands, then blowing air into his mouth.


    She continued doing this as she wished in her heart that Rufus would open his eyes to look at her.


    However, Rufus remained lifeless.


    She fought through the tears that rolled down her cheeks and into her mouth; she fought through the


    bitter taste in her mouth; she fought through the exhaustion¡ªbut to no avail, Rufus remained


    unmoving.


    Cassandra was starting to lose hope. She was crying, scared and desperate.


    ''This is all my fault, Rufus! I never should''ve said all those things to you, I''m so sorry! Open your eyes


    and look at me! I won''t leave you anymore, please don''t leave me like this...''


    Cassandra cried in her heart that was filled with regret.


    If she only knew that this would happen, she would never have attempted to break up with him. She


    thought she was doing the right thing. She''d been thinking over this break up for quite awhile¡ªnow she


    just wished she''d thought it over one more time.


    "Please, Rufus! Stay with me, I''m so scared!"


    Cassandra bawled as she continued to breathe life back into him.


    Suddenly, Rufus''s chest heaved. Cassandra froze.


    She continued to pump his chest and blow air into his mouth. She had more hope now.


    Rufus kept sinking in a cold, dark ce. Everything about him felt stuck and frozen as if he was dying.


    He couldn''t see anything in the darkness but he could hear a familiar voice. Cassandra! It was


    Cassandra''s voice! She was here and she was calling his name!


    Rufus wished with all his might that he could open his eyes and hold her in his arms. He wanted to tell


    her, ''Cassandra, I''m yours and yours only. Don''t you ever leave me again.''


    However, he didn''t have the energy to do so as he couldn''t feel his body anymore.


    He did feel it when he was dragged out from where he was and someone started resuscitating him.


    Someone was pumping his chest and blowing air into his mouth. Rufus could tell that it was


    Cassandra''s lips that had touched his cold ones; as soon as their lips met, Rufus felt his heart warm


    up.


    ''Is that you, Cassandra? Are you saving me?'' Rufus thought to himself.


    He could also taste the bitterness of the tears that ran in Cassandra''s mouth. He couldn''t help but feel


    his heart ache at the thought of Cassandra crying endlessly.


    He wanted to gaze into her eyes, reach out to touch her hair, and tell her that he loved her so much. He


    wanted to tell her that everything was going to be okay. Hard as he tried, he just couldn''t make himself


    move. He felt disconnected from his body as if everything was too heavy for him.


    Rufus''s heart beat quickened when he sensed how scared Cassandra was.


    ''Are you scared? Don''t be scared, darling. I''ll protect you, I''m here, '' Rufus consoled Cassandra in his


    mind.


    Her bawling only motivated him to push his body more¡ªhe wanted to speak to her, feel her, and hold


    her.


    Rufus felt that he''d been wandering in the dark far too long. Suddenly, a light appeared in front of him.


    He followed the light hoping to leave the darkness.


    Cassandra, meanwhile, was still hoping and praying for a miracle when Rufus''s eyes twitched.


    "Rufus, can you hear me? Wake up, Rufus, please!"


    Cassandra tried to repeatedly pat Rufus''s face to wake him up¡ªshe was already flurried and worked


    up at Rufus''s stirrings.


    At this moment, Rufus finally reached the light¡ªhe took a deep breath and opened his eyes.


    The first thing Rufus saw when he opened his eyes was Cassandra''s crying face.


    "Rufus! Thank God! Finally, you''re awake!"


    Cassandra bawled, her voice shaking. She heaved a big sigh of relief and was grateful that Rufus was


    alive.


    Just in time, the ambnce arrived. All the medical staff hurried to Rufus with a stretcher in hand.


    "Excuse us, please,"


    the staff said to Cassandra as they rolled Rufus onto the stretcher.


    He wanted so bad to speak to Cassandra but his body was still in so much pain that he was unable to


    even make a sound. The only thing he could do was look at Cassandra and he did¡ªhe never removed


    his gaze, not even for a second.


    Normally, Cassandra disliked the ambnce siren. It was sharp and it wasn''t calming at all. But this


    time, when she heard the ambnce, it sounded like music to her. This was what was going to save


    Rufus. They were going to make sure he was okay.


    "How''s he doing? Is he seriously hurt?"


    Cassandra stayed with Rufus even inside the ambnce. He was being given oxygen through a mask


    and his heartbeat was being monitored by the ECG machine. During the whole time, Rufus was just


    staring at her, not making a single sound.


    "We''ll know when we get to the hospital but his legs are probably broken,"


    a paramedic said, frowning. He was busy studying the images on his medical device.


    Cassandra reached out and held one of Rufus''s hands which were normally warm. But in this instance,


    it was ice cold.


    She gazed back into his eyes, biting her lower lip.


    "Please contact his family right away. We have to do surgery on him and they''re the only ones who can


    authorize that."


    Upon hearing that, she grabbed Rufus''s phone because she didn''t have any contact with the Tang


    family anymore¡ªshe''d deleted their numbers a long time ago.


    Unlocking his phone, she went straight to the contacts list. There was a ''family'' tag in his contacts and


    there were only three people on it:


    Jasper, Michelle, and Cassandra.

 Chapter 224 Remaining Unconscious

    Chapter 224 Remaining Unconscious


    Cassandra had already stopped crying after she saw Rufus open his eyes. But now that she saw her


    name in his contact list, her eyes started to tear up again.


    Was it true that he had already seen her as his family?


    None of the Tang family members'' names were in this list, but hers was. Was she more important to


    him than his own father?


    Desperately trying to hold back her tears, Cassandra dialed Michelle''s number. Once she got through,


    she told her of the ident.


    "We''re in the ambnce now, but you''ll have to be at the hospital as soon as possible. They won''t clear


    him for sugery unless you sign the waiver."


    Cassandra tried to be as calm as possible. She didn''t want Michelle to worry too much. If she rushed


    Michelle, she might panic and risk her safety on the way to the hospital, too.


    "What? A car ident? I''m on my way!" Michelle eximed.


    She immediately hung up the phone and rushed towards the hospital as quickly as she could. While


    she was on her way, she called Jasper to ry the same information. She asked Jasper to return to the


    country immediately.


    She hadn''t been in touch with Rufus recently because of their rather busy schedules. She was busy


    serving as a judge for a fashion design contest overseas. There really was no time for her to notice


    what was happening between Rufus and Cassandra.


    Michelle''s heart clenched, thinking about all the gossips that their rtionship must have brought.


    Rufus was always so careful and cautious. How could a car ident ever happen to him? Were they


    having problems that made him reckless?


    Michelle shook her head violently. Now was not the time to dwell over such things. She focused on


    making it to the hospital as quickly as possible.


    The ambnce quickly arrived at the hospital. Cassandra''s grip loosened on Rufus''s hand since he


    had to be rushed to the emergency room. She watched the emergency technicians run towards the


    room, leaving her in front of the doorway; her eyebrows scrunched together in worry.


    Michelle ran towards the reception desk as soon as she got into the lobby, and signed the waiver that


    was on hold for her.


    "Please do everything you can at all costs. We are willing to do anything to save him!" Michelle pleaded


    with the doctor.


    The doctor simply nodded and entered the operating room. Michelle sighed, finally letting her mind and


    body rx. However, she found herself frowning when she turned around and saw Cassandra.


    "Cassandra, what happened? Rufus would never be so reckless when he''s driving!"


    Michelle asked in a reproaching tone, sensing that the ident must have something to do with


    Cassandra.


    Cassandra''s eyebrow twitched upon hearing her. She closed her eyes and breathed, trying to react as


    calmly as possible.


    Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    "I''m sorry, Michelle. I had a fight with Rufus. I said I wanted to break up. He got very emotional talking


    over the phone..."


    Cassandra''s voice started to break as she exined, guilt pressuring her to admit that she was partly


    responsible.


    "What were you thinking, Cassandra. Do you know how much he''s done for you?"


    Michelle asked angrily, her face contorted in frustration.


    When Rufus first fell in love with Cassandra, Michelle thought that it was inappropriate. However, as


    Rufus''s family, she eventually gave her blessing to whomever Rufus''s heart loved. She believed Rufus


    when he said that Cassandra was simply forced into the arranged marriage with the Tang family.


    Michelle didn''t really care that Cassandra was married at the time.


    But Cassandra''s influence on Rufus had been so great that he had even gotten into a car ident.


    Michelle wasn''t able to tolerate it anymore.


    "I know...I''m sorry. It was my fault. I''m sorry..."


    Tears came down from Cassandra''s swollen, red eyes, blurring her vision severely.


    She cocooned herself as she was apologizing to Michelle. She med herself for everything.


    "He has always ignored what everyone has said about you. He''s always stayed by your side. He never


    cared about the gossip and he even took the effort to publicly recognize your rtionship. You can''t


    even begin to understand the pressure he''s been going through. You don''t know what he''s sacrificed


    for you, Cassandra!"


    Michelle knew that she was being harsh but she couldn''t tolerate such influence. She couldn''t treat


    Cassandra as a friend any longer if she was going to risk Rufus''s life.


    "I''m sorry. I''m so, so sorry..."


    Cassandra knew she was in the wrong but she couldn''t do anything except apologize. She could only


    apologize and wait. She wasn''t sure about Rufus''s wellbeing.


    Her heart clenched as she thought of Rufus, all alone, with no one there to apany him. She


    thought of the moment when he finally opened his eyes, wanting to say something to her but couldn''t


    make a sound. It was so painful that she felt like a part of her soul had been ripped away.


    Michelle sighed irritably. She couldn''t understand why Rufus and Cassandra had fallen in love.


    The surgery was still slowly ongoing. Each second felt like an entire year.


    Cassandra could slowly feel her anxiety attack approaching. She tried her best to calm herself down,


    praying silently for strength.


    ''Rufus, I''m praying to God that you will be all right. I''d give up anything in this world as long as I ensure


    that you''re well!''


    As if on cue, the door of the operating room opened and the head surgeon approached the two of


    them.


    Cassandra rushed to the doctor, her voice shaking.


    "Doctor, is he all right?"


    Cassandra''s cheeks were already stained red and swollen from her endless sobs.


    "He''s okay now, but we still need to monitor his fractured leg. We''re transferring him to the intensive


    care unit after his surgery. Only if his condition stabilizes can we transfer him to the general ward."


    "Oh, thank god! I was so scared. I''m d he''s okay,"


    Michelle said, relief washing over her face. She bit back the tears that dared to fall.


    Cassandra leaned on the wall and slowly sank down to the floor, her body still trembling from the


    shock.


    ''Thank god, thank god. I''m d you''re all right, Rufus.''


    However, after the surgery, Rufus was still unconscious. Cassandra was still anxious that he might not


    wake up.


    "Doctor, I thought he was all right. Why hasn''t he waken up yet? He was conscious before the surgery,"


    Cassandra asked the doctor worriedly.


    "So far there seems to be no major damage. We still have to monitor for signs of concussions and brain


    Injuries further. It''s too early to see if the brain has been affected. We''ll have to wait until he wakes up,"


    The doctor said straightforwardly. Cassandra whimpered, afraid that Rufus might never wake up.


    Once they were in the ICU, Cassandra refused to leave Rufus''s side. She would take the shortest naps


    that would onlyst a few minutes. She was restless, always checking the screens and monitors to see


    if there were any changes.


    Rufus had been in deep sleep for a long while; his face kept straight during his slumber.


    Cassandra rxed only at the sight of his chest rising and falling, the slightest proof that he was still


    alive.


    She couldn''t stop looking at his stoic face. Her tears kept falling down her cheeks.


    Cassandra simply thought that she could just leave so that Rufus wouldn''t ever have to choose


    between Amanda and her.


    But when she saw Rufus lying in bed, unresponsive, she felt arge stab of guilt in her heart.


    Why did things have to turn out this way? She had already made up her mind to leave, but it was as if


    fate refused to separate them.


    She thought that Rufus had seen her as a burden. Why couldn''t he just leave her?


    Cassandra shook her head disappointingly. Her tears almost ran dry for Rufus, and all this was


    unknown to him.


    She wished that he would just wake up. However, two dayster, he still hasn''t moved. He had been


    sleeping quietly with the IV drip hooked up to his hand and the food tube stuck down his nose.


    Seeing Cassandra''s haggard face, Michelle''s heart ached.


    "I hired a carer. You can take a break. You should rest, really."


    She was still upset with Cassandra, but she wasn''t mad anymore.


    Cassandra had been taking care of Rufus day and night. She cleaned his body with warm wash towel


    because he had always liked being clean and tidy.


    Michelle was moved by Cassandra''s devotion. However, if Rufus remained unconscious, she would still


    feel resentful towards Cassandra.


    "I''m not tired,"


    Cassandra said, not even bothering to look behind her to face Michelle. She motioned to the edge of


    the bed when she noticed the food tube was empty, then called for the nurse to change it.


    "I don''t care if you''re tired or not. You don''t want Rufus to see you all haggard and restless like that, do


    you? Go home. Take a bath and change your clothes."


    Michelle sounded distant, but truthfully, she really cared about Cassandra. Cassandra could sense


    Michelle''s concern.


    It was obvious that telling her to go home and change her clothes was just an excuse to allow


    Casandra to sleep in a bedfortably.


    Looking at Rufus solemnly, Cassandra finally conceded.


    "Fine. I''ll go home and clean myself up. If anything happens, please, please call me at once."


    Cassandra quietly left the ward. Staring at the unconscious Rufus, Michelle felt worried.


    ''Rufus, I know you''re deeply in love with Cassandra. But I''m not sure if that''s a blessing or a curse.''

 Chapter 225 He Woke Up, But She Was Not There (Part One)

    Chapter 225 He Woke Up, But She Was Not There (Part One)


    The nurse changed and put up a new IV bottle for Rufus. Michelle, in the meanwhile, apanied the


    nurse and sat on the bed where Rufusy unconscious. Seeing his condition, she was quite perturbed.


    The doctor had guaranteed that he was going to be fine, but her fear arose from the fact he was still not


    awake.


    Just when she was fretting over Rufus, her phone rang. "I have arrived at the airport. Now pleasee


    to fetch me,"


    Jasper informed, aloud. It had only been a few seconds since he got off the ne. The cacophony in


    the airportpelled him to speak loudly. When he learned that Rufus had met with a car ident, he


    went nk for a few minutes. As soon as heposed himself, he handed over some work and flew


    back to G City. He remembered hisst meeting with Rufus which made him aware how a person''s life


    could change in a blink of an eye.


    Once she realized she had to pick Jasper from the airport, Michelle called the nursing assistance.


    Calmly, she filled her in with details to which some special attention should be paid. Then unwillingly,


    she left Rufus and headed to the airport. A momentter, Amanda arrived at the hospital to visit Rufus.


    Her eyes were watery and she took slow anxious steps. She sat beside him and entwined her fingers


    with Rufus''s lifeless fingers. Affectionately, she stared into his face.


    Rufus, who had been unconscious for two days, slowly opened his eyes.


    The white ceiling of the inpatient ward came into his sight. Since his eyes were used to darkness, the


    sudden contact with the bright light made his eyes sore. So he closed them again. He tried to move his


    heavy body, but failed miserably. The second time he opened his eyes, he noticed a girl sitting next to


    him.


    "Rufus! Finally you''re awake!"


    Amanda eximed excitedly as she tightened her grasp on his hand.


    Rufus blinked his eyes several times since he wasn''t able to make out who thedy was. Once he


    understood it was Amanda, disappointment surged through his body. He was hoping to see Cassandra


    instead.


    "Oh...so it''s you,"


    he said in a hoarse voice. He was too weak to speak and didn''t bother to continue.


    "Rufus, you have no idea how worried I was! Watching you lying on the bed lifelessly distressed me.


    There were times when I thought I would never see you again..."


    To show him the extent of her emotion, she wept in front of him. In that moment, she looked so


    vulnerable that he feltpelled to console her. As a way of showing his support, he gently pressed


    her hand.


    Gradually, he was regaining his strength. His mind once again thought of Cassandra. Rufus looked


    around the ward expecting to see her. After several inspection, he concluded that the only people


    present here were Amanda and the nursing assistant. ''Cassandra isn''t here, '' his mind epted with


    grievance.


    In spite of his condition, his faint memory convinced him that it was Cassandra who had sent him to the


    hospital. As far as he could remember, it was she who had been with him when he was ina. ''Am I


    getting confused? Was it Amanda?'' he thought dubiously. ''No no! It can''t be. I clearly remember it was


    Cassandra who gave me mouth-to-mouth breathing after the ident. But where is she now? Why


    isn''t she with me? Is she still mad at me?'' Rufus wondered. He had a million questions to which he


    needed an answer.


    He was oblivious to Amanda''s presence. All he wanted was to see Cassandra. As a matter of fact, the


    first thing he expected to see when he opened his eyes was Cassandra''s delicate face. His heart


    ached for it.


    ''Perhaps she has been here for a while. Maybe she went out to fetch something. Or wait, could it be


    that she has no idea about this ident?'' his mind started to throw hunches.


    He wasn''t in a state to believe his memory. Everything he thought he had seen could be work of his


    imagination.


    Yet there was a part of him that told him it wasn''t his invention. He distinctly remembered how her tears


    glided down and tumbled into his mouth. Even now he could summon up the salty aftertaste.


    T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Where is Cassandra?"


    Rufus finally mustered up the strength and asked.


    "Wha...Oh Cassandra..I am sorry but I have no idea. A while ago I saw your aunt leave. But I don''t


    remember seeing Cassandra around,"


    Amanda replied rigidly. ''Here I am pouring out my heart and his only concern is Cassandra?'' Amanda


    thought incredulously.


    Her response led Rufus''s heart to sink even further. A strong sense of loss struck him.


    ''If that''s the case then I am wrong. Maybe she never came to see me. I probably dreamed of it! Why


    would shee? She is furious at me and wants a break up. How could shee back to see me?''


    Rufus sighed in his heart.


    Noticing the bewildered look on Rufus''s face, Amanda let out a vicious smile.


    When Amanda heard about Rufus''s ident, she rushed to the hospital. But when she arrived, she


    saw Cassandra by his side. To avoid direct conflict with Cassandra, she left quietly. Until today, it was


    her first opportunity to sit with him.


    ''Fortunately, I was lucky enough to be the one beside him when he woke up, '' she had thought with


    satisfaction.


    But now when Rufus asked her about Cassandra, Amanda felt her blood boiling with rage. The lie


    came out naturally from her mouth. She truly wanted him to believe Cassandra didn''t love him enough.


    ''This is the only way I can make him forget her, '' Amanda thought with jealousy reeking from her body.


    "You go back home and have some rest. Don''t forget you''re a patient yourself,"


    Rufus said, bearing an indifferent look on his face. Amanda thought Rufus would be moved by her


    gesture. She expected to receive some words of affection for taking care of him. However, he was as


    cold as he had always been.


    "I''m not tired, Rufus. I like to stay with you, and I''ll always be here for you!"


    Amanda responded lovingly. Without waiting for his reply, she held his hand tightly andid her head


    softly on his body.


    "Hey Amanda, take my advice and go home. You look really tired and I don''t see why you should stay


    here. If I need something then the nursing assistant can take care of it. So don''t worry,"


    Rufus thoughtfully suggested. With his knitted brows, he noticed Amanda''s pale face. He didn''t like it


    when she fussed over him.


    "Rufus, please let me stay with you. I can tell you feel dejected because Cassandra abandoned you in


    this crucial time. I feel obliged to remind you that I will always be here for you!"

 Chapter 226 He Woke Up, But She Was Not There (Part Two)

    Chapter 226 He Woke Up, But She Was Not There (Part Two)


    Amanda eagerly expressed, wanting Rufus to understand her devotion. The reason behind Rufus''s


    ident was known to Amanda. ''I hold Cassandra responsible for it! While he was driving the car, she


    called him saying she wanted to break up. If it wasn''t for that wretched woman, my Rufus wouldn''t be in


    this condition, '' she thought angrily.


    Amanda had done everything to her best ability in order to undermine their rtionship. She


    deliberately made Cassandra misunderstand her rtionship with Rufus. It seemed that her n was


    finally bearing fruit. Thinking of that, a feeling of joy rose in her heart.


    Hearing Amanda''s mention of Cassandra, Rufus once again felt a sharp pain.


    It evoked the recollection of what had happened right before his ident. Adamantly, Cassandra


    proposed to break up with him. She seemed so determined to break ties with him that she handed him


    the key of Garden Vi.


    Her aloof attitude aggrieved him. He was struck by the knowledge that Cassandra would give up on


    their love so easily. However, he still didn''t want Amanda to fill the void left by Cassandra. He couldn''t


    possibly love Amanda or any other woman the way he loved Cassandra.


    "Amanda, stop acting so childish. You very well know that the woman I love isn''t you. I consider you as


    my sister. Then why are you wasting your time trying to please me? It will never happen!"


    Rufus said trying to add some sense into Amanda''s mind. Slowly, he tried to pull his hands free from


    Amanda''s grip, but he was too feeble to do it.


    "Rufus, I love you from the bottom of my heart. It pains me when you behave so coldly. Nothing you


    say or do will bring any change to my feelings. I will never give up on you, unlike Cassandra,"


    Amanda said emotionally and fixated her tear-filled eyes on Rufus''s face.


    "Amanda, please don''t hurt yourself for my sake. I don''t deserve you,"


    Rufus replied with a sigh. Amanda was too persistent. No matter what he said, she wouldn''t take no for


    an answer. She continued with her pursuit on winning Rufus.


    While this scene was going on, Cassandra also reached the hospital. Earlier she went home, took a


    shower and changed into new clothes. While she did these tasks, not once could she take her mind off


    Rufus. It was impossible for her to sleep as she felt ill at ease knowing Rufus was still unconscious.


    Anxiously, she approached the door of the inpatient ward. Just when she was about to push the door


    open, she heard muffled conversation between two people.


    Through the crack of the door, she noticed Rufus was awake. This led her to be overjoyed with


    pleasure. She had an ardent desire to sprint inside and hug him tightly. In the past two days, she had


    eagerly waited to confess how much she loved him. Suddenly, she noticed the person sitting next to


    him. ''It''s Amanda!'' Realization suddenly dawned on her.


    Shey wrapped around on Rufus''s body. Even with themotion in the hospital, Cassandra could


    hear her stifled cries.


    "Rufus, don''t try to convince me anymore. It doesn''t matter if you are with Cassandra or not, my


    feelings for you will remain the same. If you don''t love me, its okay but please don''t stop me from loving


    you. That''s something my heart isn''t willing to do. I wish you nothing but a healthy and happy life. I''m


    satisfied with the rtionship we''re currently in. I wish no more..."


    Amanda sobbed. She looked very fragile in this condition.


    "My stupid girl,"


    Rufusforted gently, wiping away her tears. Amanda loved him deeply. He couldn''t be so tough to


    her. Besides, she was seriously ill. He didn''t want to see her so sad.


    Cassandra froze at their conversation. Right at this moment, she felt like someone had flung ice cold


    water on her.


    Slowly, she moved back and didn''t stop until her back thudded with the wall. She let out a small shriek


    from the pain.


    ''How stupid am I! I stayed by his side and did everything possible to bring him back. I even called out


    his name a million times and confessed my love. However, it made no difference.


    And now Amanda came here to spend a few seconds. In this short duration, she woke him. Does this


    mean their connection is deeper?'' wondered Cassandra. The image of the two wouldn''t fade out of her


    mind.


    "Satisfied with the rtionship they are currently in..." Cassandra''s mind reyed this dialogue uttered


    by Amanda. She spected the meaning of this line.


    "Rufus, you told me you have nothing to do with Amanda. Now Amanda admits that you''re in a


    rtionship. Why did you lie to me?" Cassandra murmured painfully as she looked at them being so


    intimate.


    She felt stupid for being so deeply in love with him. In thest two days, she sat beside him with her


    eyes wide open. She wanted to ensure she would be there waiting for him when he woke up.


    Now she overheard him saying words of love to another woman. Her heart broke into a million pieces.


    While she was drowning in her misfortune, she heard footsteps and familiar sound of conversation from


    the other end of the corridor. She turned her head and found people from Tang family were proceedingT¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    towards the ward. Quickly, she ran to the balcony at the end of the corridor and hid herself.


    Horace with Jill and Lionel with Ivy came toward Rufus''s ward all arm in arm to pay him their visit.


    "Rufus, how are you feeling now?"


    Horace promptly asked in a considerate tone. Suddenly, his eyes fell on Amanda.


    In the past, Rufus had been cold towards Amanda. Now it seemed that their rtionship was


    developing slowly. Horace was delighted with this knowledge.


    Rufus didn''t want to show his weakness in front of Tang family. He forced his aching body to sit up.


    "I''m fine...this is just a minor damage,"


    Rufus said feigning to have strength. The pain at his injured leg was killing him, but he gritted his teeth


    to stop himself from showing.


    "I''m d to hear that. Take good care of yourself. Lionel will be here to keep you up to date about our


    business. But Rufus, you are always so prudent. I don''t understand how you could have had a car


    ident in such a remote ce!"


    Horace had no idea about Rufus''s ownership of Garden Vi. He was wondering why he was there.


    "I was on the phone with a client and got distracted,"


    Rufus exined nonchntly. He didn''t want to push this topic further.


    Suddenly, it urred to him that he got a paper from his assistant before the ident.


    "Pay attention to Dawn Star Group. Rumors have it they areing up with a big n."

 Chapter 227 I Want To See Cassandra

    Chapter 227 I Want To See Cassandra


    "What news have you got? What happened to the Dawn Star Group?" Horace asked.


    He had a feeling that something was not right, and he frowned.


    Rufus''s face turned pale, but he managed to maintain hisposure and tried his best to look firm and


    confident.


    "Anyway, be careful. And speed up the progress of the cases that we have now," ordered Rufus.


    He didn''t want to ry everything out but instead gave a warning.


    Even though all the Tang family members came to empathize, no one really cared like a family member


    except for Horace. Ivy and Lionel were sitting at the sofa of the VIP patient ward. They preferred doing


    nothing than speaking to Rufus. Jill wore a smile throughout, but her smile was so cold and disdainful,


    and to some extent, she seemed to take pleasure in his suffering.


    The visitors came and went; each of them pretended to care for him, but actually, none of them really


    did.


    Amanda was sensitive enough to feel the awkward atmosphere in the room. Out of her instincts, she


    chatted with Horace to break the awkwardness.


    Horace nced at Rufus. Seeing the cold expression on his face, he diverted his eyes to the family


    members he brought with him, sighed silently, and stood up to take his leave.


    Lionel together with Jill and Ivy, all felt relieved at the thought of leaving and followed Horace out.


    The noisy ward soon quieted down and Rufus enjoyed the silence. He just sat on the bed, his face


    devoid of any emotions.


    "Rufus, what happened to you?"


    With a caring look, Amanda drew closer to the man.


    His eyes swept across the room and fixed at one spot. His entire body stiffened.


    He gazed at the sofa where Lionel and Ivy had sat. In the corner of the sofa, there was ady''s wind


    jacket with beige and purplish blue patterns.


    He knew this jacket! It belonged to Cassandra!


    Suddenly, he felt his blood flowing backward. Why would her jacket be in this room? She had been


    here!


    While Rufus was still fumbling his thoughts, Jasper and Michelle pushed the door open. They were


    relieved to see Rufus awake and was now able to sit up.


    "Rufus, finally you are awake! We were so worried!"


    Michelle walked towards Rufus with a much-rxed face now.


    "Where''s Cassandra?"


    Rufus asked, trying his best to suppress his emotions.


    "Gone! She''s gone!"


    Michelle was not happy to hear about Cassandra. The mention of her name was like a weight in her


    chest. After all, it was Cassandra who caused the car ident. Moreover, the idea that Rufus asked


    about the woman the moment he woke up heightened her displeasure for Cassandra.


    "Was she here the whole time?"


    Rufus asked further. At the sight of her clothes, he was able to confirm that she had indeed stayed with


    him in this room.


    "What if I say yes Rufus? I was supporting your rtionship at the very start. But now just take a look


    at yourself. You have always been cautious and calm. How could the two of you even quarrel to the


    point that you got into a car ident? How can I convince myself that she will be a good partner for


    you?"


    The more Michelle ranted, the more dissatisfied she became.


    Jasper was sensing the start of a heated argument, so he pulled Michelle to hint her to stop talking.


    "Alright, let him be. Give Rufus some time to rest," Jasper said.


    Actually, Jasper started to feel pessimistic about the rtionship between the two as well. However, he


    also knew that Rufus had always been stubborn. There was no way that he or Michelle would be able


    to persuade him.


    Seeing that Rufus was asking about Cassandra, Amanda gritted her teeth in anger. Though her


    emotions were so intense, she masked them perfectly with her worried face.


    "Rufus, what is important now is for you to rest well. Forget about other things first. I''ll take care of you


    now,"


    Amanda coaxed while putting up a pleading smile, praying that Rufus would stop talking about


    Cassandra.


    Unfortunately, her prayers went unheard. With no hesitation, Rufus took out his phone and started to


    call Cassandra.


    Cassandra was in a daydream at the balcony located at the end of the corridor. She jerked when her


    phone rang. The sudden vibration and ring tone from her phone shocked her. Seeing the name of the


    caller on her phone screen, she hung it up instantly.


    She couldn''t contain the feelings of mixed emotions inside her. The thought of Rufus and Amanda in


    the patient room together agonized her.


    Rufus''s repeated calls weren''t picked up, which made him furious and agitated.


    Angrily, he pulled the needle in his vein out. Fluids dripped from the needle heavily wetting the bed


    sheet, while blood began to profuse out from the needle hole on the back of his hand.


    Everyone in the room was frightened to see what Rufus had done. Jasper dashed towards Rufus and


    ran his arms around him to prevent him from doing further damages. The next moment, the monitor


    inside the room started to rm.


    "Rufus, what are you doing!" Amanda screamed.


    Terrified, she held his hand, but Rufus just shook her hands off.


    "Go away! I''m going to find Cassandra!"


    Rufus was like a bull struggling for freedom. He was desperate to get out of what he considered as a


    trap.


    The only thing he had in mind was to find Cassandra. He wanted to assure her that he would never


    give her up! Never!


    "Rufus, stay calm! Remember that she is the one who caused your situation right now! Do you know


    how much you''re hurting us by doing this?"


    Michelle looked at Rufus with creased brows, as if she was scolding a disobedient child.


    As much as he wanted to break free from Jasper''s control, he had no way to do it¡ªhis body was too


    weak after the surgery and his legs were still injured.


    Jasper pressed his body over Rufus and constrained him from moving. Unwilling to give up, Rufus tried


    to gather some strength and shove Jasper''s body with his hands. By forcing himself too much, blood


    trickled from his wound.


    The nurses and doctors, upon receiving the rm, hurried to take a look, only to find out that the room


    was in chaos.


    Rufus was desperate. Though his forehead had been covered with sweat now, he still struggled


    relentlessly.


    "I want to see Cassandra! Let me go find her!"


    There was an inner force impelling him, giving him ample strength to fight back. It was so strong that he


    eventually managed to break away from Jasper and get down from the bed. However, his injured legs


    were unable to support his weight. Bang! He copsed with a loud thud.


    "Rufus!"


    Amanda leaped onto Rufus. Ghastly tears were trickling down her face.


    "Don''t do this, Rufus. I''m so hurt! I am here with you. Am I not good enough? Why do you have to find


    her?" she eximed.


    She was crying in such a disheartening manner that the spectators in the room averted their eyes from


    her.


    "Get him on to the bed. Or else inject him with sedatives. His legs are still severely injured. He can''t


    move for now,"


    one of the doctors ordered. Soon, two of the male intern nurses helped Jasper to lift the patient back to


    the bed and pressed against him to keep him there.


    Rufus was like an enraged lion. Blood streaks began to surface in his eyes creating a horrifying look on


    his face.


    "Rufus, can you just cooperate for your treatment! Do you think that this is what your mother wanted for


    you? She had suffered so much to sustain your life! How can you disregard your own health?"


    Michelle was vexed by Rufus''s irresponsible behavior. She brought up his mother and chided him


    aloud, which finally made him cease.


    The sudden arrival of doctors and nurses into Rufus''s room made Cassandra nervous. ''Did something


    bad happen to him?'' she wondered. ''Why did so many doctors and nurses rush to his ward?''


    Even if she was at the other end of the corridor, she could still hear the noise, especially the roar from


    Rufus. He sounded as if he was in terrible pain.


    Cassandra''s fingers were twisted. She wished that all was well with Rufus. She was praying so hard,


    not minding that her heart was twisted as well.


    She was so curious and wanted to take a look to see where the chaos was from. However, once she


    thought about the presence of Amanda in the room, her eagerness to go into the room suddenly


    subsided.


    ''He should be fine without me, right? Amanda would be the person he wants to see the most, ''


    Cassandra sced herself.


    However, the effect of her own conviction seemed to be limited. Cassandra turned around and covered


    her ears with her hands so that she couldn''t hear nor see what was going on there. She was afraid that


    she couldn''t resist the desire to rush towards his room.


    The doctors and nurses managed to get control of the agitated man and prepared to inject some


    sedatives into his vein. No matter how he yelled or violently struggled, Rufus couldn''t overpower the


    forces of three men that were pinning him down.


    A needle pierced into his arm. Slowly, the sedative was injected, and after the fluid in the syringe was


    drained, Rufus''s frantic movements ceased.


    When he was finally still and quiet on the bed, the medical personnel exited one by one.


    "Keep an eye on him. Don''t stir his emotion again; otherwise, his legs will take forever to recover and


    he will limp for the rest of his life,"


    Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    the doctor instructed Michelle in a serious tone. She nodded firmly in return to acknowledge his words.


    "Rufus, stay calm. Can''t you just wait and look for her after you recover?"


    Michelle walked to his bed and sat beside him. Grief-stricken, she looked at Rufus helplessly.


    This young man was the flesh and blood left from her dead sister. She almost treated him as the son of


    her own. However, Rufus was so stubborn and hard-headed. She was so scared that he would be


    stirred again when he saw Cassandra.


    The doctor''s instruction still echoed in Michelle''s ears. She was apprehensive about letting Rufus meet


    Cassandra.


    "I want to see her now," Rufus demanded.


    Though the small dose of medicine pacified him, he still had a clear mind and was resolved to see


    Cassandra. He had his eyes fixed at Michelle, trying to make something out from her face.


    He had the feeling that Michelle knew where Cassandra was, and she could find her!


    Michelle found it difficult to make the decision. In a dilemma, she turned her head to Jasper for help,


    who in turn gave her a nod.


    "You must promise me, that even if you see Cassandra, you have to stay calm. Otherwise, your


    condition is going to worsen."


    Michelle was left with no choice but to bargain with Rufus.

 Chapter 228 A Dangerous Wolf

    Chapter 228 A Dangerous Wolf


    Cassandra felt someone tapping her on the shoulder as she got lost in her own thoughts. She was


    surprised to find Michelle when she turned around.


    "Come in. He wants to see you," Michelle said.


    Cassandra was startled¡ªRufus wanted to see her? Why?


    Wasn''t he staying with Amanda?


    Michelle had already seen her hiding by the balcony earlier but she chose to ignore her. However,


    Rufus insisted on seeing her and Michelle really couldn''t do anything about that so she did as he


    wished.


    How difficult all of this was!


    "Amanda''s gone. It''s just going to be you and him. Communicate and talk everything over, okay? Fix


    this."


    As soon as Michelle finished speaking, she turned around and walked towards Jasper who was waiting


    for her in the corridor.


    Both Michelle and Jasper turned around to look at Cassandra. Looking helpless, they both shook their


    heads and left.


    Cassandra remained frozen and was unable to gather her thoughts. Was she really going to finally see


    him?


    When Rufus was still inatose, she took care of him all throughout hoping that she would be the


    first face he would see when he woke up. But now, she was afraid to see him, and even talk to him.


    Cassandra took a deep breath to calm herself down. Then she pushed the door open and walked in.


    She didn''t want to see him right away so she kept her eyes fixed on the floor and her mouth tightly


    shut.


    "Come here,"


    Rufus said in a cid tone. Cassandra slowly walked towards his bed.


    Rufus felt something break inside him when he saw how hesitant Cassandra was to even look him in


    the eye. He reached out his hand and patted the edge of the bed.


    "Come and sit,"


    he softly suggested.


    Cassandra sat on the edge of the bed¡ªcareful with her every move. When she finally raised her head


    to look at him, she found him staring at her deeply. It was difficult to read him.


    "Say something."


    Rufus frowned at her silence.


    Cassandra wanted to tell him so many things but she couldn''t make her mouth move as if her throat


    had been sealed shut.


    She wanted so bad to ask him about Amanda and if he''d already chosen her. She wanted to ask him


    why he couldn''t let her go.


    She wanted to tell him how bad she was hurting and she wanted to ask him how he could treat her this


    way.


    But when she saw Rufus''s ashen face and broken legs, she bit her tongue.


    "Are you feeling better?"


    Cassandra asked after a long period of loaded silence. It was a simple question and anyone could


    have asked it. She didn''t know what else to say to him.


    "What''s on your mind exactly?"


    This was the first time that Rufus and Cassandra would be talking peacefully so he wanted to go


    straight to the point.


    Cassandra couldn''t utter a word, for she didn''t even know what was on her mind. She should be asking


    him the same question.


    She wanted someone who would love her andmit to it; she wanted a quiet life; she wanted to have


    a family¡ªof all people, she thought Rufus should be the one to know all of this. However, now that he


    was asking what was on her mind, she didn''t know how to respond.


    "Did I ask too much from you? Was I too greedy? Are we where we are now because of me?"


    Cassandra asked.


    Her face twisted into a sneer.


    "No, it doesn''t bother when you ask too much; it only bothers me when you don''t ask at all,"


    Rufus said, fixing his eyes on her. Thest thing he wanted to happen was for Cassandra to leave him.


    Cassandra didn''t respond, instead she hung her head low and fidgeted with her hands.


    Rufus sighed and reached out for Cassandra''s hand.


    "Don''t leave me, okay?"


    Rufus said in a soft voice, squeezing her hand. The familiar warmth of his hand softened Cassandra.


    "When I was in aa, I thought I heard you speaking to me. I wasn''t sure if it was real but I was sure


    it was you and your voice,"


    Rufus recalled, locking his gaze into hers.


    "But you weren''t there when I woke up. I was so disappointed," he finished.


    He felt empty and disconnected when he woke up to find that Cassandra wasn''t by his side¡ªuntil now,


    he could still feel the pain he felt then.


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    "Don''t leave me and don''t be mad anymore. Come back, please, and we can live together again. We


    can get married. I''ll organize our wedding,"


    Rufus promised her. Suddenly, tears were welling up in Cassandra''s eyes.


    She wasn''t sure if she''d heard Rufus right. ''Did he just say he wanted to get married? And a wedding?


    This wasn''t the first time he had mentioned getting married. Could it be that he really did love me


    enough to want to marry me?''


    Rufus continued, "The ring''s been with me for a long time. I know I''ve proposed before and it was


    nowhere near perfect. Remember? You even got mad at me. So I''m going to propose again. You''re


    going to have everything¡ªthe engagement, the wedding, everything. Just don''t get mad, okay?"


    Rufus hated seeing Cassandra cry¡ªhe felt his heart twist whenever he saw Cassandra cry.


    He reached out and held her in his arms. It had been a while since he held her like this. Cassandra


    could hear his strong and steady heartbeat which calmed her own quickening heartbeat.


    She tried to control her tears but they just kepting out and drenching Rufus''s hospital gown.


    Only Cassandra owned Rufus''s heart.


    In the CEO office of Dawn Star Group, a handsome man sat on the president''s chair instead of Arthur.


    His eyes were curved upwards which only made him look more charming.


    He had thin lips that formed a light, dazzling smile.


    Beside him was Arthur standing humbly as if he revered and respected the man on the chair.


    "TY Group really is generous. They invested so much money in yourpany huh,"


    the man said with a smile on his face. His smile had a sort of chilling vibe to it that even Arthur was


    quivering.


    "They''re businessmen. Mypany would have to pay TY the interest from their investment because


    well, we''re all business partners who share amunion of interests,"


    Arthur said with a careful smile on his face, avoiding any eye contact.


    "You''re shortsighted, that''s what you are. It''s pretty easy to take down the Tang Group. I''d be able to


    take them down easily even without the investment from TY,"


    the man said confidently. He narrowed his eyes which only showed how arrogant he was.


    "Either way, I have their money now and I can do whatever I want with it. Even if I didn''t need their


    money, I still wouldn''t give a dime back to TY which means they would lose a lot of money. But my


    priority right now is to destroy the Tang Group,"


    Arthur exined, a crafty look evident on his face.


    The shadow that cast on the man amplified his ominous aura.


    The man stood up and walked towards the window so he was looking outside.


    "If you''d known me earlier, you wouldn''t have wasted your time on stupid things,"


    he boasted.


    Arthur didn''t bother refuting him. Instead, he followed him so that he was now standing behind the man.


    "It''s not toote, you know. I''m not stopping at real estate. I want to build something greater than the


    TY Group!"


    Arthur''s tone dripped with ambition. His goal was to be bigger and better than the best in G City.


    "Then show me that you can destroy the Tang Group. If you impress me, I''ll back you up in anything,"


    the man said, turning around and looking at Arthur. He raised his chin as if to remind Arthur of his


    power and influence.


    "I won''t disappoint you, Mr. Ji!"


    Arthur promised to rk Ji, the mysterious and powerful man.


    Lionel? Rufus? To Arthur, they were nothing but a few stones to be turned as he made his way to the


    top.


    He would crush them into pieces and he wouldn''t think twice about it.


    rk gazed at Arthur emotionlessly¡ªhis mind race at the things that he knew but Arthur didn''t.


    It seemed like Arthur wasn''t aware that Rufus was also the president of TY Group. rk could tell that


    Arthur was ambitious and that he would stop at nothing to get what he wanted. He was a wolf just


    waiting to be released from his cage by his master.


    As long as the wolf was kept well-fed, he would do anything upon his master''smand. He would kill


    his enemies if need be as long as there was a promise of sheep for dinner after.


    rk had always stood by the same rule for years: defeat the enemy but keep your hands clean.


    Now, he couldn''t wait to see what Arthur was capable of and what lines he would cross for him.


    "I want you to take the Tang Group for yourself as soon as possible. That means dethroning Rufus,"


    rk said tantly.


    Back when he was still training in the Dark Night Group, he and Rufus had been on the same team.


    Rufus was better than him at everything. Even Amanda, Charlie''s daughter, liked Rufus over him.


    He had been nursing this sphere of hatred for a long time.


    As luck would have it, Rufus eventually left the Dark Night Group. If he hadn''t, rk wouldn''t be where


    he was now. Rufus would have probably been voted in ce as the new leader for the Dark Night


    Group, not him.


    rk could have happily let everything go but since finding out that Amanda had been chasing after


    Rufus, he started to feel all the hatrede back again.


    ''So, Tang Group, huh, Rufus? Your father''spany? I''m going to destroy it!''

 Chapter 229 Help Me Showering

    Chapter 229 Help Me Showering


    The clock that hung on the wall of the hospital room tickled 7 o'' clock, and it was a cold evening. The


    spring rain kept falling outside while Cassandra was busy with peeling an apple for Rufus. Enticed by


    the look of the fresh fruits, she added some oranges and bananas, ced them on a te and handed


    it to Rufus.


    "Can you help me eat these fruits?"


    Rufus popped out a request as he lovingly looked at her.


    Hesitant at first, Cassandra opened her mouth to refuse but was held silent on second thought. After


    all, he was a patient and she should take care of him. Carefully, she cut the fruits into smaller pieces


    with her fruit knife, picked a small piece and lifted it gently to his mouth.


    "No, I want you to feed me using your mouth!" Rufus blurted a silly request and refused to take the


    apple on the toothpick.


    With an intimidating expression in his eyes, Rufus smiled a little and looked at Cassandra.


    "Alright, I bet you don''t want to eat any fruit for now!"


    With a heavy hand, Cassandra put the fruit te on the table and decided not to bear with him again.


    The more she yearned to him, the eager he was in teasing her.


    ''What a greedy man you are, Rufus, '' Cassandra cursed silently.


    Seeing that she was pissed off, Rufus reached out for her hands to give her a hug. But Cassandra was


    so annoyed that she didn''t want any body contact with him. She struggled with all her might to free


    herself from Rufus''s grasp. When all of a sudden, Rufus let out an rming gasp, "Ouch! My leg!"


    Showing a miserable expression on his face, Rufus knitted his eyebrows and puckered his lips.


    Cassandra rxed her body and stopped struggling in his arms. She held her breath because she was


    so nervous at what might cause the pain in Rufus.


    Rufus chuckled silently and heaved a sigh of content. Realizing that he was joking with her, Cassandra


    stared at him with eyes in a huff.


    "Why are you staring at me that way, my little frog?"


    Feeling silly like a child, Rufus lifted the corner of his mouth and cracked a charming smile at her. He


    was trying to calm her down using his charm. But for Cassandra, his efforts were futile and his words


    still sounded ironic.


    "Hmm, to see where you can go, big fly!" Cassandra contradicted immediately.


    Still annoyed by his prank, Cassandra kept fixing her stony stare at Rufus, ming him for his


    unreasonableness and unusual behavior. She stayed with him almost twenty-four hours a day;


    because of his injuries, Cassandra couldn''t leave him alone and had to do everything he asked her to


    do.


    These past few days, she was alwayste to work in the morning and left her office early in the


    afternoon. With her performance, she believed that her image of being an excellent boss had been


    ruined. Despite all these, she didn''t regret a thing, because Rufus was more important than anything


    else.


    "Well, the big fly wants meat¡­"


    Carelessly, Rufus never minded what she said. He gazed at her bare neck and ran his eyes down her


    chest.


    "No way!" Cassandra shouted straightaway.


    Her cheeks turned crimson red as she put her hands around her neck hurriedly and red at him as if


    her eyesight was burning.


    It was ridiculous of him to run his eyes like that when he was still lying on the sickbed because of his


    broken leg.


    Their sweet fight, however, was disturbed when they heard a knock on the door. Cassandra jumped out


    of his arms in a shock and straightened her clothes promptly.


    On the other hand, Rufus justyfortably on the bed and didn''t move a bit.


    "Come in," he shouted towards the door.


    Straightening his back, he lifted his head a little to have a clear view of the visitor.


    Victor came in with his usual poker face and walked directly to Rufus, not minding Cassandra as if she


    was invisible.


    "Mr. Luo, because of Mr. Tang''s incapability, we''ve missed many projects that were supposed to be in


    the bag. The worst was that the Dawn Star Group got them all. The entire board of directors was


    shaken and they''re waiting for you to take over, expecting that we can fight back."


    Although Victor was emotionless when he was reporting to Rufus, there was an air of disdain in his


    eyes.


    Being a veteran in the business, Rufus was not surprised by this news¡ªhe had foreseen it in advance.


    "I''ve reminded them that the Dawn Star Group would make some big movements and that they needed


    to get ready, but it seems that things are not developing as expected."


    Realizing that the worst things he expected did happen to thepany, Rufus raised his eyebrow and


    spoke with an expression of understanding.


    All this time, Rufus knew Lionel''s ability in terms of running apany¡ªhecked strategy. The Tang


    Group was more dead than alive under his management while the Dawn Star Group had grown up


    bigger and stronger. Arthur needed to establish his own credibility by suppressing the development of


    the Tang Group. However, Lionel himself had not realized it and didn''t take any precautions.


    "Do you have any suggestion to the board, Mr. Luo?" Victor asked firmly.


    Still stiff and emotionless as he naturally was, Victor looked at Rufus and waited for his instructions.


    "Tell them to wait for me. I''ll go to thepany tomorrow and have a meeting with them..."


    Hardly before Rufus finished his words, Cassandra interrupted him and strongly objected his decision.


    "No, you won''t. You can''t even walk normally and you need at least a month to recover. You''re not


    going anywhere!"


    Looking at the ster cast on his leg worriedly, she nced at him unpleasantly and gave him an


    rming expression.


    "It''s okay. I can manage it. Please take it easy and I will be fine."


    With a soothing expression, Rufus looked into her eyes as if telling her to rx and then turned to


    Victor.


    "It would be better if Lionel will be there tomorrow as well, and I want him to exin why things have


    gone out of control these past days," he said seriously.


    In return, Victor nodded to him and left the room without any more words. Rufus loosened up on the


    bed after Victor disappeared from the door and shut off the business from his mind.


    "Cassandra, don''t you feel I smell awful now?"


    he asked coyly and sniffed at his underarm. He couldn''t have a bath since he broke his leg in the


    ident. Although Cassandra wiped him with warm towers every day, it was a torture for him because


    he was a fanatic for cleanliness.


    "No, I don''t think so. It''s okay with me and I didn''t smell anything except for the disinfectant."


    Cassandra glimpsed at him and paid no attention to the implication in his words. She was annoyed that


    he didn''t take his own injury to heart.


    The way Rufus asked was somewhat reluctant; if only he could manage to walk, he would be clean and


    fresh all by himself. However, the injury left him with no choice but to depend on Cassandra.


    "Cassandra, can you help me to take a shower?"


    Intentionally, Rufus pretended not to see the expression on her face and finally spoke out his request.


    Then with his dark and mysterious eyes, he fixed his stare on her innocently.


    Not knowing how to respond, Cassandra blushed as red as a cherry immediately. She had never


    expected that he would ask her to help him to a shower.


    "I need to go to work tomorrow, and it''s not polite to let the directors sit in with the smell. Please put


    some waterproof bandage on my leg and help me to the bathroom,"


    With a smile, Rufus instructed Cassandra what she should do, after realizing that his request left her


    nk and surprised.


    After wearing the bandages on his broken leg, Cassandra helped him to the bathroom and turned


    around to face the door. The next moment, she was curious why he was standing there with one foot


    and did nothing.


    "Why don''t you start showering?" she asked.


    Confusion covered her face, and she didn''t realize that she caught in a trap with nowhere to go.


    "Turn around and take off my clothes for me!" Rufus urged.


    Childishly, he stretched out his arms, emphasizing that it was something Cassandra was supposed to


    do. He looked like an emperor waiting for his servants to take care of everything for him.


    "Come on! It''s your leg that is broken, not your hands! I don''t think it is necessary for me to take off


    your clothes for you!"


    Exasperated, Cassandra got a little flustered. There was something wrong about him. She had sensed


    his oddity and it all started after the ident. He was suddenly clinging to her all the time like a little


    child and would do some ridiculous things from time to time. She was totally confused by Rufus''s


    behavior.


    "I''m injured! And I need your help!" Rufus shouted pathetically.


    With all his sanity, he tried hard to hold back hisughter, but the smile in his eyes betrayed him. Rufus


    was confident that Cassandra would finally give in and agree to do what he asked her to do. He just


    looked at her readily.


    Actually, he was taking advantage of his injury this time. Cassandra said that she wanted a break up


    the other day, so now he was trying to show his sovereignty over her.


    Meanwhile, Cassandra was feeling really awkward, wondering where had gone wrong.


    With beads of sweats forming on her forehead, she found that her throat was dry and she could utter


    no word as she was taking off Rufus''s clothes for him. She couldn''t stand every movement of him.


    Especially the way he stared at her, it was as if his eyes could swallow her whole. She was so nervous


    that her body was tense all over.


    Feeling weak in her knees, Cassandra felt that she would copse in any second.


    "Okay, let me show you how to take care of me!" Rufus said drowsily.


    However, Cassandra didn''t listen to him. She turned on the water, adjusted the temperature and


    sprayed him with warm water directly.


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    Having no time to respond, Rufus got his face thoroughly wet, and he had to wipe the water off his face


    with his hands.


    "What are you doing, little woman!" he muttered.


    Through the spray of warm water, Rufus was smiling at her, but the expression in his eyes was too far


    for Cassandra to see through.


    "Nothing! And you won''t get me wet right now just because I identally sprayed water onto your face,


    right? After all, I''ve been here with you for the past few days!" she asked in a panic.


    Gingerly, she retreated back a step from the shower, wondering what he would do to her.


    "Of course not. You''re turning my word around, honey. I think I need to appreciate what you did," Rufus


    replied.


    Then he waved to her, instructing her to get closer.


    "Come here. How could you take care of me, if you stand miles away from me?"


    Still tense all over, Cassandra moved inch by inch towards him. Rufus got a little impatient for her


    hesitation, without any warning, he reached out his arms and puller her to him.


    "Please shower my back for me. I can''t reach!" he said in a low voice.

 Chapter 230 The Intimate Couple

    Chapter 230 The Intimate Couple


    Rufus turned serious all of a sudden as Cassandra washed his back.


    "Why do you have so many scars on your back? What happened?"


    Cassandra hadn''t noticed all of Rufus''s scars until today. While most of them had already faded, they


    still didn''t disappearpletely.


    She''d never seen his back this close when they were together before. ''Why did he have so many


    scars?''


    "I fell from a cliff and got caught with one of the branches so those are scratches,"


    Rufus said nonchntly. He didn''t say more but it was obvious that there was definitely more to the


    story.


    Cassandra scrutinized the scars closely. She reached out and stroked them. The scars were t on the


    skin so they couldn''t be felt by the hand but the discoloration against the skin was a bit rming. This


    was definitely a serious injury before.


    "Does it hurt?"


    Cassandra reluctantly held the shower head in her left hand and used the other to stroke Rufus''s scars.


    Her fingers brushed the marks carefully, afraid that Rufus might get hurt.


    What happened? Rufus wasn''t telling her anything¡ªhe was mysterious like that and Cassandra''s heart


    longed for him.


    "No. Do you feel bad for me?"


    Rufus asked with a smile on his face. He cocked his head to the side and gazed at Cassandra.


    "Should I?" Cassandra pouted.


    Rufus thought she was adorable for caring enough to touch his scars. Did she really believe that Rufus


    couldn''t do anything just because he broke one leg?


    "You''re not making any sense. If you don''t stop, you''re going to have to take a shower on your own!"


    Cassandra''s face reddened as she tossed the shower head into Rufus''s hand.


    He wouldn''t stop making fun of her even if all she was trying to do was help him! Well, if this was how


    he was going to be then she might as well just leave him to himself.


    Cassandra turned around to leave but Rufus grabbed her arm to pull her towards him.


    "Come on, let''s finish what you started,"


    Rufus said, smiling. Cassandra could tell that he was only teasing her.


    Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    "No, I''m leaving!"


    He''d been teasing her a lot these past few days and she wasn''t sure if she was still okay with it.


    "Come on, don''t get mad now. We''ll be getting married soon!"


    Rufus had to keep himself fromughing but hard as he tried, he still couldn''t get the smile off his face.


    "Wow, you''ve got some nerve!"


    Reluctantly Cassandra had to help him finish his shower. She then soap him up, rinsed him off, and


    finally patted him dry with a towel.


    Cassandra stayed behind to clean up while Rufus went back to the ward. When she finished, she came


    out to find the nurse giving Rufus medicines. The nurse was in the middle of exining something,


    "Take care of your legs, okay? Keep them untouched as much as possible, especially the broken one."


    The nurse looked young and naive. She kept darting her eyes around, looking everywhere but not at


    Rufus.


    When the nurse left, Cassandra walked towards Rufus.


    "Ooh, score, looks like she likes you!"


    Cassandra said with a yful smile on her lips. She was finally able to get back at Rufus for all the


    teasing and she was feeling much better now.


    "I guess, but I like only you,"


    Rufus said sincerely. Cassandra didn''t know what to feel about the sudden change in mood.


    After a while, Cassandra started to feel all the exhaustion.


    Rufus patted on his bed and gestured for her toe over, "Come, you can rest here."


    Rufus was smiling gently, his heart softened at the sight of a tired Cassandra.


    He knew how exhausted and drained Cassandra had been for the past few days.


    There was a part of him that wanted her to go home and rest, but the selfish part of him wanted her to


    stay with him so he could see her whenever he woke up.


    "No, it''s okay. The sofa''s fine. Good night!"


    Cassandra knew better than to sleep next to this cunning man.


    "I can''t fall asleep if you''re not next to me. I need you,"


    Rufus begged and frowned.


    Cassandra didn''t know what to make of this child-like Rufus. This wasn''t the Rufus she knew because


    the man she knew was calm, collected, and strict.


    "Well, I can''t fall asleep if you''re next to me."


    Cassandra took her quilt and made herselffortable on the sofa¡ªignoring Rufus.


    The room fell into a silence until Cassandra started hearing some rustling noiseing from Rufus''s


    bed. She raised her head to see what was going on, but next thing she knew, she was about to jump


    out of her skin.


    "Why are you getting up?"


    Cassandra saw Rufus trying to get up so she ran towards his bed to stop him.


    "No, I wasing to you since you wouldn''t!"


    Rufus said in the guise of innocence but if you looked closely, there was a glint in his eyes.


    "Fine, I''ll sleep next to you!" Cassandra yielded.


    Rufus got what he wanted.


    As theyy on the bed side by side, Rufus twirled Cassandra''s hair into his fingers, ying with it


    lightly.


    "Have you decided yet?"


    Rufus asked in a low voice.


    "Decide on what?"


    Cassandra knew what Rufus was talking about but she wasn''t in the mood to talk about it.


    Rufus was asking about his marriage proposal which she hadn''t said yes to. She didn''t want to decide


    on that yet, afraid that something terrible would happen.


    He was Horace''s son and Lionel''s brother, after all. It hadn''t been long since she and Lionel were


    divorced ¡ªit might not be the right time yet as some people might think it was too soon for her to get


    married again.


    Michelle was right. Rufus was going through a lot of things right now, so she should be more


    considerate.


    "Don''t y dumb."


    Rufus reached out his hand to flick on her forehead lightly, his eyebrows knitted together.


    Cassandra touched her forehead and red at Rufus. Her mind was lost in thought. After a period of


    silence, she finally spoke, "I think we should wait..."


    While she did want to get married to Rufus right away, she still wanted to wait because she didn''t want


    their marriage to cause any problems for him.


    "Until when?"


    Rufus asked, a bit surprised. He thought Cassandra would jump at the idea of marriage. Didn''t she


    always want a family of her own?


    "I... I think we should get married when Cloris graduates andes back so I can hand over the Qin


    Group to her. By that time, I''m sure thepany will be more stable and running smoothly. She can


    easily learn the ropes. She major was administration management, I think she''ll do an even better job


    than me. And I can work as a designer then."


    Cassandra was looking forward to the future. She would appoint Cloris as the president of the Qin


    Group while she focused on what she loved best¡ªdesigning. While they waited for their father to get


    out of prison, Cloris and Cassandra could run thepany together.


    Rufus gazed at her silently.


    "What? You think that''s too long? Don''t worry, I''ll still marry you even if you''re old and gray by then. I''ll


    still love you, okay?"


    Cassandra said, teasing him.


    Rufus forced out a smile. He reached out to pull her into his arms and heaved a quiet sigh.


    He couldn''t help but frown at the thought of Cloris being included in Cassandra''s future especially after


    what she''d done to her. Cloris hired someone to drug Cassandra so that she could get some naked


    photos of Cassandra. She had always despised Cassandra. Rufus thought Cassandra to be too naive


    to still include Cloris in her ns in the hope of getting along.


    Why did she love and value her family so much?


    Vernon didn''t care much for her, Edith forced her into a loveless marriage with Lionel, and Cloris wasn''t


    very nice to her either, obviously. Even after all of this, she still wanted to include her family in her


    future.


    She had nned well for everyone in the Qin family and would prefer to work as a designer behind the


    scenes afterwards.


    Rufus lowered his head to kiss Cassandra on the forehead before falling into a deep sleep, blissfully


    happy to have Cassandra in his arms.


    They fell asleep holding each other, like the most intimate couple, ever.

 Chapter 231 Who Harmed Rufus (Part One)

    Chapter 231 Who Harmed Rufus (Part One)


    Cassandra had been unfocused and absent-minded all day at work. When her assistant spoke to her,


    she would lose concentration and ask the assistant to repeat the whole lot all over again. She was also


    slow to react that she would ask the same question three times after the assistant had already


    answered it.


    "Manager Qin? Are you okay?"


    Seeing Cassandra in such a state, the assistant was extremely concerned. Her boss had never been in


    such a mind state before. Lionel, her ex-husband used to verbally abuse her and embarrass her, but


    through it all, she kept focus andposed. Cassandra was so intelligent and capable that her


    assistant aspired to be her. Dreaming of the day she would look and react as her boss did. However,


    today would not be one of those days. It was as though aliens abducted her and left their recement


    instead.


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    "Yes, thanks, I''m fine...well go on," said Cassandra roboticly.


    Cassandra motioned her assistant to continue. She, however, was still thinking about Rufus who left


    the hospital for the meeting at the Tang Group.


    Earlier in the hospital, Rufus had demanded to be discharged. The doctor finally resigned himself to


    allow him to fill out a release agreement as he would be going on his own liability. She wondered what


    was so important that Rufus would risk his health for? What was he doing now? He was determined


    and had more stamina than any man she knew. This would overpower his pain and drive him to


    complete what he needed to.


    Coming in and out of her thoughts, Cassandra was only to casually reply to her assistant.


    Cassandra was very worried about his health, but she had no way of convincing him. When he put his


    mind to do something, Rufus would never surrender his stance, and not even if hell snowed over.


    Rufus gave her a smile as he saw the concern on her beautiful face and said to her in an affirmative


    tone, "I''m fine. Don''t worry about me. I''ll go back to the hospital after the meeting. Don''t think much


    about it, okay?"


    He stretched his hands out of his car, grasping her hands. He held them tightly as he stared deeply into


    her eyes, igniting a spark within them. A warmth consumed her body. As though he had achieved what


    he set out to do, Rufus withdrew his hands and resumed the steering wheel. He drove his vehicle away


    while Cassandra''s imagination and stare followed him until he was out of her sight.


    Her hands still warm, she imagined him still holding them in his hands.


    "Recently, many people were travelling to G city. The G government took this opportunity to carry out


    activities, thus promoting its development of tourism. In order to develop ourpany, Qin Group has


    also applied to join the Union of Real Estate. It is worth mentioning that our application has been


    approved,"


    the assistant continued making her report to Cassandra on the recent developments of Qin Group.


    Cassandra nodded slowly as she awoke from her day dream and heard what the assistant said.


    She thought to herself, ''For my personal factor, I''m not willing to join the Union of Real Estate. The


    reason being is that I once served as an manager in Tang Group. Moreover, the Tang Group is now in


    the position of the Director of the Union. I can imagine how awkward it will be in meetings with the staff


    who were once working with me. But I have to join the Union of Real Estate regardless of my feelings


    to promote the development of Qin Group.


    In the future I''ll hand over the Qin Group to my younger sister, Cloris. Now I must lead thispany to


    seed and evolve it to all it can be. Only then will thepany be in good hands. When the time


    comes, Cloris will be able to take it over easily and the hand over process will be an easy and


    painlessly. And I will be able to pursue my dreams.''


    "In addition, the Union of Real Estate is currently preparing a charity dinner, which is supposed to raise


    money for the reconstruction of A city after the earthquake. Ourpany has also been invited to


    attend the dinner. It will be held in a month''s time," the assistant ended as she looked at her boss


    inquisitively.


    Cassandra nodded and motioned her to leave the office now.


    When she was left alone in the office, Cassandra couldn''t help herself from sending a message to


    Rufus.


    "Are you okay?" she messaged.


    After sending it out, she felt very embarrassed. She tried to control her emotions and didn''t expect to


    receive a reply from him immediately.


    "I''m fine. Don''t worry about me," Rufus''s message answered back right away.


    Seeing these words, she read them over again in her mind, making her feel slightly relieved.


    In the Tang Group meeting room, all the directors sat at the conference table and looked seriously


    solemn.


    Victor was reading the minutes of the meeting out loud while Rufus was cupping his chin under his


    hands and looking at all the directors present. At this time, he looked simr to the ''The Thinker''


    sculptured by Augus Robyn, with a suit on.


    "Is there anyone who opposes this motion, any objections to the decision?" stated Victor assertively.


    Faced with the gaze from Rufus, all were unwilling to be the first to express their own ideas on this


    decision.


    ''These old guys know if one puts forward his own ideas, he will be criticised by the others. They don''t


    want to be in that situation. Once they are asked toment on any policy changes inpany, they


    will always avoid the topics instead of bravely presenting their ideas, '' Rufus thought.


    "I object to it!" stated Lionel defiantly.


    Suddenly a voice broke the silence. All eyes turned to look at the speaker. Lionel was standing up with


    an angry look on his face.


    "I don''t think this kind of military style of management is suitable for ourpany. Everyone makes


    mistakes sometimes. Besides, these rules are far too severe. This will break down the team building


    and the harmony that has taken us so long to establish," Lionel spoke confidently.


    He frowned, looking very discontented with this decision.


    The proposal announced was on the new management n they had discussed before. The


    responsibility system was about to be implemented in Tang Group. To be more exact, if one employee


    made a mistake, he was to ept the corresponding punishment, including deducting bonuses, and


    cancelling vacations for less serious offences; if far more serious urrences took ce, they could


    even be dismissed by thepany.


    Lionel thought, ''I''m busy talking business with clients, but unfortunately I can''t establish business


    rtionships or clench any deals. I don''t take some matters to be serious as I will sometimes bend the


    rules. If one day I were to make a mistake in any aspects, someone would take it as a handle against


    me. I will be dismissed by thepany under the new system. At that time, I will suffer. So I must stop


    such matters from being passed.''

 Chapter 232 Who Harmed Rufus (Part Two)

    Chapter 232 Who Harmed Rufus (Part Two)


    "It seems that Mr. Tang is very considerate towards thepany''s employees. The Tang Group is


    facing a changeable market, so no one knows what kind of troubles thepany will run into if the belt


    isn''t being tightened. If there isn''t a strong management system to discipline employees, I''m afraid our


    company will meet many unnecessary problems," Rufus replied.


    He and all the board members knew why Lionel opposed this proposal. It was because he had made


    more mistakes than anyone else present. Naturally, he was not willing to ept the consequence of


    this proposal.


    Being the senior executive in Tang Group, no one dared to oppose Lionel and dictated thepany''s


    regtions. However, once this new rule was implemented, both high executives and employees must


    abide by it. Lionel was usuallyte for work and always left early. But with the new system, he couldn''t


    do this anymore.


    "I agree with Mr. Luo. Now it is important for ourpany to create a stronger leadership. The rules


    stipted by Mr. Luo are not rigid. They are onlymon regtions and rules that everypany


    abides by. So there is no need for us to worry about these rules, as we don''t break them,"


    one of the directors expressed his support for Rufus. Seeing this director''s response, other directors


    also showed their standpoints for the proposal one after another.


    "It certainly does. Besides, the regtion is also reasonable, which can manage ourpany''s better."


    "You are right. This regtion will also strengthen the self-discipline of our employees."


    ...


    All the directors supported Rufus. Seeing this, Lionel went purple with rage, realising how unpopr he


    was.


    Rufus had expected such a scene, so he was not surprised at all.


    If Lionel was a good manager and Tang Group developed well under his leadership, he would certainly


    get the support of all, including directors and employees. However, Lionel was unwilling to waste huge


    amounts of energy and time on the business¡ªhe was only interested in the finances and pocketing


    them. He was inevitably giving rise toints from those lower executives and employees.


    "Let''s vote on the proposal," Rufus suggested.


    Sitting as president, he waved. "Everyone for?...everyone against?" Although his legs were severely


    injured, Rufus still insisted on presiding over the meeting. The directors esteemed him as a powerful


    man with strong values and good morals. This was why they gave him their support and respect.


    The cases, that Lionel were handling these days, were not any incurring profits nor opportunities. The


    Marketing Department fell into aplete disarray as losses were immense. If there were no restraints


    imposed by the Tang Group quickly, thispany could go under with Lionel taking advantage and his


    mistakes.


    The result of the vote came out, indicating that the new regtion was passed.


    It was useless for Lionel to disapprove of this regtion. He was so angry that he thumped the table.


    Hearing the sound, the meeting room was quiet for one or two seconds. Regardless of how angry


    Lionel was, everyone ignored his tantrum and continued to discuss other matters.


    A trace of mockery crept over Rufus''s expression. ''Even if Lionel''s father supports him, he can''t fully


    take control of the Tang Group. Thispany will go under soon, in spite of my revenge for the death


    of my mother. However, my n doesn''t incorporate these issues. I want to destroy the Tang family


    step by step in my own way at my leisure, '' Rufus thought deviously.


    The directors slowly dispersed. As thest of the directors left, Lionel walked to Rufus.Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    "Rufus, what a cruel and conniving person you are! Did you spend all your time in the hospital thinking


    this one up? Remembered this, I will never give in to you. I will definitely drive you out of the Tang


    Group as well as the Tang family!" Lionel confirmed bitterly.


    He stared at Rufus, seething with bitterness and hatred that seemed to pour out of every part of him.


    "Are you kidding me? Mr. Tang, you take this matter far too seriously. I have only drawn up a normal


    constitution. Why are you so angry? Why do you say things like that? I believe we all have the


    company''s best interest in mind. I also believe that you won''t go out of your way to vite the rules


    anyway. So what are you upset about?" Rufus asked dubiously.


    He was calm as before, smiling politely at Lionel who was wearing a gloomy expression.


    "You..."


    Reaching his forefinger to point at Rufus, Lionel reluctantly drew it back.


    "Hum, I know what you are up to, so you can''t fool me. The issues between us are not over. You''d


    better wait and see," Lionel said maliciously.


    After leaving these words, he turned and stormed off, leaving the meeting room.


    "Victor, I need your help to take me back to the hospital," Rufus said pleadingly.


    Wearing acent smile on the corner of his mouth, he slowly stood up and leaned against the


    table.


    Only by delegating far more administration to him would Lionel have to take full responsibility when he


    made mistakes. The other board members would be very disappointed with him and then began to


    grumble that Lionel had harmed their interests of thepany.


    By doing so, Lionel would be restrained and couldn''t do whatever he wanted. Rufus enjoyed toying with


    him. It was the happiest thing for Rufus to make Lionel suffer and even bring troubles to him.


    A short message came from Cassandra. Looking at it, Rufus was very excited.


    He quickly replied to the message.


    ''Cassandra finally begin to take the initiative in sending messages to me. That''s great. I know she has


    only sent them because of my injuries. I''m still very happy. If it turns out to be a blessing, so much the


    better, '' Rufus thought.


    "Mr. Luo, I have already checked the surveince video covering the Garden Road on the day of the


    ident. But there were no records before or after that time. I think someone may have ulterior


    motives to cut off parts of the video," Victor said in shock.


    After getting on the car, Victor began to report all his findings to Rufus.


    "No records?"


    Rufus frowned and contemted while processing all the information.


    ''When calling Cassandra that day, I was really annoyed. I have always been very attentive when


    driving. Even though I sped, the ident should never happen to me. I have been driving so many


    years, and I have massive amount of experience in handling stressful situation. There is something


    wrong with this, '' he thought.


    The real reason for the ident was a car suddenly came out from his side, at the intersection. His first


    reaction was to turn the steering wheel to avoid the car, thus hitting a nearby stone wall.


    This vehicle involved in this ident quickly disappeared from sight before Rufus could even catch a


    glimpse of the model of the car.


    After the ident, he went into aa. He always felt something was amiss. ''Why didn''t the traffic


    police who were in charge of this ident tell me about the the suspicious facts? In addition, the


    ident reports which the traffic police filled out stated I drove recklessly. Nothing was there about


    another driver, Why?


    But now there is no evidence that someone deliberately crashed my car. I have to slowly collect


    evidences by myself. I must find out who did it, '' he thought.


    However, Rufus felt a little puzzled in his mind. He was sure that it was definitely not an ordinary car


    ident. That car was gone as if it had never appeared. How strange it was!


    "Please continue to investigate the ident. Search for the surveince videos of those intersections


    and streets connecting to the Garden Road. Be sure to find a red car. Someone must know


    something,"


    Rufus gave his order to Victor who wore a serene look and nodded in understanding.


    Lost in his own thoughts again, Rufus wondered, ''Who on earth would want to harm me?''

 Chapter 233 Why Didnt You Take Off Some Clothes

    Chapter 233 Why Didn''t You Take Off Some Clothes


    It had been a month since Rufus finally got discharged from the hospital. His injuries had surprisingly


    recovered faster than what was usual. Even the doctors were impressed by how fast he recovered.


    The entire month, Cassandra had stayed in Garden Vi to take care of him. No one from the Tang


    family cared enough to check up on him. They didn''t even know he was discharged and back to the


    vi. Sometimes, Horace would call him to ask him whether he could visit him. However, Rufus always


    refused, saying he didn''t want anyone to bother him in the hospital.


    "Why don''t you bring back all your stuff here?"


    Rufus furrowed his eyebrows and looked at Cassandra. She had only gotten some change clothes


    back to the vi.


    "These clothes are enough. I will bring back other stuffter."


    Considering Rufus was still recovering, Cassandra didn''t want to risk annoying him. Actually, she had


    no intention ofing back to Garden Vi.


    They could live together for the time being, but moving back here would mean epting Rufus''s


    proposal. And she didn''t want to be in a marriage that wasn''t blessed.


    She could ept the wedding celebration to be low-key but it still had to be warm and sweet. How


    could she marry him without the blessings and support of their families?


    "If you think moving back would be inconvenient and tiring, I can ask someone to help you,"


    Rufus said. He was confused as to why she was putting it off further.


    "It''s fine. Let''s wait until youpletely recover."


    Cassandra had decided to put her cards on the table and speak withplete honesty only after he


    got better.


    Rufus, however, had mixed feelings about what was on Cassandra''s mind. On one hand, she took so


    much care of him and did all the housework, and on the other, she rejected him.


    And yet, Rufus could do nothing about it.


    Wasn''t it fascinating? The day had finallye. A man like Rufus didn''t know how to handle a woman,


    anymore. He had never imagined there woulde a day when he would feel so helpless.


    "I heard you joined the Union of Real Estate?"


    Victor had told Rufus about it. He was slightly hurt, since he had gotten to know this from someone


    other than her. She used to share everything with him.


    The contract Cassandra signed to join the Union was drafted by Arthur. Even Arthur got to know it


    before Rufus. He felt disappointed and betrayed.


    "Uh-huh. I hope Qin Group can have a brighter future."


    Cassandra hadn''t expected Rufus to bring this up. She found it strange and kept looking at him with a


    sheepish, confused smile.


    Rufus remained quiet for a while, wondering whether he should confront her or not. "Why didn''t you tell


    me?" he asked, finally.


    He hated that he had to act like a gossipy woman, asking for all the trivial details of her life. But


    Cassandra was the one who had estranged herself from him in the first ce. He could feel she was


    keeping herself distant on purpose. She was with him here in person, yet it felt like she was far away.


    But the truth was, he missed her and wanted to know how she was doingtely, hence he insisted.


    "I thought you would soon find out after I handed in the application form!"


    Her eyes squinted as she cast a sharp look at Rufus. He was the director of the Union of Real Estate


    and the president of the Tang Group. Of course, he would have found out immediately.


    Another reason why Cassandra didn''t tell Rufus was that she didn''t want others to think she had


    be a part of the Union because of her rtionship with Rufus.


    "You know I am resting these days. Isn''t it obvious I wouldn''t be checking on any work whatsoever?


    Arthur is in charge now,"


    Rufus spoke matter-of-factly, looking at her face and trying to find the natural sense of sharing there


    once was between them. Were they really strangers now?


    "What do you want to eat? I''ll cook for you."


    Cassandra looked away, breaking away from his using gaze. She didn''t want to argue about any of


    this with him anymore. He asked her things and she avoided him. The pattern was bing


    exhausting.


    "You,"


    Rufus said with that same expression.


    The desire he had for her was making him crazy. He saw Cassandra in front of him every day, all the


    time, yet he couldn''t touch her beautiful body. It was getting so strong that it had almost be an


    ache for him. Perhaps, he would have to recover from this too.


    Cassandra softened immediately. Sheughed heartily and nced at him with her eyes crinkling. She


    didn''t utter a single word but swiftly walked to the kitchen, as her hand gently brushed past his chest.


    Watching her walk away, Rufus''s face turned gloomy again.


    Soon, he had to go back to Tang Group and resume with all the work. He had heard Lionelin


    and whine everyday, which was understandable, given that all his power was taken away from him so


    abruptly. He hated Rufus to the core.


    ''Let him be, '' Rufus thought as always, not caring at all. Lionel and his mother, Jill, had taken Horace


    away from Rufus many years ago, at the same time robbing him of all his resources and making his


    mother stay in a hospital for years. All Rufus wanted was to get back the things that once belonged to


    him and nothing of Tang family''s fortune. He wanted to ruin Lionel''s life and make him suffer the pain


    he once had gone through. Rufus had decided to ask them pay when the time was appropriate.


    Everything was going ording to his n but the red car. That was no where to be found. No matter


    how much he tried, he just couldn''t ce it.


    After dinner, Cassandra helped Rufus walk to the bedroom to put him to sleep. She found it more


    difficult than she had imagined¡ªthe man was quite heavy as he leaned most of his weight on her


    shoulders.


    This was strange. She didn''t find him so heavy before.


    Anyway, she gritted her teeth and made it to the temporary bedroom on the first floor.


    "It''s so hot. Why don''t you take off some clothes?"


    "I''''m fine. I''m afraid I might catch a cold if I take off some clothes. It''s easy for people to catch a cold in


    spring."


    Cassandra wiped the sweat off from her forehead and put Rufus''s legs on the bed, tucking him in


    properly.


    "Well, I feel hot," said Rufus, lifting the quilt.


    "Don''t. Please cover yourself. You haven''t recovered yet. It''s a very bad time for you to catch a cold."


    She frowned, tucking the quilt again, disappointed at him behaving like a child.


    Sometimes, Rufus really didn''t know how to take care of himself. If he caught a cold sleeping through


    the night, it would do his wounded leg no good.


    However, Cassandra wasn''t aware of the fact that Rufus had already recovered enough. He was


    simply putting up a show because he missed her presence and wanted to be taken care of by her.


    "No, it''s really hot."


    Rufus lifted the quilt again, ignoring Cassandra''s warnings.


    "Rufus! Don''t piss me off! I''m taking care of you for free. I''m not your nanny. Stop being such a child


    and listen to me!"


    Cassandra said angrily with her arms akimbo. Rufus wanted tough but controlled himself. He


    pretended to be ufortable, wiping his forehead with the back of his hand.


    "But Cassandra, I feel hot whenever I see you. What can I do?"


    he said, flirtatiously. Cassandra''s mouth twisted into a smile. She was trying too hard to resist it, but her


    cheeks blushed anyway. This was exactly what Rufus had expected.


    "I don''t know! Take your nap! If you don''t want the quilt, cool. Do whatever you want. I''m not the one


    who''s going to be sick."


    Cassandra turned around, ready to leave; Rufus grabbed her arm, pulling her into the bed.


    "Please don''t leave."


    The bedroom he was staying in now used to be a study. It didn''t have a lot of space. A single bed was


    all they could fit in there. Cassandra would sleep in the bedroom on the second floor. They hadn''t slept


    together for a long, long time.


    Presently, she could feel the warmth emancipating from Rufus''s hand. Her heart started to beat faster


    as she tried to pull her hand out of his grip, failing.


    "Rufus, you haven''t recovered¡­"


    Of course, Cassandra knew what Rufus was thinking. Thinking about his injured leg, she rejected the


    idea.


    "Oh no, no. You misunderstand me. I just want you to massage my back. I feel some pain between my


    shoulders and my waist,"


    Rufus suppressed what he actually wanted and teased Cassandra. Her face instantly turned redder.


    She felt so embarrassed, ming herself for thinking the other way. Poor Rufus had been sleeping in


    the same position for days due to the injury. He couldn''t turn over in the bed at will. Obviously, he was


    in no position to have sex with her. Why would she even think about it?


    Plus, the doctor had told Cassandra to massage his back as much as possible. She hadpletely


    forgotten!


    "Oh...let me help you turn over."


    Feeling guilty, Cassandra bent down and held up Rufus.


    By the time she turned him, she had already broken into a sweat. Still, she massaged his back, all the


    way from his shoulders to the end of his spine.


    The muscles on Rufus''s shoulders were so strong and her hands started to cramp just after a few


    minutes.


    Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    Rufus could tell Cassandra was tired. He smiled yfully at her and said, "Why don''t you sit on my


    back? That way, I''ll feel morefortable and you won''t get tired.


    Also, If you massage well, you will get a reward!"

 Chapter 234 Be A Good Girl

    Chapter 234 Be A Good Girl


    "What kind of reward?"


    Cassandra asked casually, all the while working with her hands.


    Rufus''s sculpted body and smooth skin glowed in the sunlight. While he was basking in his radiance,


    Cassandra tried hard to keep still and not to lose herself in his aura.


    "Hmm¡­ Well, the reward... is me."


    Rufus swiftly turned and effectively pinned her down. The little woman couldn''t move at all.


    "Please let me go¡­"


    "Now be a good girl and take a nap with me."


    "But..but the bed is way too small for the two of us. I''ll go upstairs and sleep there..."


    Cassandra was caught in a dilemma, a hot one at that. She wasn''t sure what to do.


    The bed wasn''t designed to fit two people. It was impossible for them to sleep beside each other; what


    Rufus meant was that she could lie down on his chest. But what if she identally hurt his injured leg?


    His injuries hadn''t fully healed yet. The thought of him still needing her for support when walking filled


    her with worry.


    Rufus quickly realized that her hesitation stemmed from his injuries. But... Despite his broken leg, he


    had his ways.


    Light streamed through the satin curtains and shed its radiance on the pair tangled on the bed. A


    golden mist surrounded the couple as the sunshine refracted.


    "Your leg¡­"


    Cassandra was about to go on a tirade about his injuries, but was rudely interrupted by his lips¡ª


    effectively sealing her mouth, yet passionately.


    They were everything that a couple was. They were, however, oblivious of the nearby voyeur who


    dilligently monitored all their actions¡­


    Cassandra was more lively these days. All the employees in thepany could attest to her glow.


    Women in love were bound to change something in their lives, one way or another. Cassandra was


    proof of that. She had be even more attractive. Her look seemed more mature, and being in love


    had done wonders for her beauty.


    Her office door swung open and her assistant peeked in and reported, "Manager Qin, someone by the


    name of Ling is looking for you."


    The assistant beamed with a big smile at Cassandra, full of admiration. This was the first time she ever


    saw Michelle in person. ''So that is Michelle Lin, the well-known dress designer!'' she eximed


    inwardly. ''God, I cannot believe I see her here in the Qin Group!''


    "Well, invite her in!"


    Caught off-guard by Michelle''s suddent visit, Cassandra quickly groomed herself to get ready for the


    meeting.


    Michelle was Rufus''s aunt. When Rufus was still in physical therapy, Jasper and she visited him


    several times. Every time they came though, Michelle looked like she wanted to tell her something, but


    always looked hesitant. Maybe she didn''t want to discuss it in front of Rufus. Most likely she wanted to


    talk privately. This bothered Cassandra for quite a long time.


    Today, Michelle came to herpany. Cassandra had a feeling she was going to talk to her about the


    things she was reluctant to discuss in Rufus''s presence.


    After a short wait, Michelle came in. She wore a gorgeous sapphire dress, which entuated her


    curves. She was so morous.


    Taking small elegant steps, she strode into the office and took her seat on the couch. She looked


    confident as she nodded at Cassandra.


    "Michelle! What brings you here?"


    Cassandra handed her guest a cup of Oolong tea and stood in front of her.


    She never really addressed her as ''aunt'', but she did know that Michelle was her elder, and Rufus''s


    family to boot. So she respected her as such.


    "Cassandra, let me be as clear and straight as possible. I think you and Rufus shouldn''t continue this


    rtionship of yours,"


    "Michelle, we love each other."


    Cassandra felt wronged. Before the car ident, Michelle was in full support of their romance. But


    since that day, shepletely turned around and was suddenly against it.


    "Cassandra, love doesn''t always mean being together. Sometimes, letting the person go to pursue his


    own passions is also a form of love!"


    Michelle didn''t mention the name of the other woman, but Cassandra had a strong feeling Michelle


    wanted her to give up so Amanda could take her ce.Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    Michelle originally believed that regardless of Cassandra''s social status and identity, she would support


    their rtionship as long as it was Rufus''s choice. However, what happened in the past two months


    made her doubt herself. She had the feeling that things weren''t as simple as she believed to be.


    In the party way back, Rufus spirited Cassandra away in his arms. This was essentially an


    announcement to everyone that Cassanda was his girlfriend. This was not only shameful for the Tang


    Group, but also the perfect headline for the media, which created different versions of their love story


    depending on thework.


    Cassandra''s identity had delicate circumstances¡ªthe ex-wife of Lionel Tang. This made the public


    specte that her affair with Rufus, Lionel''s elder brother, was the reason for their divorce. But, it would


    remain a mere suspicion, because there was no way the public could get to the bottom of things. Even


    though all the public could do was make their best guesses, it was enough to stimte their curiosity.


    Soon, rumors were spreading like wild fire across G City, including Michelle, who was deeply disturbed.


    Rufus was the only son of her elder sister. Now he was in the epicenter of a massive earthquake of


    gossip¡ªeveryone percieved him as the one who stole his younger brother''s wife, and even acted as


    the third party when they were married. Michelle could barely stand it.


    "I am really in love with Rufus. Unless he himself gives up on me, I will never agree to leave him."


    Never did shee to find even a trace of Amanda these days. She thought that maybe her doubts


    about him were only her imagination, and perhaps she might have misunderstood him. Rufus still loved


    her, not Amanda.


    How could Cassandra give up on this man who sacrificed so much for their love?


    "Cassandra, you know how Rufus is. He''s the kind of guy who would head straight for his goal without


    looking back. I know he loves you and is determined to be with you, but if you really do love him, you


    shouldn''t besmirch his reputation, especially at this critical period in his career. After all, Lionel is his


    brother. Do you really want to see them bicker and fight as rivals?"


    Michelle had heard about the awkward situation between Rufus and Lionel before. Even though it was


    hard to determine this early on who would inherit the Tang Group from Horace, they were already at


    each other''s throatspeting. Her sister definitely wouldn''t want Rufus to take drastic measures


    against his brother, which was going to be a given if Cassandra continued her rtionship with Rufus.


    Furthermore, the Tang Family had no idea that Rufus owned TY Group.


    The very reason he chose to stay with the Tang Group, at least from what Michelle understood, was to


    help thepany get through the rough times. It was uneptable to Michelle if Rufus failed to meet


    his goal because of Cassandra.


    However, little did Michelle know about the true intention of Rufus as to why he remained in the Tang


    Family. She foolishly believed that the conflict derived solely from Cassandra.


    "Michelle, I''d like to take this chance to tell you that I''m really not the reason for their rivalry. They''re


    competing based on their business acumen. Surely I can persuade him to get off his brother''s case,


    and even try to get along with the Tang Family. But, just how can I do that if you''re asking me to end


    things with him?"


    As she spoke, her eyes welled up.


    It wasn''t an easy thing to separate two people deeply in love. They were each other''s home. No matter


    how carefully they separated from each other, they were bound to feel intense pain.


    "Cassandra, just tell me already. What would it take for you to agree to leave Rufus?"


    Michelle sneered Cassandra after being so blunt.


    "Both you and I know how much Rufus is worth and how rich he is. Just give me a number. I''ll write a


    cheque this instant!"


    Her brows darted up and her nostrils red. Michelle red at the little woman, believing that money


    was the driving force of Cassandra''s resolve for keeping their rtionship alive.


    "You''ve got it all wrong. If I truly wanted money, I wouldn''t have divorced Lionel, and I definitely wouldn''t


    have taken up the mantle in the Qin Group as well!" Cassandra eximed breathlessly.

 Chapter 235 Please Respect Us (Part One)

    Chapter 235 Please Respect Us (Part One)


    It took a few moments for Michelle to register Cassandra''s words. ''What did she mean by that? Hadn''t


    Rufus told her about his real identity yet? How is this possible?'' wondered Michelle. ''Why wouldn''t he


    tell Cassandra how prosperous and rich he actually is?


    Or could it be that Cassandra wants to conceal her knowledge from me?'' she guessed confusedly.


    Michelle wasn''t sure which one was the truth. Anyway, she shrugged off these thoughts and came back


    to the matter. She was determined to end Rufus and Cassandra''s rtionship once and for all.


    "I don''t know if you are pretending or not, Cassandra. To be honest, I don''t care. I know that you are a


    lovely girl and you deserve love. In fact, I believe everyone deserves love. But as for me, my biggest


    concern is Rufus''s reputation and his future. So I can''t allow the two of you to be together anymore. I


    know this must be hard for you. But try to ept this and leave him alone,"


    Michelle warned harshly. As she dered this, she stared into Cassandra''s eyes with a piercing look.


    There was a note of finality in her tone and Cassandra felt it too. ''I can''t let her sabotage Rufus''s


    reputation. His career is his number one priority. No matter how much he loves her, I can''t watch his


    career perish, '' thought Michelle with a sigh. She felt relieved after speaking out her heart.


    Deep down, Michelle knew that Cassandra was apassionate and kind girl. She had nothing


    against her nor did she dislike her. But rumors were insidious and cruel hence she concluded that they


    were by no means good for both of their reputations. So when it came to this, Michelle wanted to


    ensure Rufus''s reputation was untarnished. Her concern for Rufus was understandable. And she had


    no regrets for blurting out her true feelings.


    "Michelle, I respect you very much. But what you want me to do is something I am not capable of


    doing. I want you to respect the decision Rufus and I have taken. We are together because we love


    each other dearly. And as a couple, we have been through a lot of hardships already. And I am fully


    aware that this journey won''t be smooth. I am predicting many obstacles in theing future. In spite


    of this, I am not willing to give up on us. No matter what happens, we will fight the hurdles in life


    together. I really hope that we can get our families'' blessing,"


    Cassandra said in a very humble tone. She looked back at Michelle politely as she waited for a reply. In


    truth, every word she spoke came straight from her heart. Even though life was hard, she couldn''t


    fathom a life without Rufus. With the help of their love, they had reached a long way. ''How can I just


    surrender without a fight?'' she thought.


    It was very difficult to change the Tang family''s opinion about their rtionship. Everyone was hostile


    towards Cassandra. But Michelle''s reason for being against their rtionship waspletely different.


    She was afraid that their association would endanger Rufus''s reputation. Hence Michelle''s aversion


    was not towards Cassandra instead it was her identity and previous rtionship with Rufus''s brother


    that irked her. And Cassandra knew this well. She was waiting for the right opportunity to change


    Michelle''s mind about them.


    Michelle was silent for a moment. She studied Cassandra with a grim face. Her expression was


    unreadable to Cassandra who seemed confused.


    T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She had thought that she could persuade Cassandra to leave Rufus by offering her money. But


    Cassandra''s response left her nonplussed. It turned out Cassandra didn''t want the money. Also her


    determination to stay with Rufus was firm.


    "Cassandra, you know that nothing you do will change the Tang family''s opinion about your


    rtionship. And regarding your family, I bet persuading them will be another difficult task. By picking


    this path, you are bringing more trouble to yourself. Love is not enough to get through this. I am pretty


    sure you will soon find yourself in a very bad situation. Don''t act impulsively because there are too


    many things you need to consider. So my best advice for you is to carefully contemte before making


    a decision,"


    Michelle suggested in a monotonous tone. She wasn''t impressed with Cassandra''s conviction. ''She is


    too innocent and naive to understand the misery this decision will bring her. Moreover, getting blessings


    from their families is definitely not going to happen, '' Michelle thought.


    "Michelle, I really appreciate that you are looking out for Rufus. I really do. It is nice to know someone


    truly cares about his well-being. But will you please try standing in our shoes for a moment? That''s the


    only way for you to understand what we are going through,"


    Cassandra pleaded as her intense eyes stayed glued on Michelle''s face. Michelle could detect her


    earnestness just by looking at her. She really anticipated for Michelle to take her side. But somehow


    Michelle just couldn''t do it. As she had said, Rufus''s well being was her number one priority. She


    needed to do what was best for him. Her words would hurt Cassandra but she had no choice.


    "I am sorry, Cassandra. I can''t understand you. But most importantly, I don''t want to understand you. In


    a nutshell, I will not approve your rtionship. So please give up trying to persuade me. This is my final


    decision. Don''te crying for my blessings!"


    After uttering these heart piercing words, Michelle turned around and sprinted out of the office. She


    didn''t bother to wait for Cassandra''s reply. She hoped she had made herself pretty clear. Now it was up


    to Cassandra whether she would listen to her or not. Michelle''s strong actions startled Cassandra and


    she stood frozen on her seat.


    Thest words uttered by Michelle reyed on Cassandra''s mind. Suddenly, the corners of her lips


    lifted and gave out a bitter smile.


    ''I ampletely helpless now. When ites to my rtionship with Rufus, it seems like I won''t


    receive any sort of support from anyone. In short, I have no one else to turn to, '' realized Cassandra.


    These thoughts were apanied by a sense of destion. It made her realize how lonely she was.


    Just when she was about to drown in her miserable thoughts, she thought of the charity event she had


    to attend. This gave her an excuse to divert her mind. Hence she didn''t have much time to wallow in


    self-pity. With a lot of courage, she pulled herself up. She changed into a beautiful dress in her office


    and put on a coat. Cassandra was ready for the event. When she got out of the building, she found


    Rufus waiting for her in his car.


    "H-how are you...I thought your leg..." Cassandra''s voice trailed off as she gaped at Rufus.


    He was sitting on the driver''s seat nonchntly. Cassandra couldn''t believe her own eyes. Yesterday,


    Rufus couldn''t even walk without her assistance. It seemed impossible for him to get through the day


    without her support. But now he was gracefully driving the car. Cassandra''s bewildered face depicted


    her shock.


    "Hey Cassandra, I am perfectly fine so don''t worry about it. Well, I just couldn''t let my princess go to


    this big event in a taxi. Jump right in or else we will bete!" He came around and curtly pushed the car


    door open for her.


    His eyes scrutinized Cassandra from head to toe. In this ck dress, she looked ravishing.


    The dress was simple but chic. After all, she was going to a charity event, not a fashion show. There


    was a flower shaped design right in front of her chest, making the outfit even more sophisticated. Rufus


    couldn''t understand how she had managed to pick a dress that was both elegant and suitable for the


    asion. There was something about the color ck that made her skin look smoother and lovelier. All


    in all, Rufus found it hard to peel his eyes off her face. He had a sudden urge to embrace her, but


    somehow suppressed this desire.


    Cassandra, on the other hand, was both stunned and touched by his gesture. Finally, she got inside the


    car. But Rufus didn''t turn his face away from her. He continued to admire her beauty. Cassandra was


    oblivious of the effect she had on him.


    "What''s wrong?"

 Chapter 236 Please Respect Us (Part Two)

    Chapter 236 Please Respect Us (Part Two)


    After a short moment''s silence, Cassandra asked. For a second, she panicked thinking there must be


    something wrong with Rufus''s leg. ''Maybe his leg hurts which is why he is unable to drive, '' her anxious


    mind guessed. Immediately, she directed her eyes on his leg and got ready to bend forward in order to


    check on him.


    Before she could move much, Rufus clutched her with his strong hand. He held her chin with his other


    hand. Slowly, he leaned forward and gave her a passionate kiss.


    The street was filled with people. Even though the windows were up, Cassandra still felt very self


    conscious and shy.


    "Cassandra, right now I just had a taste of your lipstick. But tonight, I will be eating youpletely,"


    Rufus confessed with a smirk.


    And his eyes were glinting with pleasure. His words and his actions brought a scarlet red tint to her


    cheeks. Gingerly, she pushed Rufus away and turned her face to the window. She couldn''t bear looking


    into his enticing eyes.


    Seeing her cute reaction, Rufus chuckled. He finally withdrew his gaze from her and started the car.


    They slowly drove to the hotel that held the charity event.


    When they arrived there, they noticed it was already packed with people. Since both of their names


    were on the invitation list, they were instantly allowed to enter inside.


    Everyone present in the hall were dressed in ck. It was their way of mourning and showing respect


    to those who lost their lives during the deadly earthquake.


    Even the decoration of the hall was in and simple. No gaudy colors were used for anything.


    ''Whoever decorated this ce did an amazing job, '' thought Cassandra. It was elegant yet it retained


    the gravity of the tragedy.


    Rufus was dressed in a sleek ck suit that made him look striking. Cassandra''s ck dress


    complemented his outfit. Rufus was tall and collected whereas Cassandra was petite and soft. As soon


    as they walked inside, many pairs of eyes fell on them.


    Cassandra caught a glimpse of some people looking towards her and whispering among their friends.


    And to be honest, it made her edgy and restless. She had no idea what they were talking about. But


    she knew it couldn''t be good. Gossips spread like a wildfire and Cassandra fell victim to it several


    times. Last time, she was ordained by Ivy to apologize in front of so many people. Even now her


    cheeks flushed with humiliation at the thought of this. She felt a sudden urge to leave and began to


    regret her decision to attend this event.


    Rufus must have felt her hesitation and distress. He put hisrge hands on her, trying to silently


    comfort her.


    "Don''t worry. Nothing bad will happen to you while I am here,"


    Rufus whispered in her ear. Hearing his low and soft voice, Cassandra couldn''t help but feel at ease.


    She felt her earlier trepidation dissipate. ''Rufus is here with me. There is nothing to worry about as long


    as he is by my side, '' her mind said, consoling her. Putting on a smile, she straightened her back and


    walked further into the big hall with him.


    Lionel walked towards them, arm in arm with Ivy. The look on Ivy''s face was that of pure hatred. She


    red at Cassandra with her spiteful eyes. Her gaze was like a sharp knife, intending to pierce


    Cassandra brutally.


    Cassandra knew the sort of feeling Ivy had towards her. Her presence usually left her terror-stricken.


    But today, it was different. Rufus was by her side and that was all the support she needed. Cassandra


    tightened her grip on Rufus''s arm and shed Ivy a victorious smile. This vexed Ivy even further.


    Meanwhile, Lionel''s eyes fixated on Cassandra. They were intense but unreadable. Of course, Ivy


    noticed this.


    Ivy realized that Lionel was finding it hard to tear his gaze off Cassandra. Slowly, he was goggling at


    her beauty. All this made Ivy boil in rage. But they were in a party right now with dozens of people


    around hence Ivy constrained her anger. With a heavy heart, she zipped her mouth shut. But her


    venomous eyes continued to watch Cassandra.


    Rufus had a lot of acquaintances in this party. From time to time, people would grab him for a personal


    chat. But Cassandra tried her best to be with him all the time. There were times when she caught


    people staring at them. Their rtionship was looked down upon by the wealthy people. All of them


    probably thought he was making a mistake.


    Cassandra was smart and saw right through them. Most of them didn''t have much to talk with Rufus,


    instead they were looking for gossip. It was no news in the whole G City that Cassandra divorced the


    little brother in the Tang family and got in a rtionship with her former brother-inw. People who had


    never seen her in person were longing to get a glimpse of her.


    They were burning with curiosity. Everyone was dying to look her over from head to toe, trying to dig


    out the answer why was this little woman able to allure the two brothers of the Tangs.


    Somebelled their rtionship as unorthodox. Different people had different opinion on Cassandra.


    While they chatted away, they kept on ncing towards her. She felt like her privacy was being


    invaded. Once again she found herself on the spotlight.


    While Cassandra was pondering about a way to escape, the host walked up on the stage and began


    talking.


    "May I have your attention,dies and gentlemen. We have an interesting speeching up. It will be


    given by our beloved CEO of the Tang Group and also the organizer of tonight''s event, Mr. Rufus Luo.


    Pleasee onto the stage!" the host announced.


    He was a man with loud voice and it demanded people''s attention. After these words were spoken, the


    guests broke into a thunderous apuse.


    "So you are the organizer of this event? Why didn''t you tell me earlier?"


    Cassandra asked confusedly. Her eyes were wide with suspicion. It was evident that she had no idea


    about this and was caught off guard.


    "Yeah...I am. Didn''t you know that already?"


    The corners of Rufus''s lips curled into a smirk. He straightened his clothes and walked up to take over


    the stage.


    People around watched him as he walked towards the stage in his self-assured manner. His


    confidence was palpable and everyone was in awe as they looked at him. He didn''t look like someone


    who had hurt his leg in an ident a month ago. People who didn''t know about his injury couldn''t even


    tell he was ever injured.


    Cassandra was at a loss for words. She watched him walk up to the stage while ming herself for not


    realizing it earlier.


    ''The Tang Group is the director of the Union of Real Estate, and of course Rufus is the organizer. I am


    stupid for not figuring it out, '' she told herself.


    Rufus reached the stage and stood in the center. All eyes were focused on this amazing man. They


    eagerly waited for his speech.


    He didn''t give the typical boring speech that everyone expected him to give. Without any formality, he


    started with a small story.


    "After the disastrous earthquake in A City, I was there for a while. I would be lying if I said my intention


    was to help people. No, my visit there had nothing to do with the earthquake. I went there looking for


    the most valuable person of my life. But once I arrived there, I realized how indifferent I was towards


    other''s misery. That''s when it struck me how trivial my personal need was whenpared to their


    sufferings. I felt a wave of guilt surge through my body. I realized how little I cared about others."


    While he spoke these words, Rufus relived that day. He remembered how overwhelmed he was when


    he first arrived at A City. It seemed like the manifestation of a nightmare. Everyone was scattered


    around crying for their loved ones. Suddenly, he found himself so small under the mother nature.


    Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    "I was a volunteer there for some time. We donated as much as we could but it just wasn''t enough. The


    needs have always outweighed the resources. I remember how helpless I felt then. While I was there, I


    also got an opportunity to see how hard the rescue teams work to save people. And I have also


    witnessed the pain they go through when they watch lives being lost. I was there to hear people sob


    after they lost their dear ones. And I was also there to watch the tears of joy stream down the eyes of


    the family being reunited. And in that moment, I swore to myself that I would do something for them


    after I got back to G City."


    Suddenly, Rufus turned his eyes on Cassandra. She discerned a dazzling bright light shining in his


    eyes.


    "And while I had this experience, there was someone who was by my side. And her actions moved me


    deeply. No matter what difficulty she encountered, she never gave up. Her determination and


    enthusiasm to make a change wasudable. She helped the rescue team on saving lives by offering


    them her professional knowledge. And we are lucky to have her here with us tonight. She is none other


    than Cassandra Qin!"

 Chapter 237 She Was Cassandra

    Chapter 237 She Was Cassandra


    Cassandra hadn''t expected Rufus to mention her name in front of everyone. She was surprised to hear


    him talk about her, not knowing how to react.


    Everyone around turned toward her, staring at her face, smiling. All of a sudden, she was the centre of


    attraction.


    She looked up at Rufus, who gently smiled at her, encouraging her.


    "Cassandra is an excellent architectural designer. She has a great structural understanding of old,


    condemned buildings, which the rescue team benefited from immensely. It was because of her that


    they were able to locate the injured in such little time. I believe many of you have heard her story. We


    should be proud to have such a talented and conscientious designer in this industry!"


    Rufus said and pped, nodding his head. Everyone followed him and soon, the entire space


    reverberated with a loud apuse.


    People who were merely curious about who Cassandra was, now all stood admiring her.


    Suddenly, Cassandra realized why Rufus had mentioned her. One, he was trying to raise funds for the


    revitalization of A City. Two, he wanted to seize this opportunity to make people more aware of


    Cassandra and what kind of person she really was, driving away all their misconceptions.


    Rufus and Cassandra were the only two people from the Union who had gone to the earthquake-struck


    areas and taken part in the rescue work. Naturally, they were the only ones qualified to make a speech


    at the banquet.


    Cassandra gazed at Rufus gratefully. The apuse was so overwhelming. It made her blush.


    "I really hope everyone here would donate money generously to contribute to the post-earthquake


    reconstruction of A City. I vouch for Tang Group. We will donate a hundred million and also propose to


    build a new, earthquake-proof library for the citizens of A City,"


    Rufus dered firmly. The very way with which he talked conveyed what an excellent leader he was.


    Everyone in the room respected him not just because he was their superior but also because he was


    extremely humble and intelligent.


    Lionel was amazed! 100 million! Did Tang Group even have that much money? Plus, Lionel hadn''t


    heard about the board''s approval regarding this donation.


    Rufus beamed at the cheering people and got off the stage, as the curtains opened slowly behind him.


    One by one, the performers and singers emerged, transforming the vibe of the cepletely into a


    kind of grand celebration.


    Rufus walked to make his way to Cassandra through the crowd. Every few steps, someone would stop


    him to shake his hand or give him a pat on the back. Yet, his eyes remained fixed on Cassandra, with a


    constantly smiling mouth.


    "How did you like the surprise?"


    Rufus asked, brushing her forearm slightly.


    "Thank you, Rufus."


    She grabbed his hand and wrote on his palm with her finger.


    Cassandra didn''t utter a single word, instead kept staring at him lovingly. It was one of those moments


    when the silence spoke for itself.


    Interrupting their dreamy exchange, Lionel emerged from behind Rufus, grabbing his shoulder.


    "Rufus! How could you make a deration like that! 100 million! Have you lost your mind?"


    Lionel ground his teeth and asked angrily.


    His anger increased exponentially when he noticed Cassandra''s hand in Rufus''s.


    "I''m donating my own money, just in the name of the Tang Group,"


    Rufus said slowly and calmly, after casting a long nce at Lionel.


    "100 million! Where did you get so much money?!"


    Lionel was struck! He didn''t understand how Rufus hade to possess that huge amount of money!


    "None of your business. I give my money and Tang Group''s reputation improves. It''s a win-win situation


    for both of us. You don''t have to care about how or why I have this money."


    Lionel wasn''t convinced. As for Rufus, if the money he donated could change people''s attitude towards


    Cassandra and help rebuild her image, it would be worth it.


    Plus, this would help him gain some credibility and make people believe him even more firmly.


    This was why he had thought it was the perfect opportunity to acknowledge Cassandra in front of


    everyone.


    "Of course, I have to know how you have this kind of money! Did you line your pocket from the


    construction projects and use the money to build your reputation?"


    Lionel asked in an usatory tone.


    "Don''t you know how much money Tang Group earned this year, being the vice president? Look, I


    made profits from my personal funds, and I can do whatever I want with this money. What did you do


    for the reconstruction of the disaster-struck area, Mr. Vice-president?"


    Lionel was nothing but a clown in Rufus''s eyes. He never took him seriously and didn''t even bother to


    continue this useless argument with him anymore.


    Lionel was a fool. He had inherited nothing of Horace''s intellect and skills.


    Before Lionel could go on pestering him further, Rufus and Cassandra walked away together, holding


    hands.


    Lionel kept standing still and watched them walking away.


    His blood boiled to see them together publicly. On top of that, they ignored Lionel like he was a street


    dog.


    They really pissed him off. But his wicked mind had alreadye up with a way to get back at them.


    He smiled coldly, proud and excited to carry out his n.


    There were all kinds of people at the banquet.


    Some ttered their bosses, some mingled with others politely and some quietly sipped their drinks.


    And Rufus, calm as always, floated around the hall making hearty conversations, smiling andughing.


    The banquet was about to end. When it was time for thest performance, the curtains opened to


    reveal a sparkling white grand piano.


    The lights in the hall turned out and soon the chitter-chatter of people and the clinking of sses died


    out too. Slowly, the stage lit up with a warm, yellow glow.


    People looked at the stage, excitedly, wondering what was the climactic performance of the evening!


    Rufus, however, wasn''t as excited as all the others. He stared at the stage with pursed lips, annoyed,


    foreseeing what was going to happen.


    Cassandra too, was unsettled. Her heart sank as soon as she saw the piano.


    Suddenly, the light on the stage went out again. The whole room was pitch ck with an unreal silence.


    People burst into an uproar, murmuring collectively, thinking there was a power cut.


    A momentter, the lights were back. They were so bright that people were blinded, barely able to


    make out the figure of the beautiful woman who sat in front of the piano.


    She was wearing a glittering white gown. The fabric fit her body so elegantly and she looked like an


    angel.


    A beautiful melody epassed the air as she moved her fingers gently on the keys with her eyes


    shut. It looked like she was in some kind of trance.


    Everyone was immersed in the beautiful sound of the music.


    She was like a bright star on a moonless, dark night, shining brightly.


    On top of that, she was ying Beethoven''s Moonlight sonata movement 1, which was a beautiful and


    fantasy-like piece. It instilled a vision of moon rays reflecting off the surface of a dark and peaceful sea.


    R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    People present felt as if they were on a beach, enjoying the gentle breeze blowing in their faces.


    Cassandra''s heart, though, remained sunk. She couldn''t see Rufus''s face in the darkness. She felt a


    fist close around her heart and squeeze.


    She hadn''t seen Amanda for over a month. And now that they were meeting again. Amanda had


    appeared in such a fantastic manner at a banquet, which was organized by Rufus. How could


    Cassandra feel at ease?


    The music faded gently as the moon rose slowly outside. The performance was almost over.


    Hitting the final notes, Amanda opened her eyes and stood up like a goddess. She turned toward the


    guests and bowed gracefully.


    Breaking the spell she had cast over the gathering, someone pped loudly, which soon turned into a


    thunder of apuse.


    No wonder Amanda was famous all over the world. Her performance had been absolutely wonderful!


    Still on the stage, Amanda searched the crowd for Rufus. Cassandra could detect the urgency with


    which her eyes scanned the hall. She thought Amanda was challenging her on purpose.


    Atst, all lights were back on. Somehow, Amanda still looked like a beautiful princess, standing apart


    from everyone.


    She held a mic in her hands and smiled sweetly at everyone with crinkling eyes.


    "Hello everyone! The song I just yed is dedicated to all the kind businessmen out here! Without your


    help, the reconstruction of A City wouldn''t have started so smoothly. I am extremely grateful for your


    support and generosity."


    Her voice was as sweet as a nightingale. Mesmerized by her, people started to nod their heads, smiling


    back at her and raising their sses, cheering.


    "Now, I''d like to have one of you toe to the stage and perform with me! Someone who can


    represent everyone and send our condolences and wishes to the disaster-struck area."


    People talked among each other, wondering who would be the lucky one.


    Amanda''s face lit up as she finally spotted Rufus, standing far away in the back.


    "I would like to invite the organizer of tonight''s charity banquet, the president of Tang Group, Mr. Rufus


    Luo to perform a duet with me. Make some noise for Rufus, everyone!"


    Amanda gestured Rufus to join her on the stage as an assistant swiftly ced another chair next to her


    own.


    Everyone looked back at Rufus expectantly and waited for him to join Amanda, making way for him.


    Rufus''s nostrils red as he clenched his fists. The blue-green veins entuated on his forehead.


    He knew Amanda was doing all this on purpose.


    He hadn''t arranged for Amanda to perform. Someone had changed the programme schedule without


    consulting him.


    Rufus felt Lionel''s smug gaze upon him from the side. He smiled cunningly at Rufus, a look of


    aplishment all over his face.


    Rufus understood what had conspired. It was Lionel.


    This seemed like one of his cheap tricks to embarrass him in public.


    Just a while ago, Rufus had made the deration about Cassandra and now, Lionel was making him


    perform alongside Amanda, his rumoured girlfriend.


    What a vicious bastard! He knew Rufus wouldn''t ruin the banquet by denying. It was a trap Rufus had


    no way toe out of.

 Chapter 238 Go To His Room

    Chapter 238 Go To His Room


    Rufus held Cassandra''s hand and strode toward the stage, taking her along.


    Looking at the two of them approaching, the crowd automatically cleared a path for them.


    Amanda''s face dulled, her lips pressed together. ''Why would Rufus bring Cassandra up here? What is


    he up to?'' she wondered bitterly.


    A hint of nervousness shed through Lionel''s eyes. Rufus''s actions had perplexed him.


    Cassandra, on the other hand, was in a daze. Even when they reached the stage, she still hadn''t


    recollected her senses.


    "Let Cassandra, Amanda and I perform together for this show!"


    Rufus announced, taking the microphone. Then, he turned the speaker off and whispered to


    Cassandra, "Sing something. Anything is fine. I''ll y the apaniment music for you."


    He turned the mic back on, fixing it on the stand and adjusting its height for Cassandra. He gave her an


    encouraging smile and a pat on her shoulder before he walked to the piano and took a seat.


    Everyone in the room was shocked! The love triangle in the rumour was now on the stage, ready to


    perform together. What was this supposed to mean?


    Some wondered if this was one of Rufus''s business strategy to gain fame by bing the hot topic all


    over the news.


    Most of the crowd was curiously drawn to Cassandra, who, on the other hand, had no idea about what


    she was supposed to do. She had simply been dragged onto the stage, mindlessly, and then, asked to


    sing!


    Even though part of her was pretty confident about her singing skills; truth was, she had never sung in


    front of so many people. The most she did was sometimes to hum and sing to herself in solitude.


    Once, Rufus had joked saying she sang so well that she could even release an album of her own. Of


    course, she rejected the idea right away. She didn''t want to be a publicly scrutinised singer. All


    she wanted was to work at her desk, drawing her sketches.


    She found herself most rxed working with the pen and the paper in silence, or making use of the


    design applications on theputer. It was almost meditative for her.


    But in the moment, Cassandra had no chance to retreat. The mic was right in front of her, and


    hundreds of people were waiting for her to give them a performance. If she flinched, wouldn''t she be


    viewed as a coward by the others in the industry?


    What would they think of her¡ªthe head of the Qin Group wasn''t even willing to sing a song at the


    charity dinner?


    She couldn''t let this happen!


    ''Never mind, just give it all!'' she said to herself.


    She closed her eyes and drew a deep breath, preparing herself.


    The crowd went quiet, all their eyes fixed on Cassandra.


    "In that misty morning when I saw your smiling face.


    You only looked at me and I was yours.


    But when I turned around, you were nowhere to be seen.


    You had walked away and closed the door.


    When will I see you again;


    When will the sky start to rain;


    When will the stars start to shine;


    When will I know that you''re mine..."


    The song she sang was called ''Fairy Tale.'' Her voice was smooth and clear, like a nightingale. Every


    note, every tune, every syble came out perfectly. It was almost as if she was a professional vocalist.


    There was no hints of forced fanciness in her voice, no impure sounds. One could confidently say she


    sang as well as the singer who originally sung the song.


    She began with acape. Slowly, a gentle stream of piano music filled the air, mixing harmoniously with


    her voice.


    "Did I ever meet you in the sunshine, and when we were about a thousand years away...


    Did I ever hold you in the moonlight...Did we make every minutest another day...


    On a cold December night, I gave my heart to you. And by the summer you were gone.


    Now as the days grow older and the stars will start to dim.


    All I have are memories and this song.


    When will I see you again;


    When will the sky start to rain;


    When will the stars start to shine;


    When will I know that you''re mine..."


    Gettingfortable with the stage, Cassandra pulled the mic out from the stand and walked toward the


    piano. Rufus couldn''t y the piano as spectacrly as Amanda, but his adept way of ying was


    enough to aplish a sessful duet, and satisfy the crowd. After all, most of them weren''t


    particrly music maestros and didn''t have picky ears.


    His fingers followed Cassandra''s flowing voice as he raised his head and gazed at her, his eyes


    brimming with love.


    A delightful smile crept up Rufus''s face. It was as if the light from their eyes met in the air midways and


    yed with each other, twisting and curling around, exerting glitter.


    Amanda eyed them,pletely sidelined.


    "In that misty morning, I saw your smiling face¡­"


    Cassandra sang thest verse softly. Her voice reverberated in the hall before it gradually trailed off.


    Following her voice, the music gradually dissolved in the air too.


    Rufus and Cassandra still held each other''s gaze. They looked like a perfect pair.


    Rufus finally got up and scooped her into his arms, kissing her on the forehead.


    This was bluntly a public disy of affection. Amanda''s eyes dripped of jealousy looking at them so


    close to each other.


    At the same time, the audience was quite astonished too. They could never have imagined Rufus to


    have the audacity to bring Cassandra on the stage, let alone kiss her in front of everyone. He had


    completely ignored Amanda, who had invited him to perform the duet.


    Even though there were three of them up there, only Rufus and Cassandra owned the stage. Amanda


    was terribly humiliated. She feltpletely hollow, like an empty vase.


    There were people who pitied Amanda and found Rufus'' actions inappropriate, but it seemed that


    anything was allowed in the name of love¡ªthey were awed by the love between Rufus and Cassandra,


    and didn''t notice how embarrassed Amanda was. The audience apuded, marking a perfect end to


    the charity dinner.


    Amanda clenched her fists in anger, standing in the shade of the piano. Her face turned deadly pale,


    her eyes filled with cruelty and hatred.


    This was the n she had carried out by talking to Ivy, who agreed to make Lionel arrange the


    performances such that hers was thest. She thought she would perform with Rufus in front of all the


    attendants. She wanted everyone to know howpatible she was with Rufus, so that Cassandra


    would retreat from this battle of love.


    However, she had no way of expecting Rufus would act so impulsively and sabotage her n by


    inviting Cassandra, or rather, grabbing her hand and bringing her to the stage. The duet they were


    supposed to perform together simply became apaniment music for Cassandra''s song.


    At this point, people were so smitten by this ''Act of love, '' that they didn''t care about Amanda at all. All


    the guests were discussing about the couple,pletely ignoring the third, extra person on the stage.


    How could she ept that!


    Rufus brought Cassandra down the stage as her face blushed. She murmured to Rufus, her tone both


    shy and angry, at the same time.


    "How could you make me sing without any prior information! What if I had messed up! It would''ve been


    so shameful!"


    Her eyes, her lips and the glow on her was alluring. Under the sparkling yellow light, she looked


    enchantingly beautiful.


    T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "You wouldn''t have messed up. I trust you."


    Rufus was rxed. He kept his love-filled eyes fixed at her.


    Amanda followed every single move they made. She couldn''t stand to see them being all lovey-dovey,


    standing so close together.


    Unable to control her anger, she turned around and ran backstage. She was so furious that all colours


    drained out of her charming face. She could barely stand on her feet with ease.


    Suddenly. she felt a small pair of arms supporting her, preventing her from copsing.


    Amanda looked up to find no one else but Michelle!


    "Amanda, do you still want to be with Rufus?" asked Michelle.


    Michelle was attending the charity dinner as the dressing consultant. However, all she had actually


    done was observe the peculiar happenings from the backstage. She actually didn''t attend the event as


    an audience member.


    Now, she stared coldly at the woman who had once been in love with Rufus. Even though she believed


    Amanda wasn''t the best partner for Rufus, she was still better than Cassandra in every possible way.


    If nothing else, she had a clear background, unlike Cassandra, who was a divorced woman. At least,


    Amanda hadn''t been married to Rufus''s brother.


    Michelle eyed Amanda a little aggressively.


    "Yes, I want to be with Rufus. All I want is to be with Rufus!"


    Amanda asserted firmly and desperately, looking into Michelle''s eyes with hope.


    Her woman''s instinct told her Michelle was an ally, and wanted to help her win the battle.


    "Okay, go to the VIP room 6. I will tell Rufus to go thereter. Cassandra is likely to follow."


    Michelle cocked her eyebrows conspicuously. She wasn''t particrly fond of Amanda. All she wanted


    was to use Amanda to kick Cassandra out of the way.


    Amanda didn''t hesitate for a single second before agreeing to Michelle''s n. Heeding her instructions,


    she quickly headed toward the VIP room.


    After settling the business with Amanda, Michelle arranged a reporter to conduct a personal interview


    with Cassandra. Like she had nned, the reporter pulled Cassandra away from the crowd to ask her


    some questions.


    At the same time, when Rufus was no where around Cassandra, he was suddenly approached by


    someone.


    "Mr. Luo, Miss Ke was in VIP room 6. She isn''t feeling too well. Since you are the organiser of the


    event, would you like to visit her and see what''s wrong?"


    Rufus raised his eye brows, genuinely taken in by the information.


    He recalled Amanda was actually sick. Despite that, she hade to perform. Indeed, her


    performance had turned out to be the selling point of the event.


    Plus, the performance assessment was Lionel''s work. He had invited Amanda and changed the


    programme. ''Perhaps, he was trying to use Amanda against me, '' he thought.


    "Alright, I will go see her. Thank you," Rufus said, nodding.


    He nced at Cassandra from a distance, who was still being interviewed.


    ''Well, it won''t take long. I''ll be back quickly, '' he thought and finished his drink in a single go. Bearing


    that thought in mind, he strode toward the room Amanda was in.


    Cassandra''s interview ended at the same time. "Miss Qin, thank you so much for this interview. I wish


    the best for Qin Group!"


    The reported shook hands with Cassandra and left. She turned her head to look for Rufus, but couldn''t


    find him.


    She went to the spot where they hadst talked and kept looking around. All she could see was some


    people clearing the stage and decorations in the hall. Rufus was no where to be seen.


    "Miss Qin..." Someone approached her. "Mr. Luo has gone to VIP room 6. He has asked you to see him


    there," he continued.

 Chapter 239 The Best Moments

    Chapter 239 The Best Moments


    Rufus had hardly entered the room when Amanda suddenly threw herself against his chest, too


    impatient to wait.


    "You''re finally here, Rufus!" she eximed while hugging Rufus tightly, her eyes closed and mouth


    curled into a happy smile.


    Her face was scarlet all over.


    "What''s wrong with you? Are you okay? Hold on, I''m calling a doctor for you!" Rufus added his


    eyebrows furrowed in concern.


    He managed to grab Amanda''s arms and pushed away a bit.


    He noticed that there was something wrong with her, but couldn''t find out exactly what.


    As far as he observed, Amanda was standing right in front of him, alive and kicking, which was weird


    that she didn''t feel very well at the same time.


    "Rufus, my heart is hurting¡­it''s broken¡­" Amanda murmured.


    Her eyes started to tear up as she looked at him pleadingly.


    Her heart was in pain as if a sword stabbed it, when she saw how Cassandra and Rufus looked at each


    other''s eyes so lovingly moments ago.


    "Stop this, Amanda. I love Cassandra and she loves me. We''ll get married soon," Rufus patiently


    exined.


    The finality in his voice only added more pain to Amanda''s wounded heart. She gasped to catch her


    breath.


    "Why not me, Rufus? I don''t see what''s so special about her! It should''ve been me!"


    Amanda refused to back down and ept his exnation. Tears were streaming down her cheeks at


    this point.


    "She''s so special to me, Amanda. You''re a great girl, but I love her now and I just can''t see a life


    without her. Don''t you understand?"


    Rufus knew that he needed to end this now, and if he showed the slightest note of hesitation, it would


    only make matters worse. Amanda had to ept the truth, that Rufus had no spare love for any other


    woman, only Cassandra.


    "Rufus, I can''t bring myself to listen to you right now. You know I''m ailing right now. Can''t you at least


    pretend to make me feel better?"


    Amanda raised her head a little to look into Rufus''s eyes. Her mouth forced a sad smile.


    "No, Amanda. This ends now. I won''t lie to you even if you''re sick,"


    Rufus responded harshly. Deep in his heart, he was reluctant to admit the truth to her now, since she


    wasn''t all that well; however his mind told him that he''d better end her expectations for her to move


    forward.


    At that same moment, along the corridor, Cassandra was walking towards the room where Rufus and


    Amanda were in, which was at the end of the hallway. The soft carpet on the floor absorbed the sounds


    of her footsteps.


    She passed one room after another.


    After a few minutes, the room was finally in front of her. She could hear a conversation on the other


    side.


    Two people were talking, one was Rufus and the other was apparently Amanda.


    "Rufus, why are you doing this? You''re hurting me! I hate you!" Amanda screamed.


    She was wracked with sobs as she said the words, which was enough for Cassandra to shiver.


    "I''m sorry, Amanda. I''m sure you''ll find someone better in the future."


    Rufus had no idea how to calm a girl, especially if she was wailing right in front of him.


    "It really hurt me seeing you so close together. It''s killing me softly. How could you be so evil? What''s


    wrong with loving me?" Amanda choked.


    Cassandra stood incredibly still as their voice came through the crack of the slightly ajar door.


    Rufus stood with his back to the door, and from where Cassandra was standing, he was apparently


    holding Amanda tightly in his arms.


    She felt desperation flood within her and almost consume her.


    Everything in front of her was suddenly a blur, and all she could hear was a constant ringing in her


    ears. Their words were a distant echo.


    "Listen, Cassandra and I are already together. Nothing can change that. She''s my girlfriend and I need


    to take care of her! That''s what a boyfriend does. Since she''s with me, I won''t let her down!" Rufus tried


    hard to talk Amanda out of her obsession with him.


    She looked like a helpless, unruly child to him now.


    "Then what about me? Don''t I mean anything at all to you?" Amanda asked desperately.


    She looked deep into his eyes, her eyes bloodshot from the tears, waiting with bated breath for his


    reply.


    Rufus''s eyebrows knitted as he thought hard about what to say so she would stop.


    "Being with you was the best moments I ever had."


    First loves were both happy and regrettable for everyone.


    It was bittersweet, apanying him through the difficult trainings at the Dark Night Group.


    Like most young people, their rtionship burned bright, but didn''tst long. Rufus hoped that what he


    said could bring closure to Amanda. So whenever she thought of her first love in the future, it wouldn''t


    hurt as much.


    Cassandra held her breath outside. What Rufus said stunned her. She retreated a few steps slowly,


    then turned around and ran away.


    Did Rufus say that the time he spent with Amanda was the best of his life? Amanda must''ve been


    perfect in Rufus''s eyes.


    Indeed, she had everything in the world¡ªher status, identity, talent, and she was even as pretty as a


    fairy that could only be found in fairy tales.


    Of couse, a woman like this would be perfect in everyone''s eyes as well.


    ''Since that was his true feeling, I must be merely just a responsibility that he needed taking care of, ''


    Cassandra thought.


    This was thest thing Cassandra wanted. It was preposterous of him to think that she couldn''t live


    without him. Cassandra held her chin high, but was unable to smile for the moment.


    She moved like she was on autopilot until she reached the hotel exit. Walking out to let the fresh air hit


    her, Cassandra woke up from her daze and took a deep breath.


    ''Is that really the kind of man that you deserve for the rest of your life, Cassandra? Can''t you see that


    he''s alternating between two women?'' she asked herself in her thoughts.


    ''Are you sure that he can give you want you want? Do you even trust him?''''


    Her thoughts were disturbed by the crisp and cold voice of a woman.


    "I''ve never expected Rufus would y piano in front of everyone tonight! What a pleasant surprise!"


    R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    Cassandra swiftly turned around and saw that Michelle standing beside her. She had no idea why she


    was there or if she was waiting for her.


    "It''s been years since Rufus touched the keys of the piano. He learned how to y when he and


    Amanda were lovers. She was his teacher."


    Michelle turned her head in a sidelong nce to see how Cassandra would react while she herself was


    apparently lost in her memories with her arms folded across her chest.


    "They broke up because of Amanda''s father, and I bet the both of them are regretting that they should


    have fought hard for themselves. I guess that the older you are, the more you miss the youthful days.


    Being the first love is like being on top of a unclimbable hill that not everyone can reach, right?"


    Michelle was now fully fixated on Cassandra, waiting for her expected reaction.


    However, Cassandra was emotionless. Her eyes were empty and tranquil.


    She then cracked a faint smile that seemed to be isted from her eyes.


    All the pieces suddenly fit. Amanda was Rufus''s first love and she even taught him how to y the


    piano. What happened between them these days all made sense now.


    Cassandra realized that she never really got to know Rufus, which made her feel so defeated.


    "Right, first love is the best thing that could happen to anyone. It''s engraved on people''s hearts; no


    matter how deeply you loveter in your life, it can neverpare with the first love. It''ll haunt you


    forever."


    Hurt bad, Cassandra felt a head-splitting migraine as she took a deep breath. The air was cold and


    brought fresh air to her lungs. She got a grip on her emotions since she didn''t want Michelle to see her


    cry.


    "Michelle, I think you''re right. I''ll take your advice. I''vee to realize that Rufus and I are truly


    different, and I''ll leave him before things get way out of hand."


    She would bring him lots of troubles. Rufus had to clear the rumors around her, endure the Tang


    Family''s abuse, and bear all the bad things that had nothing to do with him.


    She didn''t want him to take the risks, since he wasn''t even supposed to be ced in such an awkward


    position in the first ce.


    "Are you serious?" Michelle fished.


    There was a subtle delight in her voice. Thanks to her efforts, Cassandra believed that Amanda and


    Rufus weren''t over each other yet.


    "Yes, I am serious. I am aplete mess now. His future is bright and promising, and I shouldn''t be


    holding him back like this."


    She would let him go so he could fly high. That was the ultimate sacrifice she could make because she


    loved him that much.


    "Cassandra, I don''t think Rufus would let you go that easily. You know how stubborn he can be,"


    Michelle said, uncertain.


    Her eyes glittered in the darkness, wondering if Cassandra had truly made up her mind.


    "Well, If he''s stubborn, I''m even more. You''ll see, Michelle. If only he didn''t have the car ident, I


    wouldn''t have stayed with him," Cassandra said, full of conviction.


    If there hadn''t been an ident, and if he hadn''t pretended to be serious, she would have left him for


    good.


    "Are you sure? How about you? Can you move on?"


    Michelle wanted to cover all the bases, since she was going abroad for an internationalpetition as


    one of the judges. She were to be out of town for a couple of days, and feared that Cassandra and


    Rufus would get together again.


    "No, Michelle. This time, I''m sure. We''ll break up, and maybe he will hate me for the rest of his life..."


    Cassandra started formting her n. She knew that Rufus would lose it every time he saw her with


    another man.


    Since she decided to break up with him, her heart was set in stone.


    "I hope you take what you said to heart. I wish you can find the man who you truly deserve," Michelle


    said quickly.


    After their talk, she waved her hand and Jasper pulled over in front of them.


    She opened the door and climbed inside. The car started to move away slowly.


    Cassandra watched the car until it was a tiny speck in the horizon. She felt like her heart hitched a ride


    with the car. She felt so empty.


    "Why didn''t you wait inside? It''s freezing out here."


    A warm coat was put over Cassandra''s shoulders and she was immediately buried in a familiar scent.


    It was him. It looked like he was done with Amanda and now it was her turn.


    Cassandra wondered how it felt like to go between two women at the same time, and if he was proud


    of himself.


    "Come on! Let''s go home!"


    Rufus wrapped his arm around her shoulders and led her to the car, but to his surprise, Cassandra


    wouldn''t budge.


    "What''s up? Something wrong?" he asked.


    His eyebrows furrowed and he looked at her with concern in his eyes. Cassandra thought that he was


    handsome even when he looked stressed.


    "No, it''s nothing. I just got an idea for a case. I need to get to the office right away, so I can put it in


    writing before I forget," she replied with a faint smile.


    She looked into his eyes intently, which reminded him of a delicate flower.

 Chapter 240 Hatred And Desire (Part One)

    Chapter 240 Hatred And Desire (Part One)


    "It''ste. There is no need to rush into finishing the job. It can wait until tomorrow,"


    Rufus spoke softly, coaxing Cassandra into giving up her idea. The bitterness in her smile escaped


    him.


    "Creative work needs inspiration, and an idea has just struck me. If I stop now, I might lose my


    momentum. It''ll be toote tomorrow,"


    Cassandra argued. She did not want to stay with him longer than necessary.


    The more she stayed with Rufus, the more difficult it got to rein her emotions. The air around them was


    bing stifling even as she spoke, and all she wanted right now was a moment''s peace from the


    turbulence inside her.


    "Fine. I''ll give you a ride,"


    Rufus conceded, nodding his head thoughtfully to show understanding.


    "Don''t bother," Cassandra answered back, a little too quickly. Rufus noticed it as well. His head shot up


    at her response. "Your leg is fine now, and there is no need for me to take care of you. Go back to the


    Tang mansion tonight. You haven''t met your family for a long time," Cassandra continued, stubbornly


    refusing his offer.


    She looked at Rufus with a steady gaze, her face impossible to read.


    Rufus gave her a long look in return.


    ''Family?'' he scoffed inwardly at the word. ''The Tang family never regarded me as one of them.'' When


    his leg got hurt, Lionel made changes to the dinner party without consulting him. He knew what Lionel


    was doing when he deliberately let Amanda y the piano at the finale. Clearly, every step he took was


    to derail Rufus''s ns.


    Cassandra looked at him in silence, but he knew she had already made up her mind. He pressed her


    no longer.


    To her, family was the most important anyway.


    "All right. I''ll drive you to yourpany and then go back. If it gets toote when you finish, don''t go


    back to the vi. Go to the apartment."


    The apartment she rented was very close to Qin Group. If she stayed there, Rufus could feel more at


    ease.


    "Alright."


    Cassandra nodded and cast her eyes down. For a moment, a shadow seemed to pass across her face,


    but her bowed head concealed it from Rufus.


    The car pulled to a stop at the gate of Qin Group. Just as Cassandra was about to get off, Rufus''s


    phone rang, shattering the silence that had settled between the two during the whole ride.


    Cassandra threw a quick ce at his phone¡ªAmanda''s name shed on the screen. She winced at


    the shes, as if her eyes were stung by something that was too bright and ring.


    She smiled cynically in dissatisfaction. Her jaw felt stiff at the forcefulness of the movement. It had not


    been long since Rufus left Amanda, and now she was calling him again.


    Rufus hesitated for a moment, as if pondering whether or not to take the call. Before long, he reached


    for his phone and answered, pressing it to his ear.Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Amanda was crying at the other end of the line. "Rufus, my body stings all over," she managed to say


    between her sobs. "Could you pleasee over and take me to the hospital? I''m scared."


    Her crying was so loud that even Cassandra could hear it from where she was sitting.


    ''Oh so she is in pain? Is it the same pain that I feel?'' she though to herself bitterly.


    "Are you still at the hotel? Stay put. I''ll be right there,"


    Rufus answered, trying to calm Amanda down. His ears rang with her pleas, her voice cracked from


    crying. It must be her illness. Charlie wasn''t in the city, and he didn''t have it in him to let her be by


    herself. She had no one else.


    A small motion at the corner of his eye brought his attention back to his immediate surroundings, and it


    was only then that the situation sunk in. He was in the car, with Cassandra, and she had been sitting


    there as he spoke to Amanda on the phone. Jerking his head in Cassandra''s direction, Rufus opened


    his mouth, wanting to say something to exin, but words failed him. he closed his lips and


    surrendered to a helpless silence.


    It was Cassandra who scaled the tense quietness. "Rufus, is Amanda hurt? Where does she hurt?" she


    asked him. "It seems that you understand her perfectly. It''s funny you know," sheughs, an empty


    echo in the darkness. "I''m hurt too, but you don''t even know anything. You have no idea how much I


    have been breaking."


    Cassandra''s face was calm, but the eyes that stared at Rufus had biting coldness that he couldn''t bear.


    Cold anger burned in her as she threw the words to him, each one punctuated with unspoken doubts


    and usations.


    It burned.


    For a moment, Rufus was unable to speak, his tongue paralyzed at the intensity of her gaze. He had to


    exin to her, and make her understand the reason behind his behavior. "Cassandra," he started,


    "Amanda is sick. She is my teacher''s daughter. I can''t leave her alone. She has no one else."


    "You can''t leave her alone because you still love her!" Cassandra screamed, her voice shaking.


    She had had enough. She could no longer just stand by quietly and pretend not to see what was


    happening right in front of her eyes. Her chest tightened with so many emotions all at once, and she


    could not contain them any longer.


    "You''re being unreasonable. Charlie treated me like his own son. I can''t just turn a blind eye to his


    daughter in a foreign country. Family has always been the most important to you. I thought that you, of


    all people, would understand," Rufus answered, keeping his voice low and steady. "Amanda is sick,


    and she needs to be taken care of. I''m the only one who can do that for her."


    Rufus shook his head in bewilderment. He had never seen Cassandra so difficult.


    She understood it when her own family decided to marry her off to save themselves. She forgave the


    Tang family, after all that they had put her through. Why was it that she was losing her cool when it


    came to Amanda?


    "Fine," Cassandra answered, her tone distant. She was opening the door as she continued to speak, "If


    she is so pitiful and helpless, then go and take care of her. Better yet, marry her, so you can keep doing


    that your whole life," sheughed bitterly, her voice thick with hurt.


    She lingered for a moment, as if waiting for Rufus to speak. Then she mmed the door and walked


    into the direction of the building.


    Left alone inside the car, Rufus felt as if his limbs had turned to stone. His frustration boiled inside him


    and he pounded the steering wheel with his fist.


    Heaving a deep breath, he mmed the car into gear, the tires screaming as his foot jammed against


    the elerator. The car headed straight to the hospital. The screeches of rubber on the pavement


    reached the building, and Cassandra gave a brokenugh when they reached her ears.


    She sat slumped in the sofa in her office, as if in a trance for a long time. There was nothing but


    numbness.

 Chapter 241 Hatred And Desire (Part Two)

    Chapter 241 Hatred And Desire (Part Two)


    Rufus and Amanda''s earlier exchange came back to her. He sounded so gentle as he reassured her


    over the phone.


    Thoughts began to swirl inside her head. She had been in love with Rufus for so long, and at times, he


    seemed to be so affectionate.


    But it was not only to her. Both she and Amanda upied a space in his heart.


    The clock ticked rhythmically inside the office, the sound creeping thickly through the walls. Cassandra


    closed her eyes against the piercing pain that came with every heartbeat. When a heart got tired, even


    love became a burden.


    "Amanda, why are you standing there in the cold?"


    From afar, Rufus saw Amanda''s figure in the doorway, her thin skirt fluttering against the wind.


    She was sick, but she still stood in a draught.


    Rufus pulled Amanda into the car and drove to the hospital.


    "Where does it hurt? Is it your disease?" he asked.


    When he found out about her condition, Rufus took it upon himself to learn more about the disease.


    From what he found out, her condition couldn''t be cured; even thetest medical advancements could


    only control it.


    Amanda nodded absentmindedly, her face nk.


    "What''s wrong? Are you in pain? Hold on. We''ll be in the hospital soon."


    Rufus felt himself toward Amanda''s sorry state. She was lethargic and listless, like a dry leaf swaying in


    the autumn wind. It was no use denying their history. She was the girl who made him know what love


    felt like; although they had parted ways, they spent wonderful times together. He would always have a


    certain fondness for her, and he felt sympathy pour out from him as she suffered severely from an


    incurable illness.


    "Rufus, if someone wants to hurt me, will you protect me?"


    Amanda asked, turning her head to Rufus. Her sudden question caught him off-guard, her eyes boring


    into his.


    "Is someone threatening you? You have the protection of your father. No one in the world would dare


    lay a finger on you," he answered.


    Amanda dropped her gaze as a sad smile fell on her lips.


    She deliberately left out her father''s name, because there was something else she wanted to hear from


    Rufus. Instead, she asked again, "How about you? Will you protect me?"


    The hands that were folded on herp were now twisting the fabric of her skirt, her knuckles white from


    the tightness of her grasp.


    "Of course. You''re like a sister to me. I will protect you,"


    Rufusforted her as he felt waves of grief flow from her.


    He let himself linger on the word ''sister, '' knowing full well what it would mean. He was putting distance


    between them, so as not to lead her emotions.


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    This too was kindness. It was the only thing he could give her now that his heart belonged to another.


    As Rufus put his attention back to driving, he didn''t catch the subtle shifts in Amanda''s expression. For


    the past days, she had been uneasy, scared, and lost, but Rufus''s words were like a finishing blow.


    Still, she steeled herself and yed along. "Can I call you ''brother'' then?"


    Amanda asked softly, turning to him again. His elegant profile was prominent even in the darkness of


    the car. Her heart quickened as she took in the sight of him. At that moment, she could swear with


    certainty that no one but he could make her heart beat like this.


    "Sure."


    In Rufus''s mind, her calling him ''brother'' was an unspoken agreement¡ªAmanda wouldn''t be trying to


    go back to the time when they were lovers.


    Little did he know that Amanda thought differently. The word put a distance between them, true, but it


    was a necessary setback. There was more to the word ''brother'' than met the ears. Even as it put


    distance between them, it left no room for questions or excuses if she asked him to stay with her as


    much as she wanted.


    However, a thought suddenly appeared at the back of her mind. Amanda shivered at the image of the


    man she saw in the hotel.


    He appeared like a nightmare, a shadow with watchful eyes that followed her every movement. She


    knew it was absurd, but she could not shake off the feeling that she was being watched.


    Why did hee to this city? Shouldn''t he be living an extravagant life, with wine and women to fill the


    hours of his days?


    Despite this, she had met him twice in G City.


    Last time at a cocktail party, he had Arthur send a message, saying that he missed her very much. She


    felt her throat lurch even with the sweetness of the words. The walls spun around her and she


    struggled for air. The next thing she knew, she was at the hospital after a bout of hypoxia.


    Her skin crawled at the memory.


    With his hateful smile, he had demanded everything from her. Not even murder could shake his


    composure. He could kill anyone whenever it would please him.


    It was as if he had no semnce of morals. The only thing that made him decide was whether he


    wanted something or not. He would get whatever he liked, whichever way necessary, and abandon


    whatever he disliked.


    He had even abandoned her like a piece of rubbish.


    Up to this day, his words rang clear.


    "What bad taste Rufus has for women," he sneered.


    Then he swaggered off, never appearing in front of her again.


    Amanda thought she had been freed for good, but now he came back to haunt her again.


    The memory of the past descended like a dark fog that trapped Amanda. An old, familiar, dread knotted


    her stomach. She could set her mind at ease only when Rufus was around.


    Rufus returned to Tang Group and resumed his work like usual. He tried to contact Cassandra in his


    spare time, but she came up with various reasons to ignore his messages and calls.


    "Cassandra, what is it? What do you want?"


    Cassandra''s eyes lingered over the message on the screen, a cold smile on her lips.


    ''What do I want? I want nothing. I don''t want to have anything to do with you any more, '' she answered


    in her head.


    She didn''t want to reply, so she threw her phone aside, ignoring the multiple buzzes and vibrations.


    She buried herself in reviewing the design draft submitted by the design department.


    Since her rtionship with Rufus was revealed to the public, she had been having fewer and fewer


    clients.


    Maybe Rufus was desperately trying to create an image for her, but the world was unforgiving. As a


    woman, it dictated that it was immoral to divorce a man and then fall in love with his brother.


    Her client list shortened as days went by, and Tang Group might suffer even more.


    Cassandra was determined to break up with Rufus, even as she felt her chest constrict in his absence.


    However, she didn''t know what the effect would be to Tang Group. It was difficult to predict people''s


    attitudes, and there had always been a distinction between how the world viewed men and women.

 Chapter 242 Hatred And Desire (Part Three)

    Chapter 242 Hatred And Desire (Part Three)


    In his office, Rufus found himself agitated. Every now and then, his eyes would flit to his phone, waiting


    for a reply from Cassandra. But whenever his screen would light up, it was with someone else''s name.


    It seemed that she had made up her mind to ignore him. He heard that she didn''t return to the Garden


    Vi and stayed in her rented apartment in these past few days.


    Why was she acting this way? Was it still because he went to take care of the sick Amanda?


    Cassandra worked overtime. As she stepped out of the office building, the familiar Phantom came into


    view.


    She had purposefully stayed in her office for as long as she could, but she knew she could hide no


    longer. Knowing that Rufus came for an exnation, sheposed herself and then walked on


    unhurriedly.


    However, the moment she saw Rufus''s figure leaning against the car from far away, she felt herself


    crumbling.


    His eyes zeroed in on her from afar.


    She was wearing tight clothes that hugged her figure. A cool breeze blew and fluttered her skirt,


    exposing her slender legs.


    Cassandra stood there, hesitating in her tracks, and so Rufus straightened up and closed the distance


    between them.


    "What are you thinking?"


    he asked when he was standing right in front of her. Cassandra wore an unreadable expression on her


    face.


    He took in the sight of her and wanted to sigh at the relief. A few days seemed so long when he did not


    see her.


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    "Nothing,"


    she replied stiffly.


    Rufus was silent for a moment before speaking again, "Come on. I''ll take you home."


    He put an arm around her shoulder, but she shook free from his grasp.


    Rufus was stunned by her response, and his arm hung at his side. He couldn''t understand why she


    was being so cold.


    "I want to go back to my apartment. I have to work early tomorrow."


    Cassandra''s throat tightened but she forced the words out. She could not even bear to look at Rufus. It


    was all too much.


    "I''ll drive you here tomorrow morning," he reasoned.


    Rufus could feel the start of his irritation bubbling up. He had already been trying to appease her, but all


    she gave him back was rejection. His pride and patience could only take so much.


    "No need," she cut him off. "I don''t want others to see us together."


    Rufus bristled at her response.


    "Cassandra, what the hell are you talking about?! You don''t want others to see us together? Didn''t you


    think about that when we started dating? Haven''t you seen how hard I worked for you? You don''t know


    half of the things I''ve done just to keep you by my side! And now you''re telling me this!"


    Rufus blew up. He was done ying the understanding, lovesick partner. He had spent the past few


    days on his knees, trying to please her. He looked at her with eyes as cold as snow.


    He knew from the beginning that she was apetitive, stubborn woman. It was part of what drew him


    to her, and he had arranged everything carefully, so that she didn''t have to change herself to be with


    him.


    He asked someone else to send her a priceless dress, because he knew it would make her happy.


    He didn''t care about her being a divorced woman. He never mentioned the tit-for-tat confrontation


    between Lionel and him, and Horace''s opposition to their rtionship, to safeguard her feelings.


    For her sake, he organized a charity dinner with the hopes of improving her image and smoothing out


    the path for her career.


    Was all this for nothing in her eyes?


    "I never forced you to do anything. Whatever you did, I never asked for them. You decided them


    yourself, just as how you decided to keep me by your side."


    Cassandra regretted her words as soon as they came out of her mouth. She never meant to say those


    things, and she knew in her heart how far they were from the truth. She knew they would hurt him, but


    she was left with no choice. It was the only way for her to be able to push him away.


    What a cruel joke all this was. She loved him dearly, but she couldn''t be with him.


    And Rufus said he loved her, but he was keeping another woman by his side.


    Love really wasplicated.


    "Now you''re telling me that I forced you to stay? Listen to yourself, Cassandra. For god''s sake, is that


    really what you have to say to me?"


    Rufus couldn''t believe his ears. He never thought he would be hearing those words from Cassandra.


    Every word came to him like a blow, and he felt as if he was being pummeled to the ground with the


    lashings.


    "I don''t want to be with you anymore," Cassandra breathed out. "I''ve had enough of this, the name-


    calling, people saying that I date you because I''m hooked on your family''s money, that I''m a slut, that


    I''m a woman of loose morals, and that I intentionally cling to you and ruin your future. I can''t take this


    anymore. I want to break up. I can''t be with you any longer!"


    Cassandra shouted, her emotions desperately escaping her. Before she could stop herself, the


    damage had been done. She froze in dumbfounded silence as she realized the things she had just


    said, and the pain from her heart gripped her.


    She saw the shadows darken on Rufus''s face, his jaw clenched and his eyes the coldest winter she


    had ever felt.


    He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, as if to steady himself, before speaking.


    "Cassandra," he began.


    It was strange how the name sounded so different now. The sound brought nothing but a cruel chill and


    heartache.


    "You know I don''t care what other people think of you. I''ve stopped at nothing to try to protect you and


    change your image. There are easier ways. If you had given up Qin Group and married me, you


    wouldn''t need to appear in public and hear criticism from others.


    But that isn''t what you want to do, and I respect your determination to run Qin Group well. I supported


    you however I can. How can you tell me that you want to break up over this?"


    Rufus''s voice had the sound of breaking ice, and his heart plummeted.


    Cassandra was grief-stricken. The pain on Rufus''s face was unmistakable as he spoke, and she felt


    her own heart breaking into pieces in the fragile way he looked at her.


    His gaze went deep in her bones and tormented her.


    "You don''t care, but I do,"


    Cassandra said heartlessly, steeling herself against her tears.


    "You may not care what I think, but I''m tired of putting everyone else first. The only way I can be free


    from all these burdens is that I have to separate myself from you. I appreciate everything you''ve done


    for me, but I can''t stand back and watch my reputation shred to pieces like this. I work hard for my


    name, and I''m not letting it go now, even if it means that I have to let you go instead."


    The harshness in Cassandra''s voice masked the tears in her heart. ''No, it''s not true!

 Chapter 243 Hatred And Desire (Part Four)

    Chapter 243 Hatred And Desire (Part Four)


    It''s not what I think. I don''t care about what other people think. They mean nothing to me, as long as I


    can be with you, '' she screamed in her head.


    However, reality was cruel. She had to leave him. Then he wouldn''t need to choose between two


    women and be pulled apart from both directions.


    ''The pain is only temporary, '' Cassandraforted herself silently. ''We would only hurt each other


    more if we stay together. If I leave now, both of us would have more time to heal. It''s for the best.''


    "Cassandra, I never thought that you would be like this."


    Rufus had never hated a woman so much as he did now. Even when Amanda left him, he had never


    felt this much pain.


    He was trying hard to rein in his anger, clenching his fists and cracking his finger joints.


    "This is who I am," Cassandra lifted her chin and tried her best to appear cruel. "You treated me well


    from the very beginning, so choosing you was the logical choice. I''m a realistic person, or I wouldn''t


    have divorced Lionel. I know he''s not as good as you."


    Cassandra projected an air of vanity.


    The blood had all but drained from Rufus''s face.


    He had never felt so defeated, even before his business reached a teau.


    It seemed that he was twice the fool this time, and the pain brought by the betrayal was also two-fold.


    Cassandra had never loved him. His heart broke at the thoughts that crashed over him.


    "You''re right," he managed to answer. "He''s not as capable as I am, but I''m not as vicious as you are,"


    he spat.


    How to break two hearts that were in love?


    Cassandra thought they were the best example. They were deeply in love, but now, they were only


    hurting each other.


    Although the words that she said were theplete opposite of her true feelings, she had already hurt


    Rufus, and he was ready to snap back.


    The tears were threatening to fall from her face, but she blinked against them, gritting her teeth and


    clenching her fists to gain control.


    "Well, now that you know what I''ve thinking, I don''t think you have any more questions, and I have


    nothing left to say to you either. We no longer have any reason to be together. Let''s stop this before


    things get even uglier."


    Cassandra stared at him for thest time,mitting to memory the lines of his face, even as his eyes


    looked at her in disgust and anger.


    His thick eyebrows, his starry eyes, his prominent and good-looking nose and his angry lips at the


    moment...


    She would allow herself onest nce, and leave for good. After this, they would be no different than


    strangers.


    She ran her eyes over his eyebrows and her gaze lingered on his before she turned away.


    The night breeze was so much colder and she felt numb with the biting chill.


    Like a wind-up toy, she headed mechanically for her apartment, crossing her arms over her chest.


    There were no other arms to keep her warm from now on but her own.


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    Rufus stood where he was as numbness spread all over his body.


    ''She wants to leave me like this? She wants to leave after she takes what she wants?


    I won''t let her have her way like this!''


    Cassandra was dragging her way toward the apartment, her steps trailing one over another. Suddenly,


    the Phantom was beside her. Rufus got off and grabbed her arm. Without saying a word, he opened


    the car door and pushed her into the front-passenger seat.


    Cassandra was at a loss. She had never expected him to act this way. Rufus had revved the engine


    before she could respond.


    "What are you doing? Stop the car! Drop me off!" she demanded.


    Rufus''s face was set in harsh lines. He grabbed Cassandra''s arm hard. Fear came over her as she felt


    the anger from his touch.


    She tried to open the car door but failed. She reached out, trying to wrestle with him to get rid of his


    control, but Rufus tightened his grip on her. He was so strong that Cassandra felt as if her bones were


    going to be crushed.


    Still, she continued to struggle. At this, Rufus said coldly, "If you want me to have another car ident,


    then go ahead and keep struggling."


    They were both in the car. If an ident happened now, neither of them could escape.


    Cassandra lost her strength at his words, remembering his state in thest car ident.


    She never wanted him to go through that again.


    When he felt Cassandra stop struggling, Rufus scoffed and shook off her wrist none too gently.


    The car galloped toward Garden Vi, into the courtyard which Cassandra was all too familiar with.


    Rufus stopped his car and said coldly, "Get off. Wait for me in the vi."


    His face was expressionless, but the tight corners of his mouth betrayed his anger.


    "Take me back to my apartment,"


    Cassandra retaliated. It was his house, and she didn''t want to show her weakness to him here.


    However, Rufus remained deaf to her refusal. He got out of the car, opened the door, hoisted her on his


    shoulder roughly and walked towards the vi.


    Cassandra was being carried into the house before she could even register what was happening.


    "Put me down!" she screamed.


    She struggled in his grasp, kicking her legs and throwing her fists on Rufus''s back.


    "Stop it!" he snapped back.


    "Rufus, you demon!"


    "That makes two of us,"


    Rufus retorted coldly, ignoring her cries. He carried her directly into the bedroom and threw her down


    on the bed.


    Cassandra tried to sit up, but the next moment, he was trapping her with his weight.


    "Doesn''t this scene seem familiar?"


    Rufus whispered tauntingly in her ear. The smile on his face was cruel and vicious.


    "I loved you before, but I hate you this time!" he seethed.


    "What are you doing? Let go of me!" Cassandra screamed at him, trying to push him off her.


    His arms only tightened even more. "Let you go? Impossible. Listen carefully, Cassandra Qin. I''ll


    always get what I want. And it doesn''t matter how I get it."


    Rufus tugged at his tie. Then, he grabbed Cassandra''s hands and tied them together with it.


    "Rufus! You son of a bitch! You''re out of your mind. Let me go!"


    Cassandra was frightened. She could not move her hands as they were tightly tied together.


    "Go on and scream as much as you want. You won''t be able to curse me after tonight!"


    A cold smile yed on Rufus''s lips. His eyes were evil and cold, and Cassandra''s blood froze at the


    sight.


    "Rufus, let me go! Do you hear me?! If you force me this way, I will never ever forgive you!" she


    threatened.


    Cassandra saw the zed look in his eyes, just like the sky darkening before the storm. No one could


    stop him now.


    "I don''t care. You have never really loved me anyway. You can hate me as much as you want.


    I''ve said before that I won''t let you leave until I die. But now, I''d like to make sure you can''t leave me


    unless I die, or you die!"


    Rufus''s words were like sharp knives stabbing right into Cassandra''s heart, making deepcerations.


    Her heart thundered in fear.


    She closed her eyes as he towered over her. She didn''t want to see him this way. This was not the


    Rufus she knew. If this was how he wanted things, she would just bear whatever happened silently.


    She was so tired, and she had no more strength to fight him back. Right now, she was no different from


    amon whore to him. After he was done venting his anger, she would be free.


    By then, she would be a thorn in his flesh, and they wouldn''t be able to be together again.


    There was a smile on Rufus''s lips, but his eyes glowed with hatred.

 Chapter 244 Raging Through Her Body (Part One)

    Chapter 244 Raging Through Her Body (Part One)


    Cassandra was humiliated. Tears of shame ran down her cheeks.


    "I hate you, Rufus! I hate you so much as I have never hated anyone before!"


    Cassandra roared. The throbbing pressure on her body and her temples almost made her copse.


    "Go ahead! Hate me all you want! I don''t give a damn how you feel!" he shot back.


    The night seemed long and distressing. Finally, Rufusy asleep soundly beside her; his exhaustion


    was evident from the venting.


    Cassandra''s eyes widened at the sight of the man beside her.


    He was fast asleep. Despite his unguarded disposition, tension shone visibly on his face.


    His eyebrows were furrowed. ''What is he dreaming about?'' she thought.


    The tie around her wrists was loosened¡ªa product of her unrelenting struggle. Cassandra gingerly


    moved her hands and freed them bit by bit


    until they were finally fully hers again.


    She cautiously pushed herself up and was mildly surprised that Rufus did not wake up to this. He must


    be exhausted, not just physically, but also mentally.


    Every cell in her body hurt. Her wrists were bruised very badly.


    She was not sure how she could face the tyrant on the bed. She quietly went to the closet to get some


    clothes.


    It was better for her to leave before Rufus woke up.


    She pulled on her clothing, turned around and found Rufus staring right at her. She was taken aback.


    "Where are you going?"


    His icy voice almost made her jump. She began to tremble.


    The sound of the closet door woke him up but he waited until she got dressed to cover the bruises on


    her body.


    ''Does she think those clothes would be enough to cover the marks I left on her body? Does she really


    believe she could escape just like that?


    Cassandra, you are so naive!'' he jeered within.


    "I''m bare naked and you''re fully dressed but why are you still the one shaking? It''s like you have a


    cold,"


    he said mischievously. There was a hint of allure in his voice. Under normal circumstances, Cassandra


    might even think he was flirting with her.


    The situation now, however, was far from normal. Cassandra trembled and her legs grew weak. With all


    her strength, she worked hard to keep it together.


    "You''re clearly cold. Why don''t you go back to bed and let me warm you?"


    he said as he scooped Cassandra up and tossed her into the bed.


    "Let me warm you up since you feel so cold," he said as he pressed his body on hers.


    The torture was endless. He trampled her dignity until it was reduced to dust.


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    An unfamiliar feeling crept over her. It was as if her body and soul were going two opposite ways.


    She felt as if her soul were floating in the air, staring nkly at the woman and the man beneath.


    ''Cassandra, can you see? This is what you get when you offend Rufus. He is nothing like the


    affectionate and thoughtful gentleman you once knew. Upsetting him would grant you a revenge worse


    than hell.'' Right now, that was exactly how she felt.


    It pained her so much to find that the trust she once had for him was all a lie.


    The sun had risen. Rays of sunlight peeked into the room and fell on her bruised wrists.


    Cassandra woke to the brightness and warmth of sunlight.


    Rufus had gotten up, taken a bath and gotten dressed. He was wearing a tie.


    In his fine suit, he looked immacte. The gorgeous man that stood in his ce showed no trace of the


    tyrant from the night before.


    "Stay here. You are not allowed to go anywhere else. If you are not here when Ie back, trust me


    you''ll regret ever trying to leave,"


    he uttered frostily before he turned around to leave the room and m the door behind him.


    Cassandra shuddered as the door mmed shut. She retrieved her wrists from the sunlight and curled


    up into the quilt.


    ''So is this my punishment for breaking up with you, Rufus?'' she murmured inwardly.


    She wanted to cry but her tears had been drained.


    She stayed frozen, unable to move. Neither motivation nor strength was avable to her.


    ''Let me sink into the darkness! Let me go to hell! I won''t mind demons skinning and eating me alive! Let


    me be axed or fried in oil!


    Hold on! Hold on, Cassandra! Then we both will owe nothing to each other, ''


    Cassandra mused as she closed her eyes. She allowed relief to take over her the moment Rufus left


    and drifted into a deep, sound slumber.


    But Rufus was quite reserved that day. He dealt with his work as quickly as possible to make sure he


    was home the soonest that he could manage.


    Looking back, seeing the bruises on her wrists made him regret his actions a little.


    Rufus recalled that he bound her hands with his tie. The more she struggled, the more furious he


    became. She said nothing but "I hate you".


    Her voice had turned hoarse and she didn''t talk to him in the morning.


    He dumped all her clothes to make sure she would not be able to leave the vi.


    But as he cooled down, he began to reflect on whether he overdid it.


    He loved her. She possibly said what she did in a fit of anger. Why did he take her too seriously? Why


    did he abuse her like that? He must have hurt her, not just physically, but emotionally as well. He


    scolded himself, ''What have I done?''


    He wanted so badly to make it up to her. The thought of how much she feared him that morning


    horrified him. She could not even look at him.


    When Cassandra woke, the sky was already dark. She slept the whole day.


    And as she opened her eyes, she began to feel the pains on her body again.


    The wounds caused pain¡ªsharp pain.


    Cassandra felt as if her head was about to explode. The torn skin on her legs made her wonder


    whether she could walk today.


    And, she was very thirsty. She struggled to push herself up and reach for the ss on the bedside


    table. Her hand trembled. Involuntarily, she dropped the ss and it shattered on the floor.


    It smashed into pieces. She bent down to clear the mess but pangs of pain shot from all over her body.


    Suddenly, her legs failed and sent her plummeting down into the pile of ss remains, causing a


    wound to her finger.


    Hurriedly, she pulled the pieces of ss out of her skin which caused even more blood toe out.


    Suddenly, her phone rang from inside her jacket pocket on the ground.


    She reached out and answered.


    "Cassandra, I saw a report about you in the paper! You have been nominated for the Top Ten


    Outstanding Youth Award of G City! Congrattions!"


    Dylon''s ecstatic voice said from the other end of the line.


    Cassandra remained silent. The news was not enough to lighten her mood.


    Suddenly, the bedroom door swung open and a tall figure stood stunned at the scene that weed


    him.


    "So you tried to kill yourself to escape me?"


    Rufus said as he slowly went closer, one step at a time. HIs eyes burned with rage.


    He felt so bad about what he didst night that he decided toe back and check on her. He even


    brought her thetest spring outfit which he asked his assistant to buy for him.


    But as the door opened, he saw her sitting dazedly with the ss debris on the ground.


    Dylon was perplexed with Cassandra''s silence.


    "Cassandra, can you hear me?" he asked.


    Rufus knew the voice. It was familiar, it was Dylon''s!


    "And you are asking him for help or are you bidding him goodbye before you take your own life?" he


    asked.


    He was very close now, squatting right in front of her, scrutinizing her face and trying to read every


    detail.


    Color had already drained from Cassandra''s cheeks. She could sense the heat of Rufus''s rage and


    boiling hatred.

 Chapter 245 Raging Through Her Body (Part Two)

    Chapter 245 Raging Through Her Body (Part Two)


    Confused, Dylon ended the call thinking that it was probably the poor reception. The dial tone disturbed


    the room''s deafening silence.


    "What a pity. He doesn''t even seem to care about you that much. Your call for help fell on indifferent


    ears," Rufus uttered.


    He watched her with his icy gaze as his lips curled into a sarcastic smile.


    "Is that how you n to get rid of me? Through death? Cassandra, none of your attempts have


    seeded so far. Do you need me to inspire you more?"


    Rufus reached over, picked up a shard of ss, grabbed her wrist, and ced the broken piece up to


    her wrist.


    "Honey, cutting your hand doesn''t work, except for bleeding and having a scar, far from fatal at all. See


    here? Here is the artery. You should cut it swiftly. You understand? Hard and fast. With one clean


    stroke, you''ll be able to tear your skin and blood will flow out of your artery,"


    Rufus said as he slid the ss gently on her skin. The ice-cold shard of ss sent chills down her


    spine. She began to shiver.


    "But this way of bleeding is so slow, your body will grow cold as the blood drains and your


    consciousness will slowly go away with it. Then, you will start to convulse, just like a dying ant..."


    Rufus whispered slowly in her ear, eyeing her ashen face.


    This woman tried to kill herself! He thought that it was best he did something to scare her so she will


    not try to do it again.


    "Now, do you still want to put an end to your life?" he asked.


    The warmth of his breath passed from her ear to her neck. No matter how close he was to her body,


    she felt no warmth within her.


    "Didn''t you say... I cannot leave you until I die?"


    Cassandra stuttered, opening her shaking lips, in a voice too hoarse to bear.


    Rufus knitted his eyebrows, suddenly wondering if she was dehydrated throughout the day.


    "No, I changed my mind. Even when you die, I''ll make sure I still have you. I will dig your body out and


    put it in my future grave. Then, we would be together again after we die,"


    he said as his lip curled up into a menacingly dazzling smile. The look on his face made the hair on her


    arms stand.


    Cassandra felt despair sweep all over her. It seemed that she had no way to escape Rufus. He would


    go after her no matter what. ''Am I going to be his prisoner for the rest of my life, '' she wondered.


    Rufus scooped her up and put her on the bed. He picked up all the ss shards by hand and dumped


    them. Then, he turned on the sweeping robot to let it finish the job.


    While he cleaned up, Cassandra sat leaning her head on her legs, motionless.


    Grimacing with pain, there was a look of confusion and destion in her eyes.


    Rufus took out a tube of ointment from the first aid kit. Then, he grabbed Cassandra''s wrist and applied


    the solution to her wounds.


    "Think again before pulling a stunt like this next time! I said I would never let you go! Don''t waste your


    effort and energy!"


    Rufus warned her sternly. Still, physically, he stayed gentle.


    He also applied the ointment on her bruises and smoothed it evenly.


    The burning pain around her wrists earlier was soon reced by a soothing cool feeling.


    After applying the ointment, Rufus held a ss of water and stuffed it into her hand roughly.


    "Drink up,"


    hemanded. Still, Cassandra remained motionless, looking at the ss nkly.


    Her head was light and she felt dizzy with the thought of being his prisoner for the rest of her life. There


    were so many things she still wanted to do.


    Seeing her stare mindlessly made Rufus lose his temper again. He felt as if Cassandra was defying


    him on purpose.


    But he had plenty of ways to make her drink.


    With a cold smile, he took a swig of the water, cupped Cassandra''s chin and pressed her lips to his.


    Before she realized to resist, her dry throat subconsciously epted the mouthful of water. Her burning


    throat felt better instantly.


    "So do you want to me to continue or are you going to drink yourself?" he asked.


    In haste, Cassandra took the ss from him and downed the water.


    Rufus smiled smugly and watched her drinking up the water.


    "Go downstairs to eat something," he said.


    His voice remained harsh and menacing, making Cassandra fail to notice the gleam of concern in his


    eyes.


    She got up submissively and put on one of his white shirts Rufus flung at her, then followed him


    downstairs.


    Rufus brought back delectable dishes from a restaurant. The crispy and inviting delicacies gave her an


    appetite.


    Cassandra was really hungry. She ate enthusiastically with her face buried in the te of her food. She


    didn''t put down the chopsticks until her dizziness caused by low blood sugar faded away.


    "Are you full?"


    Rufus asked in his husky voice.


    Cassandra nodded. Now, she had the strength and energy to think clearly.


    She told herself that a negotiation with Rufus was imperative. She couldn''t stay here while the Qin


    Group needed her. Herpany would be in a tumult if she still wouldn''t show up in her office.


    "I have to go to work tomorrow, I cannot stay here all the time!"


    Cassandra finally said. Her tone about this was tough and firm.


    "All right. Tomorrow morning, you and I will go to get the marriage license in the Civil Affairs Bureau,


    and then you can do whatever you like," he replied.


    R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    His reply shocked Cassandra.


    ''What the hell is going on in his mind? How can he raise this kind of idea?


    Does he know what marriage means?'' she thought.


    "What if I say no?"


    Cassandra replied.


    "This is only with the condition that you give me a child. Once you bear a child, I will let you do


    whatever you want,"


    Rufus said with a serious look on the face as he looked into Cassandra''s eyes which widened in


    disbelief.


    "You talk about having a baby as if it were as simple as asking me to drink water. Do they look the


    same to you? Look, Rufus, I am going to split up with you. Why on earth will I choose to give you a


    baby?" she said.


    She initially thought he was joking. ''Bear him a child? Is today April Fool''s day?'' she sneered within her.


    "Two choices: First, get the license with me to be my legal wife. The other one, bear me a child before I


    give you freedom! Otherwise, like I said, I won''t let you go,"


    Rufus said, maintaining an intense gaze.


    He knew Cassandra would have no heart to leave him if they have a child. Rufus suppressed the


    tion inside him for his ideas.


    No matter which choice Cassandra made, she would be kept with him tightly, of course. Even if she


    chose the first alternative, marrying him was the wiser choice, he gloated sneakily.


    Cassandra took a deep breath before she uttered something that would drop his jaw, "Okay, we should


    make an agreement. After one year, we will not owe each other after I give birth to a child," she


    counteroffered.


    Determination emanated from her eyes. She knew Rufus well. She knew his slyness so she decided


    that the best course of action for this moment was to y along.


    Now, it was Rufus''s turn to be stunned.


    He did not expect Cassandra to agree to his mad request. His originall n was to force her to marry


    him.


    "You would rather bear an illegitimate child than marry me?" he asked.


    He felt a spasm of anger surging inside him. As far as he knew, Cassandra always cherished her


    reputation. It perplexed him thinking what drove her to choose to be an unwed mother? That was crazy!

 Chapter 246 Raging Through Her Body (Part Three)

    Chapter 246 Raging Through Her Body (Part Three)


    But Cassandra thought otherwise. For a man that only saw her as a childbearing body, marriage was


    nothing but a tool!


    ''This is ridiculous. I can not believe it but I am still in love with him at this moment! I''m such a cheap


    and worthless person...'' she was mad at herself.


    Having a child with Rufus was supposed to send happy thoughts through her head.


    Still, it saddened her that her child, though could be materially satisfied by Rufus, wouldn''t grow up in a


    whole family.


    "Rufus, what is the problem? You gave your condition and I epted it," Cassandra asked.


    There was finally a smile on her face at this moment but it was not the kind that he expected. It pained


    him to see this kind of smile.


    "Nothing bad, okay. We can observe it from now on," he replied.


    Rufus wasn''t sure of when he started to find it difficult topose himself around Cassandra. When


    she implied that she was willing to sacrifice a year of her life just to get rid of him, rage started to burn


    inside him.


    He was tired of being a gentleman. He reached over, sped her waist and hoisted her up on the table.


    Rufus noticed her tenseness. Suddenly he heaved a sigh and tightened his hug.


    R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    "Not today! Tomorrow, you will not go back to your apartment after work. I will arrange a driver to pick


    you up so you don''t have to feel guilty for using thepany vehicle for personal needs," he said.


    Rufus knew how she thought. She did her best not to use thepany vehicles for private purposes.


    In regr times, Cassandra would refuse. But in today''s situation, she had no say in the decision.


    Rufus held her in his arms and put her into the tub before he turned on the warm water. He said


    nothing as he washed her.


    Cassandra was worried that he would take advantage of her again but to her surprise, he just bathed


    her with great care and no trace of violence.


    She wondered whether he had been stung by his guilty conscience and thought he might have


    regretted what he had done.


    Cassandra wanted to talk to Rufus but as soon as she opened her mouth, it closed the next second.


    Rufus had seen through Cassandra''s thoughts. His lips curled into a crooked smile. He teased, "Don''t


    take this wrong way. I know that today is not your ovtion date. I wouldn''t bother to waste my energy!"


    Cassandra felt like a basin of cold water was poured all over her. Sure enough, he wanted nothing but


    a child. Rufus had lived with her for a long time, so he knew very well about her physiological period.


    And there was surely no difficulty for him in calcting the ovtion period and the safety period.


    ''Waste his energy? Well, how much he loves himself!'' she snorted inwardly.


    Cassandra was put on the bed and covered with a quilt. She drifted into sleep right away, unbothered


    by hunger or thirst.


    She was so exhausted.


    Rufus sat by the bed, looking down at her sleeping face.


    Half of it was buried under the quilt, leaving her arched eyebrows and delicate nose for his viewing.


    Her eyshes fell on the dark circles under her eyes that made her look rather withered.


    Anyway, she made a choice. Though it pissed him off, for now at least, she would have no excuse to


    leave him.


    One year. One yearter she might have a chance to leave him but during the year, he would use other


    means to make her stay.


    ''Cassandra, don''t try to leave me, piss me off, or fool me!'' he said to her silently.


    As he watched her face, his eyes were alight with ease and joy as some inspiration sprung into his


    mind.


    In a state of intense agitation, Ivy mmed theptop before her. Thinking about Jill''s remarks from the


    night before filled her with panic.


    "Ivy, you have taken a long time to nourish your health. I think it wouldn''t affect your health if you and


    Lionel n to have another child now. You''d better have a child when you are young because a young


    woman recovers more quickly from childbearing than an elder woman does,"


    Jill told her as she held her hands. Concern and sincerity emanated from her and Ivy just smiled and


    nodded, suppressing the grievance inside her.


    So far, the Tangs still hadn''t given her a legitimate identity. Horace and Jill remained silent despite the


    fact that she had lived with the Tangs for such a long time. Even Lionel had never mentioned a word


    about marrying her.


    She had driven away Cassandra by her schemes but this now wasn''t what she wanted.


    What was worse, Lionel had be more and more distant from her. He didn''t touch her despite the


    fact that they slept in the same bed.


    He used to be so obsessed with her body but now he was indifferent. This brought a sense of crisis


    sweeping over her.


    Ivy faintly sensed that Lionel found something out or was suspected something mysterious about her


    miscarriage.


    Although he had not mentioned anything and treated her with respect in the presence of his parents,


    there were times when she was utterly ignored by him.


    Moreover, she couldn''t fail to notice that whenever Lionel met Cassandra, he was not able to take his


    eyes off her. He looked at her with as much intensity, if not more, as he did with Ivy when he was still


    obsessed with her.


    She tried to keep it all inside as to not break the superficial harmony since she couldn''t bear to think


    what would happen to her if she dared to confront him.


    Two female colleagues'' chitchat pulled Ivy from her reverie.


    "Hey, I have recently heard that there is fortune teller who can tell you about when exactly you can get


    pregnant. Aren''t you preparing for pregnancy? Why not consult her?" one woman asked.


    "No kidding, I cannot believe you do believe in the superstition! I only believe in science. Measuring


    body temperature daily and using the ovtion test strips would be okay," the other one replied.


    "I am not joking. Some people I know have asked for her advice and are all pregnant now," the first


    woman said with amazement.


    "But I won''t. I just don''t like people who babble on about mystifying these kinds of stuff,"


    Their remarks made Ivy feel more agitated. ''Child, child, child, so I can never get out of this damned


    situation unless I am pregnant with another child?'' she couldn''t help thinking.


    But how could she get pregnant given Lionel''s cold attitude toward her? The thought made her more


    upset.


    "Ivy, Miss Ke would like to see you in her office,"


    Amanda''s assistant said as she came in.


    Ivy got to her feet and made her way to Amanda''s office.


    Actually, Ivy''s duties couldn''t be lighter and easier, in spite of the fat sry.


    Ivy was anticipated that Miss Ke would talk to her someday since nopany would give a high sry


    to an employee producing no results.


    To her confusion, though, Amanda said nothing but inquired about her recent work.


    "Ivy, you don''t look very cheerful recently. Your eyebrows are always knitted together. Is there


    something wrong between you and Mr. Tang?"


    Amanda asked with concern, looking at Ivy with a serious gaze.


    Ivy was stunned. She was not aware that her emotions have been so obvious on her face.


    "Miss Ke, we are fine, I can deal with that myself,"


    Ivy managed a smile, ufortably.


    "Ivy, I take you as my friend. As a woman, I know what you are afraid of. Mr. Tang hasn''t married you


    so your affiliation with the Tangs still waits to be acknowledged, right?"


    Amanda stood up, walked towards Ivy, and pulled her to sit on the sofa with her.


    "Ivy, I think, you should have a baby. Only in this way will your status in the Tangs be solidified,"


    Amanda said. Her words surprised Ivy.

 Chapter 247 Raging Through Her Body (Part Four)

    Chapter 247 Raging Through Her Body (Part Four)


    She continued, "Ivy, I am unmarried but we know what a child means to a family. As long as a woman


    has her child, her status in the family would be consolidated."


    A sincere look was on Amanda''s face and she sounded so thoughtful.


    "It is true. But Lionel has been quite busy. We... It has been a long time since west..."


    Ivy stuttered with a little embarrassment.


    She had a hunch that Amanda might be able to help her and even help her to restore her status in the


    Tang family!


    Ivy noticed a gleam of bashfulness shed across Amanda''s face. ''After all, she is a virgin, unlike me


    who is experienced.


    s, how unfortunate my fate is!'' she sighed internally.


    Amanda thought for a while before she went on with sincerity, "Ivy, we know men need a little passion.


    Probably it is because you are too familiar with each other, and he got some so-called aesthetic fatigue


    for you. How about making a change of yourself? Or change an environment when you are together,


    perhaps you will have different feelings about each other," she suggested.


    Amanda''s eyes were full of concern for Ivy.


    "I also think it might be a factor that we are also confronted with the seven-year itch. But I just have no


    idea how to make the change," Ivy confided.


    She had tried a variety of fashionable clothes, attempting to seduce Lionel by her appearance. Still, it


    would only take Lionel two days before he returned to his coldness again.


    "I have an idea. One of my friends has an open vi hotel at the seaside of G City. It is fairly romantic


    and made especially for couples. Would you like to go for a try? I can arrange a service package for


    you,"


    Amanda suggested, pleased. She knew that Ivy was seriously considering her suggestion. She totally


    gained her trust.


    "Lionel and I have traveled to many ces. I am afraid he wouldn''t be interested in the seaside vis in


    G City,"


    R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    Ivy hesitated, with an apprehensive look on her face.


    "Don''t worry, I will fix this. It is not only about a seaside vi vocation. Use your inner awesomeness to


    touch him, given his fatigue of your looks!"


    Amanda added with assurance, smiling. Her eyes and eyebrows radiated her triumphant tion.


    Ivy couldn''t help but reminisce that she once had been as proud as Amanda right now. At those times,


    Lionel''s intense eyes were always glued to her, and so to speak, she was the center of his universe.


    But as Lionel began to know Cassandra, she could sense his passion for her fading bit by bit until none


    seemed to have remained.


    "My inner... For Lionel, I am afraid it has always been my appearance that he has fallen in love with..."


    Ivy muttered with a wry smile, a bleak look on her face.


    When she was a little girl, she made a big bet on her youth and beauty for her marriage into a mega-


    wealthy family. And at one point, she felt so close to her goal and she was almost there but


    Cassandra''s marriage with Lionel messed all of it up! Her ideal situation began to turn worst and worst.


    Youth and beauty were so transient. Would she still be able to regain Lionel''s heart with her present


    looks? She doubted with dejection.


    "Don''t underestimate yourself. I believe that every woman has her own unique strength. You, for


    instance, are quite sociable. Look, in the elite circle of G City, who hasn''t heard of your name?"


    Amanda tried to cheer Ivy up. The smile on her face seemed to show an admiration for her. Ivy couldn''t


    help but feel gratitude toward Amanda.


    Who was Amanda, after all? She was a famous pianist both at home and abroad. And look at Ivy, she


    was nothing more than a mistress of Lionel. Amanda went out of her way to show her care and help to


    solve her problem. The thought made Ivy to side with Amanda instantly.


    "That is a thing of the past. Actually, I have no virtue other than being versed in socializing with vain


    women which makes no difference in how things are between me and Lionel," she reasoned.


    The eyes of Ivy were full of gloom although she was still grateful for Amanda.


    "No, Ivy, you can do better. Trust me, I''m here to help you out of this!"


    Amanda looked at Ivy in earnest. Her insistence lighted up the hope in Ivy''s heart.


    "Miss Ke..."


    Ivy wanted to express her gratitude toward Amanda but was interrupted by thetter.


    "It''s Amanda," she corrected Ivy. "We are friends now."


    A sweet smile spread over her mouth. The innocence of a child and the charm of a woman were


    perfectly mixed in her smile by which even Ivy was enthralled.


    "Amanda, you are so nice!"


    Ivy''s eyes turned moist. For so many years, she had no true friends who could sincerely help her. The


    celebrities she knew were a cluster of women pursuing nothing but fame and vanity.


    For so many years, all her efforts had been spent on catching Lionel''s attention. She traded her own


    youth and body off for the vi, money, handbags, and countless clothes and jewels.


    What she wanted most, however, seemed to be getting farther and farther, more and more out of reach


    for her.


    "Remember, Ivy? We are friends! Ivy, listen. What Mr. Tang needs is apetent assistant, a good


    wife who can give him support both at home and at work. The man of his age needs the sess of his


    career," Amanda exined.


    Ivy listened attentively.


    "But what can I do? I haven''t engaged in any work before my present post. I have no idea what to do


    for him,"


    Ivy said with a look of confusion on her face. She thought of Cassandra who had expertise in design,


    even Horace thought highly of her.


    "Don''t worry, let''s y patiently,"


    Amanda ced her hands on Ivy''s shoulders with sincerity.


    ''A woman who is indulging in her own world and wants to get a man''s favor through beauty is doomed


    to get nowhere.


    But... this is exactly what I want and I will make the most of it, '' she thought secretly to herself.


    "So... What should I do right now?"


    Ivy asked, gazing at Amanda with her eyes full of eager pleading. She held Amanda''s hands as if she


    were clutching a lifeline.


    "Well, I am about to arrange a meeting with Mr. Tang about the project of a piano school. You cane


    along for that meeting. I have a friend who wants me to introduce them to the Tang Group to inquire


    about the construction of an office building. When I dere that it is you who won this case, I believe


    he will look at you with fresh eyes!"


    Amanda smiled, artlessly and innocently.


    "Really? Can this change the way Lionel thinks about me?"


    Ivy asked, with an air of uncertainty. After all, without any experience in negotiation, she feared she


    would screw up.


    "This friend and I are in good terms. I rmended only the Tang Group. He will definitely sign a


    contract with us. It is only a matter of time. I will teach you what to say, don''t worry about it!"


    Amanda''s promise dispelled the anxiety and fears inside Ivy who became more grateful to Amanda.


    "Amanda, I don''t know how to express my appreciation for your help,"


    Ivy said, so grateful to Amanda who possessed beauty and virtues.


    "Ivy, you know, I love Rufus. Though there is some discord between Mr. Tang and Rufus, they are still


    brothers. And they will get over that eventually. If we are lucky, we will be sisters-inw and


    family. So it is my pleasure to help you."


    Amanda''s remark echoed in the heart of Ivy, reminding her of her ultimate purpose of marrying Lionel.


    Amanda wanted to marry Rufus, therefore, in a sense, they were alike.


    But Ivy failed to notice a hint of slyness shing through Amanda''s eyes.


    ''What a stupid woman! I have thought it would be more difficult to deal with her. Instead, it was easy as


    pie, '' she thought to herself.


    Yes, she was going to marry Rufus, but she didn''t want to see anyone vie with Rufus. For her, Ivy was


    no more than a handy weapon which could serve to remove those people standing in Rufu''s way.

 Chapter 248 The Trap (Part One)

    Chapter 248 The Trap (Part One)


    It seemed as if Cassandra had been stripped of all her privacy and freedom. There was always


    someone to drive her to work and take her back to the Garden Vi. They even followed her when she


    went shopping or simply took a walk on the street! The mania was driving her crazy!


    "Can you please ask your people to stop following me?"


    She finally started to negotiate with Rufus. She felt so ufortable being eyed all the time, but had


    no other choice.


    "Of course. I will ask them to be unnoticeable,"


    Rufus said, shrugging with a nonchnt look which angered Cassandra.


    "What I want is for them to vanish! I don''t want to be tailed after! I don''t want them near me


    whatsoever! I don''t want to be monitored! I am not a criminal!"


    Cassandra said, finally breaking lose. She red at Rufus in the hope that he would see she was


    genuinely frustrated. On the contrary, he wore a casual smile. Oh, how she wished she could wipe it off


    his face!


    "Okay, okay. Even if you''re not a criminal, you''re still someone who has escaped me once. What if you


    run away again? I need to keep an eye on you, right?" Rufus said, teasingly.


    His unbothered attitude annoyed her to the bone.


    "What the hell, Rufus! Do you think I''ll just disappear into thin air? Just tell them to stop following me! I


    really cannot take it anymore," Cassandra demanded.


    She controlled the urge to shout at him and tried talking some sense into him, instead. But Rufus was


    so stuck on his point that he angered her even more! In the end, she had to keep herself sane by


    clenching her teeth and fists.


    "Alright, then. Agree to marry me, and I''ll order my people to stay away from you."


    Rufus''s mouth turned into a mischievous smile as he raised his eyebrows at her. Cassandra felt


    defeated.


    "Rufus, I swear I''ll call the police and report that some random strangers are following me! And it will all


    lead them to you!" Cassandra tried to threaten him, desperate and helpless.


    Watching Rufus unmoved and unaffected, she resorted to actually contact the police and win this


    battle. She tossed her head up, feigning confidence, as if she had the upper hand in this conversation.


    However, her futile attempts at acting only widened Rufus''s smile.


    "Great! So...do you want me to introduce you to the head of the police station?"


    Truth was, even if Cassandra was serious about this, it wouldn''t make any difference. The head of the


    police station was one of his close friends!


    Since the car ident, Rufus had been taking extra caution to protect Cassandra. As a preventive


    measure, he had arranged for some people to keep an eye on her, 24/7. Whoever was after them had


    even tried to kill Rufus. It seemed like they could go to any lengths to carry out their motives.


    But after this event, Rufus changed his strategy. He instructed his people to remain hidden behind the


    scene instead of staying out into the open.


    Previously, his guards followed her tantly, so that Cassandra would be aware of them and not try to


    escape. This entire n was just to scare her.


    Now that she was aware of their presence, Rufus had achieved what he wanted.


    Presently, he pressed his warm body against her, with a yearning fire burning in his eyes.


    "Today''s my safe day. Just forget about it. Save your energy!"


    Cassandra put on an unwilling face, her eyes cautious and defensive.


    Rufus couldn''t help but get irritated. ''Does she really think I have done all this just so I could have a


    baby with her?'' he wondered.


    "Well, since you''ve already signed the agreement, I will just enjoy my rights,"


    Rufus intentionally teased her. And indeed, he was satisfied to see her flushed face.


    "Asshole!"


    There was nothing else she could bring herself to say even after having searched for a better word in


    her mind for a few seconds. Her cursing made him grin even more wickedly.


    "Right, there''s an asshole side of me too. You want a taste of it?"


    ...


    There was a grandiose cottage hotel in G City, located near the sea. In the restaurant, sulent steaks


    lay served on a long dining table with a ss of wine for everyone attending the dinner. The color of the


    wine was a deep red; its smell was pure and tangy. One could say it was of the highest quality without


    even sipping from it.


    The guests attending the dinner were none other than Amanda, Lionel and Ivy. Soon, the waiters


    served them with clean towels and steaming hot food.


    "Thank you so much, Mr. Tang, for thepromise you''ve made for my friend''s project. I can see that


    the price has reached the breaking-even point for Tang Group. I really appreciate the discount you


    gave her. If there are any more projects, I will make sure that Tang Group benefits from them next


    time,"


    Amanda smiled mildly, speaking in an impably polite manner.


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    "I also want to thank you, Miss Ke, for connecting us. It''s too polite of you! I will definitely do my best to


    help your friend."


    Lionel was delighted. This was thergest project he had contracted in ofte, which had expelled the


    gloom he was experiencing at having lost to Dawn Star Group continually.


    "The person you need to thank isn''t me, but Ivy,"


    Amanda giggled, and turned to look at Ivy.


    "It was inevitable for me not to be in the best position to negotiate with my friend on your behalf,


    especially regarding the price. However, Ivy is different. I introduced her to Ivy first and they became


    friends pretty quick. After that, I told my friend Ivy is your girlfriend which led her to ask me all kinds of


    questions about Tang group."


    Amanda faked an appreciative expression, looking at Ivy. Anyone could easily be beguiled by


    Amanda''s convincing acting and would think she was truly grateful for Ivy''s help.


    Lionel, falsely believing her performance, turned his head toward Ivy, with a surprised look.


    He had always thought Ivy was merely someone who would indulge herself in the extravagant purses,


    cosmetics, perfumes and clothes. He could never imagine her helping him with his business.


    Ivy could tell how surprised he was. She lifted her head and smiled at him confidently.


    "Ivy is a capable negotiator. I think her potential hasn''t been discovered fully. I even feel that her role in


    my studio is hindering her own development. After my piano school is set up, I will definitely arrange a


    more suitable position for her,"


    Amanda spoke highly of Ivy, sipping from her wine ss.


    At the same time, a rare sense of love rose in Lionel''s heart.


    ''It seems, '' he thought, ''that I don''t fully know Ivy.''


    He had always believed Ivy paid too much attention to her appearance and had no real talents or


    potentials. But Amanda talked of her so highly! He felt like he had underestimated her.


    "I would like to thank you for giving Ivy this precious opportunity on her behalf. I will be monitoring your


    project myself to make sure that it goes on well!" Lionel said.


    He began to feel ted. If Ivy was granted the opportunity to pursue her career under Amanda, she


    would certainly benefit from the vast connections Amanda had and even be able to introduce more


    clients to him. This was a great opportunity for him as well!

 Chapter 249 The Trap (Part Two)

    Chapter 249 The Trap (Part Two)


    "I forgot to mention, this cottage belongs to my friend. It hasn''t started serving officially yet. But, you


    can stay here tonight and be the first guests. I believe it will be an exotic experience."


    Amanda snapped her fingers. A steward approached her and bowed.


    "Miss Ke, is there anything I can help you with?"


    His politeness was impable. He clearly seemed trained very well for this job.


    "Ready the best room for Mr. Tang and Miss Luo. They are going to spend the night here post dinner."


    It seemed like Amanda knew this ce and the staff very well.


    "Okay, Miss Ke."


    The steward bowed again before he exited the dining room. Amanda finished thest piece of steak on


    her te and stood up, saying, "The atmosphere here is quite soothing. Though it may not be as good


    as the most famous shore cities, it has a feeling of its own. If you still want any more food, feel free to


    ask the steward to prepare it for you. I will excuse myself, now. Good night. It was nice meeting you,


    Mr. Tang."


    She shook hands with both Ivy and Lionel, then waved them goodbye, walking out.


    As she stepped outside the ce, Amanda turned back to nce at the cottage. Her smiling eyes


    turned to squinting.


    ''Ivy, don''t me me for being too cruel. This is how the real world works¡ªthe more powerful ones prey


    on the weaker ones. Unfortunately, you are too weak to be a predator, so take this chance and be my


    prey, '' she thought smugly.


    Lionel and Ivy still sat at the table. It had been forever since they had dinner together. They gazed at


    each other in awe in the flickering glow of the candle light, feeling the unprecedented charm of the


    other.


    Ivy''s alluring red lips were slightly parted. Her eyes seemed to twinkle like stars.


    "Lionel, you might be getting really tired these days. I noticed you don''t even sleep inte like you used


    to."


    Just like the dinner, it had been long since Ivy said anything caring or empathetic to Lionel. He felt


    some warmth emanating from her voice.


    "Yeah...the tension between Tang Group and Dawn Star Group has heightened to another level. I


    cannot afford to rx."


    As soon as he mentioned business, he recalled Horace''s disappointed face whenever he looked at


    him. Almost immediately, the tion was reced by depression.


    "Lionel, I want to work with you in the future. I don''t like to see you so exhausted everyday."


    Ivy slid her hand toward his, clutching it tightly.


    Her fingers were slender, with nails painted rose-red. Looking at her hand, Lionel suddenly recalled


    something.


    He looked up at her innocent face, and instantly fell into musings of the past.


    He recalled the time when they had first started their rtionship. He stood on the ground near her


    dorm, waiting for her to finish showering. When she came out, her long hair, still mildly wet, rested


    down on her shoulders and her back casually. He could smell the lovely fragrance of the shampoo as


    he drew closer to her.


    Ivy seemed to dwell in her own reveries too. Both found the world around them fading, turning into the


    lovely past they had shared with each other.


    The atmosphere was so cozy, they might as well have felt a fire warming their hearts. They kept staring


    straight into each other''s eyes.


    Breaking their trance, the steward walked into the restaurant and reported in a respectful tone, "Mr.


    Tang, Miss Luo, the room is ready for you."


    It was the moment Ivy had been waiting for. They got up, and still holding hands, followed the steward


    into the room.


    The entire room was decorated in a Mediterranean style. It was quite spacious and very carefully


    designed. The interior was genuinely tasteful and captivating.


    The steward politely asked for his leave and closed the door behind him as he walked away.


    It seemed like they had entered a small world of their own. They continued to gaze at each other


    lovingly.


    Outside, the torrents hit the shore, as if they were telling some old stories.


    Next morning, Ivy woke up with a heavy head. She could barely make her eyes open.


    She could still hear the sounds of torrents, which kept beating the reef.


    A small smile crept up her lips, her cheeks turning pink. The night she had spent with Lionel yed like


    a film in front of her eyes.


    Slowly, she managed to open her eyes. A many next to her with his sturdy and stout back facing her.


    He stirred in his sleep, slowly waking up. His mumbling voice sounded unfamiliar. Finally, he turned on


    his back and looked at Ivy in confusion.


    Ivy''s pupils dted in shock! The man wasn''t Lionel!


    "Ah!"


    she screamed, utterly terrified.


    The strange man recovered from his daze and started to smile slyly.


    "Excuse me? I paid for you. What is that reaction supposed to mean?"


    He had a neat face, but his smile was cunning and yful.


    "Who are you? How did you get here?"


    Ivy''s head started to spin. It felt like the entire world was copsing around her.


    "Excuse me, beautiful? We slept together and then dozed off about 2 hours ago. Have you already


    forgotten my face?"


    The man frowned. His cocky smile remained which only annoyed Ivy more.


    "Stop it! I spent the night with my boyfriend! Who the hell are you!"


    Ivy was horrified.


    ''Where is Lionel? How did he turn into this stranger?'' she kept asking herself.


    Before she could say anything further, someone knocked on the door heavily. It was Amanda.


    "Ivy! What''s happening? I aming in now!"


    She made herself talk in urgency but her face looked otherwise. There was a joyful smile on it. She


    was curious to know how Ivy would react.


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    Ivy was losing her mind. She wished for all of it to be a nightmare.


    But why would she even have such a bizarre dream?


    "What the fuck! What''s this! Are you trying to ckmail me?" the man grumbled, getting up.


    He picked up his scattered clothes from around the room and started dressing himself.


    "Well, let me tell you. I am not afraid of your tricks. Worst case scenario, I''ll settle things with you in the


    police station. Then show me what you have to say about this!


    I mean,e on! Is this how prostitutes are supposed to behave?"


    The man looked furious as if he really was wronged.


    Ivypletely nked out.


    ''Can someone tell me what''s going on here?'' she screamed inwardly. The shock made her forget how


    to utter words.


    Amanda, who was waiting outside the room, seemed to have heard themotion. She asked the


    steward to open the room with the spare key.


    As the key turned into the lock, Ivy slid back on the bed, leaning against the wall, trembling in fear. She


    didn''t know what to expect anymore.


    Within the next few seconds, Amanda pushed the door open. She lookedpletely astonished as her


    eyesnded upon the man.


    "Who are you?"


    Amanda asked aloud. She then turned to Ivy, who sat wrapped in a nket, sweating and shivering.


    Her eyes darted from the man to Ivy, as if waiting for either of them to give her an exnation.


    "Let me tell you, girl. I know you are providing elite level of services from some highly organized group,


    but that isn''t enough to intimidate me. I swear you can''t cheat me, bitch!"


    The man put up an unbridled face, pointing his finger right at Amanda''s nose as he spoke angrily.

 Chapter 250 The Trap (Part Three)

    Chapter 250 The Trap (Part Three)


    Amanda took a step toward him and pushed his finger away. She then turned to the steward, who


    stood as dumbfounded as the rest of them.


    "Who is this? I thought you said the cottage hadn''t started serving yet.


    Who is this guy then?" Amanda questioned, again.


    Her expression was a mix of disgust and fury. She couldn''t help but raise her voice at the steward.


    "He¡­ he is my master''s son..."


    the steward stuttered answering. He could barely bring himself to speak in such an embarrassing


    situation. Honestly, he was at aplete loss as well.


    "Hey, you. What is this? Who are these two women?"


    The man yelled even louder than Amanda, just as arrogant and rude as before.


    "Sir¡­ Sir, she is the daughter of master''s friends," the steward replied, pointing at Amanda. "Last night,


    her friend, this youngdy, slept in this room."


    The steward was so terrified that he was trembling.


    Dead silence followed his answer. Ivy was stupefied, having found who the man was.


    ''This man is the son of the owner of this ce?


    He thought I was a prostitute?


    Oh my goodness How did I get involved in thisplicated matter?'' Ivy thought, her heart still beating


    fast.


    "Can you please leave the room first? We can talk once Miss Luo is dressed," Amanda toned down


    and requested the man.


    She was the first person to recover from the shock and confusions of the situation, and to break the


    awkward silence. Before he could go out, she thought it was sensible to already warn them.


    "I don''t want this to go out of this room. If any of you try to mention this to anyone, I swear I will make


    you pay for it!"


    Amanda gritted her teeth as she spoke, her lips twisted in anger. The man sneered at her before he


    exited, mming the door behind him. Amanda and Ivy remained in the room.


    Just as the door closed, Ivy slumped onto the floor. The force with which she was supporting herself in


    front of that stranger vanished right after he left. All life drained out of her eyes. She looked absolutely


    disconste and broken.


    "What happened? All I remember is I was with Lionelst night. Where did this mane from?"


    Ivy mumbled to herself, unable to ept what the circumstances were telling her.


    "Ivy, stop panicking. First, put your clothes on. This ce is under CCTV surveince. I can ask the


    steward to check the recordings of the corridor fromst night. We''ll find out what happened, soon.


    Please, try to keep calm. Anxiety will do you no good."


    Amanda kept trying to console her, picking up her clothes from the floor and handing them to her.


    "I will wait for you outside. Take your time to get dressed. The surveince system is located in thest


    room on the first floor. I am going to go and take a look at the recordings."


    Pressing her hand, she reassured her and walked away, leaving Ivy alone in the room.


    Ivy sat clueless for a while. Slowly, then, she started to pick up on the missing pieces in her memory.


    She dug deep into her brain, recalling thest moments she remembered being with Lionelst night.


    They had been drinking and gotten immensely inebriated. The sex after drinking felt surreal. She fell


    asleep right after they finished. This was all she could recall. It was as if she had suffered from a


    temporary memory loss.


    Ivy sighed deeply and put on her clothes, like a robot. She felt no emotions as she walked toward the


    room Amanda had mentioned. Amanda, the strange man and the steward were already there; their


    eyes were glued to the screen before them.


    "Mr. Tang left the room at half past six this morning, and the man came into the room right before


    seven," Amanda exined. "I arrived about ten, just a while ago. The steward told me you were still in


    your room, so I thought I coulde and have a small chat with you. But then I heard you screaming


    from outside the door. I also heard a man''s voice, which instantly rmed me. That was when I asked


    the steward to open the room..."


    Amanda described the chain of events she was aware of, while the screen showed the man entering


    the room.


    "When Mr. Tang left the room, the room wasn''t locked properly. That was why he could enter without a


    key. He saw you lying on the bed, and thought you were called in by him¡­ You know what happened


    next..."


    Amanda''s voice trailed off. Ivy''s heart grew colder and colder with each word she uttered.


    "It''s just a misunderstanding. Totally a misunderstanding! How could I have known that procuress


    would cheat me! She took my money and never sent the woman!


    She just apologised now and promised topensate. What the fuck! I will make that bitch pay for


    this!"


    The man rolled his sleeves up, as if getting ready for a fight.


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    "Hey! Wait! I have something to say..."


    Amanda said, before he could walk out.


    "You have done something wrong. How can you just run away? This can''t be settled so easily, mister. I


    am going to call your father right now. Let''s find out what he has to say about this!


    Do you really think we will just let you go? I can''t just stand here and see you ill-treating my friend,"


    Amanda spoke annoyingly, taking out her phone and dialing the number.


    Suddenly, Ivy''s trembling hands pressed on Amanda''s. Her quivering and raspy voice said, "Let him go.


    Just think as if nothing has happened."


    Ivy stopped Amanda, her eyes turning teary.


    "Ivy, it was his mistake. We have to make him pay!"


    Amanda tried to persuade Ivy. However, the response she got was only Ivy shaking her head


    vigorously.


    "No, I don''t want anyone else to know about this. Just let him go. Please, Amanda," she pleaded.


    She could barely control her emotions anymore and started to cry inconsbly.


    Amanda looked at Ivy hesitantly for a while, finally nodding in agreement.


    "Go off now. If you dare mention this to anyone, I will tell my father to ruin you, your father and all your


    businesses!" Amanda growled at him, threatening.


    Amanda''s protective approach filled Ivy up with warmth. She came off as such a gentle and soft


    person, yet she turned fierce and harsh when it came to Ivy''s defense. Even after letting the man go,


    she threatened him for her sake. Ivy really felt like Amanda was a person she could easily rely on.


    There wasn''t much of an effect on the man. He jeered, "That''s fucking unlucky of me." With that, he


    turned and left, stomping his feet. The steward followed him.


    "Ivy, rest assured. I know what you mean. I promise no one else will get to know about whatever


    happened. The owner of this cottage depends on my father for most of his business opportunities. His


    son wouldn''t dare talking about this. Plus, the steward has been in his position for years, and he knows


    perfectly well about what he should and shouldn''t do. They will keep this a secret. Don''t worry!"


    Amanda continued to console Ivy, who finally broke into a wail, unleashing all her emotions. She simply


    laid her head on Amanda''s shoulder and let out her sadness.


    After Ivy was pacified, Amanda asked someone to take her back to Tang family.


    "You can rest at home for two days. You don''t have toe to work. Just rx yourself,"


    Amanda sighed, putting up a sorry and pitiful look, which saddened Ivy further.

 Chapter 251 The Trap (Part Four)

    Chapter 251 The Trap (Part Four)


    Even back home, Ivy was still in a daze. She couldn''t even hear Jill, who called her multiple times from


    the living room.


    "Ivy, what happened to you?"


    Jill asked as she walked toward the absent-minded-looking Ivy to check on her. She touched her


    shoulder and realized she was trembling. She instantly figured something was horribly wrong.


    "What are you thinking about? Is everything okay? I thought you had fun with Lionelst night. Also,


    don''t you have to work in Miss Ke''s studio today?"


    Jill suspiciously scanned Ivy''s face, trying to make out what was wrong.


    "Aunt Jill, I am okay. I have caught a cold, and Miss Ke has given me permission to rest for two days."


    Even with her heart crumbling, Ivy managed to force a smile, focusing her eyes on Jill''s face.


    "Should I call a doctor for you? If you are nning for getting pregnant, please take your medicine


    cautiously!"


    Jill got alerted instantly upon learning Ivy was sick, already worried about her grandson more than she


    was for her.


    "I am fine, and I am not pregnant yet¡­" Ivy retorted.


    Bitterness engulfed her body as she exined herself to Jill. There wasn''t a single person in Tang


    family who truly cared for her. Even Jill, who at least seemed to be close to her on the surface, was


    only concerned about the baby she hadn''t even conceived yet.


    "Okay then, go up and rest now,"


    Jill said, almost too hurriedly. She then turned around to enjoy her daily soaps, breaking into a hearty


    laughter.


    Dejected, Ivy trudged back to her room.


    Shey on the bed and closed her eyes. However, a myriad of thoughts swirled in her mind. She tried


    hard to fall asleep but just couldn''t.


    The series of events yed in front of her eyes, reminding her of what had happened in the cottage.


    She felt disgusted.


    That man might have touched her body...If Lionel came to know about this...


    What a horrifying thought!


    ''No, I can''t let anyone find out about this. If it is disclosed, everything I have will be gone, including my


    stay in Tang family!'' she thought in fear.


    The only way out for her was to have a baby with the Tang blood as soon as possible, no matter what it


    meant for her. Only after having the baby, she would get the chance to marry into Tang family and


    continue to enjoy the extravagant life that she had right now!


    She recalled the wonder in Lionel''s eyesst night, and told herself in her heart, ''I need to discuss


    things with Amanda more often. What she has offered really works. I have to be able to assist Lionel in


    his business, so that he can feel my importance in his life!''


    But, Ivy didn''t know she was deceived. While Ivy tried to recover from the recent events at home,


    Amanda threw a stuffed envelope toward the man in front of her, back at the cottage. The heavy


    envelope thudded on the desk.


    "Here''s the money I promised. Leave G City for some time. You can go back to A City to hide yourself if


    you want."


    Amanda folded her arms and shot a disdainful look at the man in delight.


    "Yes, yes. Thank you Miss Ke. If you have a simple and pleasant job like this in the future, please look


    for me!" the man replied excitedly as he picked up his reward.


    He opened the envelope slightly and peeked inside. A broad smile came upon his lips.


    "Well, it is indeed an easy job to simply lie. But keep your mouth shut about it, or I''ll make you regret


    having the ability to speak!"


    Amanda came offpletely different from her usual soft and easy-going self. A sharp light seemed to


    emanate from her eyes, with a look so cold that it could make people freeze.


    "Yes, yes. I will stay silent about it. After all, I still have to rely on you Miss Ke, in the future."


    He nodded and ced the envelope under his arm, his eyes filled with avarice.


    After he left, Amanda turned to the steward and ordered, "Sell this house as soon as possible. I don''t


    care even if it is sold at a lower price. I don''t want anyone to be able to trace me through this house!"


    Amanda frowned with a calctive expression on her face.


    "Yes, Miss. I will settle this as fast as I can."


    The steward wasposed and calm, as always. Having been her personal steward for over twenty


    years, he had a clear idea of what he was supposed to do and how he was supposed to behave.


    Having settled everything, Amanda prepared to leave. She didn''t want to get herself involved so she


    asked the steward under hermand to do it, for it would not raise any suspicion against her.


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    The sea breeze kissed her face and blew her hair into waves. Staring at the endless sea, she smiled


    proudly and joyfully.


    ''Poor Cassandra! You really think it''s easy topete with me for Rufus, huh? What I''m capable of is


    far beyond your imagination!'' she eximed inside.


    Cassandra hadn''t expected Whitney toe to her office to meet her.


    She was now sitting on the couch with a casual look and sipping from the coffee that was served by


    Cassandra''s assistant.


    "Mrs. Zheng, I didn''t expect you toe back to the city so suddenly. If you had told me earlier, I would


    have arranged for someone to pick you up," Cassandra said.


    She wore an apologetic look. If Whitney hadn''t signed the agreement to transfer her shares to


    Cassandra, the Qin Group would never have stayed with Qin family, which was why Cassandra was


    grateful for her help.


    "I have been back for quite some time already. Today, I decided toe and take a look at how Qin


    Group''s doing. After all, it is the ce my husband had once striven at."


    Whitney wore a mild smile as she sat and spoke elegantly.

 Chapter 252 The Trap (Part Five)

    Chapter 252 The Trap (Part Five)


    The moment she stepped into the office building, she could clearly feel that Qin Group was no more the


    company she had known in the past. There were so many young faces, which created a lively and


    vigorous atmosphere all about the office. This was in stark contrast with the old Qin Group¡ªalthough


    the spacious building was filled with loads of people in the past, the environment was always dull and


    lethargic.


    Here, all the employees were concentrating on their own work. In themon working space, some


    people walked pass, while some worked on their desks; some were discussing about the projects,


    while some were liaising with the clients; everyone, in short, was fulfilling his or her role.


    Completely satisfied with what she hade across, Whitney was d for transferring those shares to


    Cassandra, who had done an excellent job in keeping thepany running and transforming it into a


    lively ce to work at with a prospering new face.


    "Mrs. Zheng, I wish I could repay you the money worth your shares. But, Qin Group has just


    restarted¡­" Cassandra let her voice trail off.


    She sounded sorry. After all, Qin Group could reach its breaking-point in the market any time. Anyhow,


    even at the moment, the profit margin was limited. As much as she wanted to pay Whitney back, she


    couldn''t.


    "Forget about that. If you really want to pay me back, keep up the good work at Qin Group. If you wish,


    you can repay me with interests after thepany starts to make big profits. I will consider that as the


    repayment."


    Whitney waved her hand nonchntly and replied generously.


    She wasn''t short of money. The only thing she cared for was her daughter, Courtney''s health.


    Cassandra was someone who had helped Courtney untie the knot in her heart. Now, she had


    recovered quite a lot, both physically and mentally. She no longer sulked in her miserable memories


    and had finally moved on in life.


    This was a fair deal for Whitney¡ªit was as if she had traded her shares in turn of her beloved


    daughter''s health.


    "Surely, I will. I will pack a huge red packet for you!"


    Cassandra giggled and nced at Whitney, appreciatively.


    "How is Courtney now?"


    Cassandra asked in a soothing, caring tone. It had been a long time since she had any contact with


    either of them.


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    "Much better. I am nning to teach her the basic rules of the business world once she recovers fully.


    After all, she is my only child and will be inheriting whatever I possess."


    Whitney beamed at Cassandra. She felt ted at the very mention of her daughter.


    "That''s great! I believe she''ll recover very soon!"


    Cassandra deeply wished for Courtney to go back to her normal self again. After all, it wasn''t worth it to


    ruin her own life for a man like Joel.


    "Oh also, how is your sister? The other day, I was having dinner with my friends at a ssy club. I saw


    someone who looked like her.


    Is she interning there?


    She was also dressed like the employees there. She looked very simr to you, so I paid extra


    attention. I heard the manager call her Cloris. Isn''t that your sister''s name?"


    Whitney asked inquisitively. Even though she had never seen Cloris after she had grown up, with


    whatever she remembered, she could more or less make out that the girl was indeed a younger version


    of Vernon.


    "Mrs. Zheng, it seems to me like it''s an eerie coincidence. My sister is in an overseas exchange


    program. She isn''t in G City right now."


    Cassandra smiled politely, thinking Whitney was mistaken. How could Cloris be in G City? Definitely


    she had seen someone by the same name and gotten confused.


    "Well, probably I made a mistake,"


    Whitney said, still in doubt, but she didn''t ponder upon it much.


    After Whitney left, Cassandra thought about what she had said in regard to Cloris. The coincidence


    really was uncanny. She started to consider the possibility of it being true. Unable to rx, she finally


    called her mother to ask and clear her doubt, for once and for all.


    "Mom, has Cloris contacted you recently?"


    She tried to make herself sound as natural as possible and hence posed the question in a very casual


    manner, lest Edith would get suspicious about this sudden inquiry.


    "Yes, she did. We had a video call just a couple of days ago!"


    On the other end of the phone, Edith''s face turned tender with love and voice turned soft at the mention


    of her dear younger daughter.


    "Why? Do you want to talk to her about something? Why don''t you contact her yourself?"


    Edith''s tone turned chiding in a single second, which deeply hurt Cassandra.


    Her mother''s attitude towards herself and Cloris was drastically different. Cloris was always doted on,


    and she was scolded. Moreover, she didn''t even try to hide the partiality. It hurt Cassandra all the same


    every time.


    "I did try to contact Cloris. I sent her a message to ask how she was doing at the new school but she


    never replied,"


    Cassandra said, feeling wronged. Even though Cloris had always been cold and indifferent to her,


    Cassandra never med her, because she was, after all, her younger sister. However, to Edith, the


    only thing that mattered was the fact the Cassandra never cared enough for Cloris, which was a


    misunderstanding.


    "See Cassandra, I know that you''ve always been a good daughter, and it has been hard for you to keep


    thepany running on your own. But truth is, Cloris is your younger sister and you should be more


    concerned about her. She is still young and I''m sure you understand how depressed she might be


    about what happened to your father..."


    Edith spoke in a scalding tone but by now, Cassandra''s mind had drifted away.


    The only time Cloris ever contacted Cassandra was when she wanted a living allowance. Even then,


    she would only send messages with no sense of gratitude or appreciation. Every time, Cassandra


    would give more than whatever she asked for, such that she didn''t have to suffer in any way due tock


    of money.


    Cassandra started to recall the time when she was studying overseas. Except the school fee for the


    first year of her study, she paid for all her expenses and the remaining fees through money she had


    earned on her own. She had to n every cent she needed to spend. She did part-time jobs after


    school, studying hard at the same time to qualify for the schrships. Only she knew the sweat and


    tears that went into those years for her to survive on her own. As a caring sister, she would never want


    Cloris to suffer the way she had.


    Now that she thought about it, Cloris had been silent for quite some days now. She had stopped asking


    for her allowance as well. Even though Cassandra still transferred money to her ount, it felt like


    Cloris had disappearedpletely from her life.


    "Cassandra! Are you even listening to me!"


    Failing to hear Cassandra respond, Edith got annoyed and raised her voice.


    "Ah, mom. Yes, I''m here. I was just...going through some files..."


    Unwilling to make her mother worry for her conjecture, Cassandra just gave her a random excuse to


    get away with it.


    "Also Cassandra, I really don''t want to talk about this, but now the news about you and Rufus is all over


    the ce, both online and offline. Are you really so tant? Can''t you refrain yourself from being so


    shameless out into the world? I understand you are divorced and it is alright for you to marry again, but


    it can''t be with Rufus! I don''t even dare to mention you when I''m with my friends. I''m afraid they''ll all


    laugh at me!"


    The more she spoke, the angrier she became and the higher her voice went. Towards the end, she


    almost started sobbing.


    "Since your father got arrested, the only thing I''ve been hoping for is for you and your sister to be free


    of troubles. But just take a look at how things are going! Cloris is studying abroad, and you, on the


    other hand, are creating such a mess! How can I not be worried? This is the death of me!"

 Chapter 253 The Trap (Part Six)

    Chapter 253 The Trap (Part Six)


    Cassandra''s heart ached as she listened to her mother weep over the phone. She suddenly forgot all


    about her nagging from a while ago and spoke with utmost care, "Mom, I''m so sorry. I shouldn''t worry


    you. I promise you, all the gossip and news about my affair will be gone within a year. I won''t continue


    with Rufus in such a state for long."


    She thought of the agreement she had made with Rufus, ording to which after giving birth to his


    baby, she would be set free.


    For the rest of her life, she could be with her own family. She could live a simple life, like she had


    always wanted, and never fool herself in the name of love again.


    "What? Are you nning to marry him? Can Rufus marry you under Tang family''s pressure?"


    Edith''s skeptical tone was enough to convey she had misinterpreted Cassandra''s words.


    Cassandra didn''t know how she would exin the situation to her. Although Rufus was Horace''s son,


    he wasn''t going to heed in any kinds of arrangements Horace made for him, unlike Lionel¡ªwho was


    incapable of making his own choices and a total coward. Rufus had always been firm about wanting to


    marry her. It was she who didn''t want it.


    "Mom, just stop asking. All I can tell you is I have a n. I''ll make sure everything settles soon. Don''t


    worry."


    Hearing Cassandra give a vague reply, Edith started nagging her again. The conversation finally ended


    when Cassandra promised to visit her by the end of the month.


    After hanging up, she heaved a deep sigh of relief. All kinds of feelings persisted in her mind, regarding


    Edith and Cloris.


    But she continued to feel uneasy like she was before the phone call, about what Whitney had said to


    her. She felt like there was something she had forgotten but couldn''t even point her finger at what it


    was.


    "You don''t look quite like yourself today. Is there something bothering you?" Rufus asked Cassandra,


    back in the vi.


    Cassandra stood chopping vegetables in Garden Vi''s cozy and homely kitchen. One hand that held


    the knife, went up and down rhythmically, like a machine; while the other looked absolutely still,


    somehow was just holding the onions instead of pushing them forward.


    Rufus noticed her looking far off and cold as he came into the kitchen to grab a ss of water.


    Something was clearly wrong with her.


    "No big deal. It''s just something about work."


    His words pulled her out of her musings, and she went back to cooking swiftly. Quickly, she finished


    chopping the onions and lettuce, and started preparing the food.


    It didn''t take long for the lovely aroma of the meal to permeate the kitchen. Rufus inhaled deeply,


    already satiated at how amazing it smelled.


    Since she had signed the agreement, Cassandra hadn''t mentioned breaking up even once, and


    seemed a lot invested in their rtionship.


    When the thought of Cassandra turning docile urred to him, Rufus couldn''t help but feel ted.


    Cassandra wore her lounge-wear clothes. They were the kind of clothes girls wore for Yoga. The


    material stuck to her skin, entuating the curves of her body, making her look extraordinarily alluring.


    The apron she wore consisted of pastoral colors¡ªgreen for the grass and trees, and blue for the clear


    sky. It was decorated with pink cherry blossoms which gave it a gentle, spring-like feeling.


    Rufus couldn''t resist himself. He walked toward her and scooped her into his arms.


    "Don''t you think it''s troublesome to cook everyday? Do you need me to hire a domestic helper?"


    "The domestic helper is not going to be as dedicated to the meals as I am."


    It took no time for her to reject Rufus''s offer. She didn''t even want a helper on an hourly basis, much


    less a domestic helper, who would be in the house 24/7.


    Cassandra was trying to divert her attention from all the rumors about their rtionship. She


    maintained a safe distance from him when they were in public. Even in the Union meetings, she stayed


    as far from him as possible.


    She was concerned regarding the gossip about them, and that Rufus would fall into a conflict with the


    Tang family yet again because of it.


    She was ready to go to all lengths to avoid anything that could potentially pose harm to Rufus. How


    could she allow a domestic helper in the house, who would watch them living together affectionately?


    T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Clearly, Rufus misunderstood her intention. He simply giggled behind her, hugging her tightly.


    "So, you want me to taste the food you cook everyday?" he asked, yfully.


    He beamed at Cassandra as his heart started to brim with contentment and warmth. This was the


    feeling of home he longed for.


    Cassandra bobbed her head at him, figuring he was thinking otherwise. Still, she didn''t try to exin


    the real reason and instead presented an excuse.


    "You get me wrong. I just feel safer when I cook myself. Moreover, who can cook a more nutritious


    meal than my own self? If I don''t, how will I ensure that my body is in good shape to conceive your


    baby?"


    Cassandra spoke in an indifferent tone, and didn''t respond warmly to Rufus''s attempts at intimacy. She


    then freed herself from his embrace and went back to cooking.


    Rufus stiffened, and slowly, he loosened his grip from her body, stepping back. An inexplicable pain


    rose in his heart.


    ''Is she simply trying to annoy me, or does she really think so?'' Rufus thought in doubt. ''Is she waiting to


    get rid of me as soon as possible, or does she actually wish to have a baby that belongs to both of us?''


    Cassandra, however, was oblivious to Rufus''s emotions and dilemma. Her mind was still upied with


    thoughts about Cloris. She got so engrossed in her thoughts that she didn''t even notice the lettuce on


    the pan had started to burn.


    Upon smelling the char, she finally snapped out of it and turned the gas off instantly, transferring the


    food to a te. She was saddened further by how awful and unappetizing the dish looked.


    "Well, how nutritious do you think this is?" Rufus asked in an ironical tone.


    He was already irritated by Cassandra''s cold responses. When he saw the disastrous dish, he couldn''t


    help showing his disgruntlement.


    "You can choose not to eat!" Cassandra raised her voice to reply.


    Angrily, she carried this te and another with the other dishes she''d cooked to the dining room. She


    thudded the tes onto the table, venting her fury.


    "Women are indeed small-minded. I only spoke the truth. Why are you getting so angry?"


    Even though he wasining, his actions spoke otherwise.


    Rufus sat next to Cassandra and began eating.


    "Although your cooking skills aren''t very impressive, I won''t discourage you by refusing to eat. Just be


    more careful next time."


    Rufus calmed down in a bit and realized he had been too harsh on her. She had cooked aftering


    home post work and might have been so exhausted. He, on the other hand, simply expected to enjoy a


    delicious dish with no efforts. However, once he thought of the senseless exnation she gave for not


    hiring a domestic helper, his anger surged up again. ''Does she want to leave me so badly?


    Does she hate living with me? But what about the love that I see in her eyes and actions?


    Well, to understand a woman''s heart is indeed like looking for a needle in the hay. What exactly is


    bothering her?'' Rufus asked himself. He was nonplussed at hisck of ability to understand this little


    woman.

 Chapter 254 Screwing Around (Part One)

    Chapter 254 Screwing Around (Part One)


    "I won''t cook for you anymore!"


    Cassandra pouted. Rufus was being critical about the dishes she prepared. It made her feel irritated


    and unappreciated. She''d rather stop cooking for him.


    Cassandra threw the chopsticks onto the dining table, adding more of a dramatic effect and then


    stormed off. She went to the study to work on her design. Thest thing she felt like was talking to


    Rufus.


    Rufus couldn''t help smiling seeing her angry. Cassandra was beautiful, but when angry she was


    exquisite. His little woman was so dramatically cute. He thought so while staring at her leaving.


    Since she didn''t eat much for dinner, Rufus warmed a cup of milk then walked over to the study to put


    the cup on her desk. Sitting down opposite her, he stared at the little woman intently.


    Cassandra ignored him, ying she was still angry. She let him do whatever he wanted, while still


    focusing on the design.


    Rufus kept staring at her, bing passionately aroused. He began distracting her, as she felt his


    desire in his eyes warm her. She couldn''t concentrate any longer.


    "What do you want now?" she eximed, knowing full well the answer.


    She closed the notebook and looked at him. He had fixated his eyes on her, as though she was some


    exotic, rare creature. Cassandra couldn''t withstand his gaze any longer.


    "You."


    Rufus gave her a simple reply in a flirting tone, as he smiled slyly.


    Cassandra''s face turned red, at the thought of his intentions in his eyes. He loved ying these games


    with her. Teasing her as his eyes roamed all over her body, and causing her to feel his emotions


    coming through.


    Rufus came over to her and hugged her in his arm, kissing her passionately for a long time, as his


    hands stroked her body gently.


    A smile ventured around the corners of his mouth, as dark arousal framed his passion filled eyes. He


    scooped her up and took her to the bed. Their night had just began.


    In an exclusive club in G City, Cassandra was dining with a client. They wereughing and talking


    about business ideas and issues they might have to ovee.


    The door opened. A waitress walked in, holding a decorative te of sweets they had ordered.


    Cassandra felt her blood freeze, as she nced at the waitress.


    It was Cloris, her younger sister! Cassandra''s mind became unleashed with questions. ''Why is she


    here in this establishment, working as a waitress? What has happened to her studies?'' she thought in


    worries.


    As Cloris noticed Cassandra, she paused for a moment, turned on her heels and began to leave the


    room.


    Cassandra stood up and caught her by her arm.


    "Cloris! Why are you here?"


    Cassandra frowned. her mind in such a mess now.


    ''Wasn''t Cloris supposed to be studying abroad now? When did shee back to G City. What is she


    up to?'' Cassandra kept asking herself. ''She still has credits to earn at the university abroad. What is


    she doing to her future?'' she thought, distressed.


    Suddenly Cassandra remembered the time when Whitney told her she''d seen Cloris. At that time she


    hadn''t taken it seriously, thinking Whitney probably saw someone else. But unexpectedly, here stood


    Cloris.


    "Leave me. This is none of your business!" Cloris dered defiantly.


    She shook off Cassandra''s hand and ran out of the room quickly.


    The client, knowing something was defiantly wrong, felt awkward and reserved another time to talk to


    Cassandra. They would then battle to focus on business. Saying goodbye to the client, Cassandra


    apologized for the drama. Sitting alone, she tried to process her n of action, feeling upset. She


    pushed her hands through her hair.


    Later, she went over to talk to the manager of the club, wanting to learn more about Cloris.


    "Good evening, nice to meet you, I''m Cassandra Qin. I''m Cloris''s sister. May I ask, when did Cloris


    start working here?"


    Cassandra was quite perturbed when thinking once again on how Cloris''s absence from her sses


    would affect her studies.


    "She''s been here about a month now. She needed an internship and asked if we could take her in. She


    is charming and seems well bnced, showing good social interaction. So I kept her," said the


    manager convincingly.


    The manager felt annoyed at this interrogating. He''d never anticipated that Cloris would work here


    without her family''s permission. What was even more surprising to him, was that she was Cassandra''s


    sister.


    "Do you know her address?" Cassandra asked enquiringly.


    Before she came to talk to the manager, she had searched all over the club but couldn''t find Cloris. The


    security guard at the gate told her that Cloris had left in a hurry, with a frightened look on her face as


    though being followed.


    ''What on earth has happened to Cloris? Why did she lie to us? And why did shee back?''


    Cassandra thought, keeping her mind upied.


    The manager had provided her with a vague address. She followed it and went to a resident building


    nearby. Cloris hadn''t provided her detailed address to the manager. So Cassandra was unable to


    locate the apartment number. She decided to wait at the main entrance, hoping her sister would


    appear.


    Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Watching the peoplee and go, Cassandra felt helpless. Why did Cloris hate her so much? As


    sisters, they were supposed to love and support each other. But that didn''t apply to them at all. Cloris


    always had a disapproving expression, when she spoke to her. She was also critical towards her and


    rejected her outings and ideas.


    Cloris seemed to misunderstand her intentions. If they had a chance to talk, Cassandra decided to


    figure it all out.


    Finally, Cloris showed up. Cassandra saw her walking towards her. She looked quite frustrated with her


    dull eyes. She walked with no enthusiasm, as though lost in her perplexity. Cassandra hoped she


    hadn''t got involved in drugs and other forms of addictions. That would open up into a whole lot more


    problems.


    "Cloris, wait up!"


    Cassandra called her name loudly and ran towards her quickly.


    Cloris didn''t anticipate that her sister would see her in the club, where she worked. More surprisingly,


    Cassandra even discovered her ce where she lived now.


    She was caught by Rufus when she was carrying out her evil n before. Rufus warned her. That


    unsettled her a lot. She felt embarrassed, irritated and was not in the mood to study anymore. So she


    decided to stay in G City without going back to her college.


    Cloris couldn''t go back to home because she didn''t want Edith to know her whereabouts. As for


    Cassandra? She hated her and wanted to set a trap for her. But Rufus was protecting her all the time,


    so she was unable to unleash her revenge n against her.


    Cloris hated her more as time went by, yet there was nothing she could do. So she found herself a job,


    expecting for a chance to work out another n.


    But unexpectedly again, she was discovered by Cassandra before she was ready.


    "Cloris! I called your university. They told me that you asked for leave, with the excuse that you needed


    to deal with some family affairs. May I know why?"


    Cassandra frowned and looked disapprovingly at Cloris, her sister sharing the same blood with her.


    She was worried about her and wanted to build a better rtionship with her.


    Cloris was studying as an exchange student aboard. When she asked for leave at the institution, the


    administration department thought that there were some emergencies in her family. So they didn''t ask


    too much and permitted the leave. However, the truth was that she abandoned a precious opportunity.


    Cassandra was distressed by her behavior.


    "The reason is simple. I didn''t want to stay abroad. That''s all."


    Cloris walked around her and kept moving towards the building expressionlessly.


    Cassandra followed her closely and kept asking questions.


    "Did you lie to our mother? I called her a few days ago. She told me that you called her on a video call.


    She thought you were still studying abroad. You are not a child anymore, Cloris. You should know right


    from wrong!"


    Cassandra talked in a tone of reproach. Cloris stopped immediately. She turned around and cast a


    disdainful look at her.


    "Are you using me, after what you''ve done, of what I should do and what I shouldn''t? Come on.


    Save it. Admit it, you do things you''re not supposed to yourself! I knew it when you were still the


    daughter-inw of the Tang family. You and Rufus had an affair at that time, am I right? You ogled at


    each other secretly. I was not blind,"


    Cloris sneered with a cold smile, and shot daggers with her eyes.

 Chapter 255 Screwing Around (Part Two)

    Chapter 255 Screwing Around (Part Two)


    She continued, "You weren''t a honest wife, were you? I''ve been curious why Rufus wants you. You


    seduced Lionel''s brother while you were his wife. How wrong and deceptive was that?"


    She rolled her eyes at Cassandra and teased her.


    Then Cloris went on, "I liked Rufus back at that time. You encouraged me and promised you would help


    me to win his heart for me! I trusted you, Cassandra. How stupid I was! You are apleteir! You


    make me sick, Cassandra Qin!"


    The more Cloris spoke, the angrier she grew. Her face became contorted with ugliness as she used


    Cassandra.


    "Listen to me, Cloris! You misunderstood me! I know it would be difficult for you to trust me. But at


    least, listen to my exnation, please! I didn''t know that you hated me so much. We haven''t


    communicated well for awhile now. It''s my fault, as I''m the older sister. I can exin everything you


    need me to. Rufus and I, it''s not what you think. I never had an intimate rtionship with him when I


    was married. We didn''t do anything crossing the line. He was only friendly towards me,"


    Cassandra exined and felt her hands were shivering. She was trying hard to keep calm and telling


    herself that Cloris was only a young girl and not to take her words seriously. But no matter how hard


    she tried, her heart hurt badly because of Cloris''s charge against her.


    She had been Lionel''s wife. However, Lionel had never treated her the way a wife should be treated.


    He never truly liked her but merely wanted to conquer her. He made another woman pregnant and then


    brought her into the Tang family! How ridiculous was that! That was a shame to her as Lionel''s wife at


    that time. But Cassandra took it. She didn''t tell her own family about what Lionel had done to her.


    Clori insisted that she and Rufus had an affair when she was still Lionel''s wife, and she seduced him.


    God knew the truth! It was Rufus who came after her and spoke openly about his feelings for her.


    "Pfff. I don''t care. You''re divorced now and it''s literally none of my business. But how could you set a


    trap for me? I can''t forgive you for that! If Arthur hadn''te and saved me, I would''ve in all possibility


    been raped. I would like to ask you a question, as the schemer, were you disappointed that you didn''t


    drive me insane? I believe you must be extremely disappointed to know that I had escaped the fate of


    being raped. Right?" Cloris eximed.


    Cassandra was stunned by what Cloris had just said. She spoke as though she was a schemer and


    came up with an appalling n to set her up, to destroy her.


    There would be no way Cassandra would have allowed herself to bebelled with such a despicable


    me!


    "Cloris, I am so sorry such a terrible thing has happened to you. I will not rest until I get to the bottom of


    all of this. Who told you I was involved? Do you have any proof to tie me to this crime?" Cassandra


    asked, bbergasted. "I would never do that to you. Please don''t use me falsely!"


    Cassandra had no idea why Cloris would im that she made such a n to hurt her. She didn''t do


    anything to her. She was her elder sister, the one who always tried to help and look out for her when


    she could.


    "Oh, of course. You would never admit that you sent that dreadful man! If it were not you, who would do


    such terrible thing to me?! Yes, I sshed pigment on you. But pay a man to rape me? How sick is


    that? Don''t you think you went too far? You almost destroyed me!"


    Cloris screamed desperately. Tears began to well up in her eyes and then eventually they cascaded


    over her cheeks. She began to sob. Cassandra moved in tofort her but her sister pulled away.


    Cassandra felt as though her heart stopped beating for a second. She didn''t know what to make of all


    of this. She was shocked by Cloris''s outburst and usations. It all seemed like a nightmare.


    Cloris wouldn''t be so emotional, if she had made up the story of being raped. But Cassandra


    never did that to her. What made Cloris think that she had anything to do with all of this? This was


    completely beyond her. Who wanted to hurt her?


    Cloris had already left and there was no point in stalling her. This was not the night she would listen to


    any reason. Cassandra stood alone in this dark distasteful street, still pondering the confusion of the


    day.


    She made a mental note of the street and the address and then turned around. A guilt feeling fell upon


    her, leaving her sister in such an unsafe neighborhood. What choice did she have?


    She wasn''t sure what happened to Cloris but was determined to figure it out!


    "Ivy, could you help me update this file? I''ll need it by this afternoon,"


    Amanda said sternly while passing a file to Ivy with a smile on her face.


    "Oh, no problem, I''ll start that right away," Ivy said obediently.


    She was absent in mind before Amanda talked to her, so she was a bit startled and flustered upon


    Amanda''s sudden approach.


    "What happened to you, Ivy? You look pale, and seem to run down. Are you feeling sick or is


    something upsetting you?"


    Amanda asked her in a seemingly careful tone.


    "Oh, thanks for asking. It''s just I got my period again this month. I''m still not pregnant," Ivy said sadly.


    Ivy looked quite frustrated. She sighed, feeling disappointed. This matter of not falling pregnant was


    affecting her. Depression had set in, making her feel weak all over.


    "Take it easy. You will eventually seed," Amanda said encouragingly.


    She patted Ivy on her back trying tofort her.


    "Lionel has been busy these days. He leaves early in the morning andes backte at night. I will


    not have an opportunity even during the time of ovtion." Ivy had left out telling Amanda that Lionel


    had been distracted and a little uninterested. This was making it all the more difficult.


    She said vaguely, but Amanda knew what she meant.


    "There is a doctor I know of in G City. She''s an expert in this field. You can make a appointment with


    her. Consult with her and she can subscribe medication ording to your prognosis. The medication


    helps bnce and correct the body. Maybe we can visit her someday, if you want?"


    Amanda bent over and whispered in Ivy''s ear as though sharing a mysteriously precious secret.


    "She has a special remedy. You could have a boy if you follow it precisely. The ratio is 9 in 10 sess


    rate. Isn''t that amazing!" Amanda advertised.


    She took a look around carefully and began again to keep up with the whispering in Ivy''s ear. Ivy


    eventually became curious about this topic.


    "Honestly? It sounds so magical!"


    Ivy was just sceptical at first. She never heard of anything so bazaar. Maybe because she had never


    gone to visit a traditional doctor before. She was not sure whether she should trust Amanda or not,


    although she looked excited and eager.


    "Yes, it is! I know a daughter-inw of an officer, ranked high up. She had a boy with the remedy!"


    Amanda assured firmly. Ivy began battling to contain the excitement and the possibility of hope.


    "Where is she?" asked Ivy. "Can you take me there today?"


    Ivy was impatient now. How she wished she could see this doctor, having her make a subscription so


    that she would be pregnant next month.


    "No problem. Let''s try after work. You go on with the file and I''ll make an appointment. She has way too


    many patients."


    Amanda winking at Ivy and then promptly left the room. Ivy felt happy and excited about this news.


    She had miscarried already and it wasn''t easy for her to get pregnant now. She was prepared to try


    everything, as long as there might be a chance. She longed to carry a life again.


    Amanda took Ivy to a normal looking doctor''s room in a hospital. An elderly grey-haired doctor was


    waiting for them.


    After a brief introduction, the doctor asked Ivy to extend her hand. Apprehensively Ivy followed


    instructions. This doctor felt for her pulse for a long time, not saying a word. Her eyes closed as sitting


    in meditation.


    After a lengthy moment, she stopped feeling the pulse to ask Ivy some questions. Taking out a note


    pad, she made a script and then sent Ivy to get the medicine at the pharmacy.


    Ivy thanked the doctor and enthusiastically walked out. The doctor frowned and said to Amanda, who


    lagged behind her, This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

 Chapter 256 Screwing Around (Part Three)

    Chapter 256 Screwing Around (Part Three)


    "Miss Ke, there is arge chance that she will be unable to get pregnant again. She must have gone


    through a lot. Her body has been damaged and she is too weak to have a baby now."


    The doctor shook her head and felt sympathy towards Ivy.


    "It doesn''t matter. Let her use the medication to rectify the problems. Having a baby is not something


    we can force, there''s always a bit of luck involved in. I''ll talk to her in privateter. We appreciate you a


    lot, thank you doctor,"


    R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    Amanda sighed and replied in a seemingly sad tone.


    When Ivy had received her medication, they left the hospital together.


    "Did the doctor say something else?" Ivy asked inquisitively.


    She felt happy and relieved after she made the consultation with the doctor.


    "She said that you would have a baby soon as long as you take the medicine on time!"


    Amanda lied with a straight face while encouraging her.


    "Really? Thank you so much, Amanda. I feel so relieved to hear that!"


    She hadn''t felt excitement for awhiletely. Now Amanda''s words made her delighted. A radiance


    shone from her once dull eyes. Her emotions were written all over the face. "Thank God. I still have the


    chance to have a child!'' Ivy said to herself, ted.


    However, she missed the disdainful smile hiding around Amanda''s mouth.


    When Ivy arrived home, she was surprised to see that everyone had arrived for dinner. Usually, either


    Lionel or Rufus would be missing. Today, both of them were home.


    Horace was delighted too. It was rare for him to have dinner with his sons at the same time. They


    hadn''t enjoyed a meal together for a long time.


    "Tell the chef to make more food and create extra courses, especially the ones Rufus likes!"


    Horace said assertively, ordering the butler quickly.


    Jill bit her lip in secret on his words, especially the words referring to Rufus. He had been staying with


    Cassandra all this time. Horace was still being good to him. Jill felt irritated and appalled by this brat.


    Heavily hearted, she battled to breathe deeply.


    "Ivy, what would you like? I''ll have the chef make something for you as well!" Jill said in a thoughtful


    manner. This was more as a tit for tat, in connection with her husband''sment. "Take good care of


    your body and give birth to a grandson for me soon!"


    Jill dared not speak her mind. So she asked Ivy deliberately, in mentioning a baby she would remind


    Lionel indirectly. It would also be a jab at Rufus, to remind him that her son was the one who would


    have the first grandson of Tangs. Jill sat back, feeling satisfied.


    "Well, I''ve been taking some medicine to help strengthen and bnce my body recently. There are


    certain foods I can''t eat. I''ll be fine with these meals you''ve decided on. Thank you, Auntie."


    Ivy was implying she was preparing for pregnancy and doing everything correctly. She knew Jill''s


    unspoken intention.


    "Oh, of course, you should. You''ve fallen downstairs and been hurt seriously. What a pity. We were


    generous and didn''t ask the culprit to payback for your loss. Otherwise, she would be in prison instead


    of living a happy gold digger life!" Jill said spitefully, deciding the asion was too tempting not to let


    out her opinion.


    She then red at Rufus, with a snarling face.


    Rufus remained silent and calm. He just ignored her, as though she didn''t exist, making Jill even more


    upset.


    Horace noticed what Jill was referring to and her intentions. He coughed and said, "All right. We


    seldom have dinner together. Stop talking nonsense!"


    Horace cast a serious look at Jill. At first, he was quite happy when Rufus decided to have dinner at


    home. His mood was being ruined by her. Jill was behaving unreasonable as she grew older. In the


    past, she reserved her dislike towards Rufus. Recently she always found fault with him in public and it


    was always about the same thing. She''d lost her elegance and grace by airing out the dirtyundry.


    "Do you think I''m fond of talking nonsense? I won''t even mention a word if someone would behave


    himself. Hey, he came back to the Tang family shamelessly, and now he is dating his younger brother''s


    wife, well, ex-wife! I wonder if he is truly a member of the Tang family blood line!"


    Jill had been worried that no one would respond. As Horace had replied to her, she''d be d to


    continue the conversation. All she wanted to do today was to pick on Rufus.


    Rufus knew Jill was referring to him. He smiled coldly in return and said, "I don''te home often and


    wouldn''t have been here today, if I knew you were ready to try and humiliate me the entire time."


    Rufus looked at Jill with cool unemotional eyes.


    "Come home? Right, you don''te here often. God knows who you''ve been screwing around with!"


    Jill said maliciously.


    Rufus''s retaliation triggered Jill to throw another curveball, while fighting back tooth and nail.


    "Silence! Both of you, that''s enough!"


    Horace''srge fist thumped the table, sounding arge bang that followed. Jill finally shut up, feeling


    humiliated by her husband in public.


    "Am I dead to you? Do you have any respect for me? Quarreling and demeaning right in front of my


    face? I am the master of this house! Imand you to shut up! Is this loud and clear enough for you!"


    Horace said finally at the end of his tether.


    He red at Jill furiously who had started the war and kept antagonising. The woman snorted and


    turned away angrily.


    Horace continued, "You are the mother in this family. Behave like a mother. I''ve had it with your


    nastiness. Spread love and build your family up! You are the hostess of the Tang family! Keep that in


    mind! You would be considered by some as a loudmouth, those that don''t know you. What happens in


    this house shall stay here. Are you making announcement to the whole world, about what''s going on


    here?!"


    What Horace hated the most was that Jill mentioned Cassandra all the time. The more she talked


    about her, the more Rufus wanted to be with her in his defiance to Jill. What Jill did waspletely


    destroying his n of making Rufus and Amanda a couple!


    Lionel kicked his mother under the table slightly. He frowned and shook his head at her, indicating that


    she should stop now. Seeing how it upset his father, Lionel knew it had to stop.


    Ever since Rufus came back, Jill and Horace often argued and it was normally about Rufus. Lionel was


    afraid that someday his parent might break up because of Rufus. He would be in a dilemma to support


    either of them.


    Jill felt her son''s kick and understood his indication. She knew Lionel was reminding her not to irritate


    Horace more. Seeing her son so consider to imply her, Jill felt touched so much.


    Lionel was sensible to signal her to stop, so she decided to take his advice. She retained her anger


    towards Rufus. Yet she remained a gloomy face during the whole dinner, refraining from saying a word.


    Horace''s good mood was ruined by Jill''s unreasonable behaviour. No one enjoyed the dinner tonight.


    The only sound was the nking of utensils.


    Lionel was unable to withstand the silence any longer. "Father, Miss Ke told me that she would help us


    to win a theatre project. In return, we will sponsor her in the next concert." Lionel said informatively.


    Lionel finally seeded in breaking the silence. He started the conversation smilingly in a casual tone,


    as though nothing had happened and this was all part of the cause.


    "Okay, that''s fine. You can discuss the business n with Rufus."


    Horace agreed on Lionel''s proposal, as this would work into his n. But Rufus frowned at it, not


    seeing much profit in it at all.


    "I don''t think we need her help. We can earn that project by ourselves. There is no reason to ask for


    her help. The Tang Group doesn''t need this kind of deal."


    Rufus was aware of Amanda''s tricks by now. She used her motives wisely to manipted and get what


    she wanted. She wanted to be closer to The Tang Group. He knew she wanted him.


    She wanted to be closer to Rufus. Amanda wouldn''t give up, always trying different strategies. He


    eventually saw through her plot, and could determine her next move.


    "Rufus, having Miss Ke help us is not our only goal. Don''t you know that Father likes her? I''m sure


    Father would like to sponsor her concert,"


    Lionel replied in a rather school boy fashion, showing he was the pet and that Rufus didn''t care much


    for Horace.


    "Father talked about this a few days ago at dinner. Both of us think it''s a good idea. You''ll be


    responsible for the concert. The theatre project is mine. Rufus, you''ve been out of your mind, I think it


    is a wonderful idea," Lionel said arrogantly.


    Lionel

 Chapter 257 Screwing Around (Part Four)

    Chapter 257 Screwing Around (Part Four)


    Lionel had already organized a n about the distribution of persons in charge and asked Rufus to sort


    the concert sponsorship part out.


    "The marketing department will be responsible for it. You are the person in charge of marketing,"


    Rufus dejected in a serious tone. He didn''t want to be involved in Amanda''s affair. He had been staying


    with Cassandra. He had enough tension when Amanda woulde into the picture. He felt rather


    happy without her in their lives.


    "All right, no arguing, Lionel will take charge of the theatre project and Rufus will do the concert. You


    are brothers. Don''t fight over such stupid things."


    Horace gave an authoritative order. A secret smile appeared on Lionel''s mouth. He had alternative


    motives and they were ying out well.


    One of the main business in the Tang Group was engineering construction. Lionel taking charge of the


    theatre project would enrich his professional experience. As for Rufus... he would be going to take care


    of the less important business, such as concert sponsorship.


    Rufus''s eyes darkened. Multiple emotions hid in them. He blinked his eyes and didn''t say anything


    further, knowing his father would make a scene today, as he was still so sensitive.


    Cassandra knocked loudly on the door and saw Cloris''s eyes widen in surprise as the door opened.


    Seeing it was Cassandra, Cloris tried to push the door shut immediately without contemting. But


    Cassandra pushed against the door assertively and wedged her foot to keep it open.


    "Cloris, let me in. I''m here to speak to you, sincerely!"


    Cassandra looked at Cloris firmly. She visited here today in order to find out the reasons behind her


    sister''s acts.


    "Okay, Youe in, and I go out, I don''t care."


    Cloris raised her eyebrows and bent over to put on her shoes. She didn''t want to talk to her. There


    wasn''t anything else she wanted to say.


    "Cloris, calm down, please! I just want to know the details and find out more information. Tell me


    everything, okay?"


    Seeing Cloris unwilling to spare one second to speak with her upset Cassandra. She knew she had to


    get her to see reason.


    "Can you stop pretending, Cassandra? There is nobody else here. Stop pretending that you know


    nothing. Did you enjoy patronising me?"


    Cloris smiled coldly with a disdainful look.


    "You''vepletely misjudged me, Cloris. Listen and understand me, I never did anything to hurt you. I


    swear to God, please just hear me out!"


    Cassandra bit her lower lip in annoyance and swore firmly.


    Cloris stared at her for a while and then raised her chin, feeling tired and defeated.


    "Okay! Let''s talk then. Talk about everything, are you happy now? But now I''m hungry. We will talk after


    a good meal!"


    Cloris never went back to work since her encounter with Cassandra in the club. She stayed at home


    and was frustrated, not knowing her next move. She didn''t go out for food or a meal. Now she felt


    famished and could do with a feast to satisfy her hunger. She would have a frank conversation with


    Cassandra after her stomach was satisfied.


    "Of course. It''s on me! I would be d to treat you." Cassandra smiled to her sister.


    She followed Cloris closely. Rufus arranged a car and a chauffeur for her. They were stationed


    promptly outside the building, waiting for the word.


    "He''s good to you," Cloris said.


    Seeing the new shy vehicle, Cloris felt a sadness in her heart.


    Arthur broke up with her. Then she abandoned her studies and came back to G City for Arthur on a


    whim of revenge. Compared to Cassandra, she was such a tragedy.


    The chauffeur took them to a restaurant. Cassandra introduced it to Cloris smilingly, knowing she would


    appreciate fine dining this evening.


    "They serve brilliant western cuisine. I love the food there, let''s go!"


    She was her younger sister, after all. They were dining at the best tonight. Cassandra couldn''t help


    being good to Cloris. That was why this whole saga was very difficult to understand.


    They sat down, speechless. Cloris lowered her head, sliding her fingers on the phone. She never


    looked at Cassandra.


    They didn''t talk much during the whole process. After the meal, they were ready to leave before a


    woman''s voice stopped them.


    "What a coincidence, Cassandra!"


    A familiar female voice came from behind her. Cassandra took a closer look. It was Whitney.


    She was wearing a traditional Chinese dress and looked rather sophisticated in her elegant attire. A


    beautiful youngdy was standing behind her. It was none other than Courtney.


    "What a lovely surprise!"


    Cassandra was pleasantly surprised as well. She never thought she would meet Whitney here, of all


    ces.


    "Is this your sister, Cloris? She''s very beautiful, just like you,"


    Whitney stated confidently with a smiling face.


    "Yes, she is my sister. Strange to meet up with you here, are you here with a party or are you dinning


    together?"


    Cassandra turned her eyes to Courtney, but was surprised to find that something seemed wrong with


    her.


    Her big pretty eyes were fixed on Cloris. She stared at her in utter fear, as if she saw something


    terrible.


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    "What happened to Courtney?"


    Cassandra asked, confused and concerned for her.


    Whitney didn''t notice Courtney at first. She turned around to check Courtney. Her smile disappeared at


    the sight of her daughter''s petrified expression.


    She reached out and held Courtney in her arms.


    "Courtney, Courtney. It''s me. I''m your mother. What did you see? Don''t be afraid. I''m here with you.


    Everything is fine now," Whitney said sympathetically.


    Cassandra suddenly realized that Courtney didn''t fully recover from her mental disease. ''Poor girl. She


    is probably suffering from it again, lost in her memories.'' Cassandra thought.


    "Is there anything I can help you with?"


    Cassandra offered nervously. She saw what it might have been like when Courtney was ill for an


    extended time and it scared her. She would cut herself viciously and the blood was everywhere, as if a


    murder had taken ce. Cassandra''s heart pounded anxiously whenever she thought of that scene.


    "I need to take her to a quiet ce quickly. Our hotel is too far away from here. I don''t feelfortable


    going all that way with her like this."


    Whitney was growing more anxious, as Courtney''s illness gradually progressed. Courtney already


    covered her ears with her hands and shook her head profusely. She looked so nervous and afraid. She


    was not like a normal person at all, with the strangest expression on her face, when it was visible.


    "Cloris, are you living alone?" Cassandra asked desperately.


    Suddenly, Cassandra remembered that Cloris''s apartment was nearby, so she inquired immediately.


    Cloris raised her head to take a look at Whitney and pursed her lips.


    "Yes. They cane to my ce."


    She didn''t want to do that. But Cassandra asked her in front of everyone, leaving her no chance to


    refuse.


    The four went to Cloris''s apartment. It was a small apartment with only one bedroom and one living


    room, simple but clean.


    Whitney took Courtney to the bedroom immediately. She gave her some medication to make Courtney


    fall asleep.


    The medication began to work as Courtney calmed down. Shey on the bed and stared at the ceiling.


    Whitney tiptoed out carefully not to startle her as the girl was no longer a risk to herself.


    "How''s she doing now?"


    Cassandra asked in a caring tone. She thought she would never have to see Courtney disturbed like


    that again.


    "It''s not as serious as it used to be. She''s been doing well for thest few months this year. What made


    her petrified all of a sudden? I have no idea... It''s strange that it happened with no warning at all."


    Whitney also had no clue.


    Cassandra suddenly recalled that Courtney was staring at Cloris in fear earlier in the restaurant as if


    she wanted to escape from her. She wondered if Whitney had seen that as well.


    "Someone has to take care of her. She can''t stay alone. She might be in danger. It''s so sad to see her


    suffer like this,"


    Cassandra said in a concerned, gentle tone. Whitney, as a mother, was having a hard time taking care


    of her daughter.


    "Oh, yes. I took care of her all the time. She was doing exceptionally well this year. I can''t understand


    the set back. She behaved well and would like to socialize with others. She seemed to bepletely


    better. But then she behaved like this today. I don''t know what to do now."


    Whitney was a well bnced, emotionally strong woman. But whenever it came to Courtney''s situation,


    she would often have red eyes.


    "We''ve solved her problems before. But what caused it again is what actually concerns me,"


    Cassandra said worriedly.

 Chapter 258 A Dreadful Memory (Part One)

    Chapter 258 A Dreadful Memory (Part One)


    "I honestly have no idea why this urs. She seldom rpses into that state, to bepletely honest.


    Moreover, she appears to fear her own cat whenever her disease attacks recently, which I might add,


    has never happened before,"


    Whitney answered, her eyebrows furrowed in confusion.


    "That''s weird, I thought she loved her cat," Cassandra wondered out loud. Her face indicated that she


    too, was quite puzzled.


    She could still picture in her mind how Courtney was holding her cat in her arms when they met for the


    first time. It was a white bi-eyed Persian cat that left a strong impression on Cassandra.


    "She does. She has always loved animals ever since she was little. She did develop some fear awhile


    back, but gradually grew to adore them as she grew older. It''s just odd to see her sudden bouts of fear


    for them every once in a while. I tried asking her the reason, but she outright refused to tell me..."


    Whitney sighed with despair clear as day in her eyes. She had always thought of herself as a capable


    woman. But when it came to her daughter and her ailment, she would be so worried and helpless


    like any other ordinary mother in an instant.


    They kept talking about Courtney''s current condition, and failed to notice that Cloris was staring at


    them with a weird look on her face.


    Staring straight ahead, she anxiously bit her lip as if she wanted to get away from something as fast as


    possible.


    Tears formed in Whitney''s eyes as she spoke. Cassandra quickly grabbed a tissue from the table and


    handed it to her. It pained her to see the tears of a poor mother.


    ''If only Courtney could recover, '' Cassandra sadly thought, ''Whitney wouldn''t suffer so much.''


    At that moment, the bedroom door swung open. A long figure with a look of terror on her face appeared


    in the doorway¡ªit was Courtney.


    "Mom, the bunny... the bunny is dead!"


    Courtney uttered in a shaking voice, her face contorted in agony and distress. She stood there like a


    dear caught in a car''s headlights, looking at the three of them in extreme panic.


    In her surprise, Cassandra noticed Cloris wince as if something Courtney said had struck her.


    But she had no time to think more on it, since Courtney had taken a turn for the worse.


    The girl fell to her knees and covered her head with her arms, wailing.


    Whitney was terrified. She was too shocked to move for a brief second, then immediately rushed to her


    daughter''s side and gathered her in her arms.


    "Don''t be afraid, my dear," she whispered over and over to the frightened girl forfort. "Mother''s


    here now. There''s no bunny, not even one. Don''t worry..."


    she kept repeating the words as she rocked her daughter''s head in their embrace, tears streaming


    down her cheeks.


    "You think we should take her to the doctor, Whitney?"


    Cassandra suggested in a soft voice. Courtney''s current condition was worrying, and Whitney''s


    comforting didn''t seem to work.


    But Whitney merely shook her head slowly without a word. Cassandra could only sigh deeply and


    watch the pair.


    Whitney probably didn''t trust any of the doctors here. As for Courtney, proper bed rest without


    disturbance might be the best for now since Smithers wasn''t around yet.


    "Take it easy, Courtney. Tell me, do you want to go home now? Or do you want to lie down and rest


    first?"


    Whitney asked her daughter while gently stroking her back, trying to calm her downpletely.


    "It was her, mom. She killed the bunny. It was her!"


    Courtney blurted out as she burst into tears. She wailed like a heart-broken child.


    "It will be alright, dear. Did you have a nightmare, you poor thing?" Whitney asked in a soft voice. "It''s


    okay. It''s all over now. I''m here with you, hon. You are not alone. You will never be alone,"


    said Whitney in a choked voice. She hugged her daughter tighter.


    "It was her!" Courtney screamed. "Mother, believe me, I know it was her! Cloris killed the bunny!"


    Courtney raised her head as she pointed at Cloris who had been watching from the nearby corner,


    wordless the whole ordeal. There were innocence and wide-eyed terror on Courtney''s face.


    The other three were all stunned to silence upon hearing her usation. Whitney and Cassandra


    looked at Cloris, both at the same time with astonishment clearly written on their expressions.


    There was a sh of nervousness in Cloris''s eyes. She felt like there was a lump in her throat as she


    swallowed. As she met their gaze, she gradually became breathless. She finally opened her mouth


    after a few seconds, "You''re talking nonsense!" she shouted. "I didn''t!"


    Cassandra frowned at this, shooting Cloris a confused look.


    "What are you doing, Cloris?" she warned in an agitated whisper. "Calm down! Courtney is ill, stop


    agitating her!"


    Cloris was acting weird. Cassandra wondered why she would be affected by Courtney''s words so much


    when she knew Courtney wasn''t quite right in the head.


    "I''m telling the truth, mother! I didn''t kill the bunny. It wasn''t Cassandra, either. It was her! Cloris killed


    the bunny!"


    Courtney rose and became more frantic by the minute, she pointed at Cloris like an angry child. Tears


    streamed down her face.


    At this point, Cassandra''s head was throbbing in pain. Courtney''s words and Cloris''s defensive reaction


    seemed to have triggered a repressed memory.


    She felt lightheaded and was about to lose her bnce. She shook her head vigoriously in an attempt


    to clear her mind as she swayed back and forth.


    Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    A bunny? A bunny was killed?


    Her mind was in chaos as the words kept shing over and over.


    She found herself picturing a particr memory. When she tried to focuse on the details, however, the


    images became more blurred and simply faded away. She pushed herself to remember, but every time


    she was close to getting an answer, it slipped away. The darkness took her, and she fell to the ground


    unconscious.


    The first thing that Cassandra saw when she opened her eyes was Rufus''s concerned yet tender gaze.


    Then she saw the relief wash over him.


    "Thank God you''re awake," he said in a sigh of relief.


    His hand reached out to stroke her soft cheeks, it was warm and he was smiling.


    "The doctor said that you were probably fatigued. You ought to stay at home and get proper rest for


    today. Just leave thepany affairs to the others," he said in a soothing voice, which still betrayed the


    worry he had for her.

 Chapter 259 A Dreadful Memory (Part Two)

    Chapter 259 A Dreadful Memory (Part Two)


    "How''s Mrs. Zheng and Courtney? Where are they?"


    Cassandra asked aftering to herself. She remembered everything¡ªCourtney''s condition, Cloris''s


    strange reaction, the bunny and the argument about who killed it. It all came flooding in as she sat up.


    "They''re both alright. Don''t worry, they have left already, and your sister''s okay, too. Worry about


    yourself first,"


    heforted. It was a great relief to see her think and talk normally. His heart almost skipped a beat


    when his men informed him that Cassandra had passed out.


    He asked them to keep an eye on her after knowing that she would meet her sister. Though he never


    expected this to happen. What on earth happened? It was all so strange.


    Cloris was horrified when she saw Rufus just now, avoiding any eye contact. Rufus knew that it was


    because she felt guilty whenever she saw him. After all, he had caught her red-handed in working


    against Cassandra. Rufus told her in a stern warning never to do that again, so she must be terrified


    that she would be held responsible for this too.


    But the doctor told Rufus that Cassandra fainted possibly because she was overweary, which calmed


    his heart down.


    Besides, the incident obviously disturbed Cloris as she looked pale and troubled. So Rufus didn''t pry


    any further and let her go.


    "Rufus," Cassandra began in a strained voice, "I have a feeling that there''s something I can''t


    remember. I felt this way before I passed out. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn''t remember what it


    was. I remember a feeling of extreme anxiety before everything went ck..."


    she murmured, lost in her thoughts trying to remember. She had such a giddy feeling about it.


    It felt like there was this thin curtain between her and the truth. They were so close but ultimately


    separated. She could feel it was there, but couldn''t see it.


    "You''ve been working way too hard recently. Just get some rest and put everything else aside for now,"


    Rufus told her, not wanting her to strain herself any further. He then helped her lie down, all the while


    holding her hand.


    "I''ll just be here, right beside you. Get some rest," he whispered.


    Rufus''s voice was so tender and smooth. He had this ability to make everything better. Cassandra


    rxed as she heard his words. She then felt exhausted, as if something was weighing on her heart.


    Slowly, she closed her eyes. With the man she loved by her side, she was sound asleep in no time.


    T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    After taking it easy for a few days in the vi, Cassandra felt reinvigorated. Regr daily routines and


    the carefree environment helped her reorient herself. The problem was, she had to deal with


    drowsiness. Even if she slept for a long time, it was like she didn''t sleep at all.


    She once read about a girl who suffered from the Sleeping Beauty Disease, and needed to sleep


    twenty hours a day. Cassandra feared that she was developing the same disease as well.


    The telephone suddenly rang. Cassandra went to answer it. It was Edith.


    "Cassandra, where are you now? I''m outside your office, but the staff said you weren''t here,"


    Edith asked as soon as Cassandra picked up, a hint of anxiety in her voice.


    "I''ve just got a call from Cloris''s school, saying that she hasn''t returned for quite some time!" she went


    on, "I tried calling her but she kept on missing it. Do you have any idea where she is?"


    Edith sounded really worried. She always thought that Cloris was at school, little did she know her


    young daughter would be missing for a long time.


    Cassandra''s heart sank. No matter how well-kept the lie was, truth woulde to light and truth would


    out. Now it seemed that Cloris''s secret was discovered by their mother anyway.


    "Wait for me there, mom. I''ll rush over as soon as I can!" Cassandra replied.


    After putting the phone down, she called her driver to take her to thepany immediately. When she


    arrivedter, Edith turned hysterical to her.


    "You knew. You knew that she has been absent from school, didn''t you? Why didn''t you tell me? How


    could you keep this from me? It''s so inconsiderate of you!"


    Edith scolded, looking dejected. Cassandra turned pale.


    "I''m so sorry, mom. I wanted to take it upon myself to convince her, but something came up and I never


    had the chance to..."


    Cassandra tried her hardest to exin, but Edith was not having it despite her honesty and sincerity.


    "What could be more important than your sister? I see now. You never really cared about her!"


    Edit screamed, her face red with fury. Her voice wasced with rage, which made Cassandra feel


    helpless.


    "I''ll take you to her, mom. I know where she is, I''ve been there before,"


    Cassandra conceded. It was no use exining any further. She then led Edith to the ce where Cloris


    currently resided in.


    When Cloris opened the door and saw Edith, her face fell.


    "Mom? What are you doing here? How did you know¡­"


    She didn''t expect Edith to turn up here of all ces; disbelief and astonishment were clearly written all


    over her expression.


    "I think you have a lot of exining to do. You didn''t even answer my calls. I had no choice but to ask


    your sister!"


    Edith snapped, barging into the room. Cassandra followed and was surprised to see who was also in


    the living room.


    "Whitney? Why are you here?"


    Edith asked, her jaw dropping in surprise. For all she knew, Whitney had been living abroad for many


    years. Why was she here, in Cloris''s apartment?


    Whitney on the other hand, maintained herposure as she stood up to greet Edith.


    "I just got here, Edith. Actually I wanted to ask Cloris about something. It''s about my daughter''s


    disease," she said.

 Chapter 260 Past Memories (Part One)

    Chapter 260 Past Memories (Part One)


    "Courtney? What''s wrong with Courtney?"


    Clearly, Edith had no knowledge about Courtney''s illness. Hence her reaction portrayed utter shock.


    Comprehending this, Cassandra went forward and stroked her mother''s arms. She wanted her mother


    to calm down. Eventually, she turned and brought her focus back to Whitney. In a low-pitched voice,


    she asked, "Auntie Whitney, I believe Cloris isn''t aware of Courtney''s illness, am I right?"


    As she asked this, Cassandra broke into a cold-sweat. She was very intuitive and something told her a


    bad news was on its way. She sat looking at Whitney expectantly. In spite of her worry, she tried to look


    unruffled. She didn''t want to heighten her mother''s anxiety.


    "Well, I believe that''s a question Cloris should be answering,"


    Whitney said in a detached voice. She turned to stare at Cloris who hadn''t uttered a single word yet. In


    fact, ever since she came here, Cloris had been sitting still. For an outsider, she would havee


    across as mute.


    "Cloris, what is going on? Would you just speak up for God''s sake? I want you to tell me everything that


    you know!"


    Edith demanded gruffly. Everyone present here was acting vague. She couldn''t take it anymore and


    wanted an exnation.


    But Cloris was unperturbed by her mother''s screech. She didn''t even bother to look up. Instead, she


    gritted her teeth and turned her head to avoid meeting her mother''s gaze.


    "Auntie Whitney, is it possible that there is some kind of misunderstanding? We have looked into


    Courtney''s condition before. I am certain it has nothing to do with my sister!" Cassandra asserted.


    Like Edith, Cassandra was beginning to lose herposure. When she saw her own sister''s attitude,


    her fear intensified. She was afraid that Whitney might know something that they didn''t know. ''Besides,


    why is Cloris hesitating to speak? From what I know, she is not the kind of person who wouldn''t speak


    up for herself. Since she has taken the decision to keep her mouth shut, there must be something


    wrong. Does it mean that Auntie Whitney is right?'' Cassandra''s mind tried to reason.


    But no matter what, Cassandra made up her mind to support her family. Cloris was her sister hence


    she would be on her side through thick and thin.


    "Cassandra, I didn''te here to use anyone. After all, it''s been a long time since this incident. All I


    ask for is Cloris''s apology. I wish she would meet Courtney in person and ask for her forgiveness. This


    is the least she can do. Now do you think it is too much to ask? One apology will sort out this whole


    issue!"


    Whitney said in a determined tone. She came here expecting an apology and didn''t intend to go back


    without one. She raised her head and her eyes once again flitted over Cloris. A sorrowful look was


    depicted in her eyes.


    "An apology? But for what?" demanded Cassandra.


    The more Whitney spoke, the more puzzled she became. Now it was certain that something had


    happened between Courtney and Cloris. ''Why does she want Cloris to apologize to Courtney? And


    does it have anything to do with Courtney''s illness?'' Cassandra wondered.


    "Auntie, I am sorry but I don''t get you. Would you please care to exin?"


    Now Cassandra sounded really puzzled. Whitney instantly understood this wasn''t a pretense. On the


    other hand, Edith mirrored Cassandra''s muddled look. In spite of this, Cloris didn''t speak up or make


    an effort to wipe out her sister''s and mother''s confusion. She sat still, lost in her own thoughts.


    Realizing Cloris wouldn''t give an exnation, Whitney dug into her bag and took out a in ck


    notebook. Quickly, she ced it on the table in front of them.


    "I visited our old house yesterday. This is something I found in Courtney''s bedroom. Even since she


    was a kid, she had a habit of writing. I normally don''t spy on her stuff, but I casually went through this


    one. That''s how I discovered where the problem lies."


    On the cover page of the diary, Courtney''s name was written in a neat handwriting. In spite of being


    meticulous, one could easily tell it was a young child''s handwriting. It seemed like the child had put a lot


    of effort into it.


    Whitneyid her eyes on the diary for a moment before ncing at Cloris. Then she let out a helpless


    sigh.


    "Cloris, I know this happened in the past. If I had to bepletely honest, I didn''t want to dig it up. But


    now that I have stumbled upon it, I don''t have any choice. If you don''t believe me then you should visit


    us and see Courtney''s condition. You will understand that she is still fixated on it and hasn''t moved on.


    I don''t mean to put all the me on you, that''s not my intention. I just want you to meet her and


    apologize. I am a helpless mother who is willing to do anything in order to make my daughter better,"


    Whitney said genuinely. Her words took Edith and Cassandra by surprise. If what Whitney said was


    true, then it meant Courtney''s illness actually had something to do with Cloris.


    However, Edith wasn''t willing to do anything that would distress Cloris. Not matter what she did, her


    motherly heart was willing to safeguard her. So although this came as a shock, she was determined to


    intervene.


    Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    "Whitney, as you can see, Cloris isn''t willing to speak. How about let me go andfort Courtney?


    Won''t that be just as good?"


    Edith asked, feigning smile. She couldn''t allow Whitney to force her daughter into doing something she


    didn''t want to do.


    "Edith, I hope you understand I am not here to me Cloris. But Courtney... Courtney is really in a very


    bad ce right now. And watching her suffer breaks my heart!"


    As soon as Whitney mentioned her daughter''s illness, her eyes became red all over again. Everyone


    could tell she was on the verge of tears.


    "Yeah, I understand you. I am a mother myself and I can feel your pain. But like you said, it happened


    in the past. My daughter Cloris is quite well-behaved and gentle. I am certain she wouldn''t hurt anyone


    intentionally,"


    Edith responded defensively. It was obvious that she was willing to do anything in order to protect


    Cloris. Even now she was searching for excuses to obscure her daughter''s mistake. Whitney instantly


    understood her intention and lines of anger appeared on her face. She hade here in pursuit of a


    small favor but her pleas had fallen on deaf ears. Unable to take it anymore, she blurted out, "Edith, for


    your information, this issue is not just rted to Cloris and Courtney. It has affected Cassandra''s life


    too!"


    Her tone was firm this time. With her unflinching eyes, she red at Edith. A feeling of displease was


    etched on her face. It seemed like she couldn''t believe how Edith could behave so crudely.


    "Edith, I do realize Cloris is your beloved daughter. Time and again, you keep favoring her. But you


    have to think about Cassandra too. She is also your daughter. If it wasn''t for Cloris''s wrongdoing,


    Cassandra wouldn''t have been left in a small town by you and Vernon for so many years!"


    Her words suggested she knew the Qin family quite well. Not a lot of people knew that Cassandra was


    sent to a small town at a young age.


    Hearing this, Cassandra was startled. ''What is Auntie Whitney trying to imply? Is she speaking the


    truth? Was I sent to the small town due to something that happened between Cloris and Courtney?


    What exactly had happened?'' Cassandra wondered.


    Now she was wracking her mind for answers. This was a riddle for which Cassandra couldn''t find a


    solution. The more she thought, the more muddled she looked. A feeling of unease upied her. She


    felt betrayed by the people she was surrounded with. ''These people are hiding something from me. But


    what are they concealing? And why are they keeping me in darkness?''

 Chapter 261 Past Memories (Part Two)

    Chapter 261 Past Memories (Part Two)


    Whitney''s words came as a tight p to Edith who sat still for a few moments. She was suddenly at a


    loss for words. Quickly, she nced at Cassandra. She secretly hoped that Cassandra hadn''t paid


    attention to Whitney''s words.


    "I did what I thought was the best for them. I figured it would be good for them to be apart from each


    other for a while,"


    Edith answered in a nonchnt tone. She prayed no further questions would be asked. Even though


    she tried to sound confident, there was a guilty expression on her face. Mentioning their past had


    indeed made her feel apprehensive.


    "Edith, I need you toe in terms with the truth. You need to know you''ve made a mistake. And yes, I


    was wrong too. Years ago, we made a big mistake. Courtney and Cassandra have suffered because of


    our mistake. See, I don''t want to bring the past back. All I need is an apology. This one apology may


    make Courtney feel better. That''s all. Please stop acting like this is too much to ask."


    By now, Whitney was sobbing miserably. She stared at Edith with her mncholic eyes. With the tip of


    her finger, she tried to stop the flow of her tears. Clearly, her daughter''s illness was driving her insane.


    "Mistake? What mistake are you talking about?"


    Obviously, Edith didn''t see thising. Her mouth was agape in surprise as she eagerly waited for the


    response.


    Whitney grabbed the diary that was lying on the desk. She keenly scanned through it and came to a


    halt when reached a certain page. She passed the diary to Edith, gesturing for her to read it herself.


    "Just read it. It will give you an idea about what I am talking about. You will find out the mistake that


    was made years ago!"


    As she spoke, there was a pained look on Whitney''s face. Stifled cries were being let out by her. After


    handing over the diary to Edith, she promptly turned her face to a different direction. She avoided


    looking at that diary. Just the thought of her daughter''s suffering made her whimper.


    Edith suspiciously eyed the diary. After a while, she finally took it and began to read. Cassandra, who


    was sitting beside her, leaned forward andmenced reading with her mother.


    "Today, mom beat me up pretty badly. She told me I was a bad kid. But I didn''t do anything! It was


    Cloris who threw rocks at the bunny. Cassandra tried to save it, but Cloris wouldn''t let her.


    As soon as my mom and their mom came, Cloris began crying. They assumed Cassandra and I did it.


    Because of this, we were beaten badly. It hurts so much..."


    Edith turned to another page.


    "I wanted to go out and y with Cassandra, but mom didn''t allow me. She told me I had to stay at


    home and think about the mistake I made. I can''t stop thinking about my bunny. She was given to me


    by dad. I love her so much. She is white and cute. Thinking about her makes me cry..."


    By now, the diary''s impact was seen on Edith. Her hands began to shake involuntarily. She just couldn''t


    believe what she was reading. Yet she mustered up courage and continued reading.


    "Last night I dreamed about my cute bunny. In my dreams, her eyes were still red. But suddenly her


    whole body turned red. That was exactly how she looked while she was being beaten with rocks by


    Cloris..."


    "Dad came back from his business trip. When he came to know that the bunny was gone, he was very


    angry. He warned me against being friends with Cassandra. But I don''t want to be friends with Cloris.


    She likes to steal my things when I am not looking. I don''t like her at all..."


    "I hurt my hand today and it turned red. It looked like the bunny I sawst time. I am so scared and I


    can''t even sleep..."


    Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    "I don''t want white bunny anymore. What''s the use? They are going to die anyway..."


    "Today mom took me to Cassandra''s house. But she wasn''t there. Instead, I had to y with Cloris.


    She came and grabbed my hand. But I didn''t want to y with her. Angrily, I threw her hand off me.


    Seeing this, my mom got angry and beat me up..."


    "I told mom that the rabbit was killed by Cloris. But she didn''t believe me. She called me a bad and


    lying kid. I want to be a good kid. I want to be a kid that mom loves..."


    ...


    Cassandra and Edith had their eyes glued to this diary. They sat in silence for what felt like years. They


    were too stunned to speak. Words failed them.


    Seeing their horrified look, Whitney decided to break the silence. "My Courtney has been smart ever


    since she was a little girl. Some kids didn''t write at this age, but my girl was quick to learn. In fact, she


    was very passionate about it. At a very young age, I taught her to read books. Anyway, I don''t think she


    made up these stories. I was aware she enjoyed writing, but she kept this diary hidden from me. Hence


    I was perplexed when I discovered it lying scattered among her toys. I am d she did it because


    otherwise we would have never realized our mistake."


    Edith''s hands were shaking incessantly. As the words began to flow from Whitney''s mouth, her


    quivering became more violent. She couldn''t even firmly hold onto the diary. With a jolt, the diary


    dropped to the ground. Edith looked up and stared at Whitney with aplicated look on her face. Her


    eyes were unreadable. She opened her mouth like she was about to speak. But in the end, she just


    closed her mouth and stared at her own knees.


    "Edith, now will you admit your mistake? We have both made mistakes. My mistake affected Courtney


    whereas yours affected Cassandra. We are both equally ountable for what happened to our


    daughters. We are the sole reason for the tragedy that is happening now!"


    Whitney hollered in a high pitched voice. She was getting more and more agitated.


    Meanwhile, Cassandra sat rooted on her seat. Everything around her was just a blur. Whitney''s res


    went unnoticed by her. Her mind reyed the diary entries written in Courtney''s childish handwriting.


    Those words kept reverberating in her mind. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn''t dispel it. All of


    a sudden, she felt dizzy and thought the ground beneath her was shaking.


    Cassandra''s heart ached from the new information she had digested. Her instinct told her something


    big was about to happen. Her lost memories were yelling and calling out for her.


    Her thoughts were perturbed by a sudden screech. "Shut up! All of you need to stop this right now! It


    was just a bunny for God''s sake. Don''t make a mountain out of a molehill. I killed the bunny, so what? I


    don''t see what is the big deal about it. If anyone should be med then it would be Courtney. She is


    too petty to be holding a grudge for something that happened a lifetime ago. I didn''t like the bunny so I


    killed it...It is as simple as that!" Cloris retorted back in her high-pitched voice.


    Her voice was venomous and the look on her face was equally frightening. The conversation that was


    happening outraged her. In fact, she couldn''t fathom why anyone would make it an issue. She believed


    Courtney was just too fragile. Otherwise nobody would have taken this petty issue to their heart.


    Hearing her sister''s words, Cassandra suddenly felt something break loose in her head. Some hidden


    memories of their childhood came gushing back. Feeling overwhelmed, she didn''t know what to do.


    When it finally registered, she prayed it was her imagination. ''Oh no! This can''t be true. My mind is


    ying tricks on me, '' she told herself, trying to redeem herself. But deep down she knew that wasn''t


    the case.

 Chapter 262 The Forgotten Past

    Chapter 262 The Forgotten Past


    It was a warm spring day. The sunlight shone on two little girls ying on the vast green fields of the


    Qin Residence courtyard. The littledies had a white rabbit with red eyes frolicking about. They were


    absolutely thrilled at the furry creature.


    "Look at her, Cassandra! My dad gave her to me. She''s so cute! She even understands what I say!"


    Little Courtney proudly boasted to her friend while stroking the rabbit''s soft fur.


    Little Cassandra also reached out to feel the creature''s soft fur. It was so smooth and warm. It hopped


    around them yfully.


    "What are you doing? Why didn''t any of you tell me you were ying here?"


    T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Another girl''s voice sounded from a distance. The two girls raised their heads and saw that it was Little


    Cloris.


    She was wearing a whitece dress, with a cute pink hairpin on her hair, making her look like a little


    princess.


    Courtney immediately became nervous uponying eyes on Cloris. She had a lot of food and toys that


    Cloris often took away from her. This rabbit was a present from her father, and she didn''t want Cloris to


    take it away.


    Courtney bent over and covered the rabbit with her arms protectively, while defiantly staring at Cloris.


    As Cloris approached, her eyes darted to the rabbit in Courtney''s arms. Her eyes lit up as she went


    closer.


    "Oh my God! A bunny! It''s so cute! Can I join you?"


    After she spoke, her hand shot out to scoop the rabbit from Courtney without waiting for her


    permission. Courtney swiftly ducked to avoid her.


    "My dad gave it to me. Don''t take it!"


    Courtney emphasized that her father gave her the rabbit over and over again. She was so worried that


    Cloris would take the rabbit away like she did with her other toys.


    "I just want to hold it in my arms! I want to y with it!"


    Cloris didn''t give up so easily. Instead, she walked forward closer and closer, fully intending to rob


    Courtney of the fluffy creature.


    Courtney turned around and ran to the nearby corner, looking back at Cloris every once in a while


    warily.


    She would never give the rabbit to Cloris! If she did, Cloris would consider it her own. She would lose


    her rabbit then!


    The rabbit was a present from her father. No one could ever take it away!


    Seeing Courtney run away, Cloris vented her anger on the nearby Cassandra.


    "Take the bunny for me! I want to y with it!"


    Cloris pointed at the distant Courtney and ordered Cassandra angrily.


    "It''s hers. We can''t just take it without her permission."


    Cassandra frowned at Cloris''s demand and firmly refused. She was upset when Cloris tried to order


    her around. As the younger sister, Cloris wasn''t supposed to throw outmands like that.


    As a matter of fact, Cassandra was only a year older than Cloris, but she was the more sensible one.


    However, Cloris had a way with words. She never misbehaved in front of their parents. That was why


    Vernon and Edith preferred their younger daughter. Despite being popr with her parents, she never


    got along well with Cassandra and her peers, which was exactly what was happening now.


    "Pfft! You''re both bullies! I''m going to tell Mother about it!"


    Cloris immediately turned around and ran into the house. After she disappeared, Courtney slowly


    returned by Cassandra''s side.


    "Cassandra, will she really tell our parents we bullied her? But we didn''t!"


    Courtney worriedly said. If Cloris told her parents about it, her mother would definitely tell her to hand


    over the rabbit to Cloris. She didn''t want that to happen at all. She didn''t want to y with Cloris.


    "I don''t think she really will. Don''t worry, let''s just find another ce to y."


    Cassandra stroked Courtney''s hair infort, and took her to the other side of the field.


    They followed around the hopping rabbit happily. Cloris came along the cobblestone path as well. The


    two girls were too steeped in ying with the little creature to notice Cloris approaching slowly. She


    was secretly hiding a stone in her hand.


    The rabbit kept hopping forward. Cassandra and Courtneyughed heartily while chasing after the


    elusive little thing. Suddenly a white figure rushed out from behind. She raised her arm, stone in hand,


    and threw it at the rabbit.


    "You damn little thing!"


    The stone found its mark square on the rabbit''s head. The poor thing stumbled on the ground since the


    stone hit its head mid-hop. Ity on the grass with its legs twitching.


    Cloris was unsatisfied with the result. She retrieved another stone, got closer and hit the rabbit again


    and again with an angry face.


    "I don''t like you! Damn you!" screamed Cloris.


    The rabbit started to bleed profusely and its white hair soon turned crimson.


    The terrible scene stunned both Cassandra and Courtney. Their eyes were wide with terror. The rabbit


    who had been happily hopping around was now lying in its own pool of blood, motionless. It was all too


    much for the two little girls!


    "Mommy!"


    Courtney howled in fear. Tears started streaming down her cheeks.


    Cloris seemed like she wanted to hit the rabbit one more time, but Cassandra ran towards her, took the


    stone, and shoved her away.


    She was taller and more powerful than Cloris. So Cloris lost her bnce and fell down on the ground.


    She sat up and felt hurt. Then she started to cry as well.


    The cries of the children rmed Whitney and Edith who were in the house. They rushed out to them in


    the courtyard. Both were shocked to see the macabre scene.


    Courtney was wailing in terror. Cloris was on the ground, crying her heart out. There was blood on her


    hand. She tried wiping it away on her white dress, which was stained now all over. It looked terrible.


    Cassandra, on the other hand, was standing nervously, bloody stone in hand. A bloody rabbit was lying


    on the ground beside her. It was already dead.


    "Cassandra! What have you done?"


    Edith sputtered as she ran towards them. She held Cloris in her arms and checked for any injuries. Her


    heart almost skipped a beat when she saw blood on Cloris.


    "Are you hurt, sweetheart? Did your sister hurt you?"


    In Edith''s eyes, Cassandra must''ve hit Cloris with the stone. Why else was there blood on her dress?


    Cassandra was just staring at the distance, dumbfounded. She was unable to move or think clearly.


    She just stood there, bloody stone in hand.


    Whitney held Courtney in her arms andforted her softly. Her heart broke seeing her daughter


    crying so much.


    Edith didn''t even bother checking if Cassandra was hurt as well. Cloris held her mother and sobbed


    against her chest.


    Edith carried Cloris and took her inside the house before Cassandra came to and asked her in a low


    voice, "Mother¡­"


    Her voice was weak. She didn''t understand why her mother didn''t even care if she was hurt. She felt so


    hurt. She was scared too!


    Suddenly, Cloris, who had been crying in her mother''s arms, began to scream.


    "Mommy! Keep her away! She''ll hit me! She''ll hit me with the stone! Just like what she did to the


    bunny!"


    Cloris screamed horribly and even made a show of kicking her feet in the air as if she was trying to


    escape something terrible.


    Edith was shocked at Cloris''s sudden outburst.


    "Don''te near! Don''t move! Stay there!"


    Edith turned around and ordered Cassandra. Her face was a mask of terror, looking at Cassandra like


    she was a monster who would really hit Cloris with the stone.


    Cassandra was bewildered when she saw her mother look at her like that. There was fear and worry


    in on her face. Edith stared at her with wide eyes.


    Cassandra originally was going to follow her mother into the vi, but she stopped, watching Edith go


    inside the house holding Cloris in her arms.


    Whitney also took Courtney away and left the Qin residence, leaving Cassandra alone in the courtyard


    with a dead rabbit by her feet.


    Night came and the nocturnal breeze washed over Cassandra''s face. She shivered from the cold.


    It was getting darker. Cassandra was still alone in the courtyard. She dared not go inside the vi, for


    fear that Edith might look at her like she did a while ago¡ªlike she was some kind of monster.


    Cassandra carried the corpse of the rabbit to the nearby tree. She dug a hole and buried it.


    She then sat beside the little makeshift tomb for a long time. Finally, unable to ward off the drowsiness,


    shey down and fell asleep.


    She had a nightmare that night. Edith was looking at her with the expression she had when they found


    the girls.


    "Stay there! Don''te any closer!"


    A tear trickled down her smooth cheek.


    "Mother¡­"


    the girl in the dream whispered, a disappointed and sorrowful look on her face.


    After Edith and Cloris went into the house, Edith took care of Cloris. She bathed her in warm water and


    even changed her clothes. Later, they had dinner and then Edith tucked her into bed. After Edith had


    finished everything, she finally realized that Cassandra was still at the courtyard.


    So she went outside immediately in search of Cassandra. When she did find her, the little girl was


    asleep under the tree with a burning fever. She was muttering something as she dreamt.


    Edith got scared. She took Cassandra to the hospital. On the other hand, when Vernon got home, the


    first thing he saw was Cloris''s bloody white dress. He was scared out of his mind.


    His fear turned into rage when he learned what had happened. The maid told him everything.


    "Cassandra is such a weird child! I can''t guarantee that everything will be fine with Cloris if she


    continues to stay with Cassandra! I''ve made my decision. I''m sending her away. I don''t ever want to


    see her anymore!"


    Cassandra''s feversted for three days. After she left the hospital, she was immediately exiled to a


    small town by her parents. She watched her parents abandon her, with the granny standing right


    beside her.


    She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. When she opened her eyes again, she had calmed down


    as if nothing had happened.


    Since then, the terrible memory was locked away deep in her mind.

 Chapter 263 Living Together After Breaking Up (Part One)

    Chapter 263 Living Together After Breaking Up (Part One)


    Cassandra took a few steps back, clutching the clothes on her chest.


    The sudden memory sent a shiver down her spine. Everything made sense now. All the questions she


    had no answer to were finally clicking into ce.


    Now she knew why her father didn''t like her from her childhood, and why he seemed so distant. He


    must have thought wrongly of her all along.


    She had been sent to the small town because her family was afraid that she would hurt her sister


    again.


    She had deliberately forgotten it, but today, there was no escape from the onught of memories that


    came back to her.


    Cassandra stood shaking; next to her, her mother Edith was paled.


    "Children can say whatever they like. Don''t take their words seriously," Edith said, her voice cracking


    despite its low tone.


    She still wanted to defend Cloris, but Cloris burst out, "I won''t apologize. That ident happened years


    ago! It''s not my fault that Courtney chose not to let it go. It has nothing to do with me!"


    With those words, Cloris stormed out, bumping into Cassandra on the way. Cassandra lost her bnce


    from the sudden impact and fell to the ground, her eyes absent.


    Cloris pushed the door open and rushed out, leaving Cassandra and Edith behind.


    "Cassandra, why didn''t you stop Cloris?"


    Edith stood up and anxiously ran after her younger daughter, while Cassandray on the floor


    unmoving, a bitter smile stered across her face.


    Whitney sighed at the scene that unfolded and walked up to Cassandra. She took her arm and helped


    her stand on her feet, leading her like a child to sit down on the sofa.


    "Cassandra, what''s the matter with you? Are you okay?"


    Whitney looked at Cassandra in bafflement. She didn''t know that Cassandra had lost recollection of


    that memory.


    At her question, Cassandra snapped back to reality. "I''m all right, Auntie. I just need to rest for a


    minute. I''ll go find Cloris and talk to her."


    Her legs felt like lead and could not move; her entire body was cold and heavy with the things she had


    found out today. She had no idea where to begin or how to face all this.


    "Well then, I''ll go back first. I have to take care of Courtney," Whitney said, taking her leave from the


    room.


    Cassandra was left alone with the noise of her thoughts.


    So much had changed in just a day. Cassandra felt lost and helpless.


    She had solved the riddle, but it was like a trap door opened from under her, plunging her into a deep


    cer.


    For years, she had a lingering feeling at the back of her mind that she had done something wrong. She


    had to live swallowing the unfair treatment she had received. She couldn''t even retaliate. But it turned


    out that none of it was her fault. She sat on the sofa, her shoulders slumped, wondering whether this


    was all a sick, cruel joke.


    Rufus arrived at the vi, only to find Cassandra nowhere in sight. Frowning, he reached for his phone


    and called her.


    "Where are you? You shouldn''t have gone out. You''re still unwell,"


    heined. Rufus came back as early as he could, looking forward to spending some time with her.


    But he came back to an empty, silent house.


    "I''m going back now,"


    Cassandra replied weakly. The exhaustion in her voice made Rufus worry even more.


    "What''s wrong? You don''t sound good,"


    he asked, his voiceced thick with concern.


    "Nothing," Cassandra said. "Nothing''s wrong," she repeated, sounding as if she was talking more to


    herself than him. "Wait for me at home."


    She hung up the phone and forced her legs to move. She went outside where the driver was waiting


    and asked him to take her back to the vi.


    Cassandra felt as empty as the car she rode on the way home. There was too much space, too much


    darkness, and too much silence. She felt as if her heart was a flimsy spider web swaying in the wind,


    just waiting to break. When they reached the vi, she walked on staggering limbs, devoid of any


    energy. But at the sight of Rufus, she felt herself calming down. Here, at their home, was a man who


    was waiting for her. Someone she could rely on. She walked a little straighter, and her steps were a


    little quicker as she rushed to him.


    "You must have been really bored at home alone," he said to her.


    Then he reached out a hand and removed a small flower petal that had fallen on her shoulder.


    She gave him a small smile. "Yeah. It''s boring to be alone every day," she said.


    Cassandra tried her best to make herself look rxed. She didn''t want Rufus to see that there was


    something on her mind. At any rate, she was not yet ready to confront all of these things.


    "How about going out?" he asked gently.


    Rufus stared at Cassandra with tenderness, which made her throat tighten. His long, darkshes


    fluttered and she found herself holding her breath at the sight. He was so good-looking.


    "I don''t want to," she found herself saying.


    She wanted nothing more than to allow herself to indulge in the warmth he was offering to her sweetly,


    but she had to stop herself.


    ''This is a contract, '' a voice echoed in her head. It was nothing more than an arrangement, and she


    would have to leave a yearter, when the baby was born.


    Cassandra thought that it was necessary to talk to Cloris about the matter, but when she raised the


    subject of apologizing to Courtney, Edith was the first to object.


    "Don''t apologize," she argued. "It''s been a long time, and it was child''s y. Whitney just wants to


    me Cloris for her daughter''s illness, and I will never agree to that!"


    Edith''s refusal was firm as she held Cloris''s hand tightly, as if afraid of losing her daughter.


    Whatever happened before was nothing but a joke gone wrong among the children in Edith''s eyes.


    However, it was a different matter altogether for Courtney and Cassandra. The experience left them


    scars to carry until the present.


    It was almost as if Edith refused to see things in any other perspective.


    Sheshed out at Cassandra, andter on, the young girl was sent off by her parents to live in another


    town after the ident.


    T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    It took a lot of courage and humility for one to be able to admit past mistakes, but neither Edith nor


    Cloris had strong enough hearts to do that.


    "Cloris, I will send you abroad in a few days. You will continue your studies there. Do not concern


    yourself over this senseless drama. I don''t me you for returning to G City. It must have been difficult,


    right?" Edith said, looking fondly at Cloris and patting her head.


    "Study hard abroad. You will be back before you know it," she finished encouragingly.


    They were the perfect picture of a mother and daughter. The scene would have touched anyone, but


    Cassandra felt nothing but coldness at such a warm disy of affection. Her chest constricted with


    envy as she looked at her mother gentlyforting her younger sister.

 Chapter 264 Living Together After Breaking Up (Part Two)

    Chapter 264 Living Together After Breaking Up (Part Two)


    Cassandra and Cloris shared the same blood as sisters, but the way they were raised could not be


    more different.


    In their parents'' eyes, Cloris had always been a delicate little princess. She demanded attention, and


    had it. Cassandra, on the other hand, was silent and kept to herself. It was as if she had disappeared


    into the background as their parents poured their time and attention to the younger sibling.


    "Mom, Courtney is suffering from illness now. We should understand how her mother feels. If Cloris''s


    apology can help Courtney recover even a little, I don''t see any reason why she should not do it. Auntie


    Whitney is not an unreasonable person. She has never said that Cloris carried all the me for this¡­"


    she reasoned.


    Cassandra wanted to try to convince Edith and get her to listen, but Edith interrupted her impatiently,


    "Cassandra, you are my daughter, and you are Cloris''s sister. Why are you speaking for other people?


    Courtney''s illness has nothing to do with us. Whatever they say, we won''t apologize!"


    Edith raised her voice. Her eyes burned with the offense she took at Cassandra''s words.


    "But Mother, if Auntie had not transferred her shares to us, our group would have been acquired by the


    Tang family. She helped us out, and we owe her at least this much. Don''t you think?"


    Cassandra reasoned. She was starting to feel distressed at her mother''s refusal to listen.


    "She transferred her shares to you, not me. If you want to apologize, then do it yourself!"


    Cloris challenged, seeing that she had won Edith''s support. She knew that she would not have to worry


    if their mother was on her side.


    She was her mother''s precious daughter. The incident was a thing of the past. Why should she


    apologize to someone who wasn''t even right in the head?


    Cassandra looked at her mother and sister in disappointment. She knew it would be difficult, but she


    didn''t expect that they would refuse to even consider. ''All Auntie Whitney has asked for was a long due


    apology. Was that such a difficult thing to do?


    Were they really so proud even in matters of life and death? An apology could mean Courtney''s life.


    Why did they refuse to budge?''


    she sighed to herself. Since reason didn''t work, she had to use a different strategy.


    "Before Cloris goes abroad, I''ll take her to buy some clothes and personal necessities,"


    Cassandra said, changing to another topic to diffuse the tension that had built up in the room.


    "Okay. Let''s go shopping tomorrow together."


    Edith visibly rxed at her words. It was seldom that her daughters went out together, and she was


    looking forward to seeing them spend more time together.


    The next day, however, Edith caught a cold. She decided to stay in and rest.


    "You two go on ahead,"


    she said weakly, her eyes half-closed.


    "Okay. Let''s go, Cassandra," Cloris said immediately.


    Her mind was already on the new clothes she would buy, and she went out of the room without looking


    back.


    "Mom, shall I take you to the hospital?"


    Cassandra leaned down over the bed and looked at her mother carefully, her face lined with worry.


    "I''m all right. It''s nothing serious, just a cold. Go shopping with Cloris. Buy her everything she wants."


    Edith didn''t want Cloris to be disappointed and urged Cassandra to take her out.


    At her mother''s words, Cassandra had no choice but to close the door and continue with the original


    n to take Cloris shopping. She followed Cloris around silently as her little sister checked rack after


    rack. Soon enough, their hands were strung with multiple shopping bags. Cloris did not hold back on


    buying clothes.


    Cloris was chirping as they walked around. She was obviously in high spirits after the shopping spree.


    Just as Cassandra was about to bring up Courtney with her again, someone blocked their way.


    Michelle had just returned from abroad and came to the shopping mall to check her clothing line''s


    sales. At the sight of Cassandra, she stomped to her angrily.


    "Cassandra, have you forgotten your promise?"


    Michelle asked, frowning with distaste. She was annoyed to find the two of them still living together.


    "You said you would break up with Rufus, but why are you two living together? What do you want? Just


    when will you leave?" she snapped at her.


    Cloris was having a terrific time until a very angry-looking woman stopped them in their tracks. She was


    taken aback by the way she spoke to her sister.


    This woman really got on her nerves.


    Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    "Hey olddy! What are you doing here? Why are you yelling at Cassandra?"


    Cloris stuck her chin as she met Michelle''s heated gaze. Cassandra pulled at her hand to signal her to


    stop.


    "You''re Cloris?" Michelle scoffed, giving her a once-over. "What crude behavior. You once cut the skirt I


    designed, right?"


    Michelle, of course, recognized Cloris at a nce. She had bought a dress from her.


    As a designer, there was nothing more insulting than having her clothes thoughtlessly destroyed. There


    was nothing but arroganceing from Cloris, and she was not going to give in.


    "Don''t talk nonsense! You have no evidence. I can sue you for your usations," Cloris answered


    back.


    Although she knew perfectly what Michelle was talking about, there was no way she would back down.


    She raised her head even higher and stretched her neck like she was in cockfight.


    "Ha-ha, how very cheeky." Michelle smiled, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "You two are indeed


    sisters. One eats her words, and the other stubbornly refuses to admit her mistake. The connection is


    quite impressive."


    Michelle spat out in fury.


    Cassandra turned as white as a sheet at the venom in her words. Her stomach churned at Michelle''s


    usations.


    "Cloris, stop now. Let''s go,"


    Cassandra chose instead to whisper to Cloris and pull her hand. She didn''t want to cause a scene


    here.


    Cloris gave Michelle a sharp look as Cassandra pulled her away. When she passed over Michelle, she


    deliberately spat with fury, gave the woman a defiant look and smiled wickedly before turning away.


    Michelle saw red. She had never been insulted like this. She went after the two and grabbed Cloris''s


    arm to stop her.


    "Apologize to me!" she demanded.


    Michelle trembled all over with rage. She was an established name in the industry, and there was no


    way she would let a little girl trample all over her as she liked.


    Being the younger one, Cloris ought to show some respect. She had offended the wrong person.


    The word ''apologize'' sent Cloris flying into a rage. She had had enough of that sted word. First, it


    was Cassandra, asking her to apologize to Courtney; now there was this old woman, demanding


    another apology.


    She clenched her teeth in rage as she shook free of Michelle''s hand. The force of the impact sent the


    clothes and shopping bags in all directions.


    Cassandra was dumbfounded at the scene she was witnessing. After Vernon was imprisoned, Cloris


    had been changing for the worse. It wasn''t until now that Cassandra saw the seriousness of her state.


    The shock let her speechless and unable to process what was happening.


    Cloris and Michelle were now wing at each other, their hands grabbing and pulling anywhere they


    could.

 Chapter 265 Living Together After Breaking Up (Part Three)

    Chapter 265 Living Together After Breaking Up (Part Three)


    They were going dangerously closer and closer to the railing on the third floor as they grappled.


    Cassandra hurriedly put down the bags in her hands and rushed to stop them. Cloris kept pulling on


    Michelle''s clothes as Michelle grabbed her hand. Neither of them was willing to yield.


    In one strong motion, Cloris pulled hard and pushed Michelle away. The woman staggered on her high


    heels as her back hit the railing.


    After pushing the older woman away, Cloris smoothed her rumpled clothes and ran a hand through her


    hair before looking down at Michelle with mocking eyes.


    "You should know better than fighting with younger people, you old hag," she sneered.


    Cassandra''s eyes fell on Michelle as well, and at once she noticed that something was wrong. Michelle


    did not move and there was a pained look in her face. She could not even stand up straight as her


    ankle burned.


    Cassandra''s first instinct was to move forward and help Michelle, but Michelle shook her arms off,


    refusing her help.


    However, she shoved too hard. All of a sudden, she lost her bnce and fell off the railing backwards,


    her scream echoing across the mall.


    Cassandra extended her hand and tried to catch Michelle, but her fingers found themselves clutching


    only the silk scarf that Michelle wore around her neck. There was a heavy thud as Michelle''s body fell


    on the ground.


    The people on the first floor rushed to where she fell. A dreadful atmosphere was rising as Michelle''s


    body stayed unmoving.


    It was only a matter of moments before the security guards pushed through the crowd, and then looked


    up. Their eyes met Cassandra''s in shock.


    She stood by the railing, a scarf hanging in her outstretched hand.


    Blood drained from her face as she looked down at Michelle''s body.


    Her mind nked out. Things happened too quickly for her to be able toprehend what had just


    happened.


    She straightened up and turned to look back at Cloris. Cloris''s face mirrored her own, her eyes blown


    wide in fear and disbelief.


    Soon the police and the ambnce came. The police went to the third floor to interrogate the two


    sisters.


    "Who shoved her down?"


    The policeman''s stern voice asked. Cloris stiffened and shrank back in horror.


    Looking at her younger sister''s fear-stricken face, Cassandra made a terrible decision.


    "No one shoved her down intentionally. We had an argument. She lost her bnce and fell over the


    railing herself," she answered.


    Cassandra knew what would happen if Cloris was taken away for questioning. She would not be able


    to withstand the pressure for long and would admit her guilt in no time.


    This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    Cloris''s eyes widened even more after she heard Cassandra''s answer. She quickly gathered herself


    and added, "Yes, she fell down herself."


    The policeman stared at the two women.


    "The two of you areing back with us," he said.


    Upon the policeman''s orders, Cassandra and Cloris were jammed into the police car and brought to the


    police station to be questioned.


    By far, it was the most difficult day Cassandra had ever had in her life. She was barraged and


    interrogated endlessly by different policemen.


    In order to protect Cloris, she made no mention of the fight. Instead of her sister, she imed to be the


    one in dispute with the older woman.


    Rage was a dangerous emotion, and it resulted in the ident.


    Cloris had not stopped crying for a moment since she arrived at the police station. She could barely


    form coherent sentences and just kept saying that the ident had nothing to do with her. The police


    decided that there was nothing more to get out from her except her sobbing.


    After what seemed to be an eternity, they had finally agreed to let Cloris go as Cassandra was held


    back and detained.


    Cloris came to see Cassandra before she left, and found her sister wearing a terrible and exhausted


    look.


    She hated Cassandra originally, but strange feelings crept through her chest as she let her eyes linger


    on Cassandra''s haggard expression.


    She couldn''t help wondering whether Cassandra was really responsible for getting her almost raped.


    She was wrong for letting her anger get the better of her. What happened earlier could be ruled as a


    serious crime, but Cassandra bore the weight of her mistake. How could such a person want to harm


    her?


    "Don''t tell mother when you get back,"


    Cassandra whispered to Cloris. Cloris looked at Cassandra and bit her lip as she nodded. She left the


    police station with tears in her eyes and guilt tugging at her chest.


    Cassandra felt relieved after Cloris left. At least for now, her sister was safe. She had to figure out what


    to do next.


    "How is thedy now?" she asked the policeman guarding her cell.


    Her mind wandered to Michelle. The image of her crumpled, unmoving body was difficult to shake off,


    and she could feel anxiety brimming in her. From that height, death was not impossible.


    "She''s still in the emergency room. The doctors are trying to rescue her. Youdies were fighting,


    weren''t you? What were you thinking, fighting in a shopping mall?"


    The old policeman looked stern as he stared at Cassandra.


    Cassandra only lowered her head in response, praying silently that Michelle could survive.


    Although she was against her rtionship with Rufus, Michelle had helped her a lot before. She was


    not wrong about the things she said. She was only concerned for Rufus and his feelings.


    Cassandra didn''t cause the ident directly, but she was to me indirectly. She felt guilty at the


    thought that none of this would have happened if not for her rtionship with Rufus.


    If they weren''t together, Michelle wouldn''t have confronted her or infuriated Cloris, and the tragedy


    would not have happened.


    She was the cause of all of this.


    As Cassandra was kept in detention, someone came to see her the very next day.


    It was Rufus.


    She could make out Rufus''s stormy expression as he made his way to her. He came near the cell and


    threw a sharp nce at the others who were there. Everyone left, leaving him alone with Cassandra.


    "I want you to tell me exactly what happened," he said in a low voice.


    At this moment, Rufus wanted nothing more than for Cassandra to tell him that it had nothing to do with


    her, that it had all been a mistake, and that she didn''t put his aunt in danger.


    Cassandra took a deep breath before she answered, "Rufus, Michelle and I had a dispute. We were


    very angry and¡­"


    Cassandra''s voice trailed off. She could not find any strength to continue speaking. The fury in Rufus''s


    eyes tore her heart into pieces.


    She wanted desperately to tell Rufus that Michelle lost her bnce and fell down herself. She wanted


    to tell him that she didn''t do anything, but she knew he wouldn''t believe her.


    Lines of disappointment marred Rufus''s features in her silence.


    "Cassandra, perhaps I have misjudged you¡­" he said.

 Chapter 266 A Cruel Woman (Part One)

    Chapter 266 A Cruel Woman (Part One)


    Ever since Rufus heard about Michelle''s ident, he had been sure it had nothing to do with


    Cassandra. Yet he decided it was the best to confront her. He longed to hear it from her. He presumed


    she would put his mind to a rest.


    But unfortunately, Cassandra''s response disappointed him.


    ''What could be the reason? A row between the two women? I can''t believe Cassandra would push


    Michelle over a small brawl. From what I know, she isn''t the aggressive type, '' Rufus''s mind tried to


    reason. No, Rufus shook his head vehemently in denial. He couldn''t believe Cassandra would do such


    a thing.


    "Rufus, please don''t look at me like that," Cassandra pleaded. She detected an aloofness in his face.


    She was already exhausted from the questioning. Right now, she was bereft of any strength. She


    couldn''t watch Rufus''s cold face. A sinking feeling took over her. It seemed like her throat and nose


    were brimming with water.


    "Then how do you expect me to look at you? Do you want me to look at you with gentle and loving


    eyes? No Cassandra, I can''t do it anymore. You''re a darn good actress. You deceived me so easily!"


    Anger made Rufus lose his ability to think calmly. He red at Cassandra furiously. Cassandra could


    see the fire ignited in him.


    At this moment, he feltpletely lost. ''Cassandra, how I wish would tell me that she has nothing to do


    with this ident. How I wish she would confess that it was Cloris who caused all the trouble. Why


    can''t shee clean and tell me she was just a helpless bystander!''


    Rufus was outraged with Cassandra''s behavior. He loathed it when she put others over herself. He


    simply couldn''t fathom why she offered to take responsibility for someone else''s mistake.


    Beforeing here, Rufus had checked the surveince video. But the camera was ced far away


    from the scene, hence he couldn''t make out what was really happening. It only gave him a vague idea.


    From what he saw, he deduced that Cloris had a physical fight with Michelle. Their distance was


    widened after a while and they stood apart from each other. But Cloris wasn''t done, she continued to


    yell at Michelle. While this happened, Michelle was still standing next to the handrail. Then all of a


    sudden, the atmosphere changed.


    Cassandra began to sprint towards Michelle, and then she fell over the third floor railing leaving


    Cassandra agape.


    The only thing Rufus was certain was that Cassandra was the closest person to Michelle when this


    unfortunate ident took ce. A huge indoor nt had blocked Rufus''s vision hence he couldn''t tell


    what exactly happened.


    Cloris was released because there was no strong evidence to prove her guilty. Cassandra, on the other


    hand, was a major suspect.


    At this moment, Michelle was in the hospital and had been in a very critical condition. Jasper would


    arrive very soon. If Rufus couldn''t prove that Cassandra was innocent, he was afraid Cassandra would


    have to go behind the bars.


    Cassandra''s lips were trembling with fear. All of a sudden, she opened her mouth. It seemed like she


    was about to confide in him. But nothing came out of her quivering lips.


    Reluctantly, she lowered her head and sped her hands tightly.


    This left Rufus in challenging situation. If Cassandra wouldn''t speak up, there was nothing he could do


    for her. He wracked his mind trying to discern why Cassandra was trying to cover up for Cloris.


    "Do you have any idea what a grave mistake your sister has made? Why the hell are you protecting a


    criminal!"


    Rufus spat out in rage. He couldn''t suppress his fury anymore.


    Hearing Rufus''s wrathful tone, Cassandra''s whole body stiffened.


    Of course, Cassandra waspletely aware about Cloris''s character. She herself fell victim to her


    atrocious ploys several times. Jealousy could drive Cloris to do awful things. She had cut up


    Cassandra''s clothes in order to embarrass her in public. She had also destroyed her USB sh drive,


    making her almost lose a bid.


    Yet Cassandra dismissed the thought of making her little sister suffer. ''Okay, she has a bad temper, I


    agree. Courtney and I had suffered from a mess she created. But what else can I do? Do I have a


    choice? After all, Cloris is my only biological sister!'' Cassandra thought gloomily.


    "Blood is thicker than water, Rufus. You have family too. Would you go against your father''s wishes?


    No, you wouldn''t. In the same way, I am just fulfilling my responsibilities. When my father went to


    prison, I swore to him that I would take full responsibility of Cloris. I gave him my word, Rufus. Should I


    just sit back and watch her suffer?"


    Cassandra retorted. Her determination looked firm.


    She expected him to understand, but he only gave her a cold smile.


    ''Family? Father?'' he thought indignantly.


    In his eyes, only Michelle was his true family. Everyone else was dead to him.


    "But what about those dreadful things she has done to you? How can you forgive her?"


    Rufus demanded, looking aghast. He couldn''t watch Cassandra naively protect Cloris after everything


    she had done. He was concerned about Cassandra''s well-being. Now he realized it was time for him to


    blurt out the information he had kept hidden from Cassandra.


    "Yes, I am going to defend her, regardless of what she has done!"


    Cassandra didn''t budge and her determination was as firm as before. This agitated Rufus more. He let


    out a mocking smile.


    "What if I tell you that you are protecting someone who has intended to threaten you with your nude


    photos? Do you still think she deserves your protection?!"


    Rufus questioned, indifferently. His eyes were as cold as ice.


    Listening to this, Cassandra was frozen. She couldn''t believe her own ears. ''What is he trying to say?''


    she wondered anxiously.


    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Whaa¡­What do you mean?" Cassandra stammered. "When did that happen?" She tried to look


    confident, but herposure was slowly fading.


    She thought back to the conversation she had with Cloris. It suddenly urred to her that Cloris had


    once told her that she sent someone to ravage her purity and reputation.


    "Go back to the time when you felt dizzy and fell asleep in a hotel room. Do you remember seeing me


    when you woke up? She drugged your water!" Rufus exposed angrily.


    While he spoke, he had his eyes glued to Cassandra''s face. He didn''t want to miss her facial


    expression.


    He eagerly waited to see the fierce anger on her face. He was hoping to see wrath in her eyes for


    Cloris. ''I pray she finally understands what a wicked human-being Cloris is! At least this might stop her


    from defending her!'' Rufus thought.


    He sincerely hoped Cassandra would stand up for herself. And he wanted this so badly because he


    couldn''t imagine the obstacles their rtionship would have to face next.


    If Cassandra was found guilty, her life would be hell. It was beyond him how he could manage to live


    without her lively presence.


    ''Cassandra, please. You need to stop defending your sister. She isn''t worthy of your devotion. Please


    don''t put your life at stake for her.'' Rufus wanted to scream this out. But he suppressed his emotions.


    Cassandra''s heartbeat quickened. She felt like darkness was closing in all around her. She thought in a


    matter of seconds, it would swallow her up.


    ''Cloris is ming me for hurting her whereas Rufus believes Cloris wants to ruin my reputation. How do


    I make sense of these things? How do I understand who is speaking the truth?'' Cassandra thought with


    frustration.


    In all her life, she had never intended to harm Cloris. Even now, she couldn''t bring herself to hate her.


    Rufus began to feel frustrated "Cassandra, why are you silent? Speak up! Tell me, do you still want to


    defend Cloris? After everything she has done to you!" Rufus spluttered impatiently.


    Seeing Cassandra''s muddled face, he still wasn''t satsified. He couldn''t see the hatred he was


    expecting to see.

 Chapter 267 A Cruel Woman (Part Two)

    Chapter 267 A Cruel Woman (Part Two)


    ''Cassandra, please change your mind. She is not your family! If she considered you her family, she


    wouldn''t have taken such extreme measures to spoil your life.


    Cloris is like Horace. They''re selfish and mean. They will do whatever it takes to get what they want.


    Family doesn''t matter to them. They truly don''t deserve your love!'' Rufus thought.


    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    But Cassandra was stubborn.


    "I believe Cloris has her own reasons for what she did. Anyway, at the end of the day we are still a


    family. Nothing she does can change the fact she is my sister,"


    Cassandra replied cooly, with her determination still intact.


    In her mind, she decided she would talk to Clorister and try to solve the issue. But right now she had


    to keep her words. She had promised Vernon hence she couldn''t watch Cloris get into trouble.


    Cassandra vividly remembered how she had spent that night sitting on the rooftop. Life had been so


    difficult that the thought of killing herself popped into her mind. That was when she looked back and


    thought of her mother and her sister. She remembered the smell of the dishes her mom cooked in the


    past. All this filled her heart with warmth.


    She agreed they had shes and disagreements, but that was verymon among families. In spite


    of all this, they were the most important people in her life.


    Watching Cassandra''s expression soften, Rufus realized she wouldn''t give up on her pursuit to protect


    her sister. The hope that was ignited in his eyes faded.


    ''Cassandra, you only have affection for your family, but what about me? My aunt is fighting for her life


    in the hospital. Yet I came here to help you. All I asked for you is to change your mind. Do you even


    know the turmoil I am in right now?


    Of course not, you have given all your attention to your family. I am probably thest person on your


    mind. Otherwise, you wouldn''t be standing here and defending your sister who doesn''t even deserve it.


    Now I havee to see the importance of our rtionship in your life, '' Rufus thought to himself,


    despondently.


    "So I guess that''s it. Now do you want to give up on our rtionship?"


    Rufus squinted. He gazed into her eyes, wishing to see through her heart.


    Cassandra once again stiffened. She didn''t expect Rufus would read her mind so easily.


    When Cassandra had made up her mind to protect her sister, she knew her rtionship with Rufus


    would end sooner orter. She hade in terms with it so she was fine. Now their chance of being


    together waspletely finished. With a sinking feeling, she realized their love story had toe to a


    finale.


    She took a deep breath and gathered all her courage to look into Rufus''s eyes.


    "Rufus, our rtionship was a mistake. We should have seen it from the very beginning. If we decided


    to pursue it, our paths will be filled with thorns. We won''t have a happy ending, that''s for sure. I think it


    is best for us to end it now."


    Cassandra tried her best to hide her sorrow and sadness.


    She tried to tell herself she was doing it for his good. If Rufus still tried to maintain their rtionship, he


    might end up ruining his reputation. And worst of all, he might even lose all his family and rtives.


    Cassandra didn''t want Rufus to lose his family. It was with a lot of difficulty that he finally reunited with


    the Tang family. She didn''t want him to be isted once again. And most importantly, she didn''t want to


    be a hurdle in their rtionship.


    Once upon a time, Cassandra firmly believed that love could do anything. She thought love could grant


    her enormous power to ovee every problem.


    It turned out that she was too naive back then.


    "If you had no faith in our rtionship then why did you fill my heart with hopes? Why did youe to


    Garden Vi!" Rufus yelled with clenched fists.


    Physical pain was nothingpared to the emotional pain that Cassandra''s piercing words had


    caused him.


    "Rufus, I was divorced and lonely. In such a dire situation, I had to depend on someone. You''re a


    handsome, rich and sessful man. You offered me your care and support. Did I have any reason to


    decline it? No!" Cassandra retorted back, nonchntly.


    Once again, Cassandra''s brutal words were like sharp knife, stabbing him straight in the heart. But this


    time it was not only Rufus who suffered, Cassandra''s heart bled along with his.


    "Cassandra, you''re a cruel woman!"


    Rufus stared at Cassandra who was trying hard to look malicious. Deep down she hoped he would


    leave her after hearing these fobidding words.


    "Yes, I know. But the good news is you can leave me. Now that you know the truth, there is no reason


    for you to stay with me."


    Cassandra smiled bitterly. In Rufus''s eyes, now she had turned into a selfish and vain woman. ''I hope


    he won''t make me speak more. I can''t take this anymore, '' Cassandra pleaded internally, wanting him


    to leave.


    Rufus stood up and took a final look at her. He then turned around and left.


    He mmed the door shut, leaving behind a loud thud.


    Standing still, Cassandra was on the brink of falling apart. Tears slowly streamed down her soft cheeks.


    Days passed and Cassandra''s life in the detention centre got harder and harder. Trials, interrogations


    and hearing records went on and on. She miserably pulled herself up to keep going.


    Once inside the detention centre, she tried toe in terms with the fact that no one was going to help


    her. Throughout it all, she tried to lookposed and unruffled. She had no one but herself to keep her


    encouraged. But one day, a police came to see her. She had no idea what wasing. He said, "You


    can go now."


    Her heart was filled with relief. Cassandra walked out of the detention centre and the sun shinned


    brightly on her face. The weather was warm and delightful. Cassandra felt like she had woken up from


    a nightmare. ''I won''t have to go back to this torture again, '' she thought delightfully.


    As Cassandra passed a newsstand on the street, the headlines of newspapers caught her attention.


    "Famous designer Michelle Ling tripped and fell from the third floor. After spending a whole week in


    coma, she finally regained her consciousness."


    Now Cassandra realized why she was released. Michelle must have spoken to the police and


    announced Cassandra was innocent. Now people knew she had nothing to do with the ident. ''Now I


    can continue to live my life, '' Cassandra thought with a sigh.


    ''But wait...what should I do now? I thought I wouldn''t be set free, '' she thought. While she had been


    confined, Cloris had gone back to school abroad.


    But now standing on the streets, Cassandra was wracking her mind for a shelter.


    Finally, it dawned to her that she could go back to her apartment. Consumed in fatigue, all she wanted


    right now was a good sleep.


    While she was making her way, a car stopped next to her. On a closer inspection, she recognized the


    man sitting in the car. It was her ex-husband, Lionel.


    "Cassandra, where are you going? I can give you a lift," he offered.


    From his friendly tone, Cassandra guessed he was in a good mood. In fact, Lionel had signed a few


    construction projects recently. His business was doing well.


    Lionel knew that Cassandra was detained in the detention center. Jill had a tendency of talking about


    Cassandra behind her back. Sometimes, she would cross her limits. There were times when he would


    sprint out of the room because he couldn''t take it anymore.


    When he learned that Cassandra was detained, Lionel was deeply concerned. He didn''t feel relieved


    until he saw the news today. Without wasting any time, he drove to the detention center and waited for


    Cassandra''s arrival. His heart wouldn''t let him rx until he saw she was safe.


    He analyzed her from up to down and realized how haggard she looked. She didn''t look like the


    Cassandra he was previously married to.

 Chapter 268 A Cruel Woman (Part Three)

    Chapter 268 A Cruel Woman (Part Three)


    Disappointment surged through his heart. It seemed like life had been tough for Cassandra. ''Perhaps


    Rufus didn''t take good care of her, '' he thought.


    Cassandra, on the other hand, was still startled. She took a nce at Lionel and cast off his offer. She


    brought her attention back to the road and picked up her pace.


    Lionel wasn''t infuriated by this. Instead, he slowly drove his car and followed Cassandra.


    While this scene was going on, a car discreetly monitored them. Neither Cassandra nor Lionel noticed


    this intruder.


    It was Ivy. She sat on the passenger seat and kept a close eye on Cassandra. Jealousy had


    comsumed herpletely.


    And next to her, Amanda was cautiously driving the car. A vicious smile yed on her lip as she


    watched Ivy''s fury. She feigned worry and asked, "Why is Mr. Tang going after her?"


    Amanda obviously, knew the answer to this question. But she pretended to look innocent and puzzled.


    Earlier this morning, Amanda''s subordinate had reported to her that Lionel''s car was seen near the


    detention center.


    When she heard about it, Amanda drafted a shrewd n. She went to Ivy''s office and announced, "Ivy,


    I have to meet someone. Would you mind apanying me?"


    As soon as she got Ivy''s approval, they went and sat inside the car.


    Ivy didn''t sense anything fishy. She sincerely thought Ammanda was looking for a friend. Excitedly,


    Amanda drove to a ce near the detention center. Once she reached there, Amanda parked her car


    near Lionel''s car. Then she turned to Ivy and apologetically said she needed to get out of the car in


    order to make a phone call. Ivy agreed to wait for her in the car.


    Bored inside the car, Ivy casually scrolled through her mobile phone. Ten minutes had passed, but


    there was no sign of Amanda. Getting a little impatient, she lifted her head to see whether Amanda was


    coming. While she did this, her eyes identally found a car parked near them. It seemed very


    familiar. Suddenly, it dawned on her that it was Lionel''s car.


    Ivy couldn''t believe her eyes. A million questions started to form in her head. ''It is his office hour. Why


    is he here? Is he here to meet a client?'' she tried to reason.


    Once she further examined, she spotted Lionel inside. He was neither making a call nor looking at a


    file. It seemed like he was eagerly waiting for someone.


    While she was distracted, Amanda returned to the car. This time she had a newspaper on her hand. Ivy


    turned around and her eyes caught the news that was on the front page.


    The headline stated that Michelle had regained her consciousness. Ivy immediately stiffened realizing


    what was happening. The mystery started to unravel.


    And there was a detention center nearby. ''Does that mean Lionel is waiting for Cassandra?'' she


    thought to herself, gloomily.


    "Amanda, you need to help me!"


    Ivy pleaded, vulnerably.


    "Why? What happened? Help you with what?"


    Amanda knew exactly what had happened. And yet she tactfully pretended to look dumb.


    "I think Lionel might be waiting here for Cassandra. I want to stay here and see what will happen!" Ivy


    said.


    Carefully, she pointed her quivering fingers at Lionel''s car.


    Seeing that, Ammanda pretended to look bewildered. But on the inside, she congratted herself for


    being sessful with her n.


    The fire burning in Ivy''s eyes left Amanda feeling delightful.


    Women''s jealousy was the best poison. Together, they continued to spy on Cassandra and Lionel.


    As of now, Cassandra had finally reached her apartment. She stopped and looked back at Lionel.


    "You can leave now. I have reached my destination," Cassandra said tly.


    Then without waiting for his reply, she turned back and headed towards her apartment.


    Instantly, Lionel opened his car door and jogged after her. With his sturdy hands, he grabbed her soft


    arms. He pulled her close andpelled her to gaze into his eyes.


    "Cassandra, I am guessing Rufus isn''t taking good care of you. I think you shoulde back and live


    with me!"


    Both Lionel and Cassandra were stupefied after those words came out from his mouth.


    Lionel didn''t expect himself to speak his mind. But deep down, he also felt relieved to have confessed


    his true feelings.


    The truth was he fell in love with Cassandra after staying married to her. However, he didn''t get time to


    acknowledge his love towards her. Rufus and Ivy came in the picture; then everything was in a state of


    disorder.


    He sorrowfully kept an eye on Rufus and Cassandra''s life. His jealousy and hatred towards Rufus grew


    stronger and stronger as time went by. On the other hand, his love and concern towards Cassandra


    intensified.


    And now seeing Cassandra look so forlorn, Lionel''s heart wept for her. He couldn''t bear seeing her look


    so frustrated and disappointed.


    "Lionel, are you in your senses? You and I got a divorce!"


    Cassandra broke free from Lionel''s hold and red at him. She sprinted to the apartment.


    Looking at her receding figure, Lionel pulled on his own hair.


    He realized another opportunity to get Cassandra had escaped from his hands. Unsatisfied, he got


    back to his car and drove away.


    "Asshole! I can''t believe he is begging for her love!"


    By now, Ivy had turned red with fury. She went along and cursed Lionel, not caring about Amanda''s


    presence.


    "Calm down, Ivy. As you saw, Cassandra rejected his proposal. There is nothing to worry about,"


    Amandaforted Ivy. Now she didn''t intend to follow Lionel. She had got what she wanted.


    "Of course, she wouldn''t say yes! I mean she has Rufus who is better than Lionel in every aspect!"


    Ivy gritted her teeth as her hatred for Cassandra grew stronger. ''Cassandra is such a bitch. She has


    Rufus''s love and support, yet she can''t leave Lionel alone. She wants to mess with both of them. Who


    does she think she is? Never have I ever seen such a shameless woman, '' Ivy thought, crossly.


    "Rufus has stopped calling metely¡­"


    Amanda said disappointedly.


    Her words reminded Ivy that Amanda was in love with Rufus. ''Oh God! How did I forget this? I might


    have hurt Amanda''s feelings. I need to think twice before speaking, '' Ivy thought, regretfully.


    "Oh Amanda, I am so sorry. I was so consumed with my own problem that I nearly forget about yours.


    Sorry for not taking your feelings into consideration,"


    Ivy apologized to Amanda profusely.


    "Oh no, you don''t have to feel sorry. I''m alright. Cassandra got into the detention center. Yet Rufus


    made no effort to help her. I am guessing they are not in good terms either."


    There was a little excitement in her words. But she still couldn''t rejoice it. ''No, I cannot bepletely


    satisfied until Rufus falls for me, '' she thought with determination.


    "That''s your perfect chance, Amanda! Why don''t you do something in order to win Rufus''s heart? I hate


    Cassandra. I would love to see her learn a lesson!"


    Ivy added, encouraging Ammanda to take an action.


    "I don''t think that is going to be easy. Rufus told me that he knew Cassandra at a young age. He even


    mentioned a story where he got her a unicorn from clip doll machine. Even now Cassandra has that


    doll. It seems she can''t go anywhere without it. Their attachment is very deep."


    This story had made her deeply envious. Earlier, she had sced herself assuming Cassandra and


    Rufus met each other in the Tang family. But it turned out that they knew each other since they were


    little.


    Finally, Amanda thought about the time she had gifted Rufus a unicorn as his birthday present. This


    seemed like the biggest irony.


    "Well¡­that might mean they have been together for a long time."


    All of a sudden, Ivy grasped everything. Her mind went back to the evidence she had collected earlier.


    She thought everything would be over after she kicked Cassandra out of the Tang family house.


    However, little did she know that Lionel had given his heart and soul to Cassandra. There wasn''t much


    she could do to transform her life. This realization struck her hard and she became glum.


    "Ivy, can you do me a favor now?" Amanda pleaded, wretchedly.


    Ivy turned to her and perceived the sincerity in her eyes. Property ? N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 269 Traces Of Woman (Part One)

    Chapter 269 Traces Of Woman (Part One)


    Cassandra entered her apartment, extremely exhausted.


    The past few days had been torturous for her and had consumed all her energy. Fortunately, she had


    made out alive. She felt pretty lucky about that.


    The unicorn stilly beside her pillow. Cassandra turned on her side and looked up at its ssy eyes.


    They seemed gentle and adorable, almost smiling at her. But tonight, Cassandra couldn''t reciprocate.


    The man who had given her this very unicorn might never be able toe back to her. And from now


    on, she would have to face the reality alone and undertake everything that followed.


    Suddenly, someone knocked on her door. Cassandra knitted her eyebrows at the sound of it. Who


    could it be, at this hour?


    She walked to the door, tying her hair in a loose bun. She peeped through the eyehole and then


    opened the door instantly.


    "Ivy? What are you doing here?"


    Cassandra put her guard up immediately, looking at the uninvited visitor standing at her door right now.


    "I heard you''ve been let out. So I came to check up on how everything is going."


    Ivy smiled, as if she waspletely oblivious to the resistance Cassandra exerted against her.


    "Thank you for your concern. I''m fine and I''m going to rest now. Thanks again, for dropping by. Bye."


    Cassandra tried to end the conversation immediately. When she recalled that Ivy had intentionally


    designed an ident to set her up and rece her position in the Tang family, she reminded herself to


    be alert around her, no matter what she said or did.


    "What''s the hurry? Rx. This is your apartment. I''m your guest. Don''t be so nervous."


    Ivy reached out to push the door open and entered directly into the living room against Cassandra''s


    wish.


    She went straight to sit on the couch. She looked quite rxed, her eyeszily moving all over the


    apartment, scrutinizing.


    The only traces around were that of a woman, nothing of a man''s. Was she wrong, then? Wasn''t Rufus


    living here with her?


    Cassandra had no choice but to let Ivy be, who perhaps didn''t realize she was intruding.


    "If you have something to say, say it, and then leave because I really need to rest."


    Cassandra was exhausted. She didn''t have the energy or the will to engage with Ivy or anyone else at


    the moment. All she wanted was to get some sleep and get up recharged in the morning. She hadn''t


    been able to deal with any business activities of Qin Group since she had gotten detention. She was


    afraid of thepany would be a total mess in her absence.


    "The detention house must have been dreadful, isn''t it? But I must say, you weremendable! You


    really dared to push her over the rails! Three freaking floors, for god''s sake! You must be addicted to


    pushing people down. What a freak!"


    Ivy had her tongue in her cheek. Not only her words were stingily sarcastic, there was also a touch of a


    faint sneer on the corner of her lips.


    "Ivy, I didn''t push you down the stairs. You know that better than anyone. You know how you lost your


    child!


    And as far as this ident is concerned, I''ve been let out, which means I wasn''t guilty. So you better


    shut up with your nonsense,"


    Cassandra said in a cold voice, expressionless.


    Since bottom line meant nothing to Ivy, Cassandra''s coldness didn''t prove to be enough to drive her


    away. She was still sitting on the couch, looking at Cassandra, smirking like a viin.


    "There are many miscarriages in justice. We can''t ask every case to be judged right, especially when


    you are Rufus''s woman. He must have exercised a thousand ways to let you out!"


    Ivy didn''t know about the rtionship between Rufus and Michelle, which was why she thought he


    must have taken help of some of his influential friends to let Cassandra out.


    Ivy''s words dested Cassandra. ''Rufus''s woman?'' She wasn''t his woman any more.


    "Ivy, I swear! Leave right away and talk this shit with someone else! I haven''t got the time."


    Cassandra was too tired to dispute over these trifle matters with Ivy. Maybe on some other day, she


    would have given her an exnation; tonight, she was too done for it.


    Ivy sat unaffected, continuing to look around. Her gaze suddenly got stuck at the open bedroom door


    and her eyes shone brightly.


    She saw a white doll at the bedside, a lovely unicorn.


    "I would have bought what you''re saying if it wasn''t for the little cute thing! What a special style!"


    Ivy pointed to the bedroom. Cassandra threw a nce over but couldn''t figure out what she was talking


    about.


    Her doubtful face made Ivyugh. She almost sounded like a sick psycho.


    "Well, I don''t know if you know I am working in Amanda''s studio. She loves unicorns. In fact, she has a


    painting of a unicorn in her office, and a unicorn sculpture on her bookcase. I didn''t understand her


    obsession with it, so one day I asked her. You want to know what she said?"


    Ivy posed the question gleefully. Her eyes crinkled with softughter.


    "It''s none of my business."


    Cassandra had a bad feeling about this. She thought it was best never to find out rather than sulk


    about itter.


    That only made Ivyugh harder. She flung her legs on the armrest of the couch and caressed her hair,


    fully rxed.


    "Amanda told me that those were sent by Rufus. Back in the days when they were lovers, Rufus sent


    her a lot of things rted to unicorns."


    As she had expected, Cassandra''s face turned pale. She couldn''t help but disy sheer joy and pride


    at having achieved that.


    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    In that moment, she knew she had defeated Cassandra. She also felt joyful about having done


    Amanda a favor. No words could express the happiness she felt at seeing Cassandra''s bbergasted


    face.


    "But I''m surprised to see you with a unicorn. Does Rufus send unicorns to every woman he ims to


    love? I must say, he''s really good at this!"


    Ivy continuedughing. The worse Cassandra looked, the happier she felt.


    ''Oh, Cassandra! Do you feel bad? Do you feel less special? Now that you have found out someone


    else does possess your precious gift too. Maybe a third girl too?'' Ivy thought, ring at her with


    squinting eyes.


    The hatred Ivy felt for Cassandra had been umting over time, and now it had ked, looking at


    her frozen like that.


    Finally, giving onest snicker of a smile, she stood up and walked to the door. Right before stepping


    out, she turned around and said, "Oh, by the way, Rufus himself is undertaking Amanda''s next concert


    and it''s supported by Tang Group. I bet it will be a blockbuster!" She smirked, shook her head at


    Cassandra and walked out in style. Cassandra plopped down to the floor the moment the door shut


    behind her.

 Chapter 270 Traces Of Woman (Part Two)

    Chapter 270 Traces Of Woman (Part Two)


    She couldn''t shake the image of the unicorn from her head. She imagined her unicorn sitting in


    Amanda''s bookshelves, and in her office.


    She had always thought what Rufus and she had was exclusive, like a secret. She thought the unicorn


    was the only proof of their happy times, the only thing that couldfort her, the only thing to which


    she could pour her heart out.


    But Ivy had made her aware of the truth. Everything she felt was only a part of her imagination. To


    Rufus, she was nothing but any other woman, never unique or special.


    Yes, she should have thought about that. How could she be the unique one? She waspletely


    aware of the cold battle between Amanda and herself.


    Sometimes, Cassandra felt Rufus was close to her, but other times, he seemed far off.


    No one knew what he was thinking about. He was unpredictable. Cassandra wasn''t sure she ever


    totally had him.


    He was once Amanda''s lover. They had an intense past. What did that make Cassandra? A dessert


    after dinner?


    It was ridiculous when she thought about it now.


    She sat on the cold ground, feeling hollow. It felt like her mind was trying to process some kind of


    unknown feelings. Her stomach seemed to be cramping in knots.


    She had already been in a bad mood and now her body was starting to feel wrong too.


    Cassandra forced a wry smile and struggled to pull herself off the floor. She directly threw herself on


    the couch.


    She closed her eyes to rest but it seemed as if the light could prate through her eyelids. There was


    a red glow instead of a ck nothingness in front of her.


    She felt drained but couldn''t fall asleep, no matter how much she tried.


    When she had decided to break up with Rufus, she was already prepared to separate from him and go


    different ways. Yet, when the truth was finally uncovered, her heart ached.


    How silly she had been! Now she realized, the deep love she thought they had, only existed in her


    head.


    She wanted to cry, but refrained herself from it. She wanted to smile, but all her smiles were stained of


    bitterness. Unable to stop the flooding thoughts, she curled herself up like a silkworm pupa, snuggling


    into the warmth of the couch.


    ''Cassandra, go to sleep. Take some good sleep and wake up fresh! Forget about all of this! There are


    still so many things waiting for you to aplish!''


    she kept repeating that in her mind, hoping to fall in the trance of sleep. After a long time, she finally


    did.


    At the same time, far away in the ward of a hospital, Michelle sat eating soup Jasper had cooked for


    her. She sipped slowly, spoonful by spoonful while Jasper sat next to her, looking at her, alert.


    "Thank you for making this soup for me, Jasper. I hope it wasn''t a lot of trouble,"


    Michelle said after finishing the soup and handed the bowl to Jasper.


    Jasper, who always tried to maintain a poker face in public, took the bowl and smiled slightly. He was a


    completely different person in front of his love ones.


    "No. It''s my honor. If you like it, I can cook for you every day!"


    Jasper felt pained. Thanks to the decorations in the mall which acted like buffers, Michelle got saved


    upon falling. Otherwise, she could''ve been in a far more terrible situation.


    Fortunately, she gained consciousness soon and didn''t have any major injuries. She seemed quite


    healthy already.


    "When is Rufusing?" she asked, a tad bit desperate.


    Since Michelle had told Rufus the truth about her ident having to do nothing with Cassandra, she


    hadn''t seen him. It had been more than 24 hours.


    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "He must be going to Cassandra''s. I heard him ask Victor to find the police officer in charge of this case


    to release Cassandra as soon as possible."


    Jasper shook his head, with a helpless expression on his face. There was nothing he could do about


    this.


    "Tragedy! What a tragedy!"


    ...


    "Thank you, Mr. Zhang!"


    Rufus said, shaking Mr. Zhang''s hand, the Director general of police. If it wasn''t for him, Cassandra


    would have had to suffer in the detention house for many more days.


    "It''s not a big deal. If you had told me earlier, I could''ve made them let her out days ago!"


    Mr. Zhangughed and said straightforwardly. Out of politeness, he shook hands with Rufus again,


    assuring him he could reach out to him any time.


    Upon leaving the Director''s office, Rufus drove straight to Cassandra''s apartment. He pulled out the


    spare key that he had secretly made to unlock the door. He wanted to surprise her.


    When he opened the door, he saw Cassandra sleeping on the couch.


    Her eyes were closed, her body curled up. There was no nket on her to keep her warm.


    Her carelessness made him a bit angry. But then he thought she might have dozed off without


    nning.


    Rufus fetched a thin quilt from the bedroom. He could feel how exhausted she was as she didn''t even


    stir as he put it over her body.


    Crouching beside the couch, Rufus fixed her gaze on the little woman''s face.


    There were dark circles under her eyes that stood out of the rest of her fair, smooth skin.


    It pained Rufus to think of all the days and nights she had spent in the detention house.


    If she had told him there was no conflict between Michelle and her, he could have helped her in regard


    to the ident. But why did she have to be so stubborn and keep it from him? Why didn''t she simply


    tell him the truth?


    Fortunately, Michelle admitted she had fallen off due to her own carelessness after she woke up and


    that it had nothing to do with Cassandra. This was why Cassandra was let out; otherwise she would still


    have been kept in the detention house, suffering.


    Rufus lifted his hand to reach to her face and touch her, to feel her temperature, but then suddenly


    stopped.


    A tear slid from the corner of her eye, slowly winding down her beautiful face.


    What was it that she was dreaming of that would make her cry?


    Rufus''s chest ached. He wanted to pick her up in his arms andfort her, but the tear on her face


    stopped him.


    Did she remember everything he had said to her? She didn''t even give in when he said she was cruel


    to her face but would secretly shed tears in her dream.


    Rufus looked at her for the longest time. Finally, he decided to walk out and let her sleep in peace. He


    couldn''t even imagine what she might have felt like in the detention.


    But what he didn''t realize was, Cassandra opened her eyes the moment he left. She saw him walking


    out the door, wide-eyed.


    She didn''t know he had a key to her apartment. She had already gotten the lock changed after they


    broke up! There was no way he could have a key!


    ''Rufus, why don''t you let go of me?'' she thought.


    Staring at the door, she pulled the quilt over her head and buried herself in darkness.

 Chapter 271 Traces Of Woman (Part Three)

    Chapter 271 Traces Of Woman (Part Three)


    She knew she had to move out. She couldn''t live in this apartment any longer. Rufus acted as if it was


    his apartment and she was something that belonged to him. Now Cassandra realized she must have


    been nothing but a well-thought-out n for him.


    But she didn''t want her heart to sink deeper.


    A few days passed in a blur. When Rufus came to her apartment again, he opened the door to


    nothingness. The apartment was empty.


    There was no trace of Cassandra, not the tea cups, not the potted nts, not the chinaware in the


    kitchen...Everything was gone. Well, everything but one thing.


    Rufus saw it, passing by the bedroom and suddenly came to a halt. He walked back a few steps and


    then into the bedroom. A unicorny on the night stand.


    He looked at it with pursed lips for a while, then picked it up gently. Its happy smile suddenly seemed


    sad. The glow in its eyes seemed like brimming tears.


    He remembered Cassandra telling him how she would always hold the unicorn doll in her arms when


    she was a young girl, how she used to pour her heart out to it. The only reason she treasured it so


    much was that it was the first ever gift Rufus had ever given her.


    And now, she was gone, taking everything with her but the unicorn. Rufus knew it wasn''t carelessness.


    He knew it was deliberate.


    She must have known that Rufus woulde by again and hence decided to leave it here, as a token


    of an end, a goodbye. They were done. She didn''t have anything to do with the unicorn, or with him.


    Rufus seized the doll. Inside, he felt cold and hollow, almost as if wind could pass right through him.


    ''Cassandra, you can''t wait to get rid of me, right?'' he said to himself.


    But the trouble wasn''t over, like Cassandra would have thought. From the very next day, she began to


    receive roses in her office. There was no name tag on them. They were fresh and beautiful; their bright


    colors cought her eyes throughout the day. She tried to reject them every time, but they kepting.


    Soon, the employees of the Qin Group started to gossip about it. It wasn''t so much a controversy,


    rather a sense of envy they felt at her receiving those beautiful roses every day.


    Apart from that, they were also quite bored. Qin Group hadn''t gotten any projects ofte. Everyone


    simply dragged through the day to pass their time.


    There was no news that was beneficial to Cassandra. Once in the list of the Top 10 young


    entrepreneurs of G City, she was now reced by someone else. But she was resilient, taking in


    silently whatever life threw at her.


    She knew how people looked at her. In their eyes, she was someone who could be seduced easily.


    After her divorce with Lionel, she fell in love with his brother, Rufus. On top of that, she was put into the


    detention house being a suspect of an intentional homicide. Who would want to coborate with a


    woman of such bad reputation?


    Qin Group had just started to run on the right track a while ago and now they seemed to be boycotted


    from the market. Cassandra felt extremely pressured.


    Not just that, since there were so many employees, even to pay their sries was bing difficult. If


    she couldn''t find new clients soon, the Group was bound to see a major crisis within a couple of


    months.


    Cassandra was ridden with anxiety from the moment she got up to the moment she went to sleep. She


    tried contacting the old clients but everyone rejected her. Most days, she woulde back to the office


    in despair and hopelessness.


    She didn''t find herself another apartment; instead she put up a bed and hung her clothes on hooks in a


    small warehouse in a corner of their office. She set up a small stove and managed to find a broken


    shelf to keep the rest of her belongings on.


    Anyway, nothing matter because most of her day was spent at work. She struggled so hard to keep the


    company floating, with every effort. But the condition remained the same. There was barely any scope


    of improvement.


    Eventually, the employees started to feel threatened regarding their sries. By the end of the month,


    some already resigned.


    The worst thing was that Cassandra had no argument to make them stay. She couldn''t stop them from


    working at a better ce. Moreover, at this point, she was more concerned about the expenses and


    hence didn''t persuade them to reconsider, given that she might not even be able to pay them the next


    month.


    She understood that people had different aspirations. She couldn''t make herself a stumbling block in


    their path.


    A month passed. The roses kepting. The situation was such that there were more bouquets in the


    office now, than there were employees. The entirepany became deste overnight.


    Finally, one day, Cassandra''s assistant handed out her resignation letter. She felt extremely sorry for


    Cassandra but had lost faith in Qin Group. She didn''t think she had any choice but to leave. There was


    no chance of thepany to be revitalized.


    Cassandra nced at the letter and let out a bitter smile. The gradual degradation of thepany this


    time, was the same as it was during Vernon''s time. Cassandra felt powerless with no ambitions to drive


    herself.


    How could she keep Qin Group alive when she felt so suffocated herself?


    The next day, Lionel visited her, walking with a swag into the building. He didn''t need to make any


    appointments now. Cassandra was not busy and she did not have an assistant any more.


    She was on the phone with an old client, asking for new projects, but she was rejected, again.


    Everyone now gave her perfunctory replies. She hung up and sighed, closing her eyes. Right then,


    Lionel pushed the door open and entered her office.


    "Cassandra, you seem to be in some trouble. Am I right?"


    Lionel said with a smiling face. Cassandra felt ufortable looking at his very face. She immediately


    straightened herself and got alert.


    It gave Lionel immense joy when he heard about the employees quitting at Qin Group, about the


    company going bankrupt, about Cassandra''s terrible condition. He drove all the way here with a lot of


    excitement and joy.


    "Sweetie...Everyone has difficulties. Hang in there, I''m sure everything will be okay," Lionel said,


    sneering.


    Cassandra was on her guard. Since she knew how Lionel felt for her, she definitely couldn''t give him


    any wrong clues.


    She tightened her chin like a proud rooster. She didn''t want to show any signs of weakness.


    This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    Lionel''s smile widened. He could see how alert she was, but he knew her weakness.


    "But you know what, I don''t think Qin Group can wait any longer. As far as I know, you''ve borrowed


    some money from the bank and ording to my calction, the repayment date is due soon."


    Lionel looked at Cassandra, waiting for her to break down.


    But he was wrong. She remained still and firm. There was no chance of her giving in to Lionel.


    "Mr. Tang, I thank you for your concern. But I will find a way to repay the loan. It''s none of your


    business!"


    Cassandra alienated herself from Lionel intentionally, speaking with a sense of finality.


    Lionel stopped beating around the bush and finally got to the point.


    "Aren''t those roses beautiful, Cassandra? Guess what, they were chosen by me. Do you feel


    satisfied?"

 Chapter 272 Getting Drugged (Part One)

    Chapter 272 Getting Drugged (Part One)


    "What? From you?"


    Cassandra was stunned, in disbelief. Lionel was thrilled at the sight of her face.


    He was so proud of finally being able to surprise her.


    "Of course they''re from me! What, you think Rufus would ever give you something like that?"


    Lionel smiled widely at her, knowing what she was thinking. He just wanted to tease her.


    Cassandra couldn''t hide her disappointment. Her eyebrows were scrunched together.


    She had always thought that these flowers would only evere from Rufus.


    Even if she tried to refuse them, they would still be sent in anyway. He was incredibly persistent that he


    wouldn''t even let her leave.


    "Of course they''re from me, Cassandra. I know Rufus has been busy recently because he was helping


    Miss Ke with her concert abroad. But you shouldn''t trust him so easily, Cassandra. They could be


    enjoying a romantic time in Paris for all you know."


    Lionelughed to himself, deliberately trying to provoke Cassandra. He really wanted to see her


    devastated.


    However Cassandra cleared her throat and held her chin up, refusing to give him what he wanted. She


    suppressed her devastation, trying to not look intimidated.


    "We''ve already broken up, Lionel. There''s no need for you to use him against me."


    Cassandra kept her tone as calmly as she could, her face devoid of any emotion.


    "You know what? Your break up is a good thing. It means you and I could get back together. Ivy means


    nothing to me; it''s easy for me to break up with her. I think you''ll like that. I''m nothing like Rufus. I


    wouldn''t cheat on you with Amanda."


    Lionel leaned closer to pluck a rose, caressing the delicate petals between his fingers.


    He peered at the stem of the rose. It had been stripped clean of its thorns; the entire stem seemed to


    have shed a newyer, courtesy perhaps, by the meticulous florist at the flower shop.


    "Don''t you think you''re being unfair to Ivy?"


    Cassandra never expected that Lionel would say such a thing. Did he ever love Ivy?


    "Cassandra. I''ve already been with Ivy for a good number of years. I''m getting tired of her, honestly. Of


    course I loved her at the beginning, but time has taken a lot of things away from me. Her face, for


    instance. She''s starting to show wrinkles, it''s disgusting! Isn''t she also only staying with me for my


    money, anyway? She doesn''t even make it entertaining for me anymore. I''m tired of it."


    Lionelughed mischievously. Cassandra could feel how Lionel truly felt about Ivy. To him, Ivy was


    disposable and immediately receable.


    Cassandra didn''t know what to feel about the entire situation. It wasn''t that long ago when Ivy had


    confronted Cassandra by insisting that she would never let Lionel go. Now, Lionel was not only saying


    that he was sick of her, but also iming that he was the one sending all these flowers to her. Wasn''t


    he technically cheating on Ivy?


    Men really were such heartless pigs!


    "Aren''t you afraid that I''m after your money, too?"


    Cassandra asked as she was suddenly reminded of the painful memory of what she had said to Rufus


    when she first rejected him. She tried to shake the thought of Rufus''s beautiful face off her mind.


    "Well, no. I know you''d rather strive to work alone than use other people''s money. I know you''re nothing


    like Ivy."


    Lionel smiled, genuinely. Cassandra noted that, for the first time.


    If Cassandra really was after his money, Qin Group would have paid off its loan by now.


    Cassandra was unable to describe what she felt at this particr moment. She knew that Lionel was


    only telling the truth. Cassandra too, really knew the truth anyway. But why did hearing iting from


    Lionel make it seem all the more real, and all the more embarrassing and unbearable?


    Cassandra was prideful. She was also extremely stubborn. She knew that she didn''t want to live on


    anyone''s charity. She tried to fight the tears seeping out of her eyes by roughly shaking her head and


    clearing her throat, her attention whirring back towards Lionel.


    "Lionel. Thank you for the flowers. But I''m sorry, I''ll have to say no again this time. Please go,"


    Cassandra said, shifting a few steps to the side to gesture Lionel towards the door. Lionel looked at her


    quizzically.


    A few momentster, when Cassandra refused to move, Lionel gave up. "Fine," he started, "I''lle


    back."


    Lionel gently stood up from where he was seated, before cooly walking past Cassandra without saying


    another word.


    Once he was gone, Cassandra quietly shut the door in front of her and sighed, feeling incredibly tired


    all of a sudden. She walked over to her desk, noticing the single bright red rose Lionel had left on top of


    it.


    Cassandra brought it up to her face to inspect it. It looked so delicate and beautiful. She suddenly


    remembered the times that Rufus would send her roses just as exquisite as this.


    Shaking her head angrily, she tried to snap out of her thoughts.


    She tried to remind herself that it was already the past. She gripped the rose and threw it into the bin


    beside her desk.


    Composing herself, Cassandra sat down and looked at the financial statements in front of her. The


    stress started to creep deeper and deeper into her mind. Cassandra''s eyebrows were twisting into


    knots. She couldn''t figure out how Qin Group could survive in the next few months.


    If she could convince her new clients to start new projects with her as their designer, she could earn


    enough to support thepany''s day-to-day expenses. However, the divorce settlement between her


    and Lionel made it clear to her that she couldn''t do the design work.


    Cassandra suddenly fell silent. She was upset. What the hell was she going to do with this mess?


    "Rufus, what''s on your mind?"


    Amanda asked, standing behind Rufus with a ss of wine on her hand.


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    Rufus had been standing on the room''s terrace, which overlooked the beautiful Paris skyline.


    The skyline was bright with the twinkling stars above, as well as the city lights below. It gave off such a


    surreal ambience that one would only normally see in movies.


    "Just business,"


    Rufus replied, turning to look at the beautiful woman behind him. He took the wine ss from her and


    swished the liquid in his ss.


    Amanda nced anxiously at his wine. She tried to suppress her nervousness, clear her mind, and


    smile at him. She raised her ss to say cheers.


    "Business, huh? Are you thinking about how you''re going to thank me for what I did for you today?"


    Amanda grinned, tilting her head slightly to tease him.


    "Do you have anything in mind?"


    Rufus asked, smirking at her. He did have a lot to thank Amanda for today. The customers simply


    adored Amanda, and the talk went very well because of it.

 Chapter 273 Getting Drugged (Part Two)

    Chapter 273 Getting Drugged (Part Two)


    Amanda snickered, her bright white teeth peering behind her lips. Rufus looked straight into Amanda''s


    glossy eyes, which memorized every curve and line of his face.


    He wasn''t the young, dashing man that he was so many years ago, Amanda noted. The Rufus of today


    was now so much more handsome. Well-built, well-established, and mature. Age was kind to Rufus, a


    trait that only few were ever lucky to have.


    Amanda had merely used the opportunity to help introduce TY Securities to some major clients. When


    she invited him over to Paris, expecting to feel like the time back to when they were together all those


    years ago. Only now, they were both much older.


    Amanda and Rufus could be alone together. She didn''t have to worry about Cassandra getting in


    between them again. No one could bother them here in Paris.


    She looked at his wine ss again. The drug had long dissolved in the red liquid. As long as Rufus


    drank, even if it was just a sip, he would be bound to surrender to her enchanting charms.


    "Come on, you know what I want,"


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    Amanda smirked, eyes now dark and heavy. She eagerly wanted to make him drink.


    She wasn''t even trying to hide her desire any longer. Both of them knew that Amanda wanted him. All


    Rufus had to do was reciprocate.


    Feigning sickness to get him to pity and pay attention to her only worked for a short time. It also wasn''t


    the kind of rtionship she wanted. She wanted to be able to hold him, and be happy with him, and


    she wanted him to return her feelings.


    What she needed was care and love. She needed him to tell her that he loved her!


    Rufus, seeming to get the grasp of the situation, lowered his eyes. He averted her intense gaze, slowly


    shifting to turn around to face the skyline again, elbows leaning against the railing.


    "Amanda. I can only give you this much of love and care. I can never give you what you want. Not


    anymore. I''m not the same man."


    Rufus'' voice was quiet and gentle, but to Amanda, it was deafening and harsh.


    Her voice began to crack as she asked him, "Y-You''ve already broken up with Cassandra. There''s no


    one left for you back at G City. Why can''t you give me another chance?"


    Amanda''s face turned pale. He hadn''t been with Cassandra for a long time, and Cassandra was now


    trying to salvage the already-shattered Qin Group. Why was Rufus still so hung up on her?


    "You can never be the same as Cassandra. I''m sorry,"


    Rufus sighed, shaking away the thoughts of the little woman''s face.


    Cassandra had always kept her distance from him. Even when they were still together, she was always


    hesitant to ept his gifts.


    She was always so independent. Strong, proud, and tireless. He would often get mad at her for being


    so stubborn.


    But he just couldn''t seem to let her go. No matter how hard he tried, the image of that little woman


    would always creep back into his mind.


    "Who''s more important, then?"


    Amanda choked, biting her lower lip anxiously as she looked at Rufus. She was trying to hold back the


    pain she was feeling over being rejected over again.


    Amanda could see Rufus smile quietly to himself, which made her heart clench. She could never make


    Rufus smile like that. It hurt her.


    "Amanda. She''s irreceable. No one could everpare to her,"


    Rufus said as he smiled wider, letting his own thoughts consume himself.


    Even if Cassandra would get mad, even if she got really upset, she wouldn''t even ask such a ridiculous


    thing.


    Cassandra would never bother to ask if he loved her. She would never bother to ask if she was more


    important than anyone. She never had to ask those things because she had already known the


    answers anyway.


    Cassandra was just...so much better.


    Amanda held her tears back even if her heart ached so much that she could barely breathe.


    She closed her eyes shut and tried topose herself. She breathed a few times to steady her heart.


    When she opened her eyes to look at Rufus once again, he had already turned to face her. He was


    smiling so tenderly.


    Her eyes widened, and she saw Rufus holding his wine ss up to his lips as he chuckled, before


    sipping from it.


    She watched Rufus gulp down the wine. The dark red fluid, like a lethal poison, went down his throat


    and dissolved into his blood.


    Amanda smiled. She smiled sinisterly at the sight of Rufus sumbing to the drug. She wiped her


    eyes dry and beamed.


    She picked up her own ss and gulped the wine down in excitement.


    She approached Rufus by the balcony as her hips swayed beneath her. She held back the gleeful


    squeal that wanted to escape her lips and went to hold him by the waist, guiding him back into the


    room.


    Rufus had always refused her, but she knew his weakness.


    Charlie, Amanda''s father, would have forced Rufus to marry her if he ever found out that she had slept


    with him.


    Amanda relished Rufus''s attention to her now. Years ago, she wasn''t able to fully appreciate it when


    they had touched hands and kissed each other. She regretted never crossing that line with him.


    However, now that she had him at the tip of her finger, she would never waste such an opportunity.


    Rufus was right. He wasn''t the same man as before. And neither was she.


    Amanda quietly urged Rufus to finish the rest of his drink, and when he did, he coughed a few times


    from the sudden burst of liquid in his throat. He ced his wine ss on one of the end tables as he


    settled in the chair.


    Amanda sat on the edge of the bed across him in silence. She watched carefully how the drug took a


    hold on Rufus quickly¡ªhis chest rose and fell quicker than usual.


    Rufus was restlessly shifting in his seat, until he reached for the tie by his neck, attempting to loosen it.


    "It''s getting a little hot in here, isn''t it?"


    Amanda said with a hoarse voice.


    Rufus turned away from her gaze, feeling incredibly embarrassed over nothing. It was as if his mind


    was moving on its own.


    "I could see your forehead sweating," Amanda said, turning from the bed to grab the tissue on the end


    table.


    She proceeded to wipe him dry, but he only seemed to be sweating more profusely. Rufus was still


    trying to struggle with his tie, until Amanda held his hands still over his chest.


    "Oh, Rufus. Let me do that for you. Let''s take off your clothes so you could cool down. You''re starting to


    sweat through them,"

 Chapter 274 Getting Drugged (Part Three)

    Chapter 274 Getting Drugged (Part Three)


    Of course she knew Rufus would still have a bit of self control. However he was already halfway


    induced.


    This drug was particrly strong. It could make people dizzy and hallucinate. Rufus wouldn''t be able to


    resist it much longer. Rufus''s vision was slowly blurring. He was growing dizzier and dizzier, as he tried


    to snap out his thoughts.


    Why was he suddenly so dizzy? Was it because of the heat? No. It must have been something he


    drank.


    He stilled his thoughts until he finally came to the conclusion that there must''ve been something in his


    wine.


    "Amanda! Y-You drugged me!" Rufus groaned, mind refusing to cooperate. He couldn''t believe that


    sweet Amanda would ever do such a thing.


    Amandaughed darkly, her lips shining against the dim light as she leaned in to unbotton his shirt.


    "Rufus, I''ve only had eyes for you. But you never, ever reciprocate my love. But with the marvellous


    drug you just ingested, I can now have you all to myself. You won''t evenin!"


    Amanda said, voice growing darker as she let her hunger and desire take over her.


    "I love you, Rufus. I love you so much,"


    Rufus could hear her words, but all he could think of now was Cassandra.


    In spite of his body going numb, his thoughts started to clear as he focused more on Cassandra.


    Amanda kept saying how much she loved him, but all he could hear was Cassandra''s voice ying in


    his head¡ªshe had once said that she loved him.


    Whenever Cassandra said those words, it was always so careful and gentle.


    He could feel his wholeheartedly surrender to her whenever he would hear her say those words to him.


    Groaning, Rufus fought back and pushed Amanda harshly until she fell onto the ground. She


    immediately sat back up and looked at him, bewildered.


    "G-Get out. Get out of here!"


    Rufus screamed, face tightened as he tried to focus back on his body.


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    Amanda was stunned. She bought the drug thinking that it could overpower him immediately, but he


    was fighting through it. She clicked her tongue when she realized there were no men who could resist


    the damn thing. Rufus''s willpower was so much stronger.


    She refused to give up, however. She stood up and tried toe near him.


    Rufus was just as stubborn. When she got close enough, he shoved her away again.


    "I''m warning you, Amanda. Youe near me again, and I''ll make sure you regret it. If you still want to


    talk to me, you should best get out now."


    Rufus gritted his teeth, his vision already nothing but blurs of colors. His mind had gone haywire,


    changing Amanda''s figure into something like Cassandra''s.


    "Leave!"


    Rufus roared. He knew he wouldn''t be able to control himself if she stayed a few seconds longer. He


    wouldn''t be able to resist her advances if she kept up with them.


    Amanda was looking between him and the door, not knowing if she should stay or go. She resigned to


    leave him alone. Biting her lip, she took onest look at Rufus before dashing out of the room.


    Rufus''s shoulders tensed as the door mmed from beside him. He quickly yanked the tie loose from


    his neck and shed his cloak as heid down on the bed. He moaned as he felt his own fingers against


    his hot, tingling skin.


    It racked him with so much pleasure that his hands fumbled with his button-up shirt. He had to force


    himself to get up and rush to the bathroom.


    Turning on the cold water switch, he let the cooling water hit directly on his body, wet his clothes, and


    slightly lower the temperature of his hot body.


    The cold water and the drug contended with each other, submerging Rufus''s body in a world between


    ice and fire, and the two forces were twisting together in his body.


    The heat gradually subsided, and he slowly regained his consciousness.


    Rufus opened his eyes in the flushing of water, and his vision recovered.


    He cursed Amanda for drugging him. Something that strong just had to be illegal.


    Rufus knew Amanda as an innocent girl. He never would have thought that she was capable of doing


    such a thing. Had she really stooped so low?


    Did Amanda really love him? Or was she just really hungry for him?


    He knew that whatever Amanda did to him, Cassandra would only always be the one on his mind.


    What had just happened proved that.


    Rufus turned off the faucet and lost all his strength.


    He took off all his clothes, walked slowly to the bed and fell asleep instantly.


    Amanda opened the door and entered, her smile still blooming wild.


    She was prepared for this. She studied the effects of the drug down to thest detail. She knew that


    apart from the drug having an aphrodisiac effect, it also had something to make the user fall asleep.


    The tranquilizer was enough to knock him out for ten whole hours.


    Amanda slowly went to the bed andid beside him. Rufus was so out of it that he could hardly feel


    Amandaying her head against his shoulder, as she let sleep take over her.


    As morning arrived, the sun shined on Rufus''s face. He blinked the intense brightness away until his


    eyes flickered open.


    The first thing that greeted him was Amanda''s face. She was looking right at him with a gentle smile,


    and her eyes seemingly overwhelmed with love.


    It took only a few seconds for Rufus''s mind to register and he shot straight up. He was nowpletely


    awake.


    "What are you doing here?"


    Rufus asked, frowning upon the sight of her. He was well aware that she had left. He knew, because he


    knew what he had done. Why didn''t he notice hering back?


    "Rufus,st night... have you forgotten?"


    Amanda smiled kindly. It was so different from the smile that she hadst night.


    Rufus''s heart sank when he realized that he was set up.


    That drug wasn''t just an aphrodisiac. He truly didn''t expect Amanda to be so sneaky!


    "Rufus!" a booming yell called from behind the door. "You didn''t tell me you wereing to Paris!


    Didn''t you know I was visiting the branch office?"


    The voice said as it got louder and louder, until the door was suddenly pushed open and Charlie rushed


    in. He stopped by the door as he suddenly realized what he just walked into.

 Chapter 275 Scandalous (Part One)

    Chapter 275 Scandalous (Part One)


    A tense silence had settled in the room as Charlie stood wide-eyed at the scene in front of him. He


    could hardly believe his eyes.


    He opened his mouth, but no sound came out. After a few moments of stunned and confused silence,


    he turned around and walked outside before shutting the door behind him.


    Amanda''s face burned with embarrassment. She turned to Rufus and said, "What do we do now,


    Rufus? My father saw us..."


    Her voice dropped in a seductive tone and she looked at him through half-lidded eyes. Any man in the


    right mind would find her tantalizing.


    However, Rufus''s mind was in a ce very far from the alluring sight in front of him. His face darkened


    as he remained silent.


    ''How was Charlie able to enter the room?'' he wondered thoughtfully.


    As a matter of fact, what he didn''t know was that it was a carefully orchestrated n by none other


    than Amanda. She had secretly left the door unlocked, and after finding the right moment, she sent a


    message to her father asking him toe straight inside using Rufus''s phone.


    At the moment, Rufus''s angry face was putting a damper to Amanda''s mood. However, she brightened


    up when she thought of the sess of her n. Her father had seen her and Rufus. There was no way


    he would just let things be as they were. A thrill ran through her as she thought of a wedding that would


    not be far off.


    Rufus sat up and wrapped the thin quilt around his body. He stood up and walked to the rest room to


    get changed without so much as a word.


    When he walked out, Amanda had already put her clothes on. She peeked at him coyly, her face still


    dusted in red.


    She turned her eyes to look outside and then looked back to Rufus, giving off an air of hesitation. She


    asked in a low voice, "Should I ask my father toe in?"


    Her face turned even redder after she had uttered the words.


    Rufus gave her no reply and proceeded to open the door. Charlie was standing outside. The older was


    staring nkly at nothing, as if he had not yet fully processed the earlier scene.


    He snapped back to himself immediately when he noticed Rufus''s presence. Charlie walked over to


    him, pausing just as he was beside the young man to meet his eyes and pat him on the shoulder. Then


    he walked inside the room.


    The incidents fromst night were slowly bing less and less hazy to Rufus, and he began to piece


    the images together. However, there were plenty of blind spots that he could not recall no matter how


    much he tried.


    He remembered that sending Amanda away, so how was it possible that she was with him in the same


    room, on the same bed even, when morning came?


    Whatever drug he had taken was too strong. It was messing with his head.


    Amanda sat down beside Charlie with her head lowered. A smile broke on Charlie''s face. At this, Rufus


    found it impossible to try exining.


    Everyone was well aware how much Charlie adored his beloved daughter. If Rufus told him the truth


    about the scene his saw and that his daughter drugged him, he would surely turn out to be the bad


    person. Charlie would never be able to believe that his precious daughter would be capable of doing


    such acts. Rufus would be at a disadvantage with the father and daughter''s rtionship. He would be


    painted as a liar.


    "When is the wedding, Rufus?"


    Charlie didn''t beat around the bush and went straight to the point.


    "Father!" Amanda burst out, taking his father''s arm. "We are still only dating! It''s still too early to think


    about engagements and weddings,"


    she reasoned. Amanda was perfectly ying the part of an embarrassed youngdy.


    "Too early? You have already been dating before. You''re just picking up where you left off, right? If I


    didn''t get in your way back then, the two of you probably would have been married by now," he said as


    he reached out a hand to touch his daughter''s head. "Don''t worry. Leave the wedding arrangements to


    me. There would be nothing but the best for the two of you. I can guarantee that you will like it!" he


    eximed.


    Charlie epted the fact that Amanda and Rufus had shared the same bed rather easily. In fact, he


    was happy about the matter. He couldn''t stop himself from beaming at this development.


    Rufus was no longer just a boy. He had grown into a fine man, and was in charge of two of the most


    powerful groups in business: TY Group and Tang Group. Charlie found himself more and more


    impressed with him as time went by. In just a short time, he had be an excellent man and made


    great achievements.


    And now, he and Amanda met and fell in love once again. He hade between them before, with the


    best interest of his daughter in mind, but things were different now. As long as his daughter was happy,


    there was no reason for him to stop them anymore.


    Rufus had not spoken a single word since he had entered the room. Charlie frowned slightly as he


    noticed his silence. He could not help feeling that something was amiss.


    "What do you think Rufus? I don''t believe you have any problems with Amanda, right?"


    Charlie asked, his frown deepening.


    "No, she''s good. But..." Rufus trailed off.


    His heart felt heavy in his chest as he swallowed the unspoken words. In truth, Amanda was thest


    thing on his mind. All he could think of that moment was Cassandra. However, before he could


    continue his exnation, Amanda spoke, "Father! You are embarrassing us! Stop asking, please.


    Leave it to us, okay?"


    She shook her father''s arm and begged coquettishly.


    Charlie burst intoughter upon seeing his daughter''s embarrassed expression, and then continued,


    "You''ve already gone this far. What are you so shy about? Just pick a date and I''ll handle the


    preparations. It''s going to be a grand celebration. I''m sure you will love it!"


    Charlie beamed at his daughter and stroked her hair. To him, Amanda would always be his little girl.


    "Okay, okay, I get it. I''ll let you know when we decide it. So can you please stop talking about it now?"


    she grumbled, pouting.


    Amanda looked like a doll as she looked up at her father.


    Charlieughed out once again, and Rufus found no opening. He didn''t know what to say now.


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    His eyes darkened. Amanda''s embarrassed demeanor pulled at his nerves. The sight of her, ying


    the shy, innocent girl in front of Charlie made him sick to his stomach.


    There was no way that Charlie''s appearance had been a mere coincidence, and there was only one


    person who could have nned everything.


    ''How ironic!'' Rufus chuckled darkly to himself. ''With such an innocent face, she managed to get her


    hands on that drug.'' Amanda continued the act perfectly, her expressions not missing a beat. Rufus


    wanted to scoff out loud. ''She''s an excellent actress, I''ll give her that, '' he thought sarcastically.


    Rufus was pulled away from his thoughts at Charlie''s next words. "Amanda, can I have a word with


    Rufus? There''s something I want to discuss with him alone," he said.


    Amanda stood up obediently and smiled to her father as she left the two men in the room.

 Chapter 276 Scandalous (Part Two)

    Chapter 276 Scandalous (Part Two)


    She knew there was no need for her to worry about what they would talk about. No matter what it was,


    her father would definitely take her side.


    Once she was out of the room, Charlie''s demeanor changed into a more serious air. He looked at


    Rufus with a deep, prating gaze and asked, "Rufus, are you sure you will marry Amanda?"


    Any trace of his earlier cheerfulness was now gone from his face. Charlie had asked Amanda to leave,


    knowing that she would possibly be hurt by the conversation. Rufus''s expression did not escape him.


    He knew that something was wrong.


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    Rufus held the older man''s gaze with his own. "To be honest, Charlie, I don''t want to marry her."


    Rufus did not like taking the roundabout way of doing things. After all, Charlie was his mentor. He gave


    him his answer directly. Now that there was only the two of them, there was nothing holding him back


    from speaking his mind.


    Charlie''s face visibly hardened at his answer. "But why did you... why did you stay with herst night!"


    Rufus had expected his outburst. The older man''s hands shook as he tried to hold his anger.


    ''Since when did Rufus be such an irresponsible man?! Justst night, he has slept with Amanda,


    and now he is saying he doesn''t want to marry her? What is this bastard thinking?'' Charlie cursed


    inwardly.


    "You know perfectly why. I care for Amanda because I think of her as a sister. The woman I love is


    Cassandra."


    Rufus''s face softened as he spoke of Cassandra. A gentle expression appeared on his face as he


    mentioned her name.


    "Pfft. Love be damned! You''re not thinking clearly. That woman isn''t good enough for you!"


    Charlie had Cassandra investigated a long time ago. He learned that she had close rtions with


    Rufus despite being married to his brother Lionel. When Rufus''s aunt Michelle went to talk to her to put


    a stop to their rtionship, they had a quarrel which ended with Michelle falling down from the third


    floor.


    She was worthless. She had nothing to her name and a torn reputation in everyone''s eyes. But Rufus


    was saying that he loved her! Charlie couldn''t believe the ridiculousness of it all.


    Rufus bit his tongue against the sharp words that were threatening to go out from his mouth. He had


    always respected Charlie, and he had no ns of disrespecting him now.


    "All of those are nothing but rumors. If you know her better, you would understand. I have never met a


    more honest woman in all my life,"


    Rufus said, and meant every word he said. He looked into Charlie''s eyes as he spoke, as if to prove


    the sincerity of his words.


    Charlie snorted and returned his gaze with disdain.


    "I don''t care whether you love her or not," he spat. "You are with my daughter now, and you had better


    stop screwing around with other women." He took a step closer to Rufus. "Forget that damned woman.


    Remember, you are going to marry my daughter," Charlie pushed, his tone full of threat.


    Rufus was clearly ensnared in that evil woman''s trap. It would seem that she was an expert in


    manipting rich men using her beauty. She would not be the first. Charlie had seen his fair share of


    her sort in his life.


    "I will not forget her,"


    Rufus answered back in a firm tone. That woman had filled his mind, even as he stared into the older


    man''s eyes. He started to miss her now.


    It had been a long time since they hadst seen each other. She was trying to break free from him, and


    he knew that. He would give her all the time in the world to think, if that was what she needed. He


    would wait for her for a lifetime, if that was what it took. In the end, he was sure that they would find


    their way back to each other.


    "I don''t give a shit about what you think. You will marry Amanda. Leave that woman and stay away from


    her starting from this day!"


    Charlie raised his hand to the air before Rufus could say anything more. There was no way he could


    take Rufus''s words seriously. He would make sure that his daughter would get what she wanted.


    "There''s one more thing. Don''t go back to G City. You will being back to Dark Night with me. There


    are problems that need immediate attention."


    Charlie didn''t want to waste his time discussing about Cassandra with Rufus. That woman only served


    to sour his mood. He opted instead to speak about his real purpose foring.


    "Problems?"


    Rufus''s brows furrowed in confusion.


    Since he left the group, he had devoted himself to building a name for himself, and not once did he


    involve himself in Dark Night''s matters. Why was Charlie mentioning it to him now?


    "It''s about rk. Word has reached us that he''s involved in some shady business," Charlie muttered.


    Rufus froze upon hearing the name. There was no way he would forget that name.


    Back when he was still being trained in the Group, rk had specifically singled him out and nitpicked


    his every move. He had to grit his teeth against this treatment and suffered in silence thanks to him.


    Because rk was the son of their boss, and fighting back against him would only bring worse things.


    Besides, he had no time to concern himself with making enemies, especially not a spoiled brat like


    rk. His first and foremost target was Horace.


    Of course, he had made the smart decision. rk disappeared from his life the moment he left Dark


    Night Group.


    He made no attempt to concern himself with his whereabouts either. Thest thing he had heard was


    that rk took over Dark Night Group after his father''s death. But why was Charlie talking to him about


    rk?


    "Some shady business? What do you mean?" Rufus asked, feigning ignorance.


    Word passed quickly in the business, and so of course, rumors would reach him even if he did not


    actively seek it out. However, he pretended to know nothing. He and rk were in different worlds now,


    and he did not want to concern himself about his business.


    "He sells drugs,"


    Charlie squeezed the words through gritted teeth. It was the lowest of the low. rk had been involved


    in it left an unforgivable tarnish in the group''s reputation.


    "What do you n to do then?"


    Rufus merely cocked a brow at Charlie''s revtion. He appeared not to be shocked at all.


    At this point, nothing about rk would surprise him anymore. He could be in prison, for all he cared.


    "Gather enough evidence, kick him out, and then find another man to take over the group."


    Charlie held nothing back about his ns from Rufus. He might be a fool when it came to women, but


    he was unrivalled when it came to work.


    Rufus frowned and paused in thoughtful silence.


    ''I can''t get involved in it. I have more important things to do, '' he told himself.


    "You will help me, right, Rufus? You were trained by Dark Night, and you will always be a member of it,


    whether you like it or not. You can''t just stand by and let this happen!" Charlie demanded.

 Chapter 277 Scandalous (Part Three)

    Chapter 277 Scandalous (Part Three)


    He knew what Rufus''s silence meant even before he gave out his answer. Charlie understood that he


    was unwilling to deal with rk, but there was no better candidate than him to be the next head of the


    group. He had to somehow convince him to agree.


    "I don''t want to meddle in other people''s business. You know that,"


    Rufus insisted and shook his head in refusal.


    "You are one of us. That makes this your business. You can''t just run away from your responsibilities,"


    Charlie pressed, and looked at Rufus meaningfully.


    Rufus knew what Charlie wanted from him. He knew that the older man wanted him to be the next


    leader. It was not a bad position, but for the time being, there were other things on his mind.


    He shook his head again. "I can help you with the investigation, but I can''t give anything more than


    that."


    Rufus had made up his mind and refused, finality in his tone.


    Despite Rufus''s stubbornness, Charlie was inwardly delighted.


    ''A man of honor and principle. As expected of the man I chose, '' he praised him secretly.


    ''It doesn''t matter if he''s not yet agreed. When the timees, he will inevitably be involved in it. There


    will be a significant change within the group, and Rufus will definitely be there.''


    Satisfied, Charlie didn''t press him any longer. He stood up and pat him on his shoulder.


    "We are not in a hurry. Think it over more carefully. You''ve given a lot of contribution to the group. With


    your aplishments of establishing and developing TY Group, you have already defeated rk," he


    said, and then his voice changed into a more serious tone. "As for the rtionship between you and


    Amanda, I trust that you will give me a satisfying answer."


    Charlie pressed his shoulder slightly as he spoke the words, which gave away the warning that came


    with the contact.


    Amanda was his only daughter. He would make Rufus choose her. He was well aware of the respect


    that the young man had for him, and he would use it if necessary. Rufus would not be able to refuse.


    As for love, that couldeter. They had already been together once, and they would have no


    problem doing it again.


    As for Cassandra... Charlie squinted his eyes as he remembered the woman who refused to get off the


    taxi and talk to him.


    He would deal with her on his own.


    Cassandra rubbed her temples with one hand as she looked over the letters of resignation that had just


    been submitted to her.


    She was well on the way to being a general without soldiers. Almost all the employees were gone and


    there were only a handful of people left.


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    A knock sounded on the door.


    "Come in, please!" she answered, straightening herself up. Maggie, one of her employees entered the


    office.


    "Maggie, can I help you?" she asked, straining to keep her voice steady.


    Cassandra''s heart sank inside her. ''Did shee here to submit a resignation letter too?'' she thought


    despondently to herself.


    Maggie stood in front of the desk with an anxious expression for some time before speaking, "Manager


    Qin, there''s something I''d like you tell you. But it''s just my guess, and I could be wrong..."


    Maggie bit her lower lips. She seemed to be struggling with her thoughts as she faced Cassandra.


    "Sure. Go ahead, please," Cassandra said, sitting up a little straighter.


    Something in her gut told her that bad news wasing, but she forced herself to calm down and hear


    her out.


    "I think¡­the employees who left were targeted on purpose," she began. "They found a job right after


    they left. It''s strange how quickly they were epted in their newpanies. I feel like someone is


    deliberately trying to sabotage us."


    Maggie was a fresh graduate and was not very knowledgeable about how the corporate world worked.


    This was her first job. And she seemed not very sure of what she had just said.


    "Really? Do you have any evidence?"


    Cassandra felt her heart sink. Despite the heaviness in her chest, she forced out a smile in order not to


    scare Maggie.


    "I received an email from a headhunter. He provided me with details about a job in another construction


    company, with 30% raise from my wages here. This feels very strange, because I have just graduated,


    and I don''t have the experience to attract headhunters."


    Maggie handed her a sheet of paper.


    "This is the email I received," she said as Cassandra took the paper from her hand.


    Cassandra looked at the email. There was nothing strange about the message of the way it was


    written, but Maggie was right. A headhunter would not reach out to her, seeing that she was a rookie.


    There was no logical exnation for it.


    "So, what do you think?" Cassandra turned her attention back to the young employee. "It''s alright,


    Maggie. If you want to leave, I won''t stop you,"


    she said and smiled at her.


    "No, I didn''te here to tell you about this and resign. Manager Qin, you have been very kind to me. I


    know that you took me to A City so that I could search for my uncle. I would never leave you in a


    difficult time like this. I owe you that much," Maggie raised her eyes to hers and announced. "I won''t


    leave thispany!"


    Upon uttering those words, her face turned beet red. She had never been a talkative girl, but


    Cassandra was grateful for her trust.


    "Don''t stress yourself over it. This is just a temporary setback. I''ll figure out a solution to this problem."


    Cassandra''s smile did not falter. There was no way she could break now in front of such a loyal


    employee. The least she could do was match that with determination.


    "I know that you''re a good woman, and you are nothing like the rumors say. I won''t leave here unless


    you ask me to. Even though we don''t have any projects now, I''ll do my best to help with other things!"


    Maggie returned Cassandra''s smile shyly.


    "Thanks, Maggie. All right, you can go back to your work now. I''ll think of something."


    After Maggie left, Cassandra''s smile withered immediately. She hung her head low in frustration and


    slumped in her chair.


    With the email Maggie received, Cassandra was able to confirm that the people who left were hired by


    the same headhunter.


    But who was behind this?


    She should''ve noticed it. Most of the staff left within just one month! It was abnormal how quickly they


    left. She paid them even when there were no projects to be done, but they still went away one after the


    other.


    With no staff, the project could not be carried out. If things continued as they were, thepany would


    fall into ruin in no time. It was too well thought out to be a coincidence. Someone was out to destroy the


    Qin Group.


    Cassandra shivered at the terrible guess.


    When Vernon went into jail, she was anxious about the Qin Group''s future. There had been many


    problems so far, but this was on a whole new level.


    To make matters worse, she did not even know who she was up against. Her enemy had no face or


    name.


    A painful throb cramped in her stomach. She had been stressed out this month, and her period had


    beente in arriving. It was only now that it urred to her how much time hadpsed since herst


    bleeding.


    ''Is my perioding now?'' she thought as she pressed a hand to her belly to ease the pain.


    This was just a minor pain. She had more serious things to think about. Before anything else, she had


    to find out the person trying to bring thepany to ruin.


    Suddenly, the phone on the desk rang. Cassandra jumped in surprise at the sound.


    It was her work phone. It was mostly used to answer calls from clients. They hadn''t been having new


    projects for a long time. Who could be calling this time?


    She picked up the phone. An unfamiliar voice spoke from the other side.


    "Miss Qin, I''d like to talk to you about investing on Qin Group."

 Chapter 278 Was She Pregnant (Part One)

    Chapter 278 Was She Pregnant (Part One)


    Cassandra wondered, ''Did I hear that right? Is someone really nning to make an investment in the


    Qin Group?''


    "Excuse me, which investmentpany are you calling from?" she asked carefully and seemingly


    intrigued.


    She remembered that thest time she took a taxi, the driver unexpectedly drove her to a hotel under


    the pretense that someone wanted to have a word with her. When she discovered that the person who


    met her at the hotel was looking to invest in the Qin Group, she walked out of there without a word. In


    her arrogance, she let her pride dictate her decisions and refused to ept investments from anyone


    at that time. However, circumstances had changed drastically for the Qin Group since then. Now the


    sudden emergence of this potential investor was starting to feel like a blessing.


    "Hello, Miss?Qin, we have met each other before."


    The man on the other end of the phone had a confident tone to his voice. The moment he said that,


    she knew exactly who she was speaking to.


    "Well then, let''s meet and discuss everything in detail,"


    she diligently asked to make an appointment to borately assess the investment.


    After hanging up the phone, Cassandra took a careful look at the printed e-mail in her hand, ready to


    conduct a detailed research into the e-mail sender''s information over the Inte.


    Just as she clicked the browser open, thetest news popped up on her news feed.


    The news article had a picture of Rufus holding Amanda''s hand as they strolled around the streets of


    Paris. ncing at the picture left her insides contracting with a shocking coldness.


    ''Oh no! This can only mean that Lionel wasn''t lying to me at all. He was actually speaking the truth


    when he said that Rufus and Amanda had gone to Paris together. This picture of them in public is


    enough to prove the intimacy of their rtionship.'' Cassandra shuddered at the thought.


    Like a child immersed in a fairytale, she looked at the pictures and concluded that the two were


    undoubtedly in love with each other. The more she saw, the sadder she felt. So her hands began to


    shake involuntarily.


    Finding it hard to have the courage to carry on with the visual torture, Cassandra quickly turned off the


    computer to allow herself a few moments of peace. Soon after, she turned away from theputer


    screen, sat there motionlessly, and consumed in her own thoughts.


    ''I know that I was the one who broke up with you. Rufus, have you really moved on with your life? Did I


    push you into Amanda''s side? It''s over, isn''t it?''


    Tucked away in a crescent-shaped cove with miniature vis spread out at the side, it was the biggest


    hotel in G City, where a man in his fifties was sitting right across Cassandra.


    With an unmistakable tall figure, the man was a lovely union of grace and majesty.


    The name of the man was Charlie Ke.


    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Miss?Qin, as far as I know, the Qin Group is being pressured by the bank to repay the loan. But I don''t


    think that you have enough money to repay the loan, do you?"


    Charlie had no problem in candidly pointing out the most urgent problem currently underlying the Qin


    Group.


    Taking a deep breath and steadying herself, Cassandra paused to collect her thoughts so that she


    coulde up with a tactful response to counter the middle-aged man with eagle-like sharp eyes.


    "Yes, you are correct. If I want to repay the loan now, I will have to sell the workce in which the Qin


    Group is currently operating and all the office equipments I had purchased before. However, if I want to


    keep my father''s wish of developing the Qin Group for a long time, I cannot do that."


    With a measure of maturity beyond her years, Cassandra donned a bitter smile on her sad face as she


    spoke to Charlie.


    "Since you''ve agreed toe and talk with me today, would it be safe to presume that you are ready to


    ept our investment proposal?"


    Raising his lips, Charlie looked at her with confidence, as if he was fairly certain of his ability to


    persuade her.


    "I can consider epting this investment from you, but I''m curious about how you wish to cooperate


    with us."


    Although she still had the exuberance of youth, Cassandra wasn''t born yesterday. She wasn''t gullible


    enough to believe that this man would willingly take the risk to invest in a smallpany like the Qin


    Group with no strings attached, especially now that they were financially in a precarious position.


    ''What does this man really want from the Qin Group?'' she wondered.


    "You are clearly aware of what the financial state the Qin Group is in right now. Earlier on, when the Qin


    Group was developing rapidly, I wanted to invest in yourpany, but you turned me down. However,


    even though the Qin Group is facing imminent closure, I am still willing to invest in yourpany as a


    disy of my sincerity. I hope this help to erase any kind of suspicions you may have had in the past.


    Okay?"


    What a sharp-witted fellow this Charlie was! His astute mind had a ir of extracting what Cassandra


    was thinking. With his silver tongue, he deliberately fashioned his words to gain her trust so she


    wouldn''t second-guess his real intentions.


    "May I ask you one question, Mr. Ke? Now that the Qin Group is struggling financially to make ends


    meet, aren''t you afraid of incurring a loss once you invest on us?"


    Cassandra sat there, carefully observing the man''s reactions, but she still couldn''t see through his


    underlying motives.


    "Ha! If the Qin Group''s business were prospering financially and it had many talents operating in its


    office, you would still refuse my proposal if I wanted to invest in yourpany. As for the rationale


    behind my investment, it is essential for investors to pay more attention towards long-term interests


    rather than the immediate interests."


    Raising the corner of his mouth again, he gave her a faint smile. In this way, he managed to appear a


    bit milderpared to the intimidating look he had before.


    "I appreciate your honesty, Mr. Ke. I am happy to know that you attach such great importance to the


    Qin Group. The fact that you wish to stand by thepany during these trying times is evidence of


    your eagerness and unwavering trust in it."


    After carefully considering what he had said and finding sincerity in his words, Cassandra gradually put


    the doubts and suspicions in her mind to rest.

 Chapter 279 Was She Pregnant (Part Two)

    Chapter 279 Was She Pregnant (Part Two)


    ''The problems at the Qin Group started when I had to leave thepany unsupervised for several


    days due to me being detained on charges of pushing Michelle down railings. To make matters worse,


    while I was away, someone lured away our important employees with promises of a higher sry to


    leave thepany without my knowledge. Thus, all of this leads the Qin Group to its downfall. If it


    weren''t for these problems, thepany would have been flourishing, '' she thought to herself.


    "What attracts my attention is your talent in design. If youe back to this field and continue to do


    more architectural designs, coupled with my financial support, I believe that the Qin Group will be back


    on top, putting out ground-breaking work in no time."


    Charlie had a rather rxed smile on his face knowing that she had already started to consider his


    investment proposal.


    "It is quite normal for any start-uppany to get hit by an economic downturn once in a while, but it


    doesn''t mean that thepany cannot bounce back in the future. There is no need for the bank to


    doubt the Qin Group''s ability to pay off the loan. With your talent pool and work ethic, I believe that you


    can earn a return that will be sufficient to eventually repay the loan. My first n is to help you repay


    the bank loan and then find someone to secure another loan for you. This time, you can loan more


    money for theprehensive improvement of the Qin Group. I will have my assistant draw up the


    specific details of our cooperation n with you and yourpany. What do you say?"


    As he put forward his own cooperation n, Charlie carefully observed her facial expression.


    The biggest worry in Cassandra''s mind right now was that loan. Charlie made a judgment call and


    decided to invest in herpany inpliance to the specific predicament the Qin Group was in.


    Suffice it to say, his investment would give her a way out of this predicament about the loan.


    "Mr. Ke, you''ve been very frank and straight-forward from the on-set. If I don''t agree with you, I will


    come off as a little petty."


    She smiled humbly and nodded in agreement. ''Mr. Ke seems to be an upstanding and reliable person.


    The fact that he has aligned to the vision and mission of thepany will make him a good partner.''


    Cassandra felt reassured by the oue of the meeting.


    ''I am not really good at the management part of it all. But If he sends other assistants to help me


    manage the Qin Group, I will be able to pour all my energy and focus into the other professional


    departments of thepany.


    Besides, my aim is not to earn short-term profits for the Qin Group right now. As long as thepany


    can maintain a healthy development rate, I will be satisfied. I believe there is still a long way to go for


    the expansion of thepany. So there is no need to rush things right now, '' she wondered.


    Although he didn''t specifically mention how much money he would invest, Charlie assured that the sum


    of money would help the Qin Group ovee the capital turnover. This lightened her psychological


    burden by arge margin. In the near future, she could just focus on improving the quality of the


    products instead of worrying about the money all the time.


    At first, Cassandra didn''t reserve much hope for this conversation, but to her surprise, it ended up in


    bing a win-win situation for the both of them.


    This cooperation would not only save the Qin Group from imminent bankruptcy, but also temporarily


    help her solve the loan crisis. Apart from that, she also received another loan through this cooperation,


    thus preserving the financial stability of thepany and lifting the burden on her shoulders to a


    certain extent.


    "Well, I hope to have a pleasant cooperation with you in the future, Miss Qin. I will have my assistant


    break down the details with you shortly. Although I usually live abroad, please do not hesitate to contact


    me if you have any questions or concerns."


    Wearing a content smile on his face, he mused, ''Cassandra is smart, but she is far from being shrewd


    enough to guess the motive behind my gesture.


    It seems that the declining tendency of the Qin Group made her panic. I''m not surprised that when I


    made it clear that I wanted to invest in herpany willingly, she believed everything I had said without


    carefully considering all the relevant facts and details. Indeed, women are sensuous creatures and she


    is no exception.


    The things fathers do for their daughters. For the sake of my own daughter''s happiness, I have to


    vite my personal principles and y the bad guy to cheat Cassandra this time.''


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    With Charlie''s assistance, Cassandra immediately stopped worrying about that loan. The next step for


    her was to recruit new diligent employees.


    She had learned a valuable lesson from her previous job-hopping employees, so this time she decided


    to sign a contract with each employee, stipting that the employees would not be able to unterally


    terminate the contract. With this assurance, she believed that herpany would avoid the recurrence


    of thest job-hopping incident.


    Through these vital changes being made to thepany, Cassandra also made aware of who could be


    put in an important position and who could be trusted. This led her to appoint Maggie as her assistant.


    It wasmonly known that business was like a war without bullets. Running a business was far from


    being as straightforward as she thought it would be. There were just as many challenges as there were


    opportunities in business. This time she was fortunate enough to meet an investor like Charlie, but in


    the long-run she would really need to be a lot more careful.


    Meanwhile at the President''s office of the Tang Group, Rufus received an urgent message from Jasper.


    "Your Aunt Michelle has made a full recovery from her injury. I have decided to take her back abroad


    with me. If you have any concerns, please feel free contact to me."


    Thinking of the dialogue he shared with his aunt the night before, a trace of smile crept into Rufus''s


    face.


    "Rufus, is Cassandra the only person you are willing to get married to? Can''t it be someone else? I


    must admit that she may be good for you, but if you choose to be with her, you will not only have to


    consider many important factors, but also need to face many difficulties. Are you sure you can handle


    the repercussions?"


    Michelle frowned, and her eyes were filled with concern for her nephew.


    ''Rufus is my only nephew. Thanks to Cassandra, his reputation has been dragged to the mud. Is she


    really worth all the trouble?'' she wondered.

 Chapter 280 Was She Pregnant (Part Three)

    Chapter 280 Was She Pregnant (Part Three)


    "Thank you for your concern, Aunt Michelle, but I am sure I won''t regret any of it. I know what kind of


    woman I want to spend my life with, so you don''t have to worry about me. I can deal with this matter by


    myself."


    With a gentle smile on his lips, Rufus had made up his mind to tell Amanda that the person he wanted


    to be with was Cassandra.


    For the past one month, Rufus and Amanda had been inseparable. The two were seen together


    appearing in the public eye, as if Amanda was Rufus''s real girlfriend. The media did what was


    expected of it and published numerous articles about the two being a perfect match for each other.


    However, only Rufus knew that such reports were far from the truth.


    Rufus, however, didn''t me Amanda for drugging him with a philter and deliberately trapping her


    father into witnessing that scene. There was nothing he could do about it because whenever he would


    get angry at her, she would instantly look at him helplessly with tear-soaked eyes. Not to mention the


    fact that she was still suffering from sickness immediately softened his heart towards her.


    However, upon hearing the news about the Qin Group''s recent financial crisis with the bank and


    Cassandra''s difficulty to continue running thepany, Rufus realized that this was a good opportunity


    for him to tinker his broken rtionship with her.


    ''I am financially well-equipped to help the Qin Group get out of its'' current predicament without any


    difficulties. This problem is really a blessing in disguise for me to help her this time.'' Rufus had high


    hopes for the future.


    Needless to say, a wide satisfied smile appeared on his face while he thought, ''Cassandra, you are too


    stubborn for your own good. Now look what happened! You really need me to help you out this time,


    don''t you?''


    Rufus shook himself out of his reverie and transformed his smirk back into a benevolent smile, not


    knowing that what he had dreamed woulde crashing down just one dayter.


    Cassandra forgot how long it had been since thest time she saw him. Perhaps it had been a month,


    or two months. It could have been longer.


    Although the only thing separating the two of them was just a street, she still recognized Rufus through


    the crowd of people passing by.


    Cassandra saw him slumping against the corner of the wall, hiding himself underneath the shadow of


    the streetmp. For a moment the only movement was the curling smoke from a half-burnt cigarette in


    his hand.


    Taking small and slow draws of the cigarette, he blew the smoke out between his lips. In this way, she


    caught his handsome profile silhouetted against the dim fire light in the background.


    The mere sight of his face took away all her negative thoughts. Just a minute ago, she felt depressed,


    but now her heart was singing with joy inside her chest.


    And then suddenly, the truth crystallized in front of her. They were no longer together. Instead of the


    soul she loved for long, she now saw a stranger.


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    Cassandra thought that she saw a hint of disappointment shing in his eyes for a second right before


    she averted her gaze and walked into the office building. She had just returned to the office building


    from having dinner outside and was about to go back to her tiny bedroom for some much needed rest.


    When she heard the sound of steady footstepsing from behind, her subconscious urged her to


    run. Suddenly, before she could run into the building, she felt someone tug her arm and turn her


    around.


    "Hey! Why are you running away?"


    Rufus frowned with displeasure, who was gazing at her face like he had been dreaming about her for


    some time.


    "Why did you grab my arm?" she answered back, ring at the man with eyes burning with fury.


    Judging by the look on her face, he knew that she was just as stubborn as she used to be. Meanwhile,


    he also understood why she was mad at him for grabbing her arms.


    Even then, he didn''t let her anger get in his way, as he kept his eyes on her to intimidate her, forcing


    her to raise her head to meet his piercing gaze.


    "Calm down. You don''t have to be so vignt. I am not going to hurt you."


    Gradually, Rufus rxed his grip on her arms and smiled winsomely at her.


    He was caught in between feeling annoyed and amused by her defensive reaction.


    Although she exercised prudence, Cassandra wondered why she immersed herself in his captivating


    smile.


    "I hear yourpany''s been facing financial difficulties. Is that true? Why didn''t youe to me? I


    could have helped you."


    As Rufus leaned in closer to her, his warm breath caressed the exposed creamy skin on her face.


    "Thanks for the offer, but I don''t need your help. I can take care of my problems on my own."


    Cassandra quickly turned her face away to avert his eyes, but she felt the heat rise up to her ears.


    ''My body starts reacting strangely every time he gets close to me. I hate feeling like that. I wonder what


    it would take to avoid being in this situation, '' Cassandra thought.


    "Don''t be so stubborn. Didn''t you promise your father to keep the Qin Group running?"


    Rufus tried to hide his emotions under a broad smile, all the while unhindered by her indifference. ''She


    hasn''t changed at all. She still refuses to take any help from me.''


    "Well, you''re right about that, but someone else has already made amitment to invest in my


    company. Thank you for your kindness!"


    Upon breaking free from his grasp, she quickly scurried up the stairs and ran into her office as fast as


    she could without looking back.


    Rufus stood there with only a bemused frown on his face and mused, ''Someone else wants to invest in


    herpany? Who in their right mind would want to invest in the Qin Group right now?''


    After shutting the door behind her, Cassandra looked out the peep-hole to make sure that Rufus didn''t


    follow. Once she was satisfied, she walked to the window to look at him from the darkness.


    Much to her surprise, Rufus was still standing in the same spot under the street light. It seemed as


    though he was trying to look into the office building, but she wasn''t bothered because there was no way


    he could see her from where he was standing.


    The only time she could dare to gaze at him so bravely was when they weren''t looking straight into


    each other''s eyes.


    Over the past few days, she had seen him appearing in many ces: the news, the TV, the


    newspapers and the Inte. The local gossips about him and Amanda were running rampant all over


    the city.


    Every time she would see or hear something about them, a tight and constricting pain would set on her


    heart. It unnerved her more than anything, because she knew what it was. The more she paid attention


    to them, the more it harrowed her soul.


    But today, he appeared before her in the flesh, offering to help her when she was making every


    possible effort to forget him.


    ''How ridiculous! I wonder what kind of a person he takes me to be? Does he think that I''m the kind of


    woman who wants to be with him for the money?


    Well, then he would be highly mistaken. It''s obvious he doesn''t know me well enough. I only want to be


    with him because I love him, '' she thought.


    Meanwhile, Rufus stood outside in the cold for a long time, still hesitating and unsure of whether he


    should go upstairs to have a chat with her or not.


    In the end, he decided to give her some space and go back to do some researches on the recent


    developments of the Qin Group before making any moves. As long as the Qin Group could get through


    this crisis and she had moved past this difficult situation, he would have nothing to worry about.


    When she saw him walking across the street and driving away in his car, Cassandra ran downstairs


    and found herself standing alone on the curb and watching Rufus''s taillights disappear into the night.


    Little did she know that her eyes had failed to suppress the longing and desire she had for him.


    When he arrived at the Garden Vi, Rufus saw a person standing at the gate who seemed to be


    waiting for someone. He got out of the car and walked closer to find that it was Amanda.


    "Amanda, what are you doing here sote?"

 Chapter 281 Was She Pregnant (Part Four)

    Chapter 281 Was She Pregnant (Part Four)


    The frown on his face did not rx, and the muscles of his mouth grew, if anything, tenser, as he had


    already guessed the reason behind her unexpected visit.


    Evidently, Amanda had already known about his short visit to Cassandra''s office and she had showed


    up at his door to unburden her soul. However, Rufus wasn''t aware of this just yet.


    "Rufus, You haven''t forgotten Cassandra, have you?"


    Amanda''s voice trembled. Her breath came so hard that Rufus could hear its suspiration where he


    stood.


    "So, you know that I went to see her, right?"


    Rufus was as sharp as a tack. Hardly anything could slip past his sharp mind without being noticed and


    Amanda''s thoughts were of no exception.


    ''Now that she''s here to talk to me about this matter, I might as well tell her everything I''ve got in my


    mind.'' Rufus wanted to take advantage of this opportunity that had presented itself to him.


    "Amanda, you know exactly what happened that night. And I don''t think it was a coincidence that your


    father came into that room the next morning to witness the scene first-hand. You orchestrated all of


    that, didn''t you?"


    As he peered into her pretty face, he thought to himself, ''She is not as innocent as she tries to appear.


    She didn''t hesitate to drug me with a philter just so she could be my woman.''


    "Rufus, you can''t make such baseless usations about me just because you don''t want to be with


    me!"This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    ''Of course, I am not going to admit it. If I were foolish enough to admit to something like that, I wouldn''t


    have any chance to be his girlfriend.'' Amanda''s wless facade masked her private guilt.


    "Yeah, well. If you say so, Amanda. I''m clearly aware of what you''re capable of, thinking now."


    His bitter frown transformed itself into a sneer smile and then a contemptuous one.


    "I stayed with you for one whole month because of your illness, but I don''t think I can hide my real


    thoughts to spend the rest of my life with you. The fact that I love Cassandra can''t be changed.


    Someday you will meet a person who will love and cherish you, but that person is not me. I hope that


    one day you will understand me, Amanda."


    A trace of tenderness crept into his face again. Even just uttering Cassandra''s name could change his


    mood in an instant.


    "Rufus, I hate you! How could you be so cruel? You won''t even give me a chance."


    Salty tears spilled over onto her cheeks leaving a tight and dry feeling. Amanda felt her chest tighten


    into a knot like a cramp and a quiet rage formed inside.


    "Amanda, I''m so sorry."


    Rufus could tell that all kinds of thoughts were whirling around in her head; so rather than keeping


    silent, he told her the truth. Even if he knew that it would break her heart, he had to do so.


    Without another word, Amanda quickly ran into her car and drove away. ncing at her helplessly,


    Rufus turned back and walked into the vi.


    Brick by brick, her walls came tumbling down. Blinkingshes heavy with tears blurred her vision. Every


    word that came out of Rufus''s mouth lingered in her ears, haunting her.


    "I love Cassandra..."


    ''Rufus, I don''t know why you have to be so heartless. I''m ready to give up everything in my life just to


    be with you, but you still love that bitch.'' Amanda was swamped with negative emotion.


    All of a sudden, she pulled over to the side of the road and dialled Cassandra''s number.


    "Cassandra Qin, you bitch! I pray that you rot in hell! I curse you die alone in agony! You and Rufus will


    never have a happy life together!"


    Needless to say, Cassandra was utterly baffled by the hurricane the woman on the other end of the line


    was subjecting her to. She paused in her mind for a moment to recollect herself, trying to figure out


    what was going on here.


    "I''m sorry, but... who is this?"


    When she answered the phone, Cassandra wasn''t expecting to be bombarded with curses and foul-


    mouthed swear words.


    "This is Amanda Ke! You can''t possibly understand how I felt when Rufus told me that he still loved


    you. But mark my words, Cassandra, don''t be socent. Nothing good cane from the two of


    you getting together!"


    As soon as she finished speaking, Amanda hung up the phone. Her gasping wails echoed, as she


    sobbed unceasingly, hands clutching at the steering wheel.


    Upon hearing the busy tone from the other end of the line, Cassandra slowly recovered from her own


    thoughts.


    ''Amanda sounded so heartbroken, which can only mean... Rufus must have told her the truth about


    how he felt about me, didn''t he?''


    Beads of joy formed on her skin like dew on spring grass. She could even feel it radiating and soothing


    her from within.


    Although she felt pretty bad, Cassandra was ready to ept the earful she had just received from


    Amanda, because she was over the moon with happiness to know that Rufus still loved her.


    She gave out a radiant and loving smile of relief. She wanted tough, but she resisted the urge to do


    so.


    Closing her mouth and covering her face with her hands, Cassandra turned back and forth on the bed,


    as if she were a gleeful little bird pping its wings, ready to fly out of the cage and into Rufus''s heart.


    In the meantime, Rufus had just received a piece of news that shocked him to the core.


    Apparently, the new investor Cassandra was talking about was none other than Charlie.


    The news he received from Victor was so out of character, so far from what he could ever expect, that


    his brain formted no thoughts other than to register that he was shocked.


    A million questions flooded his mind, but the one that stood out from the rest was why would Charlie


    invest in herpany? Rufus''s brain desperately tried to connect the dots but failed miserably. ''Charlie


    has never invested in anyone other than the members of the Dark Night Group. It''s so unlike him.


    Maybe...'' he thought.


    A bad presentiment came over him, as if vines had emerged from the floor beneath his feet, slowly


    winding his ankles, legs, his heart and then his soul, draining him of all hope and strength.


    ''Could it be? Could it be that Cassandra is unwilling to be with me because she wants Charlie to invest


    in herpany?''


    Once the negative thoughts poured in, he couldn''t get them out of his mind.


    Even in the face of doubt, he kept telling himself, ''Don''t think too much about it. Cassandra is not that


    kind of a person. But this is all too strange to be just a mere coincidence. Why would she ignore me?


    Moreover, Charlie just popped out of nowhere offering to help her for no reason? I don''t think so.


    I am going to find out what happened.''


    Early morning mist began to clear over dewden grass as the sun rose casting orange and pink onto


    a thinyer of cloud, ushering in a new day.


    Slowly, Cassandra''s eyelids fluttered open. She got up from bed and stretched out her arms and legs,


    feeling like a giddy miss fresh out of the schoolroom.


    After washing her face and brushing her teeth, she was ready to put on her clothes: a casual shirt and


    loose pants. Something felt wrong, however, when she tied the belt.


    "That''s strange. I haven''t been eating a lottely, but somehow I am still gaining weight," she muttered


    to herself with a puzzled expression on her face.


    ''I usually buckle up my belt in a fixed position, but now I have to move a few centimeters outward to


    buckle my belt.


    I have been so busytely that I don''t even have time to drink water. I wonder how I am still gaining


    weight. I really don''t understand what''s going on, '' she mused.

 Chapter 282 Was She Pregnant (Part Five)

    Chapter 282 Was She Pregnant (Part Five)


    With a cold shiver, all of a sudden, a thought shed through her mind.


    Her brain desperately scrambled to remember the time of herst menstruation, as if it had been too


    long to recall in an instant.


    ''I think thest time I had my menstruation was...when I was with Rufus.


    Gosh! I am such a careless dolt! I can''t believe I''m only starting to realize this now!'' Cassandra was


    shocked, shaking her head in disbelief.


    She quickly changed into a pair of loose faded jeans and afortable tank top before rushing straight


    to the hospital.


    After she had her blood drawn, she went to the waiting room, pacing about anxiously and waiting for


    the results. Her face conveyed an arresting spectrum of ambivalent emotions. She was torn in between


    overwhelming joy and soul-crushing nervousness.


    When the test results came out, she looked at the astonishing figures and then became extremely


    excited, as if her heart was about to jump out of her chest.


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    ''There is a baby in my womb. Oh my God! I''m going to be a mother!'' It was the first time she had felt a


    sensation of this magnitude.


    Overwhelming relief and joy engulfed Cassandra. Her first reaction was to take out her cell phone and


    call Rufus as soon as possible.


    She was so familiar with his phone number that she dialled his number into her cell phone from her


    memory even if she had deleted his phone number.


    The telephone kept ringing with distracting regrity, but there was no answer.


    She called him again, but the response was the same as just now.


    ''Is Rufus in a meeting?'' she wondered.


    Cassandra knew him well enough to learn that his phone would be muted during a meeting.


    ''Well, he must be busy. Anyway, he''ll call back when he sees my number.'' She decided to let the matter


    rest.


    Clutching the test result to her chest, her heart beat wildly. She trembled with excitement and anxiety.


    "Cassandra!"


    Dylon, who coincidentally was passing by this floor, saw Cassandra standing by the window with her


    face full of excitement and came to say hello to her.


    "Dylon!"


    she cried out, her voice trembling with excitement.


    "You sound so happy. What''s the good news?"


    Driven by her cheerful smile, he wondered what all the excitement was about.


    "Look at this!"


    In her excitement, she couldn''t help sharing her joy with her friend, Dylon, so she sprang up and


    handed the test result to him.


    Taking it from her hand, the closer he brought it to his face to see, the wider his eyes got. There wasn''t


    augh, a giggle, or even a small mumble, just gawking with his mouth wide open.


    "Are you pregnant?"


    he asked in an incredulous tone, as if he could not believe what he was seeing.


    "Yes, you are right. I''m pregnant. I''m going to be a mother!"


    Cassandra was so excited that she could barely contain herself. She wanted to jump, but when the


    thought of the baby crossed her mind, she looked down at her belly and caressed it.


    "I can''t believe it is true. It''s strange that I haven''t suffered from morning sickness yet. I''ve just been so


    busy with worktely that I didn''t even realize I was pregnant."


    Cassandra keptughing herself silly, thinking that this baby was a gift from God.


    ''Just yesterday I found out from Amanda that Rufus still loves me. That news alone was enough to


    have me jumping with joy. However, this love even makes Amanda jealous and mad to that extent.


    And today I came to know that I am pregnant with Rufus''s baby. Could any of this be real? I just can''t


    express how happy I am. It feels like I am in a fairytale, '' she wondered.


    "Congrattions! Congrattions on being a mother! I am so happy for you! Well, did you tell Rufus


    yet?"


    Although he felt happy for her, Dylon was a bit concerned about how Rufus would react to her


    pregnancy. Since the media had been reporting non-stop about Rufus and Amanda, as a good friend to


    Cassandra, it was natural that he cared more about her.


    "I called him just now but he didn''t answer. It''s okay. He must be busy. I will give him a call againter."


    Cassandraughed heartily, and the sound of her deep chuckle was enough to show that the fact that


    Rufus hadn''t answered her phone didn''t affect her mood at all.


    "Well then. I also have something to take care of, so I will go on first. But if there is anything I can do for


    you, please let me know!"


    Unwilling to dy his work, she hurriedly waved her hands and said goodbye to him after hearing his


    words.


    All the way from the hospital back to her office, Cassandra wore a radiant smile on her face that was


    bright enough to enliven any one who passed her by.


    ''I can''t believe that there''s a baby growing in my womb! I can''t believe that I am going to be a mother!


    What a strange and wonderful thing!'' Her heart sang with a whoop of undisguised glee.


    The air was sweet and her world had been cast anew as she was savouring every moment. Then she


    sat in front of theputer and clicked open the browser to search for all kinds of information about


    pregnancy and mothers-to-be. Cassandra was so immersed in the role of bing a mother that she


    lost track of everything else around her.


    After returning from the hospital, however, there was still a mysterious niggling in the back of her mind.


    She tried to call Rufus again, but the line was either engaged or rang all the time. All in all, Rufus didn''t


    answer the phone. She started to feel a little nervous.


    After a few more failed attempts, she gave up trying to reach his phone and directly called his assistant,


    Victor.


    "Hello Victor, this is Cassandra. I''d like to speak to your boss, but I can''t seem to reach him on his


    phone. I have something important to tell him."


    Her sweet endearing voice passed through the line and went straight to Victor''s brain. There was a


    sub-current of excitement in her voice, and with every iteration the thrill seemed to deepen.

 Chapter 283 Was She Pregnant (Part Six)

    Chapter 283 Was She Pregnant (Part Six)


    "Mr. Luo should be at the construction site. It''s the theatre construction project in the tourist area."


    Victor saw no reason to hide the whereabouts of his boss to Cassandra.


    "Thank you, Victor!"


    After hanging up the phone, Cassandra went straight to where Rufus was supposed to be, without


    thinking twice. The eagerness to divulge was overwhelming and she felt like she could not make


    through another minute without telling Rufus that she was pregnant.


    Meanwhile, Rufus confirmed it with multiple reliable sources that it was Charlie who had invested


    money in the Qin Group. He also came to learn that Charlie had spoken to Cassandra earlier. It was


    only recently that Charlie provided her with substantial financial support, helping her repay the bank


    loan and securing her arger amount of another loan. All of this made Rufus uneasy all day.


    The more he thought about, the less well it sat with him. Motivated by concern, he couldn''t help calling


    Cassandra''s phone. However, fearing that what he had guessed all along could be true, in the end, he


    cut the call as he didn''t feel like talking to her about this matter anymore.


    At noon, there was no sunshine, only a wan and ashen light that suffused the sky. ?Amanda gracefully


    pushed open?the door of the office and nced within. With a distinctive blend of airy nonchnce,


    she stepped in with a box of home-made lunch, as if she had forgotten about everything that had


    happened between themst night.


    "Rufus, I made salmon sushi today. Quick, have a taste!"


    With a happy smile on her lips, shepletely disregarded his cold face and started setting the tes


    in front of him one by one.


    "Amanda, please stop this. You don''t need to bring me lunch in the future."


    Frustrated, Rufus shook his head, about to say something when she stretched out her dainty finger and


    pressed it on his lips.


    "Rufus, I''m not like Cassandra. I won''t leave you just because you can''t see how much I care about


    you. Nothing can stop me from feeling the way I do about you, not even lures from the outside world.


    Even if you don''t love me now, I think that one day I will win your heart with my persistence."


    With a piteous expression on her face, she bit her lower lip, digging her sharp canine into the soft skin


    and piercing it all the harder until it went blue.


    Finding it difficult to deal with her, Rufus sighed in resignation. Knowing Amanda well enough, he


    realized the easiest way to get rid of her was to y along and let her do whatever she wanted to do.


    ncing down at the te, he picked up a sushi with his chopsticks before reluctantly lifting the food to


    his mouth.


    "Amanda, what did you mean when you said lures from the outside world?"


    Rufus, sharp as ever, seemed to have caught on to something behind her words. In an instant, he put


    down the sushi and scanned every inch of her face with his sharp eyes.


    Meeting his eyes, Amanda seemed to be taken aback by his sudden mood change and shifted in the


    leather seat ufortably.


    "No... I didn''t mean it like that..."


    Her eyes scrambled around the room, trying to run away from his gaze.


    "Amanda, look at me!"


    He raised his voice, sending forth a terrifying aura all over his body.


    "Amanda, be honest with me. Did your father mention any additional conditions with Cassandra when


    he presented his proposal to invest in the Qin Group?"


    Upon uttering these words, his eyes darkened, as if the glimmer of light that used to inhabit them had


    faded irredeemably.


    "Ah, I... I don''t know anything about that."


    Amanda actually had no idea that her father had spoken to Cassandra. In fact, this was the first time


    she had heard of it. Later she was lost in deep contemtion, ''Cassandra must have told Rufus that I


    called her and cursed at her yesterday. That''s probably why he wants to talk to me about it. What a


    spineless bitch! But then why would Rufus ask me about my father? I feel like something''s not right


    here. Could it be something else then?''


    "Don''t lie to me anymore, Amanda."


    He squinted slightly, carefully observing the subtle changes of expression on her face.


    "I really don''t know anything about that, Rufus. Why do you always me me for your suspicions.


    That''s not fair to me!"


    Amanda''s eyes glimmered with watery light, wondering why he had such a bad impression about her.


    "You don''t have to push her. She doesn''t know anything about it. It was I who did it."


    An unexpected voice, hard and metallic, interrupted their conversation from outside the door. Suddenly,


    Charlie pushed the door open and walked in.


    "Rufus, it was I who spoke to Cassandra. I will invest in Qin Group and I have willingly agreed to


    whatever she asks, just as long as she stays away from you. Now, you know what kind of person she


    is."


    This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    Looking at Rufus with a serious expression, Charlie stretched out his hands to pull his daughter to his


    side.


    "In order to keep the Qin Group running, she signed a contract with me behind your back. You trusted


    her so blindly, but she didn''t think it important to tell you about it, did she? And yet, here you are


    ming my daughter for something she hasn''t done at all. Rufus, are you so immersed in your love for


    Cassandra that you''ve lost the ability to think straight?"


    Charlie''s voice gave out on the final syble, his distressed croak fading abruptly into an almost


    inaudible squeak.


    "No, Cassandra is not like that."


    Although he had already guessed something simr, Rufus still couldn''t hide the shock on his face by


    what Charlie had told him.


    "Cassandra doesn''t know that you are the President of the TY Group. Under such pretenses, I told her


    that you might not be eligible to inherit the Tang Group in the future. Aftering to learn of this matter,


    I feel as though she began to question her determination to be with you. If she had known the truth


    about your financial capabilities, I wouldn''t have been able to use this tactic anymore. See, Rufus,


    there is nothing but money in that woman''s eyes! You should just forget about her," Charlie said firmly.


    Charlie''s words shattered every bit of Rufus''s expectations of Cassandra in his mind.

 Chapter 284 Who Is The Father (Part One)

    Chapter 284 Who Is The Father (Part One)


    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 me him and get angry with him for not telling her the truth? Or would she forgive him and


    ept 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 sessor."


    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 ss 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 ept 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?"


    Rufusposed himself and looked at Victor with his hands sped 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 being 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.


    This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    "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 thest 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, themp on roadside


    blinked and then went outpletely. 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 woulde from, but there was no trace of him.

 Chapter 385 Cassandra’s Voice Getting Better (Part Two)

    Chapter 385 Cassandra¡¯s Voice Getting Better (Part Two)


    "Mother, please don''t. Whatever it might be that Rufus is doing right now has nothing to do with me


    anymore. I stopped caring a long time ago."


    Deep in her heart, she was so hesitant to tell her mother about the conversation she had with Rufus.


    She knew full well that her mother would lose her mind and judge her if she found out about their


    meeting.


    "Fine then. I''ll keep my nose out of it. But you have to admit, rk is such a great guy no matter how


    you look at it. He gave you afortable ce to stay in, and he took care of everything for you. He


    even went through lengths like confronting Rufus to get an exnation because it might have an


    impact on your reputation. As your mother, I would like to encourage you to stop looking back and


    move on with your life. Just give him a chance to prove himself to you!"


    Having a hard time holding it in, Edith began to persuade her daughter. She had been bbering so


    much that Cassandra felt like she couldn''t breathe.


    It was as if her mother was even more worked up than she was. From the way Edith saw things, rk


    was a man who was more than capable of taking good care of her daughter and keeping her safe from


    harm, while Rufus, on the other hand, paled inparison.


    "Mother, please calm yourself down! Yes, I may be going out with rk now. But those things take


    time. I''ll make my decision once I get to know him better. It''s alreadyte. Why don''t you just go back to


    sleep?"


    Stretching out her hands, Cassandra pushed her mother back into her bedroom. She just had enough


    of her mother''s incessant talking.


    Afterward, she headed back to her own bedroom as well. She got on the bed and sprawled on her


    back. A smile instantly crept on her face when she indulged herself in reminiscence and remembered


    how Rufus told her he was sorry, her heart overflowing with so much tenderness.


    Up until midnight, all she did was stare right at the ceiling. All of a sudden, the sound of someone


    ying the piano brought music to her ears. Fairy tale! She must have heard this song more than a


    thousand times already, but it still brought butterflies in her stomach every single time.


    Tossing and turning a little, she was finally able to peacefully fall asleep with a smile on her face.


    A couple of dayster, inside Cassandra''s office, Lyndsy flung the door open, headed directly toward


    the sofa, and casuallyy on it without a care in the world.


    "Please mind your manners, my dear movie queen! Have you forgotten that you''ll be standing in a sea


    of cameras and shes of light in that fancy dress? Please stand up, or you''ll ruin your dress before


    you could get to the red carpet!"


    Shaking her head, Cassandra was left at such a loss for words due to Lyndsy''s conduct. Far from the


    distinctive air of elegance and sophistication, Lyndsy was always careless in speech and demeanor in


    private.


    Although that star''s masterful performance had utterly taken her breath away, Cassandra was aware


    that even Lindsy was just another regr person off camera.


    "Come on, Cassandra! Do I really have to put on an act even if it''s just you and me? Please give me a


    break!"


    Lyndsy replied feebly and was a bit subdued. As if it wasn''t bad enough that she was already drowning


    in her busy work, before she could take some time to rest, she would first need to show up for the


    press conference of her uing film. The mere thought of the harsh questions the press might''ve


    prepared was plenty enough to give her a headache.


    "Oh, but wait a second. Cassandra, your voice is getting better!"


    Springing up from the sofa in an instant, Lyndsy intently stared at Cassandra with her eyes dting,


    glistening, and full of excitement.


    "Do you really think so? Now that you mention it, I am feeling much better actually!"


    Feeling her neck, Cassandra came to the realization that indeed she hadn''t noticed her throat feeling


    so dry in the past few days.


    "Of course, I am! Your voice sounded quite awful when I saw you ten days ago! Well, if I''m being


    honest, your voice actually sounded akin to that of a dying goat. But I''m so happy for you! You''re finally


    getting better!"


    Lyndsy had always been a straightforward kind of person, always speaking her mind. But even though


    Cassandra had already somewhat gotten used to it from the time they spent together, she was still a bit


    agitated with the way she worded it.


    The sound of a dying goat?! Just where the heck did Lyndsy hear such an unpleasant voice? However,


    since it was just Lyndsy being Lyndsy, Cassandra was able to easily smile it off.


    "Maybe because I have been feeling good, and it helped improve the effects of the medicine I''m


    taking!"


    Cassandra couldn''t hold it in, so she smiled like a Cheshire cat while they were talking. Lyndsy, on the


    other hand, squinted her eyes out of curiosity, intrigued with what she just blurted out.


    "Oh, that could be it! So, what was it that made you feel good? Could you be in love? Let me in on this,


    come on!"


    Getting up on her feet straight away, she darted toward Cassandra''s desk and focused her attention on


    her, not blinking her eyes, with a cunning smile embedded on her face.


    "Oh, no, my dear. I think you''re getting overexcited! I''ve been getting myself busy with the work that


    needs to be done in your studio. And it''s not like I would have the time to go on a date if I were actually


    interested in someone!"


    N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    Cassandra bowed her head a little to try to avoid looking Lyndsy straight in the eyes, but the obvious


    look of happiness on her face remained, and she couldn''t get rid of it.


    With her eyes deeply fixated on Cassandra, Lyndsy yfully smiled at her, desperate to find out more


    about it. But luckily, for Cassandra, Lyndsy''s agent suddenly came in right at this moment.


    "Lyndsy, please get yourself ready. Everybody''s waiting for you! We have to go ASAP!" the agent


    pressured her to hurry up.


    Shrugging her shoulders out of disappointment, Lyndsy then politely nodded toward Cassandra before


    leaving with her agent.


    When the door was closed and the office got peaceful again, Cassandra felt her neck with a hand and


    wandered in her thoughts. It had been ten days since she stopped drinking the honey rk gave her.


    She tipped her hat to Lindsy for helping her realize that things were looking up and her sore throat was


    making progress.


    And although it still hadn''t fully healed just yet, at the very least, there was a noticeable improvement,


    and it was not as awful sounding anymore.


    People who would be meeting her for the first time might assume that was her natural voice, and it was


    horrible.


    Cassandra wondered whether there was something that got mixed into the honey to deliberately keep


    her throat from getting better. Was it the reason why her throat had been sore for so long?


    She was thinking back and looking hard into her memory. There had been a lot of instances where


    rk had been trying to convince her. He mentioned that the honey would be good for her sore throat,


    so it would be best to drink it two times a day, one ss upon waking up and the other before going to


    sleep. He even reminded her mother to ensure that she was really drinking it.


    In fact, he was the one who set an appointment with his friend, who was a doctor, to check up on her


    condition. Upon giving her a diagnosis, the doctor also wrote her a prescription. After that, she did just


    as she had been advised to and didn''t bother going to a hospital any more. Was it rk''s n all


    along? Cassandra started to have her doubts.

 Chapter 386 The Contract Of Evil

    Chapter 386 The Contract Of Evil


    A shiver ran down Cassandra''s spine as she gave it a thought.


    She remembered the exact location where Victor had found her. It was in front of the hotel she worked


    at, which meant that Rufus had always known where she worked. But since she fell ill, she had been


    remained at home, which meant that Rufus couldn''t find her.


    If Rufus knew where she worked then it was only a matter of time before he found her address, and


    further, about her rtionship with rk. It was clear that he would havee to see her privately very


    soon.


    Due to the illness, her voice had be raspy and she had to resign from the hotel. Since her


    departure from the hotel, Rufus would cease to investigate the premises.


    Besides, when Cassandra first met Rufus after theirst break-up, rk had interrupted them. The


    second time they met was, on the cruise ship, for Rufus and Amanda''s engagement party. rk had let


    his guard down and Rufus was able to meet Cassandra in the guest room where he had said those


    things to her.


    Now, Cassandra''s perception had straightened out. rk had tried to stop her from meeting Rufus.


    While at the same time, he tried his best to shower Cassandra with affection. He wanted her to fall in


    love with him and marry him.


    Once she had figured out the truth, Cassandra almost couldn''t breathe.


    If what Rufus had said was true, and her interpretation was correct, then it would appear that rk was


    indeed a very maniptive and scheming person!


    In order to approach Cassandra, he appointed her to work in his hotel. And he had been taking good


    care of her. He even generously arranged for her, and her mother, to live in his own mansion.


    rk knew very well that Cassandra didn''t want to see Rufus. However, he made sure that the


    amodation he arranged for her was right next to Rufus''s house. It was obvious that rk wanted


    her to see Rufus living with Amanda. He hoped that after seeing that, she would lose faith in Rufus and


    choose him instead.


    And when rk found out that Rufus had figured out where Cassandra worked, he made sure


    Cassandra''s voice became hoarse. After that, heplimented her talent in art and tried his best to


    persuade her to give up her original job and to open an art gallery. rk did all that because he didn''t


    want Rufus to find her.


    But rk was human after all, and he was bound to make mistakes. He never anticipated that Rufus


    would discover Cassandra''s location while rk was busy ttering Edith. So when Rufus finally


    arrived at the house, rk stood in his way, not to help Cassandra but to challenge Rufus.


    He was intent on attacking Rufus from every direction. He was desperate to get Rufus in trouble. ''What


    had happened between him and Rufus?''


    Cassandra furrowed her brows and scratched her head in confusion, wondering what was going on


    and why this was happening.


    Back at the office, rk stalled Amanda from leaving. He smiled viciously and deliberately walked to


    her.


    "Amanda, an engaged woman. You seem to appear more charming now."


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    The cold smile still locked on his face. rk moved closer to Amanda. He was like the devil himself


    and his every movement seemed to push Amanda over the edge.


    "What¡­ what are you doing here!"


    Amanda was trembling so hard, and her voice had turned into a whimper.


    "Don''t be afraid of me, honey. I just came here to make a deal with you. This deal is going to be


    beneficial for both of us."


    rk was only three centimetres away from her, and Amanda stretched out her hand, in an attempt to


    stop him in his tracks.


    "Stop moving! Or I will call the security!"


    Even her voice shook.


    "You are that scared, huh? Amanda, you''re so timid. Look at Cassandra, you really should learn from


    her. She''s not afraid of me at all. And you know what? Cassandra is the only person that Rufus has


    eyes for,"


    rk stopped. But his words had struck Amanda hard.


    "Nonsense! Rufus likes me! He is my fiance! We''re engaged!"


    Amanda didn''t want to admit the cruel fact. The ease with which rk mentioned it scared her.


    "Then why doesn''t your fiance live with you in his mansion? Why does he send you back to your


    father''s house?"


    Charlie had been keeping a close watch on rk. It restricted his borate ns. He couldn''t carry out


    his ns smoothly. The thought of Charlie made rk instinctively grind his teeth.


    He found it difficult to make trades under Charlie''s scrutiny.


    "That''s¡­ that''s because Rufus cares about me. He wants me to be well rested!"


    Amanda knew her exnation sounded feeble the moment the words left her. To make matters worse,


    rk burst outughing.


    "Amanda, I wish you could hear yourself. Stop lying to yourself, it''s ridiculous. Time to wake up and


    face reality. I heard that you feigned losing your memory to trick Rufus into getting engaged with you.


    There is no love between you two. If there is anything that makes you feel that Rufus has feelings for


    you, I''m pretty sure that it''s his acting prowess. However, I feel that he doesn''t even bother acting


    anymore. This drama is all about you. Don''t you feel lonely? I''m so sorry for you, sweetie. What if I join


    you?"


    A shadow flickered across rk''s eyes. Amanda instinctively knew that meant bad news.


    "No!"


    Amanda felt a shiver running down her spine and she rejected his offer instantly.


    "Alright, take it easy. Let''s get down to business."


    rk stopped teasing Amanda and stepped back to sit on the sofa, far enough to allow Amanda to feel


    like he was not encroaching her space.


    Amanda stared at rk in anxious disbelief.


    "Let me get straight to the point. You know that your father wants me to resign from the Dark Night


    Group, so that Rufus, his golden-child, can take my ce. But I enjoy my work and I don''t want to give


    it to Rufus. Therefore, the first thing you need to do is to persuade your father to change his mind and


    stop him from getting me into trouble."


    He looked at Amanda with unblinking cold eyes. She felt her body go numb.


    "Second, Rufus is such a pain in the ass. I was thinking about using you to get to him. However, it


    appears that he does not care for you as much as he cares for Cassandra. So... I changed my mind. I


    decided to target Cassandra and make her fall in love with me!"


    rk smiled diabolically, like a demon from hell.


    "You can''t hurt Rufus!"


    Amanda''s first thought was about Rufus and his safety. If rk had decided to go against Rufus, then it


    could only mean real danger for Rufus.


    "You love him that much, don''t you? You can be rest assured. As long as I keep my position in the Dark


    Night Group, nothing will happen to Rufus. I just want to torture him emotionally and make him suffer


    dearly."


    rk shrugged his shoulders. His cruel intent did not bother him at all.


    But Amanda was suspicious. She did not believe that rk would keep his word. ''Would rk let


    Rufus off that easily? Can I trust him?'' she thought.


    Seeing Amanda''s hesitation amused rk.


    "If you can help me persuade your father, then when I''m done with Cassandra, I promise that she is


    yours and you can have your revenge. How about that?"


    Amanda''s eyes lit up as soon as she heard those words.


    "Really? You promise you won''t hurt Rufus?"


    The idea of Cassandra being tortured by rk excited Amanda.


    Amanda could never forget the days when she had spent with rk. It was a nightmare. She was


    thrilled at the idea of Cassandra also experiencing that suffering.


    rk looked at the woman, who was obsessed with her love for Rufus. He felt only disdain for her.


    No wonder Rufus didn''t like Amanda. Even though Amanda was a world-famous pianist, she lost her


    charisma the day she lost her self-esteem. She was neither desirable nor dignified. And a man like


    Rufus, wouldn''t like such women.


    Stupid women were always the best, easily controble weapons.


    "You have my word. If I wanted to do something to Rufus, I would have done it long ago. I wouldn''t


    have waited all this time."


    rk burst intoughter. He found Amanda''s naivete hysterically funny.


    Amanda began to consider rk''s advice when she thought about how miserable Cassandra would


    be.


    This was a deal with Satan himself and it came at the cost of falling to the pits of hell.


    But her love for Rufus was iparable to any expense in the world, even her soul. She decided to


    ept rk''s offer.


    "Okay, I will help you. Remember to keep your word!"


    Amanda nodded. She looked determined.


    "I promise. Cassandra is my only target, not Rufus."


    rk stood up and walked up to Amanda, with a broad smile on his face.


    "I wish that we have a sessful partnership." rk stretched out his hand.


    His fingers were slender and pale, like those of a vampire.


    Amanda shuddered to touch him but shook his hand, eventually.


    His hands were still so beautiful and tender, just as she remembered them. But only God would know


    about the carnage caused by them.


    rk held Amanda''s hand firmly in a vice-like grip. The hands of the most celebrated pianist in the


    world were going to be stained with blood.


    rk wondered whether Amanda would regret her decision. She condemned her loved one to hell.


    What a stupid woman, indeed!


    Their handshake confirmed the unholy contract.


    ''Rufus, I''ve set my traps all around you now. I wonder whether you can get out of them.


    I''ve nned this game for so many years and finally got you where I needed you. I cannot wait to see


    how this game will end, '' rk thought wickedly.

 Chapter 387 In the Arms of Another Woman

    Chapter 387 In the Arms of Another Woman


    "Rufus, where are you? Can Ie and see you?"


    Her calls didn''t go through to him. Amanda was left with only a desperate string of text messages to


    contact him.


    Rufus had left the Tang Group, and he had left no traces behind. Amanda had not the slightest idea


    where he was.


    "Rufus, I have something very important to tell you. Please send me a message when you see this."


    She was no fool. She had known all along that Rufus had only agreed to the engagement because of


    her illness and pretense of losing her memory. She had forced his pity into a shape that could resemble


    love. Despite this knowledge, Amanda was still clinging to hope.


    Rufus was engaged to her now. There must be some way that she could make him marry her.


    It was with these thoughts that Amanda had desperately tried to reach Rufus. He had not tantly


    rejected her, and so to her mind, she still had hope.


    They had done this strange back-and-forth chase before, but something was different this time. Rufus


    seemed to have made up his mind. He no longer answered her calls or texted her back, no matter how


    many times she tried.


    All she wanted was to be close to him. Then maybe, when time finally decided to be kind, he would turn


    his heart to her. But things didn''t work out like she wanted.


    Rufus was deliberately distancing himself from her. He was leaving her behind. If she just stayed back


    and did nothing, she would lose all hope of ever marrying him.


    Amanda decided to head for the Garden Vi. At the sound of her car, Rufus''s figure emerged from the


    doorway.


    Relief flooded her as she saw his face, but the smile on her face was only momentary. His face was


    closed off and distant as he stood.


    Rufus was feeling irritated at Amanda''s sudden appearance. It had only been a few days, and here she


    was at his mansion. After seeing Cassandra, he had wanted to cut all ties with Amanda.


    Rufus knew that rk had installed cameras everywhere, but he remained in the mansion. It was his


    way of telling rk that he had no fear of him.


    It was both the most dangerous and safest ce at the same time. Rufus knew that no matter how long


    rk waited and watched, there was nothing he could find. He was an upright person, and he had


    never involved himself in shady dealings. There was no way rk would be able to use anything


    against him.


    This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    Beside, Cassandra lived right next to him. He followed her with longing eyes through his window every


    night. It had almost be a ritual. Seeing her just lulled him.


    Steeling herself, Amanda stepped out of the car and ran to Rufus. She was about to hurl into his arms,


    but he dodged her and put a distance between them.


    "Rufus, why aren''t you answering my messages?"


    Amanda asked sweetly.


    "Did something happen?" she pressed.


    Rufus did not speak. He did not particrly feel like talking to Amanda.


    She went on when he only answered in silence. "I miss you. We haven''t seen each other since the


    engagement party,"


    Amandained, disappointment written all over her face.


    "I''m very busy with work. I have a lot of matters to deal with in the TY Group, and I have to fly to the


    headquarters,"


    Rufus answered briefly, ignoring Amanda''s protests.


    But his cold response did not deter her. "Then, I think it will be better if I just stay here. That way we


    can see each other often. After all, we''re engaged," she suggested.


    Charlie had bought a house for Amanda in G City, but she wanted to be with Rufus as much as


    possible.


    If she could stay with him for longer, she would have more chances of winning him back. She stepped


    closer to Rufus, but he stepped back. Amanda almost lost her footing from his action.


    "We are not married yet. Moving in would not be a good idea. You need someone to take care of you,


    and I don''t have any servants to do that,"


    Rufus answered quickly, furrowing his brows at her persistence.


    "I can take care of myself, Rufus. I want to live with you, just as we did before!"


    Amanda stepped forward in another attempt to touch him. Suddenly, Rufus noticed a familiar figure.


    Cassandra stood with her door open. She was about to go out, but nothing could have prepared her for


    what she was seeing now. Amanda and Rufus were standing in the courtyard, their bodies very close.


    Amanda lifted her head. Her eyes were fixed on Rufus, while his eyes met Cassandra''s.


    In his surprise, Rufus was unable to dodge Amanda. He felt her arms go around him as she pulled him


    into an embrace.


    Cassandra''s grip on the door handle tightened. Her eyes widened and she bit back a gasp as she felt a


    piercing pain in her chest.


    Everytime she passed the house, Cassandra could feel Rufus''s gaze following her.


    They had not exchanged words, but there was a silent understanding that had formed between them.


    She passed by his window when she could, and his eyes would always follow her steps.


    An intimate scene between the two was something that she had not expected at all.


    Before she could think, she turned around and walked back inside, mming the door in her hurry. Her


    chest became heavier every second she thought back at their image.


    No matter what his n was, Rufus was still engaged with Amanda. He was Amanda''s fiance. And


    Cassandra?


    She used to be his sister-inw. Now, they were essentially strangers.


    Rufus did not miss the shock in Cassandra''s eyes before she hurriedly turned back and hid behind her


    door.


    He breathed out in frustration. Things were getting harder and harder to fix.


    With cold eyes, he lowered his head and looked at the woman who had her arms around him.


    He grabbed her shoulders firmly and freed himself from her grasp. Then, with a serious tone, he said,


    "Amanda, could you please leave now? I will talk to you when Ie back from abroad. I have things


    to do."


    His eyes were on her, but at the back of his mind, he was devising his ns.


    Tit for tat is fair y. Now, rk had appeared in the picture and was using Cassandra to get back at


    him. There was no way he would put up with that.


    At first, Rufus had no ns of getting involved in the Dark Night Group. He had things of his own to


    take care of, and he was not interested in seeding the group. But things were different now. rk


    was aggressively making his moves and ying dirty tricks. Two could y at that game.


    "When will youe back then?"


    Amanda pressed, clutching Rufus''s arm. A few days seemed so long. She missed the feeling of his


    arms around her, his voice, his scent¡­She didn''t want to leave.


    "I''ll call you when I get back,"


    Rufus said. He just wanted to send Amanda away as soon as possible. All he thought about now was


    Cassandra''s expression as she turned around.


    A myriad of emotions yed across her face in seconds. There was surprise, confusion, and


    disappointment. He had hurt her, again.


    Amanda looked at Rufus and then looked at the mansion behind him. She knew that Rufus wouldn''t let


    her in today.


    However, even this would not make her give up. As long as Rufus was still willing to see her, then she


    still had a chance. She was so close. If she was too aggressive this time, Rufus might push her away,


    just like what he didst time. Amanda decided to take caution this time.


    She nodded her head at him and said in a honeyed voice, "Okay, I''ll leave then. Don''t forget to call me


    when youe back." Then, she stepped back and turned to walk to her car, looking back repeatedly


    at every step. When she arrived at her car, she lovingly took one long and final look at Rufus and drove


    away.


    Rufus squinted and watched Amanda drive away. When she was out of sight, he turned around and


    looked at the mansion next to him, his face unreadable.


    Cassandra took a day off today. She was going to do some shopping, but she had lost her energy and


    interest at the scene that came in front of her just now. She had been absent-mindedly sitting since.


    "Cassandra, is something wrong?"


    Edith asked, pulling Cassandra away from her thoughts. Not knowing what had happened, she was


    concerned about Cassandra. She had not moved from her spot for a long time.


    "Nothing, Mother. I was just thinking about Lyndsy''s promotion," she lied, making a convenient excuse.


    Edith had not found out that Rufus was living next to them, and Rufus had been avoiding her as well.


    "Your job right now is quite busy, isn''t it? Have you ever thought about giving rk''s idea about the


    gallery a try?"


    Edith felt sorry as she looked at her daughter. She had always been slim, but it seemed like she was


    losing even more weight. Her cheeks were hollow and her eyes were dim, as if she was hiding some


    pain inside her.


    "I''m fine, Mother. I enjoy my job," Cassandra said, offering her mother a small smile.


    She tried her best to stay away from rk after her conversation with Rufus. Surprisingly, rk had


    not shown himself either. He didn''te to visit the mansion, and he probably didn''t know that


    Cassandra''s voice had almost recovered.


    A shiver ran down her spine as Cassandra thought about the honey that rk gave her. She felt an


    urge to move out the mansion as soon as possible. But as Rufus had told her that day, rk came to


    her with a purpose, and she had yet to figure it out.


    Somehow, Cassandra had a feeling that rk wasing at Rufus. All he did, including approaching


    her, was to get back at him in some form.


    If she stayed with rk, she would be able to keep an eye on his movements, and protect Rufus.


    Cassandra smiled bitterly to herself. Even now, she was still thinking and doing things for his sake. She


    was deliberately staying in this dangerous mansion, and staying with rk, a vicious man with


    unknown intentions, all for him.


    She was willing to do everything, even put herself in danger, if it meant he would be safe.


    Even if he was in the arms of another woman.

 Chapter 388 A Sweet Dream

    Chapter 388 A Sweet Dream


    The fact that Rufus didn''t push away Amanda when she came for a hug unnerved Cassandra. ''Why


    didn''t he just refuse her? How hard can it be to say no?'' she thought with some frustration.


    With every passing second, Cassandra became angrier and angrier. No matter how hard she tried, she


    couldn''t dispel this thought out of her mind. In short, it deprived her of having a good peace of mind.


    Staying alone in her room, she couldn''t help but imagine what was happening in the next door.


    ''I wonder what they are doing now. Are they sitting together in the room? If so, what are they doing for


    such a long time?'' Cassandra thought, dubiously.


    With a sigh, she rolled out of her bed. She couldn''t take it anymore.


    ''That bastard! How dare he get so intimate with Amanda! If he loved her then why did he utter those


    sweet words to me? What a dilemma he is putting me in!'' Cassandra murmured to herself, cursing


    Rufus.


    Just when she was drowning in her misery, a sudden knock on the window brought her back to reality.


    At first, she was a little bewildered and thought she had perhaps misheard it.


    But the knocking persisted and Cassandra realized she hadn''t imagined it. Slowly, she pulled the


    window curtain back and examined what it was. To her surprise, it was Rufus who was standing outside


    the window.


    Suddenly, she covered the window with the curtain and took a step back. His presence had led her


    heart to beat faster.


    ''What? He has the audacity to knock on my window!'' she thought with utter shock.


    There came another slight knock. A hurried and deep voice said, "Open the window, Cassandra.


    Otherwise I''ll have to break it!"


    Upon hearing his words, Cassandra felt nervous. Rufus wasn''t afraid of anything hence he might


    actually put his threat into practice. Without hesitating any longer, she moved forward and opened the


    window.


    Rufus put his hands on the windowsill and hopped inside the room. In a blink of an eye, he hadnded


    in her bedroom.


    "Why did you close the curtain? I wasn''t able to see you!"


    Rufusined, childishly. He extended his big hand and forcefully caught a hold of her cute chin.


    "Smile, mydy."


    Seeing Cassandra frown, Rufus felt like making fun of her.


    He was well aware that rk had installed many cameras in this vi. Hence he discreetly came from a


    path where no cameras were ced. For a while, he analyzed the ce and plotted his entrance. Now


    he was certain that rk would not discover him. He was one move ahead of rk.


    Cassandra tilted her head to the left so as to avoid Rufus''s touch. In her mind, she was still grieving.


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    ''How does he expect me to smile after seeing him hug Amanda?'' Cassandra thought to herself.


    Noticing Cassandra''s resistance towards him, Rufus instantly understood what was bugging her. He


    had noticed her disappointment when she saw what happened between him and Amanda. He sighed


    and held her in his arms.


    Cassandra struggled to disentangle herself from his arms but failed miserably. Rufus was much


    stronger. Watching her vain attempts, he let out a chuckle.


    Swiftly, he pushed her against the wall. Now Cassandra''s backside started to feel chilly from the cold


    that was emanating from the wall. On the other hand, heat from Rufus''s body began to emit warmth to


    the front part of her body.


    "Don''t try to break free, love. You can never escape from my clutch!"


    Rufus let out a smile that contained both mischief and delight.


    Once he was done speaking, he lowered his head and ced a soft kiss on her lips.


    "Rufus, let me go..."


    Cassandra protested, but her resistance encouraged him further. He began to crush her lips with his


    lips. Moreover, he had a strong and muscr body. Nothing she did would cause him any pain.


    He then slowly carried her to the bed. Once she was safely ced there, he continued on his pursuit to


    ravish her lips. After a long and passionate time, Cassandra felt like she was in a daze. All the


    exhaustion from fighting and struggling led her to fall asleep.


    Her face was now red like an apple. Rufus gazed at her and realized how beautiful she looked.


    Her peaceful breaths were like a melody to his ears. Rufus couldn''t help lowering his head to kiss her


    forehead. This aroused her from her nap. She tried hard to open her eyes. She wanted to see him, but


    her fatigue caused her to close her eyes instantly. Soon, she was sleeping like a cat.


    It was a serene night with the wind smoothly blowing outside the window.


    Rufus couldn''t peel his eyes off from Cassandra''s face. He desired to stay in this position forever.


    His long fingers lovingly and gently stroked her face. In a hushed voice, he whispered, "I love you,


    Cassandra. You are the only woman I love. You need to put your mind at ease. Please don''t suspect


    me."


    In spite of being in a slumber, she stirred a little as his words made its way to her ears. All of sudden


    she smiled sweetly.


    When Cassandra woke up the next morning, Rufus had already left. She rubbed her eyes and


    stretched out her hands. A blush made its way to her face when she reminisced the crazy night she


    had shared with Rufus.


    Rufus''s appearance and disappearance were like a dream. The thought of it was enough to bring a


    smile upon her face. Yet looking around, she couldn''t find anything that indicated his presence. But


    when she took a deep breath, she could smell his fragrance. Her room still contained it. It stood


    testimony to everything beautiful that took ce in this bedroomst night.


    Grinning like an idiot, Cassandra went to the washroom to take a shower. Once she let the faucet on,


    the water quickly engulfed her. But even the water and soap were unable to wash off the marks left on


    her body by Rufus.


    In a happy mood, Cassandra went to her office. "Hey, Cassandra. I got an offer and I heard it''s from TY


    Entertainment!''


    Lyndsy eximed as she walked into Cassandra''s office. In her hand, she carried an outline that came


    from her agent.


    "Yes, I am aware of it. From what I have heard, it sounds like a good deal. Most importantly, it seems to


    be made for you. Don''t you agree?"


    Cassandra smiled at Lyndsy with a bright and energetic face.


    Seeing Cassandra''s glowing face, Lyndsy paused for a second.


    "I''m fine with it as long as you''re fine. You know, I trust you very much!"


    Then a naughty smile appeared on Lyndsy''s face.


    "I see that you have regained your old voice. You seem to be in a good mood. Love can do weird things


    to a person. It has the power to make a woman look so beautiful. Just look at you!" Lyndsy said,


    looking delighted.


    She thought Cassandra was dating rk hence she often passed teasingments on her.


    Cassandra, on the other hand, lowered her head. She just smiled but didn''t utter a single word. This


    time, she was determined to keep her rtionship with Rufus a secret.


    She saw no need to unt their love. ''I will be happy as long as he loves me, '' she thought, cheerfully.


    On the other side, Rufus was staring at various files with his sharp eyes.


    "So does rk actually have a role in this drug deal?"


    he asked with deep and furrowed eyebrows. Victor, who was facing him, replied with an urgent tone,


    "Yes. Some of our men have collected evidence that will prove his connections with the armed gang


    from abroad. He seems to be in touch with the biggest drug dealer group, assisting in drug distribution.


    What''s worse is that there are dirtier hidden secrets. It is believed that more hands are supporting him


    in this crime."


    After hearing about Victor''s report on rk, Rufus stood contemting. It turned out rk had more


    than one backer. It would indeed be difficult to take him down.


    "Let the sleeping dog lie. We have to be cautious about everything we do. Even though he knows


    nothing about us, we can''t make any rash decision. I''m afraid Cassandra will have to pay if we make a


    mistake."


    Rufus sat straight up and brought his focus once again to the report in front of him.


    "In that case, should we send some men to protect Miss Qin?"


    Victor realized Rufus had a point. It was indeed dangerous for Cassandra. rk was a devil who


    wouldn''t think twice before harming anyone. And he obviously was using Cassandra as a pawn. They


    couldn''t act impulsively as long as he was close to Cassandra.


    "So far, his true intentions are concealed from her. At the moment, he is busy currying her favor. He is


    probably aware that Cassandra hasn''t fallen in love with him yet. In order to guarantee her safety, we


    will have to stay calm for now," Rufus spoke with determination.


    And then he signaled Victor to send some men to protect Cassandra with secrecy. Immediately, Victor


    went to arrange it. He made it a point to warn them to keep their identity discreet.


    Now that rk had dered a war against him, Rufus was determined to face him bravely.


    ''Come on, rk! Let me see what you are capable of doing!'' roared Rufus to himself with fire in his


    heart.

 Chapter 389 The Divergence (Part One)

    Chapter 389 The Divergence (Part One)


    Charlie hung up with his eyebrows deeply furrowed.


    His informant reported to him that a group of gangsters who had apparent connections with rk had


    been spotted in G City recently, which meant that there was a good chance they had already made


    contact.


    Was rk nning to introduce his drug trafficking operations into G City?


    At the thought of that possibility, Charlie couldn''t help himself from being worried.


    If rk really turned out being an untrustworthy man, Charlie was adamant that he should not be


    allowed to continue being the leader of Dark Night Group anymore!


    "Father!"


    Amanda strutted in wearing a smile on her face, holding in her hands a bowl of soup she had


    requested the maid to prepare.


    "It''s kind of cold right now. Have some soup, please."


    Amanda ced the soup in front of him on his desk and yfully urged her father to enjoy the soup.


    The steam rising up from the soup brought the study some much-needed warmth.


    "Thank you, my dear. I appreciate it, I really do. But please keep yourself out of the kitchen, okay?


    There''s no need for you to worry about what meals the maids are going to make. I don''t want you to get


    your hands burnt."


    As usual, Charlie subconsciously got worried about her hands again. But from the expression in


    Amanda''s eyes, it was obvious she got a little bit frustrated when he mentioned about her hands.


    "My hands...They are no longer capable of ying the piano. Why should I care about them?"


    Lowering her head to avoid looking Charlie straight in the eyes, Amanda suddenly moved her right


    hand toward the left side of her waist and then she began to caress it. She looked so despondent, to


    say the least, so sad and alone.


    It broke Charlie''s heart every single time he saw his precious daughter acting like that.


    "Please try not to think about it too much. I''m going to find the best doctor in the world for you, and I''ll


    have you treated then. The day wille when you would be able to y the piano again! Just trust


    me!"


    With his fatherly love and so much tenderness, Charlie tried his best tofort her.


    "Fooling myself would do me no good, Father. My hands won''t be able to y the piano ever again, I


    can tell,"


    Amanda replied hopelessly, making Charlie feel grief-stricken, and at the same time, a bit angry.


    "This''s all because of that stupid Rufus! Where did he get the gall to do something like that to you!? If it


    weren''t for you always taking his side and defending him, I would''ve broken his hands into a million


    pieces already!"


    Charlie''s eyes had been filled to the brim with intense fury, so Amanda rushed to his side straight away


    to pacify him.


    "Father, please calm yourself down. It''s all in the past. There''s nothing we can do to change it. Now he


    is my betrothed, my beloved, and I want both of us to get along with him."


    With Amanda reacting like that and being so considerate, Charlie experienced even greater sorrow. He


    remembered how Rufus put on an act and pretended to be engaged with her when she was still much


    too unstable. That was the cold hard truth. No matter how grandiose and ambitious the engagement


    ceremony had been, everything was just going to be a lie in the end. Her dream of getting married to


    Rufus and spending the rest of her life with him would nevere to fruition.


    Watching Amanda and the way she was, Charlie just couldn''t help but feel sorry for her. Why did Rufus


    turn down his daughter? What was it with that other woman that made him so obsessed with her? That


    wretched Cassandra!


    "By the way, Father. I noticedst time that rk was present in my engagement party. What is he


    doing here in G City? I was actually a bit surprised to see him at that time. Wasn''t he supposed to be


    the one taking charge of the Dark Night Group?"


    The mere thought of hearing his name being uttered was more than enough to send shivers down her


    spine, but in spite of that, she was still able to muster up the strength to ask her father without losing


    composure.


    The second Charlie heard that despicable man''s name, it was able to instantly get on his wick.


    "Pfft. Taking control of the Dark Night Group? Please. He never even truly got himself engaged in it in


    any way! It''s actually me, your father, who has no choice but to manage all of the businesses in the


    group. Should I have known back then that he was such an unreliable man, I never would have


    bothered making him the leader just for his father''s sake!"


    N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    At this point, Charlie couldn''t get any more remorseful of his decision of choosing rk to be in charge


    of the Dark Night Group. The real reason he had done so was because rk was the son of his best


    friend, their the former leader, and he only did it for his sake. But truth be told, rk had never really


    taken care of the business as the head of the group.


    "Maybe it could help if you stop doing the work for him all the time, Father. Give him a chance to run


    the business himself. That way, he''d probably realize his responsibilities little by little,"


    Amanda finally uttered those words the way she had rehearsed it a long time ago. She entered into a


    deal with rk, promising she would help him out and convince her father to allow him to continue


    running the Dark Night Group.


    "Stop helping him? How could I just carelessly leave the businesses to him? You saw it with your own


    eyes, didn''t you? During the ceremony, he decided to show up for just a minute, and then in a blink of


    an eye, he was already out of sight. It was in as day that he was deliberately avoiding meeting up


    with me! I''m scared to think of what could end up happening to the group if I leave it all to him."


    Charlie purposefully hid one crucial piece of information from Amanda, that rk was involved in a ring


    of drug traffickers. He couldn''t risk her finding out these horrid and terrible dealings. It would be best if


    she didn''t know anything about it and remained innocent.


    "Well, would you like me to discuss this with him? If hees back to thepany, it could be


    beneficial to you, and also, it would lessen your workload considerably," offered Amanda.


    She was caught by surprise, as she wasn''t really expecting to hear that rk had been spending his


    sweet time dealing with other things instead of managing the Dark Night Group like he was supposed


    to. That being said, she still thought that there might still be a chance she could convince him


    personally.


    "No, there''s no need for you to do that. You''d only be wasting your time. What I would like you to do is


    to take good care of yourself, okay? Stop keeping in touch with rk!"


    All of a sudden, Charlie felt so nervous and uneasy that the tone of his voice turned cold.


    rk was just like a ticking time bomb now. There was no telling what his next move might be. All


    Charlie could hope to do was to keep his daughter out of harm''s way and prevent her from


    communicating with dangerous people. If his daughter somehow got caught up in that mess, his heart


    wouldn''t be able to handle it.

 Chapter 390 The Divergence (Part Two)

    Chapter 390 The Divergence (Part Two)


    Amanda''s chest tightened the moment she heard her father''s warning. It was quite obvious to her that


    her father wasn''t really fond of rk. Unfortunately, she had already made a deal with the devil, and it


    would be a gargantuan task getting herself out of that hellhole.


    "Yes, I know that full well. But I insist that you eat the soup soon, Father. It''s probably getting cold


    already."


    After giving him a sense of assurance, Amanda urged her father to eat the soup while it was still warm.


    Be that as it might, she had some ns of her own.


    A smile crept up on Charlie''s face upon hearing her response. Moving the bowl of soup a little closer,


    he leisurely enjoyed eating it. The soup not only make him feel warm, but it was actually quite delicious


    as well.


    "Amanda, at this point in my life, there''s not a lot of things or people that I have to worry about


    anymore. My only wish is for my dearest daughter to keep smiling and of course, for her to always be


    safe and sound. You have to learn to take good care of yourself and remember to keep yourself out of


    harm''s way. Try not to get yourself too exhausted from taking care of lots of things. Could you please


    promise me that?"


    Charlie implored her, cing the empty bowl on the desk after he was done. Because he had Amanda


    in histe adulthood, she had always been the most precious thing to him. If there was one thing in the


    world that he cared about the most, that would be Amanda.


    "Yes, I swear I will, Father. Concentrate on doing your work for now. I''m heading out in a while."


    Grabbing the empty bowl from her father''s desk, Amanda exited the study. The instant she walked out


    the door, the obedient look she had on her face was reced by a grim one.


    She had just confirmed that her father''s opinion of rk was already dyed-in-the-wool. That meant the


    information rk gave her could possibly be true, that Charlie was nning to give Rufus a hand in


    recing him to take over the Dark Night Group. Just how on earth could she prevent that from


    happening?


    If she could somehow change Charlie''s mind, rk would cease from doing his underhanded methods,


    and as a result, she would be able to protect Rufus from getting in danger. Her main problem now was


    how to do it. What could she possibly do?


    Visibly getting so irritated, Amanda let out a heavy sigh.


    Meanwhile, in the study, Charlie was casually sitting in his chair. He closed his eyes and leaned back,


    with his mind drifting somewhere far away.


    Rufus, rk...Those two names kept floating in front of him chasing one another. He had dedicated all


    his life to keeping the Dark Night Group standing tall. What could he do to make rk hand it over to


    Rufus without incident? He didn''t want to get anyone caught up in this mess.


    Under the dim light inside a restaurant, in a corner that had been consigned to oblivion, Lionel and Ivy


    were sitting face-to-face across a tabletop.


    "I''ve already wired the money to your ount. And with that, we''re clear from here on out."


    Upon telling that to the woman sitting in front of him, Lionel seemed to have somewhat felt at ease. He


    had just transferred the fifty million Ivy had asked for into her bank ount, and he just couldn''t help


    wallowing at the thought that this could very well be thest time he would be seeing this woman ever.


    "You have quite the deep pockets, don''t you? Fifty million! And you made it just like that? If I had found


    out about that sooner, I definitely would have demanded more from you."


    A devious smile suddenly came across Ivy''s face. With her eyes fixated on her oh-so-pretty nails, she


    revelled on her epic mani which was glistening even under that dull light.


    Fifty million. To call it enough to livevishly would be much of an understatement. It would all be


    thanks to Lionel. After all, how else could she get such a huge amount of money?


    "We''re already done negotiating. We''ll put an end to this here. Coming up with thatrge sum of money


    was not an easy feat!"


    Lionel actually got so perturbed upon hearing the words she just said. This woman had just received


    her final payment, so he panicked, thinking that she might start asking for more, which would be


    something he just couldn''t afford any longer.


    Ivy scoffed at the sight of Lionel tensing up so much.


    This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    "What a spineless coward! Ha! Ites as no surprise that Rufus is far superior to you. Yes, at


    present, you might be the president of the Tang Group. But what does it matter? Rufus is far more


    complex than you''re making him out to be. Oh, what the heck. I''ll let you in on a little secret. He''s


    actually hiding things. A lot of different things."


    Ivy stared him straight in the eyes defiantly. And as one might expect, she really hit the mark. That line


    left Lionel at such a loss for words.


    He thought everything had gone ording to n when he set Rufus up and had him removed from


    his position as the president. Now, Rufus was no longer working for thepany. The only thing Lionel


    knew was that he had been staying in his Garden Vi and nothing else. No one even knew when he


    bought that property. How could he have pulled that off?


    "I''ve already gone through his qualifications. Well, he has been abroad working for several years. But


    that''s all about it. Do I really have any reason to get so worked up? If he really was so influential and


    powerful, then why did he bothering back just to go head to head against me to be the


    president of the Tang Group?"


    Lionel saw Ivy''s words as just pointless ramblings. However, the uneasiness on the corner of his eyes


    sold him out.


    Rufus was more than capable, and every single one of them was well aware of that. That having been


    said, he had already stepped down from his position in the Tang Group. Lionel was under the


    assumption that Rufus could never do something that would put him at risk.


    "Oh, my dear Lionel. You''re just like a clueless child. Profile and work experience could easily be


    fabricated. How could Rufus just leave the Tang Group without batting an eye? I don''t think you''ve


    really given that much thought. At his level, he had the potential to at least be the vice president


    of the group. Yet, he still chose to walk away. Why was that so?"


    Ivy wanted to tease Lionel a little more deep inside, but she didn''t have any intention of spilling the


    beans whatsoever.


    "What are you trying to say? That he doesn''t care about the Tang Group? Could that be what you''re


    implying?"


    With a baffled look written all over his face, Lionel leaned over a little.


    "Without a doubt, he doesn''t. Because the thing that he has is far greater than what you have!"


    Ivy''s face suddenly lit up and a sly smile unfurled on her face. It seemed as if she was privy to a secret


    beneath that dim light.

 Chapter 391 The Chairman Of TY Group

    Chapter 391 The Chairman Of TY Group


    Lionel''s sober mind told him that he didn''t need to have any kind of patience with Ivy anymore. Anyway,


    she had received the break-up fee she had demanded. From now on, he didn''t have any liability toward


    her.


    But upon seeing the mysterious expression on her face and thinking about what she had said, he


    couldn''t help but engage in bewilderment.


    "Ivy, what on earth do you know? Don''t keep me guessing, okay?"


    He felt puzzled and curious, wondering what were the secrets she knew.


    The pendentive light shone on her like a spotlight. She smiled happily and freely. Her grinning face


    made others think that Lionel, who sat opposite to her, was amusing her.


    ''What do I know? What I know is enough to shock the Tang family, '' she thought to herself satisfyingly.


    A few days ago, a distinguished guest hade to Amanda''s studio: A handsome man with peach


    blossoming eyes. Amanda''s assistant had tried to stop him, but he strode straight to Amanda''s office.


    As the door shut behind him, Ivy heard Amanda speaking to him in apletely frightened tone.


    Ivy had never heard Amanda like that before. She even caught a glimpse of her face. Her eyes were


    wide and full of fear.


    Ivy was intrigued by Amanda''s unusual behaviour. She returned to her desk, listening intently to the


    muffled voices.


    The voices were unclear but urgent, as if a quarrel was taking ce between the two. Amanda was


    shrieking but the man''s voice was too low to be heard.


    Even so, Ivy concluded the man had the ability to frighten Amanda.


    ''Who was he? What was his identity? What did he have to do with her? Amanda has always appeared


    as a calm, confident individual. It is shocking to see her pping like this in the presence of that man, ''


    she wondered.


    When the door finally opened, Ivy pretended to walk past it with a pile of documents in her hands, and


    bumped into him unintentionally, scattering all the documents over the floor.


    The man apologised politely to her, helping her pick up all the documents.


    Looking at his gentle and elegant smile, Ivy didn''t feel scared at all. How could Amanda be scared of


    someone like him?


    "Thank you, sir. Are you... a friend of Miss Ke?"


    Ivy spoke to him boldly with a curious expression on her face.


    rk shed a smile at her, scanning her face intently.


    ''Isn''t this Lionel''s ex-girlfriend? I''ve observed her before. She is very cunning. Anyone who didn''t know


    her would be easily fooled by her innocent face. Even now, she is pretending to be innocent. Does she


    really think I''d be deceived by her appearance? She seems to be way more interested than what I''ve


    imagined, '' he thought.


    "Yes. I haven''t seen her for a long time, so I thought I''lle and say hello."


    He continued to smile at her. His eyes seemed to be capable of charming all living beings.


    "Are you an employee here? Miss Ke is going to be a promising educator in the future. If you continue


    to follow her, your future is sure to be bright."


    rk was so smart that he saw through Ivy''s curiosity. ''Curiosity indeed kills the cat. You wanted to dig


    through me, huh? Watch me, and I will use you to get something I want, '' he thought to himself.


    "Of course! Miss Ke has helped me a lot in my career."


    Ivy tried to feign an earnest expression in order to fool rk.


    The corner of his mouth turned into a smile as he reached for a pen in his pocket. He wrote his mobile


    number on one of her notebooks.


    "Please contact me if there is anything I can do for you."


    With that, he turned and walked away. Ivy was delighted to have gotten his number.


    ''He is handsome, well-dressed and a friend of Miss Ke! That is enough proof of his wealth!'' she


    guessed.


    She understood one thing for sure that he wasn''t a simple man. She was surprised he had given her


    his number.


    ''Oh yes! Now that I''m rid of that idiot Lionel, I can find a richer guy, '' she wondered.


    Her imagination started to run wild. She couldn''t help tearing off the page with his number and kissing it


    desperately.


    Naturally, she couldn''t control herself from calling him the very same day. She fiddled around some


    unnecessary questions, simply trying to get along with him.


    Talking to him, she found out he was the owner of thergest hotel in G City. The news made her so


    excited that her heart started to jump.


    She started topare him with Lionel, thinking of his reliability and capability. But that only meant he


    would be more challenging to trap, and she prepared to put all her energy into achieving the purpose.


    She spared no efforts to try to show her feminine charm. Strangely, he didn''t ignore her flirtations. At


    the same time, he didn''t try to get intimate with her.


    Soon, they started to go on dates. In those meetings, even if she pretended to stumble and fall upon


    him, he simply supported her gently and helped her stand steadily instead of taking any advantage of


    her.


    His gentlemanly charm only made her want him more. Her desire got so fervent that she decidedly


    swore to be his girlfriend.


    On one of their dates, rk mentioned he knew the chairman of the TY Group. She didn''t even stir. It


    didn''t matter to her at all. The most important thing for her was to be this man''s girlfriend.


    But now that he pressed upon the topic, she finally shrugged and responded," It''s such a mystery who


    is TY Group''s president, that many people in the business circle are dying with curiosity!"


    She pretended to be amazed and innocent, her sparkling eyes full of amorous feelings.


    "Yeah, you are right. He''s always kept a low profile. But I''ve known him since before he started his own


    business. We''ve been acquainted for many years,"


    rk said with a smile at the corner of his mouth, which only made him look even more enchanting.


    "Really? Who is he, then?"


    Ivy widened herrge, beautiful eyes, making her oval face look extremely innocent.


    rk wanted tough, seeing her immediate response. The fish had bitten his bait.


    "His name is Rufus Luo."


    Now, Ivy was truly shocked. For an instant, she couldn''t breathe.


    ''Rufus? He must be kidding me!'' she thought to herself.


    Looking at her stunned expression, rk pretended to be surprised. He asked curiously," What


    happened? Do you know him?"


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    rk had told Ivy he wasn''t very familiar with G City, havinge from somewhere abroad. It had


    made Ivy d and relieved that he wouldn''t know about her being Lionel''s mistress for many years.


    This was one of the reasons she had summoned up to the courage to date him.


    "No, no, no. I don''t know him, per se. Isn''t he Miss Ke''s fiance?"


    she strongly denied knowing Rufus, incidentally implying she didn''t know Lionel either.


    "Oh, he''s be a celebrity in G City now. His father is the chairman of the Tang Group and he served


    as the president. But he has resigned now."


    rk shook his head slightly, showing disappointment. He seemed to be very familiar with Rufus,


    which scared Ivy.


    All she wanted was to be with a rich man. The time and efforts she had taken with rk was simply


    due to his wealth, apart from his deviously charming looks. But now she wondered if it would be too


    bold for her to pursue it.


    Because it was highly possible that Rufus would expose her past to him, after which rk might not


    want to be with her. How could she achieve her goal?


    Ivy decided to keep quiet now, lest she spilled the secret somehow. For a long time after that day, she


    didn''t arrange another meeting with him. Presently, what Lionel told her made her very sad. To get back


    at him and make him angry, she wanted to tell him about Rufus''s true identity.


    No one in Tang family knew about it. Everyone thought Rufus was simply Horace''s long-lost son. No


    body had any idea that he was also the chairperson of TY Group.


    But then why did hee to work at the Tang Group? If this news was true, he didn''t need to lower his


    status by staying in the Tang Group any longer. Apart from that, he did not get along with Lionel and his


    mother. Ivy was suddenly very curious about what was Rufus thinking now and why he acted in that


    manner.


    But the most important question right now was if the Tang Family found out this truth about him, how


    would they react? Ivy was waiting to see their responses like a cunning vamp.


    Finally, she spilled it. Lionel''s mouth fell open with a look of disbelief.


    "Ivy, where did you hear this gossip? Don''t talk nonsense!"


    ''There is no chance of this being true! How could Rufus be the president of TY Group?'' Lionel thought,


    bing restless.


    Every inch of his body wanted to reject the idea. He was in constantpetition with Rufus for being


    the president of the Tang Group. And if Rufus was indeed the owner of TY Group, then he must have


    treated the position like discarded garbage when it meant so much to Lionel. It was absolutely


    ridiculous to even think about.


    "Nonsense? No, Lionel. You just haven''t investigated his background enough. If you send someone


    abroad to check who''s the legally registered person of TY Securities, you would know. I am not simply


    bullshitting with you."


    She was so happy to look at his rmed and panic face. This was exactly what she had hoped for.


    Anyway, the Tang family had nothing to do with her now. She had gotten her fifty million from Lionel. If


    they fell into chaos, it wouldn''t matter to her. In fact, it would only make her happier.


    Lionel''s forehead started to sweat. What would happen when Horace found out about this? Or did he


    already know?


    In terms of Rufus''s capabilities, there was no doubt that he could run apany asrge as TY Group


    smoothly. If Horace sided with him, the thought of Lionel remaining in the presidency would be


    completely discarded.


    Horace had always appreciated Rufus and had never approved of Lionel. If it was true, he would be


    more than happy to ask Rufus toe back the Tang Group. In this way, Lionel''s long-term ns and


    efforts would seem to all have been for naught. He couldn''t allow Rufus to take his dream from him so


    easily.


    "Who else knows about this matter?"


    Lionel asked, ring at Ivy and gritting his teeth with a fierce expression on his face.


    Ivy knew what he was thinking and decided to throw her cards before he could. Squinting her eyes, she


    spoke calmly," Lionel, listen to me. Don''t you dare use this matter to threaten me. I''m warning you. I''m


    not aspliant and submissive as I used to be. Remember, now that we are done, I don''t need to


    obey you anymore. If you even try to threaten me, I will spread this news like fire."

 Chapter 392 I Will Stay For You

    Chapter 392 I Will Stay For You


    Ivy stared at Lionel, undaunted.


    Her target was not Lionel, she needn''t care about offending his sensitivities.


    "You''d better keep your mouth shut about this. Don''t say a word about it to another soul!" hissed Lionel.


    He gritted his teeth in warning. But, there was a discernable trace of panic in his eyes.


    "It''s not a big secret at all. Even if I am not the one to divulge it, someone else will certainly let it out.


    You may have had the ability to conceal it for a year or two. But do you think you can conceal it for a


    lifetime?" Ivy''s voice rang out cruelly.


    Looking at Lionel''s flurried appearance satisfied Ivy''s sadism. ''Lionel, remember how ruthless you were


    in your hurry to kick me out? I think it''s a little toote to act coy, no?''


    "I don''t care about how other people will find out. All in all, don''t be the one to spill it out. Remember,


    just keep your mouth shut."


    Lionel''s words were a warning. Ivy, however, was untouched. She just smiled with disdain.


    "Ok, but you have to help me with one thing, Lionel."


    Ivy''s eyes gleamed momentarily. She might as well use Lionel since he needed her help anyway.


    "What is it?"


    Lionel looked nervous, he did not know what this cunning woman wanted.


    "The Tang Group has imprisoned my brother Joel for giarism. Now I want you to help me set him


    free."


    Ivy sedately cocked her chin at Lionel. Now that Rufus was no longer in the Tang group. It would not be


    difficult for Lionel to release Joel.


    Lionel was a little stunned. Suddenly a thought crossed his mind and he looked at Ivy in surprise.


    "Is he your brother? What else has he done for you before?"


    Ivy had never mentioned this before, so Lionel was quite shocked.


    "Nothing! Didn''t I just put him in Tang Group to help you? Will you help me to release him or not?"


    asked Ivy.


    She didn''t want to entertain any further questions from Lionel. After all, Joel had damaged the


    reputation of the Tang group.


    Lionel thought for a while. His mind raced, trying to figure out if Ivy still had some ammo against him. If


    he refused her, she would certainly use that against him. It seemed that all she wanted was to get Joel


    out and that was not difficult for him to do.


    "Okay, I will help you with your brother. But you should remember to keep your mouth shut and not leak


    out any information to anyone! You hear me?"


    Lionel appeared to have made up his mind. He stared at Ivy.


    "Okay, I won''t,"


    Ivy promised nonchntly. But in her mind, she cheekily thought, ''Well, it won''t be my fault if others find


    out...'' And a smile yed on her lips.


    Under the dim lights, Lionel''s eyebrows squinted at the woman who sat before him. She was no longer


    the innocent girl who he had loved very much. Now, she had be a sophisticated deviant.


    What all could a person do in his or her manic pursuit of more power and endless money? Would he or


    she be called a devil or an angel?


    It waste by the time Edith returned from recording the program. The moment she entered the door,


    Cassandra greeted her and removed her shoes for her. She had been quite worried.


    "Mom, why do youe back sote? Nowadays you return muchter than I do. Are you tired?"


    asked Cassandra.


    Edith looked a little worn out. Cassandra couldn''t stand it anymore.


    "I''m okay... Ah? You seem to have recovered your voice perfectly!"


    Edith looked at Cassandra with surprise. Cassandra''s voice indeed sounded normal.


    Cassandra covered her throat, which waspletely recovered today.


    "You see, credit goes to rk. He helps you with the doctor and brings you the honey and everything


    you need. You should really cherish him since he is so good to you."


    Edith immediately seized the opportunity to praise rk. Cassandra immediately felt a buzz in her


    head.


    After she stopped eating the honey that rk brought to her, her throat just began to recover. But Edith


    could find no fault with him.


    Cassandra realized that it was only because of Edith that she became close to rk. If it were not for


    her and her condition, she would never have agreed to rk to live here in his house.


    "Mom, I think we should relocate. It''s not good to live here."


    She really did not want rk to manipte her through Edith.


    Edith became very sensitive at Cassandra words.


    "No, I find it''s veryfortable here!"


    Edith refused immediately. She knew what Cassandra was thinking.


    She knew that rk was perfect for Cassandra. In order to find afortable life for her daughter,


    Edith was unwilling to leave rk''s house.


    "Mom, Lyndsy has told to me that it would be better to live closer to the office so that I can handle work


    more conveniently."


    Cassandra looked for a variety of excuses and reasons that would prompt Edith to agree to leave the


    house.


    "You''ve been in the office almost every day. You definitely need personal space away from it. Don''t


    follow her words. Just live here," said Edith tly.


    Edith nced at Cassandra. She could read her daughter''s thoughts, but she could not make herself


    agree.


    "Mom! Every time I pay the rent, I get reminded that I live on his charity. I feel so ashamed that I take


    advantage of rk when I don''t want to."


    Cassandra tried her best to persuade Edith while Edith retorted with only simple sentences, "The man


    should definitely pay some price if he wants to pursue a woman. It''s just a little rent. Rest assured,


    rk does not care about it!"


    Edith''s reply was curt and final.


    Cassandra didn''t know what to say anymore, she quietly helped Edith carry the bags into the house.


    Edith smugly nced at her. ''Hum, there''s no way you can trick me, little girl, '' she thought.


    Cassandra went back to her bedroom in a daze.


    Her voice grew better every day. But her predicament was getting bigger and bigger. rk was


    definitely not as simple as he seemed. Then what was the truth that they didn''t know?


    Suddenly, she heard a knock on the window. Cassandra was jolted out of her daze. Then she went to


    the window and opened it only to find that it was Rufus standing outside.


    The corner of his lips was curved in a wicked smile.


    He propped his hand on the window sill and effortlessly jumped into the room. Before she knew it, she


    was in his arms.


    "Did you miss me?" asked Rufus.


    His voice was deep and husky, with emotion.


    Cassandra inhaled the familiar scent of him deeply. And her troubled heart suddenly melted down. The


    original panic disappeared in a sh.


    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She murmured shyly and said no more while she wrapped her arms around his waist.


    They held each other, enjoying their seclusion and didn''t apart for a long time.


    "Cassandra, I changed my mind. It''s too dangerous for you to stay here. Leave this ce. I can''t let


    you stay with a fiend like rk anymore."


    It was unwise for her to remain in such proximity with rk. Rufus was not sure if she could handle him


    for long.


    Cassandra was stunned, she couldn''t understand why he changed his mind so suddenly.


    "Don''t you want me to help you, Rufus? I know there''s something wrong with him. Did you notice that


    my voice seems to have recovered? It''s because I stopped eating the honey he gave me."


    Cassandra volunteered this information to Rufus, his eyebrows knitted together at her words.


    "Bring me some of the honey he gave you. I will have it tested by someone at ab."


    Rufus felt his heart contract in apprehension. He could never have anticipated that rk would have a


    role to y in the illness that had afflicted Cassandra''s voice.


    Cassandra still remembered what Rufus had said to her. If she had the ability to help him, she would


    definitely do it on the condition that Edith would remain untouched.


    "Listen, I don''t want you to get hurt. I have information and reason to believe that rk is more


    dangerous than I thought he was. I cannot risk your safety,"


    Rufus said as he touched Cassandra''s long ck hair. The feel of her soft hair brushing against him


    calmed his nerves and his heart.


    Cassandra was also deeply touched by his concern. But now she really was onto something that could


    prove him guilty. If she left now, rk would definitely suspect something.


    "I don''t mind staying here, but I want my mom to get out. I already know that rk is up to something.


    If he has ideas to attack you, I just hope I will be able to thwart it in time."


    Cassandra was muffled up against the warmth of Rufus. Today she had tried to steer Edith out of this


    house. Her failure in aplishing that greatly depressed her.


    "If you want your mother to leave here, I can help you. But are you sure you want to keep staying


    here?"


    Cassandra''s courage had stirred Rufus. But in his heart, he felt uneasy.


    "Rufus, I am willing to do this for you. rk has me trapped. Even if I want to escape him, I won''t be


    able to."


    Cassandra raised her head and looked directly into Rufus''s eyes.


    "Since I can''t hide, why not go on staying here with him? I have you, I am not afraid of anything!"


    Cassandra said as she felt her voice shake under the weight of her decision.


    All those times that she had not been with Rufus, she had been terribly alone. Now that he was with


    her, how could she be afraid?

 Chapter 393 Pay Him Back

    Chapter 393 Pay Him Back


    Rufus was stricken with grief. There was absolutely no way for him to find out what had happened to


    Cassandra after she left, and he knew she wouldn''t want to talk about it.


    He already had an inkling anyway. Someone as stubborn as Cassandra would never tell.


    "I''ll arrange a ce for your mother where rk won''t be able to reach. But please, Cassandra. Take


    better care of yourself,"


    he responded, hugging Cassandra as tight as he could in a futile effort to merge them into one.


    "I will. Even if it''s for you, I''ll take better care of myself!"


    Cassandra promised. Her clear, smooth face glowed against the moonlight.


    Rufus slowly reached down and met his lips with hers. The kiss was light, but filled with tenderness and


    adoration. The moonlight cascaded past the window and shone on their figures, gracefully silhouetting


    their frames.


    In Cassandra''s office, Lyndsy frowned at the sight of Cassandra''s desk. Documents and scraps of


    paper were piled and scattered all over it.


    "Cassandra, Cassandra. How could you let this happen to you?" Lyndsy muttered to herself.


    Dissatisfied, she turned to her agent.


    "Miss Qin is a manager. Keeping track of the paperwork isn''t part of her work description. It is actually


    your responsibility. Why are you making Cassandra do your work?"


    Lyndsy spat annoyingly.


    "Lyndsy, don''t get mad. I asked her to leave them to me because I wanted to go over the scripts. I was


    afraid that your agent wouldn''t be able to handle all of these,"


    Cassandra quipped, hurriedly entering the office to defend Lyndsy''s agent. Lyndsy had a point:


    paperwork wasn''t part of her job description, the agent was just trying to spite her. But she didn''t want


    to trouble Lyndsy at all.


    "But this is ridiculous! You''re already burdened with so much work. This is extra!" Lyndsy sighed. "Don''t


    worry, Cassandra. When the year ends, I''ll give you a thick, red envelope for your bonus!"


    she said, pinching her nose as she tried to relieve her tension. Lyndsy deeply appreciated Cassandra


    and valued her work ethic about managing her studio. If it weren''t for Cassandra''s supervision, the


    studio wouldn''t have been as efficient as it was today.


    "Lyndsy, don''t worry about it. I''ve told you. It''s okay. You gave me the job when I really needed it. I just


    hope you can still allow me to keep the studio in order,"


    Cassandra replied as she grinned from ear to ear. Wherever she worked, be it as Tang Group''s


    architectural manager or Lyndsy''s studio manager, she had only always wished to excellently perform


    in her work.


    "Fine," Lyndsy sighed again, closing her eyes before quickly opening them back, suddenly


    remembering a thought. "By the way, TY Entertainment''s movie shoot is going to start soon. Both of us


    will be pretty busy in theing weeks, but I swear to you, once this is over, I''ll give you your well-


    deserved vacation leave,"


    Lyndsy said confidently. She was fully aware that Cassandra was always swamped with work, and she


    had sworn to herself to return the favor. She only wished that there was someone that could keep up


    with Cassandra''s excellent work ethic just so they could share her burden.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Just as Cassandra was about to retort, her phone rang loudly. She shot Lyndsy an apologetic look


    before excusing herself out of her office to answer her phone in the hallway.


    "Cassandra! I''m going crazy over here!" Ste eximed in a barrage of screams. Cassandra could


    easily imagine Ste''s iling figure as she spoke to her over the phone. "Remember Joel? The guy


    who stole your sketches! He''s back in Tang Group! Seriously! What the fuck right? It''s so fucking


    infuriating that I lost all interest in working here. I can''t stay here any longer. I can''t stay while Lionel is


    leading us headfirst into the shit hole. So I resigned!"


    Ste finished, sounding incredibly upset. A chill ran through Cassandra''s spine upon hearing the


    news.


    "Joel''s back? Shouldn''t he still be in jail?"


    Cassandra was mortified by what she heard. She knew that thepany itself persecuted Joel. How


    could they allow him toe back?


    "Only God knows what on earth Lionel''s been thinking! He himself demanded for Joel toe back to


    work for thepany. Lionel even assigned him to my department. What''s worse, he came back with


    an even higher paycheck! It was ludicrous! I couldn''t stand seeing such a despicable man. I didn''t even


    take one thorough look at him before I resigned,"


    Ste ranted angrily. Cassandra could feel how upset she was.


    "Ste, calm down. I''ll be off work soon. Do you want to drop by my office so we could talkter?"


    Cassandra offered.


    It would be nice to see Ste once again. She knew she would be able to calm her friend down face-to-


    face anyway.


    Ste hung up on her after she quickly agreed without further retaliation. The entire time, Lyndsy was


    inside in the office, trying to hide the fact that she was eavesdropping. Ste''s voice rang angrily past


    through Cassandra''s phone so that she could hear fragments of Ste''s aggravated voice.


    When Cassandra''s eyes met up with hers, she realized that Cassandra had caught her listening in.


    She let out a light, embarrassed chuckle. "Seems like your friend is rather upset. What''s the matter?"


    Lyndsy asked Cassandra, whose eyebrows were furrowed together.


    "It''s nothing. My friend just resigned. I''ll have to listen to the entire storyter,"


    Cassandra replied conservatively, not wanting to involve Lyndsy more into the discussion. Lyndsy, after


    all, was a world-renown actress. She had more things to worry about.


    "Resigned? Where did she work?"


    Lyndsy prodded. Cassandra could feel how interested Lyndsy was with Ste''s situation. She figured


    Lyndsy was also using this time as a breather, and wanted a small distraction before going back to


    work.


    "Well... She was the department head of Public Rtions in Tang Group,"


    Cassandra said lightly, not really paying attention to her much. She was still busy trying to organize her


    thoughts and ns in her head.


    "Wow! It''s a good thing she''s resigned, then. Do you think she''d want to work here? I was actually busy


    thinking about getting an assistant for you who could help you with your tasks. If thisdy is your friend,


    she must be willing enough to work with you, no? She could help you! I''ll wait for her then, and we


    could discuss it over coffee!"


    Lyndsy said, delighted over the rather upsetting news. She felt like she could hit two birds with one


    stone. Cassandra would have an assistant to keep up with her, and her office would be maintained


    organized!


    Cassandra, however, was dumbfounded by the sudden proposal. Her lips parted in an attempt to


    speak, but the words never came out.


    A woman brashly dashed right into Cassandra''s office. Cassandra and Lyndsy''s eyes darted towards


    the door, and while Ste was about to greet Cassandra, she saw Lyndsy first.


    "Oh my god, you are Lyndsy!"


    Ste''s eyes widened at the sight of the movie star. Whatever annoyance she had expressed on the


    phone earlier quickly dissipated, and turned into excitement.


    "Wow, it''s really you! I''ve only seen you on screen. I can''t believe it''s actually you, in the flesh! You''re


    much more gorgeous than you are on screen!"


    Ste excitedly said, almost drooling at the sight of the actress.


    Lyndsy awkwardly chuckled from all the sudden attention.


    "Ha-ha...Cassandra, your friend is so...interesting. Would you please introduce us?"


    Lyndsy asked sheepishly as she beamed her pearly white teeth at Ste.


    Contrary to Lyndsy, Ste was actually an incredibly serious woman who was even stricter whenever


    she worked. She knew when to draw the line between work and leisure, though she often went ballistic


    after work.


    Cassandra could feel that she was talking to two versions of Lyndsy or two versions of Ste. Their


    personalities were exactly alike. "Ah, yes. Lyndsy, this is my old high school ssmate and ex-


    colleague, Ste Mu. She''s my closest friend."


    Cassandra obliged, looking at the two. Lyndsy held her hand out and Ste eagerly took her hand with


    both of hers, eagerly shaking the idol''s hand.


    "And Ste, this is the hottest superstar, world-renowned actress, and now my boss, Lyndsy Su!"


    Cassandra continued, and Ste looked like she was being awarded a medal during her high school


    graduation.


    The two women instantly seemed to click. Cassandra felt like she was seeing twins from the way they


    reacted.


    It wasn''t long before they developed their own friendship. The three of them left the office to have


    dinner at a hotpot restaurant. Cassandra, still a bit dazed from the entire day, found herself staring into


    the steam rising out of the hotpot, just like the way she remembered when she ate with Dylon and


    Lyndsy the veryst time.


    Lyndsy, sensing Cassandra''s change in mood, realized what was bothering her.


    "Do you miss Dylon? I remember how he helped mest time. He isn''t in G city anymore, is he?"


    Lyndsy asked quietly. She vividly remembered that when he helped her, it was around the time that


    Lyndsy was having trouble with her agency, eventually resolving the issue in court.


    "Yeah. He''s gone abroad now. He probably needs more time before he''de back,"


    Cassandra said meekly. Dylon was such a gentleman and he was always willing to help without asking


    for anything in return.


    She had sincerely believed that rk was just as noble as Dylon. But she was wrong.


    "Cassandra," Ste began, cing her hand over Cassandra''s, "just enjoy your time with rk. I think


    he''s a good man!"


    Ste couldn''t handle the cloud of negativity looming over them. She had to redirect it somewhere else.


    "Oh Cassandra, I actually did some research on rk!" Lyndsy replied, getting looks from Cassandra


    and Ste. "He just purchased the biggest five-star hotel in G City. I also found out he has several


    properties and businesses overseas, too. I don''t think you''d have to worry about marrying him,


    Cassandra. He''s rich and incredibly smitten with you!"


    Lyndsy said, grinning at Cassandra to lighten the mood. When she didn''t receive a response, she


    looked at Cassandra thoroughly, and noticed how her eyes started to dim.


    Ste immediately realized why. "Cassandra. Someone treats you with so much kindness, but you


    don''t seem to care; someone treats you with such tant disregard for your efforts, but you can''t seem


    to forget about him.


    Why, Cassandra?


    Rufus is already engaged with Amanda. Why do you still want to be with him? Wake up, dear. There''s


    so many more fish in the sea apart from Rufus. rk''s one of them, and he seems like such a perfect


    choice!" "She has a point, Cassandra. Why are you so hung up on Rufus?"


    Lyndsy nodded, trying to understand Cassandra''s emotions.


    Why must it be Rufus?


    A bitter smile crept up on Cassandra''s face.


    Cassandra was also curious about that too. Why must it be Rufus? They met at the wrong time. They


    were born into arguing families. When they got through that, the third wheel appeared.


    She had already lost her child. She had been defamed. She had even lost thepany that her father


    had worked so hard on.


    But right now, Rufus was kneeling in front of her, asking for her forgiveness.


    "I...I wonder about that too," Cassandra said, earning a few surprised looks from the girls.


    "I guess I owed him in my former life. I have to pay him back in this life."


    A sad smile appeared on her face. She kept her eyes glued to the steam rising from the pot, as if she


    were searching for an answer in its midst.

 Chapter 394 Rufus’s Real Identity (Part One)

    Chapter 394 Rufus¡¯s Real Identity (Part One)


    "Cassandra, are you still keeping in touch with Rufus?"


    Ste 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, Ste abruptly mmed 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!"


    Ste yelled out of anger, with her face burning with intense rage. Since she had been frank with


    Cassandra, it was in as day that she didn''t like Rufus. And now, the thought of Rufus ying 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 ites to your rtionships?"


    With her brows deeply furrowed, Lyndsy had the same opinion as Ste. She believed that Rufus was


    a man who should not be trusted.


    It came as no surprise to Cassandra that Ste and Lyndsy would get bent out of shape. Stretching out


    her arms, she grabbed Ste''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 thest 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. Ste and Lyndsy nced 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, Ste 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. ncing at Cassandra and Ste, 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 thetter 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 weed him


    personally. If I remember correctly, I think he said he got acquainted with the chairman in G City..."


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    Lyndsy gave Cassandra a worried nce. 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 identally tipped over her cup out of surprise. The


    water got spilled all over the table and dripped onto herp.


    Caughtpletely 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 woulde as a shock to her.


    However, Cassandra was much too overwhelmed that she failed to hear Lyndsy''s exnation. 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.

 Chapter 395 Rufus’s Real Identity (Part Two)

    Chapter 395 Rufus¡¯s Real Identity (Part Two)


    Now it was clear as day why rk was raging with hostility when it came to Rufus. They were rivals in


    business, but most of all, Cassandra was caught dead in the middle of it all. She even had ns to stay


    close with rk as an undercover agent for Rufus. If everything Lyndsy said was true, it could mean


    that he was just using her to bring down rk in their businesspetition.


    An innumerable number of weird ideas began to float in Cassandra''s head, which was giving her a


    headache.


    "Ste, let me bring Cassandra home first. I think we''ll both agree that she''s not in a condition to be


    enjoying hotspot right now."


    Lyndsy was under so much distress, feeling sorry for Cassandra. When she noticed that Cassandra


    waspletely out of it, she came to the realization that she never should have told her anything about


    it for her own good.


    But Lyndsy''s remarks somehow helped Cassandra pull herself together. Resting one hand on the table,


    she faked out a smile.


    "I¡­ I''ll be just fine. We shouldn''t keep the hotpot waiting. Come on, let''s eat."


    Cassandra wasn''t aware how strong she really was, at least not before being hit so hard.


    The truth was that she wasn''t in the mood to eat, but she knew she had to snap out of it.


    Lyndsy and Ste had some fun light-hearted conversations as they ate the hotpot. They got along


    quite well after finding out that they shared the same interests. Lyndsy was more than happy to invite


    Ste over to work in her studio.


    Everything appeared to be going along quite well, however, it was actually far from the truth.


    Cassandra''s thoughts had actually drifted into a distant space. She put a spoonful of chopped green


    onion into her mouth, but it wasn''t enough to faze her at all. In fact, a long period of time had actually


    passed and she still didn''t realize what she had done.


    When they were done having dinner, Ste and Lyndsy brought Cassandra back to the Garden Vi.


    She chanced upon rk who had juste out of the entrance to the courtyard.


    His height, well-built physique and handsome face wouldn''t pale inparison to Lyndsy''s male actor


    friends.


    "Thank you for apanying Cassandra on her way back. I appreciate it."


    rk walked closer to them and gently wrapped his arm around Cassandra''s shoulders.


    In spite of that, Cassandra was still so down in the dumps, so she couldn''t care less about whatever


    rk did to her.


    Lyndsy and Ste couldn''t help but sigh as they silently watched rk and Cassandra.


    rk was indeed a fine man, kind and understanding; sadly, Cassandra didn''t have any feelings for


    him whatsoever. She only had eyes for Rufus.


    Waving Lyndsy and Ste goodbye, rk slowly headed toward the courtyard, with his arm still


    wrapped around Cassandra''s shoulders.


    "Cassandra, your mother mentioned how you''ve been getting yourself quite busy with work these past


    few days. Do you usuallye back at this hour every day?"


    rk tried striking up a conversation, with a worried expression sprawled onto his face.


    "Not really. It''s just that I went out for dinner with my friends after work today."


    Cassandra wasn''t really up for answering any questions. Her thoughts were scattered all over the


    ce. From the moment she found out about the cold hard truth during dinner, her stomach had been


    turning nonstop.


    "Your mother is worried sick about you. As soon as I got back to the vi, she updated me on how


    things were going with you. And right now, I can tell that there''s something that''s been bothering you."


    rk was informed by Edith how Cassandra had been shutting herself in her bedroom more often


    upon returning home from work. Edith was afraid that if there was something eating away at


    Cassandra; it would be bad for her health if she didn''t open up about it to anyone.


    That was what rk heard. However, no one had any idea that Rufus had been climbing to her window


    so that he could meet her in secret. That was actually the reason why she had been keeping her door


    locked.


    "You''re wrong. My mother is just being so paranoid."


    Looking so worn out and feeling so down, Cassandra didn''t have any strength left to argue with rk.


    "By the way, have you finished the jar of honey I brought you? You finally got your voice back."


    A dubious smile crept onto rk''s face. Truth be told, he actually got a bit startled when he checked


    the kitchen and the jar of honey was nowhere to be found.


    Right now as they were talking, Cassandra''s voice was as beautiful as it had been. So, rk was


    apprehensive, scared that she might''ve discovered something while he was gone.


    "Yeah. I''ve already finished all of it. You still weren''t back home yet when I used it all up. I got rid of my


    sore throat after about ten days."


    Cassandra tried her best to keep a straight face. There was no way she could ever let rk notice that


    something was amiss.


    "If it''s alright with you, would it be okay if I ask for more? I actually get fond of its taste."


    A soft smile wandered across Cassandra''s lips and left just as soon as it came.


    "Sure thing. That won''t be a problem. I''ll go ahead and ask my friend to bring you some more of that


    next time."


    rk''s eyes lit up from what Cassandra just said. After all, it was actually the first time she had ever


    requested anything from him.


    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Could this also mean that Cassandra was beginning to open up to him?


    At the thought of that, rk broke into a childish grin and asked her, "I already asked your mother to go


    to bed. I told her I''d just be the one to wait for you toe home instead. What do you say we go for a


    walk in the garden to help ease the digestion?"

 Chapter 396 The Chairman Of The TY Group

    Chapter 396 The Chairman Of The TY Group


    rk had rushed back after spending time overseas and was now delighted to be reunited with


    Cassandra.


    Cassandra, however, was far from happy. She was in no state to go for a walk with him; instead, she


    feigned having a headache by cradling her head in her hands.


    "I''m tired. Maybe some other time."


    She didn''t even wait for rk''s response before she strode towards her room. After shutting the door


    behind her, she breathed a sigh of relief. Her eyes darted to the window subconsciously.


    ''Since rk is here today, Rufus may note, '' Cassandra thought.


    She drew the curtains over the window making the room feel ustrophobic.


    ''Why has Rufus not shared such an important matter?'' He was the founder and the chairman of TY


    Group, but he still fabricated a portfolio to conceal his identity from the Tang family.


    ''Why did he do this? Was he just keeping a profile low, or did he deliberately hide it?''


    She kept awake, tossing in her bed all night because, in her heart, she knew Rufus wouldn''te. And


    he didn''t.


    Ste had be the right hand of Cassandra. Being a pro at public rtions, she had swiftly, and


    efficiently, helped her arrange everything. With everything in order, Cassandra felt much more rxed.


    The only thing that bothered her was that she hadn''t seen Rufus for quite some days. A dark shadow


    was cast by murky clouds in her heart. The gloom was so burdensome, that she found it difficult to


    breathe.


    Meanwhile, Ste would intermittently speak negatively about Rufus which added further pressure onto


    Cassandra.


    "Cassandra, Rufus is not your type! Why can''t you ever consider rk? I really don''t understand the


    appeal of a man who is engaged to another woman!"


    Ste kept nagging Cassandra in the hope that she would marry rk at the earliest and finally


    be settled in life.


    All Cassandra could do was listen in silence. There was no way she could argue back.


    If a rtionship could be dictated rationally, there was no reason for her to suffer through such trials


    and tribtions.


    In the meantime, in a secret room, Arthur looked at rk in shock.


    "Mr. Ji, you mean, to create hostility between the Tang family and Rufus, so that they will both


    crumble?"


    Arthur''s eyes lit up¡ªhe had waited so long for this moment!


    The embarrassment that had crippled a young Arthur and his father''s failure to defeat the Tang Group


    would finally be lifted.


    "Don''t you desire the fall of Tang Group as well? I can give you that chance."


    rk squinted his eyes; they were still frigid and cold.


    His men had reported that someone from Dark Night Group was investigating him undercover. He


    suspected that Charlie and Rufus hadbined their powers against him. Indeed, He knew he couldn''t


    bet on that foolish Amanda to prevent Charlie''s moves!


    With thendscape changing so wildly, he had to take the next step. His first move would be against


    the Tang Group.


    "Okay, Mr. Ji, then, what shall we do?"


    Arthur was always eager to get a mouthful of the Tang Group.


    "Just broadcast to the public about Rufus''s role as the chairman of the TY Group."


    A smug smile was stered on rk''s face.


    Arthus froze in disbelief.


    "What? Rufus is the head of TY Group? You must be kidding!"


    His mind was in total chaos. The TY Group had been investing in his Dawn Star Group for quite some


    time. ''How could Rufus be the chairman of TY Group?''


    "Are you surprised that Rufus has invested in you?"


    rk nodded and stared calmly at Arthur.


    "Mr¡­ Mr. Ji, I''m really confused. Isn''t Rufus the son of Horace? Why would he fund mypany?"


    Rufus''s true intention was indeed hard to decipher. The mere thought of him being chaperoned by


    Rufus, his business rival, gave him a cold sweat.


    Even before he knew rk, Arthur had relied on TY Group as the major source of cash for Dawn Star


    Group''s rapid expansion. By then, Arthur was relieved that Tang Group didn''tpete against him


    during that crucial time. He felt lucky to have epted the investment from the TY Group.


    But on retrospection, he realised that Rufus could have easily sabotaged the donation from TY Group


    at any given time and destroyed him. He could never have been able to obtain another significant


    investment that soon. Without the cash flow, he would have been easily annihted.


    But, Rufus didn''t!


    "Rufus and Horace have separate goals but they are still working together on the surface. This time, I


    n to exploit that carefully-maintained peace between them. Taking Tang Group down will be a good


    warm-up exercise for you."


    It would be best to take down Tang Group without Rufus''s intervention. Furthermore, ''that man'' also


    wanted the Tang Group to maintain distance from their deal.


    If a conflict arose between Rufus and Tang family, then Rufus would no longer enjoy the support of the


    Tang family.


    Thinking about the sadistic oue of his n, the smile on rk''s face became colder.


    "Alright, I will spread the information as fast as possible!"


    Arthur had been yearning for this moment. It seemed that, finally, he would be able to mount on his


    indomitable rivals and stomp on them until they were no more.


    The room, despite being small and dingy, was brewing a malevolent deluge.


    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    In the mansion of the Tang family, Horace was anxiously pacing back and forth in the lobby.


    "When will Lionel be back?"


    He had lost track of how many times he had questioned Jill. Gradually, her patience subsided.


    "I just said that he would be back soon. Why are you in such a hurry? He is now the CEO of the Tang


    Group. He is steeped withpany affairs. How can he be back so soon?"


    Jill didn''t quite understand Horace''s behavior today. He had asked after Lionel several times in thest


    hour.


    "He loves to drag! I have some urgent matters to discuss with him, but he is nowhere to be found!"


    Horace started to raise his voice with agitation.


    "Can you be more rational? Lionel is busy now. Every matter he is dealing with right now is serious.


    You can''t just ask him toe home. Have you considered that he may have something more


    important to settle?"


    The harshness of Horace struck Jill. When Rufus was still around, Horace had never expected Rufus to


    appear anytime he demanded. But when it came to Lionel, he didn''t allow him any ck.


    "All you do is protect him. If I had been more strict on him before, he wouldn''t have be a man who


    can''t handle thepany properly!"


    Horace red at Jill. He hated that she doted on their son.


    "Well, it''s good that you never cared about him. He would then leave the family for twenty years and


    then magically be as capable as Rufus!"


    Unwilling to give in to Horace, Jill brought up Rufus to win the quarrel.


    It had be a habit of Horace topare Lionel with Rufus in every aspect. For Jill, her son was


    born with their family name, while Rufus was still a bastard with the surname of Luo.


    That was not something she could ept. Finally, Rufus had left the Tang Group, but Horace still kept


    comparing Lionel to him. That did not sit well with Jill.


    "Rufus, Rufus. All you do is hate Rufus. You are blind to his qualities! I can see that Lionel has inherited


    his small-mindedness from you!"


    Horace had been manipted by Jill and Lionel to drive Rufus away because of the missing fifty million


    frompany ounts. He regretted his decision greatly and still wished Rufus was around.


    "Horace, please borate. What did you mean by ''small-mindedness''? I agreed to change Rufus''s


    surname. It was he who wasn''t willing to do so. Why do you call me small-minded? I even


    acknowledged him as my son! Do you think I can treat him as my own?!"


    Jill confronted Horace¡ªshe was not going to retreat.


    "Well, even if you still want to have him as your son, he would probably reject it himself."


    Horace was furious and kept ring at Jill.


    The moment Lionel entered the main lobby, he could hear his parents quarrel. In no time, he dashed


    towards them and said, "Please, why are you both fighting again? Are you looking for me?"


    Lionel''s interruption sessfully diverted Horace''s attention away from his conflict with Jill.


    "Lionel, let me ask you something."


    Horace waved his hand signalling Lionel toe closer. The servants scattered and it was just the


    three of them in the lobby.


    "What?"


    The disturbed expression on Horace''s face put Lionel in a conundrum.


    "Did you know, that Rufus is the chairman of TY Group?"


    Horace''s keen eyes were fixed on Lionel''s face as he tried to take in every detail that he possibly could.

 Chapter 397 Incompetent Mother And Son (Part One)

    Chapter 397 Ipetent Mother And Son (Part One)


    What Horace just said surprised both Lionel and Jill.


    But Jill was the one who seemed to have gotten shocked the most. She took a minute toprehend


    what was happening before she could finally snap out of it.


    "Horace, what are you saying? Are you kidding? What do you mean Rufus is the chairman of TY


    Group? Didn''t they say that the head of the TY Group was someone by thest name of Li?" Jill asked


    with a baffled look on her face.


    It''s no secret that Jill had always been envious of Arthur''s mother. His mother had been shooting her


    mouth off that the TY Group had seen a lot of potential within the Dawn Star Group, so they invested in


    thepany to help it improve quickly. And it even gained traction that towered above the Tang Group


    at one point in time, making the Dawn Star Group an entity for the otherpanies to aspire to be.


    Jill remembered, albeit vaguely, that the family name of the TY Group''s Chairman. And howe now


    Horace said that it was actually Rufus?


    "Well, as it turns out, Jasper Li was just a puppet, and the one moving the gears behind the scenes had


    been Rufus all along!" Horace answered after losing his patience.


    He gave Jill a cold stare. She had always been slow on the uptake about everything and had been


    practically useless for so long now. He had had enough of her always being such a burden!


    Shifting his gaze over to Lionel, Horace tried to guess what he was thinking about in his mind solely


    from the look on Lionel''s face.


    "Lionel, you''re aware of this, aren''t you?"


    Horace''s eyes, much like the sharpest and most refined scalpel, could cut open Lionel''s head with ease


    and read his thoughts clearly.


    With his heart suddenly pounding crazy like a drum, Lionel was getting weakness in the knees.


    He had always shuddered at the thought of Horace unveiling the truth one day. And that was


    happening in front of him now.


    "Dad, what do you mean? How was I supposed to know? I just found out about it the same time mom


    did!"


    Lionel instinctively went on the defensive. For sure, it was someone with a big mouth who told Horace


    Rufus''s real identity.


    The first person he could think of was Ivy, just imagining the look on her face filled him with intense


    rage.


    ''That treacherous double-dealing bitch! It was so stupid of me to trust her!'' he thought to himself.


    In return for keeping her silence, Lionel lent her a hand in getting her brother out of prison. He even


    secured a position for him in the Tang Group. Who would''ve expected that she''d betray him like this in


    the end?!


    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    With his sharp and experienced eyes, Horace could see right through Lionel''s attempt to deceive him.


    He was so disappointed to see his son doing this and just red at him intensely.


    "Lionel, don''t bother trying to keep any secrets from me just because you''re my son. I''ve already found


    a guy who would verify that Rufus is the true founder of the TY Group!"


    The first time Horace caught wind of this, he took it with a grain of salt. But just to be on the safe side,


    he immediately hired someone abroad to investigate, and as a result, he was able to prove its


    authenticity.


    He had never really paid it much heed before he heard about the rumor, but he never would''ve thought


    that Rufus would be the chairman of TY Group hiding in the shadows!


    "Who cares if he is the chairman of whatever? None of that matters. He doesn''t even consider himself


    as a member of the Tang family anyway!"


    Jill felt that Horace was getting too agitated over Lionel''s actions, so she walked closer to Lionel and


    pulled him over to her side. She didn''t want to risk Lionel getting hurt if Horace ended up losing his


    temper.


    "Wait just a second!"


    Jill was startled when Horace suddenly leaned over and grabbed her arm to pull her away from Lionel.


    Looking Lionel straight in his eyes, he questioned him, "Lionel, I want you to be honest with me. The


    fifty million that was suspected to have been stolen by Rufus behind everyone''s back, were you the


    one who actually took it away?"


    Horace''s tone was deep but stern, and he kept his eyes fixated on Lionel in an intimidating way,


    establishing the fact that he had nowhere to run.


    With her eyes widening from shock, Jill was somewhat able to grasp the situation immediately and


    realized what Horace was trying to insinuate.


    If Rufus was really the chairman of TY Group, then for someone of his stature, fifty million would not be


    an amount worth getting his hands dirty from running off with.


    That being the case, the only other logical person to be suspicious of would be Lionel.


    "Horace, why are doing this? How could you even think that? Why are you suspecting your own son?


    From the time he was old enough to help out in the business, Lionel has been dedicating himself to


    serving the Tang Group. Haven''t you noticed how much weight he has lost in the past few weeks? I find


    it hard to understand why you''d even suspect him!"


    Tears began to fall on Jill''s cheeks, in an attempt to de-escte the situation and distract Horace from


    pushing Lionel to the wall.


    Deep inside, she knew full well that if Horace ended up finding out the truth, it could tear their family


    apart.


    "Shut your mouth! You''re the one who has been overindulging Lionel so much that he even had the


    guts to embezzle fifty million from thepany and frame Rufus up!"


    Horace yelled at Jill, his hand was trembling out of so much anger as he pointed his finger at her.


    "If you still insist on aimlessly defending your son, I''ll ask mywyer to have the divorce papers ready


    by tomorrow! After all, I feel like you''re not interested in staying with Tang family any longer. Go ahead


    and go home to those useless brothers of yours!"

 Chapter 398 Incompetent Mother And Son (Part Two)

    Chapter 398 Ipetent Mother And Son (Part Two)


    As if he wasn''t angry enough, Jill''s crying managed to make Horace lose hisposure. Instead of


    cating him, it just fanned the me even more, to the point that he couldn''t take it anymore.


    Watching his parents as they were having an argument was nothing new to Lionel, but for the very first


    time, Horace mentioned the word ''divorce.'' Never in his life had he expected his father to say


    something so cruel to his mother, it made him feel like everything was falling apart.


    Down on his knees in front of Horace, Lionel''s eyes welled up with tears.


    "Dad! I''m so sorry, Dad! It''s all my fault. Yes, I did it! Mom had nothing to do with it. Please don''t say


    something like that. Please take it back!"


    Lionel felt a chill running down his spine. If Horace were to really get divorced to Jill, there would be


    nothing left for him, and he wouldn''t have a ce in the Tang family anymore.


    Indeed, Rufus being the head of the TY Group might be a bad thing for him, but that wasn''t necessarily


    the case for Horace.


    In the past, Horace had brought up something to Lionel about how he wished to find a capable


    businessman to invest in the Tang Group in order to help thepany acquire enough shares in the


    market in just a short period of time. Unfortunately, they had seen no progress in regards to that.


    Given that Rufus was the chairman of the TY Group, he could''ve shelled out some funds to invest in


    the Tang Group with ease. But if that happened, Lionel would end up losing whatever meager power he


    had left in the Tang family.


    At the thought of that, Lionel was forced to take desperate measures and own up to his oversights and


    somehow beg Horace for forgiveness.


    "You bloody idiot! How could you do such a thing? He''s your own brother, for goodness'' sake!"


    Horace blew a fuse the moment Lionel confessed to hispse in judgment.


    "Dad, I was backed into a corner. I was forced to do it even if I didn''t really want to. Ivy kept on


    threatening me that if I didn''t find a way toe up with the fifty million she was asking for when we


    called it quits, she would spill the dirty secrets about our family. You haven''t forgotten that a lot of our


    dealings are illegal, right? When I did that, I was only thinking of our family''s interests. Believe me, I


    didn''t have a choice!"


    Lionel abruptly broke into tears, hanging onto Horace''s thighs and crying like a child who was about to


    be abandoned on the streets.


    "And you gave her fifty million just like that?! Have you lost your mind? Just let her sue, for all I care!


    She would''ve had her legs broken before she could even think of getting to the courthouse!"


    Horace had been driven up the wall. What could he have done to deserve such a useless and


    ipetent son who couldn''t even deal with a stupid break-up, and to add insult to injury, he even got


    ckmailed into giving her fifty million!


    "Dad, I''m the one to me! I panicked when she said that, but I didn''t want to trouble you with it


    because you were sick. I knew that you''ve had several asthma attacks this year already. I couldn''t think


    of any other way toe up with the money all at once, so I thought it would be a good idea to tamper


    with the papers bearing Rufus''s signature. Things had gotten so out of hand that I got in over my head.


    I hope you can forgive me, dad!"


    Lionel was in a state of frenzy, crying out of his wits, with snot even spurting out of his nose. It was


    such a horrible and nasty sight to see. Could it be that he was truly regretting the actions he had taken?


    "Not only did you get in over your head, you were out of your mind too! You''re insane!"


    Horace pried his leg out of Lionel''s grasp, identally kicking him on his shoulder in the process.


    Lionel lost his bnce and tumbled to the ground like a pitiful dog.


    As she watched in horror, Jill''s heart was aching from what was happening before her. She rushed to


    Lionel''s aid as he fell, tears dripping all over her face.


    "Horace, Lionel only had good intentions! It was all for the sake of our family! Please find it in your


    heart to forgive him! He''s your son! When he was growing up, he had never struggled with anything. It


    was only after that wretched woman came into his life that things started going wrong. Ivy''s the


    scheming bitch who extorted our son!"


    Jill whined, regretting how she had always been so good to Ivy before. To think, she had even trusted


    her!


    All those times she thought they were getting along so well, and all of those pleasantries, every bit of it


    was just an act! No wonder Lionel couldn''t handle such a maniptive woman!


    "Dim-witted brainless idiots, the two of you!"


    Raging with anger, Horace kept shaking his head. He gritted his teeth and red at Jill and Lionel


    intensely, who both were weeping on the ground, thinking about busting their heads open to check if


    they were indeed empty.


    "Because of that stupid fifty million you stole, Rufus had been forced to leave the Tang Group. And now


    it doesn''t make any difference even if we found out that he is the head of the TY Group, because we


    have already caused him so much disgrace that there''s no way he''d evere to our aid again! The


    only thing you''ve ever really been good at is wasting my money and my valuable time! Haven''t you


    realized by now how the Tang Group has been thrown into disarray and squeezed out of the market


    because of itspetition with the Dawn Star Group?!"This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    With his face flushed entirely red, Horace was burning with intense rage to the extent that he had


    trouble catching his breath.

 Chapter 399 Who Was The Little Bird

    Chapter 399 Who Was The Little Bird


    Seeing Horace gasping for breath, Jill felt anxiety course through her body. Immediately, she stood up


    and started to stagger towards him. She intended tofort him in the manner she had often done in


    the past.


    Watching her proceed closer, Horace croaked, "Stay there! Don''te close to me. Stay where you


    are if you do not want to get kicked out!"


    Even in this condition, he wanted to berate her. His face turned livid with anger.


    Once she heard his words, Jill started to feel dejected. Her eyes blurred with tears. She couldn''t stand


    to watch such pure hatreding from her husband.


    "I don''t want to talk to you nor do I want to see your face. I am tired of listening to yourme excuses.


    Feed your nonsense to someone else because it won''t work here anymore. Lastly, I am willing to take


    you back only if Rufus forgives you. Otherwise, just sign the divorce statements and get the hell out of


    my house!"


    As he spat out these heart-wrenching words, Horace meant each and every word of it. He was


    genuinely angry now. He felt like he was going insane every time he thought about Rufus and the TY


    Group he had.


    Horace had never regretted a decision this much. ''Why did I trust Lionel and Jill? Why did I make


    Lionel the president of Tang Group? I must''ve been crazy when I did that!'' Horace cursed himself,


    internally.


    He turned his rage-filled eyes to a different direction and staggered into the study. With quivering


    hands, he took his pills and theny on the chaise lounge. He knew he had to calm himself down.


    Thoughts of the man who had promised to invest in Tang Group entered his mind.


    The man had assured Horace that as long as Amanda and Rufus were engaged, he would invest a


    large amount of money in Tang Group. But now Horace couldn''t do anything. This business had no


    chance of happening.


    If it wasn''t for Lionel then Rufus would never have left the Tang Group. Now he couldn''t even turn to


    Rufus for help. And he was certain that nothing he said would bring Rufus back.


    Horace got chagrined by the current situation. On the other hand, the mother and the son were


    drowning in misery.


    "Lionel, sooner orter, your father is going to kill us!"


    Jill spat out anxiously. Not once had she thought her marriage woulde down to this. They had lived


    together for more than twenty years. Yet he didn''t hesitate before asking for a divorce. She couldn''t be


    more heartbroken.


    "Calm down, Mother. Take it easy and don''t fret. I''ll see what I can do about this. I''ll try to talk to Rufus.


    I am sure he will be of some help," Lionel reasoned calmly.


    At the moment, he had to maintain hisposure. He wasn''t crying like he had done earlier in his


    father''s presence. In this dire situation, he knew he had the responsibility tofort his mother.


    However, in truth, he felt as clueless as his mother.


    "What can he do for us? When he lived here, we weren''t on good terms with him. We made no


    attempts to be nice to him nor did he make an effort to be nice to us. I''m afraid he won''t do anything for


    us. We can beg all we want, but he is not going to care. We are doomed. It''s toote!"


    Jill said and began to sob.


    Watching his grieving mother, sadness crept onto Lionel''s heart. He knew his father wouldn''t hesitate


    before kicking them out. Suddenly, his mind went back to Ivy. He held her responsible for all that


    happened today. With determination, he made up his mind to go after her. ''She is the root cause of all


    the trouble, '' he thought furiously.


    "Take some rest, Mother. Don''t talk to Father and worsen the situation. Just stay away from him until he


    calms down. Right now, I am going out to deal with something important!"


    With this, he stood up and left the house. His earlier emotions had subsided. Now there was a target in


    his mind to focus.


    Ivy was rxing and enjoying her time in the vi. She relished the ce which Lionel had given to her.


    In herrge living room, she was swaying to the music while sipping wine from her ss. Suddenly,


    Lionel stormed into the house, interrupting her peaceful moment.


    "Ivy! You bitch!"


    Lionel sprinted towards her with a face that was distorted in anger. Before Ivy couldprehend what


    was happening, he extended his hands and seized her by her neck.


    The ss in Ivy''s hand dropped leaving a shattering noise. The wine spilled on the floor leaving scarlet


    stains on the expensive carpet.


    Lionel was like a demon. His fierce eyes dug into Ivy''s face.


    "Bitch! I got your brother out of jail. Is this how you repay me? You broke our agreement. Now my


    father is mad at me! Why don''t you burn in hell!?"


    By now, Lionel hadpletely lost it. The sight of this woman repelled him. She had been with him for


    many years. She had always taken advantage of him. His money wasvished by her. Besides, she


    smartly extorted a vi and arge amount of money from him as the so-called break-up fee. And after


    everything, she had the audacity to ruin his family. His father threatened to divorce his mother, thanks


    to what this woman had done. She was the sole reason for his downfall.


    Blind with fury, Lionel tightened his grip on her neck. Ivy struggled and stretched her hands forward to


    push Lionel away. Her long nails dug into his neck and it nearly bled. But Lionel was numb to all the


    pain. He wasn''t willing to let go of her at any cost.


    His eyes had turned red and were brimming with indignation. He continued on squeezing her throat.


    By now, Ivy had given up on her fight. Her feeble hands couldn''t do much anymore.


    Just when this was happening, a man walked in. He screamed at this scene in front of him, "Ivy! Ivy!"


    It was Joel, Ivy''s brother. Seeing his sister writhing like a dying animal, he immediately ran to her


    rescue.


    Lionel''s focus was upon Ivy hence he didn''t notice Joel''s arrival. When Joel gave him a push, it came


    as a surprise and he instantly fell down.


    Finally, the air came back into Ivy''s body. She began to breathe erratically.


    She was consumed by sudden bursts of cough. Due to this, her eyes turned red. Then she red at


    Lionel as if he was her enemy. Indeed, now their earlier rtionship had been forgotten.


    N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    If it hadn''t been for Joel''s arrival, he would have killed her.


    "Are you a lunatic, Lionel? How dare youe to her house without her permission! It''s forbidden


    ording to thew!"


    Joel spat out, ring at Lionel. The red mark present on Ivy''s neck scared Joel a great deal.


    If he hadn''te in at the right time, his sister would probably be turning into a corpse.


    "Her house? Maybe your sister didn''t tell you this, but this is my house! It''s natural for me to enter my


    own house. Don''t talk to me like I am a trespasser!"


    Lionel stood up from the ground and began to straighten his suit elegantly. Now his manner had


    changedpletely. He held no resemnce to the man who had attacked Ivy a few minutes ago.


    "You gave this house to her. So now this has be her house! Come on, Lionel. Don''t think too


    highly of yourself just because you have money. There are thousands of people richer than you. You


    need to stop ttering yourself!"


    Joel was more eloquent than Ivy. He had been in the social jungle for many years and was particrly


    good at disguising himself. He was always a low-profile employee in thepany. No one would


    consider him to be a talkative person.


    "Yes, sure. There are thousands of people richer than me. I am talking about money because that''s all


    your greedy sister cares about. She''s stayed with me all these years for a luxurious life. You have no


    idea about the expensive lifestyle she led. I am sure I wouldn''t have had to spend this much even if I


    had a famous star as my mistress! Your sister is a wretched and ungrateful woman. Do you know how


    did she repay me for everything I have given her? She betrayed me by leaking my secrets. Because of


    your sister, my father is disappointed with me. Let me warn you this, Ivy. Next time you step outside,


    make sure to look left and right. I''m just worried that you might be hit by a car. If that happens then this


    time it won''t be your baby who will die!" Lionel said with an indifferent look.


    Hearing his cold threat, Ivy shuddered.


    She realized it wasn''t good to show him her weakness. With some effort, she gathered her courage


    and looked him straight into his eyes.


    "I admit that I stayed with you for money. But what are you talking about? Betrayal? How did I betray


    you? And what about the secrets? Your words don''t make sense!"


    Ivy gave Lionel a puzzled look.


    "Pretending, huh? Go ahead and continue your drama. You are a really excellent actress. But you can''t


    fool me! I have realized how wrong I was about you. As soon as I got your brother out of the jail, you


    went on and leaked the information which you promised you would never tell anybody. How can you be


    so vicious? You won''t be happy until I suffer, right?"


    Once again, the thought of his father''s furor entered his mind. Lionel couldn''t hold back his displeasure.


    In the past, he had been scolded several times by his father. Yet he had never raised his hand. But


    today, Horace had hit him. Even thinking about this filled him with shame.


    "I didn''t do it!"


    Ivy denied at once. She staggered to her feet with the help of Joel and stood in front of Lionel, face to


    face.


    "Don''t use me without a solid proof. I never informed anyone else about Rufus''s true identity!"


    Ivy coughed while stroking her neck. The red remark had now turned to ck. It hurt her to speak.


    "Huh! Proof? It spread from mouth to mouth. How can I gather evidence? I don''t have any proof but I


    am certain you have done it!"


    Lionel firmly believed that Ivy was the one to me. He would not trust her, no matter what she said to


    defend herself.


    "You are being absurd, Lionel! What benefit would I get from leaking this information? Even now when


    you heard about it, the first person that came to your mind was me. Under the circumstance, why would


    I do it? It would bring me nothing but trouble!"


    Ivy red at Lionel with her raging eyes. She realized why Lionel wasn''t sessful in anything. He


    was merely an impulsive man who didn''t have the ability to reason. ''Without knowing the culprit, he had


    the audacity to attack me!'' she thought with repulsion.


    Ivy had stayed in a rtionship with him only because she thought he was the sole son in the Tang


    family. Had she known that there was another son, Rufus, who was difficult to deal with, she would


    have never picked this stupid man for herself.


    Now Lionel contemted over her words for a few seconds. Slowly, he realized Ivy had a point. She


    had nothing to gain from this, hence she wouldn''t risk it.


    "If not you, then who could have done it?" he asked awkwardly.


    At the moment, he was ashamed of acting so impulsively. He felt like an idiot when he understood Ivy


    had better reasoning skills than him.

 Chapter 400 Do I Look Stupid To You (Part One)

    Chapter 400 Do I Look Stupid To You (Part One)


    "I have no idea who let out this message! But I''m wondering for how long can you conceal the truth,


    especially when it doesn''t even depend upon you? It solely depends on Rufus. If he wants, he can go


    tell your parents right away. You cannot change the fact that he owns the TY Group, Lionel, no matter


    how much you shout on me!"


    Ivy stated bluntly with a new-found confidence. There was resentment in her face, and her lips tightly


    pressed together.


    "But why would he finally admit it now when he has kept it a secret for such a long time?" Lionel asked.


    He was totally confused. He looked at Ivy with squinting eyes, thinking of how she once used to seem


    beautiful to him. s, not anymore.


    "Ha! Are you really asking me this? See how the tables have turned! How did we end up in this


    situation? I remember how you and your parents forced me to leave the Tang house. It''s not hard to


    imagine how you might have kicked out Rufus simrly. Obviously, he revealed this secret as revenge.


    Don''t you regret it? You drove away the God of wealth by your own hands!"


    Ivy shrieked with frustration, clenching her teeth. She could never forget the day they kicked her out of


    the Tang house. She could never forget what Lionel and his father did to her. Both of them were exactly


    alike. They could step on anybody if they saw any benefits stemming out of it. No wonder Rufus gave


    up on them.


    "Stop talking nonsense, Ivy! If you hadn''t asked for the fifty million, I wouldn''t have made such an


    unwise decision in the first ce. As a matter of fact, it was you who forced me to kick Rufus out!"


    Lionel answered with much vigor, ovepensating. He didn''t want to admit his own mistake, hence


    put all the me on Ivy.


    He pointed his finger around the vi and then at Ivy, his face full of disdain and resentment.


    "If it wasn''t for me, could you ever have afforded to live in such a house? Stop pretending to be


    innocent and disinterested after already having taken a fair share of advantages! Can you even


    imagine how much this house costs? And as for that fifty million...For me, it''s just a small amount I


    threw at a bitch like you!"


    Lionel barked the words at Ivy. Enraged, he kicked a chair to the side, and then turned around and left.


    Ivy stood quivering behind him, and her hands clenched into fists. His words hit her so hard, she


    gasped to catch up with her breath.


    "Who the hell does he think he is? Ivy, I''ll go right now and find some of my friends to teach him a


    lesson!"


    This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    Joel hissed fiercely after Lionel left. When the man was around, he didn''t dare say a word and simply


    just stared at his back.


    "Enough! Please don''t bother. They just let you out of the jail, do you want to go back?"


    Ivy would never allow her younger brother to take any risk, even though she hated Lionel to death. She


    knew clearly it was Rufus who had sent Joel into the dock. If he showed up in public now, it would piss


    Rufus off and he would simply send him back like before. He had so much power, and it was a piece of


    cake for him.


    Ivy lifted her hand to her neck, touching the red mark on it. She tried to calm herself down, but the


    image of Lionel kicking the chair yed in her mind over and over again. She closed her eyes


    miserably, pressing her lips together with frustration.


    ''It''s my fault that I didn''t see you through before! But since you started it, I will make you regret it. You


    would wish you had killed me. Watch me make you suffer.


    Not just you, I''ll make Horace and Jill suffer too! All of you will bite your tongues off for kicking me out!''


    Ivy sat down and thought with vengeance, her eyes glittered, and her decision firmly made. No body


    could tell what a woman turned mad would do.


    "Cassandra, you need to take a break! When was thest time you took a day off?" said Ste.


    She was worriedly looking at the dark circles under Cassandra''s eyes. There was actually no need for


    her to work so hard, especially with Ste''s help. Still, she kept working overtime everyday, as if she


    was unable to stop.


    "It''s okay, Ste. I can manage it. Anyway, it''s so boring to stay home and do nothing," Cassandra


    replied.


    Truth was, she didn''t want to stay home because Edith kept asking her to get into a rtionship with


    rk, assuming she would be happy with him. There was another annoying thing. Rufus hadn''t


    contacted her for the past few days, not even bothering to give her an exnation. The anxiety was


    killing her. Only work could help take her mind off it.


    "Cassandra, are you still bothered by what Lyndsy said the other day?" Ste asked, suddenly.


    She eyed Cassandra with her big, bright eyes, confusingly.


    Cassandra made no response. In fact, she was still bothered and was simply waiting for Rufus to give


    her an exnation. But somehow it felt like he had vanished from the face of earth.


    Ste waited for a while for her response, but finally gave up. "Listen to me, Cassandra. Just stop


    waiting for a reason. He''s Amanda''s fiance now. I watched the news the other day. Amanda''s piano


    school is under construction. They were together at the spot, and were interviewed afterwards.


    Amanda''s face was beaming with joy as she threw herself onto Rufus. I mean, I don''t understand why


    they have to be so intimate in front of the cameras..."


    Ste kept going on and on, and then suddenly saw the expression on Cassandra''s face. It looked like


    she was going to faint, her face as white as snow.

 Chapter 401 Do I Look Stupid To You (Part Two)

    Chapter 401 Do I Look Stupid To You (Part Two)


    "I''m sorry, Cassandra! I shouldn''t have mentioned it..."


    Ste shut her mouth immediately, realizing she hadpletely disregarded Cassandra''s feelings. She


    would have felt terrible finding out something like that.


    "I''m fine. It''s nothing. They''re all over the news. I already know this."


    Cassandra feigned a ghost of a smile on her face bitterly. She tried not to pay attention to news like


    this, but it was inevitable for her toe across it every now and then.


    Whenever it reached her, she smiled speechlessly at the words they used: the Golden boy and Jade


    girl; the business tycoon and the amazingly talented, beautifuldy; a heaven-made match and


    whatnot.


    All the possible words they could use to describe couples were used to describe Rufus and Amanda.


    Cassandra simply pretended like she saw nothing and heard nothing. She made herself trust Rufus.


    However, no matter how much she tried, her belief was always broken by the reality that hit her


    everywhere she went.


    If they were a perfect match, what did that make her? Was she simply Rufus''s other woman?


    "Cassandra, as your friend, whatever I''m saying is for your own good. Rufus might not be the man you


    knew anymore and he is definitely lying to you. Please, stop trusting him and move on. If he really


    cared about you, he wouldn''t have been engaged to Amanda. How can you stand this!" Seeing how


    broken her friend looked, Ste decided to speak her mind.


    Rufus was like a fishbone stuck in Cassandra''s throat. She was neither able to swallow it nor spit it out.


    Ste was done supporting her sinking fantasies. She really wanted to shrug her off this dream.


    If Cassandra didn''t get over Rufus, the fishbone would be there forever and rot in her flesh, brewing


    nothing but pain for her, eventually bing a scar she would have to bear for the rest of her life.


    It was finally time to leave, but Cassandra decided to stay. Ste left soon, leaving her alone as she


    continued to work on Lyndsy''s propaganda program.


    Themp on the desk shed soft light on her face, making her eyes shut. She was too tired and decided


    to take a break. When she opened her eyes again, she caught a silhouette right in front of her. Startled,


    she gasped and opened her mouth to shriek.


    But then her mouth was covered by a pair of strong hands before she could utter a sound. A voice


    spoke to her, after which she held back her desire to let herself free or speak anything.


    "It''s me, Cassandra!"


    The familiar, low voice rang right beside her ears, making her eyes well up with tears.


    This was the person Cassandra had been craving to see. Somehow, he always approached her like a


    shadow and left without a trace. She could neverprehend when or how he would show up and


    disappear. She could never anticipate how long it would be before she would see him again.


    He drifted around her like a gust of wind, moving with its own ord. She wondered if she would ever


    be capable of making him stay.


    Rufus felt Cassandra''s clenched body rxing and took his hand off her mouth, finally appearing in the


    light and greeting her with a delighted smile.


    "I was waiting for you at home but you didn''t show up. So I assumed you''d be working and came here


    to see you," he exined.


    His smile looked like a ze of light, filling Cassandra up with warmth, as if he had just kissed her. She


    stared at his face overwhelmed with love but Rufus couldn''t see the moisture in her eyes under the


    shadow themp cast on her face.


    "I''m so sorry. I have been so upied these past days. My aunt''s husband, Jasper''spany was in


    trouble and I needed to help him out."


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    Thepanies aiming at the members of the Dark Night group were on the move again. Rufus helped


    Jasper to deal with them but hadn''t expected it would get stretched to such an extent. He felt terribly


    sorry for not being able to meet Cassandra.


    "The construction for Amanda''s school has started recently, so she asked me toe over. I had to go


    because I promised her father I''d help her. I don''t want to disappoint her because the school has been


    a dream for her ever since she was a child."


    Rufus kept giving borate exnations, gazing at Cassandra softly. He wanted to take her into his


    arms and kiss her passionately but thought it made sense to talk about his absence first. This absence,


    like it was said, made his heart grow fonder. Despite his urges, he felt content just looking at her.


    Cassandra sat in the shadow silently without moving an inch.


    Ste had left the door to her office open while leaving. Cassandra had never expected Rufus to show


    up, especially since she was on the cusp of giving up on him. She had hundreds of questions to ask


    him, hundreds of things to share with him, but for now, all that mattered was she could simply stare at


    him and shed a few tears. She, too, like Rufus, was content with that.


    She didn''t know where to begin. Why had he kept so many things from her? In reality, thepany


    wasn''t Jasper''s. it was his. Jasper was the chairman of TY Group but yet, not the real boss. Now, he


    was saying that, he was working for Jasper, trying to hide the truth from her again.


    He had promised her he would tell her everything about the things that went on between him and


    Amanda. She had begun to wonder whether he ever imagined how she felt when he stood next to


    Amanda so intimately.


    She was indeed the woman in the shadow.


    ''Rufus, I am keeping silent because I trust you. Do I look stupid to you?''

 Chapter 402 Rufus Changed (Part One)

    Chapter 402 Rufus Changed (Part One)


    Not a single word came out from Cassandra''s lips. This caused an unbearable silence to fill the air in


    the room. The smile Rufus had been wearing, got swept away from his face when he looked at


    Cassandra. But she just kept quiet, appearing to be so dejected.


    "Is there something bothering you, Cassandra?"


    Rufus asked, thinking that there must be a reason why she seemed to have beenden with anxiety in


    front of him.


    "Rufus, what is your excuse for keeping things from me? Haven''t we already made a deal to always be


    honest with each other?"


    Those words Cassandraid out were much like a frozen sword, driven straight into Rufus''s chest,


    piercing right through his heart.


    "What do you mean by that, Cassandra? What are you implying?"


    Rufus seemed quite puzzled, as he was under the assumption that he had actually told Cassandra


    everything already. So, why would she even say that? Surely, there must''ve been some kind of


    misunderstanding.


    Cassandra''s lips twitched a bit, and she let out a faint smile upon hearing this.


    She had gone this far already, so for that reason, Rufus should havee clean and straightened


    things out.


    "The qualifications written under your resume weren''t real, and you didn''t really have any experience


    working as a senior executive of an overseaspany. As it turns out, you''re actually the founder of


    the TY Group, and yet, not once did you ever mention anything about that to me."


    It took the best of her to keep herself calm, to keep her voice down, and to keep it from breaking. But


    no matter how hard she tried, she just couldn''t hold it in, her voice was suddenly shaking.


    She clenched her fists so tight that her nails were beginning to dig right onto the palms of her hands, to


    such an extent that they could actually pierce through if she didn''t stop. The pain that it caused her,


    however, was nothing in contrast with how much she had been hurting deep inside, which was eating


    away at her, so much so that she was getting out of breath.


    Upon hearing her saying that, Rufus furrowed his eyebrows intensely.


    "Who told you that? And did he ask you for anything?"


    He had been keeping a low profile in order to mask his real identity. For that reason, he declined the


    offer to be the spokesperson of G City decisively. The deeper in the shadow he was, the safer he would


    be. But right there and then, someone purposefully revealed his secret to Cassandra, making things


    much more intricate.


    His actual reason foring to this city was to avenge his mother. Cassandra was never really


    involved in his n, and her entering his life was something he never anticipated. He fell in love with


    her and didn''t want her to get caught up in his mess. It was dangerous and he could never risk letting


    her get hurt.


    That being said, now that she was privy to his best kept secret, it was clear as day that she didn''t


    simply find out about it by pure coincidence.


    "Why should it matter who told me? They didn''t bother trying to hide it from me and just said it straight


    to my face. Could it be that your intention for hiding that information from me was because you detest


    the idea that it would make me hang onto you like a sloth? Or maybe you got scared that I might cling


    tightly onto your leg and never let go."


    The tone of her voice was starting to get much colder, because Rufus refused to give her a direct


    answer. A guilty conscience needs no user.


    "Yes, I''m admit that I was afraid. I was so afraid that you would be so reluctant to keep holding on to


    me."


    Rufus abruptly burst intoughter. But instead of hisughter dying down, it just kept on getting louder


    and louder. Itsted so long that it almost seemed as though there would be no end to it.


    Without a doubt, Cassandra had been letting her imagination run wild. Such an innocent woman she


    was! She was getting upset over nothing, because there was no way in hell he would ever want to


    break her heart.


    Walking over to where she was, Rufus stretched out his arms to grab Cassandra. But before he got


    any closer to her, she immediately shot up and took a step back, steering clear of any form of physical


    contact between them.


    With her gaze fixated on the person smiling at her, from what she could remember, looking back, he


    was able to resolve most of their arguments in the past through ''physical contact.'' But this time around,


    she wanted to keep her eyes peeled, staying within a safe distance between the two of them until he


    gave in and presented her a proper exnation.


    "Are you being serious? You''re scared of me? Come on, I won''t swallow you whole! I don''t bite!" Rufus


    teased after seeing her reaction.


    The way Cassandra reacted caused his heart to start racing. It had been so long time since thest


    time he was able to wrap his arms around her. Sadly, even though she was close enough for him to


    touch, he still wasn''t able to satiate his thirst for her. Taking one big gulp, Rufus reflected on the thought


    of not letting her get away from his clutch any longer.


    This prompted Rufus to take another step forward and move toward her, with Cassandra walking away


    from him instantly. They could''ve kept going on like that if it weren''t for the bookshelves right behind


    her. With her back against the shelves, she peered straight into his eyes.


    "Rufus, I hope you''re not forgetting that we''re inside my office right now!"


    N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    Every fiber of Cassandra''s being was shivering, and her voice was shaking akin to leaves rustling in


    the wind.


    On the other hand, Rufus couldn''t avoid being taken aback at the sight of such a helpless expression


    embedded onto her face.


    "I''m aware of that, but I don''t really think anyone would being back at this hour!"


    Rufus was inching closer and closer that Cassandra could already feel his warm breath brushing


    against her cheek, making her feel as if she was a turtle in a jar.


    Rufus leaned in a little and rested his forehead on hers. It seemed that seeing the look she had on her


    face was more than enough for him.


    He knew her quite well. There was no way she would ever admit defeat unless he disyed his


    masculinity.


    "I hope you can believe me when I say that I never really had the intention to keep anything from you.


    The reason why I haven''t told you anything about it before was because I honestly thought it had


    nothing to do with the two of us and our rtionship."


    Instead of teasing her still, Rufus began to exin his side of the story, and as for Cassandra, she just


    remained frozen in ce.


    Truth be told, she was actually expecting him to simply brush it off or change the subject in some way


    only to never talk about it again. That being the case, she had already resigned herself to give up on


    the idea of pressuring him to spill the beans. So, she was left utterly dumbfounded when he brought it


    back up himself.


    "But then, is there even anything that concerns the two of us?"


    Cassandra murmured under her breath, and bowed her head to avoid looking him in the eyes.


    She tried to see things the way Rufus did. To him, everything that had been happening was just the


    flow of nature, and that was about it, nothing more, nothing less. He just tended to brush it off so easily


    whenever there was something that was bothering him.

 Chapter 403 Rufus Changed (Part Two)

    Chapter 403 Rufus Changed (Part Two)


    "Cassandra, when I can finally settle all the things that I''vee here to aplish, I''m gonna take


    you away from here, away from this wretched city. We''ll go to any country of your choosing, anywhere


    you fancy, and then we''ll settle down there, wherever that may be, so we could live happily and forget


    all of the things that happened here. Will youe with me?"


    Rufus wrapped his arm around her shoulders and touched the back of her head to push her against his


    chest.


    His powerful heartbeat brought music to her ears. It was unflinching yet soothing at the same time.


    Cassandra broke into tears at once and they even got into Rufus''s clothes.


    Those words had brought music to her ears, and the picture he was painting just felt so real and so


    enticing. But Cassandra had already been through a lot during their time together. She wasn''t sure


    whether it would be right to give him a chance again or not.


    "Please stop crying. I swear I''m gonna make you happy every single day."


    Rufus could feel that her shoulders were trembling, so he lifted his hand, caressed her cheek, and


    wiped off her tears dry.


    Then he sealed her lips with his and kissed her passionately, unable to hold it in. Everything bad that


    had happened seemed to have gotten washed away the second their lips touched, all that was left


    were their hearts beating like a drum.


    If she was beingpletely honest, the kiss managed to get rid of some of her worries, and so,


    Cassandra basked in Rufus''s warmth, feeling quite relieved. She could tell that her heart was


    beginning to ease up and beat steadily.


    "So, what is your goal right now? Are you waiting for Amanda''s full recovery?" Cassandra just couldn''t


    keep it in.


    It was obvious that she was quite agitated. If Amanda didn''t start to get better any time soon or at all,


    could that also mean that it was possible for Rufus to keep going along with their stupid act for the


    remainder of their lives?


    They wouldn''t even have any opportunities to get married to each other. Would they have to keep


    hiding from everyone until hell was frozen over?


    Taking in a deep breath, Rufus''s heart pounded hard beneath his chest. Cassandra could feel it


    thumping so loud as though it had been hit by a surge of adrenaline.


    "You must have faith in me, Cassandra. I have to ask you to be strong, and I''ll find a way to get out of


    this mess soon enough. I don''t want you to be having any senseless ideas. You''re the one I want, the


    only one. I couldn''t care less what Amanda might do!"


    Horace had been looking all over for him for the past few days, so Rufus deduced that Lionel wasn''t


    able to hold on the business. Thus, Horace was eager to get him back to Tang Group to take the


    charge.


    Rufus wouldn''t dare let this chance of a lifetime slip away¡ªa chance to get back at his father, toy


    waste to hispany, to destroy everything he held dear, and most of all, to ruin his precious


    reputation.


    While Rufus was still deep in thought, Cassandra was beginning to feel restless in his arms. Despite


    the fact that she absolutely had no clue as to what was really going on inside that mind of his, she


    could tell that something was about to happen, something that was grand-scale.


    "Rufus, would you please be honest with me and tell me what you''re nning to do? You told me that


    you loved me and how much you wanted to spend the rest of your life together with me, so why


    couldn''t you stop keeping any secrets from me from here on out? If you insist on keeping me in the


    dark, the two of us being together forever...I don''t see it happening. Do you get what I''m trying to say?"


    Pushing Rufus away from her a little, Cassandra looked straight into his eyes, furrowing her eyebrows.


    "I''m only doing this for your own good, Cassandra! Please trust me on this!"


    Of course, Rufus was still hesitating whether he should reveal everything to her or not, because he


    genuinely didn''t want her to get caught up in what was about toe. He was thinking that it would be


    best for her to stay out of harm''s way, at least just until everything was taken care of. Only then would


    they be able to go on living together without ever looking back.


    "Rufus, I''m going to be frank with you! If you don''t start talking now, then I''m gonna make sure this


    would be thest time the two of us would meet. You won''t ever see me again! If I''mpletely being


    honest, I think rk and I would make a great pair. I don''t really mind being his girlfriend!"


    Cassandra turned away and shifted her gaze somewhere else after blurting out those words, trying to


    get a rise out of him, and hoping that maybe he would change his mind somehow.


    "What? Have you lost your mind? You don''t have the slightest clue what that man is capable of doing!


    He''s already a lost cause! And now you''re telling me you''d rather be with him?"


    Out of astonishment, Rufus grabbed hold of her arms without warning. Everything happened so fast


    that Cassandra had been left at a loss for words.


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    His reaction was so far beyond what she had expected, and he even had no control over how hard his


    grip had been, prompting Cassandra to cry out in pain.


    "Let go of me, Rufus! You''re hurting me!"


    She quickly bit her lip to prevent herself from screaming in pain, greatly bewildered at the sight of Rufus


    getting so worked up and losing his temper whenever rk was involved.


    Looking at her, Rufus instantly realized what he had just done, albeit unintentionally, and so, he let go


    of Cassandra immediately. However, he still looked so different in her eyes.


    "Cassandra, please don''t ever say that again, even as a joke. You need to keep a safe distance from


    rk. He is a dangerous man. I''ll manage to get your mother to leave without him noticing as soon as


    possible."


    Rufus already had something arranged, but they should stay on the safer side, making sure not to


    arouse any suspicion from rk.


    The people who were involved in the drug trafficking ring were all ruthless ouws, so it wouldn''t be


    surprising to Rufus if they were to do something unthinkable. However, if Cassandra ended up getting


    involved, he would have to think things through.


    Pulling up rk''s roots could be a gargantuan task, and apart from that, the man who had been


    backing him up was such a prominent person in G City. If he got even just a little bit careless with his


    moves, it could very well end up biting him in his behind, and he could also end up being the one


    destroyed instead of rk.


    But there was just no way for Cassandra to find out what he was scheming. She kept massaging her


    arms, which he held with a forceful grip, ring at him, feeling extremely irritated and tongue-tied. It


    was just that she had never seen him bearing such a grim look on his face before.


    ''Rufus, Haven''t you noticed that you''re no longer as calm andposed as you were back then?


    You''re letting your emotions get the best of you now, but just what is it that makes you look so different


    in my eyes?'' she asked herself.

 Chapter 404 A Good Way To Please Rufus (Part One)

    Chapter 404 A Good Way To Please Rufus (Part One)


    While Amanda was engrossed in the task of changing water for the flowers, Horace suddenly entered


    the house.


    "It''s been a while since I saw you, Amanda. Why don''t youe around often?" Horace questioned


    with a smile. "I heard Lionel mention that the construction of your school is under way. I am guessing


    you must be tied up at the moment, am I right?"


    Horace added. He seemed to be in a very good mood. Amanda looked at him with some


    embarrassment.


    "I''m sorry for not being able toe around often. You are right, Uncle Horace, I''ve been extremely


    busytely. Until today, I wasn''t able to manage a day off from work. As soon as I got an opportunity, I


    intended to meet you. Anyway, here I have wrapped some gifts for you,"


    Amanda replied, smiling sweetly. She went ahead and pointed her fingers to the gift boxes lying on the


    table.


    Ever since she got engaged to Rufus, she hadn''t paid a visit to the Tang family. In truth, she wanted to


    meet them, but Charlie always stopped her from doing so.


    "You should at least ask Rufus to apany you. It will seem a bit inappropriate if you visit them


    alone," Charlie argued.


    He had said it deliberately that way, knowing with certainty that Rufus would never agree to it.


    Furthermore, the whole engagement story itself was merely a sham. Charlie had asked Rufus for a


    favor. Together, they had put on a show. Yet they didn''t expect it would be such a huge local


    news. What bothered Charlie the most was the predicament in which the Tang family put them into.


    Every time Charlie thought about Horace''s eagerness to build connections through marriage, a frown


    appeared on his face.


    Horace had nted the seeds of hatred in Rufus''s heart a long time ago. Charlie hadn''t figured out


    what was going on in Rufus''s mind. Hence he had no idea how the young man would take actions to


    revenge on his father. In any case, Charlie''s biggest concern was Amanda. As a father, he wanted to


    safeguard her from all the dangers.


    It so happened that they were just sorting out the gifts to store away when Horace came to visit today.


    Indeed, it could help reaffirm the engagement and spare Amanda the embarrassment when the boxes


    were all there for Horace to see.


    "That''s all right. There is no hurry. I''m more than happy just to see you and Rufus," Horace smiled


    kindly. "By the way, Amanda, have you seen Rufustely?" he then inquired, feigning a casual tone.


    Horace had been dying to see Rufus in the past few days. However, Rufus had always managed to


    dodge his requests. Hence he had no choice but to go to Amanda for help.


    "He was with me when the construction began, but I haven''t heard from him since then. Well¡­he''s


    been quite busytely..." Amanda''s voice trailed off.


    Even the mention of Rufus''s whereabouts annoyed Amanda. She was unnerved by the fact she didn''t


    know where he was.


    She thought she was Rufus''s fiancee only for namesake. She wasn''t allowed to have any rights over


    him. What was worse was that he didn''t show any interest in this rtionship. Last time when they met,


    she had specially arranged a reporter to take an interview with them, wishing to show the public what a


    loving couple they were. But Rufus had simply remained silent throughout the whole process, showing


    very little willingness to cooperate.


    "Well¡­Amanda, here is the thing. There has been some misunderstanding between me and Rufus. He


    has left home in a hurry and never bothered to return back. You know, the Tang family really can''t exist


    without him," Horace said in a soft voice. Taking several seconds to catch his breath, he continued, "So


    I was wondering if you could put in a good word for me and persuade him toe back home. At the


    end of the day, he''s my son and we are family. I don''t see any reason why we should bear grudges


    against each other. Can you do it?"


    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Horace knew how to act like a kind old man in front of Amanda. And this time, he tried his best to


    sound like a father who truly cared for his son.


    "No problem. I will persuade him to go home. Don''t worry, after all he''s a member of the Tang family.


    Eventually, he is bound to return."


    Amanda nodded with an understanding smile. Deep down, she wasn''t even sure that Rufus would


    listen to her. Yet she promised readily, considering that it was Rufus''s father who was asking her for


    help.


    Just when Horace was about to leave, Charlie returned. There was a good deal of greeting before


    Horace finally left. And once he was out of the scene, Charlie''s smile was reced by a frown.


    "What brought him here? Why did hee to see you?"


    Since Charlie knew that Rufus had already left the Tang Group, he becameden with anxiety. The war


    between Rufus and Horace might break out at any moment. Rufus was capable of bringing down the


    Tang Group whenever he pleased.


    At this critical moment, Charlie feltpelled to ensure that his dear daughter would be at a safe


    distance away from all the troubles.


    "He came for Rufus. He seemed tensed, Father. But he didn''t go into detail about what was worrying


    him,"


    Amanda answered while picking up the phone and dialing Rufus''s number. As usual, no one answered


    the call.


    She threw the phone away irritably. A feeling of gloom contorted her beautiful features. She couldn''t


    understand why he was ignoring her.


    "Listen, Amanda. I want you to stay away from Rufus for a while,"


    Charlie requested, looking desperate. He understood how forlorn Amanda seemed when Rufus didn''t


    answer her phone. He realized the depth of love she had for him. But he grew more anxious seeing all


    these.


    ''What if Amanda somehow gets involved in this feud? She is definitely going to get hurt at some point, ''


    he thought with brimming anxiety.


    "But why, Father? Why should I stay away from him? He is my fiance after all!"


    eximed Amanda. She turned her face away from her father as soon as she finished speaking,


    looking very displeased.


    Charlie sighed before sitting down beside his daughter. She could be very headstrong when it came to


    things concerning Rufus. And now Charlie felt tongue-tied. He was uncertain about the words he had to


    utter.


    "To be honest, dear," he finally said, "I havee to realize you were not ill at all. You lied to me, love.


    But don''t worry, I am not going to scold you for it. I am fully aware that you did it because you really like


    Rufus. Feigning illness must have seemed like yourst resort. Ipletely understand." Charlie tried


    to use a soft tone while he spoke. He knew she would feel agitated if he raised his voice. "I''m your


    father, so I won''t back down. I have made up my mind to help you. No matter what I do, your happiness


    will be of the utmost importance. I can''t bear to see you in pain. Now the problem is, Rufus had an


    argument with his father. And as the days passed, their issue became more and more intense. I can''t


    predict how their rtionship is evolving or what may happen between them in the future,"


    Charlie said with great earnestness, reaching out to put his arm around Amanda''s shoulder.


    "So I only wish that you could keep out of this affair. I don''t want you to get hurt in this ugly fight.


    Nobody knows when things will escte since we can''t foresee the development of the conflict."

 Chapter 405 A Good Way To Please Rufus (Part Two)

    Chapter 405 A Good Way To Please Rufus (Part Two)


    Lines of concern were evidently shown on Charlie''s face. He worriedly looked at his daughter, whose


    face had contrarily brightened up with her eyes shining with excitement.


    "What do you mean, Dad?" she asked in surprise. "You mean to imply there is a conflict between Rufus


    and his father? And... And you predict it might get worse?" she asked inquiringly.


    She didn''t know much about Rufus. And she had no way of knowing things that he had chosen to hide


    from her. Now that she thought of it, she recalled he had once reminded her that she should never


    mention to anyone that he was the chairman of TY Group. She did as he said, but he seemed very


    adamant hence she didn''t have an opportunity to ask him further questions.


    Back then, she tried to console herself thinking he said it only because he wanted to keep a low-profile.


    But now it seemed like things weren''t as simple as she had anticipated. ''Are they hiding a big secret


    from me?'' she wondered.


    "My dear, you have always been my vulnerable princess. It is my duty to safeguard your pure soul from


    this ugly world. There are certain things in life that are better left unknown and this fight is one of those


    things,"


    Charlie finished. He couldn''t bring himself to exin to Amanda that Rufus was actually waiting to get


    his revenge. To his fatherly eyes, those dark sides of human beings should be kept hidden from


    Amanda, forever!


    Hearing all this, Amanda secretly pondered for a while. And then she decided to pretend like a good girl


    before her father. The best thing to do would be to act like she didn''t care.


    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    "Oh, if you say so, Dad. Don''t worry, I won''t contact Rufus anytime soon. I will let him deal with his


    business for the moment. Is that alright?"


    Amanda asked and feigned an innocent face. This filled Charlie''s heart with relief.


    "Yes, that''s my good girl. Now you need to focus on your school. Give your hundred percent in its


    preparation. And don''t forget to take care of yourself. I want nothing more than this, my dear!" Charlie


    said while patting Amanda on the shoulder.


    Amanda had always been the apple of his eye. Seeing her in a distressed state always filled him with


    sorrow.


    Her mother had died when she was still young hence Charlie felt obliged to be both the mother


    and father of this only child. Due to this, he was willing to give up everything to make sure nothing


    horrible would befall her.


    What he failed to notice were traces of evil shing in his daughter''s eyes. It made her look more like a


    cunning woman rather than the pure little girl he had known.


    ''If Rufus''s rtionship with his father is strained then wouldn''t it be great if I gave Horace a hard time?


    Rufus would definitely be pleased!''


    Amanda thought to herself, grinning secretly.


    "Cassandra, your sister has called me today saying that she misses me very much. It so happens that I


    have finished taping the program for this season. Luckily, our station is nning to have a tour abroad.


    Hence I am considering about staying abroad for a while. It would be nice to spend some time with


    her!"


    Cassandra had just arrived home and Edith decided to bombard her with this piece of information.


    While speaking, Edith feigned a smile. But deep down, she had mixed feelings about this matter. On


    one hand, she was d that she could finally see Cloris again; on the other, she became anxious every


    time she thought about Cloris living alone. After all, Cloris had always been their pet. She never had to


    do anything on her own.


    Cassandra, however, was a little taken aback by Edith''s words. She stood frozen for a moment. But


    soon enough, she realized that it might be Rufus''s arrangement.


    It could be part of his n to get Edith out of their way. He was smart enough to know that Edith would


    be more than willing to visit her little girl. ''What an excellent idea to kill two birds with one stone, ''


    thought Cassandra.


    "That sounds great! I''ll help you prepare for it then. Have you already got your passport ready?"


    Cassandra replied, smiling happily. It was a great relief to see that Edith had seemed to fully recover


    now.


    "Of course! I have spent the whole day packing. I will set off in a few days, so I need to hurry up, you


    know. I will definitely need your help,"


    Edith answered excitedly. She couldn''t wait to see her younger daughter, and it was only a few days


    before she could stay with her again. But her conscience squirmed slightly while she realized she had


    to leave Cassandra behind for the sake of Cloris. There was a sudden shift of emotion in her face.


    "Cassandra," she paused for a while before she continued, "I know that you and your sister didn''t get


    along well. You two are not at fault. It is your father and I who need to be med for this. If we hadn''t


    favored her since childhood, she wouldn''t have been so self-centered and bad-tempered." Edith


    paused and let out a heavy sigh. "But whatever happened, you''re her elder sister. You will be each


    other''s closestpanion when your father and I leave this world. Believe me, you will realize then that


    it''s a blessing to have a sibling,"


    she said with sincerity, reaching out for Cassandra''s hand.


    "I know, Mom. Don''t worry," Cassandraforted while holding her hands. "Nothing serious happened


    between us, and our rtionship has improved a lottely. There might have been some


    misunderstanding, but we have sorted it out. She''s my sister and I have never stopped loving her. I will


    do my best to take good care of her in the future, I promise."


    Cassandra hastened to put Edith''s mind at rest. Every word she had uttered was true. She didn''t resent


    Cloris. ording to her, Cloris was still a child who could act a bit impulsively at times. And the fact


    that she had been spoiled might have added to her arrogance. However, she firmly believed her little


    sister would evolve and mature gradually as she grew up.


    "I''m so d and relieved to hear that. Now I just hope that your father can be released as soon as


    possible. Once that happens, we can lead a happy life as a family." Edith let out a dreamy smile. "Also,


    I pray that you find your Mr. right soon enough. That will put our mind at rest!" she added.


    Edith couldn''t help butment when recalled how they had sold Cassandra to the Tang family.


    Cassandra waspelled to marry a man she didn''t love at all. Sadly, it all came to nothing in the end.


    "Don''t trouble yourself with such thoughts. Right now your priority is this trip. I''ll go shopping with you


    tomorrow. We will make sure you are packed with everything you need. Just think about the happy


    hours you are going to spend with Cloris. And please, don''t worry about me. You are free to stay there


    as long as you like!"


    Cassandra changed the topic instantly. She wanted to prevent Edith from continuing further. Otherwise,


    the worrying mother was bound to nag about her rtionship with rk.

 Chapter 406 Edith Was In Hospital

    Chapter 406 Edith Was In Hospital


    "Sure, you rarely have a day off! Do you need to ask for official leave?"


    Edith hadn''t been out shopping with Cassandra in a very long time and she missed it. Now that


    Cassandra brought it up, she was excitedly looking forward to it.


    "That''s all right. I just have to tell Lyndsy. Now that Ste is there, everything will be alright. You don''t


    need to worry."


    She just hoped that Edith could soon leave this ce. Lately, she had been having a very bad feeling


    even though everything seemed calm. She intuitively felt that something was lurking beyond the


    horizon and it made her anxious.


    "Did I hear that Cassandra has a day off tomorrow? Would you like mypany?"


    rk interrupted them as he walked inside the room and overheard their conversation.


    "Yeah, that''s a good idea, rk. I am going to visit my daughter and I need to buy some things


    tomorrow!"


    As soon as Edith saw rk, her face broke into a smile.


    rk was startled at her words but he immediatelyposed himself and feigned ignorance. The


    corners of his lips lifted.


    "Really? Then you need to be well prepared, Auntie Edith. You haven''t seen your little daughter in a


    very long time, right?"


    Cassandra noticed a sh in his eyes as she watched him speaking but she wasn''t sure if she was


    reading too much into it.


    rk''s eyes turned cold and calctive, abruptly and easily.


    "Yeah, I haven''t seen her in a long time. In fact, she looks quite like Cassandra!"


    Edith''s face wore a soft and gentle look when she spoke of her daughters. The older she got, the more


    she cherished them.


    "Really? Then I''m worried that I might mistake her for Cassandra when I get to meet her,"


    rk joked, knowing fully well how to get on Edith''s good side. The smile on his face grew bigger.


    But Cassandra didn''t find it amusing. She was wary of rk and even though she felt that her own


    mind was ying tricks on her. She just knew that there must be something hiding behind rk''s


    smile.


    Ever since she learnt about him, she had started to scrutinize his every move. She found his behaviour


    very strange and couldn''t help but wonder why he behaved so generously in the presence of her and


    Edith.


    He seemed to care about her a lot, and was also very patient and gentle with Edith. rk never acted


    powerful nor dominating before them. He listened to them and seemed to have their best interests at


    heart. In fact, he treated Edith and Cassandra like his own family.


    If Cassandra hadn''t noticed any inconsistencies, she would still have looked at him with grateful eyes.


    She would have continued believing that he really was a kind man who loved her very much. But now,


    all she did was anticipate his next move.


    His entry into her life was too coincidental. He was too infallibly good to her. It wasn''t normal. ''What the


    hell is he trying to do?''


    The next day, when Cassandra got up, she was surprised to find that Edith still wasn''t up. Normally,


    Edith woke up before her and always had breakfast ready for both of them. This routine had always


    remained unchanged.


    Suddenly, a thought struck Cassandra. She immediately ran to her mother''s room. She opened the


    door to find Edith, her face pale, lying on the bed in a very ufortable position.


    "Mom! Mom! What happened?"


    To say that Cassandra was frightened, was an understatement. She ran to her mother and immediately


    checked her pulse.


    Hearing her daughter''s voice, Edith struggled to open her eyes and looked at Cassandra for a second


    before her eyes closed again. She looked so tired. She weakly gestured at her head.


    "My head hurts..."


    Edith''s voice was weak, and her lips were white. She was obviously very sick.


    rk appeared, having heard Cassandra''s voice. He rushed into Edith''s room right after Edith closed


    her eyes again. Seeing her pale face, rk immediately took out his phone and called an ambnce.


    "Cassandra, don''t move her! I have called an ambnce. Let''s get her to the hospital now!"


    rk''s brows furrowed into a tight frown when he saw Edith''s condition, his eyes brimmed with worry.


    Cassandra was panicking. She didn''t know what to do right now. Her worry made her so feverish that


    she rushed to do exactly as rk said.


    The ambnce came soon after rk''s call. The medical staff came in and carefully moved Edith into


    the ambnce. They immediately took her to the hospital while rk and Cassandra followed the


    ambnce in his car.


    Closeby, Rufus pulled open the curtains to see what themotion in the next vi was about.


    The medical staff, wearing white, carried a stretcher into the ambnce. Cassandra followed them


    closely and wanted to enter the ambnce but was pulled back and held by rk from behind.


    Rufus didn''t know what rk had said to Cassandra to her change her mind. But finally, Cassandra


    followed rk to his car, and they drove after the ambnce.


    Rufus''s eyes grew cold as ice and his hands tightened on the curtains.


    The person on the stretcher was obviously Edith. He had already asked his people to find a way to


    persuade her to leave that house. ''Why did this have to happen at such a critical time?''


    His guts told him that this was definitely not a coincidence!


    This was very simr to the issue with Cassandra''s throat. It definitely had something to do with rk.


    rk seemingly wanted to destroy everyone around him. He wanted to make them suffer. What was


    more, he even wanted them to remain in his house to make Rufus suffer as well.


    Rufus''s face grew darker and darker as he made the connections in his head. If rk really did


    something to make Edith fall sick so she couldn''t go abroad, then it was mortally dangerous for


    Cassandra and her to remain there with him any longer. No, he must think of a way to get them out of


    that monster''sir!


    In the hospital, seeing her mother lying in the hospital bed, Cassandra''s eyes were filled with tears.


    She tried to contain herself and didn''t allow them to fall down.


    It was lucky that she found Edith when she was taken ill. Or her mother could be seriously in danger of


    losing her life.


    rk walked into the ward after chatting with Edith''s doctor for a while.


    "The doctor said that you are fine now. You just need to rest and keep yourself calm. Auntie, I don''t


    think it''s advisable for you to go abroad in this condition right now. You can wait till Cloris is on holiday. I


    will ask someone to bring her back, so you won''t need to worry about not seeing her!"


    rk said to Edith.


    He gave Cassandra a meaningful look, and she understood the implication. She followed him out into


    the hallway.


    "I guess your mother was so excited to see your sister that it triggered her episode. She needs


    complete bedrest. And most importantly, she should keep herself calm and not excite herself again, it''s


    not good for her health,"


    rk spoke, a frown superimposed on his handsome face.


    Cassandra still remembered the feeling of horror when she saw Edith earlier. If there wasn''t anyone


    around to take care of her, a simple episode could probably prove to be fatal.


    "Cassandra, how about I find someone to look after Auntie? You are usually busy at work and are


    rarely at home. If we hire a nanny, she can take care of your mother and also help with other things. It


    will be very beneficial for her! And she will have someone to give herpany as well,"


    rk proffered and looked at Cassandra with eyes full of care and affection. It seemed that he did


    genuinely care about her mother.


    Cassandra''s head was in a mess right now. She had no idea of what to do. rk''s idea was wee


    and she immediately agreed.


    "Oh, okay, I will pay for it!"


    Cassandra wasn''t willing to exploit rk''s kindness anymore. He had done enough for her and her


    mother. So she quickly made it clear that she would be the one to pay for the nanny.


    A trace of disappointment shed through rk''s eyes and the smile on his face faltered. He stared at


    Cassandra with a serious look on his face.


    "Cassandra, why are you still drawing a line between us after all this time? Do you still consider me an


    outsider, seriously?"


    rk''s voice got higher with passion. He reached out and grabbed Cassandra''s hand, looking at her


    intensely.


    "You know how I feel about you. I won''t hesitate to do anything for you when you are in need.


    Cassandra, you need not be this formal with me, okay?"


    rk kept his eyes fixed on Cassandra''s face. His eyes were full of affection for her. He really did feel


    for her.


    But Cassandra felt too ufortable. She wanted to withdraw her hand, but she just couldn''t.


    rk was rigid and clearly, he wasn''t willing to let her go. Cassandra just couldn''t get his hand off her,


    so she tolerated it.


    "Cassandra, I really don''t know what to do now. Can you tell me how I can win your heart?"


    His tone was so helpless and desperate. If Cassandra hadn''t suspected his true motives, she would


    have surely fallen for him by now.


    "Mr. Ji, please let go of me. We are in public."


    She tried to avoid rk''s question. There were a lot of people in the hospital and Cassandra was at


    great difort at being held by rk.


    rk stared at her for another moment before slowly letting go of her hand.


    "I am leaving now. Take good care of your mother."


    With these words, he looked at Cassandra with anguish. Then he turned around and left.


    Only when rkpletely disappeared from Cassandra''s eyes could she finally feel her body rx.


    ''Gosh! Why does rk always make me feel so nervous? Yes, I also feel nervous when I''m close to


    Rufus. But rk always seeds in making me feel ufortable.''


    She felt depressed, afraid and also suspicious of the man.


    Cassandra let out a long sigh before turning around to walk back into the hospital room. But as soon as


    she turned around, her hand was grabbed by someone again.


    A big and strong hand grabbed her wrist and the person dragged her all the way along the corridor to


    the staircase.


    "Rufus, what are you doing ?"


    Cassandra knew, in her heart, that it was Rufus. She struggled but just couldn''t get free. There was no


    one in the dimly-lit staircase. Cassandra had no idea why Rufus was here.N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    "Why did you let him hold your hand?"


    Rufus''s words dripped with jealousy as he recalled the way rk held Cassandra''s hand a few


    moments ago. He so badly wanted to punch rk in the face then take Cassandra away just now. But


    he just had to control himself¡ªit was not the right time.


    "What? Yeah, I let him hold my hand, so what? I like the way he holds my hand! It''s none of your


    business!"


    Cassandra was startled by Rufus''s sudden appearance and now was also interrogated by him. She


    was not in the mood so she deliberatelyshed out at him.

 Chapter 407 Drown Him With Misfortune

    Chapter 407 Drown Him With Misfortune


    There was fire in Rufus''s eyes. He could not believe what was happening.


    "You can''t do that,"


    Rufus said furiously as his grip on Cassandra''s wrist tightened.


    "Rufus, you''re being ridiculous. I expected more from you. Right now, you are just acting like a spoiled


    brat! You show up when it pleases you and before I know it, you''re gone without so much as a


    goodbye. Where were you when I needed you? Whenever I asked for an exnation, you never gave


    me one. Instead, you decided to keep your secrets and keep me in the dark. What the hell were you


    thinking?"


    Cassandra red at Rufus, mustering all the courage she had to finally speak her mind. Finally saying


    all these things felt like a huge weight was lifted off her shoulders.


    Rufus looked at her, dumbstruck as he slowly realized Cassandra''s image of him:plicated and


    suspicious.


    As it turned out, she saw Rufus as a jerk.


    He came and went as he pleased without even considering how she must have felt. Because of him,


    her life became full of uncertainty. He never gave her a stable life or a promising future.


    "Cassandra, I am doing this for your own good,"


    Rufus said. There was hesitation in his voice, possibly brought about by Cassandra''s face that was red


    with rage. She seemed absolutely fed up with the situation.


    "For my own good? You want to do something for my own good? Let me give you a very good


    suggestion: Disappear from my life for good and leave me be!"


    Cassandra shouted as she broke free from Rufus''s grip, turned, and walked away.


    She had had enough of the drama. She did not want to put up with Rufus''s childish whims anymore.


    His actions did not make sense to her. There seemed to be a huge disconnection between the mature


    and independent image he portrayed in public and the childish and unreasonable way he acted when


    he was with her.


    But Rufus was not about to let her get away so easily. He grabbed her shoulders and pulled her into his


    arms.


    Cassandra struggled as Rufus slowly looked straight at her face. Staring straight into her eyes, he


    decided to tell her the truth.


    "Fine, I will tell you what I am doing," he started.


    His eyes seemed to say so many things. Cassandra could almost feel his thoughts buzzing. Finally


    realizing the significance of the moment, she stopped struggling and lifted her head to look back at him.


    "As a child, my mother told me that my father was dead. It was only a dozen years ago that I learned


    he was still alive,"


    he narrated, looking deep into Cassandra''s eyes. Cassandra stood still and listened to him quietly.


    "When I did, I turned into a problem child overnight, from being a straight-A student. I started to miss all


    of my sses. Everyone worried about me and didn''t know what to do. My mother could not stop


    crying. I med her for giving birth to me. I told her that she should have had an abortion instead of


    having me and giving me a life without a father."


    The hallway was empty and the light was dim. Rufus''s voice was the only thing that could be heard


    apart from the deafening silence.


    "When my mother fell ill with a serious disease, my aunt took us abroad to have her treated. But before


    I left, I went to see Horace in front of the Tang Group. That day, I swore that I woulde back and


    destroy him,"


    Rufus said. There was coldness in his voice. It made Cassandra shiver.


    "Then, you know what happened. I founded the TY Group to prove myself. Then, I hid my identity,


    came back to Horace, and took over the Tang Group. I wanted Horace to see everything he built and


    worked for, go down in shambles. I wanted him to know how it felt like to lose something he loved. I


    wanted him to know that his biggest mistake in his life was leaving my mother and me," he finished.


    Hatred burned in his eyes. The realization of the anger that Rufus had been tending to get through the


    years weighed down on Cassandra.


    "Rufus, Horace was wrong and I''m not going to defend him. However, you don''t need to punish


    yourself because of his mistake. Life isn''t all about hatred and revenge. Does that make you happy?


    Living in anger?" Cassandra said.


    Truth be told, she found Rufus''s story very unsettling. She could not believe what Rufus would do to


    Horace, his biological father, the man who gave him life. No matter what Horace did, it did not change


    the fact that he was his flesh and blood.


    "I don''t care about my own happiness. All I knew was that he was the reason why my mom suffered


    almost all her life. The day my mother fell ill was the day he stopped being my father. It was so unfair.


    How could he marry someone like Jill, bear a child like Lionel, and live a life of fortune and opportunity


    while my mother and I spent our days looking for shelter and struggling to make ends meet? The


    moment my mother died, I swore to make Horace pay. I wanted him to learn how his own selfishness


    and vanity were the things that destroyed him. He deserves this!"


    Rufus said, gritting his teeth. Everytime he remembered his poor mother and Horace''s absence, his


    hatred and anger towards him grew stronger and stronger.


    "Rufus, if your mother were still alive, I''m sure that she would not want you to do such things.


    Otherwise, she wouldn''t have worked hard to bring you up all by herself. Also, she would not have told


    Horace about you," she exined.


    Cassandra had never seen Rufus this angry. Grabbing his arms, she realized that his whole body was


    stiff. Clearly, he was in pain just thinking about all of this.


    Cassandra rubbed his shoulders in an attempt to calm him down, but her efforts were useless. Rufus


    was so overwhelmed with anger. It was out of control.


    "And what did that get her, huh? Her kindness only brought her tragedy. Well, I''m different. I live to


    bring him what his absence has brought her," he replied.


    Rufus was stubborn. Nothing that Cassandra said got through to him.


    "But he is your father. Now that your mother isn''t here, he is your only family. You shouldn''t hate him.


    I''m sure he also had his own battles during that time. He was also trapped in his own circumstance.


    Besides, he already realized that he was wrong. He even made efforts to correct his mistake by making


    you part of the Tang family and allowing you to take over the Tang Group. Rufus, let it go. Please don''t


    live in the past. Destroying the Tang family because of the hatred that has consumed you is not worth


    it. Just move forward,"


    Cassandra said, wanting to make Rufus change his mind. Still, he remained unmoved. Years of hatred


    had hardened him. In fact, it was almost a part of him. They were not something he could easily


    discard.


    "What kind of father is he? My mother was disowned by her own family because of him. She even


    renounced her father and changed herst name to her mother''s maiden name. She wasted her youth


    raising me all by herself. For the first half of my life, I never had Horace there. Now that I''m all grown up


    and I''m doing better, he suddenly steps up and wants to be my father? What the hell is that? He


    allowed my mother to die. Why does he deserve anything better?" Rufus replied.


    Memories of his mom and of his childhood filled Rufus with so much rage. He found it hard to control


    himself.


    Cassandra bit her lips, not knowing what to do.


    She was afraid that the more she tried to calm him down, the angrier he would be. So, she


    thought that it would be best if she just remained silent and apanied him through this ordeal.


    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "I hope, now, you know why I didn''t tell you about this. I was plotting revenge against my father and I


    did not want you to get involved. Now that you know about it, I hope you will do what is best by staying


    out of it. All I ask you to do is to wait for me. Be patient with me. When I finish with all of this, let''s go


    away. Let''s leave this wretched ce together, find a home somewhere else, and start over," he said.


    Rufus took a deep breath and calmed himself down. Then, he looked at Cassandra with love and


    sincerity.


    "What if...I don''t want you to push through with your n of revenge?"


    Cassandra replied as she looked into Rufus''s eyes.


    "Cassandra, you can''t stop me. I have been working on this n for so many years. There is no way I


    can give up,"


    Rufus replied immediately. How could he give up? That was impossible! What goes aroundes


    around. For years, he had wanted nothing but to take Horace down. He was not going to give up.


    Cassandra took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. She was sure that there had to be another way and


    she was determined to find out what it was.


    "I want to check on my mother. She has to stay in the hospital for a while,"


    Cassandra suddenly realized, and then she turned to leave.


    "Don''t you sense something strange?"


    Rufus said as he furrowed his brows. Cassandra stopped. Slowly, she turned around and looked at


    Rufus, confused.


    "What do you mean?" she asked.


    Truth be told, she did have a bad feeling in her gut about the situation. What Rufus said seemed to


    have confirmed that it was not something she was only imagining.


    "It couldn''t be a coincidence. Right after I arranged for your mother to leave, she fell ill. Do you think


    rk did it again, like what he did to your voice?"


    Rufus said suspiciously as he touched his jaw in thought.


    Cassandra''s heart sunk. Her face suddenly turned gloomy.


    If it were rk, then clearly he didn''t want Edith to leave.


    "Don''t worry. Your mother is currently safe here in the hospital. rk won''t be able to touch her. For


    now, just pretend that you don''t know anything. I''ll do my best to figure things out as soon as possible,"


    he replied.


    Seeing her pale face, Rufus felt sorry for Cassandra. Now that she was rk''s target, the people


    around her were also at risk.


    "What happened between you and rk? Did you fight because of business?"


    Cassandra asked, frowning at Rufus. She did not mind being in a dangerous situation if it was to


    protect Rufus. Now that her family was involved, however, that was a different story. If anyone hurt her


    family, she would not be able to forgive herself. She could not afford to put them at risk.


    "I bet he has seen me as a pest for as long as I can remember. To be honest, I never took him


    seriously. Now that he''sing at you, however, let''s just see what he gets,"


    Rufus replied with squinted eyes. rk had started the fight and he was not about to sit back and do


    nothing.

 Chapter 408 Horaces Request

    Chapter 408 Horace''s Request


    Cassandra returned to the patient ward and sat at Edith''s bedside. Her mother was still unconscious.


    Yet, difort was visible in her face. While her body was rxed, her eyebrows remained creased.


    Looking at her made Cassandra pain.


    How could rk do such a thing? It all dawned on her now: the kindness he showed them was nothing


    but a mask to hide his true intentions.


    Gazing at Edith in silence, Cassandra fell into deep thought.


    Suddenly, the door opened. rk entered the room bringing with him bags of food. Its aroma


    immediately filled the room.


    "Hey, Cassandra. Are you hungry? Here, you should eat something,"


    he said as he handed her a pack of sushi. With the way Cassandra stared into space, rk could tell


    that she was very preupied with the situation. It was likely that taking care of herself was herst


    priority.


    The salmon wrapped with rice and seaweed looked very appetizing. Still, Cassandra did not have an


    appetite.


    "Just put it there. I''m not hungry. I''ll eatter,"


    she replied indifferently, without even giving him so much as a nce.


    He stood awkwardly, at a loss on how to respond. For a few seconds, he just looked at her. Frowning,


    he finally managed to find an answer.


    "If you don''t eat, you''ll drain your energy. You still need to take care of your mother. But you won''t be


    able to do that if you don''t eat anything."


    Without looking too much into Cassandra''s coldness, he decided to believe that her indifference was


    because of her growing concern for Edith''s condition.


    "I really don''t feel like eating. I''m not hungry," she said with finality.


    Turning to look at her mother, she did her best to keep her anger hidden. In her mind, Cassandra still


    struggled to grasp the reality that rk''s invisible hand was above all this. Suddenly, she found it


    difficult to breathe. It felt as if the air was trapped in her lungs, unable to go out.


    Who else could she me but herself? It was her fault. She trusted the wrong person and fell into his


    trap.


    He had drugged her to damage her throat. He managed to get Edith ill and be hospitalized. What other


    forms of evil could he possibly be capable of? She couldn''t even imagine!


    However, she also knew that getting rid of him would not be that easy. If he had the audacity to carry


    out his sinister n right under her nose, he must know what he was doing. He had no fear of getting


    caught.


    "Cassandra, please take care of yourself. I understand that you''re worried, but you need to lighten up.


    I''ve asked the doctor for advice. Auntie needs to take a good rest. Just allow her to stay here while she


    recovers. As for her show, maybe it''s best if she takes a break for now so she can be free from any


    disturbance,"


    he said, feigning sincerity. His suggestion seemed to make sense.


    Cassandra was silent but her thoughts were quite the opposite.


    Despite his obvious involvement in Edith''s situation, he still managed to put up such a good, concerned


    front. He was so caring and patient that one would not even suspect him to be evil. Had it not been for


    Rufus''s advice, she would have fallen into his trap even deeper.


    As for rk, he took Cassandra''s silence as sorrow. He put a hand on her shoulder and said to


    reassure her, "Please don''t tire yourself too much. I''m here for you. You don''t have to worry."


    His tone was as soft as the spring breeze, but to Cassandra, the hand on her shoulder felt no different


    than a magical evil w that could easily tear all the happiness in her life away if it wanted to.


    Both of them were lost in their own thoughts. The edges of rk''s lips curl ever so slightly, revealing a


    smug smile. This was the biggest hint of genuine emotion he showed behind his feigned empathy.


    He stood behind Cassandra so he was sure that she would not notice his expression. His smile was as


    cold and brutal as it could be.


    He was like a demon making his way towards his victim in slow steady steps. Along the way, little by


    little, he sucked out the light in such a way that they would barely notice. Until, in the end, only


    darkness remained.


    Finally, Horace arrived at the Garden Vi. Looking at Rufus''s mansion gave his several mixed


    emotions that he found difficult to distinguish.


    He always believed that his son Rufus would help him in business. With his talent and capability,


    Horace knew without a doubt that he would be able to lead the Tang Group towards another pinnacle.


    Never in his wildest imagination could he have thought that Rufus had a hidden identity: the founder of


    the TY Group.


    Remembering the time when he was goaded by Lionel and Jill to strip him off of his CEO position in the


    Tang Group made Horace feel very remorseful. This drove Rufus so far away from thepany and


    the Tangs.


    It took a huge amount of effort to find the mansion. Now, he was finally there.


    A few seconds after he pressed the bell, the gates opened.


    Looking at the camera in front, Horace was quite surprised that he was granted ess so easily. He


    was actually prepared for the possibility that Rufus would be making it difficult for him to get in.


    After straightening his clothes, he slowly walked in, holding a walking stick to support his old frail body.


    Recently, his health had been deteriorating at an increasing pace. The bones on his legs were in


    constant pain. This was why he now had to carry with him a walking stick.


    The usual vigor on his face had given way to visible signs of aging, which he had no intention to hide.


    With his pitiful look, he hoped that Rufus would sympathize with him, an old dying man, and ept his


    request.


    However, he had no idea how badly he miscalcted. Rufus watched him from the monitor, wearing a


    cool smile.


    ''Oh, Horace. Finally, you''re here. I will make you pay for everything you''ve done!'' Rufus eximed in


    his heart.


    Bit by bit, the old man approached the mansion. With every step he took, the smile on Rufus''s face


    became colder.


    By the time he finally reached the front door and pushed it open, he saw Rufus standing in the lobby,


    waiting for him.


    He was standing straight, clearly a man at his prime. This was a huge contrast to Horace''s slightly


    hunched posture.


    "Rufus, I''ve finally found you!"


    Horace seemed delighted. It was as if he found the only beacon of hope. The expectant smile on his


    face only caused Rufus''s lips to curl into a chilling smile.


    "What brings you here? It was you who asked us to leave," he said sarcastically.


    Rufus used the pronoun ''us, '' instead of ''me.'' Obviously, he was referring to someone else as well, but


    Horace, being upied with his thoughts on how to convince Rufus toe back, barely paid notice to


    the detail.


    "I had no intention of making you leave. I was just afraid that the Board of Directors would find out, so I


    thought it would be best if you temporarily removed yourself from the situation to hide until the tension


    eased,"


    he exined, shaking his head and sighing. He looked really disappointed with how things had turned


    out.


    "But now, everything is clear to me. It was all because of Lionel. All of it was his fault and he was the


    one who shifted the me to you. Rest assured! I''ve already taught him a harsh lesson and he now


    has realized his mistake. Apparently, the pressure was from Ivy. She asked him for so much money


    and he felt like he had no choice but to steal from thepany,"


    Horace narrated. There was disappointment on his face. He looked very stressed recalling the turn of


    events.


    "Rufus, son, pleasee back. You''re part of the Tang family. You belong with us,"


    Horace said as he raised his head to look into Rufus''s eyes with hope and yearning.


    "My surname is ''Luo, '' and it will always be. I''m not part of the Tang family. Why would you trust him


    instead of me if you really saw me as a member of the Tang family?"


    Rufus shot back, indifferent to the pitiful look on Horace''s face.


    "I was also a victim of your brother''s deception. Had I known that you were the chairperson of TY


    Group, I would not have trusted him!" Horace exined.


    His desperation amused Rufus.


    "What does my identity as Chairman of TY Group have anything to do with pinning the corruption on


    me? Even if I were penniless, I wouldn''t even think about taking a cent from the Tang family!"


    With gritted teeth, Rufus recalled the toil he had gone through when he first started his business. If not


    for his perseverance then, how could he enjoy his sess today?


    "Don''t say that. You will never be penniless because the entire Tang Group will be yours!"


    Right now, Horace was determined to say anything he could to please Rufus, even though deep inside,


    he knew that Rufus did not care much about the Tang Group. If he did, he would not have resigned.


    Still, Horace knew that he was at a vulnerable position. Humility and sincerity were his best weapons to


    convince his son toe back.


    "The Tang Group is yours and Lionel''s, so is the Tang family. They will never be mine. I''ve never


    wanted it anyway,"


    Rufus said as he waved his hand dismissively.


    Tang Group had been in a dire situation, mainly because of Lionel''s stupidity. Now, it was on the brink


    of copse, but Horace, despite being capable of managing thepany, could not take over for Lionel


    because of his health conditions.


    ''How could Rufus not understand that?'' the poor old man thought.


    Rufus, though, had already seen through Horace. He found his acting ridiculously amusing.


    ''What a hypocrite! Disgusting!'' Rufus thought.


    "Rufus, the Dawn Star Group is about to eat us alive. How about this, will you pleasee back to


    help your brother?" Horace asked.


    Realizing that his efforts geared towards asking Rufus to return to be part of the family were futile, he


    decided that it was best to tell him what he wanted upfront. After all, he was desperate. The Tang


    Group was about to meet its end should they fail to survive this. At this rate, it was highly likely that


    they would die off in thepetition against the Dawn Star Group.


    N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    "Why would I care about that?"


    Rufus simply replied, unbothered by Horace''s efforts to put on a show.


    Having read the indifference in Rufus''s response, Horace realized that the conversation wasn''t going


    anywhere. In his frustration, he struck the ground heavily with his walking stick.


    "Rufus! You¡­ You are so disobedient! I am your father! I am here to ask a favor from you! How can


    you reject me? Have you got any morality? Do you even see my as your father?"


    When Horace raised his voice in the Tang family residence, everyone listened intently. There, he was


    the highest authority, almost like a dictator. His requests and opinions were taken with high regard.


    This, however, did not work with Rufus.


    "Morality? When you''ve abandoned your wife and your son, did you consider morality?" Rufus sneered.


    Then, the smile on his face vanished and his face turned ice cold as if signaling an impending storm.

 Chapter 409 The Lady Playing The Piano

    Chapter 409 The Lady ying The Piano


    Horace''s heart sank, feeling the weight of his cold re. Rufus''s words hit home. Still, he was


    determined not to give in just yet.


    "Your mother didn''t tell me she was pregnant. If I had known, there was no way I would have


    abandoned her!"


    he answered to his defense. He looked back at Rufus, outraged for receiving a groundless usation.


    "You''re not fooling anyone. Had she told you, I would have already been dead!"


    Rufus sneered with disdain. How he wished he could kill the man in front of him right now.


    Remembering what Michelle had told him, he was filled with so much hatred. It made him so hungry for


    revenge.


    "Don''t talk nonsense! You are my son, and I wouldn''t let you die!"


    Horace''s face darkened. Rufus''s words felt like daggers to his chest. He did not know where they all


    came from.


    "Really? Why don''t you go home and ask your wife? My mother was pregnant so she went to the Tang


    family residence to tell you. But your wife, Jill, stopped her. She did not allow her to enter the premises


    and drove her away, even sending some men to tail after her. My mother ran for her life. She almost


    got a miscarriage! She then realized that telling you about my existence was impossible. Later, as if her


    misfortunes were not enough, her family disowned her so she was forced to fend for herself. That was


    when she gave birth to me. She raised me on her own and never contacted you because you


    disappointed her. At that time, Jill was your priority. You let her move in with you in the Tang family


    home, while you left nothing for my mother, even when she was pregnant. Moreover, you had her


    kicked out by my grandfather. She lived a hard life all because of you!"


    Rufus clenched his fists, trying hard to resist his urge to hit him.


    Horace, on the other hand, grew even more serious.


    "Jill never told me about this. I didn''t even know that this happened. If I had known that I had a son, I


    would have never let your mother suffer so much,"


    Horace replied. Pity showed in his eyes as he wondered about the kind of life she lived. It must have


    been difficult. She did not deserve that. She was such a tender woman. He had been living in his


    mansion oblivious to all that happened, until now.


    "Stop pretending to be sorry, Horace! You two have shared the same bed for so many years. How is it


    possible that you don''t know what kind of person she is? You didn''t want to face my mother. That was


    why you sent Jill to fend her off, instead. Am I right?"


    Rufus shot, addressing him by name. His message was clear. Horace was not his father and he was


    tired of pretending otherwise.


    "How dare you talk to me like that! I am your father no matter what happens!"


    Horace boomed sternly. Now, he realized how futile his efforts were. Rufus would never yield to him


    and he would never go back and help the Tang Group to pull through.


    Now, he also understood why Rufus and Jill never got along, and why Rufus resigned and left the


    company so easily. He didn''t care about Tang Group at all.


    "Is this your decision? You will just walk away? Tang Group will perish!"


    Horace asked, fixing his eyes at Rufus as he held his crutch tightly. The tension of the moment made


    him shiver.


    "Yes, this is my decision. As a matter of fact, it has always been my dream to destroy the Tang Group


    with my own hands. As I grew older, though, I realized that seeing it ruined by someone else was a


    better idea. It is not worth my time and energy. I want to see you suffer. I want you to regret what you


    did to me and my mother. I want you to be helpless knowing that the child you wanted to kill is now the


    only one who can save you and your family. I want you to beg, I want you to be desperate, but at the


    end of the day, stille home with nothing. Because I will never help you out. I will never pull you out


    of this. Never..."


    A chilling smile formed across Rufus''s face. He was ted. He fantasized about this moment all his


    life. Getting the words out for the first time in his life, he felt free.


    Horace was stunned. This was not how he imagined things to pan out. In his mind, he thought that


    Rufus only wanted an apology and would easily forgive him if he felt it was sincere enough. For the


    longest time, he believed that Rufus was dedicated to the Tang Group and was determined to see it


    through just as much as he was.


    Now, however, he realized that he was very wrong. Rufus had been tending to his hatred his whole life


    and devoted it all to seek revenge.


    Horace stared at him, at a loss for words. Color had left his face. Then, his lips started to move a bit


    until he eventually managed to speak.


    "I...I deserve it...I deserve it..." he mumbled.


    Then, he turned around and walked away with the help of his cane. He wanted to get away from the


    moment as fast as he could. His weak, aged body, however, would not let him do that. He walked


    slowly with heavy feet. Every step was a struggle.


    Still, he persisted. In his mind, there was a ck hole right in front of him and he walked towards it


    eagerly. The moment he managed to walk past the courtyard''s gate, he fainted and fell to the ground.


    The driver who had been waiting outside immediately jumped and rushed towards Horace. Fear filled


    him, he cradled the old man''s head in his arms and shouted desperately, "Mr. Tang, wake up, please.


    Mr. Tang!"


    This was something the driver had never experienced before. He was at a loss for what to do.


    Luckily, Cassandra, who just arrived from the hospital, spotted the familiar figure lying on the ground.


    Walking closer to investigate, she then realized that it was Horace!


    She raised her head to find Rufus. The gate was not locked. Through its opening, she saw him. Rufus


    was at the doorway, looking at Horace on the ground with cold, indifferent eyes.


    Cassandra rushed towards Horace without thinking twice. Upon looking at him, she knew that


    something was very, very wrong, so she called in an ambnce immediately.


    Help soon arrived and took Horace away. The whole time, Rufus did nothing. He just stood by the door,


    looking at the dying man as if he were in another world. He watched his own flesh and blood, the man


    who gave him life, struggle at the brink of death.


    He was supposed to be happy. But why was he not feeling anything?


    This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    He imagined this moment all his life. In his head, finally telling Horace that all his life he had prepared


    for the moment when he could go back to the Tang family to send them to hell, would be the most


    thrilling experience of his life.


    But now that he finally did it, why did it feel...nd?


    After the ambnce left, Cassandra urged the driver to make a call to the Tang family to inform them of


    the ident. She had to make sure Horace would be attended to. Soon, things started to calm down


    and she found herself standing alone at the ce where Horace, just a few moments ago,y almost


    dying. She looked at Rufus from across the courtyard.


    Then, she mouthed something as she stared at him with cold eyes.


    Rufus, from the other side, saw her and immediately understood.


    She said, "That was cruel."


    He didn''t know how to respond so he didn''t. His face remained nk. Cassandra turned around and


    entered the next house without even looking back at him.


    She probably thought he was a monster. When the man who gave him life struggled to live right outside


    his gates, he did nothing.


    A smile formed on his face. It wasn''t a victor''s smile. It was a bitter smile.


    ''You think I''m cold-blooded, Cassandra? I guess you''re right. I am cold-blooded just like a snake. I''ve


    been crawling under the ground all these years to prepare for this moment. My mother''s sickness, my


    hatred towards the father who abandoned us...Do you have any idea how painful I''ve felt?'' Rufus


    murmured in his heart.


    He could still remember his mother''s face. She was a strong and independent woman. She had a very


    promising future. Only, Horace ruined her.


    When he was a little boy, Rufus and his mother passed by a store that sold musical instruments. Inside,


    a beautiful melody got his attention. Unable to ignore it, he went in without telling his mother.


    The music wasing from a customer who was trying out the piano. Rufus got very curious. Drawn in


    by the sound, he reached over to touch the keys.


    Suddenly, the storekeeper appeared and said in a disdainful tone, "Don''t touch them, kiddo! You don''t


    even know how to y!"


    Little Rufus winced. He drew back his hand and was so afraid that he might stain the shiny piano keys


    with his filthy fingerprints. The keys were so immacte that one could even see his own reflection on


    them.


    Later, his mother found him wandering in the store and immediately ran towards him in her in


    clothes.


    "Why did youe in, Rufus? Let''s go," she said.


    Then, she pulled his arm to lead him out.


    "Teach your kid not to touch things that don''t belong to him. Just because you don''t have money,


    doesn''t mean you''re allowed not to have manners. Can you even y the piano? Can you even afford


    it? Pfft..."


    The storekeeper continued to say with contempt as they left. Rufus was embarrassed. He did not really


    touch the keys, though. Despite his age, he knew his limits. Still, the humiliation hurt him.


    His mother, however, who was always kind and preferred to keep a low-profile, did something


    unexpected. She turned around and said something stern to the man while keeping a gentle smile on


    her face.


    "Will you apologize to my son if I can y the piano? He didn''t break them. He even didn''t touch them.


    You are not supposed to say such things,"


    the mother said as she looked at the storekeeper with confident eyes.


    The man did not seem to believe her, thinking that she was bluffing. Arrogantly, he dared, "Hum, go


    ahead! Show me!"


    To him, it was impossible for such a poor woman to know how to y the piano.


    Rufus''s mother took a deep breath, let go of his hand, walked towards a piano, and sat down on the


    music stool.


    She stretched her hands. They were calloused and dry from work, yet, her fingers were slender and


    long.


    She pressed some keys to tune the piano. The storekeeperughed at her at the broken tunes.


    The next moment, however, his mother''s fingers began to dance on the ck and white keys like a


    nimble bird flying in the forest.


    An elegant melody came out from her fingers. Rufus''s eyes widened in surprise as he stared at his


    mother in disbelief. He could not believe what was happening in front of him!


    The storekeeper was stunned as well. His mouth fell in his surprise.


    What she was ying was actually a very difficult piece!

 Chapter 410 The Two Men In Common (Part One)

    Chapter 410 The Two Men In Common (Part One)


    Never in his life had Rufus ever seen this side of his mother. From what he could remember since


    childhood, she had always preupied with something, always strict but with a touch of tenderness to


    him.


    For innumerable times, little Rufus watched as she ever so slightly straightened her body and stretched


    out her arms to the back. He noticed how exhausted she''d appeared to be whenever she thought that


    he wasn''t looking; else, she would always make it a point to look gleeful and lively.


    For as long as he could remember, she had always been such a stubborn mother; yet at this moment,


    she seemed to be the most beautiful and majestic pianist as well, serenading all of them through her


    melodic music with such grace.


    The soothing and sweet-sounding notes bounced and danced around on the keys, spreading all


    throughout the air of the store.


    Her y might have already concluded, but the storekeeper was still dumbstruck and in awe of the


    inly dressed woman who had just yed such a magnificent piece of beautiful music for him to bask


    in, looking as if he was peering much deeper into her delicate face.


    "Bravo! That was a very spectacr performance!"


    An unusual voice eximed from out of nowhere, seeded by an enthusiastic apuse. Rufus


    trailed where the voice wasing from and realized it was actually from the customer who yed on


    the piano just a couple of minutes prior.


    Astonishment and admiration had been written all over his face. Gazing upon his mother, little Rufus


    was so deep in thought for it was something he truly wasn''t quite expecting.


    His mother carefully stood up from her seat with an air of silent regality. Then she shifted her gaze over


    to the owner and said, "Sir, would you please apologize to my son this instant?"


    Protecting her son''s pride was the sole reason she resorted to doing this. Her perfect posture was akin


    to that of a queen.


    The man was still caught inside the trance of the melody even until now. His face suddenly flushed red


    with difiture and he stuttered so much that it made no sense whatsoever.


    "Yeah, you must keep your end of the bargain! The piece thisdy just performed is of greater difficulty.


    Although it may not have been wless, I can say for sure that she still managed to put out a solid


    performance. To think that she hasn''t even yed for so long. It must have been years since thest


    time she had touched the instrument!"


    The client approached the man, then shifted his gaze toward the hands of Rufus''s mother.


    She had a pair of rough and calloused hands. And one must''ve thought that those had been a result of


    doing manualbor. However, none of those insignificant details would be enough to lessen her


    gracefulness and dignity in the slightest.


    The owner had no choice but to give in. An onlooker was backing up the mother and son. To be


    specific, the spectator was actually a VIP of his store.


    "Hey, young man," he said under his breath, "I''m really sorry. I apologize for acting so rude and saying


    all those things to you. If you''re interested, you''re much wee to visit my ce any time you want in


    the future. I will even personally show you how to y."


    Guilt-stricken, and with an expression filled with regret, the store owner leaned over and rested his


    hands on Rufus''s shoulders.


    Just like the old saying goes, there will always be someone smarter than you. The owner had never felt


    so ashamed in his whole life. Never would he have thought that an ordinary housewife would be the


    one to teach a man like him such a lesson.


    With as simple a gesture as gently patting on his back, Rufus understood in an instant what his mother


    meant.


    "Sir, my mother had always taught me to forgive others once they''ve apologized and reflected upon


    their mistake. And with that, you have my forgiveness!"


    Rufus had always been very respectful and well-mannered even as a young boy, thanks to the


    upbringing he had received from his mother. The customer who watched as all of this transpired


    seemed to be quite satisfied with the oue.


    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Wearing a faint smile, the mother nodded along softly as the store owner carefully straightened his


    back. Grabbing Rufus''s hand, she squeezed it a little and then proceeded to exit the store.


    The sunshine felt so warm when they went outside. Little Rufus''s heart basked in it, filled to the brim


    with such contentment.


    He had no clue whatsoever that his mother could y the piano, and she was even so good at it too.


    What a pleasant surprise that was!


    The two of them walking side by side outside the store was a beautiful moment he would never ever


    forget. His mother looked down upon him to check how he was feeling, and her eyes were gleaming so


    affectionately and lovingly. The breathtaking splintered light made it appear as though there was a


    golden halo right above her, this would end up being his most beautiful and most cherished childhood


    memory.


    Later on, Rufus didn''t have any idea how, but the customer they met at the store was able to somehow


    get a hold of their home address. After finding out that she was actually a single mother, he persistently


    tried to pursue her. But after quite some time, he just stopped doing that all of a sudden and they never


    heard from him anymore.


    At that time, Rufus was but a child, so he innocently asked his mother why that man would just stop


    paying them a visit. His mother, brushing his hair, gave him a simple response, "My good boy, the only


    thing I wish for is for my Rufus to grow up and have a happy and healthy life. There''s nothing in this


    world which canpare to that."


    Her voice was as smooth and endearing as ever, much like the most pleasant piece of music.


    Once he got older, Rufus finally realized that his mother had actually turned the man down because of


    him.


    She would rather endure all the bitterness and hardships life could bring on her own than put her son in


    a position that would risk his happiness and well-being.


    His mother had made a lot of sacrifices for him. Both her youth and beauty could not stand the test of


    time. The only thing that could never falter in her lifetime was the love she had for her son.


    In an instant, Rufus suddenly opened his eyes. He reached for the corners of his eyes to wipe the tears


    dry. He woke up from a pleasant yet bitter dream.


    In his dream, his mother was still next to him, and her warmth even felt so real, making him feel like it


    wasn''t a dream at all.


    Eventually, he got to know Amanda, a girl who also knew how to y the piano quite well, having the


    same talent as her mother. During the time he spent with her, he would always be reminded of that day


    where his mother gracefully yed the piano at the store.

 Chapter 411 The Two Men In Common (Part Two)

    Chapter 411 The Two Men In Common (Part Two)


    His mother was just such an elegant and charming woman, from a good family; she was left with no


    choice but to go through life miserably after she met Horace, who thought she would get in his way.


    Moreover, he decided to leave her even though she was already carrying his baby. As if that wasn''t bad


    enough, her father even disowned her and drove her out of his home, forcing her to change her


    surname.


    She lived a solitary life without asking for anybody''s help, and then Rufus came along. In thest few


    years of her life, she had gotten afflicted with a severe illness brought about by her long periods of hard


    work and overfatigue. Thereafter, she lost her consciousness and had been bedridden ever since for


    the years toe until finally sumbing to her illness and passing away.


    Over those years, Rufus would patiently sit at the bedside of his mother all throughout the afternoon,


    watching as the dust drifting through the sunbeams peeking over the window. Of course, his mother,


    although losing color on her skin, was the spitting image of the holiest of angel in his eyes if he ever


    saw one.


    But the angel had been forced to plummet straight into hell because she had her wings clipped by


    Horace, a wretched devilish man.


    Rufus immediately sat up on his bed and pressed down his temples with his fingers. The sight of


    Horace plunging down in the daytime was still so fresh in his mind as if it had happened just now.


    Horace''s originally stocky physique had wilted away little by little. His aspirations, not to mention his


    spirits, were being drained bit by bit.


    This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    His intelligence had withered as he grew older, and Lionel, on the other hand, the son he chose to


    focus on and spend so much effort in cultivating, couldn''t even give him the tiniest bit of a sense of


    security.


    In a bout of poetic justice, only the son who had been born out of wedlock, whom he had almost


    shoved into the depths of hell, had the power to get him out of the mess he had gotten himself into and


    preserve the legacy he had built through painstakingbor all his life.


    But how could Rufus let him off so easily just like that?


    ''Horace, you ain''t seen nothing yet. The game is just about to start!


    Even if you don''t have the strength to get through this, Lionel would still be left standing! Oh, how I


    would love to see your face as you watch your favorite son fall to the ground with your very own eyes!''


    he promised himself.


    Cassandra kept tossing and turning all night long and couldn''t get some sleep. Her throat felt like it had


    gotten dry so she decided to go downstairs to the kitchen to get a ss of water.


    The second she turned on the lights of the living room, her heart almost burst out of her chest, seeing


    rk quietly sitting still on the living room couch.


    He looked so down in the dumps and so deep in thought.


    Cassandra forced out a cough as she gasped in surprise.


    The sound of it seemed to have brought rk, who was so out of it just a moment ago, back to his


    senses. He reflexively sprung up and shifted his gaze onto Cassandra before he realized how


    miserable he might have looked through her eyes.


    The gloomy look on his face was a sight to behold. It was something so unusual when it came to rk,


    but it didn''t look like he was faking it. It was clear as day that he wasn''t expecting her to see him at


    such a vulnerable moment. Because of that, she was a bit perplexed.


    "Cassandra, is there something wrong?"


    Without dy, rk was able to instantly go back to his usual self. The sorrow written all over his face


    was gone without a trace and turned into a gentle one, and his eyes were suddenly beaming with


    tenderness once again.


    ''There are so manyyers to this man!'' Cassandra had to hold in a heavy sigh.


    "Oh, it''s nothing. I just got a little thirsty. That''s all. I just came down to grab a ss of water!"


    Afterward, Cassandra softly coughed again, pretending to clear her throat before heading straight into


    the kitchen.


    rk decided to follow her, leaning against the door of the kitchen entrance and watching as she


    poured a ss with water.


    He watched from the surveince cameras today that Cassandra helped Horace at Rufus''s doorstep


    earlier today. It appeared like she also stole a nce at the vi in front of the courtyard. However, he


    had no clue whatever it was that she might have seen.


    ''It''s quite possible that she had already known who was living next door, '' his thoughts began to run.


    "rk, did you purchase this house right next to Rufus''s deliberately?"


    Cassandra suddenly blurted and broke the somewhat deafening silence. And her bold question was


    something just beyond his expectation.


    "I did nothing of that sort. It was purely just by chance,"


    rk wasted no time and denied the usation. He was good at hiding things and telling lies, so his


    knee-jerk response was, for sure, a refutation of that.


    Cassandra frowned just a tad bit, because, of course, she wasn''t buying any of that.


    "I saw Rufus earlier today. He lives right next door. If I''mpletely being honest, this has actually


    been bugging me for quite a while now, but I won''t be holding it back anymore if you don''t mind. I''ve


    always known where he lives, but I try to avoid him for my mother''s sake."


    Cassandra then proceeded to sip some water to moisten up her throat.


    "It''s just a coincidence, Cassandra. I swear. You''re just overthinking things."


    rk still managed to be nonchnt about it, smiling as though Rufus''s living next door had nothing to


    do with him at all.


    Cassandra knew full well that she''d only be wasting her breath if she tried to pry into it any further. As


    expected, there was no way in hell rk would ever admit it.


    "rk, I remember you mentioning your father once before. He has never been much of a father figure


    to you, hasn''t he? Let alone, as the man of the house in your family,"


    she tantly asked, with her thoughts somewhat drifting toward Rufus''s father, Horace. In that aspect,


    Rufus and rk seemed to have shared something inmon.


    rk''s expression changed drastically upon hearing her query. Displeasure and disgust were raging


    deep in his eyes.


    "My father, you say? That asshole isn''t worthy of being called a father!" he roared furiously.


    That was surprising. Both of them, rk and Rufus, really did share the same sentiment regarding their


    respective fathers.

 Chapter 412 He Wont Help Us

    Chapter 412 He Won''t Help Us


    Cassandra eyed rk with curiosity. A person came to her mind. It was Rufus.


    This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    rk had his own secrets kept, and so did Rufus. How could she deal with these two men? Cassandra


    was at her wit''s end.


    "Get some rest. Your mother will be discharged after a few days. I''ll arrange for someone to care for


    her."


    rk had calmed himself down and promptly changed the subject. His eyes rxed and reverted back


    to his gentle self.


    Cassandra stopped in thought for a few seconds and suggested in a questioning tone, "I''d like to send


    my mother back to the Qin house. I''ll find a good nurse on my own. The North District is far from


    downtown. The air there is way fresher."


    She lowered her head when she said this, her eyshes moving ever so slightly in an attempt to


    conceal her true intentions.


    "Well, I say that would be inconvenient. You work nearby, right? If she stays here, you can keep her


    company after work. Isn''t that nice?"


    rk''s expression remained unchanged. A subtle frown etched on the corners of his mouth, looking


    like he was only thinking of Cassandra''s situation.


    "I''ll visit her every week. Even better, my sister will being home in theing holiday. She can


    stay with her at home. I can''t just ask my sister to live here with you. It''s kinda awkward for you to stay


    under the same roof,"


    Cassandra emphasized carefully. Ever since Rufus warned her, she had been worried that she wouldn''t


    be able to get rid of rk. Now, she had the perfect opportunity since Cloris was scheduled toe


    back soon. She felt that the longer she stayed here with rk, the more difficult it would be to escape.


    She would be in the mire herself.


    Cassandra had a horrible gut feeling. She couldn''t just act boldly because rk was a cautious man.


    He had even drugged her secretly. So she wouldn''t go ahead and risk her family''s life just to irk him.


    The most important thing right now was to get her mother out of this house.


    "Why not? There are a ton of empty rooms in this house. Of course she can stay,"


    rk said with an easy smile and a gentle tone.


    Then he continued, "If you think that it''s inappropriate for me and your sister to stay under one roof, I


    can move out and just stay at the hotel instead."


    rk had made an unrefusable offer. He just wouldn''t let Cassandra go.


    He took Cassandra''s hesitation as a sign of her not wanting to trouble him by staying at the house any


    longer than necessary. So he was trying to be considerate andpromise.


    "Cassandra, I would never consider you and your mother a burden. The important thing right now is we


    take good care of your mother and keep her in good condition. Right?"


    rk uttered theforting words. However, in Cassandra''s eyes, he had a hidden agenda. He


    wanted to keep her and her family all in one house.


    Cassandra was afraid that rk would start asking more questions or even hurt her if she insisted on


    moving out. She would burden her family even more if she got hurt. So she conceded for now.


    rk seemed like he was determined to imprison them. Before making any moves, she needed to


    figure out everything first.


    The weather outside was getting colder by the day. The painting of red and orange leaves that


    apanied autumn was reced by a painting of a stark white winter by rk. Cassandra had given


    him that painting a while back.


    In the painting, there was a figure wearing a vibrant red dress against the snowy terrain. The bright


    color created this interesting contrast to the unfeeling tundra around it. ''Would I ever be able to escape


    this cold reality?'' Cassandra thought.


    Rufus observed Jill and Lionel who were visibly frustrated. They were about to break the door down


    amidst their anger.


    "Open the damn door and let us in, Rufus!"


    Jill screamed in frustration at the courtyard while stamping her foot down. How she wanted to break


    into the house!


    Her eyes were bloodshot with rage. She wanted to tear Rufus from limb to limb whenever she


    remembered Horace''s horrible asthma attack because of him. She continued her hysterical screaming


    when Rufus appeared at the door.


    "You call yourself a man, Rufus? If that''s the case, then get the hell out of your damn house and face


    me! Why did you do that to your own father?"


    Lionel echoed in support of Jill. But when Rufus cast an icy re at him, he immediately shut up.


    Lionel knew he was no match for Rufus. He learned that the hard way when he was hit on the face


    several times. When it came to leadership skills, Rufus was also ahead. Less than a month after Rufus


    left thepany, the Tang Group was already on the brink of copse.


    In addition, he imed that Rufus had stolen the fifty million. Lionel was overwhelmed by a feeling of


    guilty when facing him.


    Seeing Lionel cower in fear, Rufus''s disdain only grew as he sneered at him.


    He pressed the gate button and the huge iron-d gate opened slowly. Jill rushed inside like a bullet.


    Lionel reached out to try and stop her, but he was too slow. Jill was almost face-to-face with Rufus.


    Lionel got extremely anxious.


    Rufus had angered Horace so much that it put him in the hospital. Lionel was afraid Rufus might do


    something that would hurt his mother. So he ran towards them, eyebrows furrowed.


    He didn''t anticipate that Rufus would actually open the gate. His original n was to just let Jill vent her


    frustrations at Rufus from outside, then slowly persuade her to leave. Things just got a whole lot more


    complicated. What could he possibly do now?


    Lionelined deep inside but continued onwards. He followed Jill into the house and approached


    Rufus.


    Jill stood toe-to-toe with Rufus, her chin raised high in defiance. She pointed a finger at Rufus''s


    expressionless face. Her finger was so close to his face that Lionel thought that it would actually hit


    Rufus in the eye.


    "Rufus! Be a man for God''s sake. You are a Tang no matter what. Even if you hate my guts, your father


    never hurt you! You had no right to do what you did to him! He is old and frail, and you knew this! How


    could you turn a blind eye to his asthma? How could you be so heartless?!"


    Jill''s nostrils red at Rufus and she cursed with every possible word she coulde up with.


    "Heartless, you say? Pfft. Did you hear mein when you kicked my pregnant mother out of the


    house twenty years ago?"


    Rufus remained stone cold and replied Jill with a deadly calm in his words.


    Jill was caught off-guard. The memory from twenty so years ago yed right before her very eyes. She


    didn''t know how to respond.


    "You''ve never admitted that I was a Tang. Why the hell would I consider myself one, now? Are you that


    stupid toe to my home and criticize me? Why don''t you use this time to be by his side? He may yet


    live longer before he draws hisst breath with you apanying him,"


    Rufus uttered with a calmness that was unnerving. He wasn''t as emotional as Jill was, but what he said


    made a lot of sense. Jill was hurt by his calcted response.


    "You did such a terrible thing to your father. Karma wille for you sooner orter, Rufus!"


    Jill cried with a shrill voice. Was it from anger or guilt? No one would ever know.


    "So you believe in Karma? Then when you kicked my helpless mother out, and so she had to live a


    hopeless life, were you aware that Karma woulde for you as well?"


    Rufus despised her greatly for what she did to his mother. How dared she talk about Karma to his


    face? What a joke! A despicable woman would be on the side of justice and use him like that?


    Ridiculous!


    "Hey, Rufus, you can''t just stand idly by and watch the Tang Group go under! Thispany is Father''s


    lifework!"


    Seeing the two exchange venomous words, Lionel couldn''t help but interject on the side of his mother.


    "Well then. You want to save the group and you want me to do it? Then why did you im that I''ve


    embezzled the fifty million? Is that how you ask me to save thepany?"


    Rufus had never nned to bring up the issue, but it was Lionel who attacked him. He could only fight


    back.


    "I admit...that wasn''t the best course of action. But we didn''t expect you to leave at such a critical time.


    I only took the position of president temporarily!"


    Lionel struggled to keep up. However, Rufus merely jeered, "Was I born to serve you?"


    Rufus red at him icily.


    Jill and Lionel had nned to ost Rufus bying here. But the tables had swiftly turned. Now both


    of them had run out of ammunition.


    Then Rufus red at them, and threw his hands up in the air.


    "Just leave if you''ve said your piece. This is my home, and not the house of the Tang. I won''t let you in


    the next time you fiends show up!"


    After saying his words, he turned around swiftly, went into the house and shut the front door with a


    bang.


    The sound made Jill and Lionel wince.


    Jill''s courage came flooding back the moment Rufus was gone. She then started to bang the door with


    her fists and continued to taunt Rufus, "Rufus! You will be miserable after what you''ve done to your


    family! You cold-blooded monster! You''ll never be the son of the Tang family!"


    Jill shouted frantically. She even kicked the gates out of rage.


    Lionel hugged Jill from behind and whispered with a low voice, "Mother, let''s leave. He won''t help us."


    Lionel was ashamed. He would rather leave as fast as possible than spend another second at this


    ce.


    He took her hand and dragged her out. Jill slowly followed, but kept cursing at Rufus. When they got


    out of the gate, Lionel saw a familiar figure by the sidewalk.


    He raised his head to get a clearer view. Both Lionel and Jill turned speechless when they recognized


    the face.


    It was Cassandra. She was standing before them with a peaceful expression.

 Chapter 413 They Cant Hurt Me

    Chapter 413 They Can''t Hurt Me


    Both Jill''s and Lionel''s hearts sank when they saw Cassandra.


    Still, Jill managed to collect herself. With a condescending look, she snorted as she looked at


    Cassandra. Then, she turned and got into the car.


    "Why are you here?"


    It had been a long time since theyst saw each other. Lionel was curious about what Cassandra was


    doing in front of Rufus''s house.


    "I live next door," she replied with an indifferent look, pointing at the vi next to it.


    Lionel, however, assumed that the next house was still Rufus''s property. Like his mom, he snorted and


    remarked, "Are you still with him? He''s already engaged to Amanda. Why would you rather be his


    mistress than be my wife?"


    Lionel said spitefully. Cassandra, however, only looked at him with a light frown but no longer bothered


    to reply.


    "Find a time. We need to talk,"


    she managed to say calmly, hiding her anger caused by what Lionel said. She had to ignore his


    abrasive words.


    "Lionel, what are you doing out there? Get in the car! Don''t talk to such a whore!"


    Jill said as she stuck her head out of the window and looked at Cassandra with contempt.


    The rtionship between Cassandra, Rufus, and Lionel had turned into such a huge scandal in G City


    before. Because of this, Jill disliked her. Now, seeing that she still had contact with Rufus disgusted her


    even more.


    "I am working in Lyndsy''s studio now. Come and talk to me when you have time. We need to talk about


    Rufus,"


    Cassandra said in a low voice to avoid being heard by Jill. She preferred to talk to Lionel about it than


    Jill who hated her so much.


    Lionel raised his head and saw her face. She was still as beautiful as before. But somehow, she was


    different now.


    Was it because she was calmer? No, that was not the reason. She was always calm but distant.


    Lionel assessed Cassandra''s sincerity with furrowed brows. Despite her alluring beauty, she still felt


    very distant.


    She had grown more and more mature. Not to mention, it made her...sexier. With her new aura, he felt


    very drawn to her.


    Seeing that his mother was present, Lionel merely got to reply with a nod. He knew that there would be


    more problems if she saw him still talking with Cassandra. So, he turned around, got into the car, and


    ordered the driver to go their way.


    After watching the car disappear into the distance, Cassandra looked back at Rufus''s vi once again.


    Seeing the way Rufus treated his father and the Tang family as a whole while all these were happening


    gave her mixed feelings.


    Horace was Rufus''s father no matter how people looked at it. She did not want Rufus to be seen as an


    ungrateful and obnoxious son. That was an atrocious rejection of tradition.


    Hopefully, her suggestion would work and Lionel would ept it.


    Cassandra looked at the closed door again and then turned around to leave. Rufus, on the other hand,


    who had been standing behind the curtains, squinted his eyes and watched her walk into the next


    house.


    ''Do you consider yourself to be a redeemer, Cassandra? Have you already forgotten what the Tang


    family did to you in the past? Why are you still defending them?


    Don''t you realize how stupid you''re being?'' asked Rufus in his heart.


    After Cassandra got off work, Lionel arrived, stopping by as expected.


    "What do you want to talk about?"


    He looked at Cassandra''s face with greedy eyes. This woman once belonged to him. She had been his


    wife. He felt his desire to get her back again.


    Cassandra scanned their surroundings and found that there were many people and cars on the street


    because it was rush hour.


    N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    "Let''s find a quieter ce," she suggested.


    She didn''t want to talk with Lionel on the street openly. It was important that their exchange would


    remain private.


    "Get in the car," said Lionel.


    Cassandra had a little suspicion in her eyes, still, sheplied. She pulled the door open and slid into


    the backseat.


    Lionel shrugged his shoulders and started the engine. Through the rearview mirror, he saw Cassandra


    looking outside with a serious look. What was she thinking about? The woman seemed to be lost in her


    thoughts.


    They went to a quiet cafe and found a table in a corner. Lionel ordered two cups of coffee, one for


    each. Now, going back to Cassandra, he urged, "What did you want to talk about? Hurry up!"


    Cassandra was close to Rufus. In his mind, he hoped that she knew what was the best thing to do to


    get Rufus toe back and help the Tang Group.


    "We both know Rufus. He hates the Tang family because his mother was treated unfairly. Your mother


    kicked his mother out when she was pregnant. Honestly, that was indeed inappropriate. His mother


    lived a hard life while your mother lived in privilege. All this was your mother''s fault,"


    Cassandra said with creased eyebrows while stirring her coffee.


    "He can hate us. I don''t care. But in the end, he is still a part of the Tang family. My father visited him to


    ask for his forgiveness and beg him toe back. He gave him a sincere apology! But Rufus, look at


    what he did! He stressed my father so much that until now, he is still in the hospital! Do you think what


    he did was right?"


    Lionel argued back. He could not help but be defensive after Cassandra criticized his parents.


    "I''m not here to argue with you. I''m here to offer you a suggestion. It would be perfectly okay with me if


    you ept it. But if you choose to refuse it, I won''t force you,"


    Cassandra replied calmly. Lionel had not changed. Even at this crucial moment, he still liked to me


    Rufus for everything. This made her very unhappy.


    "Okay, okay! Go on, please. I''m all ears!"


    Lionel started to be more open when he heard that Cassandra was offering him a suggestion.


    Cassandra took a deep breath to calm herself down. Both Lionel and his mother were experts on


    driving people mad. If it were not for Rufus, she would not even be talking with him so patiently.


    "As far as I know, Rufus is not a heartless man. He is just very angry because of what your parents did


    to his mother. He has organized a charity g to gather funds to help reconstruct A City after the


    massive earthquake. He helped people! I''m pretty sure that makes him a kind person. That said, I


    suggest you convince your parents to apologize to him sincerely. This way..."


    Lionel raised his hand and interrupted her before she could finish speaking.


    "That''s impossible. My father came and talked to him in a nice manner. And you saw what happened.


    He ended up in the hospital!" Lionel said.


    Lionel was not about to believe that Rufus would forgive them that easily. Was Cassandra suggesting


    that a simple apology would fix all the problems of their family right now? She was being naive!


    "Then are you nning to let him hate you and the Tang family for the rest of your lives?"


    Cassandra asked, looking at Lionel with a frown. Lionel denied her suggestion before she could even


    finish what she was saying. She felt very offended.


    "I wish he had never shown up in our lives!"


    Lionel snorted. He thought of the time when Cassandra was still his wife and he was still the president


    of the Tang Group. During that time, Tang Group was doing well.


    Then, Rufus came back. He took both Cassandra and his position away from him. Although the Tang


    Group was handled well under his rule, Arthur began to find fault with theirpany all the time.


    Eventually, the group was trapped in today''s terrible situation. That was all thanks to Rufus! He better


    note back!


    Cassandra looked at Lionel with deep disappointment and sorrow in her heart.


    She thought that Lionel would be open to trying anything to possibly solve the problems between Rufus


    and his family. Instead, his pride and ego still took over. He seemed not to take Rufus seriously or even


    regard him as family.


    "Well, forget it. I was only trying to help, but like I said, I won''t force you to do anything that you don''t


    want to do. Bye!"


    Cassandra said as she stood up and turned to leave. Lionel was surprised and reached out to grasp


    her hand.


    "Wait, Cassandra. I''m not done yet!" he called.


    It was very rare to get Cassandra to talk to him and Lionel was not about to let her go so easily.


    "What is it?"


    Cassandra quickly withdrew her hand from Lionel''s grip and looked at him with rmed eyes.


    "Don''t get yourself involved in their affairs, please. He has already engaged to Amanda. Why are you


    still seeing and staying with him? Why would you prefer to be his mistress than to be my wife?"


    Lionel blurted out with a worried expression.


    "It''s none of your business who I''m seeing and staying with. I''m talking to you here to solve a problem.


    Now that you refused my proposal, I''m done here. There''s nothing else we need to discuss,"


    Cassandra answered. In her heart, the word ''mistress'' pained her. It felt as if her heart was pricked by a


    needle.


    Still, she kept it to herself and bit her lower lip. She thought it was best not to argue with Lionel


    anymore to avoid any more hurtful words.


    "Marry me again, Cassandra. I''ve already broke up with Ivy. I promise you, she will never hurt you


    again,"


    Lionel urged as he tried to stop her. He did not want her to go without telling her how he felt.


    A sad smile appeared on Cassandra''s lips. Why did men always act like this? They would only promise


    to be good after hurting the ones they loved so badly?


    Rufus did it, Lionel did it as well. They were indeed brothers.


    "People I don''t care about cannot hurt me no matter what they do. They may hurt my body but they will


    never hurt my heart. I''m not afraid of Ivy. She can''t hurt me and neither can you,"


    Cassandra took a deep breath and said coolly as she looked at Lionel with calm, peaceful eyes.

 Chapter 414 A Hypocritical Jerk

    Chapter 414 A Hypocritical Jerk


    Seeing the determination in her eyes, Lionel was convinced that Cassandra had indeed changed. She


    was a different woman than before.


    She was now calmer, more sensible and tactful.


    "You have changed so much, Cassandra,"


    Lionel muttered, looking at her in nk amazement.


    "People change. That''s natural. I wish you''d catch up and mature as well,"


    Cassandra said, putting much weight on her words. Lionel''s unwillingness to give her up tired her out.


    "Cassandra, I love you, I really do. Ivy plotted against you and put you in a bad light. I thought you


    pushed her downstairs. Had I known the truth, I would not have made the impulsive decision to divorce


    you,"


    Lionel exined. Cassandra, though, did not care for the past anymore. Going back to it did not


    interest her.


    "It''s all over, Lionel. It''s time to forget the past and look forward. Now, you have a heavy burden upon


    you. You should consider my suggestion,"


    Cassandra said with finality and then turned to leave. The coffee on the table was still steaming hot


    when they arrived. And by the time Cassandra left, it was warm and untouched.


    This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .


    Lionel thought about Cassandra''s words carefully as he watched the coffee turn cold, little by little.


    What he did not realize was that someone was watching him. He followed him in the dark and secretly


    took pictures of him and Cassandra using his mobile phone.


    It was a sick habit of the people in this city. They liked to spread gossip about each other. Deception


    and fraud were part of their culture and no one really knew when the light woulde.


    Ivy squinted at the video and pictures Joel sent her as a sinister smile curled at the corners of her


    mouth.


    "So Lionel is still unwilling to give up Cassandra?"


    Ivy smiled disdainfully. She could not believe that he actually indulged himself with the fantasy that


    Cassandra woulde back and marry him again.


    "I think so. My friend followed him all the way but Cassandra refused him,"


    Leo said as he looked at Cassandra''s image lustfully. Greed filled his eyes as he looked at her with


    desire.


    Cassandra''s stunning face made Joel swallow.


    "Can you get more of the drugs you used before?"


    Ivy asked suddenly, confusing him.


    "What drugs?"


    Joel didn''t know what Ivy was talking about. He was puzzled.


    "Don''t pretend! Didn''t you drug Cassandra before?"


    Ivy red at her brother. Lines of displeasure marred her attractive face.


    "Oh yes! My friend has it.


    He knows the source," Joel replied.


    "Get some for me. I need it. It will be of great help,"


    Ivy said, wearing an expression that marked impending chaos. Her eyes were cold and looming.


    ''Oh, Cassandra, '' she gnashed the teeth in anger, ''You appear everywhere I go. I''ll make sure you''ll


    prove useful to me once again.''


    "Ivy, well¡­I also need your help,"


    Joel said biting his lip. He looked at Ivy and hesitated. He was not sure if he wanted to say it or not.


    "If you have something to say, say it. No one else will hear you here,"


    Ivy said, starting to feel a bit ratty. She anticipated that he was going to ask her for money again.


    "Here is the thing. My friend and I met some girls, and I want to invite them to have a party here. Could


    you lend me the vi for some days?"


    Joel asked while carefully observing Ivy''s facial expressions.


    "What do you want to do?"


    Ivy knew her brother like the back of her hand. Surely, he didn''t just want to throw a party.


    "My friend told others that his family was rich. So...we need the vi to keep the front,"


    Joel said as he threw his arm around his sister''s shoulder and put on a mischievous, delinquent smile.


    "What a fair-weather friend he is. Can you do something grown-up right now?"


    Ivy frowned in dissatisfaction, but Joel was acting like it was no big deal.


    "Come on, Ivy. You have fifty million! This means big bucks for both of us! Why are you being so


    stingy? My friend is working for you now. Don''t underestimate him. He keeps tabs on everything!"


    Joel had neither smarts nor skills, but he was loyal to his friends.


    "Stop that. I know. Okay, fine. Just be careful not to cause trouble here. And get the drugs for me as


    soon as possible,"


    Ivy said impatiently as she pushed him away and proceeded to go upstairs. Joel happily pranced


    around and took out his phone to make a call.


    "Adrian! Guess what? My sister agreed!"


    Joel said, unable to hide his excitement at the thought of those pretty female college students. He


    smiled radiantly.


    "Really? Bravo, Joel!"


    Adrian replied, also eager for action. He was the one who sweet-talked the two girls and gained their


    trust. He couldn''t wait to take them to the vi and have sex with them.


    "By the way, do you still have the aphrodisiac you gave mest time? The extremely potent one. I need


    it urgently now. Give me some more,"


    Joel said, remembering what his sister asked for.


    "No problem. It''s of good efficacy. Last time I got some for a woman. Haha,"


    Adrian remembered the one he gave Amanda. She must have been very satisfied with its performance


    because she never got back to him with aint.


    "Good. Get some for me. Don''t forget, okay?"


    Joel reminded Adrian again.


    "But I don''t think we need to drug those girls. I dare say they will obey us willingly,"


    Adrian mistakenly thought that his friend was nning to drug the girls and told him it was


    unnecessary.


    "What are you talking about? It''s not for me. It''s for someone else! Someone else needs the drugs.


    Don''t worry. You will be fully paid,"


    Joel didn''t disclose who needed it. Besides, he had to rely on his sister for the next half of his life.


    "Okay. I will get the girls. Tidy up your house and get everything ready. You know what I mean,"


    Adrian grinned wickedly. Joel hung up the phone in agreement.


    The thought of gettingid with a sweet girl filled him with so much excitement.


    Adrian had a very handsome face. This made flirting so much easier for him.


    Cassandra took the medicine to Edith and watched her take it.


    Even after Edith was discharged from the hospital, her mental condition never returned to how it was


    before. Also, she always suffered from headaches. Everytime she said she wasn''t feeling well,


    Cassandra''s heart would be wrung to the very core.


    rk''s intentions were obvious. He must have found out about Cassandra''s rtionship with Rufus


    and wanted to use her to control him.


    Unexpectedly, her love became the sharp knife that stabbed her family.


    "Cassandra, I haven''t seen rk recently. Is he busy with his work? Do you still keep in touch with


    him?"


    Despite her difort, Edith kept thinking about rk and Cassandra''s marriage. A lump came into


    Cassandra''s throat.


    "Mom, he''s been very busy with his work so he can''te to visit you frequently. I''m with you every


    day, though. Don''t worry," she replied.


    Cassandra shot a nce at the servant who was busy cleaning outside the door and felt stressed out.


    The servant was given by rk. In Cassandra''s eyes, it was very likely that she was rk''s spy. Even


    if rk didn''t live here, he knew everything that was going on in this house.


    What a scheming and merciless man he was!


    "Don''t focus too much on me. Spend time with rk. Make sure youmunicate. You''re not young


    anymore and I''m in poor health. You know, I might die at any time. I want to attend your wedding before


    I go,"


    Edith said sadly. Sorrow began to well up as she burst into convulsive sobs.


    Edith''s emotional instability worried Cassandra. When she left the hospital, the doctor specially told


    Cassandra that she must have a good rest to avoid violent mood swings. Because of this, Cassandra


    did her best not to mention rk to her in hopes that this would help her recover from her illness.


    However, Edith became even moodier after she fell sick. She was always worried about Cassandra''s


    marriage and often cried, so her illness aggravated.


    "Mom, don''t worry about me. Marriage is made in heaven. Nothing forcibly done is going to be


    agreeable. I can''t just marry some random guy on the street,"


    Cassandra joked to amuse Edith. In response, Edith just stared at her.


    "Don''t talk nonsense. I like rk, not some guy on the street. I want him to be my son-inw," she said.


    Edith liked rk so much that she persisted in convincing Cassandra that he was good for her.


    In Edith''s mind, rk was a gentle and considerate man who took good care of her. She trusted him


    and treated him as if he were her own son.


    Cassandra sighed inwardly. If Edith found out that rk wasn''t who he really was, and that he was a


    very hypocritical jerk, would she be able to take it?

 Chapter 415 Human Has Desire And Weakness

    Chapter 415 Human Has Desire And Weakness


    Ivy immediately sensed that something was wrong when she got back to the vi. Uncertain of what it


    was, she decided to stand outside the yard. From there, she saw the brightly-lit house and the chaos


    happening inside.


    Knitting her eyebrows with suspicion, she went back to the car and started the engine. Then, she saw


    someone suddenly walk out into thewn beside the hallway, and start to throw up. The person was


    clearly intoxicated.


    ''What kind of people did Joel bring home?''


    Ivy said to herself, irritated. She just had a very disappointing date with rk who still seemed so


    indifferent to her. She was feeling very upset about it. Now, her brother just made her feel worse!


    Fed up, she got out of the car and mmed the door of the car behind her fiercely. Then, she started to


    march towards the house in huge, heavy steps. Unexpectedly, a man walked out.


    He was very tall and quite good-looking. The drunk man who just finished spilling his guts bumped into


    him on his way stumbling back into the house. Instead of being angry, though, the good-looking man


    helped him by holding on to him to keep him from falling over and smiled.


    His name was Adrian. The party was starting to bore him so he decided to go out and get some fresh


    air. He was conserving his energy because his current priority was to get the girl he liked, drunk.


    Ivy froze. Realizing how close she was to him, her knees wobbled. She could not seem to stand still.


    That was the man who had a one-night stand with her! She couldn''t believe her eyes.


    Adrian took a deep breath, exhaled, and looked around the yard. Then, he saw Ivy. She was standing


    not very far away from him.


    He was not so sure at first. Then, he smiled. Gradually, his smile started to spread across his face.


    Stretching out his hand, he waved in greeting.


    Ivy, on the other hand, was frightened out of her wits. She found herself stepping back unconsciously.


    She did not know what to do.


    Adrianughed even more when he saw Ivy''s expression.


    He recognized her. She was the rich woman he slept with one time. That was a fun night. What an


    interesting coincidence it was that she also happened to be the owner of the vi: Joel''s sister!


    Suddenly, his interest on the girl inside the vi was reced with an intense fascination with the


    woman outside. Adrian started to walk towards her, looking at her intently and appreciating every curve


    of her body.


    Ivy felt the hair on her limbs stand. The reason why she had a one-night stand with Adrian was


    because she wanted to be pregnant. When that failed, she did not bother to contact him again.


    More than that, Adrian''s sister seemed to know Cassandra. It was another reason why Ivy wanted to


    avoid him.


    She didn''t expect to see him tonight, especially in her own house!


    Adrian continued approaching Ivy with a huge, charming smile. This time, Ivy was too frightened to


    even step back.


    "Why are you so afraid of me, beauty? I''m not going to eat you!"


    Adrianughed mischievously. He was like a wolf that saw a rabbit vulnerable and alone in the forest.


    "Do note any closer! This is my house!"


    Ivy said, raising her chin as an attempt to feign confidence in hopes that this would stop Adrian from


    getting any closer.


    "Well, technically, I''m your guest. I don''t think it''s polite for a hostess to avoid her guest like that!"


    Adrian replied sheepishly. Ivy did not intimidate him at all. He slept with her once. He was certain that


    he''d be able to do it again.


    He was really good with women. Whatever he wanted, he would get.


    Ivy felt her mind go nk. She suddenly remembered what Joel told her:


    "My friend lied to everyone that his family was rich so he wanted to borrow your vi to patch up his


    lie."


    Ivy''s body grew stiff when she recalled that.


    "Beauty, you have nowhere else to go. If you keep stepping back, you''ll soon be out of your own


    yard..."


    Adrian smiled slyly as he continued stepping forward. He was moving closer and closer. Soon, Ivy


    found herself against a rail. She couldn''t step back anymore.


    "What is going on between you and Amanda?"


    Ivy felt her feet grow cold. If the man before her were faking his wealth, what happened in the beach


    vi? Were he and Amanda both pretending?


    This stopped Adrian, making him hesitated. Soon, he responded, "Beauty, why do rich women like you


    believe that true friendship exists between women? When you think about it, we, the scum of this


    society, are actually the ones who are the most honest. Look at us. Look at how well I treated your


    brother. Look at how well I took care of him. From the moment he dropped out of school and started


    hanging out with us, I''ve been covering for him. We got each other''s backs! That''s what men are! We''re


    loyal to our friends!"


    This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    Now, the smile on his face was back.


    Adrian''s words made Ivy sad.


    Even though he did not directly answer her question, he told her the truth.


    Ivy thought that Amanda was helping her but she was wrong. Amanda was actually plotting against her.


    At that time, she was still Lionel''s girlfriend. Amanda used her so she could drive Lionel mad. This, in


    turn, would please Rufus. She suddenly realized that Amanda had been fooling her the entire time.


    This made Ivy furious. Maintaining herposure, she forced herself to smile at the man in front of


    her.


    "Yes, you''re correct. Thank you for taking care of Joel. I hope you can really take care of him and help


    him do better in his life. Help him turn away from crooked ways," she said.


    Joel was her younger brother¡ªher only brother. In her heart, she always wished that he would stop


    doing things that could possibly risk his safety.


    "Well, if I''m not mistaken, I assume it was you who asked Joel to get an aphrodisiac from me. Am I


    right? What was it for, I wonder. Something...crooked? Come on, sweetheart. Life is a survival of the


    fittest. Do you think I care about what other people think? Are they the ones who will put food on my


    table? Honey, I don''t care what people say about me or how people see me. I will do what I have to do


    to survive. Do you understand me?"


    Adrian said as he moved his body closer to Ivy. He moved in so closely that his face was only inches


    away from hers.


    "Now, for example. I suggest that we forget everything and just enjoy the moment..." he whispered.


    "Adrian, if you''re Joel''s real friend, I need you to do me a favor,"


    Ivy said as she held Adrian''s chest with her hand to stop him from moving closer.


    She knew that a man like Adrian, someone who didn''t hold anything back, would be useful. It wouldn''t


    hurt to take advantage of it a little.


    "Well, anything. Just say it. I''d be happy to do it, as long as it''s within my means," he replied.


    "You said that there is no real friendship between women, right? Well, I have two enemies and they''re


    both women. Would you, by any chance, be able to help me make them suffer?" she asked.


    Without a doubt, Ivy knew what Adrian wanted. He wanted her body. For men, they would do anything


    to get what they wanted. As long as they had desires, they had weaknesses.


    "Didn''t you just ask me to turn away from my crooked ways? What made you change your mind so


    quickly?"


    Adrian teased her because of how she said one thing but actually meant another.


    "Be honest with me. Don''t you want to have a rich family? I have a suggestion: Why not be a rich man


    yourself, instead? You know about me, I''m sure. I have a great deal of money overseas. When


    everything is settled, I n to leave, take Joel with me and nevere back. If you like, you can go


    with me and we can make a fortune together,"


    Ivy reached out to touch Adrian''s face while she said.


    Adrian''s eyes became bright when he heard what Ivy said. ''She seems to have wealth. If I could go


    with her, my life will be easy!'' he thought.


    "Sure. I would do anything for you!"


    Adrian took Ivy''s hand and pressed it to his lips...


    Ivy gave him a charming smile. She gently grabbed his hand and opened the car door, invited him in


    and closed it behind her.


    She hated those two women.


    ''''Let''s wait and see. I''m not afraid of anything. I will go ahead regardless and make you pay, since you


    don''t want to see me happy!'' she swore silently.

 Chapter 416 Wed Rather Lose Face (Part One)

    Chapter 416 We''d Rather Lose Face (Part One)


    Horace, lying in the hospital bed, had spent the entire day in a lethargic state. His mental state was that


    of utter despondency. Every time Jill looked at him, tears would ooze in her eyes.


    As soon as he fell asleep, she took a chance to talk to Lionel, her face full of concern and worry.


    "Lionel, do you think I should go talk to Alice? Maybe she can change Arthur''s mind and prevent Dawn


    Star Group from fighting against us? The twopanies can coexist in peace, for god''s sake!"


    Jill knew Tang Group was in a dangerous position right now. She felt powerless, because she didn''t


    know much about how the business worked. The only thing in her power was to go and talk to Alice,


    given the rtionship they had shared before.


    "No, Mom. You shouldn''t. Arthur is determined to make us suffer, so there''s no use talking to his


    mother. It will only give them more reasons tough at us."


    Lionel had decided not to admit defeat to Arthur. His pride wouldn''t let him. Ever since they were both


    little, he''d been better than Arthur in every way imaginable. However, things had changed now. Truth


    was, the Tang Group wasn''t capable ofpeting with the Dawn Star Group. But it was very hard for


    Lionel to ept it.


    "But, Lionel, don''t you see your father''s condition? It just makes me so sad to see him lying there like


    this...so lifeless..."


    Jill couldn''t even finish her sentence. She was at the verge of crying again. Horace''s health worried her


    every second. His condition had worsened. Rufus''s hatred towards him was like a sharp knife piercing


    through his heart. She was afraid Horace wouldn''t make it if things went badly for Tang Group.


    "Mom, please don''t worry. Trust me. I will think of another way,"


    Lionel tried tofort Jill, as his face was frowned.


    "Or...maybe we can go talk to Rufus again?"


    Jill suggested hesitantly. After all these days of suffering, she hadpletely lost her fighting spirit. It


    felt like she would lose her mind if she continued seeing Horace lying on the bed every day.


    Jill couldn''t even imagine what she would do if something happened to him. She had to find a way to


    save thepany so she could save her husband, her son, and herself.


    "Why do you want to talk to Rufus?"


    Lionel asked tilting his head, taken aback. He never thought Jill would suggest this. She hated Rufus


    so much! It was unbelievable that she would change her mind.


    Jill sighed deeply and answered, "Lionel...You know I hate that bastard, Rufus. He can neverpare


    to you. But look at the situation objectively. The group is in such a critical position right now. You cannot


    save it on your own. I cannot think of any other way. I''d go ask him even though I really don''t want to."


    She was ashamed to have stooped down to such an extent.


    Never in a million years would she sumb to this choice if thepany wasn''t in this state. She had


    absolutely no one else to turn to. Rufus was, after all, Horace''s son. Apart from that, he was the only


    one who had the capability to change the situation and save thepany.


    "Don''t rush to such decisions, Mom. Please give me some time to find another way. Rufus isn''t like


    other people. If we go to him and he refuses to see us, and ends up insulting us like before, we will lose


    our only chance!"


    Lionel said, pacing up and down the room, trying to think of an alternative solution. Rufus had never


    been on good terms with him. Every time they saw each other, the air around them became thick. He


    worried if they went straight to Rufus now, both of them would lose their facades.Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Then what are you nning to do?"


    Jill asked, thinking of the rtionship they had shared with Rufus all these years. She knew how much


    Rufus hated them. What could they do to take his help regardless of that hatred? This was the most


    important question at hand.


    "I will think of a way,"


    Lionel said vaguely. All of a sudden, Cassandra''s face shed through his head.


    Jill stared at Lionel with doubtful eyes, as if she suspected something.


    "Lionel, are you considering asking Cassandra for help? Have you been in contact with her?"


    A trace of anger appeared on Jill''s face. The very thought of Cassandra, who was her former daughter-


    inw, made her feel ufortable. She really despised that woman.


    "Mom...Cassandra is the only one who can persuade Rufus. I mean...Amanda is engaged to him but


    he doesn''t care about her at all. In my opinion, there''s actually no love between the two. Even if there


    is, it''s one-sided,"


    Lionel exined. He had been keeping his eye on them constantly. His people had told him that


    Cassandra indeed lived right next door to Rufus. Surprisingly, Amanda didn''t live there with him! In fact,


    they hadn''t even seen each other for days.


    He could bet Amanda had no power over Rufus''s heart at all. But Cassandra was different. Even


    though they had already broken up, Rufus clearly still had feelings for her. She was the only one


    Rufus''s heart was reserved for.


    Lionel wasn''t willing to ept this, despite the proofs. But he couldn''t change the facts. Cassandra too


    held strong feelings for Rufus. That was why she had refused Lionel so many times, which really


    frustrated him.


    But the matter now was about his family business. Dawn Star Group wasn''t willing to let them go.


    Besides, other people on the board of directors also wanted to snatch the power now that Horace was


    ill. If Tang Group didn''t survive this external and internal attack, they would lose everything.


    "What has Cassandra done to you? Why are you and Rufus both so obsessed with her? It''s simply


    beyond me!"


    Jill almost screamed, full of disdain. Like most people in G City, she too thought Cassandra was a


    woman with loose morals. She had hooked up with Rufus while she was still married to Lionel. Now


    Rufus was with Amanda, and she still wouldn''t let go of him.


    "Mom, you don''t have to meet her. I will talk to her myself and ask her to persuade Rufus. After that,


    we''ll go to him directly and apologise for whatever happened before and try to make hime back to


    help save the Tang Group,"


    Lionel said, kneading Jill''s shoulders. He sounded confident and determined. This was the only


    remaining way. He just hoped Jill would support him and stop worrying about it.

 Chapter 417 Wed Rather Lose Face (Part Two)

    Chapter 417 We''d Rather Lose Face (Part Two)


    "Yeah, this is the only way. But Lionel...be careful. Don''t get involved with her again. I would never


    agree to something like that again!"


    Jill warned Lionel strictly. s, the mother couldn''t see the sadness in her son''s eyes.


    He couldn''t tell her he wanted to get back together with Cassandra. In fact, he deeply regretted his


    decision of divorcing her before. However, it was sad that she just didn''t want him anymore.


    "Don''t worry, Mom. I understand what you are thinking,"


    Lionel said with a forced, bitter smile on his face.


    He turned his head around to look inside the hospital room. Horacey on the bed, staring at the


    ceiling.


    Rufus''s hatred towards his own father hadpletely destroyed him, despite how powerful he had


    been in the industry all his life. Now, every day was nothing but a nightmare for him.


    Horace''s mind started to fly back to the times when he was young. He was so ambitious and capable at


    the time. It was in those days that he had met a young woman from Ling family at a party, and had


    immediately fallen in love with her.


    Lucky for him, she had fallen in love with him too. Soon, they started dating. But something always


    bugged Horace. It was the inheritance right of the family business.


    The Ling family had already started to lose its power and status. They couldn''t have helped him get the


    inheritance right. That was where Jill came into picture.


    At that time, the Xie family was very powerful and influential. Jill was their favourite daughter. Tactically,


    it only made sense for Horace to be with her in order to get the support of her family.


    Horace couldn''t resist the temptation. He started to avoid seeing the Ling family''s daughter and chose


    to get engaged to Jill instead.


    What he didn''t know was she was already pregnant with a boy. The boy in her womb was no one else


    but Rufus. She wanted to meet Horace and talk about him, but he simply refused to see her.


    The Ling''s daughter didn''t want to kill the baby and go back to her family for support. She was left with


    no choice but to abandon her family and move out of the house. She not only bore Rufus for nine


    months in her belly but also raised him all alone.


    All of this was due to Horace''s ignorance. His faults made Rufus suffer for a very long time, eventually


    resting in his heart like a deep wound that could never cure.


    Horace thought back his whole life. He''d been respected, envied and praised by so many people. And


    now...at this stage of his life, when he needed support the most, his own son had nothing to give him


    but hatred.


    It confused him. What had he been even fighting for his entire life if he had no love? He abandoned the


    woman he loved for Jill''s wealth. He lost the chance of giving his son a good childhood and didn''t see


    him growing up. All of thesepromises, for what? Only to find out from his deathbed that he had


    miserably failed to take the moral path in life, and that even when he tried to make up for it and build a


    good rtionship with his son, it didn''t work out.


    Now, he was old. Lord knew how much time he had left. Besides, he had already lost all will and


    energy. The group that he had kept afloat somehow all these years was now going to go bankrupt. All


    of his hard work, his tactics, and his intellect seemed to have been wasted.


    He was tired both physically and mentally.


    He just couldn''t keep up the fight anymore. His health alternated between good and bad. He had lost a


    lot of weight in the past few days. No one would know if they could hope for his well-being anymore, or


    was it already toote?


    Lionel saw his father''s condition and it worried him sick. He had to act quickly. He walked away from his


    mother and finally made the call. Part of him was convinced that she wouldn''t pick up. Just when he


    was about to give up hope, she answered. "Hello..." Cassandra said, in that same melodious voice he


    remembered.


    "Cassandra...I know this is abrupt. But I had no other way..." Lionel said, almost confessedly.


    Something in him felt like it was melting. "Do you think Rufus will forgive us if my mother apologised to


    him?" he continued. Cassandra didn''t say anything back. He fell quiet too. Summoning courage, he


    spoke again, "Can you go and talk to him first, and tell me what he thinks?"


    On the other side of the phone, Cassandra listened intently, with a surprised look stered on her face.


    She had never expected Lionel to call her, let alone asked her for a favour like this.


    "Did your mother agree to this?" she asked, finally.


    In all honesty, Cassandra had lost all intents of helping them thest time she was rejected by Lionel.


    But now, he seemed desperate, needy and most importantly, genuine.


    They were willing to apologise to Rufus. This really was a pleasant surprise.


    "Yeah. See, my dad is in a really bad condition right now. If he doesn''t make it...my mom will not be


    able to handle it. As long as Rufus agrees toe back and help us save the Tang Group, she can


    make apromise. It''s not as important as saving thepany and with that, saving my dad."


    Lionel had a hard timemunicating with such honestly and vulnerability. His pride seemed to be


    injured. While he felt good to be talking to Cassandra, it pained him that he had to bow down to Rufus.


    It was unfortunate that this was the only way.


    This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .


    Tang Group, which had been in power for so many years was now being knocked out by Dawn Star


    Group. Many people in the industry were waiting to see Tang Group go bankrupt, and they were afraid


    it would influence their ownpanies as well.


    Dawn Star was more powerful than ever, with no otherpanies in the position topete with it. It


    seemed like it had a very strong ally supporting it financially. No one wanted to cross them by trying to


    help Tang Group.


    "Okay, I will talk to Rufus. If he agrees, I will call you and arrange a meeting."


    Lionel heaved a sigh of relief. Cassandra was determined to help him.

 Chapter 418 A Conspiracy On The Way

    Chapter 418 A Conspiracy On The Way


    Lionel looked at Cassandra with mixed feelings reflected on his eyes. Then, he said, "I have an idea of


    what had happened between you and Rufus, Cassandra. What I don''t understand is why is he


    engaged to Amanda now but not with you? I am a man. A man should do everything he can to win the


    heart of the woman he loves if what he feels for her is real. I really believe that because that was


    exactly what I did for you before..."


    His confusion led him to keep talking and talking, looking back at the time when he fell in love with the


    woman in front of him now.


    He always found Cassandra attractive. He even broke up with Ivy just to be with her.


    It just hurt him because whenever he drew near, she pulled herself away.


    Seeing where the conversation was going, Cassandra raised a hand to stop Lionel from continuing.


    "If you really want me to help you, then don''t ever say those words again,"


    Cassandra said sternly. She did not want to hear anything about her rtionship with Rufus anymore,


    from anyone.


    It wasplicated. No one would be able to understand. As for their future, she did not even want to


    think about it anymore. She was no longer as naive as she was in the past.


    "I''m not trying to make him look bad, or get between you two. After what happened between all of us,


    you can be sure I know my ce. I know I can''t win your heart. But would it be too much for me to ask


    the woman I love to be happy, even without me?"


    Lionel replied helplessly. He truly cared about Cassandra. Seeing her looking thinner and paler than


    whenever hest saw her pained him.


    "Please stop. Why did you break up with Ivy? You don''t have to do that for me. I can''t be in a


    rtionship with someone who is unfaithful, and that was exactly what you were,"


    she shot back. In her heart, she was sad talking about what happened between her and Lionel. He


    seemed very different now.


    He was tooid-back and impulsive. He would fall in love with someone just as easily as he would


    break up with them.


    It took years before Cassandra learned to ept reality.


    She liked to imagine herself as a Chinese parasol tree that would match up to Rufus. But she gradually


    came to realize that no matter how hard she tried, the distance between her and Rufus was just too


    great.


    This distance existed when they knew each other at the very beginning.


    He had his own life formed by his past. She was an unexpected detour. It was all serendipity.


    That fantasysted until today. Cassandra knew that they had each other in their hearts. When she


    thought about the future, though, she could not see anything. She had no idea what their future would


    be like.


    She was willing to live a simple life with him, but Rufus was born to be a great man with an eventful life.


    He will never be happy with a in life.


    Everywhere he went, there were rumors about him. Controversy and trouble followed him. Still,


    Cassandra was willing to go through them with him.


    Lionel, on the other hand, grew speechless when she brought up Ivy. He wanted to live a peaceful life


    with Ivy, but his feelings of Cassandra was just too strong for him to let go of.


    "You know what, fine. I''ll talk to Rufus about you. Wait for my message," Cassandra said.


    Then, she took a look at Lionel and turned to leave. Lionel sat frozen as he thought about all the times


    he had spent with Cassandra.


    If he apologized to Rufus, that would mean he yielded to him. Would this make him lose his chances


    with Cassandra?


    Cassandra was a proud woman. She would never settle for a loser.


    A bitter smile appeared on Lionel''s lips. He knew that this was the only possible way. Right now, all he


    could do was to wish that Cassandra''s conversation with Rufus would go well.


    In a secret dark chamber


    Arthur looked at rk and smiled.


    "Mr. Ji, I did everything as you asked me to do. Now, the Tang Group is facing great problems with


    regard to their money chain. Their bank loan is about to mature, and if I am correct, the Tang Group is


    at the verge of bankruptcy!"


    Arthurughed coldly. His white teeth reflected the little light that entered the room. They glimmered in


    the dark.


    He had hated the Tang family for so many years. Seeing them at the brink of copse thrilled him.


    "Good job,"


    rk replied with a satisfied smile. Arthur was a good helper.


    rk wanted to know how Rufus really felt about the Tang Group through this predicament. As it turned


    out, Rufus did nothing to help salvaging thepany. This made rk conclude that he really disliked


    Horace and the Tang family. Because of this, he was not about toe to their aid at any point.


    This also told him that if he went after Rufus, the Tang family would not try to protect him as well.


    ''Wait for me, Rufus! I''ll destroy everything around you. I will make you suffer, little by little!'' cursed rk


    in his heart.


    "Do you need me to put the Tang family in an even worse situation?"


    Arthur asked. He wanted to get a bigger job.


    "Oh? Try me,"


    rk asked, raising his eyebrows with interest.


    "How would you like it if I make the Tang family lose its reputation even before the bankruptcy?"


    A malicious expression formed on Arthur''s face. He really seemed to hate the Tang family.


    All these years, Lionel had always been better than him. The Dawn Star Group was always an


    underdogpared to the Tang Group. Now, he had the chance to take his revenge and destroy them.


    Why would he settle with just removing their wealth? Why not take their reputation too to make sure


    that they would never be able to rise to power again?


    Arthur''s suggestion took him by surprise but rk was able to hide it well. This man was heartless. He


    seemed to have chosen the right person.


    A man with this much hatred was powerful enough to destroy everything!


    "What are you nning?"


    rk asked as he looked at Arthur with a cold smile.


    "There is a guy in mypany who knew Rufus''s birth mother. ording to Horace, Rufus was


    abroad during his childhood because he had a health condition. My source, however, found out that


    Horace actually abandoned them! Then again, everyone knew that Horace was lying when he said the


    story about Rufus''s health, but no one exposed him,"


    Arthur said and smiled viciously. He was like a serpent waiting for its prey toe.


    "What if I expose Horace as the unfaithful man? Then people will hate him! No one will ever help him


    get back to his feet after he falls down. The Tang Group will go down along with Horace''s reputation.


    Isn''t that a better idea than before?"


    Arthurughed loudly, unable to contain his excitement. The thought of the Tang Group''s fall made him


    feel ted.


    "Well, it''s up to you. But I need you to do one more thing,"


    rk said. Instead of rejecting his proposal, he opted to bargain for more.


    "Sure, please. Anything for you, Mr. Ji," Arthur replied.


    All the investments Arthur had were from rk. He would do whatever rk asked him to do.


    "Did you date Cassandra''s sister before?"


    rk asked meaningfully. This was one of Arthur''s secrets; he was a bit taken aback by rk''s


    question.


    "How do you know that? To answer your question, yes, I did. But she''s a stupid woman. I broke up with


    her because she was too boring," he admitted.


    The question took Arthur off guard. He took advantage of Cloris to deal with Cassandra. After he


    seeded, he dumped her because she was no longer useful.


    rk didn''tment after Arthur replied. He merely smiled.


    This man was not an honest man even in front of him. Did he really believe that he could fool


    everyone? Boring? That was nothing but an excuse.


    rk then continued, "I want you to contact her again and continue dating her."


    This was more an order than a suggestion. There was firmness in his voice. He wanted this done.


    "But... But why?"


    Arthur asked, puzzled. He was curious why rk would want to meddle in his personal life.


    "Don''t ask too many questions. Just do it. In short, I want you to make her love you so unconditionally


    that she would do whatever you ask her to do. I need her to be a pawn in my game!"


    rk''s face darkened as he revealed his n. He must control Cassandra''s family!


    She cared about Edith, her mother, very much. So, rk deduced that her family was something that


    was very important to her. Having Arthur who was her sister''s past me was a great opportunity for


    him. He was not about to let her go easily. It was always how he destroyed his enemies: he would use


    every bit of information he had on them and use it against them.


    At first, Arthur was surprised. Soon, he understood rk''s n and agreed.


    "Yes, I got it! Don''t worry. She is a stupid girl and I have a lot of tricks up my sleeve. It''ll be easy to


    make her fall in love with me," he said.


    Arthur was always confident with himself. He had never worked on Cassandra before, but he had a


    good experience with Cloris who was so easy to lure in.


    "Don''t be too hasty. y carefully and make her trust you,"


    rk advised with gritted teeth.


    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    He tried to win Cassandra''s trust, but no matter what he did, he never seeded.


    She was such a strong and independent woman. She was very intuitive and was someone he never


    could predict and control.


    Rufus was already aware that rk was his neighbor, but this did not concern rk.


    Edith was living in his vi and he had that house designed craftily. If Rufus tried to break in, the rm


    system would be activated and he would definitely die!


    ''You want to y tricks on me, Cassandra? You''ll be sorry, you dumb bitch, '' he cursed.

 Chapter 419 I Wouldnt Stay With You

    Chapter 419 I Wouldn''t Stay With You


    Cassandra was in bed brainstorming about how she could talk Rufus out of his revenge n when she


    heard a knock on her window.


    She sat up nervously and hurried to open the window. As expected, outside was Rufus.


    Looking up at Cassandra, Rufus wore an enchanting smile.


    Then, as if it were the most natural thing to do, he stepped over the windowsill and into her bedroom,


    stretched out his hands and embraced her tightly.


    "Cassandra, it doesn''t look good for Horace. We might see the end of him soon. I''m just taking my time


    but I''ll attend to business again soon."


    Recently, he had received information from the banks about the Tang Group''s loan status. Lawsuits


    were arriving here and there. It won''t be long before they go bankrupt. This made Rufus feel very


    pleased.


    What Rufus said made Cassandra feel sad. She understood what he meant. The Tang Group was in


    grave danger and someone needed to save it fast. Rufus was the only one who could do that, but


    instead of finding ways to keep it alive, he was trying to think of ways on how to kill it faster.


    "Rufus, are you really going to watch the Tang Group go down without even trying to help?"


    Cassandra asked, looking up at him in his arms.


    "I know where this is going, Cassandra. You''ve already tried talking me out of my n to destroy the


    Tang family out of hatred. I told you once and I''ll tell you again: I''m not going to change my mind. I will


    not do anything to stop what''s happening to the Tang Group. Okay? This is what I want so please don''t


    try to convince me to do otherwise,"


    Rufus replied as he stroked her back with his hands gently.


    "Everything you hate about your father can be resolved. If your mother were alive, she would hate to


    see you do this,"


    Cassandra sighed softly, recalling the photos she saw of his mother in his seaside castle. She seemed


    to be a reserved and quiet woman. At a nce, it was clear that she had a very kind heart.


    "I don''t care what she would think. She had her own opinions, but she was wrong. She lived a


    miserable life. Moreover, she got ill at such a young age and spent ten years in bed as a vegetable


    before she finally died. She did everything she could do for a man who didn''t even visit her on her


    deathbed," he said.


    Talking about his mother filled Rufus''s heart with more pain and resentment. He med all of her


    suffering to Horace.


    "Rufus, you are wrong,"


    Cassandra said as she pushed against his chest and looked at him intently with her ck eyes.


    "You should know the man your mother sacrificed everything for was not Horace. It was you,"


    Cassandra said.


    This hit home being a huge realization for Rufus.


    "She had been working hard all those years in order to provide you with a good environment for


    growth. The reason why she kept you from your father must have been because she wanted you two to


    live a peaceful life. She would be very sad if she knew that you are now a man full of hatred,"


    she continued as she looked at him with great sadness in her eyes.


    "If she did what I was doing now, the man who made her suffer would not be alive in his worthless


    existence in the first ce,"


    Rufus replied as he let go of her, trying to suppress his own emotions.


    "If she opted to dedicate her life to get her revenge, then I can''t even imagine what kind of person you


    would turn out to be now,"


    Cassandra immediately responded to what Rufus said.


    "If the revenge were all she wanted, she would not have even given birth to you. And even if she did


    decide to still have you, what would your childhood be like if you were raised by a mother who was full


    of anger and hatred?"


    Being a woman, Cassandra felt that she understood Rufus''s mom better. It was easier for her to


    empathize with her and her situation.


    "If I were your mother, I would probably walk away silently, then decide to abort you and have a new


    life. Still, she knew that you were already growing inside her womb. She loved you more than she loved


    herself. That''s what blood does. That''s what a family does. You are the person closest to her and


    because of that, she decided that you were the most important thing in her life," she said.


    Talking about a baby in a womb filled Cassandra with sorrow as she remembered her own. Unlike what


    happened to Rufus''s mom, though, her baby never got toe out into the world. ''Maybe I''m not


    meant to raise this baby, '' she wondered.


    "She didn''t ask for anybody''s help and she did not me anybody for what happened. Instead, she


    focused on you¡ªgiving you a good life, and a good education. As a mother, that was all she wanted:


    her child to have a good life. I think this was the reason why she did not need a revenge. It was


    because she already had you and that was all she could ask for. Rufus, please. Let this go,"


    Cassandra said with a cracking voice as tears filled her eyes.


    "No, I will never let this go. What you said is true. My mother did everything she could because she


    loved me. But that is not enough to make me forgive Horace," he replied.


    Looking at her tearful eyes distressed him but he had to stay firm. Horace had to pay for his mistakes.


    Unable to think of any way to appease her, he turned to avoid seeing her sad expression.


    ''I have worked towards this goal for many, many years. For so long, I have wanted Horace to feel


    remorse about his actions and to regret what he has done. How can I give it up now that I''m so close?''


    he thought.


    "Horace came over to apologize because he knew what he did was wrong. As for Jill, I know she


    regrets what she did to your mother. If they both apologized, would you forgive them?"


    Cassandra asked, reaching out to hold his hands. For the first time, his hands were cold. He had


    always been so rxed andposed. This was really something that was important to him.


    The coldness in his hands reflected the coldness in his heart.


    "That''s impossible. Horace never really felt bad for what he did to my mother. He only apologized


    because he had to. The only reason he came here was because of the Tang Group, not me. As for Jill,


    she''s even more unlikely to apologize. She thinks she''s better than everyone else, especially me, who


    she always regarded as nothing more than an illegitimate child. Not once in my life did I see her look at


    me as an equal. None of their apologies matter to me,"


    Rufus gritted his teeth and said. There was finality in his words. There seemed to be no way to


    convince him otherwise.


    The light of hope in Cassandra''s eyes dimmed after she heard what he said. She thought that she


    would manage to change his mind, but it seemed to be impossible even for her to sway him.


    "Rufus, if the Tang family goes bankrupt and Horace suffers, I can''t be with you," she said sternly.


    Cassandra determined to use all the cards she had to bargain and hoped he''d change his mind.


    Suddenly, Rufus turned to her with an incredulous expression.


    "Cassandra, why are you saying that?"


    Rufus asked as he tried to find clues of a bluff in her face. He didn''t understand why she was trying to


    protect the Tang family. ''She should stand on my side and support me, shouldn''t she? Why is she doing


    this?'' he wondered.


    "I don''t want to stay with someone who can do this to his family. I want someone who is responsible,


    forgiving, and loving, especially to the people closest to him,"


    Cassandra replied as she emphasized every word. She knew what was important to her and what she


    was looking for in a partner.


    "They are not my family!"


    Rufus argued angrily. He could not understand why Cassandra still regarded them as his family. His


    last name was Luo, not Tang.


    This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    "I will tell you again as gently as I can: the Tang family is not my family. You are my family, Cassandra.


    Do you understand?"


    Rufus grabbed her arms with both his hands, letting her look at his anxious face.


    "You are going to stay with me and we will be family. It''s just the two of us. The Tang family is our


    enemy. Why can''t you stand in my shoes?"


    Rufus said in frustration. He felt very disappointed that she could not seem to understand him. Sadness


    shed in his eyes.


    "Rufus, I just don''t want you to regret this in the future,"


    Cassandra answered with apologetic eyes.


    "I used to hate my family, too. I hated my father because he was always so distant with me and he


    clearly favored my younger sister. I could even say that he never showed me affection. He was even


    willing to marry me off to someone I did not love for the sake of his business. Of course, you know that


    I''m talking about Lionel," she shared.


    Thinking about her past made Cassandra very sad. It was as if she was going through it all again. Still,


    if this was what it took to persuade Rufus, she was willing to do it.


    "I was miserable and frustrated then. I disobeyed what my father asked me to do and I saw the Qin


    family as my worst enemy," she continued.


    Cassandra could still see herself during those years, vengeful eyes and a crooked bitter smile on her


    face.


    "Later on, my mother cried in front of me with desperation. She begged me to do it for she did not want


    to see everything that my father worked for be destroyed, and she didn''t want our stable life to be


    threatened. To do as she wishes, I agreed to the marriage even if it meant giving up my freedom."


    Cassandra remembered her mother''s tears. She bit her lips and closed her eyes for it was difficult to


    see the memory.


    But soon, she opened her eyes again and continued to look at him.


    "I had no choice but to agree with what my mother wanted in the end, so I married Lionel. You have no


    idea how embarrassed I was, especially at the beginning; how much I wanted to escape this marriage


    and how much I hated my father."


    Cassandra shook her head gently, thinking of herself at that time. She avoided her family. She did not


    even stay in contact with them. It was all to protect herself from more pain.


    "Then, I saw the news that the Tang Group started a cooperative project with the Qin Group, so the Qin


    Group could continue to run. Suddenly, I felt that my heart was not as heavy."


    Cassandra rxed slightly. The memory clearly made her a little bit happier.


    "Only then did I realize how much I have helped my family. My hatred for my father and the rest of my


    family disappeared. I found purpose,"


    Cassandra said as she looked solemnly at Rufus with sincere and unshakable eyes.


    "Rufus, I''m telling you this even if you don''t realize it now. Nothing inspires forgiveness quite like


    revenge. They are your family whether you like it or not. You have the same blood and you''re all


    connected. Their pain will be your pain and their joy will likewise be your joy."

 Chapter 420 A Vicious Reunion

    Chapter 420 A Vicious Reunion


    The muscles on Rufus''s face tightened. His fists clenched and unclenched at his sides.


    "Their happiness would bring me pain, and their pain would be my happiness."


    His face remained closed off and distant, the coldness of his eyes unchanging. Cassandra could tell


    from the firm lines of his face that he was restraining himself and fighting against his own anger.


    She was at a loss with his stubbornness.


    "Are you really going to stay as an outsider and just watch your family fall down?"


    Cassandra pressed again.


    "This is my business, Cassandra, and the decision will be mine. Have you forgotten what they did to


    you?"


    Rufus''s eyes closed in on her as he continued.


    The people she was calling as his family had treated her with nothing but disrespect. Why was she


    standing up for them now? Had she forgotten? If so, he would remind her of everything now. His eyes


    glinted with cruelty as he spoke, "Let us recount, shall we? First, there is Jill. Form the moment you


    stepped inside the house, she had insulted you, from head to toe, and over and over again. Then


    there''s Horace. During the time when you almost lost thepany your family worked hard to build, he


    sneaked in and tried to buy it behind your back instead of helping you. And of course, let''s not forget


    Lionel. From the beginning, your marriage had been a farce. But he just had to take things further and


    got another woman pregnant. His lover even moved in the Tang house. Have you forgotten that


    embarrassment? How can you be telling me all this?"


    Rufus did not bother masking his words. He knew he was rehashing old pains and reopening past


    wounds, but if that was what it took for Cassandra to see sense, he would go that far.


    Cassandra took deep breaths to calm herself down. She knew he was intentionally wounding her,


    coaxing her to agree with him. It would be all too easy to give in andsh out in anger, but she knew


    that was not what either of them needed. "No, I haven''t," she began. "I haven''t forgotten any of that.


    But I know that holding on to my anger will do me no good. It would be so easy to choose revenge, but


    seeing them suffer will not give me the peace that I am looking for. It would just torment me further, just


    as how it is eating at you now." She stepped closer to him, holding his gaze steadily. "Listen to me,


    Rufus. It is easier to be angry, but the right thing to do is to forgive. I''m sure that when things have


    worked out, you will understand that family is the most important thing in your life. You''re angry, but


    more than that, you are hurting. And we both know that punishing them would not give you happiness.


    Don''t let this be a regret."


    Cassandra tried her utmost to convince him, but Rufus would have none of it. His gaze was icy as he


    answered her, "I have already made my decision a long time ago, Cassandra. Nothing you say can


    persuade me. Stop wasting both of our time."


    He walked to the window and looked outside before continuing, "I''ll make arrangement for you soon.


    Just stay patient and wait for me."


    With that, he jumped out of the window and disappeared into the darkness of the night.


    Once he was back in his room, he sent Victor a message, instructing him to switch the camera to the


    original one rk installed.


    Rufus knew that rk had installed cameras near the house. With the help of a hacker, he got inside


    the system and now had the whole thing under his control.


    All that was left to do now was watch as Tang Group bit the dust. When there was nothing left, he


    would leave this ce peacefully, finally iming his long-sought-for vengeance.


    Cassandra watched the darkness that mirrored her heavy heart. How could she make Rufus


    understand and let go of his anger?


    She had tried all she could earlier, but it seemed that her words fell on deaf ears.


    The roots of hatred had already dug deep into his heart. It would not be easy for him to disentangle


    himself from it.


    The image of the Tang family members shed before her eyes. She could almost hear Lionel''s


    pleading.


    A grave feeling of anxiousness rose inside her. The Tang family would inevitably copse if Rufus didn''t


    help them.


    Cassandra had seen with her own eyes his goodness. He was just being blinded by hatred.


    It was at this moment that she made her decision. She would convince him no matter what.


    After her sses were over for the day, Cloris decided to go back to her dormitory. As she was walking


    back, her books in her arms, she spotted a familiar figuree into view.


    Her heartbeat elerated as she started to recognize the figure.


    A man was standing under the big tree outside the dormitory, his back to her. As if sensing her eyes, he


    turned around slowly.


    Her breath caught in her throat as their eyes met. The warmth in his smile could melt even the frost of


    winter.


    "Hi, Cloris. I''ve been waiting for you," he uttered.


    They were simple words. Cloris didn''t hear him clearly because she was still very far away from him,


    but she understood the words as she read his lips.


    Were her eyes ying tricks on her? Cloris could hardly believe her eyes as she made her way to him,


    all the while keeping her eyes on him, as if he would vanish the moment she took her eyes away from


    him. Earlier that year when she went back to G City, he turned her away mercilessly. Her wounds from


    that time had not yet healed. She had be quiet and withdrawn for a long time after, nursing her


    pain. She forced herself to turn to distractions and tantly avoided anything that would remind her of


    him. And yet here was the man, standing in front of her in flesh.


    Her heart was pounding in her chest when she finally reached him. She was a little out of breath from


    hurrying. Raising her head, she looked at him, her eyes betraying her feelings.


    "Why are you here?"


    She tried her best to ask in a calm voice. She didn''t want him to hear her shivering from anticipation.


    Her hands, however, were white-knuckled from the too-tight grip with which she held her books.


    Arthur took one nce at Cloris and knew immediately how she was feeling, despite her best efforts to


    conceal her emotions.


    ''How naive. You''ll never escape me, Cloris, '' he thought wickedly.


    "I''m here on business. I know you are studying in this university, so I thought I would stop by."


    He gave her a gentle smile and reached out to remove a leaf on her hair.


    Cloris almost shivered at his slight touch.


    She watched his fingers let go of the gingko leaf.This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .


    "When will you go back?"


    she asked expectantly. This time, she could not control the tremors in her voice.


    "Isn''t your vacation almost here?"


    he asked back, not answering her directly. His voice was soft as he spoke, and his eyes were looking


    at her as if she was the most precious jewel in the world.


    Cloris could hardly believe her ears. Did he mean that he would go back with her?


    Her eyshes fluttered like the wings of a butterfly, readying itself for flight. Gathering her courage,


    Cloris asked, "Are... Are you waiting for me so we can go back together?"


    She stumbled over her own words, her eyes both questioning and expectant as she looked at him.


    Arthur reached out a hand andid it gently on her shoulder.


    "I shouldn''t have broken up with you. It''s all my fault." The hand on Cloris''s shoulder pressed lightly, as


    if to show the truth in his words.


    "Mypany was a mess at that time, and so was I. That was why I thought it would be better to let


    you go. Things are different now. The Dawn Star Group is the best and most powerful firm in G City


    now, but even that means nothing if you''re not with me," he paused for a moment and took Cloris''s


    hand in his. "Will you ept me one more time?"


    Cloris was drowning in Arthur''s honeyed words, but she felt herself hesitating.


    "Really?" she asked, as she regarded him with guarded eyes.


    "I promise. I will never lie to you."


    Arthur lifted a hand to stroke her cheek. Cloris remained wary, and he continued, "After we go back, I''ll


    visit your mother to tell her personally that we are dating."


    Arthur knew how these words would affect her. Innocent girls such as Cloris would definitely be thrilled


    by this kind of promise. It was what every woman wanted to hear, the ultimate gesture that would prove


    one''s pure motives.


    "Arthur..."


    Cloris was touched, her voice turning sweet.


    Arthur wrapped his arms around her, his eyes turning wicked as he held her head against his chest.


    "I''m sorry Cloris. It was all my fault. But don''t worry, I won''t hurt you again."


    He stroked her head as he whispered soft promises to her ears. He almost let out augh at Cloris''s


    naivety. She was eating up his lies.


    Cloris closed her eyes as she listened to him. This was the happiest moment of her life. The man she


    loved came back and dered his love for her. She held on to his every word, all her doubts


    dissipating.


    They held each other for a long time. Passersby looked at them smilingly. They were the perfect picture


    of lovers.


    None of them saw through the facade and uncovered the cruel glint in the man''s eyes.


    For the next few days, Cloris was beyond ted. Arthur would wait for her to finish her sses in the


    afternoons. They went out, had meals together, and explored every corner of the city.


    Cloris trusted Arthur more and more with each passing day. He was treating her so kindly, and there


    was nothing more she wanted than for those days to continue.


    Recently, a piece of gossip was spreading all over G City.


    Rumor had it that Rufus was not Horace''s son who was sent abroad when he was a child. In truth, he


    was nothing more than a bastard.


    Horace was an ambitious man who had nothing to his name. When opportunity presented itself, he left


    his pregnant lover and married Jill because of her rich family background in order to take over the


    business. He was a heartless, selfish man and would stop at nothing to have what he wanted. Now, it


    seemed that he was finally being punished. Hey on a hospital bed, wasting away day by day, but he


    lived, long enough to be watching hispany crumble before his very eyes. He was on the way to


    lose everything, and there was nothing he could do.


    Even their allies and partners had turned away from them. There was no one who would want to offer a


    hand to them in such a seemingly hopeless gamble.


    In the Union, some people were already taking steps to dismiss them from the position of Director.


    Nobody believed that the Tang family still had any ability to lead.


    The Zhuang family, on the other hand, were receiving endlessmendation. Instead of kicking the


    Tang family at their lowest, Arthur went abroad on a holiday. It was a well-favored step, and everyone


    believed that he was being kind to the Tang family when it was approaching its end.


    But the Tang family needed no help for its ruin. With serious problems here and there and being neck-


    deep in debt, there was simply no way for them to survive.

 Chapter 421 Ask Cassandra Back (Part One)

    Chapter 421 Ask Cassandra Back (Part One)


    Lionel stared at the contract sent back by Amanda with his lips pursed and eyes fierce. He clutched the


    paper so tightly that it crumbled in his hands, his veins popping out of his skin.


    "What the hell! We''ve already started the project! And now they want out? I''m sure Rufus has interfered


    with this! I can''t believe they''d rather pay the liquidated damages than let us take charge of this


    project!"


    Lionel couldn''t contain the anger and shouted relentlessly. He was so furious that his secretary, who


    just entered the office carrying a bunch of documents, gotpletely frightened. She didn''t dare say a


    word to him.


    Tang Group was in a terrible situation. If they couldn''t find a financial support soon, they would be


    compelled to fire the employees and cut the expenses even to maintain the general headquarters''


    work.


    When Rufus was still a part of thepany, he had gotten many branch offices built. At the time, it was


    also an important and unavoidable expansion of Tang Group. After all, his n was to make it a public


    company in the future. But now, it looked like all of those things were intentionally nned by him to


    lead thepany to doom at the very sight of a crisis.


    No doubt, he had made Tang Group bigger and much more powerful than it had ever been, but for


    what? To abandon it? Thepany now rested in Lionel''s hands, who as everyone knew was not


    capable to handle neither the business nor the pressure it brought along with it.


    Lionel gritted his teeth, thinking Rufus had nned all this deliberately. Now, he wasn''t willing to help


    them at all, despite thepany being on the brink of bankruptcy. Lionel hated him, but at the same


    time he knew there was no one else who could save the group.


    To add to the misery of Tang family, a lot of rumours about them had started to circte recently.


    People were using Horace of being indecent, saying he had done some uncandid things to reach


    where he was today. Because of that, they didn''t even have a reputation good enough to take a loan


    from a bank.


    Cassandra had told him she would help him to persuade Rufus, but there was no news from her. Lionel


    wasn''t even sure about whether she was trying for real or not.


    This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .


    Currently, he looked at his secretary''s frightened face, and couldn''t help but furrow his eyebrows in


    irritation.


    "What''s the matter?"


    Lionel roared in frustration, suddenly concluding there was no one around to help him.


    Rufus had kicked out so many people Lionel trusted when he was leading the Group. No body was on


    Lionel''s side anymore. In this critical moment, he had no one to talk to or make any ns with. He was


    convinced Rufus had nned all this to make him suffer like this.


    "Mr. Tang..." the secretary mumbled in fear, then continued, "one of our old clients has been


    comining about the design we sent out. He also said he only wanted Manager Qin''s designs..."


    Her sentence trailed off. Carefully, she put the documents on his desk, with an awkward, terrified look


    on her face.


    "Manager Qin? Didn''t you tell him there is no Manager Qin in thepany anymore? She''s long gone!"


    Lioned screamed in anger, punching his desk, making the things on it shake. The wrath was evident in


    his eyes. Everything was going wrong.


    Cassandra left thepany such a long time ago. He didn''t expect the clients would still ask for her


    designs.


    "Mr... Mr. Tang, Manager Qin''spany was shut down right? Can''t we hire her back?" the secretary


    asked hesitantly.


    She had no idea how Lionel would answer but she needed to give this a shot.


    After all, Cassandra was Lionel''s ex-wife, and also had a rtionship with Rufus. For all she knew, she


    could be scolded for even bringing up an idea like this.


    The design department had been weak since Cassandra left. No body could deny this fact. Lionel too,


    was aware of this.


    For a moment, Lionel froze in silence, struck by her words.


    He had made an agreement with Cassandra when they got divorced. She had kept all of them, never


    creating a problem. Even when she designed for the Qin Group, she never signed them by her name.


    If she coulde back to Tang Group and lead the design department, it would improve the condition


    drastically. But... She had always been on Rufus''s side. Lionel doubted this n would work. Would


    she agree toe back after whatever had happened?


    "Alright, you can go now. Let me think about it."


    As soon as she left, Lionel started to pace back and forth in the office with a deep frown on his face. He


    skimmed through the documents the secretary had left behind, which only stressed him more.


    Big or small, every client was important for Tang Group right now. If Cassandra came back and signed


    the designs with her name, the number of clients would definitely increase. She was pretty famous in


    the design industry. If this idea really worked, it would help save the Tang Group.


    Besides, Cassandra had already agreed to help him by talking to Rufus.


    But Rufus was dead stubborn. On top of that, he hated the Tang family. It would be very difficult for


    Cassandra to convince him. Maybe she would consider helping them directly if he refused?


    Suddenly, Lionel was filled with energy. He picked up the documents and walked out of the office. He


    proceeded with confidence and hope. He was going to see Cassandra right away.


    Cassandra sat hunched over her table in her office, the scripts and ns piled up in front of her. Ste


    took the day off, so she was especially busy. She didn''t even have the time to drink water.


    They only worked for Lyndsy. Still, she put all her effort into her job, working responsibly, trying her best


    to give the best possible results.


    When Lionel barged in her office, she was on the phone with a media person, arranging a personal


    interview for Lyndsy.

 Chapter 422 Ask Cassandra Back (Part Two)

    Chapter 422 Ask Cassandra Back (Part Two)


    She looked up and saw Lionel standing in front of her desk, smiling genuinely. She got really confused


    and hurried to end the conversation.


    "What are you doing here?"


    Cassandra asked, quickly hanging up the call. She got up and kneaded the back of her waist. She had


    been sitting for hours now, her body was going numb.


    Seeing how tired she was, Lionel couldn''t help but ask in concern, "Cassandra, isn''t it more tiring to


    work here than it was designing in Tang Group?"


    It seemed like a casual question full of earnest concern. Cassandra only smiled at him, poured some


    water in a ss and handed it to him.


    "I put my heart and soul in whatever job I do. It doesn''t matter which one is more tiring. As long as I am


    passionate about my work, I can learn from every job and just get better,"


    Cassandra said, not answering his question directly. She didn''t want to answer it as she was no longer


    ''Manager Qin'' in his design department now.


    "Still...I think it''s a shame you changed your job. You''ve learned architectural design abroad and


    aplished so much in the field. All of that for what? Now you''vepletely abandoned your career


    as a designer!"


    Lionel said, looking at Cassandra with a regretful look on his face. She didn''t know how to respond to


    something like that. Why was he saying any of this to her?


    Didn''t he know why she had to give up her job? It was all due to the agreement she had signed when


    they got divorced.


    He had blocked all her ways of staying in the industry. And now, he had the audacity ofing and


    saying it was a shame? What did he want?


    Cassandra didn''t say a single word. Her silence made Lionel''s heart beat faster. He kept trying to figure


    what she was thinking but it only made him more anxious.


    After a while, he snapped out of his thoughts and took a step forward. "Anyway, Cassandra, let me


    show you a design. It''s done by the current design department at Tang Group. What do you think of it?"


    he said,ying the draft on her table.


    He stood eyeing the drawing as Cassandra still tried to grasp what was happening. She looked back


    and forth, alternating between him and the drawing. The draft was seriously castigated by the client


    with a lot of red marks on it.


    Finally, she took it in her own hands and started reading it closely. Soon, a frown appeared on her face.


    "The design is aesthetically pleasing but not very practical. Architecture isn''t all about making pretty


    buildings, you know. A proposal has to have a proper methodology of construction, as well as how one


    would incorporate the services,"


    Cassandra said as she turned the cover to read the name of the client.


    "Ah, he is an old client of thepany. This design is definitely not gonna work for someone like him,"


    She was very sure since she had worked with this client before. She knew heid a lot of emphasis on


    functionality in the building because of their previous interactions. No wonder he wasn''t happy with


    something as sculptural as what Lionel had brought.


    "Yeah, you are right, Cassandra. He wasn''t satisfied at all. In fact, you know what he said?" Cassandra


    raised her eyebrows with curiosity. "He said he wanted you to design the project!"


    Lionel hadn''t expected Cassandra would find the problem right away. It seemed like the client knew she


    would understand what he wanted, which was why he asked for her to design the project for him. She


    really was something else.


    "Are you serious? But that''s impossible..." Cassandra said, shaking her head. "I am no longer a part of


    Tang Group..."


    She gave out a helpless smile, shrugging. Then she folded the drawing, kept it neatly in the file, and


    handed it back to Lionel.


    This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .


    There was a time when she dreamt of bing one of the best designers of the world. But there was


    no chance for that dream toe true now. She didn''t even know if she would ever go back to her


    design career.


    "Cassandra..." Lionel said, sighing, his eyes shut, e back to Tang Group. It would be as if the


    agreement never took ce!"


    His eyes sparkled with excitement as he imagined her back in the office. Then he noticed the look on


    Cassandra''s face, which only made him sure about how much she was craving to go back to being a


    designer. It was her speciality after all.


    "That''s not going to happen,"


    Cassandra refused without a second thought, in a determined tone.


    "Lyndsy treats me very well and her career is just on the rise currently. She needs a responsible and


    capable team to help her. I am convinced about staying in the studio. I will never go back to Tang


    Group."


    Cassandra was no fool. It didn''t take her a lot of time to realise why Lionel had showed up out of the


    blue. He never contacted her unless he needed help. This time, he hade asking her to join the


    Tang Group. Sadly for him, she would never agree.


    "Cassandra, you are a designer, and one of the best in the country at that! You must hate me for


    forcing you to sign that stupid agreement. I agree that it put a stop to your career abruptly. But you


    need to understand I was fooled by Ivy at the time. I was just so angry that I made thewyer draw up


    those harsh terms."


    Seeing how confidently she had refused him, Lionel was quick to exin himself.


    "I know I was seriously wrong. But I''ve realised how foolish I was. I was blinded by a deceitful woman! I


    cannot thank you enough for not holding a grudge against me. The other day when you agreed to help


    me to talk to Rufus, it made me feel even guiltier.


    Cassandra, please give me a chance to prove I have changed. Please give me a chance to make up


    for my mistakes."

 Chapter 423 An Accident On Set

    Chapter 423 An ident On Set


    Lionel looked at Cassandra, begging her with his eyes.


    ''Cassandra, are you really going to let the Tang Group die right under your nose?'' he seemed to say.


    The silent question asked by Lionel was yet to receive an answer. Cassandra took a deep breath and


    let out a huge sigh.


    ''I have dreamed to be an architect almost all my life. Still, reality strikes. Maybe it''s not meant to be. I''m


    no longer the type of person who would go for my dream despite everything that the world is telling me.


    I''m no longer that stubborn child, '' Cassandra thought.


    She knew that Lionel was sincere. A myriad of thoughts crossed her mind.


    Never could she have imagined that Lionel would ever ask her to return to the Tang Group. Strangely,


    she did not seem to want to go back anyway.


    "Mr. Tang, there are plenty of other excellent designers. I''m afraid I no longer want to go back," she


    declined firmly.


    N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    Again, she had to reject Lionel. But he wasn''t giving up just yet.


    "Why? Cassandra, pleasee back. I will give you a much better srypared to what you earn


    here!"


    Lionel tried to exim enthusiastically, hurriedly thinking of a good deal that Cassandra might have


    difficulty refusing.


    "It has nothing to do with money. I will stay here for as long as Lyndsy''s studio exists. When I was


    hopeless, it was Lyndsy who gave me a chance. We, humans, should appreciate other people''s


    kindness and pay it back, shouldn''t we?"


    Cassandra replied seriously. Lionel''s eyesnded on the documents piled on her desk. Suddenly, he


    realized something.


    "Fine, then. Forget about it. Since this is what you want, I won''t ask you again. But this I assure you:


    our doors will always be open for you. If ever you decide that you want to be the Architectural Manager


    of thepany again, I will graciously ept," he said gently before he finally took his leave.


    He wanted to be sure Cassandra knew this. She put up a polite smile and responded, "If chance


    permits, I would love to work with you someday, Mr. Tang."


    ''I will never be going back with him but this is the least I can do. I should at least make him feel good, ''


    she thought.


    Squinting his eyes, unconvinced, Lionel turned and finally left.


    When he arrived in his car, he took out his phone and searched Lyndsy''s recent activities.


    "Famous actress Lyndsy is shooting a new film at the Film Base. The director of the film, who has


    gotten a budget of thirty million, is the well-renowned¡­"


    Lionel read the news online as a slice of cruelty shed across his eyes.


    ''Cassandra did say that she would work for the studio for as long as it existed. Well then, I guess it''s


    time to make the studio disappear, '' he thought as a sinister smile crawled across his face.


    In a chilly night such as this one, that smile would probably send shivers done anyone''s spine.


    ''I know you''ll be back, Cassandra. You''ll be back sooner than you think. I''ll make sure of it, '' he swore.


    In the Film Base, Lyndsy was preparing herself to be lifted up. The movie, set in an ancient setting, was


    being filmed by the best teams in the country. This was also the biggest project of TY Group. Because


    of that, everyone was determined to make sure that it was perfect.


    That day, Cassandra was also there to apany her employer.


    While she was helping straight out her clothes, the martial arts director came over to check the


    condition of the equipment that would be used to hang Lyndsy. Then, he went to her again just to make


    sure that she had not changed her mind about doing the routine herself.


    "Are you sure you don''t want a stunt double for you? The routine is quite challenging today,"


    the martial arts director asked with concern. For an award-winning actress like Lyndsy, there was


    absolutely no need for her to take the risk.


    "Lyndsy, why not use a stunt double? Look! The stunt double is ready!"


    Cassandra echoed the martial art director''s sentiments and also showed concern, pointing at the stunt


    double who was already dressed and made up, ready to take on the scene.


    It looked really dangerous. Cassandra could not help herself from worrying about Lyndsy.


    "This is the first time that I am in a movie of this genre. I would almost offend myself if I get someone


    else to do this scene for me. No way!"


    Lyndsy replied stubbornly. Besides, these people were the best in their fields. She had her full faith in


    them. Nothing could possibly go wrong.


    "But¡­"


    Cassandra started, still trying to think of ways to make Lyndsy change her mind. In her gut, she felt as


    if something was wrong. She couldn''t exin it, but she really felt like something bad was going to


    happen.


    "It''s okay, Cassandra! Don''t worry. Just stay here and watch my performance,"


    Lyndsy assured her as she grabbed her shoulders and turned her to face the other way. Then, she


    patted her back and proceeded to go on set.


    Helpless, Cassandra just turned around and followed Lyndsy with a nce before she finally heeded


    her instruction to stand aside.


    Lyndsy was straightforward. She could be pretty stubborn, it was difficult to change her mind. When


    she said something, more often than not, it was final.


    "Alright, I''m ready!"


    she called out as she slightly swung her costume. The white dress was flowing in the air, making her


    look like an angel.


    The martial arts director smiled and walked towards the director.


    With a megaphone, he announced, "Get ready! Everyone in ce!"


    All the people involved prepared themselves for the next sequence. ording to the n, they were


    going to do a trial first.


    Cassandra covered her chest with her both hands. She felt her heart racing. The machine had lifted


    Lyndsy to some height so Cassandra had to raise her head.


    Under the clear, blue sky, Lyndsy looked enchanting. After she was in position, the director confirmed


    that the camera was rolling, and finally called out, "Action!" Soon, Lyndsy started flying downward very


    swiftly, guided only by the machine.


    The wind blew against her hair. She was gorgeous and elegant.


    A mild smile lit up her face. At that moment, she was just like an innocent angel.


    Cassandra watched, dazzled by her beauty. Lyndsy was indeed beautiful.


    What she did not realize then was that this was going to be thest smile that would ever be caught by


    the camera.


    With a loud cry, Lyndsy''s graceful descent turned into a quick freefall. Like a kite without a string, she


    fell forcibly to the ground.


    Her white costume was dirtied by the dust on the floor.


    A big thump echoed through the set. After that, no other sound came out of her.


    Cassandra was petrified. It was as if time had stopped, her surroundings froze. In the next moment,


    she realized that people were starting to gather around Lyndsy.


    Everyone was frightened, horrified, and struck with terror.


    While Cassandra, her lips slightly apart, looked at what was before her with her mouth wide open in


    disbelief.


    Someone started to call for an ambnce while someone else tried to maintain order. Still, Cassandra


    was stupefied.


    She looked at the broken string, then looked at the people around Lyndsy. Suddenly, she felt a surge of


    strength in her body that propelled her to run to the crowd.


    She was silent, but tears flowed from her eyes and dropped onto the ground.


    With all her might, she squeezed through the small space in between the people until she reached the


    innermostyer where she was able to see Lyndsy.


    She was facing down with half of her face t on the ground. Eyes closed, face dirty, she was like a


    dust-covered pearl.


    The sight made Cassandra tremble. She felt her knees give in and ended up squatting on the ground


    as she tried to wipe the dust off of her friend''s face.


    She was very pale but the part of her face that was on the ground was red as blood seeped from her


    head.


    The dirt that mixed in with it turned reddish brown. Cassandra felt her hand grow cold from fear.


    "Lyndsy¡­"


    Cassandra started to say her name softly, tears streaming down her face.


    Lyndsy stayed motionless, like a broken, lifeless doll. There was no way she could hear Casandra''s


    call.


    The ambnce soon arrived. Medical staff came down and the crowd automatically gave way for them


    to move the patient.


    The martial arts director started to describe the incident to the doctor, gesturing with his hands to


    indicate the height from which Lyndsy dropped.


    Absent-minded, Cassandra rose and looked at the faces in front of her.


    She then started to walk towards the martial arts director. Before she could even think about what she


    was going to, she blurted out, "Didn''t you double-check with everything and guarantee her safety?


    Didn''t you im that you are the best team hired by the TY Group?"


    Her voice was quivering. Every word she uttered seemed to drain all her energy.


    "Miss Qin, there are always risks involved with stunts like this. We did a thorough check of the


    equipment before we started filming and confirmed that it was, indeed, safe to use. We will be sure to


    conduct another investigation afterward," he replied diplomatically.


    He seemed to be very experienced in dealing with such questions. He was ready with canned answers


    for every disgruntled client such as Cassandra.


    "Risk? Why did you let her film this given the risk? Couldn''t you do it with aputer instead?"


    Cassandra could no longer control herself. She shot usations without trying to mince her words. Her


    usualposure was nowhere to be seen. When a sign that indicated ''TY Entertainment'' came in her


    sight, she felt like a huge box of fury exploded. Finally, she lost it.


    "Miss Qin, please calm down. The priority now is to take Lyndsy to the hospital and help her recover.


    Let''s talk more after that is settled,"


    the martial arts director replied coldly. He looked very unfazed with the situation. He wasposed¨C¨C


    tooposed. He seemed unmoved by Cassandra''s confrontation and the panic on everyone in the


    vicinity.


    Tears trickling down her face as Cassandra watched her friend be carried into the ambnce. Worried,


    angry, and terrified, she followed.


    After taking a couple of steps, she suddenly turned to warn the man with a grim face, "If anything


    happens to Lyndsy, I will make you pay!"


    There was coldness in her eyes. Never had she been this frightened all her life.


    Just now, Lyndsy was lively and excited. In the next moment, she looked almost dead. She fell from


    such a big height. Was she able to survive and recover?

 Chapter 424 Who Is The Outsider

    Chapter 424 Who Is The Outsider


    Cassandra anxiously waited outside the operating room with Ste and Lyndsy''s agent.


    All of them stared at the doors eagerly, hoping that at any moment, someone woulde out and tell


    them that Lyndsy was going to be okay. However, several hours passed and no one came out.


    Soon, reporters arrived at the doors of the operating room as well, waiting for thetest scoop and for


    Lyndsy to finally emerge. This irritated Cassandra. She immediately called the security guard in to drive


    them away.


    "This is a public ce. You have no right to drive us away!"


    the reporters yelled, causing huge chaos in the hospital.


    "I will call the police if you don''t go away right now. This is invasion of privacy!" she called back.


    Thinking about Lyndsy lying unconscious in the operating room and dealing with the snooty reporters


    stressed her out so much.


    "Celebrities have no privacy. Without media people like us, do you think Lyndsy would even be this


    popr?"


    the reporters reasoned out. They were not about to give up this hot take.


    Outside the operating room, the chaos was soon going out of control.


    "Everyone, please get out,"


    said a calm, low, but powerful voice all of a sudden. This immediately turned everyone quiet.


    Cassandra turned to see who it was. The person who just arrived was a tall handsome man with cool,


    deep, eagle eyes. On him was a sleek, dark suit.


    "If you want to interview Lyndsy, you cane to the press conference we''ll holdter. Right now,


    she''s still at a critical condition so there is nothing yet to see. Can you all wait a bit?"


    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Rufus said as he looked at the agitated reporters. Then, he eyed the security guards behind him.


    The uniformed men immediately gathered and escorted the reporters out. This finally relieved


    Cassandra.


    "Did they hurt you?"


    Rufus went up to her and asked. He went to check on her as soon as she got out of the skirmish with


    the reporters, his eyes full of concern.


    Looking at Rufus, Cassandra remembered he was in charge of TY Group and it was TY Entertainment


    who invested in the movie. This made her heart sink.


    "The person you need to care about right now is Lyndsy. We don''t know what is going on with her,"


    Cassandra said as she tilted her head helplessly. She could still see it in her mind: Lyndsy lying on the


    floor, blood covering her face...This gave her a lump in her throat.


    "Of course I care about Lyndsy. I''ve talked to the hospital director and I asked him to do everything they


    can to save her,"


    Rufus said reassuringly as he looked at Cassandra''s face.


    "And the shooting location. You must tell them to check it carefully. Why did the machine break when it


    was first used on Lyndsy?"


    Cassandra questioned as if she were speaking on behalf of her friend to the TY Group.


    "My men are working into it. We''ll know the results soon,"


    Rufus replied, squinting at the little woman in front of him. He could tell that Cassandra was immensely


    stressed and upset at the moment.


    She barely even looked at him. She just kept looking at the doors of the operating room. One could tell


    that she was clearly very worried about her friend.


    "Cassandra, don''t worry. It''ll be fine,"


    Rufus said in an attempt to console Cassandra, but all he got was her rejection.


    Cassandra found herself taking a step backward, further away from Rufus. She put her fingers to her


    temple and started to rub them. She looked very exhausted.


    Suddenly, the doors of the operating room opened and the doctor came out.


    Cassandra and the others immediately approached him wanting to know how was Lyndsy.


    "Her head was damaged, and her legs and waist were also severely injured. Currently, she is in a


    coma. The operation was sessful but it is still early to tell if the recovery will go well,"


    The doctor said and then left immediately after he shared the findings. Everyone stayed outside to wait


    for Lyndsy to be carried out.


    Ste was very nervous, gripping Cassandra''s arm so tightly that it was painful, but she endured it.


    In a few minutes, a nurse finally started to push Lyndsy out. Everyone followed her into the ward which


    was reserved for VIPs.


    Rufus followed but was stopped by Cassandra as he was about to enter the ward.


    "Cassandra?"


    Rufus asked as he looked at her in surprise. Her arms were wide open and she was standing firmly by


    the door.


    "This is our studio''s business. You are not allowed to get involved,"


    Cassandra said before she closed the door.


    Rufus stood stupefied. Then, he turned and found Victor who stood not too far away. He waved to call


    his attention.


    "How is the investigation?"


    Rufus asked thoughtfully with hopes that there was something valuable.


    "I''ve checked the site. The high-wire was okay but the roller was a little askew. I assume that was the


    problem. As the roller couldn''t hold the wire precisely, when the wire was pulled up it went out of


    control, thus, causing the ident. And for a more specific reason, we still need to do more digging,"


    he reported briefly. He looked determined to get to the bottom of the case.


    "I also feel something fishy about the martial arts director. He seemed too calm and quite dismissive of


    everybody,"


    Victor said, more to himself than to Rufus. His brow furrowed as he recalled the man''s arrogance.


    There was definitely something off about him.


    "He was the best action director the team could find. But if you''re suspicious of him, send someone to


    watch him,"


    Rufus suggested as he stroked his chin thoughtfully.


    "Got it, boss,"


    Victor confirmed and started to make the necessary arrangements. Rufus, on the other hand, leaned


    against the wall of the hall waiting for Cassandra.


    The truth was, he did not need to deal with Lyndsy''s incident himself. He could have asked his men to


    handle it.


    But since it was rted to Cassandra, he decided that he had to attend to it himself.


    A helpless smile came across his lips. It was obvious that Cassandra med the filming team for the


    ident. He, as an investor in the film, naturally took some of the me as well.


    In the ward, Cassandra looked at the sleeping Lyndsy. Half of her face was still wrapped with gauze


    and her whole body was connected to a monitor. She seemed lost in her sleep.


    "What do we do now without Lyndsy?"


    the agent said in panic. Lyndsy''s sudden ident totally bewildered her.


    "First, check all of Lyndsy''s messages. Get back to them and postpone all of her work using the best


    excuses possible. Second, Ste, go back to the studio and make sure everything else is moving.


    Remember, you cannot tell the public anything yet. Just tell them she''s recovering. Finally, I have a


    strong feeling that this was not just a simple ident. That action director was very experienced. Why


    did he not let anyone else inspect the equipment before Lyndsy used it? There''s something really off


    about this and I will find out what it is. I just need you two to make sure the studio is handled in the


    coming days. Okay?"


    Cassandra said, assigning them tasks that need to be done fast. Ste and the agent felt better


    knowing that there was someone they could rely on. They all nodded in agreement.


    "Okay then, you both go and start working now. I will look after Lyndsy,"


    Cassandra ordered, dismissing both of them. Ste and the agent looked at each other and then left


    the ward to coborate immediately.


    Rufus, who stood outside, saw the door open. To his disappointment, the people who came out were


    not Cassandra.


    He stopped Ste to ask about the situation in the ward.


    "Did Lyndsy wake up? How''s Cassandra?"


    Rufus asked, anticipating an answer. He knew Ste, after all.


    Ste, though, had a very bad impression of Rufus. Why would she even answer his questions? Who


    did he think he was?


    "Cassandra said we shouldn''t tell the ''outsiders'' anything!"


    she replied dismissively and then walked away, totally ignoring Rufus.


    "Am...I an outsider?"


    Rufus murmured, barely hiding his frustration.


    He kept waiting outside with his arms crossed across his body, leaning against the wall. He looked at


    the closed door expectantly.


    Actually, what was he doing there? This was just a door. He could open it anytime he wanted.


    But then again, he knew that Cassandra was unstable right now and she did not want to see him. It


    would be a bad idea to barge in. He had to wait patiently.


    ''Cassandra, I''m here for you even in times of trouble, '' he reminded himself.


    Sitting beside the bed, Cassandra called Edith to tell her about what happened, but rk took the


    phone immediately when he heard that she might not go home today.


    "Cassandra, do you need me to go to the hospital to help you?"


    rk asked with concern and anxiety. Cassandra could imagine what he looked like in front of Edith at


    that moment.


    "No need. Lyndsy is in the ward already. I just need to wait for her to wake up and for her parents to


    arrive," she replied.


    Rufus was waiting already outside and she did not want to see him. She didn''t want rk toe all


    the more for he always had ill intentions with her.

 Chapter 425 No Access Allowed To The Scene Of The Accident

    Chapter 425 No ess Allowed To The Scene Of The ident


    Waiting at Lyndsy''s bedside, Cassandra dozed off at times but was woken up by the nurse who came


    and checked on the patient from time to time.


    It was dawn when Lyndsy finally opened her eyes the following day.


    With misty eyes, Cassandra jumped up and leaned toward her.


    "Lyndsy, how are you feeling?"


    she asked with concern.


    "It feels like I just had a long, long dream,"


    Lyndsy murmured as her eyelids fluttered heavily.


    Cassandra, trying to fight back her welling tears, started to tell her friend reassuringly, "It is okay,


    Lyndsy, you will be fine as long as you wake up now."


    She then pressed the call bell at the bedside, and a doctor and a nurse arrived.


    After checking on Lyndsy, the doctor let out a sigh of relief. He seemed pleased with what happened.


    "She has gotten past the critical period. She will now slowly recover,"


    The doctor''s words made Cassandra breathe freely again. At that moment, Lyndsy reached out and


    touched the side of her face that was still covered with gauze.


    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "What is wrong with my face?"


    Lyndsy uttered. Her eyes were full of horror.


    "It is okay, Lyndsy, you will recover eventually,"


    Cassandra immediately reassured her as she hastily took her friend''s hand away for fear that she


    might touch her wound.


    "Cassandra, what is wrong with my face? Tell me!"


    Lynsy demanded. She was a movie star! Her face was her livelihood. She could not go on with her


    profession if her face were disfigured.


    Lyndsy clutched Cassandra''s hand, scanning her eyes for information.


    "Nothing, Lyndsy. Don''t be worried. Your cheeks just got scratched when you fell down. It will recover


    soon, don''t worry,"


    Cassandra replied, trying to quell her anxiety.


    Now, the ward door opened and Lyndsy''s parents came rushing in.


    "My daughter!"


    Lyndsy''s mother rushed to her bed and grabbed her hand. Tears began to flood down her cheeks.


    Cassandra got up and turned to leave the ward to give them time alone.


    This was their moment. It belonged to Lyndsy and her parents. Besides, Cassandra had to get to work


    and do some digging about the ident.


    Outside the ward, she saw an ever familiar figure with her bloodshot and weary eyes. Rufus was sitting


    on the bench near the door.


    His eyes were closed and he was leaning on the back of the chair. He seemed to have fallen asleep. In


    the shabby hospital, his tailored, expensive suit just seemed so out of ce.


    She walked quietly to Rufus and watched him sleep.


    At this state, his usually stern expression was softer.


    As if sensing that there was someone watching him, Rufus''s eyes shot open and immediately fell on


    Cassandra''s.


    Like two strong maic poles, their eyes locked and did not seem to want to move away from each


    other.


    "How is Lyndsy?"


    He asked in a hoarse voice. He had stayed outside the ward for a whole night.


    It pained her to see him in this way.


    His suit, which he always kept neat, happened to have wrinkles on the hem. This was probably


    because he spent the night sitting on the bench. He looked so haggard.


    She suddenly felt an overwhelming amount of gratitude. In a gentle voice, she answered, "She is


    awake. Her parents are with her now."


    Biting her lower lip, Cassandra hesitated but continued, "You haven''t had breakfast, have you? Come,


    let''s get something to eat,"


    she said, mustering her courage. She could tell that Rufus was surprised. He seemed to be


    suppressing a smile.


    ''Did my waiting move her?'' he thought to himself with amusement.


    "Okay, what do you want to eat?"


    Rufus asked her. He wanted her to be the one to choose. His eyes were full of tender affection.


    Cassandra was about to answer him when a familiar voice called out to her.


    "Hi, Cassandra, I brought you your breakfast!"


    It was rk. He arrived just in time for breakfast and brought her food.


    Rufus''s face fell at once. Ignoring Rufus, rk simply strode over to Cassandra with an unconvincing


    smile.


    "Chicken congee cooked by your mother, with some pickled vegetables. Would you like to eat it now?"


    rk said in a tender voice.


    Biting her lower lip, Cassandra took the box rk handed her and shot Rufus an apologetic look.


    "Cassandra, there are so many journalists gathered outside the hospital. They are waiting for a


    statement. Are you going to make er on? I can apany you so you don''t have to face them


    alone, okay?" he said.


    Cassandra sat down and began to eat the congee slowly. rk sat down next to her.


    "Okay, I will do itter. Lyndsy has woken up,"


    she nodded and said, feeling warmer after some vegetables and congee filled her stomach.


    "Mr. Ji, don''t worry about Cassandra as she has me with her. After all, the ident happened to Lyndsy


    when she was shooting the film produced by mypany. It is only right that I help her through this.


    You don''t have to involve yourself in this,"


    Rufus interrupted, narrowing his eyes. He hated seeing rk sit so close to Cassandra.


    "Of course, you will be representing yourpany. Cassandra will be representing Lyndsy. Your


    company is very powerful. It''s too much to face for Cassandra alone. I''ll keep herpany," rk


    replied, still smiling.


    He managed to reply with no hint of irritation.


    "Cassandra and I are both here to handle the issue representing our respective businesses. As for you,


    I don''t see any reason why you should be involved here,"


    Rufus shot back, rather bluntly.


    "Cassandra''s mother asked me to be here. I am merely doing what she has told me to. How can I go


    against her?"


    rk replied smugly.


    "Enough! You two, stop arguing here!"


    Cassandra snapped, having lost her appetite amidst their silly quarrel.


    "I will face my studio''s issues on my own. There is no need for either of you to meddle."


    Cassandra felt her head start to hurt. How could these two grown men, both prominent businessmen,


    bicker like kids?


    Hearing Cassandra''s scolding, rk calmly reached out to hold the congee for her.


    Rufus''s face darkened.


    "What? Face them on your own? Do you know what you''re saying? This is not a small matter. Do you


    know how much criticism you''ll get if you mishandle this?"


    Rufus countered, starting to get upset. He could not imagine her being mobbed by those journalists.


    Facing them would need her to be fully ready as any careless word would be used against her and


    absurdly magnified.


    "Well, I have to say I can''t agree with you more on that, Mr. Luo. You''ll have a lot on your hands given


    that the TY Group will need to take responsibility for the ident, right?"


    rk uttered slowly, clearly mocking him disdainfully.


    Cassandra''s stomach tightened hearing what rk said. She then remembered the level of


    involvement Rufus''spany had in the incident. ''The TY Group needs toe up with a n on how


    they are going to move forward after this ident, including what will be done regarding the scenes


    with Lyndsy that have not been shot yet. Of course, they''d also need to know when Lyndsy will be


    avable to shoot again'', she started to think.


    And then, in her mind, she saw it again: Lyndsy''s face. Remembering it made her breathing feel so


    heavy.


    ''The looks is a female movie star''s lifeline in the entertainment circle. If a scar left on her face because


    of the ident, will she still be qualified to finish shooting the film?'' Cassandra wondered.


    "Even if she did end up still finishing the film, how will she find more projects in the future?"


    All the problems started to flood in her mind. ''Stop it, Cassandra, '' she reminded herself. ''The most


    important thing right now is to find out who is to me for all of these.''


    "Mr. Luo, I need to visit the movie set again and have a closer look at that broken wire,"


    she requested calmly. The tender moment that the two had just a few minutes back was now


    completely gone.


    "The police has taken over the scene. I also have my people looking into it. I don''t think you''d find


    anything they haven''t found if you went there,"


    he replied without even considering her request. So far, all his men had was that the action director


    was acting strange and seemed to have something to do with the ident. A part of him worried that if


    Cassandra found something, her safety would bepromised.


    If she found out that it were, indeed, a conspiracy, she might end up being a liability of whoever was


    behind this.


    "You seem to be afraid that Cassandra may find something out, Mr. Luo. Could it be that you also have


    something to do with the incident?"


    rk uttered slowly, clearly trying to fan mes of mistrust. Cassandra''s ashen face filled him with


    satisfaction.


    She looked Rufus in the eye.


    Suddenly, she remembered how Rufus asked her to elope with him just a couple of days ago but she


    didn''t agree.


    Aside from the fact that she had work to do, she did not have the heart to leave her family. She also


    worried about the Tangs.


    ''Does Rufus really have anything to do this ident?'' she shuddered at the terrible thought.

 Chapter 426 Lyndsy Was Disfigured

    Chapter 426 Lyndsy Was Disfigured


    Cassandra immediately felt silly when she realized what she was thinking. How could she suspect


    Rufus of doing such a thing?


    Despite everything that he had been doing to the Tang family, she understood that it all came from his


    hatred for Horace and his abandonment of him and his mother. As for Lyndsy, however, it did not make


    sense. There was no reason for him to cause her harm.


    Could it be that whatever happened to Lyndsy was done by her rival?


    She walked towards the main entrance of the hospital while Rufus followed behind her, keeping a safe


    distance. Looking at the back of her head and almost feeling her grief, he could not help but feel sad.


    There were a group of reporters waiting outside already. One of them recognized her. Soon, the rest


    followed.


    "Miss Qin, how is Lyndsy now?"


    "Miss Qin, did you find out anything about the cause of the ident?"


    "Miss Qin, what will Lyndsy''s future be now that her face is disfigured?"


    ¡­


    Countless microphones made their way towards her face. She almost felt as if she were being


    suffocated.


    Rufus dashed to Cassandra, squeezed through the crowd and spread his long arms to give her some


    space.


    "Lyndsy is awake now. We will address your questionster at the news conference!" he announced.


    Without minding any of the burning questions the crowd of journalists had, Rufus scooped her into his


    arms and immediately carried her away.


    It had been a while since Cassandra was this close to him. She felt the warmth of his body, his familiar


    scent, his care, concern and protection.


    She knew that it would not be a good idea to talk to the reporters candidly. It was better if all the


    information was to be released during the press conference. They had toe up with something


    formal that the news sites can base their reports from.


    When they finally got to escape the annoying crowd of reporters, Rufus started to teach her a few rules


    of the entertainment circle. Cassandra, though, did not absorb a word that he said. She found herself


    staring at the window in silence.


    "Cassandra, you may be inexperienced in this kind of thing. Let me do it, okay?"


    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Rufus offered gently, knowing that she was still struck with grief because of what happened to Lyndsy.


    This was the first time that Cassandra had to deal with a situation like this so it was understandable


    that she was having a hard time.


    A bitter smile crept on her face. ''Let him do it?'' Cassandra thought. ''Do I look like a loser who can''t do


    anything on my own?''


    "Why is it that I can''t seem to handle problems well no matter how hard I try?"


    she said slowly, her eyes filled with sorrow.


    "I tried to save the Qin Group but failed. I tried to get rid of rk but failed. Now, with Lyndsy, I can''t


    even be of much help too. Why do I always feel that fate is against me? Why is everything so difficult


    for me? I''m...so...exhausted..."


    she said slowly as her eyes closed. A single tear surfaced at the corner of her eye and dropped.


    By the time it hit the ground, Rufus felt as if his heart were pierced by a sharp needle. Seeing his


    strong, independent little woman break down gave him agonizing pain.


    He stretched out his arms and pulled her into a tight embrace. He felt her tremble against his chest.


    Quietly, he assured her, "Cassandra, please be mine. Stay with me. I don''t want you to be in pain


    anymore. Stand behind me. I''ll protect you. It hurts me when I see you suffer."


    Rufus never saw himself as someone who could speak lovingly to another human being. He was


    normally the type who preferred to keep his feelings to himself. However, seeing Cassandra hurt was


    too much for him. He had to let it out.


    While he intended tofort her with his words, she seemed to start crying even harder.


    She really was exhausted. Withstanding all the pressure for so long, this was the first time she was


    letting it out. It was all happening here, right in front of Rufus.


    Rufus rubbed her back gently to help her return to normal breathing and soothe her slowly.


    "Don''t cry. I''m here for you,"


    Rufus whispered gently. As if his words were filled with some kind of magic, he managed to calm her


    down.


    "You''re so stupid sometimes. Why do you pressure yourself so much?"


    Resting his chin on her head, he continued to embrace her and slowly swayed left and right. Gradually,


    he felt her tears starting to stop.


    When she seemed to stabilize, Cassandra gently got out of his embrace, wiped the tears off her face,


    and regainedposure.


    "I need to know what caused this ident," she stated with a determined look.


    She had just recovered her emotions. Now, she felt revitalized and ready to take on more.


    "Let me help you,"


    Rufus offered. His eyes were brimmed with affection and a promise of protection.


    This time, Cassandra kept silent. She neither agreed nor disagreed.


    Although she didn''t give a positive reply, this was enough to please Rufus.


    Cassandra was like a hedgehog that could sting. The closer he went, the more likely he was to get


    hurt.


    But Rufus knew that behind the protectiveyer was a kind heart that was almost fragile.


    As they conversed, a set of eyes watched them from the dark.


    The watcher squinted in thought, trying to guess what they were saying.


    ''It looks like they''re talking again. Rufus must have already warned Cassandra about something, '' rk


    thought.


    It was as if the two men were ying a chess game. At this stage, they were both ying safe while


    they assessed the other''s strategy. Once one of them detected a weak spot, the real war would break


    out.


    The person who had the chance to strike first would get a head start!


    Behind the white tall building of the hospital, therey a shadow. This was somewhat simr to life itself


    ¡ªno matter how indomitable one might seem, he could be trapped by the shadow and fall into


    adversity at some point.


    A storm wasing. Who was going to win this game?


    rk''s eyes turned into thin crescents as a smug smile crept across his face.


    He could already taste his victory.


    Finally, the time to take off Lyndsy''s bandage came.


    Standing beside her bed were Cassandra and Rufus.


    Layer byyer, the bandage was peeled off, revealing her face bit by bit.


    Finally, it showed itself: multiple scars.


    Cassandra''s face turned pale. She could barely support herself. Her body shook several times. She


    would have already fallen if it were not for Rufus''s support.


    She felt her back fall against his warm and sturdy chest. He was all that was keeping her upright. She


    struggled to regain her bnce and herposure.


    "I need a mirror,"


    Lyndsy immediately requested her parents. They stared at each other, neither of them daring to move.


    "Is my face..."


    Lyndsy started as horror filled her eyes. When no one reacted, her fear intensified. Slowly, she raised a


    hand to touch her cheek.


    The difference in texture on the right side of her face,pared to her left, was very easy to detect. As


    soon as she felt the rough marks, her heart sank.


    "Give me a mirror!"


    she yelled as she reached over to Cassandra. Cassandra did not know how to face the coldness in her


    eyes.


    "Lyndsy, don''t worry. I''m sure we can have the scars removed in the future,"


    Cassandra tried her best to console Lyndsy, but even herself didn''t really believe in the words she had


    just uttered.


    To a superstar, the face would be one''s greatest asset.


    Everyone saw how prominent the scars were. Still, who could tell her the heartbreaking truth that this


    was possibly the end of her career?


    Lyndsy''s hands started to tremble, but still stubbornly hung in the air.


    "I want a mirror! Give me a mirror!"


    she screamed hysterically and her body trembled just as much as her hands. Lyndsy''s mother could


    not help but cry.


    "Lyndsy, please don''t do that. I''m sure there is a way to take care of the scars. There are so many


    advanced technologies out there. The most important thing right now is for you to take care of your


    body..."


    Cassandra was still attempting to console Lyndsy who suddenly broke down.


    "I want to see! I want to see what I look like! I don''t want to be fooled! I am not a fool!"


    Lyndsy wept in desperatoin. Her usual sunny face was now filled with tears. It was hard not to


    sympathize with her.


    Her crying almost made Cassandra cry too. Rufus pressed her shoulder and whispered into her ear,


    "Give her the mirror. She has to face it eventually. How can she ept it without facing herself?"


    The firm voice of Rufus helped Cassandra collect herself.


    From her purse, Cassandra took out apact mirror and handed it to Lyndsy. Throughout the


    process, she had her eyes fixed on Lyndsy, observing all her tiny actions.


    Lyndsy took the mirror and slowly opened it. The face she wanted to see so badly appeared right in


    front of her.


    Her skin was pale and her hair was disheveled. Terror filled her wide-opened eyes as she gazed at


    herself in the mirror.


    There were several scars on the right side of her face. Apparently, when she hit the ground, her cheek


    was cut by the sharp rocks on the floor.


    Apart from the deep scars, there were also marks of the collision between her face and the ground.


    The scratches were so noticeable that they ruined her delicate face.


    Her entire body shook even more aggresively. The face in the mirror was like a ckhole that suddenly


    engulfed her entire life.


    In grief, she threw the mirror onto the floor.


    "No. This isn''t me. It''s not me..."


    she murmured. Her face was full of helplessness and fear; her eyes seemed to have lost focus.


    Her mother rushed to hug her, wailing.


    "Lyndsy, it''s okay. It''s okay, baby. You don''t even have to be an actress anymore after this. It''s okay."


    Lyndsy''s father also approached them. Extending his arms, he embraced his family. In the arms of her


    parents, Lyndsy unceasingly wept.

 Chapter 427 Cloris Is Back

    Chapter 427 Cloris Is Back


    Cassandra bit her lip to hold back her tears. The sadness of Lyndsy and her family filled the whole


    room.


    She never really cried for herself, but she tended to cry a lot for others. Rufus clenched his fists as he


    watched Cassandra suffer quietly.


    "Please get well, Lyndsy. Take care of yourself, because you still have a film to shoot. We''ve only done


    half the scenes. I will instruct the crew to finish other people''s parts first. We can shoot your parts when


    you recover,"


    Rufus spoke suddenly. Lyndsy and her mother stopped crying abruptly upon hearing his words.


    She looked at Rufus incredulously with tears in her eyes. Cassandra turned her head too, confused


    about what Rufus just said.


    Keep shooting? How could she shoot a movie with a face like that?


    Rufus, fully aware of everyone''s confusion, remained calm.


    "We''ll ask the director to modify the angles. We just have to avoid shooting from the front. We can also


    edit the shotster. Don''t worry, everything can be fixed digitally. All you have to do is focus on your


    recovery," he exined.


    This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .


    His words seemed to reassure Lyndsy''s mother as she turned to her daughter happily.


    "Did you hear that, honey?! You can keep shooting movies!" she beamed.


    Stunned, Lyndsy kept looking at Rufus wordlessly. She could not believe that Rufus, a prime investor,


    would be willing to hire a disfigured actress to star in his movie. That would be so risky!


    "Your scars can be treated. Stem cell therapy abroad is very good now. I know a doctor who


    specializes in such field and I would be happy to introduce you to himter,"


    Rufus continued to say. Every sentence that came out of his mouth left everyone more and more


    surprised.


    Eventually, Lyndsy calmed down. Rufus seemed to have seeded in reassuring her.


    She wiped away her tears and focused onforting her mother instead.


    "I''ll be fine, Mom. I promise I will take good care of myself,"


    she said, sounding calm and strong. The helplessness and panic she disyed just a minute ago were


    now totally gone.


    "Cassandra, the business of the studio is going to depend on you for a while,"


    Lyndsy said to Cassandra with full trust.


    "Don''t worry, Ste and I will take care of it for you,"


    Cassandra replied, very d to see Lyndsy calmer than before. She then looked at Rufus gratefully.


    Seeing her thankful expression made Rufus''s heart skip a beat.


    He seemed to have hit two birds with one stone. His decision, not only calmed Lyndsy down, but also


    managed to lift a huge burden off of Cassandra''s shoulders.


    But... Remembering theck of progress in Victor''s investigations, once again, made him feel uneasy.


    All evidence currently pointed to the action director. He was the one responsible for the safety of the


    wires and the one who tested the equipment the day before. Now that there was an ident, it only


    made sense that he would receive full ountability.


    In his gut, though, Rufus felt that it was not that simple.


    He hoped that he was only worrying too much.


    "What? Rufus allowed Lyndsy to continue shooting the movie?"


    Amanda eximed in shock as she watched the press conference held by Lyndsy''s Studio and TY


    Entertainment on the entertainment channel. She could not believe what she was hearing!


    "Yeah. Now, everyone knows that Rufus is the chairman of TY Entertainment and he did everything he


    could to protect Lyndsy after her ident. People are saying he did it for Cassandra,"


    Ivy chimed in. She let Amanda see the news on purpose to make her feel bad.


    "Wow, who does she think she is? Cassandra is a nobody!"


    Amanda yelled, refusing to ept what the news was saying. There was so much hatred in her face.


    "Cassandra is a woman with a lot of tricks up her sleeve. You have to be careful when dealing with


    her,"


    Ivy said with concern. She pretended to empathize but in reality, she was d that Amanda was so


    pissed.


    She didn''t like Amanda and seeing how she reacted when things didn''t go her way gave Ivy


    satisfaction. She hated how Amanda yed her and pretended to be sincere in helping her when, in


    reality, she was not.


    Now, she knew who Amanda really was. She was not at all the innocent and caring girl she pretended


    to be. Instead, she was a double-crossing, vindictive bitch.


    This time, it was her turn. Ivy was determined to use Amanda as a pawn in her ns to prove that she


    was not just some gullible girl.


    "I''m not afraid of her! I don''t care what tricks she has up her sleeve. I am Rufus''s fiancee!"


    Amanda screamed hatefully as she pounded her desk with her fist.


    She didn''t expect Rufus and Cassandra to fall in love again. Allowing the disfigured Lyndsy to continue


    shooting the movie must be Cassandra''s idea!


    "Amanda, have you ever talked to Cassandra face-to-face?"


    Ivy asked curiously, masterfully hiding her ill intentions.


    "Why would I waste my time talking to her? She''s a nobody and she''s not worth my time!"


    Amanda talked of Cassandra with venomous, contemptuous words.


    "Well, let me tell you: Cassandra is a very, very bad woman. I''m pretty sure she''s obsessed with Rufus.


    And since you have never shown yourself, she must think that what you have with Rufus isn''t anything


    serious,"


    Ivy said, coaxing Amanda to meet Cassandra in person. All she needed was for them to fight in order


    to carry out her own n. The victor would not even matter.


    "I don''t want to meet her. She doesn''t deserve it!"


    Amanda used a disdainful tone to hide her true feelings. The reason why she did not want to confront


    Cassandra was because she was afraid that if Rufus found out, he would take Cassandra''s side.


    "You don''t have to arrange it formally. I can help you fabricate a scene where it will only look like you


    ran into her by chance! Look, all you have to do is to scare her a little so she knows that you''re not the


    one that she wants to cross. This way, you''ll get to feel good about yourself and humiliate her too!


    Won''t that be great?"


    Ivy continued to persuade Amanda. She used every possible reason she could think of in hopes that


    she would agree.


    "So, she won''t know that I did it on purpose? How would you do that?"


    Amanda frowned skeptically, considering her idea.


    She had always had her underlings do dirty jobs for her. This was so that if something went wrong, she


    could immediately remove herself from the situation. But with Ivy''s n, it would look like a


    coincidence. This might be okay for her to handle on her own.


    "You don''t have to worry about that. I''ll take care of it,"


    Ivy assured her, smiling.


    What Amanda failed to realize was that Ivy already knew what she did to her, and this was her way of


    regaining the upper hand.


    Who would be the winner of this backstabbing scheme? Whether it was a plot to hurt, to deceive, or to


    scam others, they were all situations that one could not easily disengage from. These two women,


    however, seemed very unaware of that fact.


    Cassandra waited at the airport to pick up Cloris. From time to time, she looked at the digital signage


    for updated flight information.


    Cloris wasing back!


    Edith could no longer go out much even after she recovered from her illness. Cassandra refused to let


    here out today and promised instead that she would be the one to bring Cloris home.


    When she saw her sistere out of the exit, Cassandra ran up to her and waved enthusiastically to


    greet Cloris. In the next second, however, she noticed the man right behind her.


    A familiar face, and a distinct smile.


    Arthur!


    Cassandra was stunned by what she saw. Arthur was pushing the suitcase for Cloris as they walked


    towards Cassandra. Cloris wasn''t carrying anything herself.


    "What are you doing here? Where''s Mom?"


    asked Cloris, frowning as she scanned the surroundings, disappointed that she could not find her


    mother.


    "Mom is waiting for you at home. I''m here to pick you up,"


    Cassandra replied with a smile. She then courteously greeted Arthur who stood next to Cloris.


    "Thank you, Mr. Zhuang. What a coincidence. I didn''t expect you and Cloris to be on the same flight


    back," she said.


    Despite the fact that Dawn Star Group had almost squeezed Tang Group out of the market, Cassandra


    had to remain polite. After all, she was no longer the daughter-inw of the Tang family. It was no


    longer necessary for her to act coldly around Arthur.


    Cloris, however, suddenly wrapped her arm around Arthur''s and smiled.


    "Arthur went to my school to keep mepany during my exams. We came back together, afterward,"


    she exined, raising her eyebrows. It was as if she was calling Cassandra out for being too civil and


    she wanted to show her that Arthur was someone she shared a more intimate bond with.


    Cassandra felt as if she were going to pass out. Since when did Arthur and Cloris get so intimate?


    "Let me take you home so I can meet your mother,"


    Arthur offered as he looked at Cloris lovingly. Cassandra frowned at their interaction.


    It was unlikely that Cloris heard anything about G City while she was studying abroad. For Cassandra,


    however, she knew everything that Arthur did to raise the status of the Dawn Star Group.


    If Cloris were just looking for a boyfriend, then Arthur was definitely a good match.


    Still, she hoped that Rufus could help the Tang Group prevent the Dawn Star Group from outgrowing


    them. Cassandra couldn''t help but wonder, ''if Arthur and Cloris''s are together, how am I going to do


    that?''

 Chapter 428 Clark In Others Eyes

    Chapter 428 rk In Others'' Eyes


    Cassandra sighed, watching her sister look all cute and sweet as she looked at Arthur with full


    admiration.


    She would wish them happiness...if only she were convinced that they really loved each other. A part of


    her was suspicious that Arthur reappeared at such a critical time. She could not help but feel that there


    was something off.


    Cloris immediately ran towards Edith when they arrived the Garden Vi.


    "Mother, I missed you so much!"


    Cloris said excitedly as she wrapped her mother in her arms.


    Cassandra and Arthur followed, carrying Cloris''s suitcase. Edith took in the sight of her younger


    daughter. She could not believe she was actually home! The sight filled Cassandra with happiness.


    If only her father were present, then it would really be a family reunion.


    "Mother, this is Arthur, my boyfriend."


    Seeing Arthure in, Cloris went to take his hand and led him to Edith.


    Edith looked at him, surprised. She surveyed him from head to toe as Arthur greeted her with a


    graceful bow.


    "Very pleased to meet you, Mrs. Qin. This is a gift for you,"


    he said as he took out a gift box that he seemed to have prepared for Edith.


    He looked like a very sophisticated man. This pleased Edith, but a part of her was still stuck on the


    surprise that Cloris had a boyfriend.


    "Mother, the food is getting cold. Cloris must be hungry,"


    Cassandra announced to remind Edith of the meals she had prepared. Understandably, she was too


    excited to see her daughter again. Edith nodded and acknowledged Cassandra''s reminder.


    "Oh yes, you''re right! We should eat! I''ve prepared Cloris''s favorite food!"


    Edith had notpletely recovered yet, but she managed to prepare a really delicious meal. Its


    appetizing aroma filled the dining room as they all sat around the dining table. This felt like home.


    Cloris kissed Edith on her cheeks happily and sat down on her seat, ready to enjoy the meal.


    Edith filled Cloris''s dish from time to time. She could not seem to wipe the smile off her face. Cloris was


    her favorite daughter. She had almost forgotten what it was like to have her around ever since she went


    to study abroad.


    Now, she was back with a boyfriend. Edith could not be happier.


    "Cassandra, your younger sister has a boyfriend now. You need to hurry up and find yourself one, too!


    I''m starting to worry about you!"


    Edith said. She always grasped every opportunity to remind Cassandra to find a partner. As usual,


    Cassandra rolled her eyes with amusement.


    Cassandra left as soon as she finished eating. Lyndsy was going to be discharged today and she


    wanted to help her out.


    After she left, Cloris inquired, "Isn''t she dating Rufus? Aren''t they going to get married yet?"


    Cloris didn''t care much about her elder sister so she basically knew nothing about what had happened


    to Cassandra while she was gone.


    "Huh? Rufus is already engaged to another woman but she still refuses to see other men. I really don''t


    know what her n is,"


    Edith said with disappointment


    "What? Why? Rufus loves her, doesn''t he?"


    Cloris was shocked. Before Cassandra''s divorce, they''d fallen in love. But why was Rufus engaged to


    another woman now that she was already divorced?


    "Loves her? Pfft. He almost destroyed her. He brought her nothing but trouble! I''m guessing that''s why


    she''s so blind to other men now. There''s actually a guy who''s pursuing her but she keeps rejecting him!


    He even owns this house. His name is rk! I have no idea why Cassandra doesn''t like him. He''s


    really nice to her. Oh, may God help her!"


    Edith deplored Cassandra''s stupidity. She rarely had anyone to talk to. Now, here was Cloris. It felt


    refreshing to finally have someone she could rant to.


    Arthur, who sat silently beside Cloris, suddenly spoke, "Mr. Ji is pursuing Cassandra? Oh my God. He''s


    a really great guy!"


    Arthur threw in high praises for rk.


    "You know him?"


    Cloris turned her head and looked at Arthur. She seemed surprised that they were connected.


    "He''s a famous investor. Do you know that he just purchased a five-star hotel in G City? I did hear that


    he was single, but I didn''t know he was pursuing your sister,"


    Arthur said, shrugging his shoulders. Edith, on the other hand, grew angrier.


    "Cassandra is just too stupid and stubborn! I told her so many times. She is a divorced woman! She


    should be thankful that a man like rk is chasing after her! He is perfect but she just turns a deaf ear


    to my words. What else does she want? I''m so disappointed with her. She probably still has feelings for


    Rufus!"


    Edith vented. She was so frustrated that she wanted to hit the table.


    Hearing more great things about rk from another person aggravated her sentiments. rk was such


    a catch! A part of her almost wished she could just drug her daughter and have her marry rk in the


    Civil Affairs Department.


    Cloris shrugged. In reality, she didn''t care about Cassandra or who she was going to end up with. Right


    now, all she cared about was Arthur. She wanted nothing but to keep him and she could not care less


    about everything else that was happening.


    What Edith and Cloris did not notice, however, was Arthur''s vicious and sinister expression.


    Lyndsy had just checked out when Cassandra arrived at the hospital.


    "Let me. I''ll drive you home,"


    Cassandra offered. She was relieved to see her friend looking better than before.


    At the gate, they found a few passers-by looking at them suspiciously.


    "Probably some entertainment reporters,"


    Cassandra said as she looked at them, staying alert for any sudden movement.


    "It''s okay. I''ll hide my face,"


    Lyndsy replied. She was already so used to being chased by the media, it did not scare her anymore.


    The ident was surely a huge scoop that every reporter would want to get their hands on. It was only


    natural for them to sneak and spy.


    "They must be waiting for you now because you didn''t show up at the press conference. Aren''t you


    scared?"


    Cassandra asked, surprised by her calm reaction. A part of her assumed that with her current state,


    Lyndsy would hate being tailed by photographers and reporters.


    "It will happen eventually, anyway. I can''t hide from them forever,"


    Lyndsy replied, smiling bitterly. It looked like she had already reconciled with what happened. Besides,


    her look might have changed but she was still the same person inside.


    Soon after they walked out of the building, people started to recognize who she was and started to


    approach them.


    Cassandra stepped forward to block Lyndsy from their view. That, however, did not work. Cameras


    flickered as pictures were taken here and there.


    "Let them be. Let''s walk,"


    Lyndsy instructed calmly. She already had her hat and mask. Only her eyes were visible. She walked


    forward in a straight line, totally ignoring the cameras and questions.


    How strange! In the past, she hated being photographed. Now that she was about to lose everything, it


    looked like she didn''t even mind them at all.


    Lyndsy walked quickly and Cassandra followed closely. Looking at the back of her friend, Cassandra


    felt she had grown much stronger. Lyndsy inspired her.


    Lyndsy''s parents helped sort her suitcase when they got home while Lyndsy studied her script.


    "Why don''t you get some rest? Rufus said that you can shoot your scenes after everyone else finishes


    theirs,"


    Cassandra suggested. She did not want Lyndsy to stretch herself too much especially since she just


    got out of the hospital.


    ''We''re already behind schedule. I don''t want to cause too much dy. We need to start shooting again


    as soon as possible,"


    Lyndsy replied as she returned to her study, writing notes as she memorized her lines.


    Cassandra watched her friend wordlessly. It felt like she was a different woman.


    "So I was thinking...Since Rufus mentioned that you could go abroad for the stic surgery with stem


    cell treatment to heal your scars, I could start introducing our staff to TY Entertainment while you''re


    gone. That way, by the time you''re back, we have contacts and connections. If the staff still wants to


    work with us then we can take them in! What do you think?"


    Cassandra found it tricky to deal with the staff. She had thought about the best way to handle them for


    a long time before she finally came up with this n.


    Lyndsy put down the script, raised her head slightly, and sighed. Then, she turned around and gave


    Cassandra a serious look.


    "I...probably won''t need them anymore. Find them positions in otherpanies. I''d be okay with that,"


    she replied sadly. Her career was uncertain now because of her ident. She was not sure if she


    would still be able toe back to the industry.


    The film they were shooting now was already halfway through. The reason that Rufus decided to keep


    her was probably to avoid wasting the work they had already done, and so that they could keep the


    same cast. As for her future, though, that was different. It was highly unlikely that she would totally


    recover and get more jobs.


    This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    Lyndsy let out a helpless smile.


    "Trust me, you''re going to be all right,"


    Cassandra said as she put her hands on Lyndsy''s shoulders. She stroked her gently tofort and


    encourage her.


    "What about you? What''s your n?"


    Lyndsy cared most about Cassandrapared to all her staff, especially because she was the one


    who asked her to work for her.


    "I''ll be d to work with you again when you decide toe back, if you like,"


    she smiled and replied sincerely.

 Chapter 429 Trouble Always Found Her

    Chapter 429 Trouble Always Found Her


    "Cassandra, I might nevere back ever again,"


    Lyndsy told Cassandra, looking at her with eyes full of sadness.


    "Don''t say that. You don''t know that. You just need to believe in yourself,"


    Cassandra feigned cheerfulness as she encouraged her friend. She knew that Lyndsy was very upset


    at the moment and she hoped with all her heart that all this would be over soon. This was the best way


    she could help her friend.


    "Well, about the studio I bought, can you help me sell it? I am going abroad after we finish shooting this


    film,"


    Lyndsy said with her head lowered in an attempt to hide her eyes and thoughts from her friend. She


    didn''t want Cassandra to worry too much about her.


    "No problem! I will wait for you toe back after your treatment!"


    Cassandra immediately agreed. Lyndsy''s decision to go abroad and be treated made her happy. She


    loved that Lyndsy had hope again.


    What Cassandra failed to notice, however, was the sadness hidden in Lyndsy''s eyes which could not


    seem to go away easily. Lyndsy hid her emotions well.


    All of Lyndsy''s former employees now went their own ways. Cassandra was the only one left. She


    stood waiting for potential buyers to arrive and see the ce for themselves.


    The small building that Lyndsy bought was newly decorated and it was still very suitable for work. The


    surroundings were quiet too.


    Cassandra already managed to contact one interested buyer who promised that she would be there


    this afternoon. So, Cassandra waited patiently for her arrival.


    Suddenly, an extremely familiar figure appeared in the studio. Cassandra was almost sure her eyes


    were deceiving her. Suddenly, she couldn''t breathe.


    s, she was wrong. Right in front of her was Amanda, with her head held high. She walked briskly


    towards her in confident strides.


    Beside her was another familiar woman that Cassandra hoped she would never see again: Ivy.


    Cassandra jested in her head at the peculiar scenario. This was not a coincidence at all. Clearly, they


    came here for a reason that she knew she was about to find out.


    The truth was Amanda''s visit was Ivy''s idea. She found out that Lyndsy was selling her studio and she


    immediately ryed the information to Amanda. As soon as Amanda heard the news, she knew that


    this was the chance that they had been waiting for. She immediately asked her people to get in touch


    with Cassandra and arrange an appointment with her that afternoon.


    Amanda made sure that she was well-dressed. She wore a beautiful dress that showed off her curves.


    She wanted to make sure that she was more beautiful than Cassandra.


    She almost wanted tough when she saw the clothes that Cassandra was wearing.


    Blue jeans and a simple coat were all she wore, resembling a girl who just graduated from university.


    More importantly, she looked t. She did not have anything on Amanda.


    Amanda walked towards Cassandra, smiling sweetly. Her intentions, though, were not as sweet.


    This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    "What a pity. Your studio is closed? Well, I consider myself quite lucky, then. My business is flying and I


    need the additional space," she said contemptuously.


    This irritated Cassandra very much, but she managed to contain herself.


    This was Lyndsy''s studio, after all. The sooner she sold the ce, the better for Lyndsy. She had to


    focus.


    "That''s great to hear. I would love to give you a tour,"


    Cassandra replied politely. It was as if she had never met the two women before. She forced a smile,


    determined to amodate them well.


    "No need to give us a tour. I trust your taste. Besides, I''m sure we have the same preference


    considering that you also fancy my fiance,"


    Amanda replied sarcastically through a stered smile as her eyes grew stone cold.


    The smile on Cassandra''s face immediately disappeared. Now, she was sure that Amanda was looking


    for a fight.


    "Oh, that''s good, then. Let me make a contract for you right now,"


    Cassandra calmly replied. If Amanda was willing to pay, then who was she to refuse? A deal was a


    deal.


    "Don''t you find it strange, Miss. Qin? You seem to bring some bad luck with you, don''t you? When you


    were with the Qin Group, it closed. When you started managing Lyndsy''s studio, Lyndsy got into an


    ident too! Well, lucky for you, I happen to know someone who can help change your luck. I would


    be happy to connect you. Would you like me to give you his address? You don''t want to cause any


    more trouble for the people close to you, I''m sure."


    Amanda was starting to be more and more abrasive as she continued to insult Cassandra.


    Cassandra closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Then, she turned and looked at Amanda calmly.


    "If you are here to buy this ce, then you are a client to me, Miss Ke. So of course, I would love to


    amodate you. But if you''re only here to pick a fight, then I would have to ask you to leave,"


    Cassandra was not going to let this vile woman keep saying those hurtful words to her anymore.


    "Ha! Stop pretending to be good and polite. I know you are nothing like this!"


    Ivy interrupted.


    "I am not pretending. I am doing my best to amodate you because you are my client. But if you


    keep insulting me, I am not going to just sit here and take it,"


    Cassandra said coldly as she stared at the two women fearlessly.


    "Cassandra, I am warning you. Stay away from Rufus. He is my fiance!"


    Amanda said. She was no longer smiling. In fact, she was furious. She did not expect Cassandra to be


    so strong-willed. Ivy was right. She was difficult to deal with.


    "How about you ask Rufus to get away from me instead? Besides, do you really think that Rufus


    considers you as his fiancee?"


    Cassandra retorted. She just couldn''t contain her anger anymore. The Amanda in front of her didn''t


    seem to be mentally ill at all. She actually sounded very logical. Her head seemed clear and intact. She


    didn''t seem like someone bothered by her illness.


    Well, she must have pretended to be sick!


    Amanda did not know how to react to Cassandra''s words. She hated to admit it, but she was right. She


    had never felt so humiliated.


    Their engagement was only a formality. Rufus didn''t really love her. In fact, he avoided her and ignored


    her presence whenever they were in the same ce. With Cassandra, however, he even went at great


    lengths just to help her out in the press conference.


    She thought that Rufus had already cut ties with Cassandra. She thought they had finally broken up for


    real. But clearly, she was wrong and they were together again.


    "It doesn''t matter if he sees me as his fiancee or not. He will never love a woman living with another


    man!"


    Amanda knew about what was happening between rk and Cassandra. Whenever she thought about


    it, she got goosebumps. She could not imagine how Cassandra managed to live with such a horrible


    man like rk.


    "Leave now or I will call Rufus, ask him toe here and see what his fiancee is doing,"


    Cassandra said firmly as she took out her phone to stress how serious she was.


    Ivy immediately walked up and snatched the phone out of Cassandra''s hand. Not only that, she also


    pped Cassandra''s face before she could react.


    "You bitch! I wanted to p you a long time ago. I wouldn''t have been thrown out of the Tang family if it


    weren''t for you! You took my man away, that''s fine. Now, you want to take Amanda''s man away too?


    Are you really that desperate that you can''t find another man to pay attention to you? No one else is


    here to help you. How about I break your face, huh? Aren''t you good friends with the disfigured


    Lyndsy?"


    With these words, Ivy reached out to scratch Cassandra''s face with her long nails, but she missed!


    Cassandra took a step back and stared at Ivy with eyes full of disbelief. What did she just say? The two


    of them came here not only to insult her, but also to destroy her? How horrible!


    Ivy''s words triggered Amanda even more.


    She brought Ivy with her in case she needed help. But Cassandra was all alone. It was two against


    one! Surely, they would have the upper hand.


    Thinking of this, Amanda totally forgot her image. She walked up and tried to scratch Cassandra''s face


    as well. ''Ha! Nobody will ever love her again if she loses that pretty face!'' she thought viciously.


    Cassandra immediately turned her head to dodge when she saw her frightening, red nails. Suddenly,


    she felt a pang of pain on her neck.


    Amanda missed her face but managed to get her neck. She looked proudly at what she had done.


    "Cassandra, you bitch! You don''t know how to do anything but seduce other people''s men."


    Amanda looked at her with bloodthirsty eyes. The scratches on Cassandra''s neck invigorated her.


    Right now, she felt so furious that she almost wanted to kill this woman.


    Cassandra''s eyebrows furrowed because of the pain. She raised a hand to gently touch the wound, but


    the stab of pain was enough to make her realize that it was bad.


    Ivy, who stood aside, did not help Amanda. Instead, she watched the two women quietly with


    calcting eyes.


    Ivy intentionally missed her first attack when she went for Cassandra''s face. She just wanted Amanda


    to follow suit. She did not expect it to be this easy.


    Apparently, Amanda was a very emotional woman who rarely used her brain. Triggering her was easy.


    It only took a bit of effort for Ivy to provoke her to follow her bidding.


    "Amanda, I thought you hurt your hand? Why do you suddenly have the strength to scratch me?"


    Cassandra pointed out, staring at Amanda intensely with cold eyes.


    Now, she was sure. Amanda had only been pretending to be sick all this time to get Rufus''s sympathy.


    Honestly, Cassandra was quite surprised that Rufus believed her tricks considering that he was a very


    smart man.


    Hearing Cassandra''s question, Amanda suddenly got very nervous. She involuntarily hid her hand


    behind her and took a step back. She did not know how to respond to her.


    "If you don''t leave right now, I will call the police! I''m sure you wouldn''t want anyone to know what you


    did today. If I were you, I''d fuck off,"


    Cassandra said, doing her best to contain her emotions. She was determined not to stoop down at their


    level. Besides, there was no use arguing with such a vile woman.


    "Ha! Are you threatening us now? Do you really think that we''d be scared of you? If something is going


    out in public, it''ll be your scandals! The eldest daughter of the Qin family and her adulterous home-


    wrecking. What an interesting headline it would be! What would your parents say? Will they pass out


    from anger or from shame?"


    Ivy was no longer going at her, but she couldn''t stand quiet at the side either.


    Hearing her words, a thought suddenly came to Cassandra. Something wasn''t right. Vernon was still in


    prison. How would any news reach him?


    She suddenly remembered something: Vernon was threatened by someone before the trial, and he


    was so scared that he tried to kill himself. Until now, that person had not yet been identified.

 Chapter 430 Rufus Came To The Rescue

    Chapter 430 Rufus Came To The Rescue


    Cassandra was starting to get more and more anxious and uneasy as the minutes passed. She had a


    strong feeling that something very bad was about to happen.


    Clearly, the women in front of her were here to cause trouble. ''Stupid! How stupid I was to believe that


    they could actually be serious about buying the ce, '' Cassandra thought with regret.


    "Give me the phone and get out, now!"


    Cassandra demanded. She looked at the two with firm authority. The two shameless women did not


    scare her.


    "Wow, take it easy, will you? We only came here to see the ce. Is that the proper way to treat your


    customers, Miss Qin? By driving them away?"


    Amanda scoffed. What''s done is done. All she wanted to do was to intimidate Cassandra and show her


    what she was capable of. So what if she looked like some uncivilized tramp? Her image was the least


    of her concerns. Right now, she was happy for as long as Cassandra was irritated.


    This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .


    "You know very well why I must treat you this way. I don''t have to remind you of what you just did and


    the real reason why you''re here. I will not say this again: Get out, now!"


    Cassandra raised her voice sternly with a frown. Then, she waited for Amanda and Ivy to do as they


    were told. However, the two only exchanged knowing looks but still did not back off.


    "Or else, what? I''m curious what you''ll do about it," Amanda said mockingly. "I know what you''re


    nning. You''re going to Rufus, right? You''ll cry your heart out and tell him that his fiancee scratched


    you. But here''s the thing: Do you think he''ll believe you without proof?" she continued.


    A sinister smile was on Amanda''s face. Arrogance filled her as she was sure that there were no


    witnesses. It would be Cassandra''s word against hers otherwise.


    Just then, the door was suddenly opened. Against the light, they saw a tall, well-built man walk into the


    room.


    "Of course I will believe her," said a cold, calm voice.


    It was Rufus. With a furrowed brow, he threw a cold, judging look at Amanda and Ivy. But when he


    turned to Cassandra, suddenly, it turned to concern and reassurance.


    "Sorry, I''mte, Cassandra,"


    he said to her gently. He was informed by his men that Cassandra was going to entertain interested


    customers in Lyndsy''s studio that afternoon. But then, he also received news that Amanda was going


    there with Ivy.


    Unconvinced that they were really interested buyers, he hurried over without a second thought. His


    anger shot up overhearing what Amanda told Cassandra when he arrived; he would never have


    expected the Amanda he knew, with her pure and innocent front, would say those were words.


    The moment he came in and saw the two women standing in front of Cassandra and thetter with


    scratches on her neck, everything immediately made sense.


    His heart sank, partly because he worried about Cassandra, and partly because he hated himself for


    ever believing in Amanda.


    "Seems that I have been too nice to you, Amanda,"


    said Rufus as he approached her. Amanda was now very pale. She trembled as she had never heard


    Rufus talk to her this way.


    "She started it, I swear!"


    Amanda blurted, pointing at Cassandra. Naturally, the real culprit would be the first one to point fingers


    at others. Amanda was no exception. Clearly, she wanted to pin it all down on Cassandra.


    "Oh, really? Do you have proof?"


    Rufus said sarcastically, lifting his eyebrows. He knew now that he had to take everything Amanda said


    with a grain of salt. As it turned out, she had been hiding her true self from him this whole time.


    "It''s true! Tell him, Ivy. Tell him how we were treated by this woman, and how she started the quarrel!"


    Amanda urged in great anxiety, pulling Ivy by the arm. She was doing really well, looking like a pure


    and innocentmb, which was very different from how she was when she threatened Cassandra.


    "It''s true! We were here only to check out this ce, and yet, she kept provoking us!"


    Ivy eximed. Obviously, she took Amanda''s side. Still, Rufus''s grim face terrified her. In her panic,


    she shrank nearer to Amanda as soon as she finished speaking.


    ''Why is he suddenly here?'' Ivy thought. ''How did he know what was happening?'' This was not part of


    her n. She had wanted to get the two women to fight so that she could profit from their conflict.


    Never did she expect Rufus to arrive even before the climax.


    Now, things seemed to have gonepletely out of control. She didn''t know what to do! Oh, how she


    wished she could just slip out of this immediately.


    Rufus fixed his gaze on Ivy when he heard her words. This, of course, intimidated her even more.


    ''This woman has been causing troubles ever since she was still in the Tang family, '' he thought. Back


    then, Rufus paid her no attention. Never did he imagine that she would have the audacity to coax


    Amanda into doing this to Cassandra.


    "I heard that your brother was let out. Is that correct? Did he go through due process? I wonder,"


    Rufus asked in a threatening tone. He could have turned a blind eye to this matter, but now, he was


    determined to teach Ivy a lesson.


    Ivy looked at him, stunned. A flicker of fear shed on her face.


    She knew what Rufus meant to say. He knew something and he was not afraid to use it.


    "Also, weren''t you the one who sent your brother to approach Cassandra''s father before he went on his


    trial? He asked him tomit suicide, didn''t he?"


    Rufus questioned, taking a step closer towards Ivy while his gaze became even more intense.


    Ivy opened her mouth to respond but no words came out. His words and his eyes sent shivers down


    her spine. Her whole body clenched and she was unable to move.


    "Actually, I''m impressed. I never thought you''d manage to press my buttons. You did such a good job


    giving the woman I love a hard time. Was it because you thought I wouldn''t make you pay the price?"


    Rufus narrowed his dark eyes. Ivy was still frozen under his cold, icy gaze.


    Amanda, on the other hand, felt her heart break at Rufus words when he called Cassandra ''the woman


    he loved.''


    She knew, of course, more than once, he had told her that Cassandra was the love of his life. But now


    that he actually took her side and she was seeing him protect her right before her eyes...It all just felt


    too real and it hurt. It tore apart her body and soul.


    "Listen, Ivy. I want you to get out of my face. I never want to see you ever again,"


    Rufus ordered, raising his voice and pointing to the door. If looks could kill, Ivy would have been dead


    already.


    Trembling from head to foot, Ivy shuffled and rushed out without another word.


    Rufus scared her. He was a very intimidating man. Moreover, he knew so much of her secrets. She


    dared not defy him.


    From now on, she was determined to avoid this dangerous man. His anger was so strong that it could


    be felt even if he didn''t do anything.


    With Ivy gone, Amanda was all alone and helpless. She looked around in desperation.


    "I can exin, Rufus..."


    She tried to say something but her words were met with contempt on Rufus''s face.


    "You don''t have to, Amanda. This is thest straw. Stop pretending to be innocent. I''ve had enough of


    your lies and deception,"


    Rufus answered tly. He had now seen through her. He was not going to believe any word that came


    out of her mouth anymore.


    The coldness and indifference in his eyes filled Amanda with despair which quickly turned into defiant


    pessimism.


    She allowed herself a bitter smile before asking, "Why, Rufus? Why couldn''t you just believe in me and


    take my side for once?"


    She knew that the answer would hurt, but she was still unwilling to give up until she heard it.


    "I have, for so many times. But this time, I saw the truth myself,"


    Rufus replied. His eyes were still cold. There was no light in them. He had no emotion, no sympathy.


    "So you have chosen her, and now you''re dumping me?"


    Amanda went on asking. She wanted to hear him say it even if it meant losing her dignity.


    "No. I have never chosen you," he replied simply.


    This dissolved all her hope.


    The light in her eyes disappeared totally. She put on a sad smile.


    "You know that I love you, Rufus. I have loved you with all my heart, and now you tell me that you don''t


    care about that? Not one bit?"


    Then, she pointed at Cassandra furiously and shouted, "But what about this woman? What has she


    ever done for you? She used to be another man''s wife. Now, she is living with rk! I can''t believe that


    you have chosen her over me! What does she have that I don''t? Don''t you have a heart?"


    She found it so difficult to ept that Rufus was leaving her for Cassandra after all that she had done


    for him.


    "Whatever you have done, you did it for yourself and to get what you want. But for me, all you ever did


    for me was to lie and hurt the woman I love. What you have for me is not real love,"


    Rufus answered back. By now, he had already realized how crazy Amanda was. He would not have


    believed it if he didn''t see it with his own eyes.


    "Oh...now, I get it..." Amanda said slowly. "Everything I''ve done...They''re nothing to you because you


    don''t love me at all. Right, Rufus?"


    Tears streamed down her face. She caught herself almost screaming thest few words.


    "That''s right, I don''t love you. You can go now,"


    Rufus replied calmly. He wanted her to leave. He no longer wanted to argue. He just wanted it all to


    end.


    Amanda made no response this time. She gave Rufus a resentful look before looking Cassandra


    straight in the eye.


    She stared at her intently. The resentment in her eyes devoured her inch by inch.


    Then, she straightened herself, raised her chin, and walked out of the room as proud as a peacock. But


    as soon as she got out of the door, she burst into tears like no one else was watching.


    Cassandra felt overwhelmed when she heard her sob.


    "You might have been a little bit too harsh, Rufus. She''s just a girl..."


    Cassandra somehow felt sorry for Amanda. Her conscience always got the best of her.


    "He who shows mercy to an enemy denies it to himself, my dear,"


    Rufus said seriously. He still showed nopassion for Amanda and no longer wanted to talk about


    her. Come to think of it, it was very likely that she had fooled him before. But what she did today was no


    longer tolerable.


    Stretching out his rough hand, Rufus touched the scratches on Cassandra''s neck gently. This filled him


    with sadness.


    "Does it hurt? Let''s go to the hospital and have them treated,"


    he said worriedly. However, when he took her hand as they were about to leave, Cassandra stopped


    him.


    "No, thank you. I''m waiting for someone, actually," she said in polite refusal.?

 Chapter 431 Women At War

    Chapter 431 Women At War


    Rufus frowned and looked at her, confused.


    "Who are you waiting for?" he asked.


    Cassandra pulled her cor up subconsciously. She didn''t seem to be bothered by the wound on her


    neck. As the cor could not hide itpletely, she tucked her neck a bit as she avoided Rufus''s touch.


    "There''s another guy who is interested in the studio. I need to wait for him so I could show him


    around..." Cassandra replied.


    She wanted to make sure that everything was settled for Lyndsy as soon as possible. That way, she


    could concentrate more on the shoot and her stic surgery treatment abroad. Suddenly, Rufus


    interrupted her before she could even finish her words.


    "It''s me. Let''s go. I''ll send someone to sign the sale and purchase agreement with you,"


    he said, feeling rxed now. He initially thought that Cassandra just downright rejected him. As it


    turned out, she only wanted to make sure that the office sale was taken care of as soon as possible.


    "What? It''s you?!"


    Cassandra''s eyes widened as she looked at him in surprise.


    "I didn''t expect Amanda to get here before I did. Otherwise, you would not have been hurt," he replied


    ignoring her expression.


    Her reaction satisfied Rufus very much. A smile appeared at the corners of his mouth.


    "Why do you buy this ce? What are you going to do with it?"


    Cassandra asked with furrowed brows.


    "You will know it when it''s time," he replied simply.


    He did not want to tell her his n just yet. He wanted it to be a surprise.


    Cassandra looked at him with suspicion. In the long time that she had known him, she still found it


    difficult to read him sometimes.


    Rufus smiled and held her in his arms. Then, he put his chin on her head and smelled her hair.


    "I didn''t know that my hesitation would cause you pain until today when I saw what she did to you. I''m


    sorry," he apologized.


    There was guilt in his voice. His heart ached seeing the scratch marks on her fair neck.


    Still, Cassandra remained sorrowful despite his words.


    ''You hurt me a long time ago, Rufus. You just didn''t know it.


    The wounds on my body are visible. But what about the wound in my heart? You can''t see it nor feel it.


    You know nothing about my pain, '' she thought.


    Rufus had expected that she would react positively to his apology. However, she only lowered her


    head. She didn''t even say anything. In her eyes were sadness and loneliness.


    His heart stung. She was very strong-willed and did not yield easily. But now, her pained eyes and


    expression made his heart ache. She looked so vulnerable.


    He reached out and pressed her into his chest even more tightly.


    "Let''s leave this city. Okay? Leave with me, my darling," he whispered.


    The longer they stayed in G City, the more uneasy he felt. There was so much danger and he did not


    want to leave Cassandra in this terrible ce.


    "I can''t leave with you now,"


    Cassandra said as she tried to push him away but failed. Rufus was determined to keep her close. He


    would not let her go that easily.


    "Why?" he asked.


    Sometimes, he found it difficult to understand Cassandra. No matter how honest he got with her, she


    still felt so distant. He couldn''t feel her heart the way he did before. What had happened between


    them? How did it get to this?


    "You made a mistake. If you leave without making up for it, my heart would never be at peace,"


    Cassandra spoke with a low yet determined voice.


    "Are you talking about the Tang family? Huh! Even if I didn''te back to the Tang family, Lionel still


    would have perished in the war with Arthur!" he argued.


    Rufus knew that Lionel was a fool when it came to business. He had no contingency ns whenever


    he deployed business strategies against the Dawn Star Group. Even without him, Rufus was sure that


    Lionel was going to lead the Tang Group to its fall.


    "But if you didn''t borrow money from the bank to expand Tang Group, things would be different. At


    least, Lionel would not be so helpless in dealing with the loan,"


    N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    Cassandra answered back. She was not a fool. When Rufus applied for loans from the bank to expand


    thepany, everyone thought he did so to gain a bigger share of the market. It was only now that


    Cassandra realized his true intention. He did that to bury thepany in debt and leave Lionel to deal


    with it.


    Rufus distanced himself from the crisis but what he did was fatal.


    Breaking the Tang Group''s cash flow would give rise to several other problems. Its state would worsen


    until it went bankrupt. That was the domino effect that Rufus instigated.


    "Why do you always defend them, Cassandra? I don''t get it."


    Rufus looked at her, puzzled. To him, it became more and more difficult to understand what was going


    on in her mind.


    "I just don''t think your mother would rest in peace if she saw you with so much hatred in your heart,"


    Cassandra said, hoping that the mention of his mother would be enough to persuade him. Rufus,


    however, loosened his grip on her.


    "She''s already gone, Cassandra. And you know why? It''s because of the Tang family. And I will never


    ever help them get out of this. Don''t ever talk to me about this again, ever,"


    he replied, frustrated. The fact that Cassandra could not seem to understand his feelings annoyed him.


    "If all you want to do is take them down, then I would rather that you stop talking to me altogether!"


    Dropping the sentence, she turned around to leave. Cassandra, too, was disappointed. But before she


    stepped out, she suddenly stopped as if she forgot something. Then, she turned to face Rufus and


    said, "I am not going anywhere with you unless you help the Tang Group get out of this crisis."


    After she finished her words, she took off, leaving Rufus alone with his fists still clenched.


    ''Why, Cassandra? Even Amanda supported me and took the initiative to terminate the agreement with


    the Tang Group. Why are you doing this? Why aren''t you standing by me?'' he thought sadly.


    Cassandra sighed helplessly as she left. ''Rufus, my darling, there is no real hatred among family. When


    will you realize that? When will you let go of your desire for vengeance and instead ept your family


    with forgiveness?''


    When she was thinking about family, the faces of Vernon and Edith appeared in her mind. It was


    probably time to pay her father a visit. ''I hope this winter would not be as cold as it wasst year, ''


    thought Cassandra.


    Amanda walked to her car in tears. Ivy had been waiting for her inside.


    Amanda had never cried so like this before. She felt so ashamed with what Rufus had done to her. She


    could not believe that he asked her to leave and said all those humiliating things in front of Cassandra.


    She felt as if he trampled her pride.


    "Amanda, don''t cry anymore..."


    Ivy said, looking sullen. She had to leave the ce because Rufus drove her out. She did not really


    know what happened next.


    But seeing Amanda cry so intensely, Ivy guessed that Rufus must have driven her out too. He must


    have sided with Cassandra. Otherwise, Amanda would not have lost her cool.


    Amanda could not stop crying. Memories of her and Rufus started to y in her mind.


    They met and fell in love at the very beginning. Later, they broke up because of her father''s objection.


    But fortunately, God brought them back together again.


    She had sacrificed so much for Rufus''s sake, in her opinion, but why did she still end up with nothing?


    Why didn''t he love her?


    "Are you crying because of Cassandra?" Ivy asked. "Amanda, dear friend, you need to cheer yourself


    up. Instead of crying, find a way to crack that woman down!"


    This was her opportunity to cook something up. She figured that Amanda''s hatred towards Cassandra


    was the best weapon to end that woman, once and for all.


    "How will I do that? In Rufus''s eyes, she''s perfect no matter what she does,"


    Amanda replied, sobbing spitefully.


    "No matter how perfect she is, a woman would be worth nothing if she were to act dubiously,"


    Ivy said with suspense.


    Immediately, Amanda stopped crying as she processed what Ivy said.


    Dubious behaviors? Cassandra was living with rk right now. Still, she would never associate her


    with rk. What else could she do?


    "I''ve got a n. She and Lionel have met several times. Lionel seems to still have feelings for her,"


    Ivy shared her information. There was a hint of bitterness in her voice.


    Amanda''s eyes immediately lit up.


    Indeed, she did not want to offend rk, but there was another man too: Lionel!


    "But...how do we make them meet and stay together?"


    Amanda murmured. She could not yet imagine how their n would be carried out and her brain was


    not yet functioning very well as she was still upied with what happened with Rufus.


    "The Tang Group is a mess now. Horace came to Rufus asking for help but Rufus refused him. The


    stress sent Horace to the hospital. Also, news about Horace''s affairs in his younger years are all over


    the media. With all those happening, the Tang Group is in dangerous waters. Even if I were in Lionel''s


    ce, I would definitely ask for Cassandra''s help to persuade Rufus into helping thepany out,"


    Ivy deduced confidently to lure Amanda into her n.


    "So are you telling me I could ask Lionel out, pretending to be Cassandra?"


    Amanda was a clever woman. It did not take her long, despite her grief, to understand what Ivy was


    insinuating.


    "You are smart, Amanda. I''m sure you''ll do better than me,"


    Ivy agreed. Right when Amanda finally understood what she was saying, Ivy distanced herself and left


    Amanda alone with her n.


    Amanda didn''t suspect her, though. All she thought about at the moment was how to expose and


    defeat Cassandra. Ivy''s reactions were thest things on her mind right now.


    The war of these women would go on until their dying days.

 Chapter 432 Hotel Trap

    Chapter 432 Hotel Trap


    "How''s it going with your work?"


    In prison''s visiting rooms, Vernon sat across Cassandra. He had grown thinner but he seemed to be in


    high spirits.


    "It''s doing great, Father. Don''t worry about me. As for my mother, she can''te today because she


    has been very busy, but I''m sure she will visit you next time," Cassandra said.


    She made it a point not to bear bad news because she did not want her father to worry too much. It


    was important for her that he behaved well in prison so he could be let out soon and they could all be


    together. Because of this, she and her mother agreed not to tell Vernon about Edith''s illness.


    "Do you have a boyfriend now?"


    This was the next question he asked. Of course, this also brought him concern because he didn''t want


    his daughter to grow old alone. It only made sense that he would ask this too.


    Cassandra already anticipated this and she was able to prepare an answer.


    "Yes, but we haven''t been dating long yet. I''d like to bring him so you can meet him when it''s time. It''s


    still too early now,"


    she replied smoothly without hesitation.


    Vernon smiled with relief when he heard her reply. That was good news to him because in his mind,


    that meant that he did not need to worry about Cassandra too much. There was a man who was taking


    care of her.


    "I''m sorry I haven''t been a good father. You and your mother must have been having a hard time


    recently,"


    he started apologetically. He felt sorry for leaving Cassandra the burden of taking care of his family.


    Right then, Cassandra suddenly remembered what Rufus told Ivy.


    Joel had threatened Vernon to the point of him considering suicide. She realized that Ivy must have


    done this because of the things happening between them back then.


    Cassandra''s heart ached. Her father almost died because of her. This filled her with guilt.


    "Father, please, no more apologizing. We are family. We''re all waiting for you¡ªmother, Cloris, and me,"


    she said as she reached out to hold her father''s hand tofort him.


    "How about Cloris? How is she?"


    It had been a long time since he saw his beloved younger daughter. He missed her very much.


    "She''s fine. She came back a few days ago and she has a boyfriend now,"


    Cassandra replied with a smile.


    "Boyfriend? Who? What is he like? Is he treating Cloris right?"


    Vernon shot one question after another.


    Cassandra smiled and replied patiently.


    "You probably know him. He is the president of Dawn Star Group, Arthur Zhuang. Cloris likes him very


    much,"


    she said as Cloris''s lovestruck face appeared in her mind. The girl seemed so happy and she always


    looked at Arthur with such loving eyes.


    What she did not understand, however, was that from what she knew, Arthur broke up with Cloris


    before. She even came back just to see him but they ended up fighting. It confused Cassandra to see


    them dating again.


    "Arthur? I know him!"


    As expected, Vernon grew even more excited. Arthur was part of the business circle. Of course, he


    knew who he was.


    "I''m very happy for her. Arthur is a very good man!"


    Vernon smiled. He seemed to be unable to wipe it off his face. Realizing that his daughter was dating a


    great man filled him with so much joy.


    His smile brought Cassandra joy, too.


    "Oh, you should also hurry up with your love life then, Cassandra. By the way, who were you talking


    about? Who is your boyfriend?"


    Vernon then asked his eldest daughter. He realized that he forgot to ask who the mystery guy was. A


    part of him felt bad that he did seem to show more concern about Cloris than Cassandra and he hoped


    that thispse did not make Cassandra feel ufortable.


    As for Cassandra, though, she was actually hoping that he would not investigate as this was a topic


    she would have preferred to avoid. Left with no other choice, she had to respond, "It''s Rufus."


    She could not find it in herself to lie to her father. Hurriedly, she exined, "I know we shouldn''t be


    together. I mean, there are so many odds against us. We''ve been through a lot, clearly. Mother doesn''t


    like him very much either, but I''ll introduce him to you, Father, and you''ll see that he''s really a great


    guy! I promise! I mean, I think you''ll really like him and you two will get along."


    Cassandra was worried that Vernon might object. As best as she could, she exined the situation and


    put in as many good words for Rufus as possible.


    Vernon stayed silent for a few seconds and then sighed in resignation.


    "Choosing him will make your lifeplicated, Cassandra. He is your ex-husband''s brother. What will


    the Tang family say when they find out that you n to be their older son''s wife?" he said.


    Given that all he worried about was the Tang family''s approval, it was likely that the news about Rufus''s


    identity had not reached him yet. It was a good thing that all the rumors had not made their way to his


    ears.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    "I don''t have the energy to think about the future, Father. Please let me just worry about what''s in front


    of us, for now,"


    she replied gently with a bitter smile.


    The truth was that the Tang family did not even have the time and energy to think about her rtionship


    with Rufus at this moment. Currently, keeping the Tang Group afloat was their priority.


    The pain in her eyes made Vernon''s heart ache. Would Horace agree if she married his other son?


    "Please promise me you''ll take care of yourself. Don''t allow yourself to be hurt, okay?"


    Vernon begged as he held her hands and looked straight into her eyes.


    "Yes, Father, I promise. Thank you," she replied.


    The warmth of her father''s love overwhelmed Cassandra so much that she almost wanted to cry.


    Never did she ever imagine that she would share a moment like this with her father. Sitting across him


    and holding his hands, she had never felt this loved by him in all her life. It was as if she were in a


    dream.


    For as long as she could remember, her father had always been distant to her and showed obvious


    favor towards her sister. She could not recall a moment in her childhood where she felt that he loved


    her. He never seemed to care what she did in her life or if she were hurt.


    Not even in her wildest imagination did she imagine this moment to happen.


    Then and there, Cassandra felt as if she had everything she needed. She felt as if she were the


    luckiest girl in the world. If she had left her family and allowed her hatred to get the best of her during


    her bitter days, she would not have reached this moment. She was grateful that she did her best to


    protect it. The love she felt right now made everything worth it.


    How she wished Rufus were beside her right now. She wanted to tell him how she felt, how beautiful


    these kinds of moments were, and how things would always get better with love.


    She wanted him to understand the warmth of having a family and how it was worth fighting for.


    It was much more satisfying than revenge.


    Still, she knew it would not be easy to convince him. He was very stubborn and nothing she did or said


    about this particr matter ever seemed to get through to him.


    The Tang Group was already so deep into their problems. No matter what Lionel did, nothing seemed


    to work. They needed help and they needed it now.


    As a member of the Tang family, it would have been Rufus''s responsibility to lend a hand. But


    unfortunately, absorbed by his hatred, he barely showed concern for their circumstance.


    Cassandra soon bid her father goodbye and turned to leave. The moment she walked out of prison, her


    phone rang.


    "Is this Cassandra Qin?"


    a stranger asked from the other end of the line. It was an unknown number. Puzzled, Cassandra


    responded, "Yes, this is she. Who is speaking, please?"


    she replied politely, not knowing his intention.


    "Great! I''m so happy I''ve reached you. I''m a member of the crew in thest shoot. I was told that you


    wanted to terminate Lyndsy''s contract and the producer wants to meet with you. He is in the M hotel


    downtown. Would you be able to drop by?"


    "Oh!" Cassandra eximed realizing what the man was talking about. Ste must have reached out to


    him regarding Lyndsy''s arrangements.


    "Oh, sure! Could you send me the address and room number? I''ll drop by as soon as I can," she


    immediately responded.


    The shoot was keeping Lyndsy busy for now, but the sooner she settled this, the sooner she could fly


    out and have her treatments. Cassandra wanted to make sure that things were set up before she went


    abroad.


    The man gave her the details she requested and then hung up. Cassandra headed for the ce at


    once.


    At the same time, Lionel received a text message.


    "Come to Room 907 at M Hotel downtown. It''s done," it said.


    His eyes widened, staring at the message with disbelief. He was soon filled with excitement.


    It must be from Cassandra. He had asked her to persuade Rufus to help the Tang family. The text was


    a good sign.


    Too thrilled to even give it a second thought, he headed off to the ce in the message.


    Cassandra knocked at the door gently and a man replied.


    "Come in, please."


    It was a young man''s voice. Cassandra put on a courteous smile and turned the doorknob to walk in.


    The moment the door opened, she was met with a towel to her face.


    She immediately grew anxious and was about to shout for help, but then everything went ck; before


    she knew it, she was unconscious.


    Still, right beforepletely fainting, she managed to catch a glimpse of a man. His face, though, did


    not seem to be recognizable.


    Lionel entered the room and saw a woman standing with her back facing him. ''Cassandra, '' he thought.


    With a smile on his face, he walked in, eager to hear the good news straight from her mouth.


    Suddenly, a towel with a strange smell covered his nose and mouth. He struggled to fight against the


    man who caught him.


    But the moment he tried to catch a breath, he lost consciousness.


    Before he could even manage to decipher who it was, he heard a woman''s voice say, "Good


    job."

 Chapter 433 Wanna Go On A Date

    Chapter 433 Wanna Go On A Date


    Cassandra and Lionel were lying on the king-sized bed with purple satin sheets strewn all over them. It


    was a luxurious and decadent scene in the hotel''s presidential suite.


    Ivy stood at the foot of the bed, her eyes narrowed and shing with satisfaction.


    "Joel, take the damn pictures of their ugly mugs. Quick,"


    Ivy issued the order, her teeth grinding with anticipation. Joel then snappily began to take photos of the


    unconscious couple from different angles.


    "Alright, that''s enough. Let''s go. It''s all up to Amanda after this point."


    Ivy and Joel quickly left the hotel. Rufus would soon find out what had happened in this room and rush


    to save Cassandra. Thest thing she wanted was to be caught red-handed.


    Before leaving, Ivy slyly dropped an item on the floor. A sinister smile formed on the corners of her


    mouth.


    Amanda dialed Rufus''s number over and over. As expected, Rufus kept rejecting the call.


    Amanda had just recieved the pictures from Ivy on her phone. Cassandra and Lionel were strewn over


    the bed inpromising positions, which was exactly what Amanda had wanted.


    ''Rufus, since you refuse to answer the phone, I''ll show you something you can''t possibly ignore.''


    Amanda sent the pictures directly to Rufus, as well as the address of the hotel and room number.


    A few secondster, Amanda''s phone started vibrating. As she looked at the caller ID, a wry smile


    appeared on her lips.


    "What exactly are you ying at?"


    Rufus asked in an enraged tone.


    ''Got you all nervous, huh?'' Amanda thought to herself. ''I have my ways of flustering you. I know how


    you hate seeing Cassandra suffer.''


    "This has nothing to do with me. My staff merely ran across them and took some pictures. You can


    check for yourself if you want."


    Amanda wanted Rufus to witness Cassandra having sex with Lionel with his own eyes. It must be


    devastating.


    "Is this all part of your little n into provoking a response from me?"


    Rufus replied in an icy tone. Beads of cold sweat started to form on Amanda''s forehead.


    ''Shouldn''t he be rushing to the hotel already? How could he possibly know this was all a trick?''


    The thing was, the pictures Ivy sent were incredibly high quality. Anyone with a keen eye could easily


    deduce that it was staged.


    Ivy had a card up her sleeve though. She didn''t mean to pave the way for Amanda. Instead, she meant


    to set her up.


    "I...I don''t know what you''re talking about."


    Amanda trembled slightly at the start of her words, but quickly calmed herself down.


    "My men will be down there in a minute. I''m on my way as well. Do you want me to personally expose


    your lies?"


    Rufus''s vein was popping on his forehead in his anger.


    "Amanda, heed my warning. If you dare y tricks like this again, I won''t ever forgive you even if your


    father begs me to. Don''t test me!"


    After finishing his rant, Rufus mmed the phone and drove straight to the hotel.


    Upon arriving at the hotel room door, he braced his shoulder for the impact that would force the door


    open. Once it was open, he saw two unconscious people on the bed.


    Rufus went straight to Cassandra. He quickly wrapped her up in a soft nket nearby and promptly


    left.


    Lionel, on the other hand, was snoring loudly, oblivious to the things happening around him due to the


    effect of the strong drug.


    Rufus lifted his foot and kicked Lionel in the side. He was heavily sedated, so he thankfully didn''t see


    Cassandra''s naked body. If he did, Rufus would personally gouge out his eyes.


    On his way out, Rufus stepped on something hard on the carpeted floor. He took his foot off the object


    to get a better look. It was an earring.


    It was Amanda''s. Rufus remembered it was her favorite.


    His lips curled into an evil smile. Thoughts began to flood his mind, ''It''s highly possible she dropped it


    when she was busy staging all this. How careless of her!


    Shecks the acumen for this sort of thing, but still, she tried to drive a wedge between Cassandra and


    me. This is insane.''


    The earring was hard evidence that proved the trap was set by Amanda. Rufus didn''t even bother to


    look around more.


    He never expected Amanda to go this far in trying to harm Cassandra. ''I ought to teach her a lesson, ''


    he decided quietly.


    Rufus took ast angry look at Lionel and then went out of the room.


    N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    Cassandra''s eyes fluttered open. She found that she was in a dark room. Her head throbbed and


    started to question what happened. She saw a silhouette of a man sitting beside the bed.


    Cassandra''s throat was incredibly dry. She moved slightly.


    Upon hearing the sound, the figure turned around and looked at her.


    "Oh, you''re awake. How do you feel?"


    Rufus asked, concern written all over his face.


    Cassandra shivered as the memories came flooding back. She remembered a pair of hands suddenly


    appearing from behind and covered her mouth with a soaked towel. She just now came to her senses


    and the first person she saw was Rufus, so it only meant...


    "You bastard! How dare you kidnap me!"


    Cassandra roared in rage. Even though she knew it was too dark for Rufus to see her face, she still


    red angrily at him.


    Rufus was stunned. He then put two and two together and realized that Cassandra must''ve thought he


    was the one who kidnapped her.


    He rushed to rescue Cassandra. He never doubted her but firmly believed that it was Amanda''s trick.


    This was how she repaid him?


    Infuriated, Rufus stopped all his concern for Cassandra. He retorted with an icy tone, looking at


    Cassandra in the dark, "I can be even more evil. Do you want to see that?"


    "Get away from me!"


    Cassandra screamed. She knew exactly what Rufus wanted to do, but she refused to let himy a


    finger on her.


    "As you wish, my dear princess.


    I''m standing up. What now?"


    Rufus grinned mischievously. Cassandra was at a loss for words.


    She felt that Rufus had lost all sense of shame and would never let her go.


    "Get out!"


    Cassandra spat venomously.


    "Are you sure about that? Last time I checked, this is my house."


    Rufus''s eyebrows twitched. He stared at Cassandra in mock surprise. Trying hard not tough, Rufus


    saw Cassandra''s flushed cheeks as light poured from the window.


    Rufus''s words snapped her awake. She began to survey her surroundings. Although the light was


    weak, she could still make out the rest of the room. It was indeed Rufus''s bedroom.


    Or to be more specific, it used to be their bedroom.


    The bed, cupboards, decor and wardrobe cements were exactly the same as the day she left.


    She was familiar with everything. Memories came rushing at her, and her heart beat rapidly.


    "I never changed anything in this room. I didn''t let anyone in either,"


    Rufus softly whispered in Cassandra''s ear as he lowered his head and buried his face in her neck.


    "I put away your unicorn doll, too. It''s inside the bedside cupboard to your right. I think you''d better take


    that with you when you leave."


    Rufus''s voice had a deep baritone. Only God knew how long he had waited for this moment.


    He had longed to embrace her like this, to be in their room again with her, to smell her fragrant hair,


    and to whisper sweet nothings in her ear.


    It was like a century had passed since they were together in this room. All those passionate nights they


    had spent together up to the moment she stormed out angrily and never returned came flooding back


    in Rufus''s mind.


    Cassandra kept quiet. The atmosphere was so beautiful. She dared not speak for fear of ruining it.


    "Don''t let others take advantage of you, okay? Don''t let them dictate where you want to go,"


    Rufus said in a serious tone.


    Cassandra had never been guarded towards other people who might wish to do her harm. Rufus had


    worried about her ever since she said she would help him keep an eye on rk.


    "You included?"


    Cassandra muttered softly, her eyes full of mncholy.


    She hade to realize that someone was scheming against her, but it was definitely not Rufus.


    He would never do that to her. He loved her even after all this time.


    "So what do you say? Wanna go on a date?"


    Rufus asked with his eyebrows raised.


    "No, thanks!"


    Cassandra quipped, her eyes burning with passion.


    Rufus leaned in and nted a soft kiss on her likewise soft lips. Soon enough, the dimly-lit bedroom of


    the white-washed vi was filled with sounds of passion.

 Chapter 434 Clarks Threat

    Chapter 434 rk''s Threat


    rk looked down at the envelope in Cassandra''s hand, frowning.


    "Cassandra, what do you mean by this?" he asked, almost in an inquiring tone.


    Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    Even though the envelope was closed, he could deduce by its bulging shape that it was filled with


    money.


    "Mr. Ji, I am sorry I''ve troubled you for so long. My sister is back. It is going to be really inconvenient for


    you if the three of us continue staying in your house. I have talked to my mother. She and my sister will


    move back to our own house. As for me, I will be with Lyndsy, so I won''t being back very often. I


    looked up the rent in this area, so this is an approximate number for the days we''ve stayed here,"


    Cassandra said, looking apologetic but at the same time, indifferent.


    "Cassandra, I really don''t care about the money. I only want to help you."


    rk seemed anxious and diforted.


    "I know that, Mr. Ji. But I don''t want anyone to think of me as someone who takes advantage of others.


    You must keep this money as rent."


    Cassandra extended her hand to rk, determined to keep it there till he epted it.


    "Why are you acting this way? Is there anything I''ve done wrong? Is it about the ce? Why do you


    have to leave? You don''t like it?"


    He feigned a sad look, while trying to fathom what her real intention was.


    ''It seems like she has decided to go back to Rufus. Otherwise, why would she hurry to leave in this


    way?'' he surmised.


    To confirm his suspicion, the expression on Cassandra''s face changed as she finally decided to tell


    rk the truth.


    "rk...Rufus and I...have decided to be back together," she said in a low voice.


    The moment she said those few words she felt relieved. It felt good to finally say it.


    "Are you sure, Cassandra? What happens to Amanda?" he asked, shaking his head.


    What he didn''t know was Amanda had done something terribly silly, which Rufus eventually found out.


    So he still attempted to stir Cassandra''s aversion for Rufus by bringing up Amanda.


    "They are going to dismiss the engagement soon."


    Cassandra was reluctant to talk about Amanda. She could sympathize with her, but there was no room


    for such sympathy in love. She loved Rufus too much to care, too much to step back.


    Love didn''t mean possession by force, but giving each other some space and freedom, while being


    loyal to each other.


    Amanda had gone to unimaginable extents not to make Rufus love her, but to acquire him, which, in


    turn only drove him away.


    "Well, if that''s what you really want...All I can do is wish you all the best. But still, you should take some


    time to make a wiser decision. Both of us know, Rufus is not as simple as he seems..."


    rk''s words had an undertone of suspicion, almost as if he knew something about Rufus Cassandra


    wasn''t aware of. He sighed and trailed off without saying anything further.


    "Thank you for helping me all this time," Cassandra said with a smile.


    Truth was, she had wanted to get rid of rk for a long time. It felt terrible to be monitored by him


    every single second.


    "Don''t mention it. Please don''t hesitate in asking for help in the future."


    rk too made himself sound generous, hiding the hostility he truly felt.


    "Surely."


    Cassandra''s tone was nonchnt as her heart filled with euphoria.


    She hadn''t imagined he would let her go so easily. It was rather unexpected for him to behave so


    reasonably. It really didn''t take a lot of effort to convince him.


    But something was off, making her feel unsettled.


    rk stood in front of Amanda, who looked like she had seen a ghost.


    "Why are Rufus and Cassandra getting back together? What did you do?"


    he interrogated her. As he drew closer and closer to her, the insanity in his eyes sent a shiver down her


    spine.


    Amanda took a step back, quivering with fear. A nightmare that she had stopped seeing long ago was


    visiting her again in her own office!


    There was ample daylight in the room, yet Amanda stood shaking like a leaf in chilled autumn wind.


    She felt like the walls were closing in on her, like the world around her was darkening second by


    second.


    "Do you really think you are that smart? That no one would be able to see through your silly tricks? I


    should never have trusted you. I asked you to convince Charlie. Why is he summoning all the members


    back to the group headquarters? Does he n to impeach me?" rk roared.


    As soon as he heard about the summoning, his heart started to beat faster. He felt cheated, defeated,


    frustrated, and so he immediately headed to Amanda''s office to vent it all out.


    "Amanda, you really aren''t suitable to be my partner!"


    Tears rolled down her cheeks in streams. Why did she have to face such a demon! Why didn''t she


    have the strength to fight back?


    It seemed like there was nobody to help her.


    The frightened look on Amanda''s face fueled rk''s fury further.


    Impulsively, he slid all the documents off Amanda''s desk. The office looked like a war field.


    "Listen, bitch. Let me warn you. You better follow my instructions, otherwise you will face serious


    consequences!"


    Amanda blinked constantly in fear. Her heart was in her mouth, beating wildly.


    "Did you think Charlie would be able to handle me? Or did you think Rufus would beat me?


    If you evene close to revealing what happened between us to anyone, I will show both your father


    and Rufus what a whore like you looks like when in bed with me!"


    rk spoke, shaking his head like a maniac, as a mocking and brutal smile crept across his lips.


    Amanda knew he had a video of them in the bed together. He had even shown the screenshots to her


    before. She had tried to fetch the original video from him for a long time but never seeded.


    Looking at him barking at her this way, she felt an eerie fear, as if a w was going to grab her in the


    dark. Tears continued trickling down her face in agony.


    She didn''t dare make a sound, and simply continued sobbing in silence, biting her lip.


    He walked around the table and reached for her face, grabbing her jaw tightly. Only when he confirmed


    that she was too frightened to make any sound, he released her, smiling ironically.


    "Oh, well. You forced me to threaten you, dear. Why can''t you just stay docile and keep quiet?"


    rk''s head was still trying to wrap around what Cassandra had told him. He felt hostility permeating in


    his body. Suddenly, he got lost in his own emotions and turned a blind eye to Amanda''s pain. She now


    sat curling up in her chair, sobbing and shaking like a child.


    "Get up! Stop acting like a dying woman! You disappoint me!"


    rk suddenly snapped and insulted her bluntly.


    Amanda slowly rose and tidied herself up, wiping her tears. Her face was bereft of any emotion, left


    nothing but impressions of tears.


    Not only did her body hurt, but her heart felt weak too. She felt dominated and destroyed. Hell seemed


    to have broken down on her.


    Suddenly, someone knocked at the door. Ivy spoke from outside.


    She had just returned from the construction site and wanted to give a report about the progress to


    Amanda. She had heard from her colleagues that rk was here and got excited immediately,


    anticipating to meet him.


    Her eyes lit up as she recalled his handsome face in her mind.


    "Miss Ke...it''s Ivy. Can Ie in?"


    Ivy put extra effort to sound soft and sweet. She even straightened her hair to look tidier and more


    presentable.


    Amanda was startled. Hurriedly, she wiped off the remaining tears on her face and rushed to open the


    door.


    Forcing a smile, Amanda spoke in a hoarse tone, "Come in."


    She was awfully hoping that Ivy''s presence would make rk leave soon. She couldn''t spend another


    second in his presence.


    The moment Ivy stepped in, her eyes got stuck to rk''s face,pletely overlooking Amanda''s


    wrecked condition. She walked in elegantly, beautiful and enchanting.


    "Here is the project progress form,"


    Ivy said, beaming as she handed the report to Amanda. But her face froze as soon as her eyesnded


    on Amanda.


    Amanda was wearing a shirt with a ck skirt, but Ivy discovered that her shirt wasn''t properly tugged


    in the skirt, exposing a part of her waist. It was impossible for someone like Amanda to make an error


    like that. She always dressed impably.

 Chapter 435 The Evil Man, Unescapable

    Chapter 435 The Evil Man, Unescapable


    Ivy''s eyes went straight to Amanda''s disheveled clothes. At once, she had an inkling that something


    had happened in this office.


    But she asked no questions. Taking her eyes off Amanda''s clothes, she gave her a smile and said,


    "The project is going on as nned. Don''t worry."


    A practiced smile remained stered in her face but her eyes wandered, scouring the whole room for


    any clues.


    Amanda''s appearance had always been so impable¡ªfrom head to toe, that she would be seen with


    rumpled clothes was abnormal.


    Her gazended on Amanda''s desk. Like the rest of her, it was usually neat and well-organized;


    however, today was a different case. Arge area was left vacant and on one end were files strewn in a


    disarray, as if someone had swept over the table carelessly and left everything at its edge.


    It was indeed very strange.


    She took a look at rk next. At first nce, he looked to be the same as he always was, save for the


    slight wrinkles on his shirt. Ivy''s eyes did not miss the way it was haphazardly tucked into his pants.


    Ivy came face-to-face with an appalling possibility as she pieced everything together. Even she herself


    could not believe it.


    Did they make love in this room just now?


    At once, Ivy''s senses recognized the telltale scent of sex that lingered in the air.


    With Ivy in the room, Amanda went through the report slowly. She could have sent her away and


    checked the fileter, but she didn''t want to stay with rk alone in her office. Ivy''s presence was


    godsend, and she had her waiting there as she proceeded to business.


    The longer Ivy stayed inside the room, the more abnormalities she found.


    With all the clues she picked up, she was able to deduce that Amanda and rk had some special


    rtionship. They were more than ''friends.''


    No friends would make love in an office.


    Her heart sank at the realization. She had nned to seduce rk, one of the richest bachelors in the


    G City, and take him for herself. Nothing could have prepared her for this.


    And Amanda. That bitch! Hadn''t she been running around and professing her love for Rufus? And yet,


    here she was, hooking up with rk secretly. What a slut!


    No wonder rk ignored her own advances. He had already been sleeping with Amanda.


    A feeling of hate spiked through Ivy''s chest. Her eyes narrowed on Amanda. Why did this bitch always


    compete against her?


    On the outside, she remained calm and collected as Amanda checked the file, but she cursed the


    woman in her head repeatedly. rk, on the other hand, lingered nonchntly, showing no intention of


    leaving at all.


    Amanda felt suffocated as his presence loomed over them. Forcing a smile, she turned to rk and


    said, "rk, I still have things to discuss with Ivy. It''ll take a long time. Why don''t you go back for now?"


    Amanda fought against her trembling legs and was about to walk to the door when rk answered her.


    "Oh, no. I don''t have anything urgent to deal with as of the moment. I''ll wait for you here. Let''s have


    dinnerter. It''s on me,"


    rk smiled at her as he spoke, but his eyes glinted with malice.


    Seeing Amanda cower in front of him gave him a rush. It felt so good to conquer a woman. He had


    been having a hard and long time with Cassandra. Now, facing Amanda, the obedient little woman that


    she was, he reveled in the feeling of his own wickedness.


    Despite his smile, Amanda felt the chill from his eyes to her bones.


    Her hands trembled a bit and she closed the file.


    "Ivy, I''m finished with the file. Follow it up, please. Thanks, and you can leave now."


    rk insisted on not leaving. Amanda was left with no other choice but to confront him now.


    "Yes, I understand."


    Ivy smiled and turned around to leave the office as if she knew nothing.


    When the sound of her steps disappeared, rk rushed to Amanda, stretching a hand out forcing her


    to raise her head and look at him.


    "You yed a dirty trick there, didn''t you?" he sneered as Amanda whimpered against his grip. "Are


    you trying to send me away? You would do better to keep this in that pretty little head of yours,


    Amanda. You will never escape me. I wille to you whenever I want, and you will do exactly as I


    ask. Understand?"


    His practiced smile had all disappeared. In its ce was a cold and evil expression, like that of a hunter


    watching its prey. He approached her face slowly.


    Amanda shuddered. Tears kept streaming down her cheeks, her whimpers bouncing off the walls of the


    office.


    "Take off your skirt! Now!"


    rk ordered impatiently. His mood had soured now, and he would use this woman to vent out his


    anger.


    Amanda crumbled at the force of humiliation, but she had to follow. She swallowed thickly and


    continued crying as she took off her clothes. Her eyes dulled as rk used her body, and everything


    around her seemed to echo.


    As her mind wandered, her thoughts came to Rufus. ''Rufus, where are you? Why won''t youe and


    save me?'' His image flickered before her, and then Cassandra''s. Fury burst forth from inside her as


    she saw them in their happiness.


    Her nails dug into the wood of the table and she gritted her teeth against her cries. Rufus was gone. He


    had found his happiness with Cassandra. And here she was, at the palm of rk''s hands, bending to


    his every will and desire.


    Hatred crawled in her heart like numerous tiny snakes. Their venom flooded her every vessel and there


    was nothing but burns and acid.


    She was damned. There was no escape for her now, and she would take everyone else with her.


    ''I''ll make you all suffer.'' She bit her lip against her rage. ''I''ll kill you all! I will tear you into pieces until


    there''s nothing left!'' Vicious thoughts echoed repeatedly in Amanda''s head as she fought against the


    sound of her cries.


    After it was done, rk fixed his tie and walked out of Amanda''s office without so much as another look


    at her.


    As he strode out of the office, Ivy caught the satisfied expression in his face, confirming her earlier


    suspicions.


    When rk passed by Ivy, he took a look at this woman, and stopped, remembering her interest in


    him.


    Another wicked thought formed at the back of his mind and he smiled at her. "Amanda is busy tonight.


    Won''t you join me for dinner instead?"


    he offered. Having more than one woman wasn''t bad. When he got bored with Amanda, he could just


    use this one instead.


    "Sure. I''d love to!"


    Ivy replied quickly. It was a pleasant surprise. She hadn''t expected that he would invite her. He


    definitely wanted something from her, and she would find that out for herself.


    "I''ll wait for you outside. Come to me after work."


    rk shed a charming smile and then turned around to leave.


    Ivy, on the other hand, kept her eyes on his back, her gaze watchful, like a cautious fox.


    The corners of her mouth tilted upward slowly. What would happen when these two scheming people


    who were nning to dig a pit for each other, came together?


    Little did Ivy know that she was about to enter into a prison of her own doing.


    "Ah Cassandra, rk''s house was really quite nice. It was convenient to live there, and there were


    maids who took care of everything. Now that we''re back home, I''m even starting to feel a bit


    ufortable..."


    Edith had been rambling on and on since they got out of rk''s vi. Cassandra felt as if stones were


    filling her chest at her mother''s words, but she couldn''t exin everything to her.


    rk was far from the man she would believe. He was an expert at manipting people and disguising


    his true self. Despite her best efforts, Cassandra was unable to figure out his real intentions, and so


    she chose to stay as far away from him as possible as a measure of caution. He was dangerous, and


    she had her family to protect.


    "Don''t worry, Mother. I have already arranged for everything. There is someone who will be looking


    after you and the house. You won''t have to take care of the chores. You can just focus on your health,"


    Cassandra assured her.


    She could not tell her about her suspicions of rk. For now, all she could do was make sure her


    mother wasfortable.


    Besides, she hadn''t even told Edith that she was with Rufus again. She wanted to wait for more time


    because Edith obviously favored rk now. Telling her about Rufus would just displease her.


    "I know what you are thinking about. You are afraid that I would urge you to be with rk, right?" Edith


    said, breaking Cassandra''s train of thought. Edith sighed before continuing, "I''m worried about you and


    I''m just thinking of what''s best for you. Is that so hard to understand?"


    Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    Edith prattled on, her voiceced with worry. She was desperate to see Cassandra be with a good man


    instead of wasting her time on Rufus. It would bring her peace to know that her daughter was being


    taken care of by a reliable man.


    "Look at Cloris! Her boyfriend is perfect! He is polite and is handsome too. What''s more, he loves her


    so much! They broke up once, but he came back to her!"


    Cassandra decided to just bear with her mother''s nagging. It was typical of older people to be anxious


    over the younger ones.


    "Please, pay more attention to yourself. You are not getting any younger, and I am worried about you.


    You are the eldest. You can''t be marriedter than your younger sister!"


    As Edith continued on, Cloris, who had been standing beside her, became upset.


    "Mother, what are you talking about? Wasn''t she married once? Even if I marry now, I would be still


    marriedter than her! And by whichw does it have to be that a younger sister has to marryter than


    her elder sister?"


    Cloris pouted. She was a bit angry.


    She wanted to marry Arthur as early as possible. There was no way she would allow Cassandra''s


    being single to be a barrier on her way to be Arthur''s legal wife.


    After all, her sister was aplete tragedy.


    She married Lionel, and then they divorced.


    She dated Rufus, and then they broke up.


    She took charge of Qin Group, and then thepany went bankrupt.


    She worked in Lyndsy''spany, and then Lyndsy had an ident.


    It was like ill fortune followed her wherever she went.


    If all went ording to what Cloris wished, Cassandra would marry into another family as soon as


    possible so that she would stay away. What she didn''t know was that all her living expenses abroad


    were from Cassandra after Vernon went to jail.


    Instead of getting angry at Cloris''s words, Cassandra simply smiled slightly, thinking that Cloris was just


    still too young to understand.


    For now, she just thought Cloris was being naive like a child. However, she would never anticipate that


    her own sister would stab her in the back someday and that their bond would shatter in pieces


    eventually.

 Chapter 436 A Womans Loyalty (Part One)

    Chapter 436 A Woman''s Loyalty (Part One)


    Arthur pulled over his car and got off. With a bright smile, he walked up to Edith and took the suitcase


    from her hand, then proceeded to put it in the trunk of his car.


    "Mrs. Qin, I will be driving you back!"


    Arthur told her, his smile never leaving his face. Edith just couldn''t help but be fond of this handsome


    young man.


    To her mind, men like rk and Arthur were by far much better than Rufus. They were always cordial


    and polite, and they always had sunny dispositions. Rufus, however, was nothing like them. He


    constantly kept a straight face, distancing himself from others. That included Edith. She did not like him


    one bit.


    Returning Arthur''s smile, she entered his car and they drove all the way back to the Qin family vi.


    Cassandra had already made preparations and sent someone to handle the housekeeping. Everything


    was all set. The floors gleamed and the windows let in the a fresh breeze, as if to wee its


    upants.


    Arthur helped them carry their suitcases into the house. With wary eyes, he looked around. Finding the


    room empty with no sign of anyoneing, he quickly put a bug under the tea table in the big living


    room with an inconspicuous flick of his hand.


    After having done that, he crossed one end of the living room to the other, nting more bugs at


    hidden ces that nobody would ever notice. No conversation in the room would be made secret to


    him.


    The reasoning behind his action was simple: rk had told him to do it, and he obliged. Driving the


    Qins back home was the perfect opportunity to carry out the n. Originally, rk nned to do it


    himself, but Cassandra had been adamant on refusing his assistance, making up whatever ridiculous


    excuse she could to keep her distance from him.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    This was where Arthur stepped in. He had promised to rk that he would make sure to bug the house


    of the Qin family so he could keep an ear out for Edith and her daughters.


    ''Oh my precious Cassandra. Did you really think that moving out of my vi would let you escape me?


    You are simply too naive!'' rk thought darkly to himself, summoning Cassandra''s lovely face in his


    mind. ''No one leaves me until I say so.''


    He lurked around her like a shadow, waiting with an evil smirk in the darkness for the best time to


    strike. rk always got what he wanted, and destroying Cassandra and all the people close to her


    would not be an exception. She could run and hide, but he would always find her. He closed his eyes,


    savoring the image of her struggling in his grasp, the life slowly draining from her face.


    Cassandra had no inkling that there was big danger awaiting her, watching her every move. She


    walked out of her mother''s room to the living room and found that Arthur seemingly looking around.


    She slowly walked up to him and greeted him with a smile.


    "Thank you for helping us move,"


    Cassandra said politely. After all, Arthur was Cloris''s boyfriend. The conflict between the two of them


    was a thing of the past. If things went well, they might even be a family in the future.


    "You''re wee. I was d to do it,"


    Arthur calmly replied. His hand moved from underneath the table to his pocket discreetly as he


    answered her.


    "You know, sometimes Cloris can be a bit childish. I don''t know if you have seen it before, but her


    tantrums are quite something. I hope you can be patient with her. She''s used to getting what she


    wants. She was spoiled by our parents, even me. But she is really a sweet girl. Please treat her well."


    Cassandra had a lot of things she wanted to say. She had endless worries as Cloris''s older sister and


    as the eldest daughter of the family. But in the end, she only told Arthur to be good to her little sister. If


    Cloris could be happy, then that was all that mattered.


    She wanted nothing but the best for her sister.


    Before Arthur could reply, Cloris''s voice rang through the room. "Arthur, why are you still in the living


    room? Come up here and help me," she called out, walking downstairs to stand beside Arthur. Without


    even the slightest greeting to Cassandra, she grabbed Arthur''s arm in hers and dragged him away to


    her room.


    Arthur turned back and smiled at Cassandra, then left with Cloris.


    As soon as they were inside Cloris''s room, she closed the door and pouted in annoyance.


    "Arthur, why did you smile like that to Cassandra? I don''t like you looking at her that way!"


    Of course, Cassandra was right about Cloris. She was spoiled, and acted like a brat, as what was


    happening now. Childish jealousy red up inside her when she saw Arthur and her sister alone talking


    in the living room. Seeing them like that did not sit well with her. She wanted Arthur to never look at any


    other woman than herself.


    The first time she liked someone, Cassandra got in the way and stole him. She got what she deserved


    when Rufus left her, but now, it seemed that her sister was once again standing in the way of her


    happiness. ''I won''t let her take Arthur from me this time!'' Cloris seethed inwardly.


    Cassandra was nothing but a dirty bitch. All she knew was snatching up other women''s men instead of


    getting her own. It was a ridiculous thing. rk, who was rich and handsome, liked her so much and


    even went out of his way to win her over, but Cassandra just kept on pushing him away. Did she want


    to see men run after her that much? It was infuriating.


    Vicious words filled Cloris''s head as she thought about her own sister, but with a practiced expression,


    she remained sweet and innocent in front of her boyfriend.


    "You''re so silly," Arthur shook his head fondly at Cloris. "What are you talking about? I was only being


    polite to your sister."


    He reached out and gently pinched Cloris''s cheek. The affection she saw in his eyes put her at ease.


    But still, she didn''t like Cassandra getting too close.


    "I don''t care! You can''t smile at her, and you can''t be in a room with her alone!"


    Childishly, Cloris put out her pinky to Arthur in the manner of making a promise.


    Arthur chuckled at her, but relented. He held out his little finger and hooked it with Cloris''s with a smile


    on his face. After that, he started to unpack Cloris''s things from suitcase in the room.


    Seeing Arthur move around her room to help her sort her things made Cloris feel warm and cherished.


    Here he was, taking his own time to help and stay with her. Affection flooded her heart as she watched


    him put her things on the shelves.


    ''Arthur, you are mine. I will never let you be taken away by anyone, especially that woman!'' she swore


    to herself.


    Arthur, who had his back turned to Cloris, was going through the mindless task of arranging her things.


    Cloris could not see the thoughtful look on his face as he tried to arrive to his own conclusions. His


    eyes were cold and calcting as he thought of the earlier conversation between the sisters.

 Chapter 437 A Womans Loyalty (Part Two)

    Chapter 437 A Woman''s Loyalty (Part Two)


    From what he had seen, it seemed that Cloris did not really think too highly of her sister. With a mere


    smile, her fuse blew. He thought of the worried look in her eyes as she told him not to get close to her


    sister. It was an interesting development.


    ''If you knew that the family you try so hard to protect and provide think of you as nothing more than an


    eyesore, how would that be, Cassandra?'' Arthur thought to himself as he continued organizing Cloris''s


    things.


    ''And you silly Cloris. You think Cassandra, whom you have always been jealous of, is trying to take


    away the happiness you think you have when all she has done is put you before herself.'' A cruel smile


    yed on Arthur''s lips as he contemted the situation. ''This should be interesting.''


    The Qin family vi was a grand and beautiful sight to behold. No one would have ever guessed that


    inside the high, polished walls was a storm brewing, with no less than the two sisters at its center.


    Meanwhile, in a high-ss restaurant, rk and Ivy were sitting at a table across from each other.


    They snuck quick nces at each other, trying to guess what was on the other person''s mind.


    Between them, a candle was giving off a warm and intimate light. Light and shadow danced across


    their faces. Somewhere in the restaurant, a man was ying soft music on the piano, its melody


    caressing the ears of its listeners and lulling them.


    Anyone would have taken rk and Ivy for lovers, like the other ones inside the restaurant. But that


    could not have been more far from the truth. There was no romance in the space that surrounded


    them, only schemes and plots that sought to take advantage of what the other person had to offer. It


    was not courtship; it was a game, and a very dangerous one.


    "I heard that you were with Lionel from the Tang Group before?" rk started his attack. "I don''t mean


    to pry, but I''m just curious,"


    he said slowly, an unreadable smile on his face.


    His question had the desired effect. Ivy was caught off guard and visibly tensed. The first thought that


    came to her was Amanda.


    It must have been her who told rk!


    That woman was nothing but a hypocrite. Despite iming that the one she loved was Rufus to


    everyone, she was still fishing for other men! There was no other exnation behind why she would


    have told this to rk.


    Gathering herself, Ivy quickly controlled her expression and rxed her shoulders consciously. She


    had to somehow deflect his question.


    "Yeah, but that''s a thing of the past now. Lionel was unfaithful. He cheated on me so we broke up,"


    she said calmly. Her history with Lionel was nothing new. rk would have known about it sooner or


    later. Her best course of action for now was to tell the truth.


    "Well, if it is in the past, then I think that you don''t need to be in contact with him anymore,"


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    rk said meaningfully. He picked up his ss of wine and swayed it around. The red liquid shook in


    the ss like a beautiful tempest of blood.


    He already knew why Rufus broke up with Amanda. It was all thanks to this sly woman in front of him.


    Ivy had no idea what rk meant with his words. Her chest tightened and she felt a cold tingle in her


    spine as she tried to decipher his intentions. What did he mean by those words?


    "I cut off my ties with him a long time ago," she said simply.


    She secretly hoped that she was just imagining things or thinking too much.


    "That''s good to hear."


    The corners of rk''s lips curled into a smile, but his eyes remained unreadable.


    This woman had been with Lionel for so many years. Surely there were plenty of things she knew


    about the Tang Group even though she had broken up with Lionel now. She would be useful, at least


    for a time.


    With this in mind, rk suddenly leaned towards Ivy and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear.


    Locking his eyes with Ivy, he whispered in a low voice, "I want a woman whose loyalty only belongs to


    me."


    His eyes glinted in the candlelight and there was an irresistible smile on his lips. It was like he was


    offering her a tempting invitation.


    Ivy''s eyes immediately lit up seeing his actions. She looked back at rk with anticipation.


    Was he saying that she would be his woman?


    rk was a man whose properties multiplied as fast as he blinked. To say that he was rich was an


    understatement. If he wanted, he could build a city all on his own. He was a good opportunity.


    Suddenly, Ivy lost herself to the thought of the things she could buy with his money.


    As they said, money made the world go round.


    As long as she could get herself a rich man, she didn''t care who she had to sleep with.


    Ivy''s lips tilted into a smile. She lowered her head slightly, taking in the sight of the handsome man in


    front of her, her eyes mirroring his seduction.


    rk almost let out augh at Ivy''s attempt to seduce him. This woman really thought she was ying


    him, but just for now. He just smiled and took a sip of his wine. He couldn''t me her. All women fell for


    his charms and his money.


    All but one. rk''s eyes suddenly grew cold as the thought of Cassandra shed through his mind.


    Why didn''t Cassandra fall for his act? rk just couldn''t understand it. He did everything he could, and


    he yed the part so well that even her mother was on his side. But Cassandra, she was just that


    stubborn. There was nothing but Rufus in her mind.


    He couldn''t stand this! His fingers gripped his ss as he thought of how he was going to destroy her.


    After dinner, the two of them decided to go home. Before they separated, rk bent his head and


    spoke low into Ivy''s ear.


    "Don''t work for Amanda anymore. Come work for me ."


    It was a tempting offer. Ivy couldn''t help but start to consider. rk was definitely interested in her, and


    he was wealthy too. There was no reason to refuse him.


    "Mr. Ji..."


    she said coyly.


    "Don''t worry, I will talk to Amanda. I will definitely treat you well if you choose me,"


    rk reassured her. Ivy ate up his honeyed words. The scent of his cologne was intoxicating at this


    proximity.


    Then, without any warning, rk turned around and left. Ivy stared at his back and watched him walk


    away for a very long time.


    This man was dangerous. But he was also attractive and rich. That was what mattered the most.


    She had nothing to lose after all, so she''d rather work for rk and be as close to him as possible.


    Ivy watched his figure grow smaller and smaller as she thought of her next ns.


    rk drove away with a smirk on his face.


    He would use whatever and whoever could be useful to him, and he would do it without mercy.

 Chapter 438 An Anonymous Letter

    Chapter 438 An Anonymous Letter


    When Ivy handed Amanda her resignation letter, Amanda didn''t bat an eyelid and signed it


    immediately.


    "Ivy, please work hard for Mr. Ji,"


    she told her, looking strangely relieved, as if she had unloaded some kind of burden.


    Amanda had agreed almost instantly when rk said that he wanted Ivy to work for him.


    Thest time he insulted her in the office, it was because of her own slip up. She made a mistake,


    which cost her terribly. Cassandra and Rufus were able to make up, throwing out that little space rk


    had to carve for himself in Cassandra''s life.


    Now, another very willing woman had appeared to take her ce as rk''s scapegoat. Amanda


    wondered if she felt pity for the other girl, but found that in her heart, there was only a twisted sense of


    relief. She knew better than anyone what it meant to be rk''s woman, and there was nothing she


    wanted more than to rid herself of him, even if that meant another woman was going to be what she


    used to be.


    On her end, Ivy also felt relief. She had thought that there might be problems, but she was pleasantly


    surprised at how smooth-sailing things had gone.


    Once again, Amanda''s relieved expression came to her mind. It was indeed strange. Why did she look


    so relieved when rk was taking another woman with him? Was there no love between them? Was


    their connection nothing more than matters of the flesh?


    Ivy was puzzled, but her questions disappeared as quickly as they hade. She had better fix her


    attention elsewhere. Now that she was going to be around rk day and night in the future, she could


    not help but feel excited at her prospects.


    Oddly enough, however, rk did not assign any work to Ivy, but only allowed her to take unlimited


    vacations. Ivy was either rxing at a beauty salon, shopping at a mall, or doing yoga at home. Despite


    her carefree lifestyle, she had put in a bit of restrain and did not go out to have fun as often, thinking


    that rk might call her for work anytime. Like a faithful dog, she jumped to her phone at the first ring,


    but no calls hade from him.


    rk just invited her to dinner from time to time, took her out to various high-end clubs, but all-in-all, he


    remained ambiguous towards her.


    Every time Ivy would get her hopes up, rk would take things a step back and distance himself, not


    calling until after a few days. He had even never entered her apartment.


    What was his deal? Ivy beat her brains in frustration. She had no idea what that man was thinking.


    What did he want from her? Was it sex?


    But he had never touched her either. He had only looked at her seductively, leaving her in confusion


    between the contradiction with his words and actions.


    This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .


    Even when she tried to take the lead and suggested they go to his house, rk was quick to decline


    her. However, he was very generous. He would shower her with expensive gifts without so much as a


    blink.


    It was like his mind was a maze, and Ivy had lost herself trying to find a way out.


    One day, just as she was rxing at home with a face mask on, the phone rang. Ivy was on her feet in


    a split second and answered the phone.


    "Can youe to my presidential suite in the hotel I''m staying in? I''ll wait for you."


    rk''s familiar voice echoed from the other end. Ivy jumped up excitedly and pulled off the mask to get


    dressed. Her chance had finallye.


    rk had invited her to his presidential suite. Just what was he about to do to her? She could not help


    to think mischievously to herself.


    When she was ready, she stood in front of a mirror. The picture of a perfect woman looked at her from


    it. She sprayed perfume on her body and went straight to rk.


    However, there was none of the sensual mood she was expecting when she arrived. rk was wearing


    a serious expression. Saying nothing about her meticulous get up, he handed her an envelope and


    said, "Take a look."


    With that, he lit a cigarette and blew out smoke. The white wisps were almost eerie in the dim light, and


    the smell of tobo permeated the room.


    A strange feeling was gnawing at Ivy. Puzzled, she took the envelope and opened it. There was a


    printed piece of paper inside. Her face turned white as she read the words on it.


    "This is nder!"


    she shouted, brandishing the paper in her hand wildly.


    "I didn''t do this! This is all nonsense!"


    Ivy felt sick to her stomach, and nothing could hide her turmoil.


    "This was sent to me by someone who seems to know that you and I are together."


    rk leaned back on his chair and let out a deep sigh, showing an air of tiredness. After a short pause,


    he continued slowly, "Ivy, I don''t really care for a woman''s background. Not her money, not her name,


    or her family. If I like her, that is all that matters to me,"


    There was disappointment clearly in his tone. Ivy had never seen him like this.


    "You may not believe me, but I am very careful when ites to the women I''m with. Of course, the


    thought of getting a wife had entered my mind. I admit that you''re not my first woman, but you''re the


    one I want to be with the most. I know everything you''ve been through, and I don''t care about all of


    those things. I just want to be with you in the future,"


    rk said gently, but there was a sneer in his eyes. Ivy stood across from him, her eyes glued to the


    paper in disbelief. She could not see his vicious expression.


    "But this letter has made things difficult for me, Ivy."


    rk stood up and turned his back on Ivy, pinching the cigarette butts at his fingertips.


    Ivy clutched the letter with trembling hands, the sheet wrinkled from the tightness of her grip.


    The letter was written in a familiar tone, and its contents told of how she had been pregnant with


    Lionel''s child. There were also ims that she still had a good rtionship with him and that they often


    met together after their breakup. There was even a part where it was said that Ivy''s brother was still


    working in Tang Group.


    This letter was obviously written to destroy the rtionship between Ivy and rk, but who would do


    such a thing?


    "There''s one more thing I haven''t told you, Ivy," rk said, interrupting her train of thoughts. "I have


    invested in Dawn Star Group. That is to say, your ex-boyfriend Lionel and I are nowpetitors."


    Ivy was surprised at this information. She stared at rk''s back with widened eyes.


    "I think he wrote this letter,"


    rk said in a certain tone. Ivy''s already pale face paled even more at his words.


    Thest time Lionel was tricked into a hotel, he woke up to the feeling that something was wrong. He


    asked the receptionist for information and suspected immediately that Ivy was behind it. He went to her


    and confronted her about it.


    "Ivy, do you have no shame at all? I''m gonna call the police and have you arrested if you don''t tell me


    what the hell you are doing!" he shouted.


    She had never seen him more angry. His eyes bulged out from their sockets and his face was tinged


    with red.


    "Nothing special. I just took a few naked photos of you as security, in case you try to defame me."


    Ivy knew that she could not avoid him, so she simply admitted it.


    Lionel''s jaw dropped at her deration. "I''m warning you, if those photos get out, I''ll make your life a


    living hell. There will be no safe corner in this entire city for you! You filthy woman. You will end up


    digging your own grave!"


    In his anger, Lionel poked Ivy in the face with a finger as he threatened her.


    "As long as you don''t interfere with me, I won''t spread the photos," Ivy said, matching his gaze with her


    own.


    She was not afraid of Lionel. Compared to him, she had nothing to lose.


    In truth, the photos were notpletely nude. All of it was nothing more than a trick to threaten him a


    little.


    Lionel red at Ivy, but there was no way for him to take revenge anymore. Now that Tang Group was


    in trouble, he could no longer afford to make enemies. He only hoped that Ivy would remain stable and


    not try to stir up things for the worse.


    He stormed off angrily and Ivy thought that this matter hade to an end. She did not expect that he


    actually would write a letter to rk on the sly in order to get back at her.


    He must have seen that she had been climbing up thedder and found a new man, and hispetitor


    at that. Feeling resentful, he must have sent that letter to try and destroy the rtionship between her


    and rk!


    Cold sweat coated Ivy''s palms as her brain raced with her thoughts. Gathering herself as best as she


    could, she tried to defend herself, "rk, he is ndering me! He can''t deal with the fact that I have


    moved on and that I am in a better ce now!"


    She had finally managed to build a rtionship with rk. She was almost there. Just a little more and


    her dream life would be within her reach. She would not let Lionel destroy it.


    "But Ivy, I know that you did meet with him after your breakup."


    rk turned around and stared at Ivy with cold, piercing eyes.


    Ivy trembled under the chill of his scrutiny. The man standing in front of her was suddenly a stranger,


    completely different from the rk she knew. Was he beginning to distrust her? Was he going to throw


    her away now?


    "Please believe me," she begged. "I have nothing to do with him."


    Ivy stepped forward and grabbed rk''s arm. Tears flowed from her eyes and she began to whimper.


    "How can I trust you now? I want to believe you, too, but... The truth is the truth."


    rk''s voice had remained distant. He stared at Ivy with a pained look on his face.


    Ivy kept searching for solutions in her mind. How could she make rk believe her?


    "He is mypetitor. I know that his ego must have been bruised when he saw you with me. I don''t


    care that you were with him before, but this..."


    rk looked devastated, which made Ivy even more anxious.


    "rk, please. I''ll do anything. Please tell me what I have to do to make you believe me!"


    Ivy plunged herself into rk''s arms, clinging to his body and crying out.


    "I just want to be with you, rk! I really have nothing to do with him!"


    Devastated, Ivy continued crying and pleading with trembling arms.


    Disgust was written on rk''s face as he looked down at the quivering woman on him. Pathetic. He


    wanted to push her away, but held back.

 Chapter 439 Loyalty

    Chapter 439 Loyalty


    Ivy held on desperately to rk. As of that moment, she deemed that ying pitiful was her best option


    as she stalled for time and frantically thought of a way out and to clear her name.


    Her thoughts were halted with what rk said next. "Ivy, if you really want to prove your loyalty, then


    there is one thing you can do."


    His words were like an oasis. Finally, there was something she could do.


    "What is it, rk? I swear I''ll do anything for you," she said, raising her head to him.


    There was a hopeful light gleaming in her eyes.


    "Tang Group''s bid proposal,"


    rk uttered, drawing out the sybles slowly, as if savoring them. Ivy paled at his words.


    The bid proposal!


    That meant she would have to steal it.


    Her heart raced wildly in her chest as her mind swirled in a whirlpool of thoughts.


    Her arms hung stiffly around rk, then as if on instinct, she retreated one step back from him.


    rk was quick to pick up her hesitation. Sighing, he spoke with a self-mocking look on his face, "I''m


    sorry. You''re right. It''s stupid. There''s no way you would agree to do such a thing. It would be too


    dangerous."


    His eyes never left her as he observed her face for any sign of reaction.


    He was right. What he was asking of her was too dangerous. If she made even one single mistake and


    got caught, she would end up in prison. She looked at rk, who was looking exhausted. If she didn''t


    do it, he would not be taking her back, and all her hard work from before would have been all for


    nothing.


    rk raised a hand to his forehead, putting on an air of tiredness, as if he was clearing his thoughts.


    "You should go now. I need to think about things. I''m too tired."


    After weighing her options, Ivy hade to a conclusion.


    "I''ll do it," she said.


    Resolve was written on her face. ''If it''s just stealing the bid proposal, I won''t have to do it myself. There


    are plenty of others who will do the job for the right price, '' she thought, already forming her ns.


    ''As long as I can get it for him, then everything''s going to be alright. I can win him back with this, and he


    would not doubt me anymore.''


    Looking into rk''s eyes, she could almost see the future she wanted. She was so close. If she could


    marry him, then she wouldn''t have to worry about anything in her life ever again.


    rk seemed to be surprised at her answer, but his expression soon turned into doubt.


    "Ivy, this is really dangerous, and not to mention¡­hical. Should we just give it up?"


    rk sounded guilty, but his hesitation only served to fuel Ivy''s determination instead.


    "No, I want to do it!" she said, taking his hand in hers. "rk, I will prove to you that you can trust me."


    She looked into his eyes as she made her promise.


    With a final squeeze of his hand, she turned and walked out of the room. Once the door closed, rk''s


    face broke into an unrestrained, menacing smile.


    This bid was the only hope left for Tang Group. If they lost it, they would virtually be left with nothing.


    On the other hand, it could also be an opportunity for them to get back on their feet. The project alone


    was big enough for them to start reiming their losses. But neither Arthur nor rk would allow this to


    happen!


    To rk, crushing the Tang Group and taking away everything Rufus loved or cared about would bring


    him endless satisfaction. He could almost taste his victory. He reveled as images of hopeless faces of


    the Tangs¡ªLionel, Horace, and Rufus, shed in his mind.


    As for Ivy¡­ She was a vain and stupid woman, but she could be useful¡ªa handy tool and a loyal


    puppet. He was right to keep her at his disposal.


    Steps echoed through the halls as Adrian entered Ivy''s mansion. He saw her first, absent-mindely


    standing by the window, her back to him. With a sinister smile on his face, he approached her quickly


    and quietly, putting his arms around her in an embrace.


    "What are you doing?"


    Ivy said sharply, shrugging his arms off and moving to the couch to sit down. Crossing her legs, she


    sank down on the cushions with all the haughtiness of a queen.


    "I have a job for you. You''ll be graciouslypensated. What do you say?"


    she asked, looking at the man in front of her with an arrogant face. She knew this gangster well¡ªhe


    was clever and had his own ways of getting the job done. He would be the perfect choice for what she


    needed.


    "Wow! Now we''re talking."


    Chuckling, he went to the back of the couch and rubbed her shoulders, giving her a massage.


    Ivy pped his hands away and continued in a serious tone, "You''ll get a lot of money, but it wouldn''t


    be an easy task. Of course, it goes to say that you do it well, and discreetly. No one can know about


    this. Do you understand?"


    She was in no mood for his flirtation. All she was thinking about was only to get the thing done.


    "What is it?"


    Adrian asked, surprised but curious. Originally, he had thought that after what had happened between


    them in the gardenst time, Ivy wanted him to please her again. But as it turned out, she needed him


    for something now.


    "The Tang Group has a bid proposal, and I want you to steal it for me," she said directly.


    Adrian was visibly shocked at her words.


    "Are you crazy? This is against thew!"


    He was far from a good person. He did not operate under society''s morals, and he had actually done


    quite a number of unthinkable deeds, but he had always treaded the line of his job carefully. The Tang


    group was a bigpany, and it would not be wise to make an enemy of them.


    If things went wrong, he would find himself in jail. That was absolutely out of the question.


    "Quid pro quo. Money doesn''te round easily, you know," Ivy said simply, reaching for a bag under


    the table and throwing it to him.


    "I''ll speak yournguage. Here''s the advance. There''s 100, 000 in that bag. After you get the job done,


    I''ll give you another 400, 000. You can make your decision now," she said. Noticing his hesitation, she


    added, "If you don''t want it, I can always find someone else."


    She knew he wouldn''t be able to resist the offer, but even if he did, she would just have to find another


    person.


    As expected, the moment money was in the picture, Adrian''s decision had already been made. His


    eyes lit up with a wicked glint, and he sprang to the bag and grabbed it tightly, as if unwilling to let go.


    Unzipping it, he checked its contents.


    There were ten stacks of paper bills. The scent rose in the air and he inhaled it like a man deprived of


    air.


    When everything was done, he would get the full 500, 000¡ªthe money wouldst him a long time,


    even with hisvish lifestyle. There was no question in his mind now anymore.


    Ivy watched as his face morphed into a greedy expression. A smug smile curled on her lips. It had


    been all too easy. The world was full of crooks, and even the well-dressed ones would not be able to


    resist cold, hard, cash.


    Normally, Adrian would be a middleman for banned drugs, ormit other small, unnoticeable crimes


    that could easily be swept under the rug. But jobs didn''te by as often as these days. This job was


    a wee opportunity, with its promise of loads of cash.


    He was contemting excitedly about the money when a thought struck him.


    Turning to Ivy, he asked, "Why didn''t you just call for Joel to do this? He is more familiar with the Tang


    Group than I am.


    If he were to do this, wouldn''t it be easier?


    Or maybe I can just ask for his assistance¡­"


    Ivy cut him off quickly, not letting him finish.


    "Do not tell Joel!"


    she said sharply. The smug look on her face was now reced with sternness.


    "What¡­ Why? He knows the ce well. If we work together, it would be so much easier!"


    Adrian asked in surprise. Getting Joel''s help would speed things up, and this was no small job. They


    needed all the help they could get.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    "Stop asking. I''m warning you. There is no way you can let him know. Otherwise, forget your money. I''ll


    get someone else to do this for me. You''re not the only person who can do the job. If you can''t follow


    my orders, someone else will!"


    Ivy shot him a cold nce as she threatened him.


    The more she had done, the more reason there was to hide her actions. She couldn''t afford to involve


    Joel in this. If he were to be involved, she would have nobody to count on if she lost.


    "No, no, no! I won''t tell him!"


    Adrian said anxiously and held the bag even tighter, as if he was afraid that Ivy would take the money


    back.


    "Where is the bid proposal? Tell me what you know,"


    he said, diverting the conversation to the n.


    "It''s in the safe in the CEO''s office," Ivy replied.


    The safe was the only ce the proposal could be in. Where else could such an important document


    be kept?


    "Alright. I got it. I''ll think of some way to get it,"


    Adrian said, satisfied with the information he just received.


    "If anything happens, do not reveal my name. Otherwise I''ll kill you!"


    Ivy threatened. This man was sly. She had to be careful.


    "Then if I get caught, are you going to save me?"


    he said with a yful smile. Her threats had no effects on him.


    "Rest assured. Someone is going to save you. I could even take Joel out of jail. It wouldn''t be hard to


    get you out,"


    she assured him. For now, this should be enough to win his trust.


    "I knew you wouldn''t let me suffer!"


    he eximed as he reached out to her. His hands started to find their way onto Ivy''s body, which she


    abruptly pped away. The pain from the impact made him cry out and wince.


    "Why do women change so easily? You won''t even allow me to touch you now."


    There was nothing more tempting than something that was already in front of one''s eyes¡ªthe woman


    sitting on the couch with her perfect curves allid out in front of him. But there was nothing he could


    do with her continuous rejection.


    "Hurry! Think of what you need to do and don''t even think about getting your hands on me!"


    Ivy answered, getting up to rush him, irritation showing in her face.


    "Alright! As you wish. I''ll go now."


    Clutching the bag, he smiled contentedly and walked out.


    After he closed the door, Ivy slumped down onto the couch like a deted balloon. Relief washed over


    her as she thought back to what had just happened.


    Finally, everything was handled. All that was left to do now was wait.

 Chapter 440 Did You Do It Or Not

    Chapter 440 Did You Do It Or Not


    Amidst the sound of jet engines roaring overhead coupled with the pleasant voice of the airport


    inte announcing the next flight, Cassandra bid Lyndsy farewell.


    Cassandra wanted so badly to go with her, but Lyndsy refused, insisting that she should go alone.


    Given the circumstances, Cassandra had no choice but respect her decision.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Fortunately, Rufus had already arranged for the best doctor and medical care that money could buy, so


    Cassandra believed everything would be alright.


    "Lyndsy, I''m always here whenever you have a problem,"


    Cassandra said. A strange gut feeling made her uneasy, she choked back her words as she repeatedly


    asked Lyndsy if she would be okay.


    "Cassandra, don''t say that you''ll wait for me, okay? Go and work at the TY Group since Ste had


    already gone there. I''m worried about you because you''re the only one working at the office now,"


    Lyndsy held Cassandra''s hand firmly and consoled her. She felt utterly sad seeing Cassandra''s


    concerned look.


    "Stop overthinking. You''re still my boss unless you call a press conference and tell everyone that you''re


    leaving the industry forever!"


    Cassandra refused to let Lyndsy get too stressed. The most important thing right now was for her to


    limate herself to the treatment.


    Lyndsy''s body turned rigid for a moment, but soon went back to normal, and a smile formed on her lips.


    "I''m so lucky to have known you, Cassandra. You''re the best girl I have ever met! You''re generous,


    kindhearted, strong, independent and above all, responsible..."


    Cassandra interjected before she could finish, "Wait, wait, stop. Lyndsy, you''re my boss. Why would


    you tter me like that? More of that and I might just turn arrogant!"


    Cassandra teased Lyndsy with a lighthearted smile, but she was actually deeply touched.


    She felt that Lyndsy understood her on a personal level. Their mutual trust for each other relieved her.


    "Cassandra, please, please take care of yourself. Always aim for your own happiness!"


    Without warning, Lyndsy reached out and embraced Cassandra tightly as she whispered into her ear.


    "Don''t worry, Lyndsy, I will. You be well, and brave the treatment. Don''t ever falter,"


    Cassandra replied as she returned the embrace and stroked her back softly. She felt a twinge of


    sadness in her heart.


    She felt extremely guilty because she still hadn''t figured out who set Lyndsy up.


    The two girls were actually bidding farewell as if they would never see each other again. This made


    Cassandra feel utterly empty.


    When they went their separate ways, she felt a little lost, wandering about not knowing where to go


    exactly.


    Cassandra got lost in the thought, pondering on what to do with Lyndy''s things. She then decided that


    she would move them out of the office. They had signed the leasing contract to a man who worked


    under Rufus, technically, the office belonged to Rufus. So she would be giving back the key to him.


    The moment she was about to book for a ride-share, a familiar ck sedan pulled up slowly in front of


    her.


    The car window sunk, and Lionel''s head stuck out of the window with a big, fat smile on his face.


    "Cassandra, what a coincidence! I''m actually here to see someone off as well. Where are you headed?


    I can give you a ride,"


    Lionel said with an innocent smile. In truth, he had followed her all the way to the airport.


    "Thanks, Lionel. But I can book my own ride,"


    Cassandra said without looking at him. Her face turned grim, and she stepped aside. She wanted


    nothing to do with him.


    When she was set up by him in the past, Rufus didn''t go into the details, but she definitely smelled


    something fishy. All the more reason why she refused to be with Lionel alone. This would also attract


    unwanted attention and eventually, gossip.


    "Don''t be a stranger! There''s nothing wrong if you treat me like a friend. Your fear of Rufus suspecting


    is gravely unfounded."


    Lionel wanted a reaction out of Cassandra. Of course, Cassandra wasn''t the same young, naive girl


    anymore. She just smiled at him.


    Lionel moved his car closer to Cassandra, to keep chatting with her.


    "Look, Cassandra. I can''t count on Rufus right now. I have an extremely important bid right now that the


    Tang Group is ready to win. As you know, the design aspect has always been our weakness, so I was


    hoping to get some consultation from you, and maybe you can give some input on our current design,"


    Lionel said with a serious tone, all levity gone from his face.


    It worked. Cassandra turned her head towards Lionel. This sparked joy in his heart.


    "Cassandra, how about we get some coffee somewhere and go over this. I have the documents with


    me. I''m asking you this because I think of you as a friend. I know you can''t stand idly by and watch


    Tang Group miss this huge opportunity and eventually hit a dead end, right?"


    Lionel said. He had put everything into this bid, to conquer or to die.


    Cassandra, fidgeted for a moment, torn between going straight home or helping Lionel.


    She couldn''t persuade Rufus to breath life onto the Tang Group, so her only way to help was this.


    "I''ll take a separate car. Your car can follow mine,"


    Cassandra said. Her hand reached out to hail a passing cab. She still wouldn''t want to be alone with


    Lionel in privacy.


    Lionel conceded and just shrugged. He then drove after her towards a nearby coffee shop.


    It was quiet and less frequented by people. Nothing could possibly go wrong here.


    Cassandra took a firm seat, and reached over the table to take the bidding documents from Lionel''s


    hands and carefully skimmed towards the design.


    "Not bad at all this time. I get the feeling that it''s both practical and beautiful, never sacrificing form nor


    function. It still needs some highlights though, so it can really stand out. I''ll tell you about possible


    modifications when I have some ideas,"


    Cassandra said. She gave back the bidding documents and promptly stood up to leave. Lionel stopped


    her by grabbing her arm.


    "Cassandra, you¡­ you''re just leaving like that?"


    Lionel asked, his mouth agape. ''Just like that, huh? Without even really talking to me?'' he thought.


    "I need a few days to get inspiration. I remember every detail of the design. I''ll polish it on my own at


    home,"


    Cassandra answered quickly, shaking off Lionel''s hand. His mere touch made her extremely uneasy.


    "Cassandra, sit down please. I still have more to discuss,"


    Lionel begged as his eyes darkened for a moment. He wasn''t just here for the design.


    Cassandra turned towards Lionel, thought for a moment, then sat down.


    "So, what is it?"


    Cassandra asked. She thought Lionel had something more important to tell her other than the design


    documents, but she really had no idea¡­


    "Cassandra,e back. Come back to the Tang Group. After all, Lyndsy''s studio is gone,"


    Lionel pleaded, looking at Cassandra straight in the eye. Designing was indeed the weak link for the


    Tang Group. If Cassandra coulde back, they''d definitelye out on top.


    Cassandra let out a sigh, "We''ve talked about this. I won''t go back."


    She frowned, thinking, ''Why wouldn''t he just give it a rest?''


    "But you said you won''te back unless Lyndsy''s studio is gone¡­"


    Cassandra stopped him before he could finish his sentence.


    "That''s true. The studio is gone, but that doesn''t automatically mean I''m going back. I still have other


    choices. That''s just it. Now if you may excuse me, I''ve got other things to do,"


    Cassandra said as she was standing up, preparing to leave, which irritated Lionel to no end.


    "What do you mean, Cassandra? Are you taking me for a fool?"


    Lionel said, his face contorting to anger.


    "Me? ying you? What did I do?"


    Cassandra looked at Lionel quizzically.


    "You''ve said that you would, but now you won''t admit it. I even went to the trouble of¡­"


    Suddenly Lionel realized something and stopped in his tracks.


    Cassandra went rigid as she was overtly sensitive about this.


    "What trouble?"


    Cassandra asked, looking at Lionel with confusion; while Lionel coughed and pretended to be choking


    on something.


    "No¡­ It''s nothing. You can leave now. I¡­ I need to go back to the office. I left some unfinished


    business¡­"


    Lionel waspletely incoherent, mumbling about something. He couldn''t take back what he just said.


    "Lionel, did you have something to do with Lyndsy''s ident?" Cassandra asked straight up.


    She had always had her doubts about Lionel, which were growing stronger and stronger. Now it was


    too big to ignore.


    "No! No! How can it ever be rted to me?"


    Lionel denied vehemently. His eyes were turning frantic and he couldn''t even look at Cassandra in the


    eyes.


    She knew Lionel well, even though she never got along well with him.


    Lionel only wanted her back at the Tang Group, but she had dered her condition of never going back


    unless Lyndsy''s studio was gone. He did what had to be done for the good of thepany.


    Cassandra''s hands started to quiver when she thought of this.


    "Lionel, answer me. Did you do it or not?"

 Chapter 441 All Yours (Part One)

    Chapter 441 All Yours (Part One)


    Cassandra stared fixedly at Lionel. She read his every expression, and did not miss the slightest


    movement he made.


    Lionel started to fidget under her scrutiny. He had let it slip in his panic and was now unable to think of


    anything to cover it up. He knew that Cassandra would definitely investigate into it since her suspicions


    had been aroused. Cold sweat began to crawl on his skin as he thought of the possible repercussions.


    "Sorry, but I have to go now!"


    Upon being cornered by his own devices, Lionel opted to escape. He sprang up and walked out the


    door quickly without even looking back.


    Cassandra made no move to follow him, but Lionel knew he was being watched. It was as if her gaze


    burned upon his back.


    Once inside his car, he fumbled for his keys and started the engine, out of breath. He clutched the


    steering wheel as if his life depended on it and sped away. It was only when he was far enough away


    that he allowed himself to let go of a long-held breath. He took deep lungfuls of air and slumped in his


    seat, perspiration glittering on his forehead.


    He was not one to cower in the presence of a mere woman¡ªnot a single one of them had managed to


    shake hisposure, but this time was very different. He had been careless, his own guilt had driven


    him up a wall.


    There was much effort put into the whole thing. He had approached the action director in Lyndsy''s crew


    and won him over with bribery. What happened after was all too easy. Upon his request, the director


    tampered with her safety wires, which staged the perfect ident and led to the closing of her studio.


    Once that happened, Cassandra lost her job.


    Everything he did was to get her to go back to the Tang Group, even if it was through underhanded


    means.


    But even after all of that, she still refused him firmly¡ªsomething that waspletely beyond his


    expectations. In the end, he got more kicks than halfpence. He felt like she had yed him for a fool.


    At this thought, he boiled with anger. He smashed his fist on the steering wheel in frustration. ''You are


    such a hard nut to crack, Cassandra, '' he thought, grinding his teeth.


    Meanwhile, Cassandra remained where she was inside the coffee shop, lost in her own thoughts. Her


    coffee had all but gone cold by now, and her head was in tangles.


    She thought back to Lionel''s earlier actions. It was almost as if he was fleeing from her with the way he


    abruptly left. Could it be true that Lyndsy''s ident was all his doing?


    If that was the case, then that would mean that her own words had put Lyndsy in danger. She had told


    Lionel that she would not return to the Tang Group unless Lyndsy''s studio shut down. It seemed that he


    had taken her words at face value and went on to do the unthinkable.


    The puzzle pieces had arranged themselves in her mind. The final click sent sinister shivers down her


    spine despite the warmth of the room.


    At present, there was no sign of Lyndsy, as if she had disappeared.


    Cassandra suddenly felt her skin crawl with anxiousness. She had lost contact with Lyndsy. She had


    tried all possible ways of contacting, but heard nothing back. There was no news from her.


    "Do you know any other way to contact Lyndsy, Ste?"


    she asked her own closest friend for help, fearing that she would miss a message from Lyndsy.


    "No, not that I know of," Ste replied. "Why? You haven''t talked to her? Have you tried asking her


    parents?" she inquired.


    Indeed, the onlookers see the most clearly. Ste had pointed out such a simple solution, and it was


    one that had never urred to Cassandra. She pped a hand to her forehead in embarrassment.


    "How stupid of me! I had not thought of that!"


    Cassandra cried out in disbelief at her own foolishness. Ste was torn betweenughing and crying on


    the other side of the phone.


    "You''d better get some rest. All that stress is turning your memory to an old woman''s. You''re still too


    young for that!"


    Ste teased, unable to help herself from chuckling. Cassandra exchanged a few more words with her


    before hanging up the phone and dialing Lyndsy''s mother''s number. Her pulse quickened as she


    waited with bated breath through the dial tone.


    After what seemed to be an eternity, someone picked up. "Hello, this is Cassandra," she began. "I''d like


    to ask if there is any other way to reach Lyndsy? I have tried to call her multiple times, but I haven''t


    heard back from her yet."


    Cassandra gripped the phone tightly in her hands, trying to keep her voice steady. Thest thing she


    wanted was to worry Lyndsy''s mother.


    There was only silence for a moment from the other end of the line. Cassandra was about to check if


    the call had been cut off, but Lyndsy''s mother spoke and stopped her.


    "Well¡­Cassandra..." she replied, sounding very hesitant. "Here is the thing. She had told us before


    she left that we should not inform you how to contact her, or her whereabouts. She said that she had


    other ns,"


    the mother exined slowly, choosing her words with caution.


    "But...why? Did she say anything else?"


    Cassandra stammered. A sinking feeling was setting on her chest, like an premonition ofing


    danger. Horror spread through her as the feeling crept all over her skin and prated deep into her


    bones.


    "You will know...soon, maybe. She is my daughter, and I will respect her decision,"


    the mother sighed as if offering an apology. Her answer only served to deepen Cassandra''s worries.


    The telltale click of the receiver ended the phone call. The phone slid from Cassandra''s hands as she


    slumped in her office chair, overwhelmed by everything she had just heard.


    A boxful of documentsy in front of her, the papers inside devoid of any meaning. It was the only thing


    left of what used to be Lyndsy''s. Removed them and this office would be Lyndsy''s no more.


    A ring broke through her rueful contemtion. Cassandra almost jumped up from surprise as she was


    jolted back to reality at the sound. She picked up the phone hurriedly. Ste''s voice sounded from the


    other side.


    "Cassandra, where are you now?" she spoke in quick words. "Go and check the news on the inte.


    Do it now! It''s Lyndsy. She...err, she has posted a video dering that she would be quitting the


    entertainment industry!"


    Ste''s words came out in an almost indistinguishable flurry of sounds, but it was as if a bomb dropped


    on Cassandra. Her blood froze, unable to believe what she had just heard.N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    Doing her best to collect herself, she hastily took her cell phone even as her head throbbed with


    confusion and disbelief. The device trembled in her hands, and it took her several attempts to even


    unlock it. Just as Ste had instructed, she browsed the news and found that Lyndsy''s self-made video


    had made the headlines of the entertainment news.


    Lyndsy was wearing light make-up in the video, with only three quarters of her face visible. She was


    deliberately hiding her wounds. Cassandra proceeded to y the video and Lyndsy''s voice reached


    her ears.

 Chapter 442 All Yours (Part Two)

    Chapter 442 All Yours (Part Two)


    "Since I have be an actress, you all have always cared about me and supported me, and I really


    appreciate it," she began in the video. "What''s more, my family and friends have always been by my


    side, looking after me, and offering words offort and encouragement even after the ident. I


    cannot describe how grateful I am. I will never be able to return your kindness," Lyndsy paused for a


    moment before continuing, her voice turning more serious. "However, I know that I''m an actress, and I


    take pride in my job. I know that my profession exists to show the beautiful side of things, which I''m


    afraid that I may fail to do in the future. And so I have decided," she paused again, her face conflicted.


    "My dear friends, I know it''s sudden, but please forgive me. I will be leaving the entertainment industry


    from this day. I will always be thankful for the chance I was given, but even good things muste to


    an end, and I''m afraid that this is where I stop. Thank you all for being with me this whole time. Good-


    bye." With that, the screen had cut to ck, but Cassandra''s eyes remained glued to her screen, as if


    waiting for something else.


    The video was short, but it had caused quite a sensation. There was an outpouring ofments from


    the viewers.


    Cassandra was stunned. It took her quite a while toe back to her senses.


    ''Now it made sense why Lyndsy wouldn''t let me go along when she left," she thought bitterly. ''She must


    have already made up her mind at that time."


    Come to think of it, Lyndsy must have fallen into depression after finishing that movie. The outgoing,


    care-free movie star was gone, and it was as if there was only a shell where the real Lyndsy had used


    to be. She had been more withdrawn and kept to herself, not contacting even her closest friends.


    Cassandra had first thought that it was because she needed time and space to recover from the


    ident. How could she have missed it? There was nothing she could do now. There was nothing she


    had done for her from the very beginning but gave her trouble, and now Lyndsy had quit something she


    spent her life doing.


    Cassandra''s throat tightened as she thought of the fact that Lyndsy had kept it from her till the end.


    ''Did you really just say that you''re sorry, Lyndsy?''


    Cassandra thought, as tears gathered in her eyelids.


    ''Why would anyone me you for this, Lyndsy? I should have been the one begging for your


    forgiveness!'' Cassandra''s heart bled in anguish as her tears flowed. ''It was all my fault!


    If it weren''t for me, you would have still been doing what you love. I''m so sorry.''


    She curled into herself, putting her arms around herself as she heaved, almost swallowed whole in her


    grief. Just as she felt herself sumbing, a familiar voice called out to her, "I knew you would be here."


    She looked up to Rufus''s dark and tender eyes. A pair of eyes filled with tenderness met hers. In an


    instant, it was as if a dam had broken inside her. She let go of her tears freely and


    she ran to him, pressing her lips softly to his and findingfort in his warmth.


    Rufus''s breath caught in his throat at the touch of her soft lips.


    "You are tempting me, Cassandra," he warned between breaths. His arms were around her at once,


    caressing the contours of her body.


    He did note here for this. He had wanted to control his emotions andfort her, but it seemed


    that it would be impossible when she was yielding to him like this.


    The kiss was brief and gentle, and Cassandra pulled herself back after some moments. Her eyes were


    pools of sadness, and Rufus felt as if he was drowning in the sorrow of her gaze. How could it be that


    she looked beautiful even in her sorrow?


    "Do you have an idea what you are doing?"


    he murmured, feeling unable to take his eyes off her¡ªnot even a second now that this woman had


    made him aroused.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Cassandra said nothing but gave him a smile instead. It was a rueful yet shockingly tempting smile,


    adding to her enchantment. She then burrowed deeper into the warmth of Rufus''s arms.


    There was nothing else that Rufus could do but acquiesce. He was at this woman''s mercy. He bent his


    head and closed the gap between them, kissing her gently until embers zed and there was a trail of


    fire that followed every caress. Surrendering to the heat, they shared their breaths as they lost


    themselves in each other.


    ******


    Cassandra was blushing and avoiding his gaze. She couldn''t believe that she had thrown herself at him


    like that. What was the matter with her?


    Rufus picked up quickly on her embarrassment and chuckled. Red dusted her cheeks and she


    deliberately looked away from him.


    He chuckled at the sight. Putting his arm around her shoulder, he pulled her closer to him.


    "I''ve seen the news about Lyndsy, too," he said, wanting to resolve the feelings that he knew were


    eating her up. "It was her own decision to quit. Just let it go, love," he murmuredfortingly.


    He came straight to her upon hearing the news, knowing that she would not take it well. The image of


    her excitedly telling him her ideas about Lyndsy''s career shed in his mind. He knew that her smile


    would be gone the moment Lyndsy announced her decision to quit.


    He could understand how she must be feeling. There was only disappointment waiting when one''s best


    efforts amounted to nothing in the end. As he thought, he found her looking defeated, her head hanging


    limply over her shoulders and her arms around herself. The sight of her like that pained him deeply. He


    wanted nothing more at that moment than to take her hurt away.


    But Rufus did notpletely understand. It took one look and Cassandra knew that he did not truly


    know what was paining her.


    It was not Lyndsy''s decision to quit that anguished her so much. She would have supported her if it was


    truly something she had personally decided on. But she knew that it was notpletely the case.


    It was her fault. The thought gnawed at her insides, tearing at every fiber of her being. ''The popr and


    shining Lyndsy, who had been noted as the most promising actress in the country, fell victim to my own


    circumstances. I dragged her there. I took her future. And yet here I am, safe and unscathed when she


    has to give up the thing she loves the most, '' Cassandra''s thoughts echoed, haunting every corner of


    her mind. There was nothing but guilt inside her.


    Cassandra''s silence only pained Rufus even more. He knew there were things she was not telling him


    ¡ªthings that were still weighing heavily in her mind. But he held back from asking. If she wanted to,


    she would be the one telling him, even without his questions.


    So instead, he offered her his ownfort and told her of what he had secretly done. He buried his


    face in her neck and said softly, "I''ve bought this ce, Cassandra, and now I give it to you as a gift.


    Use it in any way you like, okay?"

 Chapter 443 Dont Stay With A Bad Crowd

    Chapter 443 Don''t Stay With A Bad Crowd


    There was once an Emperor from the Tang Dynasty who asked his men to spur the flying horse at high


    speed to bring him lychees from miles and miles away all because his favorite concubine was very fond


    of them. Now, in a simr fashion, Rufus was willing to give Cassandra anything to make her happy.


    "You bought this for me?"


    Cassandra asked, bright-eyed and pleasantly surprised.


    "Yes, and I have something very important to tell you. Actually, I bought this studio for you because I


    know that you don''t want to stay home as a housewife. Let''s face it, you love working! That said, I think


    it would be better for you to start your own business. That''s better than working for other people. I got


    this for you to help you start,"


    he replied as he looked at her with loving eyes.


    Warmth filled Cassandra. What Rufus did was genuinely sincere and thoughtful.


    On the other hand, she could not help but feel that she did not deserve such a wonderful gift.


    "Okay, I know you don''t want to ept it free, so how about you pay me rent? What do you think?"


    Rufus immediately suggested.


    He definitely knew her very well. The hesitation on her face had betrayed her and Rufus knew exactly


    how to respond even before she could say anything.


    Cassandra beamed with a smile as bright as sunshine.


    "You are starting to know me very well," she remarked.


    It touched her that Rufus seemed very amodating to her personal sentiments and was willing to


    compromise.


    "I''m very ttered. Anyway, all you have to do now is think of what you want to do with this ce!" he


    replied with satisfaction.


    The smile on her face was enough to put him at ease.


    Cassandra''s happiness made him feel invincible.


    Cassandra cocked her head with thought. There were no ideas at the top of her head at the moment.


    "You don''t have to answer right now. Take your time! For now, let''s find somewhere to eat," Rufus


    suggested.


    Then, he took his coat and led Cassandra out with his arm around her shoulders. Cassandra, in turn,


    leaned against him as they walked to a restaurant that served Western cuisine.


    In its pleasant ambiance, Rufus and Cassandra found a table and took their seats.


    Not long after they did, though, Arthur and Cloris walked in.


    They immediately spotted Rufus and Cassandra as they entered. Likewise, the couple saw Arthur and


    Cloris as well.


    Cloris rolled her eyes and turned towards the opposite side of the restaurant. She, apparently, had no


    ns ofing over and saying hello.


    With knitted eyebrows, Rufus examined Cassandra''s reaction from the corner of his eyes.


    "Your younger sister seems to have issues," Rufus whispered.


    By now, he was used to Cloris acting as she wished without any consideration for other people. Still,


    the destion on Cassandra''s eyes made him sorry for her. She still could not seem to let go of her


    sister.


    "She''s still too young to understand. I firmly believe that things will get better as she grows older,"


    Cassandra said, more to herself than to Rufus. She tried hard to understand her sister, but deep down,


    she could not keep herself from being hurt by her indifference.


    No sister could breathe easily with a sibling who openly hated her at all times, and Cassandra was no


    exception. The only thing she kept repeating to herself was that Cloris was still very young and that she


    would soon outgrow her irrational aversion towards her.


    But Cloris didn''t set aside her own prejudice. Eventually, Cassandra found herself ustomed to her


    rudeness.


    Still, she was determined to stay patient and persist. In time, she believed that Cloris would eventually


    ept her as a sister.


    Meanwhile, at Ivy''s house, Adrian passed her a sh disk that contained the document he stole for her.


    Beaming widely, he remarked, "Here you go. Bingo!"


    He glowed as if he were counting cash. Making money was one of Adrian''s biggest pleasures.


    "Is this really it? Are you serious?" Ivy asked in disbelief.


    Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    Knitting her eyebrows, she looked at Adrian with suspicion. It seemed impossible for her that he would


    manage to acquire it so quickly.


    "Hahaha...Believe it or not, my ex-girlfriend happens to be Lionel''s secretary right now. Isn''t that lucky?


    The knife was right inside the butcher''s mouth!"


    Adrian exined with a smug expression on his face. He could still recall his own reaction when he


    found out about this. He could not believe his fortune!


    Immediately, he asked his ex-girlfriend out for a cup of coffee, and there, managed to steal her keys


    from her purse when she excused herself to go to thevatory. Before she could realize what had


    happened, he had them duplicated and returned.


    He then found a way to shut off the whole building''s security system and snuck into Lionel''s office


    without anyone noticing. Just as quickly as he got the keys, he copied the documents and slipped out


    inconspicuously.


    Ivy listened incredulously as he told his tale. She knew that Adrian was many things but not a liar.


    "Give me your bank ount now," she demanded.


    She then transferred the 400, 000 she had promised. Adrian looked at his bank statement with


    satisfaction. It felt so good to get work done. Then, he turned his gaze to Ivy.


    She was wearing a thin robe over her nightgown as her long, curly hair rested softly on her shoulders.


    Adrian felt an itch on his heart that he could not somehow manage to scratch. Suddenly, he stepped


    forward, pulled Ivy towards him and put his lips on her bare neck.


    "I''ve been thinking about you since thest time we did it together. I justpleted a very difficult task


    for you. How about a little bonus reward, huh?"


    Adrian murmured as he kissed her, his breath getting heavier and heavier.


    Ivy struggled to escape his embrace. His kisses disgusted her.


    "Leave me alone, Adrian! I''ve paid you! And we are even now!"


    Ivy was focused on her new target now. Adrian was a distraction.


    In fact, she would have preferred to never see him again, as if they did not know each other. It would


    be safer too, in case anyone went snooping. When push came to shove, she definitely would not let


    Adrian ruin her n.


    "Oh,e on, baby. Don''t be shy. I know you want it. Don''t you remember how you threw yourself at


    mest time?" he said in between gasps.


    Ivy''s scent intoxicated him. His heartbeat was so fast that it felt as if it were going to jump out of his


    chest. Overwhelmed with desire, he could barely control himself.


    "Fuck off! Adrian, don''t force me to be rude!" Ivy shouted.


    She tried to push him away at full strength but to no avail. Adrian was just too strong for her.


    "Oh no, darling, be rude to me. Beat me. Curse me. Do whatever you want. I like that. Show me what


    you''ve got," he answered.


    "Son of a bitch! Adrian, please, show some respect! I''m your friend''s sister!" she eximed


    desperately.


    Ivy lifted her legs to kick him but he managed to dodge them swiftly. He then pushed her to the ground


    and went on top of her.


    "Respect? I''m not just going to respect you. I will worship you as a man does to a woman. I will give


    you my all and you can count on that,"


    he said as he let out a loud, savageugh.


    Suddenly, the door opened and a figure appeared and froze at the sight of them.


    "What the hell are you doing, Adrian?" the man shouted with rage.


    It was Joel. He immediately rushed towards them and pushed Adrian aside. Ivy hurriedly got up,


    wrapped her robe around her and ran to her bedroom.


    Adrian was left still seated on the ground. Joel''s arrival was something he did not expect. The


    interruption annoyed him.


    "Have you lost your mind? She''s my sister! How dare you!" Joel shouted in turmoil.


    He was at his wit''s end and he gnashed his teeth with anger.


    Adrian, on the other hand, barely looked at him. He calmly got to his feet and replied with indifference,


    "Your sister asked me toe over. That''s the truth."


    The reality was that Adrian did not care much for his friend now. With the money he just received, he


    did not need him anymore. He was not worth more than a piece of shit to him now.


    "You! Is this how you treat a good friend?" Joel shouted.


    He pointed a finger right at Adrian''s face. He was exploding. Adrian, on the other hand, shoved him


    aside impatiently.


    "How do good friends treat each other? Unfortunately, you will never really know, Joel. Besides, this


    isn''t the first time your sister and I slept together. It''s really no big deal. And, it''s none of your business


    who your sister shares her bed with," he replied.


    It was clear that Adrian did not care much if Joel ended their friendship. He mocked him unsparingly.


    "I''ll kill you! You asshole!" Joel eximed.


    Adrian''s impish expression infuriated him. Although he was aware of Adrian''s appetite for sex and


    women, he never would have expected him toy a hand on his sister, his only family.


    If this was to be tolerated, then what would not? Where would the limits stand? Joel jumped at him and


    tackled.


    Soon, both of them were on the ground. Joel managed to poke Adrian''s eye while thetter kicked him


    on his knees. Noise echoed throughout the living room as the two men wrestled.


    Inside her room, Ivy hurriedly changed into her clothes and went out.


    "Stop it! Stop it!" she shouted to break them loose.


    Hearing her, Joel and Adrian stopped fighting.


    "How dare you fight under my roof! If you want to continue, get out of my house!"


    she yelled as she pulled their hands away from each other.


    "Adrian, you''d better get out of here! There is my home!" she shot at him.


    And Adrian turned pale.


    "Fine! I''m leaving! You''d better not ask me for help when you''re in trouble again!" Adrian shouted.


    Now, he was furious. This was already more than what he bargained for. He was not only insulted by


    Ivy, but also beaten up by Joel.


    With bruises on his face, he stormed out the door as he cursed under his breath. It would take days for


    those to go away.


    On a second thought, realizing how much money he had on his bank ount reminded him that it was


    not such a bad day, after all.


    After Adrian left, Joel turned to his sister and gave her an unblinking stare. Ivy shifted ufortably


    under her brother''s disbelieving gaze. She started to sweat.


    "What? Don''t look at me like that, Joel," she murmured.


    Filled with guilt, she could not get herself to look him in the eye.


    "Why did Adriane here? Did you ask him toe here? Don''t you know that he can''t be trusted?"


    Joel asked incredulously.


    Never could he have expected that his sister would have anything to do with Adrian. He knew what she


    wanted. It was her dream to marry into a rich family.


    "Do you seriously believe his bullshit? Anyway, now that you''ve seen how much of an asshole he is, I


    hope you''ll know better by staying away from him!" she shot back.


    Seeing Joel do dangerous acts made her feel uneasy, more so now than before. She wished that he


    would find better people to be around with. This would make her feel better. After all, he was her only


    family.


    "What? We were born into this life. Why do we have to pretend to be good guys? Stop talking


    nonsense, Ivy, sheesh," Joel replied dismissively.

 Chapter 444 Pandoras Box

    Chapter 444 Pandora''s Box


    Joel was pissed and irritated. Ivy always asked him to get down in the dirty business. And now she


    condescendingly used him of doing those same things, conveying utter disdain.


    "You are the one who messed with him in the first ce. How is it my fault now?"


    Joel asked, annoyed and didn''t even wait for her to respond before turning around and leaving.


    Seeing her brother walk away like that frustrated Ivy extremely.


    Their parents died a long time ago, when they were very young. They had to start working at a very


    young age, to sustain their sophisticated lifestyle. Now their life was finally stable and they didn''t need


    to worry about basic livelihood. Ivy, though, felt like she hade to a deadlock.


    She just didn''t know how to keep going anymore. But what was done couldn''t be undone. Truth of the


    matter was, she was at a loss.


    Suddenly, her eyes shifted to her right. She noticed a USB sh drive next to herputer. An idea


    unfurled in her head, making her heart beat faster.


    She had to do it. Only that could make rk trust her.


    This USB sh drive was stolen by Adrian. Ivy ran and grabbed it, clutching it tightly, as if it was a piece


    of precious jewelry.


    She took a deep breath, andposed herself. Finally, she took her phone out and called rk.


    "rk, I''ve got what you wanted. Do you want me to bring it to you?"


    Ivy tried her best to stay calm on the phone.


    But on the other side of the phone, rk simply squinted as a broad smile spread across his lips.


    "Okay, why don''t youe over to my ce and give it to me?"


    And with that being his only sentence, he hung up on her. He turned to Arthur cheerfully, as if he knew


    all along this was going to happen.


    "See? I got what I wanted without lifting a finger."


    After Joel mmed the door behind him, he called the girl he metst time. He really wanted a good


    company right now.


    "Hey...I was wondering if you would like to have dinner with me tonight? My treat!"


    Honestly, he was only looking to date someone to ovee his frustration.


    Luckily for him, she said yes. He sped up and arrived at the school within a few minutes. Her eyes lit up


    the moment theynded on the man.


    They headed for a cozy restaurant nearby. Hand in hand, they walked in together and took a table near


    the entrance. What they didn''t notice was Cassandra and Rufus were also present there, sitting all the


    way in the other corner.


    Rufus cut his steak into smaller pieces, poured some sauce on it and served the pieces to Cassandra.


    "Here is your steak, madam.


    Are you satisfied with the service?"


    Rufus asked jokingly, lifting his eye brows, his attention focused solely on Cassandra.


    Cassandra smiled sweetly, taking some steak in her te.


    A waiter brought them a dried meat floss cake, which Rufus had ordered specially for Cassandra.


    "I know how much you love these cakes. They make really good ones here. Their head baker is a


    French professional. Take a bite and tell me if you like it."


    Rufus smiled at her with empathetic eyes. He felt sorry for her. She had lost a lot of weighttely and


    needed to eat more so she didn''t look so weak.


    "You''ve ordered too much food, Rufus. I cannot eat all of this!"


    Cassandra said, looking at the cake and blushing with embarrassment. Although she truly loved these


    cakes, her stomach was too full to devour the delicacy right now.


    "I remember how much you like dried floss meat cake, too!


    Why don''t you have some?"


    Cassandra passed the cake to Rufus.


    "What? I never eat dried meat floss cake. I don''t like it ever since I was a child. We can ask them to


    pack it if you''re full. You can take it home and eat it, in case you''re hungryter,"


    Rufus said as he started to eat his steak. But what he had just said startled Cassandra.


    "What''s wrong, honey?"


    Rufus noticed her surprised face and asked with an earnest concern.


    "No¡­ nothing."


    She was lost and confused. She didn''t know where she could even begin to exin.


    He simply gave her a smile, held out to squeeze her hand a few times reassuring himself that nothing


    was wrong, and continued eating.


    But Cassandra was overwhelmed with a mix of weird feelings.


    She clearly remembered the day when she ran into Rufus and Amanda in the cake shop. She hid


    herself behind a nt pot to observe them from a distance. It was then that she heard Amanda saying


    she wanted to buy Rufus''s favorite cake for him.


    Later that night, Rufus showed up at her door with a dried meat floss cake. Cassandra got pretty mad


    at him when she saw the cake. She thought he was simply passing on the cake Amanda had bought


    for him.


    But if he had never liked these cakes, as he told her just now, it meant that the cake he brought over


    wasn''t the one Amanda had bought for him.


    Cassandra was deeply embarrassed, not knowing how to act.


    Rufus cared for her, and remembered her likes and dislikes. He was just being thoughtful when he got


    the cake for her. And what did she do? She misunderstood him and threw it into the trash can out of


    jealousy, instead of thanking him.


    It was so petty of her to think like that. Their rtionship was already hanging on a fragile thread at the


    time. That could be theirst chance at making this work.


    Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    She regretted her ill behavior and was upset with herself now. She wondered if there were any other


    things she had misunderstood.


    She always kept arguing about trivial things with Rufus, which was what ruined their rtionship


    eventually.


    She sat introspecting her mistakes, taking a deep breath. Finally, she took the cake, and shed a


    genuine smile at Rufus as she took a big bite from it.


    Rufus raised his eyebrows, wondering what had changed her mind. But he didn''t ponder upon it too


    much. As long as she ate it, it didn''t matter.


    Cassandra hoped Rufus would notice it was her way of apologizing. All she wanted was to make up for


    her foolery.


    "Cassandra? What a coincidence!"


    Cassandra turned her head at the familiar voice to see Whitney and Courtney smiling at her.


    Whitney looked ssy and elegant as always. She was wearing a cheongsam with a fur coat over it.


    Courtney stood behind her, reading Cassandra''s face minutely.


    "Auntie Whitney!"


    Cassandra eximed and stood up, surprised. She hadn''t seen Whitney in a long time.


    "Hi! I just came back from abroad. I needed to take Courtney to see a few doctors. I heard about your


    father''spany when I came back... Why didn''t you call me at the time? I could have helped you


    save it!"


    Whitney''s hand reached out for Cassandra''s. She sounded genuinely sorry for whatever had


    happened. The next moment, her eyes shifted to Rufus.


    Whitney wasn''t in constant touch with Cassandra. But she knew the girl and Rufus had gone through a


    lot. Their rtionship really wasn''t easy to maintain.


    "Anyway, Cassandra. We should head to our table and have dinner too. I''ll see you next time. I do have


    something to tell you tough."


    She pressed her shoulder in an insinuating way, giving her an encouraging look. She didn''t want to


    disturb her date with Rufus.


    A waiter led Whitney and Courtney to a table away from them. Many customers had left, leaving a


    rather deserted atmosphere around them. Only one girl sat at a table next to them, clicking


    innumerable selfies.


    "Order whatever you like, Courtney. I remember how much you love the cakes in this restaurant."


    Whitney looked at her daughter lovingly. Courtney''s long hair covered her shoulders, falling smoothly,


    like ck velvet.


    She was doing much better now and had almost recovered fully. It made Whitney extremely d to see


    her daughter living normally. It had been so long since she was struggling. She deserved to get some


    peace.


    Courtney smiled back at her and started to order. At the same time, a man came walking to the table


    next to them, and sat in front of the girl. Courtney got dumbstruck the moment she saw his face.


    Joel had juste back from the bathroom. Smiling, he sat down in front of the girl.


    "The steak isn''t ready yet?"


    Joel asked, looking at her beautiful, adorable face.


    "Yeah...It''s been so long! I''m starving..."


    she said sweetly, putting down her phone.


    Whitney noticed how pale her daughter''s face had suddenly be.


    "Courtney, what''s wrong? Are you okay?"


    she asked, nervous and worried. Courtney clenched her fists tightly, her face gloomy and eyelids


    twitching. Whitney grabbed her fists anxiously. Something was terribly wrong.


    Her eyes looked horrified. Slowly, Courtney stood up and walked towards Joel, with her gaze fixed on


    him.


    The man realized he was being stared at. He turned around and spotted Courtney, who seemed to


    have appeared by his side suddenly. He didn''t know what was wrong.


    "Hi, youngdy. Do I know you?"


    Joel asked,pletely clueless. He seemed to havepletely forgotten Courtney.


    "You...don''t remember me?"


    Courtney asked, slowly. The past started toe back to her as she stared at his face, which had


    retained in memory for what seemed like forever.


    She had been tortured by all those painful memories and nightmares. All that time, she had hidden her


    feelings. Atst, she couldn''t suppress it anymore and resorted to injuring herself as a form of coping


    mechanism, hurting not only herself but also her family.


    Fortunately, she was rescued. Gradually, she understood hurting herself wasn''t worth the man who had


    so heartlessly left her. She decided to forget him, and not to waste her time thinking about him.


    But here she was, face-to-face with him again. All the haunting memories came back to her, rendering


    her still like a dead man.

 Chapter 445 You Owe Her An Apology

    Chapter 445 You Owe Her An Apology


    Joel was stunned to see the beautiful woman standing before him. Transfixed by her twinkling eyes,


    distant memories began to flood back to him.


    Trying to hide the mild panic in his eyes, a name slipped out of his lips.


    "Courtney!"


    His voice was so high that it drew inquisitive eyes from around the restaurant.


    Cloris also averted her eyes towards themotion with curiosity. She caught Whitney hurrying to


    Courtney''s side, looking at the man with bewilderment.


    "What''s going on there?"


    Arthur asked. He brought his nce back from the strange man to Cloris in front of him, who did not


    look like her usual self.


    "Nothing. Don''t worry about them. Let''s just finish our meal. We''re still going to the movies afterwards,


    right?"


    Whitney''s words from before were still running through Cloris''s mind. She did not dare meddle in


    whatever drama was unfolding, mindful of Courtney''s current mental state.


    "Of course. We should be just in time when we finish this meal,"


    Arthur replied, smiling at Cloris and putting themotion across the restaurant to the back of his


    mind.


    Courtney''s eyes were stunned wide open, and her face began to contort in anguish, conjuring up some


    grievous memory. She felt her mother''s armse around her. As her mother, Whitney''s maternal


    instinct was to protect her as the symptoms of her illness started to show.


    "Come on, Courtney. Let''s head home,"


    Whitney said, with agitation straining her voice. She feared what would happen if Courtney had a


    rpse in her mental disorder in the middle of this restaurant.


    With a sudden and forceful push that even surprised Whitney, Courtney wriggled out of her grip. She


    stood, glowering with rage at the man.


    "You promised you would be beside me for the rest of our lives. You promised me! Why did you lie?"


    Courtney shouted, tears falling down her cheeks and clouding her vision.


    Joel was lost for words, dumbstruck at the outburst. He knew he had taken advantage of Courtney,


    cheating her out of her money the moment he found out she was the daughter of a very wealthy family.


    He had always had the reputation for skirt-chasing but never thought he would have to face up to his


    past actions like this.


    "Courtney, calm down. Just forget about him and let''s head home, okay?"


    Whitney was so focused on getting Courtney out of this situation and back home to take her


    medication. ''Maybe I should''ve brought the doctor around too, '' she thought, leaving no space to even


    ponder whether Joel was the man who had hurt Courtney so badly back in the day.


    Whitney grabbed onto her daughter tighter but Courtney did not budge, nor did her hateful stare waver


    from Joel.


    "You lied! You cheated! You are a liar!"


    Courtney continued to yell. The people in the restaurant could no longer ignore themotion. They


    strained their heads from the seats to get a good look and some waiters had even gathered to watch.


    Cloris suddenly rose from her seat, her mind too distracted.


    "Arthur, let''s go. It''s too noisy here, I can''t stand it anymore," she said, packing her things for a hasty


    exit.


    Cloris could feel the nerves rising within her. Deep down, in her heart, she felt every word dagger


    Courtney threw at Joel was actually being directed at her. She couldn''t handle it any more.


    Arthur hastened to get up and join Cloris as she hurried out.


    Cassandra watched on, her heart sinking as Courtney became more erratic and crazed.


    This was not the first time she had seen Courtney rpse.


    She hurried over to the scene, helping Whitney to carefully drag Courtney out of the restaurant.


    Joel''s dinner date waspletely stunned silent from her front row seat to the whole scene. She


    grabbed onto his arm, her face full of fear.


    "Joel, I''m scared. That woman is a lunatic!"


    The girl shuddered, hoping Joel would pull around andfort her.


    Instead, her insult was the final straw for Courtney. Courtney snapped back around, her mind


    descending into a manic abyss.


    With a loud shriek, she broke away from the grips of Whitney and Cassandra andunched herself at


    Joel, grabbing onto his cor.


    "You left me! Why? Why did you leave me? For her? You said I was the love of your life. Why did you


    lie? You liar!"


    Courtney cried desperately. Joel did not know what to do, his body frozen with fear, his cors still


    clutched in a tight grip by Courtney.


    He could see the mania in Courtney''s eyes.


    He pulled her hands off his cors with definitive force.


    "You are a lunatic. I have no idea what you''re talking about."


    Joel threw her hands away from him so forcefully that she staggered back and fell to the ground.


    By a sick coincidence, she fell onto Cloris''s legs as Cloris was trying to make her stealth exit out of the


    restaurant.


    Cloris lost her footing and fell to the ground beside Courtney, the two women letting out a squeal as


    they hit the floor together.


    Cassandra and Arthur both rushed forward to help them. Arthur carefully helped Cloris to her feet,


    while Cassandra was lending a hand to Courtney.


    "Cloris, are you alright?"


    Arthur asked with concern as he saw the pure terror in Cloris''s face as she got back up on her feet.


    Courtney''s eyes slowly fell onto Cloris.


    "Cloris Qin? Is that you, Cloris?"


    It was like she was in a terrible nightmare. Courtney''s mind was going a hundred miles an hour as the


    agitation built up inside her.


    "You liar! You too, Cloris, you are liar! She cheated me too!"


    The childhood memories began flooding back to Courtney and the rage on her face began to dissipate


    into childish fear.


    "Both of you, liars, the pair of you! You both cheated me!"


    Courtney started to wail uncontrobly as Cassandra held on to her, trying to calm her down.


    "Shhh Courtney! Come on, be good. Let''s go home. Let''s go home with mommy."


    Cassandra gestured at Whitney. With Courtney in this childlike state, at least, she was no longer


    aggressive.


    Whitney had been standing there dumbfounded, at a loss at what to do. But at Cassandra''s prompt


    hint, she immediately went into action to help get Courtney out of the restaurant.


    "My darling girl, let''s go home! We''ll get some snacks at home, whatever you want. Just tell mommy,


    okay?"


    Whitney coaxed Courtney as if Courtney really were a child. Courtney began to slump into her hands,


    letting Whitney steer her out of the ce.


    Every eye in the restaurant followed them out, their judgment being shared under their breath like a soft


    hum throughout the ce.


    With the situation finally handled, Cassandra let out a sigh of relief. On to the next problem, she walked


    over to Cloris.


    "Cloris. You know what? You owe Whitney and Courtney an apology."


    Cassandra was anxious and apprehensive. Though Courtney''s illness was much improved, this scene


    if anything proved that she was stillrgely susceptible to triggers that would remind her of her painful


    past.


    She''d worked hard to keep the memories locked away. But just like Pandora''s box, once opened, the


    pain would rage within her, destroying all her reason and logic and taking away any control she once


    had.


    "Apologize for what? Stop being so preupied with the past. That was all so long ago! She''s clearly


    sick. How can you me this on me?"


    Cloris retorted. After all, they were just children back then and everything was nothing but pranks. How


    dare Cassandra go so far to say that she owed them any apology?


    "You saw what happened when she just saw you now. You both owe her an apology, if I may say so


    myself,"


    Cassandra said, gesturing to Joel who had been there dazing silently.


    Casting her eyes over to Joel, she couldn''t help but wonder how the guy had been acquitted so quickly.


    Courtney hadn''t even had a chance to process what he had done to her.


    Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    "Cassandra, who do you think you are? Are you my sister or hers? Or are you just ying along so


    Mrs. Zheng would adopt you and you could get your hands on their money? You do as you please but


    don''t bring me into it and force me to butter them up, just for your own sake,"


    Cloris retorted bitterly.


    "Watch yournguage, Cloris."


    Cassandra''s face tightened into a scowl. She couldn''t help but feel the pang in her heart from her


    sister''s words.


    "Then don''t listen to me if you don''t want to hear what I have to say. What makes you think that you can


    boss me around andpel me to do something I don''t want to do? You''re not my mother. Mind your


    own business!"


    Cloris snapped back, rage filling her eyes. She''d always thought Cassandra was vile and hypercritical


    by nature and this just proved her right again.


    "Cloris, I don''t understand what you have against me. I don''t know what I have done wrong to deserve


    this,"


    Cassandra scolded, feeling so hurt by her own sister''s words. She''d always tried to be there for Cloris,


    paying the tuition and expenses for her while going through a financially difficult time herself. She never


    imagined that she''d be repaid so cruelly.


    With a sneer, Cloris continued, "Don''t you act so innocent and noble, Cassandra. You make me sick


    with what you''ve done. You count your lucky stars that I don''t have any evidence against you right now


    or you would have another thinging."


    In a threatening tone, her voice dripped with malice.

 Chapter 446 The Winner Takes All (Part One)

    Chapter 446 The Winner Takes All (Part One)


    Cassandra was frozen inside and out, as though a bucket of icy water had been poured right over her


    head and chilled her to the bone.


    Cloris''s cutting words were like daggers to her heart, the pain spreading all through her body.


    Rufus had been standing aside trying not to interfere in the sisterly fight. But as he saw Cloris get more


    and more defensive, he decided to step in.


    "What do you mean, Cloris? What did Cassandra do to make you hate her so badly?" he asked,


    astonished at how quickly their argument had escted.


    Rufus had sensed that Cloris had been skirting around the real issue and he was curious to know what


    she was hiding.


    But this was neither the time nor the ce for Cloris to dive into it. After all, she wasn''t about to destroy


    her reputation in front of so many strangers.


    "You have no right to know!"


    Cloris rolled her eyes, dismissing Rufus''s incredulous questions.


    "Then, who does have the right to know?"


    Rufus persisted, his eyes fixed upon Cloris''s stone-cold face.


    "It doesn''t matter. Not you, anyways," Cloris retorted.


    She pushed him aside, dashing towards the door to the restaurant. Arthur hurried to pay the bill and


    rushed out after her.


    Back in the restaurant, Cassandra was still standing in the same spot. Her hands were clenched into


    tight balls, her lips trembling slightly as she tried to hold back the tears.


    She felt humiliated as she stood in the wake of her sister''s insults. She felt like she might die right at


    this spot.


    Sensing that things were only getting started, Joel tried to slowly remove himself from the situation but


    Rufus reached out his arm to stop him.


    "Was it Lionel who got you out of jail?"


    Rufus asked coldly. He''d never trusted Joel, and the guy always seemed to find himself in the middle of


    trouble wherever he went.


    Joel dared not speak as he tried to dodge around Rufus to get to the door. Tiny beads of sweat were


    forming on his forehead and his shirt was starting to cling to him.


    "Just answer my question before you leave."


    Rufus wouldn''t let him go so easily and he stepped in front of Joel, blocking his way yet again.


    The man in front of him had nned to rape Cassandra before, and besides, he stole her design and


    sold it to someone elseter. Thus, he needed to get things straightened before Joel would do


    something to hurt her again.


    "Mr. Luo, I don''t know what I might have done to offend you but would you please let me go. I have to


    be somewhere," Joel asked politely.


    He tried to hide the fear in his eyes. It was Rufus who had caught him for stealing Cassandra''s design.


    But since he was long gone from the Tang Group, Joel thought he would never see him again. And yet,


    by some horrible luck that was guing him tonight, he''d run into Rufus.


    "Are you sure that you''ve never done anything to offend me?"


    Rufus raised his eyebrows at Joel, his face otherwise expressionless. It amused him that this man


    stood before him pretending to be innocent, one eye constantly darting to the door, trying to find a way


    to escape.


    Of course, Joel knew exactly what Rufus was talking about. While he didn''t offend Rufus directly, the


    same could not be said about his woman.


    The beads of sweat started to drip off from his forehead. His chest was constricted as he held his


    breath in fear.


    The girl with whom he''de to the restaurant had already left. She didn''t want any part of whatever


    situation that was unfolding. Joel was left alone, helpless.


    "You''d better watch where you''re going. If I see you out in public ever again, I''ll send you right back to


    prison without so much as blinking my eyes. Look into my eyes and know that I''m serious. You don''t


    want to disobey me."


    Rufus knew all too well that Joel was Ivy''s younger brother and with Ivy seeing rk recently, these


    siblings were causing trouble wherever they went.


    Joel finally let go of his breath and, seeing his opening, shot past Rufus with a speed as quick as


    lightening and disappeared out the restaurant.


    Cassandra was still out of sorts and her usual happy mood was descending into winter gloom. With just


    the two of them left, she quietly came to Rufus''s side.


    "Rufus, let''s get out of here." Her voice was downtrodden.


    She couldn''t shake the grief that had fallen over her face. She was pale as the white walls of the


    restaurant.


    Rufus nodded quietly, and without a word, escorted her out to the car.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    As they stepped outside, the cold air sted onto their faces, cutting Cassandra''s face but she felt


    nothing at all.


    She was still stuck in her thoughts, her sister''s words still ringing in her ears. She was dumbstruck,


    totally confused as why all her efforts to help Cloris over the years had been in vain.


    In this world, there were plenty of people who wouldn''t think twice before treading all over your


    sincerity. Instead of showing gratitude to your kind acts, they would spit in your face with disdain. Over


    time, you''d slowly be numb as pieces of your heart slowly broke away.


    "Stop thinking about that nonsense. It will do no good. You''ve admitted that Cloris is too young to


    understand, right?"


    Rufus could read the anguish on Cassandra''s face and wanted tofort her.


    "I''m worried about Courtney. How will she be able to recover if the two people that put her in such a


    state refuse to help her out of it? Every time I think about the anxiety stered on Auntie Whitney''s


    face, I can''t breathe."


    Cassandra''s hands went to her chest, like she was losing her breath right there.


    A light appeared in Rufus''s eyes as an idea sprung into his mind.


    He pulled Cassandra in towards him, her head resting on his chest, and gave her a kiss on her


    forehead.

 Chapter 447 The Winner Takes All (Part Two)

    Chapter 447 The Winner Takes All (Part Two)


    "Don''t worry, I''m here. I''ll do everything in my power to help you," he whispered softly into her ears.


    His embrace was warm, melting away the ice Cassandra felt both physically and mentally from the


    whole ordeal. Cassandra looked up into his eyes, lost in the tenderness he was giving.


    Across town, Ivy had a bright smile on her face. "Here is the document you asked,"


    she said, handing over the sh drive she obtained from Adrian to rk, and rk''s face lit up with


    excitement.


    "Ivy, I cannot believe you took this risk for us. I don''t know what to say."


    He seemed truly touched by the gesture. Ivy gave a sigh of relief, her uneasy heart finally feeling more


    settled.


    "No, don''t worry about it. You know I''d do anything for you."


    It should make hay while the sun shines. Ivy hurriedly expressed her attitude toward him.


    "Did you get Joel to help you out? Did he get caught?" rk inquired.


    Joel was working in the Tang Group and rk knew that it was a very convenient connection to have.


    This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .


    Ivy hesitated for a second. It hadn''t been Joel who helped her but she wasn''t about to tell rk that it


    was Adrian who had stepped in and stole it from Lionel.


    "He was careful and I don''t believe anyone saw him."


    Technically, she wasn''t lying and what rk didn''t know would not kill him.


    And he was none the wiser, as she expected.


    "Joel probably won''t go far in the Tang Group and when it alles to an end, he''ll be a great fit for the


    Dawn Star Group. I''ll tell Arthur to find a proper position. And he won''t be bullied like he was over at the


    Tang Group."


    Ivy was a little taken aback that rk so easily offered her brother a job.


    It wouldn''t be long before the Tang Group fell and Dawn Star Group would rise to rece them. If Joel


    managed to weasel his way in, it wouldn''t put all her efforts over the past few years to waste.


    "Thank you, rk! That''s so sweet." Ivy faked her sweetest voice.


    She was trying to turn on the charm, moving ever closer to him. But he barely noticed, transfixed by the


    sh drive he now held in his hands.


    In fact, her futile attempts to flirt had not gotten past him. He sneered silently. He would nevery a


    finger on Ivy. She was nothing to him but a chess piece in his big game and when her usefulness was


    exhausted, he would cast her aside without a second thought.


    "It''s gettingte. You should go home. I''ll call you when everything is handled."


    He wanted to get her out as soon as possible. Ivy''s heart sank, disappointed he hadn''t insinuated that


    she stayed over with him.


    She didn''t understand why rk seemed to have no interest in her, no matter how hard she tried. It


    was ridiculous.


    Ivy quietly nced down at her perfect frame. Any man would feel so lucky, but why did the one man


    she wanted not even take a second nce at her?


    It wasn''t like he was above a little office romance. Just the other day, he''d made love to Amanda right


    in her office. So what was she doing wrong?


    "Ivy, I''ve got somewhere to be. I''ll call my driver to get you home," rk pressed lightly.


    He sat down at his desk and began to tap away on the keyboard. It was clear Ivy had overstayed her


    wee.


    Composing herself after the disappointment, Ivy cracked an understanding smile.


    "Don''t worry. I can find my own way home. Take care."


    She knew she''d have to be patient to gain the affections of such a wealthy bachelor. He was not as


    ignorant as Lionel nor as wild as Adrian. He was the perfect bnce, marriage material.


    So Ivy left the room quietly.


    As the door closed behind her, a faint smile crept onto the corner of rk''s lips. He inserted the USB


    drive into hisptop and opened up the much-anticipated document.


    His mouth gaped open. The document showed him everything he needed to bring Tang Group down,


    and more importantly, turn the Tang family against Rufus. It would be impossible for him to ever win


    back their trust.


    ''Next step? Cut off any chance of escaping the onught, '' rk thought to himself.


    ''When you''ve got nothing left to help you, what will you do? Would you be able toe after me? I


    can''t wait to see you try, Rufus.


    When I''ve taken everything from you, will people still think you''re better than me? The winner takes all


    and this round is mine.''


    rk took a deep breath and peered at his watch. Calcting the time difference, he decided to call


    Charlie and update him.


    A low voice greeted him after a few rings, a little impatienceing through the line.


    "We''re all waiting for you back at headquarters, rk. When will you be back?"


    The old man felt like a broken record. Despite being asked a hundred times to show up in person, rk


    always insisted on videoconferencing every time.


    "Mr. Ke, I assure you, it is not my fault this time. I''m about to propose and it really means a lot to me


    that I get this right."


    rk couldn''t help but crack a mischievous smile. He looked out at the dark sky outside, narrowing his


    eyes to see the distance, like a predator looking for its prey.


    "Propose? Who are you proposing to?"


    Charlie couldn''t believe his ears. What on earth was rk going on about?


    "Didn''t you hear, Uncle Charlie. I thought for sure Amanda would have told you. I''m madly in love with


    Amanda and I want to ask her to marry me!"


    The wicked smile on his lips lingered and the malice in his eyes could freeze anyone he looked at.

 Chapter 448 Prenuptial Agreement (Part One)

    Chapter 448 Prenuptial Agreement (Part One)


    Charlie almost dropped the phone on his hand when he heard what rk said. For a second, he was


    almost sure he heard him wrong.


    What the hell was going on? rk was going to propose to Amanda?


    How the hell did this happen?


    "rk, you do know that Amanda is already engaged, right?"


    Charlie asked as if testing the man''s sanity. It took him a few seconds before he could say anything


    after his initial shock.


    His head suddenly started to feel very light, as if he were going to faint. Suspicion filled him. He


    wondered what rk''s motive was. The man had never showed interest for his daughter before.


    "Married couples get divorced all the time and Amanda isn''t even married to Rufus yet. They''re only


    engaged. This still gives me a chance to woo her,"


    rk replied nonchntly and calmly. He did not seem to see Amanda''s engagement as a hindrance


    to his ns.


    "What?! What do you think of my daughter? She''s not like everyone else. She''s the pride and joy of the


    Ke family! Do you seriously think she will break off her engagement so easily?"


    Charlie said, outraged. rk''s words were starting to offend him and his displeasure showed clearly on


    his face.


    "Mr. Ke, it ismon knowledge that Amanda''s engagement is simply an arrangement to pacify her.


    Rufus doesn''t love her. He doesn''t want to be with her at all,"


    rk replied. He was not one to sugarcoat. His words were as raw and honest as they had to be.


    Besides, he was not dense. He was fully aware that Charlie was only using the engagement to block


    his wish. Of course, this was not about to happen that easily. ''Does this old man seriously think he can


    get in the way of my ns?'' rk thought humorously.


    "rk, let me be clear. Real engagement or not and whether Rufus wants to be with her or not,


    Amanda does not want to be with you!"


    Charlie shouted, red with rage and infuriated.


    His voice was so loud that rk had to take the phone away from his ear. A few momentster, rk


    spoke with a calm and casual voice, "Oh, Mr. Ke. I would calm down if I were you. It''s not good for you


    to be angry especially since you''re not exactly at your prime years anymore. The thing is, people from


    your generation barely have a say on the lives of the kids in our generation. The reason I called wasn''t


    really to ask for your permission. It was simply to inform you that I will marry Amanda."


    Unfazed by Charlie''s anger, rk was sure that nothing could foil his ns. This made Charlie even


    angrier. Also, a part of him worried. Why was he so sure that he would be able to marry Amanda?


    "She''s my daughter! Why don''t I have a say in this? rk, I am warning you, if you hurt my daughter, I


    will make you regret the day you were born!" he exploded.


    Charlie worried greatly about what rk was nning. He wished that he were beside his daughter


    right now to protect her.


    "I don''t understand what you mean. How can I hurt Amanda? We grew up together and we know each


    other very well. Don''t worry, I will surely ''take care'' of her for you!"


    rk said, then hung up even before Charlie could respond. If he guessed right, Charlie should be


    here in the next 24 hours. Amanda was his only daughter, after all. He cared about her deeply.


    An evil smirk appeared on his face. ''Ha, Rufus, your fiancee belongs to me now!'' he thought


    triumphantly.


    "Are you out of your mind? I can''t marry you! I am already engaged!"


    Amanda''s face turned as pale as a sheet of paper when she heard rk''s proposal. He violently broke


    into her house so early in the morning to deliver the news. She could not help but shake with fear.


    "Oh,e on. Who are you kidding? You know that Rufus won''t marry you. He doesn''t love you! Do


    you still seriously believe that you will be married to him? Hun, you''re more stupid than I thought!"


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    rk said in a mocking tone as he approached her slowly with a malicious grin spread across his face.


    He enjoyed the fear in Amanda''s eyes. She was intimidated by him and this was working to his


    advantage.


    "Why not consider marrying me instead? I can protect you. I also won''t be unfaithful, at the very least.


    Won''t that be great?"


    rk said as he stopped in front of Amanda. With his index finger, he gently stroked her cheek.


    Amanda abruptly turned her head to dodge his touch as she looked at him with eyes wide with fear.


    "Don''t look so scared, Amanda. What will your father think if he sees us like this?"


    rk said gently. He was smiling at Amanda but his eyes were cold and maniptive.


    "No! I won''t marry you! I don''t want to! And my father will never agree to this! rk, you can have any


    woman you want. I can even help you! Just tell me who! Just...please don''t marry me. I can never be a


    good wife for you!"


    Of course, this was the truth. She could barely stand being in the same room with him, let alone marry


    him. Being his wife meant that she had to face him every day. Her life would be a living hell.


    To her, rk was like a demon. Just the thought of him made her shake with fear. She couldn''t imagine


    how her life would be if she said yes to this man.


    "That''s so unfortunate. Are you sure you don''t want to marry me? Do you really want your naked


    photos to appear on all the big websites tomorrow, Amanda, my dear famous pianist?"


    rk said as he lowered his head and whispered in Amanda''s ear. His tone was gentle, as if he were


    saying the sweetest words to his beloved woman. In truth, he merely enjoyed his advantage over the


    fearful woman in front of him.


    Amanda''s eyes immediately widened in shock. She could already imagine the consequences if her


    naked photos were leaked.


    Everyone who would see would judge her. Rumors and gossips would follow her whenever she went


    out. Despite her fame as a respected pianist, the photos would ruin her reputation and turn her into a


    joke.

 Chapter 449 Prenuptial Agreement (Part Two)

    Chapter 449 Prenuptial Agreement (Part Two)


    No! That could not happen! She was not going to allow it!


    "rk, what the hell do you want?"


    she asked with her voice shaking. rk''s motive was a puzzle to her.


    "I just want to marry you,"


    rk replied with a carefree smile on his face. He stared at Amanda like a snake wooing his prey.


    "But I know you don''t love me,"


    Amanda replied. She could not understand why rk would want to marry her. This was a torture for


    her. Her freedom was something that she held at a high importance.


    "I just need us to get married. I won''t even touch you,"


    rk shrugged as he took two steps back. Now, his intentions were clear.


    Amanda stared at rk with a face full of disbelief.


    ''Why does he want to do that?'' she couldn''t help but wonder. It didn''t make sense. His words only


    made her more and more confused.


    "I swear. I won''t touch you anymore as long as you agree to marry me. Think about it. Do you want to


    get married with me then get a happy divorce in a few years, or do you want your naked photos to be


    seen by the whole world?"


    rk''s tone was calm, but his threat was clear.


    Amanda looked at rk miserably. Neither option appealed to her.


    Besides, she knew how bad rk could be. She knew what he was capable of. Ignoring his threat


    would mean that he would do everything to make her life a living hell again


    Saying yes, though...


    Amanda closed her eyes and bit her lip as she thought about the consequences.


    If she agreed to marry rk, she at least had the option to divorce him after a couple of years. This


    would only make her an unlucky, divorced woman. This was way better than being branded a slut.


    "Can you promise that you won''t touch me and that you will allow me to get a divorce in a few years?"


    Amanda asked as she slowly opened her eyes. She was cornered and defeated.


    "Yes, I can promise you that, don''t worry. I can even sign an agreement with you if you don''t trust me.


    We will divorce after two years and I will not be in touch ever again,"


    rk promised and added to ease her suspicion. Besides, he was quite sure that two years would be


    enough for him to get rid of Rufus.


    "Then, my photos..." she faltered.


    This was what worried her the most.


    "I will give you the source file after two years,"


    rk said simply. He was much more serious now.


    Amanda studied rk''s face carefully with fearful eyes. She inspected every crease on his skin to find


    a hint of a lie.


    rk merely smiled. He then took out a document. This was something he already prepared before


    coming as he was sure that Amanda would agree. What else could she do, anyway?


    "Just sign it. I have already had awyer to look it through."


    Amanda picked up the document and started to read. All the things rk promised to her just now


    were on it. This made Amanda''s heart stir.


    It was the only viable option for her. Two years for lifelong freedom and a good reputation sounded like


    a great bargain.


    She was tired of always worrying about herself and living in fear.


    "My offer is only avable today. If you don''t sign this now, I will ask them to post your naked photos


    tomorrow,"


    rk threatened her again, making Amanda look up at him with panic on her face.


    "I will sign it right now!"


    With these words, she picked up a pen and signed her name on the document. Despite her shaking


    hand, she managed to affix her signature.


    The corners of rk''s lips lifted into a victorious smile as Amanda scribbled her name on the dotted


    line.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Now, Rufus had no one else to help him anymore. He was sure that Charlie would rather help his son-


    inw than an outsider of his family!


    Thick snow covered the ground outside. It had been snowing heavily for days.


    Cassandra sat in the warm study room, drawing.


    The branches of the tree on her work were covered with snow, hanging low because of the weight.


    Under the tree, amidst the snow, a girl slowly walked.


    She looked forward, uninterested with everything else around her. She was sure of herself, not even


    slightly worried. A smile spread across her face. She was clearly delighted.


    She held her hands out to catch the snowkes. The fallen pieces of ice shone in her hands, lighting up


    her joyful face.


    The corners of Cassandra''s lips couldn''t help but curl into a happy smile as she drew.


    Then, the door of the study room opened and Rufus walked in. He thought that she was browsing the


    web in this room. He didn''t expect that she was drawing.


    He walked quietly towards the desk as to not disturb her, and stopped to stand behind her. The sight of


    her concentration filled him with joy.


    The painting seemed to draw him in. It had a certain charm to it that could get anyone''s attention.


    Seeing the little girl and her red dress in the snow made Rufus smile too.


    Cassandra put her paint brush down and looked at Rufus who concentrated on the painting in front of


    him.


    "It''s just a fun hobby,"


    Cassandra said shyly. She didn''t know why she was constantly shy in front of Rufus. She was not a


    professional painter, and she didn''t think her paintings were that good.


    "That''s all right. It''s good to have a hobby,"


    he replied with a soft smile as he looked at Cassandra with adoring eyes.


    "Do you want to be a professional painter?"


    Rufus asked. This startled Cassandra a bit.


    That was something that rk also suggested before, but she refused. Now that Rufus brought it up,


    Cassandra hesitated.


    "Do you think I will ever be a famous painter?"


    Cassandra asked, doubting her abilities.


    "Why do you have to be a famous painter? Isn''t it enough to be doing something that you love?"


    Rufus raised his eyebrows as he locked eyes with her.

 Chapter 450 Studio Rufcastle (Part One)

    Chapter 450 Studio Rufcastle (Part One)


    "To do¡­ What I''m really keen to do¡­"


    Cassandra repeated, ncing at Rufus, then diverted her gaze to the painting she was making.


    Thousands of thoughts shed through her mind at the same time.


    But what was it that she was keen to do, anyway? In fact, she had never truly taken time to ponder


    over this.


    It seemed like she had always been struggling for something or the other. Currently, her life was fulfilled


    and busy, but was she truly interested in doing what she was doing?


    Rufus caught Cassandra lost deeply in thoughts. It made him sad to spot her looking so gloomy.


    His hands reached out for hers. He caressed them gently.


    "Cassandra, you have me. You don''t have to worry about anything, a ce to stay, food or shelter. The


    only thing you should be concerned about is whatever it is you love to do. Just pursue what you


    actually enjoy doing. Sometimes, even though we put in all our efforts, we don''t get the results we are


    craving for. Since we don''t really have full control on the final result, we should rather focus on enjoying


    the process itself, don''t you think? Just keep doing your thing with as much effort you can put in, and


    take it easy."


    Rufus''s hands slid up her to her face. Her face was so bony, that it felt like it was sculpted out of stone.


    There was barely any flesh on it. Her smooth skin was long gone, reced by wrinkles around her


    eyes and mouth.


    This past year, Cassandra had suffered unbearably. Of course, Rufus was fully aware of it.


    His words pushed Cassandra into an even deeper worry.


    ''He is right. I have been working hard for so many things throughout my life. But have they ever yielded


    into great, even good results?


    I gave so much to Cloris, but for what? For her to get back at me and humiliate me in public? To throw


    paint on my face in front of everyone?


    I spared no effort to save my father''spany, which was a result of his life''s work. And then?


    Eventually, it had to be shut down.


    I spent all my energy trying to be the best architect in the world, but I had to give up my career for


    some reasons.


    I wanted to raise myself high and stand by Rufus''s side, but the only thing I seem to have any control


    on now is my pride. Soon, I wouldn''t have anything to be proud of too...'' The thoughts kepting to


    her one after the other, making her feelpletely miserable.


    "Cassandra, I don''t need you to be a powerful woman, I know how powerful and tenacious you


    are inside. You''ve tried to seed a lot. That is more than enough. I do not want you to be burdened


    by the thought of seeding in life anymore. I don''t want you to treat yourself miserably. I don''t want


    you to face unnecessary hardship. I just hope you spend all your days with me in the future, that you


    enjoy and appreciate what you have and redefine the idea of sess. Sometimes, that is more than


    enough. Can you do that?"


    He ran his fingers through her hair, before she copsed into his arms passionately, giving up thest


    of will with which she was trying to think things through.


    Her head resting on his chest, Cassandra could hear his heartbeat. It was steady, firm and reassuring.


    As long as that heart was beating, and was close to her, there was nothing that could hurt her, or harm


    her.


    "It''s been so long since I talked to you like this..."


    Rufus said as his lips curled into a smile. He realized how easily and spontaneously he could say


    words of love and affection to someone he truly loved. It was a rare feeling. Unveiling his heart to the


    woman he loved warmed not only the rtionship they shared, but also his own self and personality.


    Noticing the joy in his words, Cassandra felt the coldness and darkness in her heart being expelled


    away.


    "If I fail, will you feed me for the rest of our lives?"


    Cassandra probed Rufus. Of course, she wouldn''t want to rely on Rufus for a living, but she did feel a


    need for some sort of security.


    "Sure! In fact, I''ll even feed you with my own hands!"


    Excited, Rufus hugged her tighter, overwhelmed by euphoria. Her trust meant a lot to him.


    Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    He had been waiting to talk to her intimately for so long!


    Many men took pride in earning enough money to sustain not just themselves but also the women they


    loved. But it was thest thing an independent and proud woman like Cassandra would wish for.


    Rufus had always tried hard to fathom what she wanted. He kept reminding Cassandra to pursue


    whatever she desired in life. He persuaded himself too that he should never limit her to the


    responsibilities of the house, doing the nd chores and serving him without having any aspirations of


    her own. But he wasn''t sure of himself. He knew deep down, he was still a male chauvinist, which


    made him want to keep her at home at all times. He despised this, but it was something that was in his


    blood.


    Sometimes, he wished she could y cute and remain a docile woman who would rely on him for


    everything.


    Right now, Cassandra was in the position of bing that submissive woman that Rufus had dreamed


    of, even though it was highly unlikely. Part of him felt overjoyed at the very chance of it.


    "Then¡­ Can you lend me the ce you bought from Lyndsy? I want to have a studio of my own."


    Cassandra thought of the house that they didn''t know how to deal with, and somehow an idea started


    to emerge in her mind.


    "No problem! You have my support in whatever you want to do."


    Rufus was ted to hear that.


    "Thank you, Rufus. Also, I want to finish this painting now..."

 Chapter 451 Studio Rufcastle (Part Two)

    Chapter 451 Studio Rufcastle (Part Two)


    Cassandra said, softly pushing him away as she walked to the desk and continued drawing.


    N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    Painting was like therapy for her when she felt bothered. The very movement of the gentle strokes of


    the brush gave her immense peace.


    Despite not being particrly great at painting, she put all her heart into her artwork. All her pieces


    were filled with emotions, which was why everyone who saw them could also rte well. Her art had


    touched many people.


    Seeing how absorbed she was in the drawing, Rufus thought it was best not to disturb her. He took a


    seat in a corner and kept looking at her drawing and painting as if it was a way of survival. After what


    turned out to be thest stroke, she heaved a sigh and looked out of the window, admiring the view.


    Snow had piled up out in thepound and on top of the trees. It was beautiful.


    Taking a step back, she observed the painting. She was satisfied and put the brush down in the palette.


    "Are you going to name this?"


    Rufus asked, as he walked toward her with his hands in his pockets. The painting was very delightful to


    look at. The cheerful smile of the girl in it lifted up his mood.


    Cassandra tilted her head in thought, trying to think of a name.


    "Deep snow,"


    she answered with a grin, then etched the title on the piece and signed her name at the bottom.


    "And what about the name of the studio?"


    Her grin seemed contagious and pure, making him chuckle as well.


    "Rufcastle,"


    Cassandra stated confidently but Rufus didn''t quite understand.


    "Ru-what? What castle?"


    he asked, confused. It sounded like a made-up word.


    Cassandra grabbed a pen from the pen-stand and wrote on a clean piece of paper:


    Rufcastle.


    It was both of their names merged in one word seamlessly.


    The idea was they would merge too in this way, into one inseparable piece. This one word struck


    Rufus''s heart like lightening.


    "You own half of the studio. If I struggle running it, you have to help me out!"


    Cassandra touched Rufus''s cheek with the tip of her nose, feeling affectionate and spontaneous. A dab


    of white paint remained on his cheek, making him look adorable. Cassandra giggled at this sight.


    Before he could figure what had just happened, Rufus felt a kind of coldness on his cheek, and then he


    noticed the sly smile on her face. Squinting his eyes and making a ''humph'' sound, he started to smile


    too. He truly loved this woman.


    ...


    "No! I disagree!"


    Charlie said furiously as he paced back and forth in the lobby. Amanda sat on the couch with rk


    standing beside her.


    "What sort of a joke is this? You were just engaged to Rufus a while back and now you want to marry


    rk? Have you even considered how this would affect the reputation of our Ke family?"


    Charlie was deeply agitated. Amanda had always been an obedient girl. Why would she go against him


    again and again now in this way?


    "Dad, you know Rufus and Cassandra are together now. Rufus wants her despite the fact that she has


    lost everything. I don''t have a choice but to move on..."


    Her lips trembled as she spoke. Whenever she thought of how indifferent and ignorant Rufus was to


    her, she felt a pain piercing through her heart, making it grow cold and uneasy.


    "Amanda, you''re not a kid anymore. Do you realize how capricious you''re being?"


    Charlie asked her almost helplessly, pointing at rk with a disgruntled look.


    "And as for you, rk...are you really in love with Amanda? You two are getting married in a sh.


    Don''t you think it''s too...hasty?"


    He was boiling with fury, even though he was trying his best to hide it. How could he be in the dark for


    so long and not know anything about rk? In a couple of months, his son-inw had been changed


    into a new person! This was too bizarre to ept!


    "Dad, if it weren''t for your opposition, I would never have made that choice. I was left in such a


    predicament because of the decision you took years back and forced upon me..."


    Amanda couldn''t keep it in anymore. She had always been filial but it was time to rise against her own


    father. The usual obedience was surpassed by firmness and resolve that Charlie had never


    experienceding from her before.


    She thought of the misery she had gone through when she broke up with Rufus due to her father''s


    insistence. Everything had gone off-track after that. Things went out of her hands uncontrobly. There


    was nothing she could do to prevent the disasters that lined up. But now, she needed to make her own


    choices, resist her father''s pressure. She acted with persistence and a slice of anger.


    "If you had allowed me to continue my rtionship with Rufus when we were younger, I would never


    have had to use all these tricks to make him engage with me, and he would never have abandoned me


    the way he did. We were meant to be together then, Dad, and you tore us apart! If you hadn''t, we


    would''ve eventually gotten married without anyplications. I would''ve been his wife! How can you


    question me this way about my decisions when you never took into ount my feelings and when you


    made yours? Tell me, Dad! Who do you think you are? I am so tired of being controlled by other


    people..."


    Years of neglecting herself had resulted into an umtion of a lot of resentful feelings. Now that she


    was finally confronting her father, tears trickled down her face in reveries. Due to the threat of the


    photos that couldn''t be revealed, she had no fear of her father anymore!


    rk was the ruler of the Dark Night Group. Even though Charlie had been in the group for much


    longer than rk, he was still his subordinate. There was no way he could offer herplete


    protection.

 Chapter 452 I Have His Baby

    Chapter 452 I Have His Baby


    rk remained soundless throughout the whole ordeal between the daughter and her father. It was


    only then when Amanda burst out that he went up to Charlie and asked calmly, "Mr. Ke, why do I get


    the feeling that you don''t like me very much? Rufus doesn''t want to be with Amanda, while I am the


    person who really wants to marry her. Why can''t you sympathize with Amanda?"


    rk was visibly unsatisfied with how Charlie had treated him. He walked to Amanda and held her


    close by her waist.


    Amanda was shocked at the maneuver. Her body shivered yet again.


    Charlie was oblivious to the subtle change. He thought that the small change was due to rk''s


    sudden alignment with her.


    He didn''t have the slightest clue that Amanda had already been in bed with rk before. He could


    never have imagined that rk heldpromising photos of her and used them to ckmail her. All


    he could do now was re at the couple, mentally searching for the right words to say.


    Up until now, Charlie had never fully understood rk''s intentions nor his dark secrets. Out of nowhere


    came Amanda having apparently decided to marry rk. How could he not feel agitated?


    "rk, you go ahead. I have to talk to Amanda. Privately!"


    Charlie nned to send rk away and try to persuade Amanda in private, but how could rk agree


    to such a thing?


    With cold, calcted determination, he defiantly dered, "Mr. Ke, I won''t go unless you give us your


    blessing!"


    Anyone else who witnessed this disy would probably believe that rk was madly in love with


    Amanda. His eyes were even welling up.


    Meanwhile, Amanda felt a sharp pain on her waist. rk had pinched her. This was a non-verbal


    threat, and the message was received.


    As Charlie was about to reply, his face fuming, Amanda suddenly kneeled down.


    "Dad! Just give us your blessing! I can only be with rk! I... I''m with child!"


    All she could think about were the possible punishments that awaited her if rk didn''t get his way. Her


    intense fearpelled her to utter such falsehood.


    For a split-second, a satisfied smile appeared on rk''s face. It was gone as soon as it appeared.


    ''Amanda, good that you know what to do!'' he thought.


    He then squatted down to help Amanda up.


    "Amanda! You need to be more careful with the baby! Get up, quick!"


    rk''s voice was filled with concern and his face was etched with sorry. Eyes widened, mouth agape,


    Charlie was surprised at the scene and started to believe her story.


    "You... You two... You two have a child?" He pointed at the couple in front of him, his index finger


    trembling.


    Barely could he hide his astonishment and excitement.


    For an old man like him, it was a such a blessing to witness the making of the next generation.


    Amanda was his only child. After years of searching for Rufus, her marriage was finally at hand.


    His only problem with the whole thing now, was his son-inw to be. What exactly was rk nning


    in the shadows?


    His jaw tightened, Charlie shot rk a suspecting re.


    "Is this true, rk?"


    Charlie asked, still in disbelief. He wanted with all of his heart to confirm what he had just heard from


    his daughter''s mouth. Amanda was shaken, so he turned to ask rk instead.


    "It''s the truth, Mr. Ke. We are going to be parents. We wouldn''t be this eager to get married if it weren''t


    true. This is Amanda''s first child, as well as mine. We both are very excited to see the safe birth of the


    baby!"


    rk was a natural when it came to deception. Charlie couldn''t find anything wrong with what he said.


    rk''s stubborn attitude, however, made him hesitate.


    Amanda was his one and only daughter. He would never force her into abortion. But, giving her away to


    marry rk, was a decision he did not want to make.


    The dilemma was clearly written on the lines of his face. rk noticed, so he tried to reassure him, "Mr.


    Ke, please, don''t worry. If the baby is born, it will always bear the surname of Ke, even if it is a boy. I''m


    really no particr with the details. All I want is to be one with Amanda in matrimony. I sincerely hope


    you support us with all of your heart!"


    This was the final card rk could y. The effect was immediate¡ªCharlie''s body turned rigid.


    It was effortless for rk to promise such a thing, since there really was no baby. It was an empty


    promise, as empty as his love for Amanda. But to Charlie, it was an entirely different story. It was an


    extremely bigpromise from rk''s side. He even gave up the chance for his own son to bear his


    surname!


    As a businessman who was adept at seizing opportunities, rk had given it his all in convincing


    Charlie. He would even resort to extreme deception just to fulfil his goal!


    Maintaining the surprised look, Charlie nced at rk.


    ''rk is bold enough to allow his very own flesh and blood to inherit the mother''s surname! Is breaking


    them apart really the right thing to do?'' he thought, lost in his own doubts.


    "Mr. Ke, rest assured that I will also do my best to manage the Dark Night Group. I won''t leave the


    organization to run by itself anymore. You have reached the age where you can fully enjoy the fruits of


    yourbor. After Amanda gives birth to our baby, you can retire and leave the rest to me. You can rx


    at home and watch your grandchild grow!"


    Seeing that Charlie was one concession away from agreeing, rk pressed on. He promised him that


    he would take on the responsibilities. With that, the final stroke was made. Charlie''s worry subsided.


    Amanda, on the other hand, was sobbing in silence. Charlie took this as her reaction towards his


    objections. But rk knew the true reason why she was in tears.


    On one hand, she was scared that her nudes would be leaked out to the public. On the other hand, she


    didn''t want to lie to her own father, and was even more reluctant to marry rk. There was a massive


    sh happening inside her mind. rk knew that he had to push on and act fast!


    "Mr. Ke, please just say yes. Even if you don''t give us your blessing, we will still tie the knot! But we do


    sincerely hope you''ll give us the go signal and support our wedding!"


    rk kept goading Charlie, who then closed his eyes, clearly helpless.


    "Well, well... I won''t say anything about this anymore!"


    Charlie was definitely feeling the pressure being put on the spot like this. Between Amanda''s tears and


    rk''s promises, he was pushed to the point that he couldn''t say no anymore.


    He opened his eyes slowly, and instructed rk, "If this will be the case, then I want a perfect wedding!


    You have to showcase the Ke family pride!"


    The memory of how Rufus humiliated the Ke family by breaking his promise to marry Amanda was still


    fresh in Charlie''s mind. Although he agreed with Rufus that the marriage was merely a ruse to pacify


    Amanda, who turned out to be actually only faking her memory loss, he still stood by his daughter''s


    side. As a father who adored his daughter, he believed that Amanda could do no wrong. It was all


    Rufus''s fault for breaking his oath!


    rk pulled Amanda close. With joy clear in his voice, he eximed, "Amanda! Did you hear that?!


    Your father has given us his blessing! I will arrange a grand and perfect wedding for you!"


    In his excitement, rk scooped Amanda into his arms. After giving his decision, Charlie felt relief


    wash over him.


    It was decided right then and there that rk was going to be his son-inw. The most he could do


    was monitor him closely and find out any dark secrets he might be engaging in.


    After convincing himself, Charlie felt the tension previously in his nerves slowly dissipate.


    However, Amanda, who was still in rk''s arms, started wailing.


    "Oh, baby girl. Why are you still crying? Please stop...Keep in mind the child in your belly!"


    Charlie smiled. He believed Amanda''s tears to be tears of joy.This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .


    How could he ever understand the void in Amanda''s heart? After going through so much, she ended up


    with rk in this dilemma. She had to lie to her father about her pregnancy, and now she was going to


    have a marriage that would exist only within the bounds of a legal document. She believed she was the


    most tragic bride on the surface of the.


    She felt utterly helpless, but the whisper that came from rk forced her to keep her emotions in


    check.


    "Stop crying and just pretend to agree. The crying is going way out of hand."


    After rk''s sharp warning, Amanda''s wails stoppedpletely. Charlie thought that his constions


    calmed her down, so he jumped with joy.


    rk retracted his arms from Amanda''s body. Her face was still wet from the tears, and rk, in a


    perfect disy of affection, wiped her tears off.


    "Don''t be sad, Amanda. Your father''s right, you need to take care of the baby. Go ahead to your room


    and rest!"


    Charlie had agreed not to interfere, which meant rk achieved his goal and was eager to leave.


    There were much more important things now that this was taken care of.


    Wearing a perfect smile, Charlie reminded them gently, "Okay, Amanda, get some rest. And you, as


    well, rk! Don''t forget the grand wedding you promised!"


    He hadpletely epted the marriage by this time. After all, his daughter was already with child. He


    never wanted to hurt his daughter again!


    rk nodded in assent and was about to turn around and leave, but suddenly, Amanda pulled him


    close.


    Her head was downcast, and her hair covered her face like drapes on a window.


    "I want Rufus and Cassandra to attend the wedding."


    Amanda''s voice was soft, but she was determined.

 Chapter 453 Who’s Your First Love

    Chapter 453 Who¡¯s Your First Love


    A faint, shadowy smile passed through rk''s lips. ''You foolish woman, '' he thought to himself darkly.


    ''To think that you would stoop this low to take revenge on Rufus. How pathetic.''


    "Whatever you want. I will send the invitation to Rufus myself. He will see with his own eyes how happy


    you are on our wedding day,"


    he promised readily in front of Charlie even as his heart was filled with contempt for Amanda.


    When rk left, Charlie turned to Amanda and urged her to return to her bedroom.


    "It''ste. You should go and rest. You should take care of yourself, especially now that you''re


    pregnant." Standing up, he continued, "I''m going back to the headquarters to prepare for your wedding.


    rk''s hands are too full to attend to the matters of the group. I have to do whatever I can to help him."


    Now that rk was going to be his son-inw, Charlie had begun to look out for him more. After all, he


    would be part of the family in just a short time now.


    It was something that went exactly as rk had nned. Charlie would be a useful piece in this little


    game he was ying. If he won him over to his side, Rufus would be left with no allies. And when the


    perfect timing came, he would strike, and Rufus would be left helpless. He was brimming with


    excitement at the thought of Rufus''s downfall, but for now, he had to be patient.


    Charlie hurriedly left after only a short stay. Amanda silently followed her father''s receding figure with


    her eyes, biting her tongue against the words that wanted toe out.


    Charlie arrived in anger, but now watching his light steps, Amanda knew that he was feeling none of his


    earlier animosity, all due to her decision.


    A tugging feeling crept through Amanda''s chest. Was it the right decision?


    She began to shiver despite the heat in the room.


    The coldness seeped to her bones, racking her frame with shivers. She wrapped her arms tightly


    around herself. She felt more isted than ever. No one knew that she was forcing herself to do


    something she didn''t want to. She was all alone.


    "The walls should be painted with vibrant colors. Green and yellow would work the best."


    "I want a rxing feel to the room, and the furnishings should be both modern and practical."


    ...


    Cassandra described her design concept in detail to Rufus, taking down notes and sketching initial


    ns from time to time. Rufus listened to her attentively, delighting in the way her eyes gleamed as she


    spoke animatedly and exined her ideas. Like this, he could watch her all day.


    Cassandra''s hands were steady as she drew her vision for the new studio. She wanted everything to


    be perfect.


    Just then, the doorbell rang, halting Cassandra''s words. Rufus smiled at her and said, "We have a


    guest. I''ll go see who it is."


    He stood up and went out of the study to check the monitor.


    His mood instantly soured at the face on the screen. rk was standing outside the door, waiting for


    his hosts.


    After a short moment, the man seemed to have sensed Rufus''s gaze from the other side. He smiled at


    the monitor, but his eyes darkened with coldness.


    Rufus watched him with an equally cold stare and pressed a button to let him in.


    "Rufus, who''s that?"


    Cassandra''s warm voice called out from the study, thawing the atmosphere momentarily.


    "rk."


    She was on her way to where Rufus was, but at the mention of rk''s name, her feet had involuntarily


    stopped.


    rk? Why was he here?


    "Do you have an appointment with him?" Cassandra asked, keeping her voice steady.


    It was the only reason she could think of for rk''s sudden appearance.


    "No. But I''ll go see what he wants," Rufus said.


    With this, Rufus walked to the main door and opened it. rk was standing at the door, still smiling. For


    a moment, neither of them spoke, ice meeting with frost wordlessly as the two men leveled each other


    with their gazes.


    It was a windy, snowy night, and the chill only seemed to be magnified by the two men''s silent


    encounter. Cassandra shivered as the door opened, but it was not entirely from the wind.


    Seeing this, Rufus immediately stepped out and closed the door halfway, so as to prevent the chill from


    coming in the room.


    Just then, rk''s chuckle broke the silence between them. "I can''t believe you''ve forgottenmon


    courtesy, Rufus. Do you usually let your guests freeze at your very doorstep?"


    rk jibed, tongue in cheek. The false smile never left his face as his eyes gleamed with malice.


    "Cut the crap. What do you want?"


    Rufus responded icily. He was in no mood for rk''s games.


    Clutching a hand to his chest and taking a step back, rk made a show of being hurt. "How you


    wound me. We have known each other for years."


    He yed the part perfectly. Had Rufus not known who he really was, he might have believed his show


    of sincerity. But knowing what he had done, his little performance only made Rufus feel sick to his


    stomach.


    "What are you doing here?"


    Rufus asked again, wanting to get straight to the point.


    rk grinned slyly as he took out a red envelope from his jacket and handed it to Rufus.


    "This is an invitation to my wedding with Amanda," he said slowly, drawing out the words and watching


    Rufus''s face closely. "I hope you and Cassandra will be able toe."


    He gave the envelop to Rufus, who subconsciously took it. Rufus was taken off guard by his words, but


    he kept his exterior calm.


    "Okay. We''ll be there,"


    he replied nonchntly, saying nothing more. He knew rk came to see how he would react, and


    there was no way he was giving him what he wanted.


    Rufus felt rk''s eyes watch him, undoubtedly looking for any semnce of change in his expression.


    Then, after a moment, rk withdrew with a quick goodbye and left.


    As soon as he turned round, rk''s face seethed in anger.


    ''Son of a bitch. Let''s see how calm you would be at the wedding, '' he cursed silently, promising to make


    Rufus pay.


    Rufus watched him with cold eyes as he walked away, and then closed the door.


    The warmth of the room was aforting change from the chill outside. As Rufus entered, Cassandra


    was quick to notice the red envelope in his hands. She was holding a tray of refreshments that she had


    just made in the kitchen.


    "What is it?"


    she asked, setting the tray down.


    "rk and Amanda''s wedding invitation,"


    Rufus said indifferently as he threw the envelope on the table.


    Cassandra''s eyes widened in her surprise. Her gaze went to the invitation on the table, to Rufus, and


    then back to the envelope again.


    "What? rk and Amanda''s wedding?"


    Cassandra was unable to say anything more from her shock. Why were they getting married?


    "It''s not that surprising. I ended the engagement with Amanda, so she found someone else to marry,"


    he shrugged. "Although, I don''t know why she chose rk. Maybe she really likes him."


    Rufus seemed indifferent to the situation, but Cassandra felt strange. She bit her lip thoughtfully as she


    tried to take in the situation.


    She sank down on the sofa. Rufus turned on the TV and watched the news. Cassandra snuggled up to


    him in silence.


    "Don''t you think it''s strange? I was with rk for some time, and even then, I hadn''t been able to


    completely understand him. He says one thing, but does something else afterwards. It doesn''t add up.


    What if he is just toying with Amanda?"


    This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .


    Cassandra muttered under her breath, her voiceced with concern.


    "As they say, birds of the same feather flock together,"


    Rufus responded coldly. He did not want to concern himself over the two of them. Being with Amanda


    for a long time had made him realize that underneath the soft, innocent exterior was the viciousness


    and poison of a snake.


    Both rk and Amanda were hypocrites. The news of their marriage wasn''t too much of astonishment.


    "But I don''t think rk is someone who falls in love easily. He was only kind to me because he had


    other motives of his own. He was using me to get to you. But now I have left him, is it possible that he


    will use Amanda instead?"


    Cassandra continued to talk about her own thoughts. rk was a dangerous man. Amanda might be in


    deep trouble. She felt anxiousness creep slowly in her chest as she thought of what rk might do to


    Amanda.


    Rufus saw the worry cross over her features and shook his head helplessly.


    "Have you forgotten who Amanda is? She won''t let herself suffer. She can take care of herself. Don''t


    worry about her."


    Rufus had not the least bit of interest in whatever rk was up to. It had nothing to do with him.


    Cassandra, on the other hand, was visibly worried.


    "She''s still your first love," Cassandra pressed. "I hope my first love can marry a good woman. We


    didn''t make it to marriage, but we once loved each other dearly..."


    Cassandra looked wistful as she spoke, as if remembering a tender memory.


    Rufus abruptly turned to her. "Your first love? Who is he?"


    It was as if even the sounds of the television was drowned out as he waited for Cassandra''s answer.


    Cassandra shifted under the intensity of his gaze.


    "Tell me. Who was your first love?"


    Rufus asked again. This was the first time he heard of it, and the thought of Cassandra loving another


    man, even if it was in the past, put an unpleasant feeling in his chest.


    Cassandra attempted tough off the rising tension in the atmosphere. "That had already ended a long


    time ago," she said.


    In truth, she sensed Rufus''s jealousy. It flustered her. She did not know what to say.


    Her answer only seemed to rile him up even more. "Tell me who he is. When did you fall in love with


    each other? What''s his name? What is he like? Do you still keep in touch?"


    Rufus threw question after question as an uncharacteristic panic threw his head in shambles.


    In the midst of all this, the realization that he knew nothing about her past dawned on him. He was filled


    with the sudden need to know everything.


    He had investigated the Tang family, including her, when she became Lionel''s wife, but all he knew


    about her were the photos in her file.


    She was quiet and reserved in her school days, which was much different from who she was now.


    That night in Rome, he didn''t expect that the woman he slept with was Cassandra.


    A deep frown marred Rufus handsome features at the thought that Cassandra used to love someone


    else.


    "You''re being unreasonable. I haven''t asked you about what happened between you and Amanda,"


    Cassandra said, attempting to escape his questions.


    "I told you all of that even without you asking, but now you''re just trying to avoid my


    questions."

 Chapter 454 The Best Gift (Part One)

    Chapter 454 The Best Gift (Part One)


    Cassandra sighed. Rufus was being too persistent, and she knew there was nothing she could do but


    give in. He wouldn''t change his mind once he had set it on something. "Do you really want to know?


    Are you sure about that?"


    Cassandra asked, her eyebrows knitted in challenge as she looked up at Rufus who was pinning her


    down on the couch.


    "Of course. I won''t let you go until you tell me," he insisted, mirroring her earlier by raising his eyebrows


    himself.


    Seeing the stubborn expression on his face, Cassandra took a deep breath, thinking where to begin.


    "Get off me first. I can''t talk properly like this. I won''t escape, I promise. Then I''ll tell you everything."


    It was hard for her to breath with Rufus lying on top of her, his solid body framing hers. If she was going


    to be telling him everything, she had to get him off first. He was already distracting enough from a safe


    distance. They were so close that she could almost feel the flutter of his eyelids.


    Rufus, damn him, of course knew it. The blush coloring her cheeks as she turned sideward to avoid his


    eyes told him more than enough. Deciding to tease her, he moved a bit, holding up the upper side of


    his body with both arms and raising his chin a little.


    "Here you go. This is more than enough space. Tell me now."


    He lifted a hand to her chin and forced her to look at him. "I''m waiting, Cassandra." He grinned


    wickedly at her as his eyes twinkled with mischief. With his arms around her, Cassandra was effectively


    trapped.


    She knew that he would not let her go until her answer satisfied him. This bastard!


    "Fine! It was a little boy, my first love ¡­"


    But before she could proceed, she was interrupted by Rufus.


    "It definitely wasn''t a girl," he said, fighting back a chuckle and trying to keep a serious expression.


    "Please get to the point. What was his name?"


    Rufus narrowed his eyes at her, as if a beast focusing on its prey.


    "To be honest, I didn''t know his name..."


    Cassandra lowered her voice in her embarrassment and Rufus was drawn back in genuine surprise.


    "So you held a torch for him and never let him know?" Rufus found himself asking.


    He knew she was timid, but he didn''t expect that it was to the point of not being able to ask the name of


    the boy she was fond of.


    "Maybe..."


    Cassandra replied vaguely, and Rufus almost could not believe it, but he felt anxiety creep in his chest.


    "What did he look like?"


    he asked again, wanting to know more. That boy must have been very handsome, otherwise


    Cassandra wouldn''t have had feelings for him without knowing his name.


    "He was the most beautiful boy I''ve ever seen in my life. I know that ''beautiful'' isn''t normally used to


    describe what a boy looks like, but I can''t think of any other fitting word,"


    A mist rose from her eyes as she talked, as if she had lost herself in her remembrance.


    "He was good-looking, gentle and tall! I hardly reached his chest that time¡­. Hee Hee!"


    A smile found itself on her lips as she spoke. Rufus didn''t miss the soft curve of her lips. A myriad of


    feelings weighed in his chest as he watched her. It was almost painful. He fixed his eyes on her face,


    not even daring to blink for the fear that he would miss any one of her expressions.


    It was ridiculous that he, a grown man, would be this jealous over a boy who only resided in her


    memory.


    "Who looks better? Me or him?" he blurted out, unable to stop himself from asking the nonsensical


    question.


    He was almost embarrassed after hearing himself say it, but he found himself waiting eagerly for her


    answer.


    Cassandra''s smile grew wider with amusement. He pinched her on her waist when she just looked at


    him and did not answer.


    "Ouch!" She pped his hand. "Stop pinching me! You were the one who wanted to know!"


    She let out a chuckle. Rufus knew it was ridiculous. It was he who forced the truth out from her, but in


    the meantime, he didn''t want her to say anything good about her first love. He was contradicting


    himself.


    "Keep talking¡­" he said simply, then leaned close to her ears. "Or else ¡­" he whispered, trailing one


    of his hands dangerously down her waist, to the spot where he had pinched her earlier.


    It had the desired effect.


    Cassandra hurried to raise her arms in surrender.


    "Alright, alright! I get it. I won''t stop until you know everything. So please don''t interrupt me again!" she


    comined.


    Honestly, there was also a part of her that was annoyed because he had cut her off from her fond


    remembrance abruptly, but she decided to just let it go and continue.


    "You better choose your words carefully. I''m not sure of what I would do if I don''t like what I hear,"


    Rufus said, in equal parts of humor and threat.


    Cassandra huffed again and continued. "He had always looked lovely. But of course, you''re better than


    him. I was a little girl at that time. People''s tastes change over time,"


    she exined, not wanting Rufus to freak out again.


    Rufus held back augh and nodded at her to continue.


    "The truth was that I only saw him once, but I had always kept him in my memories through my entire


    childhood. My heart would grow tender every time I thought of him. Even now, I feel some sort of


    fondness when I remember¡­"


    Her lips curled into a smile once again.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    "He gave me a unicorn toy, and it was the very first toy I''ve ever received in my life. I''ve kept it for a


    long time. I even held it to sleep every night, telling it of everything that happened around me¡ªthe


    good and the bad. It was my only source offort at that time. I remembered the boy every time I


    saw the unicorn toy, and I would imagine that it was him listening to my stories, and looking at me with


    his warm eyes."


    Cassandra finished her story. Her eyshes fluttered and she turned to Rufus silently, her eyes


    meaningful, as she waited for his response.


    From above her, Rufus stared at his woman with wide eyes.


    "The boy you''re talking about¡­It''s me, right?" he asked in a low voice.


    His throat was dry, but he managed to pronounce each word clearly.


    He couldn''t believe his own ears and wondered if he was only imagining what he wanted her to say.


    Her warm hand pulled him back to reality. She smiled up at him and said, "Right, it was you. It has


    always been, and will always be you and nobody else. I didn''t know when it started, but before I knew


    it, my feelings have been nted deep and just grown bigger day after day. I was thinking of the boy all


    the time. I remembered the warmth from his fingers when he was passing the unicorn to me. Every


    time I thought of him, everything seemed a little more hopeful, no matter how desperate I


    was."

 Chapter 455 The Best Gift (Part Two)

    Chapter 455 The Best Gift (Part Two)


    Moisture was gathering in her eyes, blurring out the image of Rufus''s face.


    Rufus let go of a breath he did not know he was holding, got down from her. Then, he gathered her into


    his arms.


    "Cassandra, I love you. You will never know how much I love you," he whispered into her ears.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    He had no logical way of exining it, but it turned out that she had been connected with him all this


    time, as if this woman was always meant to be his.


    She had held him in her heart for a long time. Chance could be both a terrible and wonderful thing, and


    at this moment, Rufus thought there was nothing greater that could happen to him.


    "I love you too, Rufus. I''ve loved you for a long, long time, and no matter what happens, you will always


    be the most beautiful thing that happened to me,"


    Cassandra told him, holding his gaze with her steady eyes. Tears were falling from the corners of her


    eyelids and Rufus felt the warm moisture seep into the fabric of his shirt.


    It had been a long and tough road to be where she was, in the arms of the man she loved.


    Cassandra had always felt that she was the luckiest woman in the world because life had brought


    Rufus to her again. And her joy only doubled when they decided to spend their lives with each other.


    They held each other, content with the warmth of silence. It was almost as if their feelings were


    reaching across their chest, intertwining, like vines forming infinite loops around a tree trunk.


    "I want to pay a visit to your family, Cassandra," Rufus said suddenly.


    He felt her stiffen in his arms at his words.


    "What made you want to visit them suddenly?" Cassandra asked. She was confused.


    This was the first time Rufus offered to see her family. It could only mean one thing. Could it really be


    what she was thinking?


    She tried to rein in her heartbeat as she waited with bated breath for his next words.


    "You''ve met my family. It''s only fair that I visit yours."


    Rufus let out augh and tilted his head to kiss her forehead. He felt the quick pace of her heart and


    the way she took breaths in an effort to even it out.


    "Your family?"


    Cassandra didn''t understand him at first. She thought he was talking about Horace.


    "My aunt, Michelle,"


    he said, seeing her confusion. He himself had never regarded Horace, or anyone of the Tangs as his


    family.


    Cassandra felt uneasy at the mention of Michelle''s name. They did not have the most wonderful


    history. Michelle had asked her to leave Rufus before and had an ident because of her. She


    imagined she would not have the best opinion of her.


    "I don''t know how Michelle would take it," she said, suddenly feeling worried at the thought of having to


    encounter her again.


    It was something that had been bothering her for a long time. Cassandra hoped that they could be


    blessed by both his and her family.


    "Trust me. My aunt will never separate us," Rufus promised.


    He was quite certain that his aunt would agree. It was his decision to marry Cassandra, and he was


    sure Michelle would understand.


    "She doesn''t have the best impression of me, you know," Cassandra chuckled nervously, looking away


    from Rufus.


    She had no idea how Michelle would react when she found out. What if she was still against it? She


    was Rufus''s only family now.


    The noise of her thoughts stopped when Rufus sped her face between his hands. His eyes looked


    into her with tenderness and Cassandra found her worries melting under his warm gaze.


    "Don''t worry. I''ll talk to herter. I''m sure I can convince her..."


    Rufus narrowed his eyes thinking about the ident from before. He was still unable to figure out what


    exactly happened back then.


    "She will give us her blessings when she sees how happy we are now. Put your heart at ease," he said


    comfortingly.


    Rufus was relieved to feel Cassandra rxing once again in his embrace.


    "I just want to be epted by your family, Rufus," she murmured.


    She knew that there was a lot of things to work out with her and Michelle, but she was willing to do


    everything she could if it meant she would give them her favor.


    "Listen, Cassandra." Rufus could almost hear Cassandra thinking. He knew she was worrying herself


    about the whole situation even if she was not saying a word. "You''re the one I''m going to marry. If there


    are people having a problem with it, that''s their problem. We can''t make everyone happy, but we can


    choose to be happy for ourselves.


    I am sure of what I want. I see it very clearly," Rufus said meaningfully, still holding her face in his


    hands and looking straight into her eyes.


    It would be better if everyone was happy for them, but if not, then it did not matter that much, at least to


    him.


    "Michelle is your family, and I do care about her opinion. She is the one closest to you,"


    Cassandra let out a sigh.


    "Stop worrying about it. We''ll work everything out," he gave her a small smile and said. "For now, let''s


    think about what I should bring when we go to visit your parents. What do they like?"


    Rufus sat up straight and pulled Cassandra up with him.


    "Hmmm. For my mother, a set of skin care products would be good," she said.


    Cassandra knew that her mother like a particr brand. She could give Rufus some suggestions.


    "How about your sister?" Rufus continued to ask.


    Cloris was a little troublesome, but he needed to get her a gift anyway. It was the first time he would


    formally visit Cassandra''s family as her boyfriend. It wouldn''t hurt to try to win them over.


    "A branded handbag. She would like that."


    Cassandra knew exactly what Cloris would like. It wouldn''t be hard to please her.


    "Then¡­"Rufus hesitated for a moment before continuing, "how about your father?"


    Rufus had saved the most difficult question forst. He had no idea what a father would like from his


    future son-inw.


    However, the little woman only smiled at him mysteriously.


    "You''ve already got him a best gift. You are the best gift ever for him!" Cassandra chuckled without any


    hesitation.

 Chapter 456 The Son-in-laws Visit (Part One)

    Chapter 456 The Son-inw''s Visit (Part One)


    Edith stood in front of the couple, her face stiff with shock. Nothing could have prepared her for Rufus''s


    visit.


    "Mom, this is Rufus. You should know him,"


    Cassandra said almost hesitantly. She kept her eyes on her mother''s face, closely observing her


    reaction. Edith had put on the warmest smile possible, but it did not reach her eyes.


    "Hello, Aunt Edith," Rufus spoke up next, greeting her warmly. "I finally managed to find time to pay you


    a visit."


    As he spoke, he passed her the gift he had brought. The young man was being perfectly courteous and


    remainedposed despite the looming tension that surrounded them.


    Edith wordlessly epted the gift, still notpletely recovering from her shock.


    Turning to Cassandra, she made up an excuse about needing her help with cooking and pulled her into


    the kitchen. The moment they were out of earshot, Edith started to throw a barrage of questions at her


    daughter.


    "What is wrong with you, Cassandra? How could you not tell me that he wasing? And haven''t I


    already told you to stay away from him? Didn''t I tell you that I would never agree? Why are you being


    so stubborn?"


    Edith found it hard to control her emotions as her words flew sharply. Her chest constricted at the


    thought that this was the same man who had ruined Cassandra''s reputation. But now she was bringing


    him home with her.


    "Wasn''t he engaged with Amanda? Why is he with you again now? I thought you had already learned


    your lesson. Nothing good wille out of the two of you being together!"


    She could not understand Cassandra''s choice. Pain shed through her chest as she thought of how


    her daughter had been left distraught after their separation. And now, it was as if she was making the


    same mistake again.


    "Mom, there had been a lot of misunderstandings between us in the past. We''ve cleared up everything


    now. Please give him a chance. We were both wrong about him before,"


    Cassandra said softly, trying her best to persuade her mother to let go of her past assumptions about


    Rufus.


    "What are you talking about? What misunderstanding? It was all over the papers. He was engaged with


    Amanda. You even went to their party with rk!"


    Edith stubbornly pressed, cocking a brow at her daughter.


    "Amanda is going to marry rk¡­"


    In the end, Cassandra decided that it would be best to inform Edith about the other couple. After all,


    she was going to get to know about it sooner orter, and it might help her mother understand the


    situation better.


    At this, Edith''s jaw dropped wide open.


    "What¡­ What''s going on here?" she said. Her eyes shifted from one side to another in her confusion.


    "I thought rk wanted to marry you. Why is he marrying Amanda now?"


    A whirlwind of thoughts spun around in Edith''s head, and she felt herself being carried away by the


    currents. She did not know how to wrap her head around the things that Cassandra was saying. All this


    time, she had viewed rk as someone suitable for her daughter and treated him like a son-inw. He


    had been so adamant in pursuing Cassandra, but why was it that he was engaged to Amanda now?


    Cassandra sighed. It was perfectly natural for her mother to be confused with such abrupt


    development. "Mom, it''s reallyplicated. It would take hours to exin everything, but what I can


    assure is that Rufus and I are serious about our rtionship." She paused and let out a breath before


    continuing. "We are nning to marry,"


    Cassandra announced, holding her mother''s gaze firmly with her own.


    To Edith, it was one explosion after another. Trying her best to recover from her shock, she answered,


    "First, he was with you. Then he was engaged with someone else. And now you''re back together and


    nning to marry? Do you realize how ridiculous this all sounds, Cassandra? I don''t know what


    happened, nor do I want to figure it out. But I am sure of only one thing. I don''t want my daughter to


    marry a man who keeps changing his mind."


    Her voice was cold as she spoke. To her mind, Rufus was not deserving of her daughter. He had hurt


    her in the past, and she would do everything she could to prevent it from happening again.


    "Mom, you yourself made me marry Lionel, a man we knew nothing about. So why are you saying this


    now?"


    Cassandra sighed and wore a helpless look.


    "Alright, alright, let''s not talk about the past. I know you me me and your father for arranging the


    marriage for you. But if you didn''t marry Lionel, how could you meet Rufus?"


    Edith waved her hand impatiently. The more Cassandra spoke on behalf of Rufus, the more impatient


    she grew.


    "Today, I will treat him as my guest and be a proper hostess," she said, relenting. "But I don''t want to


    see him again in this house. The next time this happens, I will kick the two of you out."


    After this, she turned around, crossing over the room to gather ingredients. Cassandra knew that it


    would be no use to press the matter further. Edith had already closed herself off and would not listen to


    anything.


    Cassandra left the kitchen feeling defeated. She saw Rufus standing in the lobby. His eyes were


    scanning around, and one hand was slid in his pocket. Then, his eyes fell on her. He looked startled for


    a moment, then grinned at her.


    "What happened? Why do you look so dispirited?"


    he asked.


    She threw back a quick glimpse at the kitchen, looking like she wanted to say something but found her


    lips unable to move. It took Rufus less than a second to understand what she couldn''t say.


    "It''s alright. We''ll do it slowly. I believe she will be able to ept us little by little."


    He lifted a hand to her cheek and caressed her affectionately. His eyes were warm as he looked at her,


    and Cassandra felt her confidence growing with his words.


    Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    The hand that was in the pocket now held her around the waist, and she was calmed by his familiar


    scent.


    "Rufus, if my mom treats you badly, please don''t feel offended. She is stubborn, but that''s only because


    she looks out for me in her own way. Please be patient."


    Cassandra met Rufus''s eyes with a worried look, dreading the thought that the mealter would turn


    out to be unpleasant.


    "You don''t have to worry about it. She''s your mother. I can take anything, if it''s for you,"


    he pinched her cheek jokingly and said. "Plus, I''ve been through worse. I doubt it''s going to be that


    bad."

 Chapter 457 The Son-in-laws Visit (Part Two)

    Chapter 457 The Son-inw''s Visit (Part Two)


    This small moment between them was interrupted by Cloris''s voice. "Mom! I''m back!"


    she announced as she walked in from outside. The moment she entered, she saw Rufus and


    Cassandra standing side by side. The smile on her face instantly fell and it was reced by a coldness


    she did not even bother to mask.


    She entered the hallway with furrowed eyebrows. She moved carelessly, kicking off her shoes and


    stomping through the floor. She passed Cassandra and Rufus without even acknowledging them.


    Cassandra didn''t say anything at the disy of rudeness from her younger sister. When Cloris went to


    the kitchen to look for her mother, Cassandra bent down and picked up the shoes that her sister kicked


    off on the floor and put them in their proper ce by the door.


    Hardly had Cloris shut the door of the kitchen when she started toin, "Mom, why are they


    together again? Didn''t you say that you would not allow their rtionship?"


    There had been plenty of times in the past when Cloris heard her mother''s opposition against the


    rtionship between Cassandra and Rufus. ''Why are they shamelessly showing up together now? And


    in our house, of all ces, '' Clories wondered.


    "I am against their rtionship, but you sister is stubborn. How can I kick him out? Just treat him as a


    guest for now. Even strangers should be treated with good manners."


    Edith''s eyes remained fixed on the chopping board as she sliced the vegetables. She was so upied


    with cooking that she didn''t even turn her head to look at Cloris, whose face had turned dark.


    "Mom, I didn''t tell you this before, but thest time I was with Arthur, Rufus embarrassed me in the


    public. He used me in front of so many people! Did he think that he could criticize me because he


    was going to be my brother-inw? Even Cassandra, my own sister, can''t do this to me!"


    Remembering the scene, Cloris felt her anger from that time return. She had lost face in front of Arthur


    because of Rufus! There was no way she would let this go so easily.


    At this, the sound of chopping ceased. "What?" Edith asked, wide-eyed. "What happened? Why didn''t


    you tell me?"


    She put down the knife in her hand and turned to Cloris with a doubtful look.


    Cloris saw the disbelief in her mother''s face and instantly answered, "What? You don''t believe me? If


    you''d much rather believe him, ask himter yourself. He is not my father. He is no one. So what right


    did he have to talk down to me? Even my own father never said anything like that!"


    Ever since she was a little girl, Cloris had been pampered by her parents. She had grown up conceited


    with the attention theyvished on her, and she despised it when things did not go her way. ''How could


    Cassandra side with Rufus? How dare them!'' she screamed in her head, cursing them inwardly.


    Upon hearing that her daughter had been mistreated by her guest, Edith immediately decided to stop


    ying the nice host. The knife fell with a tter on the wooden chopping board.


    Huffing out an infuriated breath, she said, "I was originally nning to cook some nice dishes and treat


    him like a guest, but after knowing what he did, I''ve changed my mind. He doesn''t deserve to be


    treated well."


    With irritated steps, Edith went to the stove and started the fire, throwing the vegetables in a pan. From


    the fridge, she took out some tofu and started to chop.


    The meat that was half-chopped, however, was put back into the fridge. She wouldn''t waste perfectly


    good meat on a man who had disrespected her daughter.


    Cloris was more than pleased with her mother''s response. With a grin, she came close to Edith and


    kissed her on the cheek.


    "Thank you, Mom, You''re the only one on my side!"


    Then she walked smugly out of the kitchen to her bedroom.


    It wasn''t long before Edith came out from the kitchen.


    "The food is ready,"


    she announced emotionlessly. Cassandra rushed to the kitchen to help set the food.


    However, when her eyesnded on the tes, she was astounded.


    Stir-fried cabbage with mushroom, fried tofu, fried eggs with tomatoes, sauteed potatoes, and an egg


    seaweed soup¡­


    She had seen Edith chopping beef in the kitchen, and all the while, she had been thinking that her


    mother was going to cook it for them, but as she scanned one te to another, it seemed that the meat


    was gone.


    She and Rufus were not expecting a feast, but this kind of treatment was far from decent.


    "Mom, are you feeling ill? Let me cook something else,"


    Cassandra said, rolling her sleeves up and ready to open the fridge, but she was stopped by Edith.


    "There is already plenty food here, and I think this is already more than enough," she said sharply,


    eyeing Rufus coldly. "Cloris said that she had already eaten, and I''m not hungry either. So you two can


    have the meal now!"


    Then she pointed at the vegetable dishes and the soup.


    "You can serve him now. I will clean the kitchen."


    She remained standing between Cassandra and the fridge, preventing her from getting anything from


    it.


    Cassandra looked down and bit her lip. She knew that her mother did not favor Rufus, but this was


    unthinkably rude.


    Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    She looked at her mother''s face and saw the firm lines of her face. Having been left without a choice,


    she took the tes to the dining room, serving the dishes with two bowls of rice.


    Rufus took a look at the dishes and realized quickly what had happened. From Edith and Cloris''


    attitude, it did note as a surprise to him. He knew that the best thing he could hope for from them


    as of the moment was indifference.


    His eyes fell to Cassandra''s dejected expression. So as not to embarrass her, he put on a surprised


    look.


    "Your mom seems to be a really good cook. Even simple dishes look amazing. No wonder she was on


    TV for her cooking skills," he praised.


    Rufus leaned closer to smell the food and continued, "There''s a bit of cumin on the fried tofu. It''s going


    to bring out the vor. And the stir-fried cabbage with mushroom is perfectly cooked. It''s not easy to


    control the temperature and estimate the time for cooking, but everything looks crisp. Your mom knows


    her stuff."


    He purposely raised his voice so that Edith could hear him in the kitchen.


    Upon hearing his words, a small smile slowly crept and broke out from Edith''s cold face.

 Chapter 458 Love You For Him (Part One)

    Chapter 458 Love You For Him (Part One)


    Cassandra felt awful to see Rufus''s convulsed expression. Edith had not only slighted Rufus while he


    was eating, but also failed to show basic hospitality at the dining table. This was in abrupt contradiction


    to how she had behaved when Arthur came for dinner the other day. But to her surprise, Rufus wasn''t


    mad at her.


    "I''ll take you to visit my father this afternoon," Cassandra said affectionately, trying to distract herself


    from Edith''s ill behavior before it got to her.


    She put her hand on top of his, looking deep into his eyes with a wholesome smile.


    Rufus looked back at her with a simr expression. Everything was understood, and no words of


    compensation were required.


    Rufus didn''t care about whether his meal was simple or extravagant. As long as he spent his time with


    Cassandra, nothing bothered him.


    Edith stood alone in the kitchen as they ate. Listening to their heartyughter and chatting, she couldn''t


    help but peep through to the door to look at them.


    And what she saw really surprised her. Rufus took Cassandra''s bowl by his hands, scooped up some


    egg drop seaweed soup into it, ced the bowl in front of her carefully, and then put a white porcin


    spoon on her te, all in one go.


    Cassandra looked at his swift movements with a sweet and admiring smile on her face, and then took


    the spoon to have some soup.


    She didn''t her hair today. A lock of it fell in front of her face as she bent low to drink from the bowl.


    Rufus reached out for the strands, cleaned them with a tissue and put them behind her ear.


    Every movement he made was gentle and natural. He looked at Cassandra as if he was looking at a


    priceless gem.


    For most part, she didn''t even realize how lovingly he gazed at her. She was simply busy with her


    soup. Truth was, she was already used to the feeling of Rufus''s body next to her. His touches, his


    smiles, his nces...everything was like home to her.


    It only took a split-second for Edith''s heart to be touched by the scene.


    She recalled how Cassandra had maintained her distance from rk when he was around. There was


    always a sense of tension between them when they sat to have their meals together. But it was


    surprising how much she seemed to enjoy Rufus''spany, how they shared a natural intimacy.


    Edith''s throat tightened, as if it was stuffed with cotton. She couldn''t move her eyes away from them.


    Her impulse told her to walk out and say something to them, but she stayed there, not moving an inch.


    She didn''t know what to do.


    Instead of walking out, she resorted to pacing back and forth in the kitchen with a weird mix of feelings.


    As a mother, all she wanted was for her daughter to be happy. But when she thought of the things that


    had happened before, she was reluctant to trust Rufus.


    Outside in the dining hall, Cassandra and Rufus finished their meal and cleared the table. Cassandra


    took the bowls and silverwares, and walked toward the kitchen. Edith was flustered to suddenly see her


    there. She started to pretend to clean the stove with her back facing Cassandra, keepingpletely


    mum.


    "Mother...Rufus and I are going to visit father this afternoon. Do you want toe along?" Cassandra


    asked sweetly.


    She invited her, hoping to eliminate some tension between her and Rufus.


    Edith, on the other hand, was just looking for a way out. She was about to say yes to Cassandra when


    Cloris came into the kitchen.


    "Mother! I have invited Arthur to have dinner with us tonight. Please prepare something good!" she said


    unkindly. It almost sounded like an order.


    As she turned to leave, she cast a nce at Cassandra provocatively. Certainly, she overheard what


    Cassandra had said to Edith just before she entered.


    Edith was taken aback. She was torn and didn''t know what to say.


    Cassandra''s heart stung, but she tried her best to hide the unpleasantness on her face.


    Halfheartedly smiling, she said, "Mother, it''s quite cold outside. Rufus and I''ll go now. Maybe you


    should stay home instead."


    She left the kitchen quietly, trying to appear as unaffected as possible.


    Edith opened her mouth to say something, but couldn''t utter anything. All she did was give up and sigh


    helplessly.


    Cloris saw the expression on her mother''s face. Her mouth twisted in disdain.


    "Come on, Mother. Let''s go and get some ingredients!" she urged, pulling Edith''s hand.


    It had been days since Cloris hadst seen Arthur. She couldn''t wait to see him!


    "Okay let''s go," Edith said, nodding absentmindedly.


    She pulled her thoughts together, took off her apron and walked out with Cloris.


    In the living room, Cassandra and Rufus were ready to leave. Cassandra turned to Edith as soon as


    she spotted her.


    "Mother, are you going to the supermarket? We can drop you if you want," she said, smiling innocently.


    They were heading in the same direction. This was a good opportunity for Edith and Rufus to spend


    some more time together.


    But Cloris grabbed Edith''s arm immediately and aggressively.


    "Don''t bother. We can walk. Anyway, it''s healthier," she said, not even looking at Cassandra while she


    spoke.


    She had decided to keep her distance from Cassandra. In such circumstances, it was impossible to


    share a ride with her. On top of that, she didn''t want to owe anything to Rufus.


    Cassandra thought it was best to back off. She looked at Cloris for an instance and then nodded in her


    mother''s direction. Quietly, she took her leave.


    "Cloris, you need to stop treating your elder sister like that. It''s so rude!" Edith said as soon as they left.


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    She knitted her eyebrows together, frowning but her words had no effect on Cloris.


    "Well, so what?" Cloris said sullenly, nonchnt.


    She had already started to think of Cassandra as her enemy. In her mind, Cassandra was a woman


    who thought in one way and acted in another. She would never forgive her for the things she had done


    to her.


    Seeing how stubborn Cloris was, Edith simply shook her head and heaved a sigh helplessly. It was all


    her fault. Edith and Vernon had spoiled Cloris which was why she turned out to be such a brat. They


    hadpletely neglected Cassandra. No wonder, Cloris learned that too from them and started to


    disrespect her elder sister.

 Chapter 459 Love You For Him (Part Two)

    Chapter 459 Love You For Him (Part Two)


    The moment Rufus and Cassandra drove away, Cloris''s heart eased out. Rufus''s suspecting attitude


    made her nervous. He always acted as if she was after hurting Cassandra.


    But ording to her, he did not know what was right and what was wrong. In reality, she was the one


    who always got hurt.


    If she told everyone what Cassandra did to her, it would ruin her reputation. She had to keep quiet for


    her own sake. But for how long? One day, she would reveal who Cassandra was under the disguise.


    Not after long, Cassandra and Rufus arrived at the prison where Vernon was. He was shocked to see


    Rufus standing by her daughter in the visiting room, but it didn''t take long for him to read the situation.


    While Cassandra caught up with her father, Rufus stood beside them silently with a gentle smile.


    She knew she should introduce Rufus to her father first, but the way Edith had behaved early in the day


    made her heart twist in knots. She was afraid her father would give a simr reaction. She was simply


    wasting time dragging in irrelevant matters instead of talking about Rufus.


    But Rufus wasn''t worried. He watched Cassandra talk to Vernon and stood there without any insecurity,


    as if he was invisible.


    "So...what are you nning to do next?" Vernon asked, worried about her future.


    Cassandra had told him how Lyndsy had decided to quit the entertainment industry. Vernon was


    worried about her, as she had lost her job again.


    Cassandra''s eyes lit up. Her father''s questions gave her an opportunity to change the topic.


    "Rufus and I have talked about this. We''re nning to run a studio together. I have decided to pursue


    painting and public services," she exined.


    She then looked up at Rufus, signaling him to say something.


    Rufus understood her intention and turned to her father.


    "Hello, Uncle Vernon. So this is our n. Cassandra has a special talent for painting, even though she


    didn''t major in fine arts in college. She is very good at applying emotion into her art. I thought it was a


    good idea for her to pursue arts and suggested that she establish her own studio, because it will make


    her very happy. She also makes earnest efforts to promote public good. It would be perfect if she could


    combine the two ideas together. For example, she can invite kids from welfare houses to her studio and


    teach them how to paint," Rufus exined, taking his time.


    Vernon nodded in response, giving his approval.


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    "If it concerns public good, you can expand to all social groups, instead of limiting to the kids alone. You


    can include specially-abled people, kids from the schools for deaf-mutes, and so on. You can even


    invite some well-known painters to holdrge-scale events. It will make the best of both worlds, not only


    improving the reputation of your studio but also to help the people in need!" he added, sounding


    content with the idea.


    Even though Vernon was behind the bars, his thoughts were as quick and kind as before. Soon, he put


    forward several good ideas for Cassandra.


    "Painting is also a method of treating diseases in developed countries. You can keep learning and try


    more things. It''s a way of healing people with depression. I remember you yourself didn''t talk a lot when


    you were little, and that you kept a distance from people, even from me and your mother! But you spent


    a lot of time painting. It is definitely worth trying and it will bring joy to your life. Organize a lot of


    activities for the kids. It will be a great contribution to the society!"


    Vernon poured the flood of ideas, and his face lit up with excitement.


    "Yes, yes! I like all these ideas. They sound superb. Father, I should hire you as my nning manager!"


    Cassandra ttered her father, which led him to p his hands in excitement!


    "Of course! I am qualified enough to be a nning manager. I used to be apany''s chairman


    before!"


    Vernonughed loudly, almost forgetting the anguished prison life for a moment.


    Seeing Cassandra every time she came made him happy. But these visits were so short.


    "Okay, Cassandra, time''s up. I need to go back to my cell," Vernon said, standing up.


    Before bidding goodbye and turning away, he looked into Rufus''s eyes with a pleasant smile, and then


    patted him on his shoulders.


    He didn''t say a word to him, but the warmth in his eyes was enough to express his contentment.


    On the other hand, Rufus felt like he had gotten Vernon''s approval, and nodded at him with a


    determined face.


    Finally, Vernon let out a bigugh and walked away, waving goodbye.


    "What did I miss? What was this secretmunication between you and my father?" Cassandra asked


    curiously.


    She raised her eyebrows at Rufus, smiling sheepishly, "Well, like you said, it''s a secret; you won''t


    understand."


    Rufus tried to make it sound like a mystery, reluctant to reveal that her father had epted him.


    ''Cassandra...maybe you will understand this feeling when you have kids of your own in the future. The


    deep love that a father gives her daughter isn''t to keep her around for any selfish reasons, because he


    will grow old day by day and die in front of her eventually. It''s in the hope that the love will forever


    protect his daughter...'' Rufus thought to himself.


    ''The purest form of love a father can give her daughter is by giving her hand to another man with his


    sincere blessings, trusting the man to take care of his daughter for him in the future.


    That was what your father meant to tell me when he patted my shoulder.


    He was asking me to love you for him.''

 Chapter 460 The Invisible War

    Chapter 460 The Invisible War


    Cassandra was already asleep when Rufus drove her home.


    As gently as he could without waking her up, Rufus scooped her into his arms and carried her out of


    the car. Half-awake, Cassandra got a glimpse of his face as he carried her before letting the


    drowsiness take over her.


    In his arms, she had nothing to fear. Knowing that Rufus was with her as she fell asleep, she felt utterly


    secure.


    As he felt her breathing turn slow and steady, Rufus gazed upon the little woman''s sleeping face and


    smiled.


    Even as he helped her out of her coat and tucked her into bed, Cassandra stayed sound asleep.


    For a moment before he left, Rufus stayed to make sure she wasfortably fast asleep, a soft look in


    his eyes. Sure not to make a sound, he cautiously stepped out of the room before heading to his study


    downstairs and giving Victor a call.


    "I found a few bugs in the lobby of the Qin family mansion and cleared them. They must''ve been from


    Arthur. Did you find anything?" Rufus''s expression and tone were rather grim.


    It seemed that his neighbor dared to monitor the Qin family for some ambitious n.


    "Recently the Dawn Star Group and Tang Group are both bidding for an important project. The Tang


    Group is betting everything this time. If they fail, it''ll be the end of thepany. No bank will bother


    loaning them anything because they''ll have no means to pay their debts. If they''re prosecuted, they''ll


    go bankrupt,"


    Victor just reported to Rufus the most recent status of Tang Group. With that, Rufus''s dream of the


    downfall of the Tang Group was finallying close to reality.


    "Plus, Mr. Tang has been looking for you. He said that you haven''t been picking up his calls so he


    found and asked me to arrange a meeting with you."


    Upon hearing Horace''s request, Rufus sneered, "He''s been making phone calls to find me? Doesn''t


    seem like anything urgent."


    Of course, he wouldn''t pick up Horace''s calls. Since the day he left Tang Group, he had decided that he


    wasn''t going to help Horace no matter how hard he pleaded.


    Even when Charlie asked Horace to hold the fake engagement ceremony, Rufus didn''t even bother to


    speak with him.


    "It must be about the bidding event. Dawn Star is their most powerful rival, after all."


    Victor''s tone turned unusually strange when he said it. The change was subtle but still detectable to


    Rufus.


    "What exactly¡­did he say to you?"


    Rufus asked, his eyebrows furrowing.


    "He¡­


    He was worried that you wouldn''t be there if he came," Victor responded.


    He remembered how worried and anxious Horace was when he came to him. Seeing such a pitiful look


    on the old man''s face, Victor couldn''t help but feel sympathetic.


    "Mr. Luo¡­


    How about helping them this time?" Victor carefully suggested. Unsurprisingly, it took no time for Rufus


    to refuse, "No! Remember, you are my subordinate. Don''t ever speak for him again!"


    Rufus''s voice went cold as ice after hearing Victor''s infuriating suggestion.


    "It''s just that, today, when I saw Mr. Tang, he seemed terribly sick. I think¡­ I think it really struck him


    hard this time."


    Again, as Victor tried to give Horace the benefit of the doubt, Rufus cut him off impatiently.


    "Victor, if you really wish to help him, you''re free to go! Go ahead! Go back to the Tang Group!"


    It irritated Rufus to the bone. How could Victor, who had been loyal to him all the while, start sounding


    like his enemy at such a crucial juncture? How could Rufus ever ept that?


    On the other end of the line, Victor instantly shut his mouth.


    At the very least, he knew that when Rufus was angry, it was best to stop pushing him any further.


    "When did he go to you?" Rufus asked.


    "This afternoon with Mrs. Tang," Victor instantly replied, keeping his sentence short.


    At that point, he was afraid that even a moment''s hesitation would fuel Rufus''s fury.


    "Alright, I get it. Just tell your people to keep an eye on rk and Arthur. You shouldn''t be concerned


    about anything else!"


    The minute he finished speaking, Rufus hung up the phone rather aggressively. Unease filled his heart.


    ''Well¡­Horace sought out Victor instead of me. At least he knew that he wouldn''t get anything out of


    me. Smart move, I would say.


    Horace, why do you always leave things up to thest minute? Why didn''t you do it right from the


    start?'' Rufus thought to himself.


    When Lionel misappropriated the money, if Horace could have trusted him a bit more, instead of buying


    totally what Lionel had said, Rufus wouldn''t have be so cold-hearted right now.


    The phrase, ''blood is thicker than water, '' was merely an empty set of words to him now. Between


    Rufus and the rather useless Lionel, his father still chose thetter.


    He wanted Horace to taste regret. He wanted him to know, that how disastrous his absence would be


    to him!


    Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    It was Horace who abandoned him and his mother. All their suffering was his doing and now, it was


    time for him to pay the price. He had iting!


    However, for some reason, Rufus wasn''t feeling as contented as he imagined he would be. He had


    sessfully fulfilled his revenge. What was wrong with him?


    The euphoric feeling he was anticipating didn''t seem toe to him. It was a long time waiting for the


    end of the Tang Group. He had been craving for it. Why wasn''t he excited about it?


    Oddly enough, Rufus felt rather down.


    As he closed his eyes, he pulled out the tiny bugs from his pocket.


    Without another thought, he crushed them in his hand, leaving just a bunch of useless electronic


    pieces.


    That night, Arthur was surely going to be in the Qin family mansion and he would then discover that the


    bugs were missing.


    Naturally, he would suspect Rufus for that.


    Although he was certain that Arthur had his motives for approaching Cloris, Rufus still couldn''t decipher


    what exactly Arthur was trying to use Cloris for.


    It seemed as though, in the darkness, a kind of war was breaking out.


    The next day, Cassandra was awakened by the ringing of a bell from downstairs. Abruptly, she sprang


    up and realized that she was the only person left in the room.


    "Rufus? Rufus!" Cassandra shouted out his name but there was no response.


    After scanning the room, she noticed a small note by the bed.


    "I have something to do. Breakfast is in the kitchen."


    With that, she confirmed that Rufus was gone. Otherwise, he would''ve taken care of the doorbell


    ringing.


    With a sigh, Cassandra stood up and briefly tidied up her messy hair, changed into decent clothes


    before heading to the door, only to discover that it was Horace on her monitor.


    Why would he visit her?


    Even though she was nonplussed by the guest, she still opened the door and let him in.


    Since thest time she saw him, his condition seemed to have worsened. Because he was stuck in a


    wheelchair, Jill had to bring him there.


    When they reached the doorstep, Horace had no way to elevate himself so Cassandra decided to just


    walk out of the house.


    "Do you need me to help bring you in, Mr. Tang?" she politely asked.


    Theck of a slope designed for the wheelchair to roll up on her porch worried Cassandra.


    "No need. We can speak here."


    Just as he was about to start, he went into a coughing fit. Worried, Jill leaned down to help but Horace


    simply waved her away.


    "Cassandra, Rufus isn''t here right now, is he?"


    It was disappointing, to say the least. He hade specifically for Rufus but it was unexpectedly


    Cassandra who greeted him at the door.


    "Yeah, he''s away for the moment. Would you like to wait for him?"


    Worried that the weather might have been too cold, Cassandra invited him inside.


    "No, it''s fine. I know that he''s avoiding me¡­"


    With a sigh, Horace looked helpless.


    His abundance of white-turned hair was a clear sign of the stress he had been facingtely.


    Looking at the state he was in, Cassandra felt rather heartbroken. The slight disgruntlement she had


    toward Horace when she left the Tang family simply faded away.


    After all, Horace was merely a typical businessman. It was rather understandable for such a man to be


    calcting in his decisions, prioritizing profit in his life.


    Generally, a businessman''s ultimate goal would be to acquire fame and money, after all. Although


    Horace had already achieved both in his life, he was defeated in recent years. Because he was already


    at such an old age, Arthur had the upper hand. Still, Lionel wasn''t capable of matching him in the rivalry


    while Rufus wasn''t around to help him.


    Horace''s thoughts went on to recall the Qin Group. If someone had helped Vernon or provided some


    guidance, he probably wouldn''t have ended up in jail. Vernon might have still been around to offer him


    a helping hand¡ªHorace med himself for letting the Qin Group fall.


    "Cassandra, we''re having a bidding event soon. You should''ve heard about it, right? Lionel said that he


    gave you the bid proposal so you can take a look. What are the chances that we''ll win?" He looked at


    Cassandra a little too hopefully.


    His eyes were desperate as he pulled on Cassandra''s wrist in his eagerness.


    Cassandra suddenly thought of Lionel, and a weird feeling rose in her heart.


    Actually, she had thought of helping Lionel to revise the proposal. However, sheter suspected that


    Lionel was ying a crucial role in Lyndsy''s ident. Probably he was hiding from her and didn''t have


    the courage to see her. And of course, she wouldn''t actively offer her help.


    After all, Lionel had done wrong. Neither did he apologize to her, nor did he take up the responsibility to


    pay back for what he had done to Lyndsy. From the bottom of her heart, she was reluctant to help him.


    At this moment, though, when she looked at signs of ageing on the old man''s face, and the wistfulness


    in his eyes, Cassandra vacited.

 Chapter 461 Kneel Down To Cassandra

    Chapter 461 Kneel Down To Cassandra


    For the first time in their long storied life together, Jill saw Horace pleading like his life depended on it.


    She, who had been arrogant and unreasonable all her life suddenly started to break down.


    She turned her head away as she felt the tears streaming down her face. She promptly wiped them


    with her hand. It was devastating to see her husband begging someone like Cassandra.


    "Cassandra, I know that what I''m going to say is shameful, and I know it''s probably toote, but I need


    to get this off my chest. I would like to apologize for everything. We have wronged you. It was only after


    quite some time that I realized that Ivy''s miscarriage had nothing to do with you! I am sincerely sorry for


    ming it all on you and even went as far as to drive you out of the Tang family. I was blinded by my


    anger and misjudged everything about you. I should never have used you without even getting to


    the bottom of things. I just want to apologize even when we''re way past that point," Jill said as she


    turned away.


    As much as she wanted to wipe the additional tears that streamed down her face, she couldn''t bring


    herself to do it and just let the tears flow.


    Her voice was tinged with sorrow. This obviously had been weighing on her for quite some time now.


    Eyes widened in disbelief, Cassandra stared at Jill. Did she hear her right? This woman was like a


    queen and certainly was arrogant like one. She had always treated her like a lowly servant and had


    never spoken to her in such a soft voice, but she just apologized to her!


    "Cassandra, it''s all my fault! It''s all my fault! Please help us. I''m begging you! If the Tang Group goes


    under, we might just as well die!" Jill eximed, arms iling about.


    No sooner had she finished her outburst than she started to wail uncontrobly.


    "Mrs. Tang, please don''t do this. I would definitely help you if I could. And I''ve been looking for a way.


    But¡­ But Rufus won''t listen to me. I tried to ask him to help you several times before, but he refused


    me outright."


    Cassandra felt helpless. Despite her will to help them, she just couldn''t do it. The gap between Rufus


    and Tang family was just too wide. Horace was the sole reason why his mother had to suffer, unable to


    move as she was in a vegetative state. She had been stuck on a hospital bed, unmoving for almost a


    decade before she passed away. In Rufus''s point of view, if Horace hadn''t kicked his mother out, she


    would never have had to go through so much hardship that could cost her life in the end. For so many


    years, his hatred festered and grew. How could Cassandra even attempt to dissuade him from taking


    his revenge?


    "I fully understand that we can''t depend on Rufus right now. Remember when you were still working for


    the Tang Group and youpeted against Arthur several times, but won almost every encounter? Can


    you pleasee back and help us with the bid this time around? Please Cassandra, you''re our only


    hope! I hope you''ll find forgiveness in your heart for what we did to you. If you help us get through this


    tough time, I''m willing to do anything for you!" Jill begged again, holding Cassandra by the shoulders.


    She kept wailing, and suddenly sunk to the floor on her knees.


    Cassandra was shocked and processed what just happened for a few moments. She then hurriedly


    pulled Jill up to her feet. Horace was surprised with what his wife had done, as well. His wife had


    always been a proud woman, too proud at times. But now, she had thrown away her pride and humbled


    herself by kneeling in front of Cassandra to show her outmost sincerity. This was a gigantic sacrifice for


    her, and she did it all for him. Horace didn''t know whether he should feel touched, or guilty.


    "Cassandra, I''m on a wheelchair now, and I cannot stand without the assistance of others. But I assure


    you, if I could, I would kneel down as well!"


    To save what he had built up his whole life, Horace had no choice but to humble himself before


    Cassandra. His tired eyes began to well up.


    "Mr. and Mrs. Tang, please stop. I already promised I''d help!"


    Cassandra had to agree to their request. She really had no choice. If anyone ever saw the old couple


    kneeling before her, it would introduce a whole lot of trouble.


    "But I can''t attend the bidding. I''ve looked through the proposal already, and it was fine. As for the draft,


    I can help revise and modify it. There are some aspects to it that can use a little touch-up."


    Cassandra was fully aware that she was no longer an employee of the Tang Group. It would be


    extremely inappropriate for her to attend an official bidding event.


    To add to things, Arthur and Cloris were in a rtionship. If she tantly helped the Tang Group, Cloris


    would definitely hate her even more.


    "That''ll do. I am overjoyed that you''re willing to help. Thank you, Cassandra. We''ve brought the bid


    proposal and draft. If there is anything that you want to change, feel free to do so! The bidding event


    will take ce a few days from now. This is ourst chance!"


    Horace gestured to Jill, who handed a USB drive to Cassandra. She took it, and grabbed it tight, a firm


    expression on her face.


    "Rest assure. I will do my very best!"


    Cassandra was confident with her ability to help the Tang Group. If not for Lionel''s incapability, why


    would the Tang Group end up in such a dangerous situation?


    More times than she could count, she had faced off with Arthur. There was no one more familiar with


    the tricks Arthur was capable of than Cassandra. After she had made her improvement on the Tang


    Group''s proposal, the Tang Group would win without a doubt!


    The confidence on Cassandra''s face did much to rx both Horace and Jill, who felt relief wash over


    them.


    "Mr. and Mrs. Tang, you can go home now. After I make some changes, I''ll bring the USB drive to you!"


    Cassandra was worried that Horace''s condition would worsen, so she pushed the wheelchair out.


    Having reached their ultimate goal¡ªCassandra had epted their call for help¡ªboth of them rested


    easy.


    The driver helped Horace get into the car, and the wheelchair was then folded and put into the trunk.


    After Jill climbed into the front seat, the driver then started the car.


    Cassandra bid them farewell. After they became a tiny dot in the distance, she looked at the tiny USB


    drive that rested on the palm of her hand.


    Its silver sheen gave her a deep conviction.


    Taking a deep breath, she decided that she would give it her all. The task at hand could save the Tang


    Group from the brink of copse.


    She then returned to the mansion. Little did she know, that a hidden observer saw everything that


    transpired.


    rk zoomed in the screen in front of him, his eyes then lit up when he found what he was looking for


    ¡ªthe USB drive in Cassandra''s hand. His eyes narrowed as a sinister glow surrounded them. He then


    suddenly punched the desk.


    He had tasked Ivy into stealing the electronic copy of the Tang Group''s bid proposal. But it seemed that


    now they were seeking help from Cassandra, which meant the version Ivy stole would be as good as


    useless.


    He had already asked Arthur to finish his proposal, where all the weak spots of the Tang Group''s


    proposal were addressed. It seemed that all his efforts were in vain.


    Mightily frustrated, rk stood up and kicked the desk several times to vent out.


    Amidst the heavy thuds, the phone rang. He answered and found that it was Charlie, who was calling


    to follow up on the wedding preparation progress.


    "rk, how is the wedding preparation? Have you arranged everything?"


    Charlie''s voice was full of life, and was a bit hasty.


    It was, after all, the marriage of his one and only daughter. His concern was justified.


    Putting aside his troubles, rk mustered some patience and softly assured Charlie, "Mr. Ke, please


    don''t worry. I''ll arrange everything nicely. The preparation in G City is all done! Please help with the


    formation at the Dark Night Group headquarters!"


    Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    rk sounded joyful, but his face told an entirely different story.


    "Okay! Okay! Now that Amanda is with child, she needs someone to take care of her. If you have time


    to spare, do apany her more often. Okay?"


    Charlie firmly reminded rk, afraid of his daughter''s possible maltreatment.


    "Of course, Mr. Ke. That goes without saying. I wille home to Amanda every day. I have already


    taken up her piano school construction project, so she can be worry-free!"


    rk feigned politeness, but in his heart, he jeered, ''You old fool! When I''m finished milking you, I won''t


    be so humble then! Do you really think that your daughter is precious and innocent? Pregnant, my ass!


    That''s hrious!''


    "Perfect! The wedding is fast approaching. Just please take care of her. Make sure she gets some rest,


    and don''t let the baby get hurt. I have already found her the best doctor. When shees back, she


    can give birth with the best medical assistance!"


    The mere thought of holding his grandchild filled the old man''s weary heart with exhration.


    However, a sinister smile formed on rk''s face. ''Wow, Amanda! You''re doing such an amazing job of


    faking your pregnancy! You''ve sessfully fooled your idiot of a father!'' he shouted deep in his heart.


    Meanwhile, Amanda, who was staying at home, felt shivers creep down her spine. In no time, cold


    beads of sweat formed on her back.


    It was a harrowing experience. These days, she always suspected that her body had some sort of


    problem.


    Despite this, she just ignored it and absent-mindedly resumed practicing the piano.


    Her fingers were dancing gracefully on the keys as she practiced a particrlyplicated piece.


    ording to the wedding n, she was going to y this piece for the guests at the party. Her ''injured''


    hands, were swiftly jumping from one key to another in perfect tempo. No trace of injury could be found


    at all. Furthermore, she had be even more of an expert in ying the instrument.


    Since she couldn''t keep Rufus by her side by resorting to pretending that she was injured, pitiful and


    fragile, she then decided to turn things around¡ªby shining and standing out.


    On the wedding day, she would put up her best performance. She would turn the wedding into a


    dream. By doing so, she would maintain her own pride!


    Her pride wouldn''t allow herself to be under Rufus anymore. She decided to rise above him, going as


    far as to humiliate Rufus for what he had done to her!


    ''Rufus, it''s your loss for not choosing me. You''re blind and foolish for choosing such an ordinary


    woman!


    I want you to know, that I am the best woman in the world!'' she eximed inwardly as she yed her


    heart out.


    The desire to humiliate Rufus fueled her fingers to y faster and faster. All the notes were in sync with


    her turbulent emotions.


    At that moment, music had lost its meaning. All that was left was hatred¡­

 Chapter 462 Were You Pregnant

    Chapter 462 Were You Pregnant


    With a grumble, Arthur came in the door in frustration.


    "What happened, Arthur?


    Why do you look so upset?" Cloris asked, looking confused


    The phone call he was on was simply too disappointing to him. There must have been something


    wrong.


    Shooting a nce at Cloris, he opened his mouth as if he was about to say something but nothing


    came out.


    It was rk whom he was on the phone with. After he was told that Cassandra had gotten the Tang


    Group''s tender from Horace, Arthur thought about what their next steps should be. If Cassandra helped


    the Tang Group, he had a strong feeling that rk would lose thispetition.


    It just so happened that Arthur had dealt with Cassandra often in the past. From those experiences, he


    knew that Cassandra had the tendency to be extremelypetitive and he had been defeated by her


    for several times already¡ªhe was rather scared of confronting her.


    When Cassandra was still with Lionel, Arthur had to rack his brain about how to deal with her, doing all


    he could to get her into trouble. It was a great relief when he heard the news that the couple had gotten


    a divorce, and after Cassandra left the Tang Group, thepany''s business plummeted.


    It was unbelievable that Horace had persuaded Cassandra to help the Tang Group. What could he do


    to prevent it?


    Suddenly, Arthur thought of something when he noticed Cloris''s presence. She was grabbing at him,


    concerned.


    "Cloris, I think I''d better give up this bid,"


    pretending to have made up his mind, he spoke firmly to Cloris.


    "What? Why? Haven''t you already poured so much time and effort in it?"


    With eyes wide open, Cloris asked him in disbelief. Ever since she came back, Arthur had been talking


    about hispetition with the Tang Group for a project. He had put numerous hours into it.


    With a sigh, he continued, "Cloris, Cassandra is your sister.


    Now that she''s involved, I don''t feelfortablepeting with her. I don''t want thispetition to


    influence your rtionship. I want you two to get along."


    He did a good job ying the part of the worried partner because Cloris believed him wholeheartedly.


    "Arthur, what do you mean?" she asked, looking anxious already. "I don''t understand. Why is


    Cassandra involved?"


    His words puzzled her¡ªwhy was everything about Cassandra?


    "Cloris, someone just tipped me that Cassandra was helping the Tang Group revise the tender this


    time. And you know that when I went against your sister before, I lost. I don''t want that to happen


    again.


    I''d rather quit," he exined bitterly, irritating Cloris to the core.


    "No way! You can''t quit! Why couldn''t Cassandra be the one to quit? You''ve sacrificed so much of our


    time to work on this project. You''ve invested so much in it. How could you even think about giving up so


    easily?"


    Hearing that Cassandra was a part of the bid disappointed her immensely.


    The conflict between Rufus and Horace made the headline of every newspaper in G City. Everyone


    was talking about it. Why would Cassandra help the man who kicked her out of the Tang family instead


    of Rufus?


    "Cloris, I really don''t want this to influence your rtionship."


    Knowing Cloris well, Arthur had already anticipated this. The more concession he made, the more


    aggressive Cloris would be.


    "You really don''t have to worry about it. Cassandra and I aren''t close."


    Thinking that Cassandra once wanted to ruin her reputation, Cloris couldn''t help but grind her teeth.


    In her head, she strongly and repeatedly wished Cassandra bad luck and hoped that her sister would


    fail in whatever she was doing. Therefore, Cloris couldn''t let Arthur quit¡ªit was an easy route to


    Cassandra''s sess.


    "Arthur, you must win this bid! I''m here to support you, every step of the way," Cloris told him.


    If Arthur lost, it would only mean that he wasn''t aspetitive and clever as Cassandra. She couldn''t


    put up with it.


    "Cloris¡­


    Are you sure you want me topete with your sister?" he asked in surprise.


    "Arthur, you''re my soul mate. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Of course, I''m on your side."


    As Cloris hugged Arthur, she buried her face in his chest.


    Warmth rushed over him as he stroked her hair.


    "Cloris, thank you for your support. But to be honest, I don''t have any confidence in this bid since your


    sister is helping the Tang Group now. I''m afraid I''ll be defeated once again."


    Cloris''s heart sunk when she heard Arthur''s worry.


    "Is there any way to stop Cassandra from helping the Tang Group?" Cloris asked.


    Under no circumstances could she allow Cassandra to win.


    "Cassandra has the tender in a sh drive. She''s probably revising it by now. I don''t think there''s much


    we can do about it¡­"


    Clearly, Arthur was getting frustrated. But Cloris wasn''t deterred.


    A sh drive? If that was the case, she knew how to tamper with it


    Of course, she had done it before.


    With a roll of her eyes, Cloris stood up.


    "I''ve got a n!"


    A smile crept into her face.


    "What have you got?"


    Though he had pretty much thousands of ns running through his head, he could do nothing. If Cloris


    offered to help him, things would probably shift in his favor.


    Even if Cassandra found something, Cloris woulde forward and defend him.


    For all his calction, Arthur wanted to let Cloris take the bullet for him.This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .


    "I can install a self-destructive program in the new sh drive and swap it with Cassandra''s. When the


    timees, I''ll start the program and the tender file will get corrupted," she coldly exined.


    It wasn''t the first time she had done such a thing so she felt rather confident about her little scheme.


    "But¡­


    how can you switch them? You could get caught.


    It''s too risky¡­" Arthur asked in worry.


    Cloris, however, merely smiled. "Don''t worry. I have a n ready.


    You just need to coordinate with me!"


    Cloris''s smile wasn''t as innocent as it used to be.


    Eventually, Cassandra decided to dedicate all her time and effort to work while she purposely and


    almost expertly avoided Rufus. She did not want him to know at all that she was revising the tender for


    Tang''s group.


    Up until then, Rufus hadn''t forgiven Horace. It was difficult for Cassandra as she didn''t wish for Rufus


    and Horace to quarrel over the bid.


    In an effort to be optimistic about the situation, Cassandra hoped that she could help the Tang Group


    get through the tough situation and improve the tense rtionship between the two men.


    There was still hope, she convinced herself.


    Finally, Cassandra wrapped up the revision for the tender and did the proofing. Fortunately, everything


    seemed to be in order.


    After telling Horace that the sh drive was ready to be picked up, Cassandra sighed in relief, finally


    able to stretch her body in front of theputer.


    "Cassandra, pack your stuff. I want to take you to the studio. I have a surprise for you!"


    All of a sudden, Rufus walked into the room without so much as a knock on the door. In a mild panic,


    Cassandra pulled out the sh drive and stuffed it into her pocket as naturally as she could manage


    before shing Rufus a smile.


    "What surprise?"


    Recently, Rufus had been helping her with the studio and had barely spent any time at home. It was


    the perfect opportunity for Cassandra to stay behind and help Horace out.


    But Cassandra didn''t want her efforts to be wasted.


    "You''ll find out if youe with me," he smiled mysteriously.


    It seemed that Rufus just couldn''t wait to share the surprise with her. It looked like something juicy.


    But Cassandra looked hesitant.


    She had just asked Horace to visit her to pick up the sh drive. As a safety measure, she made sure


    not to connect to the inte or send the tender to Horace via email so that it wouldn''t somehow get


    leaked.


    This time, however, Rufus came back all in a sudden and it put Cassandra in a rather awkward


    position.


    "What surprise, Rufus? Can''t you just tell me? Then I can decide whether or not to go with you after I


    know what it''s all about.


    If it sounds appealing, sure.


    Otherwise, I might just stay home," she exined.


    Hearing that, Rufus couldn''t help but look at her with a huge smile on his face. She was bargaining with


    him. ''It is rather impressive, '' Rufus thought.


    "When did you be sozy?


    You hardly ever go out anymore," he teased her. In truth, he didn''t want to bother Cassandra with the


    studio. After all, he could easily take care of that. But she had been acting rather strange the past few


    days.


    Suddenly, a thought came to him.


    Hesitantly, he kept the teasing tone as he asked, "Cassandra, are you pregnant? I heard that pregnant


    women tend to be extremelyzy."

 Chapter 463 The Surprise (Part One)

    Chapter 463 The Surprise (Part One)


    A perplexed look washed over Cassandra''s expression as she stared at Rufus''s expectant face.


    "I just got my period two days ago. I thought you knew that?"


    She huffed out a short, breathy chuckle at his ignorance, a small smile sliding across her lips in


    adoration.


    Rufus paused as he contemted what Cassandra had told him before. At the recollection, he visibly


    deted and pouted in disappointment; his desire to have a child with his beloved remained as a pipe


    dream once again.


    His shoulders drooped while he trudged towards her slowly. As he tucked his head on the crook of her


    neck, he sighed and pulled her into a tight embrace, "Cassandra, we''ve been together for so long, why


    aren''t you pregnant yet? Should we find time to go to the hospital and have a check-up?"


    Rufus murmured in resignation. The bitterness swelled in his heart at the thought of Cassandra not


    being able to bear his child.


    "There''s no hurry, we aren''t even married yet."


    A forced smile attempted tofort her sorrowful spouse and concealed the throbbing pain Cassandra


    fostered inside. She did not want Rufus knowing that she had lost their offspring. It would wreck him,


    and she was not sure if she would ever be ready to see his grieving and broken gaze upon learning the


    truth. She willingly took the role of a liar as she spouted insincere words of reassurances whenever he


    brought up the topic.


    "We can get married anytime you want!"


    Rufus straightened and beamed; it had been his long wish to be wed to her, after all. He would even go


    as far as asking for her hand right at this moment, if he had not been consistently rejected in the past.


    "No, we have to receive my mother''s blessing before getting married,"


    Cassandra objected softly, worrying about Edith''s severe attitude towards him. She had never liked


    Rufus as an individual, and more so as Cassandra''s significant other. Cassandra could not begin to


    imagine what bigger fuss her mother would likely cause over Rufus being her marriage partner.


    "Don''t worry, she will surely approve of us!"


    Rufus said sweetly, a sly smirk entuating the vagueness of his statement that did little to hide the


    secret he seemed to be itching to tell her.


    "How do you know?"


    Cassandra raised an eyebrow as she appraised him, ying along with his little game. His behavior


    confused her and made her raise suspicions of him deliberately acting just to throw her off.


    He had been at the receiving end of Edith''s rudeness the other day, so how could he be so certain that


    she would give them her blessing without any drawbacks?


    Rufus grinned and added, sensing her bafflement, "Cassandra, Auntie and Cloris are at the studio at


    present. I wanted to ask them toe to our house, but they intended to leave soon so I hurried back


    to pick you up instead."


    This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .


    Cassandra''s mouth fell open in disbelief at the news, her eyes shining with unabashed joy. She


    believed him without a doubt; she had full faith and trust on Rufus, knowing that he was not one to lie to


    her.


    "My mother and Cloris came? Why didn''t you tell me beforehand?"


    Excitement clouded her mind and filled her with unrestrained jitters. It was an unforeseen event, but


    meanwhile it was also a weed surprise, especially since they even took the trouble toe to her


    studio.


    "Then, let''s go! Your family''s in a very good mood today and has even shown quite some interest in the


    studio. What''s more, they''ve be really friendly to me, so I think I must''ve gained your mother''s


    approval for our rtionship!"


    Rufus gushed as he began to head out the door in hurried steps. Cassandra listened attentively and


    nodded, hoping that what he was saying was true.


    "Is that so? Then, we should go quickly!"


    She picked up her bag on the counter as she overtook Rufus in haste. She was afraid that if she were


    to arrivete, her waiting guests would be gone.


    Contrary to her concerns, she was greeted with the view of Edith and Cloris lounging on stray chairs as


    soon as they arrived at their destination.


    The studio was still unfurnished; the workers were still in the process of putting up wallpapers of her


    own picking. Despite theck of decorations, the visitors were leisurely surveying the room with absent


    curiosity as they anticipated the couple''s entrance.


    "Mom! Why didn''t you tell me you wereing? I wasn''t even prepared!"


    Annoyance stained her otherwise tender tone, herint a mere facade to the clear tion


    brimming in her sanguine eyes. She could tell that her mother was in high spirits due to the rxed


    look she sported as she acknowledged their presence. If all went well, Edith must have already settled


    on epting Cassandra''s bond with Rufus.


    "I visited your father with Cloris and he told me about your studio. He was really happy about it, so


    Cloris suggested to take me here for a visit. ording to the reports Cloris saw, there''ll be some


    activities for the benefit of the public here, right?"


    Edith said in delight, her hands sped in front of her in enthusiasm. She went to visit Vernon before


    coming to the ce, which had helped her ovee her worries. It was a blessing for Rufus, seeing


    as her hostility had disappeared with the emergence of her sudden positive outlook of the situation.


    Cassandra almost teared up in happiness at her mother''s statement. She cast a grateful smile at


    Cloris, fully aware of her participation in persuading their parent. Her sister did not look away like what


    she had initially presumed and even mirrored her expression with one of her own.


    "Sis, I read from the reports that you''re the first person to build a studio like this in G City! They all said


    a lot of good things about you."


    Warmth flooded through Cassandra upon hearing Cloris use her past nickname of endearment. She


    was taken aback at the action, and could not deny the butterflies fluttering inside her stomach at the


    unexpected affectionate gesture.


    If this meant that Cloris had thought things through and decided to make up with her, then Cassandra


    would be more than d to start over.


    Perhaps, it would have been a touching event to the eyes of others, but Rufus was no fool. He had


    been silent throughout their whole discussion as he observed Cloris through sneaking nces, full of


    skepticism.


    The woman was an enigma, a distasteful one that acted like a thorn in his cherished one''s side. She


    swiftly changed between acting like a good, lovely sister and stabbing her sister the second she went


    unsuspected from watch.


    She did not deserve any of the trust her sister was willing to give her, and so Rufus kept her at the


    forefront of his mind just in case she would threaten to hurt Cassandra again.

 Chapter 464 The Surprise (Part Two)

    Chapter 464 The Surprise (Part Two)


    "I haven''t been feeling well recently. I rarelye out, let alone read the newspapers,"


    Cassandra bashfully remarked. Being praised by Cloris was a rarity, so she did not know how to


    properly respond to the unusual urrence.


    Edith stood up from her seat and went beside Cassandra, effectively disrupting her prior conversation.


    She prompted her daughter to give her a tour of the ce before she pulled Cassandra to a corner and


    said, "I briefly talked to Rufus just now. I think I''ve changed my mind about him since even Cloris only


    spouted praises for him. We''ve both agreed to leave you both alone, I hope you''ll continue being happy


    with him!"


    The meeting with Vernon had indeed been a therapeutic one for Edith. It was her fault that she had


    forced her docile daughter to marry Lionel years ago, a big mistake that wasted a huge part of her


    youth; Edith simply did not want a repeat of history. So, as long as Cassandra was happy, she would


    no longer try to manipte her decisions.


    Cassandra had found a man that she loved the same way he loved her, and Edith was content in


    recognizing that fact.


    Her child was a gooddy that was worthy of living her own life, after all. If Cassandra was confident


    with Rufus, then she was of no position to refuse.


    "Mom¡­"


    The beginnings of sniffles broke Cassandra''s steady voice as she was overtaken with emotion. She


    was rendered speechless, and her mother''s approval meant much more to her than anything she could


    have perpetually desired.


    "I know, dear. I know what you''re thinking right now. I''ve got no ns of breaking you two apart, I just


    wish for you to live a life full of love."


    Edith''s mellow gaze seemed to embrace Cassandra''s trembling form. She caressed a hand to her


    daughter''s face as the first roll of tears cascaded down her reddened cheeks. Mere phrases or


    sentences could not begin to describe the sheer glee Cassandra was experiencing currently.


    Cloris''s phone ringing went unnoticed by the upied pair but did capture Rufus''s attention. She


    looked at the name on the screen and conspicuously excused herself out the area in celerity.


    She picked up the call and an anxious voice greeted her instantly, "Cloris, I just heard from the people


    who were monitoring Cassandra''s phone. They said that she''s nning to give the USB with the newly


    revised bid document back today! You have to quickly think of a n to get it before anyone else does!"


    Arthur''s near imperceptible speech slurred slightly as he rushed to convey his concerns. The


    interference around Rufus''s house made it exceedingly hard to monitor all calls going through


    Cassandra''s phone. His team had faced difficulty on decoding her messages, but had thankfully


    acquired the important information they needed before it was toote.


    "What? This soon? But, aren''t there a few days left till the bidding starts?"


    Cloris creased her brows in distress. Her n had been to make up with Cassandra so she would gain


    an easier ess to the device she wanted to retrieve. Although, it might be futile with her damned


    sister giving away the files earlier than the aforementioned date.


    "She might''ve stayed up finishing it. Anyway, just think of something! We''ll never have a chance like


    this again!"


    Her caller demanded, apprehensive and indignant upon the image of the records falling to the Tang


    Group''s hands. He was on the brink of victory, his efforts finally paid off his intention to destroy the


    loathed business. He could not let go of hisst chess piece; he could not let them take a hold of the


    files.


    No matter what, he would not lose to Cassandra again.


    At the affirmation, Arthur ended the call, leaving Cloris at a loss as to what to do next. It had been her


    idea to steal the USB, and if she had guessed it right, it would probably be in Cassandra''s bag at the


    moment. However, the task would be aplicated one to perform, what with the presence of the


    three people back in the unit.


    This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .


    Cloris looked down at the bag in her hand in consideration. It was an expensive and highly coveted


    item that Rufus bought for her when hest went to their house.


    She loved it and shecked the will to even refuse such a grand gift despite her obvious hate for


    Cassandra. And so, it was with a forlorn soul when she had reyed her tactics inside her mind¡ªthe


    only strategy she coulde up with in a short span of time.


    Cloris clenched her fists around the strap, gritting her teeth as she tore the lining apart and grabbed a


    USB sh drive she readied previously.


    She took a deep breath and returned to the studio. With a frown marring her features, she directed her


    false perturbation at Cassandra and said, "Sis, look! My bag is broken. How did this happen?! I''ve only


    used it for a few days!" She whined, extending the ruined article for emphasis, "It shouldn''t be this


    fragile since it''s from a famous brand! I have several of their bags as well, and all of them are in good


    quality. This is too unfair!"


    Cassandra leaned over to inspect the wrecked hem and hummed in agreement while Rufus assessed


    the scene with a careful, brooding stare that followed each of Cloris''s exaggerated movements.


    "My bag is the same as yours. It''s a limited edition, so Rufus had bought two for us both. How did yours


    break?"


    Confused, Cassandra opened her own bag and found that it was in perfect condition. Unbeknownst to


    her, Cloris had used it as an opportunity to take a peek at the contents and immediately found the sh


    drive she nned to steal.


    "Maybe Rufus bought you a real one and gave me the fake version!"


    Her eyes lingered on the object before she forcefully pried her eyes away to wlessly act in a childish


    manner.


    Her conduct sessfully beguiled Cassandra as sheughed in amusement to her tantrum.


    "Silly! Don''t worry, he would never do that. How about I ask him to return the bag for you and see


    what''s wrong with it?"


    Cassandra asked gently as if she were talking to a delicate little girl. Cloris ignored it and simply


    nodded in response, "Sis, how about you let me borrow your bag for the meantime? I''ll return it to you


    after mine''s repaired!"


    Cloris grinned before she forcefully snatched the bag from Cassandra''s hand without waiting for her


    permission. In an instant, she had turned it upside down, scattering its contents on a nearby table in a


    heap without any heed to everyone else''s bewilderment.


    Rufus grew rigid, his anger and coldness increasing rapidly at her apparent boorish actions.

 Chapter 465 Good Luck To You

    Chapter 465 Good Luck To You


    Rufus''s eyes were fixed on Cloris as she took things out and ced them back in her ''new'' bag.


    The entire process was scrutinized by everyone, which made her behave in a very capricious manner.


    Rufus tried to expel the weird feelings that shadowed his heart, but to no effect. Cloris had always been


    someone who behaved strangely. Maybe she just realy wanted to change the handbag?


    "Sis! Here you are!"


    This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .


    Cloris beamed, smiling and gave her bag to Cassandra, while she carried the other one on her own


    shoulder. Holding Edith''s hand, she asked innocently, "Shall we go back, Mom?"


    She was simply putting up a facade to appear normal but was very anxious to go back.


    Edith wasn''t prepared for anything but was simply being pushed around and dragged by Cloris. Before


    she even realized what was happening, she had already taken the exit.


    In the blink of an eye, Cloris swapped Cassandra''s USB drive with the one in her hand. She felt


    relieved to have finally done that. Her heart started to beat at its normal pace again.


    There were too many people in there just now. Very likely, Rufus and Cassandra would be able to spot


    her if she did it just now. That was why she was in a hurry to run away from them and do it secretly.


    Little did she know there was someone who had observed the entire scene from a dark corner. A


    mystical smile stayed stered on his face. In a moment, he was gone.


    "Mom, Cloris, why don''t you guyse stay with me?"


    It wasn''t easy for Cassandra to clear the gap between herself and her mother. She wanted to seize


    every opportunity that showed itself to strengthen the rtionship they shared.


    "We''lle back after a few days. We are going to celebrate Arthur''s birthday in our house! Mother


    already started to do the preparation yesterday. He is going to drive us backter," Cloris said sweetly.


    She had just finished talking when Arthur''s car stopped in front of the studio. He walked toward them


    with a warm grin.


    Cloris pulled at Edith''s arm hastily, waving goodbye at Cassandra with a shy smile and got into the


    car.


    Cassandra saw them off and returned to her studio.


    The moment the car started to move, Cloris started to copy the content from Cassandra''s USB drive


    into another USB drive.


    She chose to sit in the back seat, while Edith sat in the front. Arthur was talking to Edith to distract her


    so she wouldn''t notice what Cloris was doing.


    As the progress bar loaded more and more, Cloris became more and more nervous.


    Atst, it was done! All the content was duplicated into the special USB drive, which had a self-


    destruction function.


    Cloris heaved a sigh of relief. Right then, Cassandra called her.


    "Hey Cloris! I think I left my USB drive in your bag. Can you please check and tell me if it''s there?"


    She hurriedly called Cloris the moment it struck her that the sh drive was not with her.


    "Let me see¡­ Oh yes! It''s here. I''lle and give it back to you right away!"


    Cloris said while pretending to fumble in her bag.


    "Alright! I''m waiting for you. Please rush,"


    Cassandra said, relieved. For a moment, she really thought she had lost it.


    "Arthur, can you please turn back? I need to give something to Cassandra urgently!"


    Arthur turned the car without a question, and drove back towards Cassandra''s studio.


    All of Cassandra tension was eliminated the moment she retrieved the USB drive from Cloris.


    Only after they hade again and left did Rufus notice the device in Cassandra''s hand.


    "What''s this? Is it very important?" Rufus inquired.


    He was curious about its contents as Cassandra appeared quite nervous and desperate to get it back.


    "Just some sketches I did in the past. Nothing important," she replied.


    After that, she hurriedly put it in her pocket, not wanting to talk about it anymore.


    "Rufus, help me take care of here. I''m gonna go to the supermarket to buy something. I''ll be back in a


    minute."


    She simply made an excuse to leave. She had to go and hand the USB drive to someone else sent by


    Horace.


    "Alright. I''ll wait here."


    Rufus smiled without saying anything more. But he did realize Cassandra was trying to hide something


    from him.


    He started to follow her secretly. Something, was surely up.


    When she reached the pavement, she made a call. Shortly after that, a car stopped in front of her. The


    person who was sitting in the car was no one else but Lionel.


    In a daze, she stepped near the car. Suddenly, her face turned rigid.


    Once she thought of the possibility that Lyndsy''s ident was a result of Lionel''s evil intention,


    Cassandra felt that there was a heavy stone in her heart.


    Even though she felt ufortable seeing Lionel, she walked up to him, bent down and passed him


    the USB drive through the window. Immediately after that, she stood up straight and turned to leave.


    "Cassandra!"


    Suddenly, Lionel called out her name in an anxious tone. Cassandra stood still, without looking back at


    him.


    "Thank you!"


    Seeing that she had stopped walking, he thanked her.


    "No problem. Good luck to you," she merely replied.


    She had no intention of showing any warmth or epting his appreciation. The very reason she helped


    Tang Group again was due to Horace and Jill, who had begged her for it. She wouldn''t have agreed


    even if someone like Lionel had knelt down in front of her for hundreds of times.


    This unexpected encounter with Lionel plummeted her mood. After wandering around the supermarket


    for some time, she randomly picked up some stuff and decided to head back to the studio.


    At some distance behind her, a figure was following her silently. Only when she was paying for the


    goods, the person finally left.


    When Cassandra saw Rufus again at the office, he stood beaming at her, gesturing toward the


    wallpaper-covered wall.


    "Well, what do you think?"


    Rufus had decided on this one after going through hundreds of brands. It stood out from the others


    distinctly. He had a feeling Cassandra would love it.


    The design was simple, elegant andforting. These seemed like qualities Cassandra would


    appreciate.


    Cassandra''s eyes followed his finger andnded on the wallpaper. The entire wall was decorated with


    a soothing shade of yellow and green colors. It was almost like being surrounded by nature.


    "This is great! I Love it! Thank you, Rufus!"


    Cassandra walked up to him and hugged him tightly, burying her head in his chest.


    His heartbeat soothed her, making all her worries go away.


    Rufus pressed her body closer, embracing her lovingly. His eyes flickered with mysterious colors.


    He had witnessed the meeting between Cassandra and Lionel from a distance. Never had he imagined


    they would meet in secrecy.


    Suspicious of what had happened, he rushed back to the studio and checked the surveince of the


    house while she was gone, and was surprised to find Horace and Jill had been there.


    From the video, he found Horace had requested Cassandra to help Tang Group with this bidding


    competition and she had epted his request.


    No wonder Cassandra was reluctant to go out. He had thought she was feeling unwell and wanted to


    rest at home. It turned out that she was involved in editing the proposal and sketches for Tang Group


    on the sly.


    ''Horace is such a shameless cunning old fox! He even convinced Jill to kneel down to Cassandra. I


    never expected that to happen!


    But this means Tang Group is in a really dire situation. Why else would theye begging Cassandra?


    At the same time, Cassandra is being so silly! How could she trust them again? I cannot believe they


    got her help with such a cheap little trick!''


    With those thoughts in his head, Rufus hugged her tender body tighter. Soon then, in a raspy voice, he


    said, "Cassandra, if anything is up, please tell me, okay?"


    It hurt him to find the little woman was hiding things from him.


    Even though he was waiting for Tang Group''s termination, he wouldn''t me her for falling in their trap


    again. Since she had already done it, there was no use turning the incident into a conflict.


    He believed different people had different opinions. To him, Horace was an enemy, so he wanted him to


    suffer. But Cassandra was too kind to see that and thought of him simply as an old and frail man who


    needed help.


    Rufus didn''t care for them, while Cassandra was merciful and kind. Horace knew this, and that was


    why he hade to her and convinced her, taking advantage of her gullibility.


    ''Oh god! Cassandra, why are you so naive!'' Rufus shouted in his heart.


    When Cassandra heard Rufus''s words, she suddenly remembered the baby, which was lost in the


    ident. Her body started to tremble and continued doing so for a few seconds.


    If Rufus ever came to know about it, he would be deeply saddened.


    That was their first baby. For reasons she didn''t understand, God had taken it away from them. It


    almost drove Cassandra crazy. She was depressed for months and she couldn''t even imagine the


    sorrow Rufus would have to go through if he found out about it.


    Even though Rufus always encouraged her to be open with him and share whatever she wanted,


    somehow, she didn''t deem herself capable of ever telling him that.


    Presently, she wanted to forget everything and just indulge herself in Rufus''s warm arms. There was


    nothing she would do or say to break from hisforting, secure grip.


    She simply nodded in conviction, and said, "I promise I will tell you everything Ie across in the


    future!"


    In her heart, she murmured silently, ''In the future...not the past.


    Let''s forsake the past.''


    Rufus''s lips curled into a meaningful smile. Some joy surfaced in his eyes.


    ''This woman is simply ying a word game with me. But, if she really means what she says, that''s not


    bad at all!'' he thought, running his fingers through her hair.

 Chapter 466 You Should Get Out Now

    Chapter 466 You Should Get Out Now


    The day of the bidding arrived as scheduled. Everything seemed to go as nned until Lionel


    discovered something awry.


    When he inserted his sh drive to upload his presentation, a notification appeared saying that there


    were no files that could be found. Confused, he removed and plugged it in again. The same message


    window appeared. All his files were gone!


    Of course, this was no time to troubleshoot. Anxiously, he walked down the stage, found his secretary,


    and asked her to fetch a backup disk. To his surprise, it also failed to read anything.


    Several minutes passed and Lionel still could not begin his presentation. The audience began to


    murmur and the project director frowned in dismay.


    Beads of sweat started to form in Lionel''s forehead. Embarrassed, he mumbled an apology to the


    awaiting public. He felt like an ant in a hot pot.


    ''What happened to my sh drive?'' he wondered. He remembered checking it in theputer


    yesterday and not encountering any issue. How could he have anticipated something like this to


    happen at such a critical moment? What was more, what was he to do to fix this?


    Suddenly, he remembered that the same thing happened to Cassandra at another bidding. Still, she


    managed to push through with her presentation. Lionel doubted he could pull off the same stunt.


    Left with no other choice, however, he had to make do. Without his notes, he started his presentation.


    Stumbling over his words once in a while, he soon finished presenting all the pieces of information he


    could remember. Nervously, he scanned his audience and spotted the project director''s face. He did


    not seem pleased. Then and there, Lionel knew he was done.


    As he was stepping down the stage, he met eyes with Arthur who was now about to present next.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    "Thank you, Mr. Tang, for making this easier for me,"


    he said in a low voice with a smirk on his face. This made Lionel as enraged as he was embarrassed.


    Out of words, he stared at Arthur who then responded with a meaningful smile.


    Restraining himself, Lionel continued to proceed to his seat. His secretary could not seem to look at


    him, possibly scared of his reprimand. Nervously, she sat, half expecting her boss to scold her anytime.


    Arthur delivered his presentation smoothly and confidently. It was a stark contrast to Lionel''s awkward


    and seemingly unprepared performance.


    It was clear that the Dawn Star Group would win the bid. Realizing this, Lionel decided that he no


    longer had business staying. Void of hope, he left even before the bidding finished.


    Seeing this, Arthur smirked as he was presenting. Satisfaction filled him when he saw his opponent


    epting defeat. He would haveughed out loud if he were not in the middle of a business


    presentation.


    Arthur beamed as he descended the stage. Victory felt certain. Now, all he had to do was just sit and


    wait.


    Still, a part of him no longer needed the confirmation. With Lionel''s bad performance, the Tang Group


    did not stand a chance. He was certain that hispany would emerge as the winner.


    He remembered all the humiliation he felt because of Lionel as he was growing up. Looking at how far


    he hade nowpared to Lionel filled him with joy.


    He finally had his revenge. Now, Lionel could no longerpete with him.


    The Tang Group was doomed to lose this deal.


    Lionel, on the other hand, drove aimlessly. He did not really know where he wanted to go. He couldn''t


    go to the office as he was not ready to face his colleagues after the mess he made.


    He couldn''t really go home either. His parents were counting on him to win the bidding. After what


    happened, he did not know how he would even begin to tell them.


    Jill, his mother, told him that she went down on her knees just to ask Cassandra for her help.


    Thinking about how his proud mother humbled herself and begged for the sake of the Tang Group gave


    Lionel mixed feelings.


    Suddenly, he realized something... It was Cassandra who gave him the sh drive. Could she have


    something to do with the ident? It seemed impossible for the sh drive to suddenly malfunction for


    no reason.


    He took out the disk and examined it. The thought gave him chills down his spine.


    It felt unlikely that Cassandra would have deliberately damaged the disk to make him aughing stock


    at the bidding.


    But if that were true, then that would make Cassandra a very evil person that deserved to be punished.


    Lionel decided that it was best to look into his suspicions. He did not want to jump into conclusions


    without due diligence. In the same way, he was not about to let someone who crossed him go on


    without taking ountability.


    He decided to approach a friend of his who was an expert onputers and give the sh drive to him


    for inspection.


    To his surprise, his friend reported that it had a virus that deleted all its files automatically at set times.


    The source code was there. His friend managed to find it.


    "It''s very destructive and irreversible. The person who installed this must really hate you! Do you still


    remember where you got this disk? I hope you can find this person," his friend said.


    The findings shocked Lionel. He did not know how to feel. After a few minutes of processing his


    thoughts, he instructed his friend, "Don''t tell anyone about this. I would like to deal with this myself."


    No one was supposed to know that he knew about the sabotage, so he wanted to be clear that his


    friend understood this as well.


    Furiously, Lionel drove to the Garden Vi. He knocked at the gate forcefully and shouted, "Cassandra!


    Get out! Come here, now!"


    Cassandra peeked out, unhappy with the scene Lionel was creating. Irritated, she approached.


    He shook the gate frantically and was clearly enraged. Yet, Cassandra had no idea what was going on.


    She was considered whether she should open the door or not. She no longer feared this upsetting


    man. His feelings no longer meant anything to her.


    Then again, they were now in Rufus''s house. Surely, Lionel would not do anything to hurt her under his


    roof. Realizing that, she decided to open the gate and hear him out.


    Lionel rushed in immediately and yelled, "Look, Cassandra, I know you hate me but I did not expect


    this kind of behavior from you. ying tricks behind my back? I never expected you to go so low! You


    can refuse to help me, sure. That''s your choice. But making sure I was embarrassed at the bidding?


    That''s low!"


    With that, he tossed the disk at Cassandra. It happened so quickly that Cassandra failed to make any


    response. The disk hit her face and a shallow cut appeared because of the sh drive''s metal edge.


    Cassandra instinctively covered the painful injury on her cheek and yelled back, "What the hell is wrong


    with you, Lionel? If you want to go crazy, get out of my house!"


    He was behaving like a madman¡ªso rude and frantic. Still, this did not frighten Cassandra. She stood


    her ground and called him out.


    "Oh, Cassandra, cut it out. Stop ying innocent. You think I don''t know? You promised my parents


    that you''d help me, but in reality, you set me up! Did you know how I felt when I found out that the sh


    drive you gave me was broken during the bidding? Do you know how many people attended and how


    important this bidding was to ourpany? The Tang Group was aughing stock and this was all your


    fault!"


    Lionel yelled furiously, pointing a finger at Cassandra''s face.


    "I could have at leastpleted the original tender. This would have been enough for me. I would have


    epted defeat gracefully if that were the case. How dare you install a virus to ruin all my files. You


    even destroyed my backup disk! How could you?"


    Lionel went on and on ming everything on Cassandra


    who stood listening, looking very confused. Perplexed, she asked, "What are you talking about? I


    destroyed your sh drive? Are you kidding? I worked day and night to revise your design. I even


    dropped most of my work to help you. I had to leave my business to Rufus in the time being. And this is


    how you thank me? By making unfounded usations?"


    She looked at Lionel with utter disbelief. Oh, how she wished she could read his mind at that very


    moment just so she could understand his train of thought. How could a man be so dumb but so sure of


    himself?


    The mention of Rufus made Lionel even more furious.


    "Oh,e on, stop that! Stop acting. I already know, okay? Instead of helping us, Rufus chose to stand


    on the sidelines and watch us crumble and drown. Still, after what my father did to him, I can''t really


    me him for feeling like that about the Tang Group. As for you, though, I trusted you! You were my ex-


    wife! You used to be part of our family! Then again, you were kicked out. I should not have trusted you!


    You probably want to help Rufus destroy our future! How could I not have seen that before? I will never


    forget this! I will never forget! You, Cassandra, are an evil woman!"


    Cassandra''s face turned pale at Lionel''s words.


    "Lionel, I would suggest that you keep your mouth shut if you don''t have proof about the things you are


    saying right now. Believe it or not, I did not do anything of the sort. Your parents came to me and


    begged for my help and I did what I could. Your family owes me. Now, you totally discredit my work and


    my effort. If you have a problem with me, please ask your parents to confront me and present me with


    pieces of evidence on why they''re pinning all these on me. As for you, I never want to see your face


    again. You should get out now!"


    Cassandra said as she pointed a trembling finger towards the gate. As if wiping away the remaining


    warmth of the room, the cold wind blew through the open door.


    But nothing¡ªnot the wind nor the look on Lionel''s face¡ªwas colder than Cassandra''s heart.


    "You''re asking me to get out? Aha, who do you think you are? Are you the owner of this vi? You''re


    just Rufus''s pet and you can be kicked out anytime. Cassandra, let me tell you: you are nothing. I look


    down on you and you are not worth anything!"


    Lionel said, mustering all the hurtful words he could think of to insult Cassandra, totally forgetting he


    had begged sincerely for her help.

 Chapter 467 I Can’t Control My Own Feeling

    Chapter 467 I Can¡¯t Control My Own Feeling


    Cold perspiration burst out of Cassandra''s every pore as her teeth chattered with another blow of the


    cold wind.


    As it turned out, she knew nothing of Lionel. She did not know how vicious he could be.


    Apparently, he did inherit all his father and mother''s vices. He was full of greed and selfishness. He was


    narrow-minded and easily discarded people even after they provided assistance.


    "Get out! This is myst warning. If you don''t go away right now, I''ll call the police!"


    Cassandra had enough. She was very pissed off. She could not remember any instance when she was


    ever angrier.


    This took Lionel aback. Cassandra''s face was now pale as a sheet of paper and it had a fury he never


    expected to see in her eyes.


    "Fine! Wait and see, Cassandra Qin. I''ll never forget what you did to me today and I swear I''ll pay you


    back in your own coin!" he hissed from his clenched teeth.


    He then stormed out, casting another threatening gaze before hepletely disappeared.


    Cassandra shook all over, biting her lower lip to keep her head from exploding. The splitting pain felt as


    if it would kill her. The sight of Lionel leaving with his head held high was unbearable.


    With how he talked to her just now, she assumed that they did not win the bidding.


    Still, his remarks confused her. She was certain that the disk was intact when she saved the document


    in it. How could it have any problems at such an important asion?


    The gust of wind that blew reminded her that the door was still wide open. She stepped forward to


    close it.


    Still, not even the cold wind was enough to ease her thoughts. Like a stampede of wild horses, it


    trampled all her other concerns.


    ''What could have happened to the disk I gave to Lionel? And was there anyone else who had touched


    it before?'' she tried to recall.


    Suddenly, something hit her like a jolt of lightning that seemed to split her head in half, making her


    headache even worse.


    It was none other than her own sister, Cloris.


    The image of Cloris grabbing her bag kept reying in her head. She then realized that Cloris was the


    one who took the sh drive away for a while. And what was worse, Cloris was with Arthur when that


    happened.


    Cassandra shivered as she felt all the hair on her body stand. She got goosebumps.


    Cloris betrayed her and she found it so hard to believe. Family did not do this to each other. She felt


    like her head was going to explode.


    She couldn''t take it. She had to see Cloris and ask her why she betrayed her like that.


    In the next second, Cassandra grabbed her coat and keys. Just as she was about to leave, the door


    opened. Rufus entered and looked at her pale face and puzzled gaze.


    "Where are you going?" he asked, surprised.


    Her confusion was apparent.


    "I¡­I''m going to see my mother," Cassandra hesitated.


    She groaned inwardly. She did not expect Rufus toe back at such a time. It would be difficult to


    slip away from him.


    "Okay, I''ll drop you off,"


    he offered without even asking why. As he turned to the door, Cassandra grabbed his arm.


    "No, I''m sure you''re tired. I can handle myself. I''ll be back as soon as I can,"


    she said, stopping him. If Rufus went with her, he would find out what she did for the Tang Group. She


    could not imagine how he would react if this reached him.


    "Hurry up! I''m fine and we cane back early,"


    he said as he dragged her to his car before she could say anything more.


    At the most, Cassandra managed to find an excuse to stay at the back seat alone instead of sitting up


    front as usual. She was scared that Rufus would ask her why she had to pay her mother a sudden visit.


    To her surprise, however, Rufus stayed quiet throughout the trip and only drove his car as swiftly as the


    wind.


    On the other hand, Edith was surprised to see her eldest daughter standing in front of the door when


    she opened it.


    "Cassandra, what are you doing here at such an odd time? Is something wrong?"


    she asked worriedly as she looked at Cassandra, head to toe.


    "Nothing, Mother. I just need to talk to Cloris about something," she replied, forcing a smile as she


    walked inside.


    Cloris was sitting on the sofa with a pack of chips in her hands, watching a TV show.


    "Cloris, we need to talk. Come upstairs,"


    Cassandra said in low voice to her, trying not to attract their mother''s attention.


    Cloris''s heart did aplete somersault when she saw the expression on Cassandra''s face. She


    immediately understood what Cassandra was up to, but she was not stupid enough to face her alone.


    "Cassandra, don''t bother. We can talk right here. As you can see, I''m watching TV," she replied.


    Cloris did not seem to care. Without even so much as a nce at her sister, she continued with her


    eyes glued to the TV.


    "Cloris, you need to go upstairs with me. I don''t want our mother to know what you did. It''s


    embarrassing,"


    Cassandra exined, knitting her eyebrows to a frown. She stepped forward, grabbed the pack of


    chips from Cloris and threw it aside.


    "What the hell are you doing? Don''t talk to me like that! I will not do what you tell me to do! Forget


    about it!" Cloris retorted.


    She rolled her eyes at Cassandra and refused to stand up.


    She reached out to take her chips back and fixed her eyes on the TV again, totally ignoring


    Cassandra''s presence.


    Cassandra heaved a sigh. Realizing that getting her sister to go anywhere else was hopeless, she sat


    next to her.


    "Cloris, tell me the truth. Did you install a malicious software on my sh drive? Did Arthur ask you to


    do it for him?" she asked in a low voice.


    Sheid down all her cards right away on purpose. She hoped that by being vulnerable, Cloris would


    tell her everything she knew.


    Cloris, however, did not even bat an eysh. She remained concentrated on the television screen.


    Cassandra took a deep breath to calm down.


    "Cloris, you need to tell me the truth. You were the only person who managed to get hold of the sh


    drive before I handed it out. What''s more, I had your bag examined. They told me that the only way it


    could have broken was if it was torn deliberately. Look, just tell me what happened exactly. I won''t


    me you. You''re my only sister. I won''t let you get harmed. I''ll bear the responsibility for you, that''s


    fine. Just tell me the truth," she said sincerely.


    She gazed at the face that closely resembled hers, waiting for a response expectantly. Cloris, though,


    kept a poker face. It was impossible to guess what she was thinking at that very moment.


    She remained unmoved, determined not to tell her anything.


    "Cloris, listen to me. If Arthur won the bidding by destroying his rival''s document, then you need to


    reevaluate your rtionship with him. He is not an honest man and that was not the right thing to do. It


    scares me that he would do the same thing to you in the future,"


    she continued to talk. The thought of harm possibly befalling her sister because of Arthur broke her


    heart.


    Finally, Cloris turned to Cassandra with a huge sneer on her face.


    "Oh, my dear sister! It''s the pot calling the kettle ck. Please don''t forget what you have done. You''re


    a thousand times despicable than him. Were you doing the right thing when you hired someone to rape


    me? Come on! I know what you really are. You don''t have to pretend to be so nice and innocent!"


    Cloris could no longer stop herself from raising her voice.


    The words almost choked her as this was the first time she was talking about it. Since when did her


    sister became so sinister? Being so confrontational, ming someone else for her own mistakes, how


    ridiculous!


    Cassandra stood dumbfounded by her sister''s usation. She couldn''t believe her ears. What did


    Cloris say just now? Did Cloris just say that she hired someone to hurt her?


    "Cloris, I could never do such a thing! You must have misunderstood! I won''t hurt you, I won''t even


    think about such a thing!"


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    But Cloris stood up from the sofa before she could finish her words.


    "Don''t give me that bullshit! Think about what you''ve done before ming me! You''re right, I have no


    evidence but I''m sure it was you! Now, you know how I felt that day. You know exactly who destroyed


    your document but you can''t prove it! I just gave you a taste of your own medicine!" she shouted in a


    mocking tone.


    Cloris''s voice was so loud that even Edith and Rufus heard her. Edith had just opened the door for


    Rufus who came in after finding a ce to park his car. They were surprised to find that Cloris and


    Cassandra were quarreling furiously.


    "How do you feel now, Cassandra? Wronged? Cornered? Unable toe up with a good exnation?


    Correct! I experienced that myself, too! I was exactly where you were! You will never know how scared


    I was. His smile when he was on top of me will forever haunt my dreams!"


    Cloris boomed and pointed a finger at Cassandra out of rage, shivering all over.


    "Yes, I didn''t like you before because I was jealous of you. You said that you would help me to be


    Rufus''s girlfriend, but instead, you seduced him behind my back. Sure, I got angry and damaged your


    dress, but that worked out well for you, didn''t it? Rufus ended up helping you out! And yet, look what


    you did to me. You went so far as to hire someone to rape me for such a small matter!"


    Cloris was now shouting at Cassandra with her loudest voice. After what happened, it no longer


    bothered her to hurt her sister.


    "No, Cloris. I never did such a thing! I could never...You have to trust me. I''m your sister!" Cassandra


    exined desperately.


    She was as shocked as she was devastated to hear her sister''s story. She could not imagine Cloris


    going through such a horrible thing. Now, she understood why Cloris had been so angry at her.


    "Ha! Whatever happened has already happened, no matter what you say! And I know you, Cassandra,


    you have a silver tongue. You think you can get out of this so easily? The sight of you disgusts me, and


    yet, I call you ''Sister.'' Do you think you deserve that title? Ask yourself that sincerely and honestly."


    Tears were now streaming uncontrobly down Cloris''s cheeks. She had buried her hate for Cassandra


    for such a long time. Finally letting it out was like a huge weight off her shoulders.


    "Cloris, I admit that I was wrong on things concerning Rufus. I''m sorry. I couldn''t stop myself, I love him!


    But I won''t take the me for the rest. I never paid anyone to hurt you! I swear with my life! It was not


    me!" Cassandra gasped.


    Still, she knew that this was an impossible case. Her sister would never trust her. The pain she was


    going through was just too much for her.

 Chapter 468 Get To The Bottom

    Chapter 468 Get To The Bottom


    Edith trotted to her daughters hurriedly and stopped right between, her eyes darting sternly between


    the two of them silently.


    "Okay! The two of you need to sit down and work things out! Sit down, now! I am not allowing any of


    you to leave this house until we get to the bottom of this!"


    She had just gotten the whole story and was shocked to find the truth of what was happening between


    her daughters. Her expression clearly stated that she had realized she had been a bad mother and that


    none of them had bothered to talk to her about it.


    Cloris had had a problem with Cassandra ever since she came back from abroad, and Edith used to


    think Cloris hated Cassandra because of her rtionship with Rufus, but only now did she understand


    the case. She had never imagined that the sisters had gotten into such a mess.


    Cloris sighed, giving a disgruntled, sharp look in Cassandra''s direction.


    "Mother, I have nothing to say. It happened so long ago and I had no evidence whatsoever. It''s not like


    she would simply admit it," she said with an impatient snort. One could sense how she just wanted to


    get this over with.


    Seeing the halfhearted look on Cloris''s face, Edith glowered at her.


    "I said sit down! Don''t you dare leave!" she spoke in a low voice through her teeth.


    Edith seldom talked to Cloris in this way, so the shock was evident on her face. Reluctantly, Cloris sat


    down on the sofa.


    "Cassandra, sit down. You too, Rufus, but don''t say anything. This is strictly a family matter, and I want


    both my daughters to give me an exnation for this mess!"


    Edith wore a tough look. Frankly, she couldn''t believe she didn''t try to figure out the reason for the


    tension between them earlier.


    Under their mother''s strict order, Cassandra and Cloris sat down, but as far away from each other as


    possible. Edith sat in the middle. She looked from one to the other, her eyebrows pressed together.


    "Cloris, you go first! Tell me what exactly happened that night, spare no detail."


    She decided to listen to Cloris''s side of the story first.


    Cloris hesitated for a while and cast a nce at Rufus. What she was about to say required courage


    and could cause a glitch in her reputation. She couldn''t utter a single word in his presence.


    Rufus immediately got what was on her mind.


    "I''m gonna go for a smoke," he said, trying to sound casual.


    He then left the room without any hesitation.


    Cloris told them what had happened that night from the beginning to the end, asionally ring at


    Cassandra furiously. Although, it had been a while since it happened, she still felt terrified at its


    memory.


    "I know it was her after what he said, even though he didn''t say a lot,"


    Cloris said resentfully with her eyes fixed on Cassandra, as if she could swallow her alive.


    "Did you see him againter?" Cassandra asked.


    She was lost deeply in thoughts, wondering why Arthur was involved here at all. It wasn''t as easy as


    Cloris thought.


    "He was taken away by the police. Why would I take the trouble and see him again?"


    Cloris blurted out as if it was the stupidest question Cassandra could have asked.


    "If you called the police, you would have had to go to the police station to give your statement as a


    victim. Isn''t thatmon sense?" Cassandra exined.


    A new thought struck her like a silver dagger. She let out a sneer. The whole matter was suddenly as


    clear to her as water. This had to be another scheme made by Arthur. But why did he keep plotting


    against her again and again?


    Cloris was dumbstruck. She felt like she had missed out on an important detail, but she remembered


    the rest of it clearly.


    "Maybe... because the captain knew Arthur and wanted to protect me, he refused to take me to the


    station..." Cloris said rightfully, defending Arthur.


    She was afraid something would get him in trouble and ruin his reputation in front of Edith.


    It seemed like Cloris and Cassandra were about to start fighting again. To control the situation, Edith


    banged the table loudly.


    "If he really was taken away by the police, there might be a record. I have an acquaintance at the


    police station too, and I can ask him to look into it. But Cloris, what were you thinking when you


    decided not to tell me about this? I''m your mother and it''s my duty to look after you and protect you.


    You made a terrible mistake, my dear!"


    Edith looked at Cloris with tender affection, thinking about how she herself had been a bad mother to


    them. Her own daughter didn''te to her for help even when she was at the verge of being raped.


    "Do you really think it would''ve made a difference had I told you? Truth of the matter is that she also is


    your daughter and I didn''t have any evidence to prove I was right," Cloris argued.


    She talked bitterly. The resentment she had carried within herself could be heard clearly in her tone.


    "Then, if you were simply suspicious and weren''t sure, how could you hate your sister? Do you even


    know about the effort she made to take hold of the entirepany by herself when you went to study


    abroad? She had to scrimp and save to pay your bills. She even sold her car. She did all that so you


    could live your life and afford your tuition and living expenses. She was behind all of that!"


    Edith spoke earnestly, patting the table gently as she tried to make a point. Cloris was spoiled since her


    childhood days but it surprised her that she still couldn''t distinguish between good and bad.


    "Think about your ssmates. Most of the students from middle-ss families were working to support


    themselves and then take a look at your own hands!"


    She grabbed one of Cloris''s hands while she spoke. Her fingers were long and thin. They looked


    delicate and bore no callouses.


    "Do you recall doing any menial work with your own hands? All you cared about was getting


    manicures! Did you ever give a thought about who is providing you with these privileges and a life of


    luxury? It was your father before and it''s your sister now."


    Edith''s voice started to shake at this point. She recalled the things Cassandra had been through these


    past months and continued going through even now. It broke her heart to learn how much Cloris hated


    Cassandra despite the sacrifices she had made for her.


    Both of them were equal to Edith now, even though she had been partial in the past. She loved and


    cherished them equally, especially now after learning the reason of the dispute between them. Until


    now, she had simply been regretting sending Cassandra to a small town at such a young age.


    Cassandra too was supposed to grow up in her parents'' care like a little princess the way Cloris had,


    without a care of the world. But it was due to the disputes between Cloris and her that she was sent


    away by her own parents resolutely and left to grow up all alone in a small town. That was the reason


    she evolved into an introverted person when she finally came back. She wasn''t as lively and cheerful


    as other girls, who had had afortable and loving childhood.


    "Cloris, you''ve been willful since you were a baby. It''s Cassandra who has been endlessly making


    concessions for you. Your father and I indulged your tantrums all the time. But has it ever urred to


    you that that''s only because we are your family? Nobody else will tolerate that and be all nice and rosy


    to you. I know you and Arthur have already broken up once. If he really cared about you, why would he


    break up with you? Have you ever given a thought to that?"


    Edith had just learned about their breakup a few days ago. She hadn''t paid much attention to it at the


    time although she did feel unpleasant about it. But things were different now. After hearing what Cloris


    had said about that night, she suspected Arthur was simply using her.


    She was certain Cassandra would never hire anyone to hurt her sister. She knew her elder daughter


    well enough, but Arthur, not long enough. It was hard to understand a man, especially a businessman.


    She wasn''t sure whether he was cheating on them or not.


    "Arthur would never do that to me, Mother!" Cloris shouted.


    She was actually touched by her mother''s words but she refused to suspect her boyfriend.


    She had always had a freehand with money. She bought whatever she liked in the blink of an eye,


    regardless of the cost, but she never thought of where the money wasing from.


    She stole a quick nce at her sister, who was as frail as herself. Her face turned red when she


    thought that all the money she had wasted was earned by Cassandra. It was as if something gnawed


    at her heart.


    Still, she absolutely disagreed with her mother regarding the things she had said about Arthur.


    Arthur was always so nice to her. He bought everything she wanted, he was sweet and a gentleman of


    schrly bearing. He would never do such despicable things.


    "Okay, Cloris, let''s stop here with you. Cassandra, talk about your problem,"


    Edith patted on the table again and instructed Cassandra to start. But Cassandra found it hard to say


    anything and hesitated.


    "Well? What are you waiting for, Cassandra? Tell me what you''re thinking now. Hurry up! Edith urged.


    She was annoyed now. Neither of her daughters seemed interested to make her worries go away. But


    they had gone too far now, and they all needed this heart-to-heart session.


    But Cassandra felt like a drop of water spattered onto a pan full of boiling oil.


    She had just learned why her little sister hated her so much and was still shocked to find she had been


    framed the entire time. This feeling was terrible.


    It was possible that Arthur had plotted all of this.


    Cassandra felt uneasy and restless, like there was a ticking time bomb that could explode any time.


    Without a doubt, it was Arthur who had incited Cloris to steal her sh disk. Cloris was tricky but could


    never make such a seamless n, let alone carry it into action.


    It was impossible for her to havee up with such a master n on her own. The n had been neat


    and foolproof. Only one truth remained.


    It was Arthur who nned all this. They broke up when Cloris couldn''t help himst time but he came


    back to her now just so he could frame Cassandra. He didn''t love her and he was simply ying her


    like a chess piece.


    Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    It annoyed Cassandra that he had set her up using her own sister, more than once!


    She felt her heart sinking but she didn''t know how to provide an exnation to her mother as Edith


    waited for one, scanning her face for answers.


    She couldn''t tell her mother that Lionel misunderstood her because Cloris had stolen her disk. She


    couldn''t tell her he used her furiously with his finger pointed at her nose. She couldn''t tell her that


    she was helping Horace after that embarrassing divorce with his son.


    Her mother would probably think of her as a nut if she found out any of these.


    Cassandra couldn''t exin why she would still help the Tang family while she paid negligible attention


    to the dispute between herself and Cloris. What if her mother didn''t understand?

 Chapter 469 Parents‘ Order

    Chapter 469 Parents¡® Order


    Remorse and guilt filled Cassandra. Seeing Edith worry made her even more concerned.


    "Mom, it has nothing to do with Cloris. As for what she said, I will find a way to investigate it!" she


    promised.


    By this time, what she initially came for was no longer significant. Besides, there was nothing they


    could do about it anymore. What happened had happened. She was the one who gave the sh drive


    to Lionel but she was certain that she was not the one who caused the mess.


    The real culprit was Arthur. He was the one she needed to confront, not Cloris.


    "Cassandra, what''s wrong?"


    Edith asked, wondering why her daughter looked so puzzled. She studied her expression in hopes of


    making something out of it.


    This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .


    "Mom, believe me. This has nothing to do with Cloris. I''m sure of it. I''ll do what I can to fix it. As for


    Arthur..."


    she reassured her mother. Then, she nced at Cloris, worried.


    "Please be careful around him. He is not a man that can be trusted,"


    she said with conviction. The fact that he made Cloris do something so harmful to someone else spoke


    volumes of what kind of person he really was.


    Moreover, she also remembered a time when she was still working with the Tang Group and Arthur


    stole a project that had already been awarded to them. Since then, she had known that he was not a


    man of ethics.


    Cloris red at Cassandra, irritated.


    "What do you think you are saying, Cassandra? Arthur has always treated me with respect. Don''t you


    dare stir things up between us!" she remarked.


    Cloris loved Arthur and she trusted him with her whole heart. Hearing Cassandra talk about him the


    way she did, offended her.


    Unwilling to argue, Cassandra merely stood up and looked at her sister.


    "Mom, I''ll go now. Please keep an eye on Cloris. I don''t know what will happen to her otherwise,"


    she said softly as she made her exit. Arthur had always yed dirty tricks. She could not imagine what


    worse things he coulde up with. Cloris was so naive. At least Edith had a suspicion that something


    was wrong. As for Cassandra, her primary concern was to make sure that her family was safe.


    "Ok, I know what to do,"


    Edith replied. Knowing what happened to Cloris was enough to shock her. Realizing what her daughter


    had been through made her more vignt in safeguarding her family. Despite Arthur''s gentleman


    facade, she learned to anticipate something else that he could be hiding.


    Cassandra walked out in haste. Rufus, who had been waiting at the courtyard, grew concerned when


    he saw Cassandra''s urgent demeanor.


    "Cassandra, what happened?" he inquired.


    He had a few guesses on what had happened, but since he did not see it firsthand, he could not be so


    sure.


    Seeing Cassandra''s anxiety confirmed his suspicion that there really was something problematic that


    urred.


    "I need to talk to Arthur,"


    she replied calmly. Still, there was conviction in her voice.


    Rufus reached out, grabbed her by the arm, and looked at her straight in the eye.


    "Cassandra, rx. What are you nning to do with him?" he asked.


    Rufus had a strong feeling that something was about to go terribly wrong.


    "Rufus, there is something I want to tell you,"


    she took a deep breath and looked at Rufus.


    "What is it?"


    he asked. A part of him already knew what she was about to say but opted to ask anyway.


    "The reason why I wasn''t able to help you in the studio and the reason why I wasn''t able to go out for a


    while was because I helped the Tang Group prepare for the bidding,"


    she confessed. Telling Rufus the truth relieved her. It felt as if a huge weight were taken off her


    shoulders.


    Contrary to how she expected him to react, Rufus was calm. He merely looked at her with a knowing


    gaze and a slight smile.


    ''What a silly woman you are, Cassandra, '' he thought to himself. ''How could you have thought that I


    really had no clue?''


    "Unfortunately though, a virus was apparently nted in the sh drive where the presentation was


    saved. It ended up destroying all the documents right when it was already time to present it in the


    bidding. The Tang Group failed to get the project. And the person responsible for all this is Arthur,"


    she continued coldly. In her mind, she pictured Arthur as a hideous snake, sneaking around and


    twisting his cold and slender body. Venom shot from his mouth as he came up behind Cloris. The


    image sent shivers down her spine.


    "Do you think confronting him now will lead him to admitting it?"


    Rufus asked, challenging Cassandra''s n of action.


    "What should I do then? He used Cloris as a tool to harm us. I can''t just let him get away with this. He


    can''t keep doing this to us,"


    she replied defensively. Her heart clenched thinking about how maniptive and diabolical Arthur was,


    and the harm that he was capable of making.


    "Cassandra, I won''t let you go alone. Arthur is not easy to deal with,"


    Rufus said, staring at Cassandra. His message was clear: he did not agree with Cassandra''s impulsive


    decision.


    "This is my business and I have to solve it myself. You don''t understand, Rufus. This is personal. My


    family is in danger,"


    she insisted. Rufus''s advice did not sound reasonable for her. Right now, she wanted to fight Arthur.


    Thest thing she needed was for Rufus to get in the way.


    "You are my girlfriend. Your business is my business,"


    Rufus replied. He was more determined to defend his position than Cassandra was.


    This stunned Cassandra. Looking at his eyes, she saw a glimmer of strength that somehow made her


    feel safer. It brought herfort.


    "Cassandra, if you still see me as an outsider, then I believe that there is one thing I need to do to


    convince you how serious I am about us,"


    he dered. Suddenly, he took her hand and led her back to the vi.


    Edith did not expect what happened when Rufus pushed the door open. He entered with Cassandra


    and walked over to Edith.


    "Auntie, I want to marry Cassandra. I am hoping that you could give us your blessing,"


    he announced, stunning everyone.


    Cassandra tried to get out of Rufus''s grip but he held her hand so tightly that no matter how hard she


    tried, it seemed impossible.


    "Oh, Rufus... What are you talking about?"


    Cassandra panicked. Edith had just started to ept Rufus. She could not believe what he just said.


    He did not even discuss it with her in advance!


    "Cassandra, this is not the first time I propose to you, but you have rejected all my previous proposals.


    This time, I am asking your mother. If she agrees, you will no longer object, will you?" he asked.


    By now, Rufus had already realized that no matter how romantic he made his proposal to be, nothing


    held more weight than Edith''s approval. It was important for her to ept his proposal to Cassandra.


    As for Edith, she stood dumbfounded. Never had she seen anyone propose directly in front of his


    would-be mother-inw.


    Then, she remembered the time when she saw Rufus and Cassandra staring at each other in the


    kitchen. Their gaze was filled with love and a certain kind of gentleness that she never saw when rk


    and Cassandra were together.


    Something told her that that was the kind of love that could endure for a lifetime.


    "Well, as long as you both want to be together, then I will not object,"


    she replied. She said it so calmly. Yet, her answer surprised Cassandra.


    Edith had been so opposed to Rufus before. She thought that it would take her a long time before she


    would be able to ept him. She did not expect her to agree so easily!


    "Mum! You... Why did you say yes so easily?"


    Cassandra asked incredulously. Rufus''s unexpected proposal embarrassed her a bit. With Edith''s


    unexpected eptance, she blushed even more fiercely.


    "I merely got out of the way. The rest is for you two to discuss further,"


    she replied, stifling a smile.


    She did not want to lose herposure in front of Rufus. After all, she was an elder.


    Even more unexpectedly, Rufus bowed in front of Edith.


    "Thank you for your trust, Auntie. I promise that I will take care of Cassandra!"


    he said in an ecstatic, trembling voice.


    For the first time in his life, he felt wonderful. Joy was like a wave that swept over him and it took him


    so much effort to hold it back and maintainposure.


    "Rufus? I haven''t even said yes yet!"


    Cassandra reminded. Was she not part of the decision-making process? Why did he act as if it were


    already a done deal?


    "Are you nning to disobey your parent''s order, Cassandra?"


    Rufus remarked sheepishly as he pulled Cassandra into a tight embrace.


    Standing not so far away, Cloris watched everything unfold.


    "That''s funny, Mom. Why don''t you agree with me marrying Arthur but agree to them getting married? ?


    ?"

 Chapter 470 Clandestine Dealings (Part One)

    Chapter 470 ndestine Dealings (Part One)


    By the time Cassandra first left the room, Cloris''s growing annoyance had escted into a burning


    rage that was threatening to explode. She wanted to go straight to Arthur to ask him to rify himself,


    but Edith stopped her.


    Now the fact that her mother had consented to Cassandra and Rufus''s marriage frustrated her to no


    end. Resentment gnawed her insides as she thought of how differently her mother treated them.


    This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .


    "We''ll exin everything when we''re ready. Please trust us, Cloris,"


    Cassandra said, reaching out a hand to her younger sister. Cloris almost flinched at the thought of her


    sister''s hand touching her. Before Cassandra could reach her, she stood up, shooting a venomous


    re at Cassandra and darted upstairs without a word.


    Cassandra stayed helplessly seated, following her sister with her eyes as she ran to her room. She


    was internally debating whether to follow her or not. Just as she was about to go after Cloris, her


    mother spoke, "Cassandra, it''s gettingte. It would be better for you to go back to your ce. I know


    Cloris. We''ll be able to persuade herter. Don''t worry too much about it."


    Sensing her elder daughter''s worry, Edith assured her. Then, she turned to Rufus.


    "Please take care of my daughter," she uttered each word clearly, looking straight into his eyes.


    Rufus returned Edith''s gaze. He needed no other words to understand. A myriad of expressions


    crossed over the older woman''s face, but her eyes remained clear and undisturbed as she looked at


    him.


    When she left her family home, Cassandra was still unable to believe what had happened. Her mother


    finally gave them her blessing. It was an immense relief, but all the same, it was also a source of great


    confusion. ''Why has she agreed so suddenly? What has changed her mind?'' she wondered.


    It was Rufus''s voice that broke through her musings. "Cassandra, don''t think too much. I''ll take care of


    Arthur. Trust me, everything will be all right soon," he said.


    His eyes darkened as he thought of everything that happened.


    Arthur had crossed the line more than once. That man had a death wish, and Rufus never forgot an


    offense. He would make sure to pay him back ordingly.


    Cassandra found herself in deep thought once again as the car rolled forward.


    When one held something that had been far out of reach and longed-for, for a moment, reality and


    dreams would ovep. Cassandra sumbed to the quiet haze of the city lights as they passed by in a


    blur.


    A few dayster, the local prosecutor''s office received an anonymous letter, much like the case of


    Vernon.


    The contents of the letter divulged information about a certain businessman''s collusion with


    government officials to make profit from government projects. As investigations proceeded, Arthur''s


    name was discovered among those who were involved.


    "Mr. Ji, I''ve been set up! Someone wants me going to prison," Arthur dered in a voice that was both


    furious and terrified.


    Someone was after him, he was sure of it. But no matter how much he racked his brain, he could


    pinpoint no single name. Whom had he offended?


    Everyone who worked in their industry had some sort of history and dirt on them. It was a prerequisite


    for survival. Morals had no ce in a game as ruthless as business, and with the right affiliations,


    anyone could get off the hook for anything. In this case however, the evidences were solid. It would be


    difficult for him to escape.


    All the evidence pointed to him, Arthur Zhuang. He no longer had time to cover up his tracks.


    "You were careless," rk replied coldly. "You should have been more careful."


    He flicked his lighter on and off repeatedly; his face was showing up one moment and drowning in


    shadows at the next, alternating with the light


    Arthur gritted his teeth in frustration. "When I find out who he is, I''ll kill him without batting an eyelid," he


    cursed, walking back and forth as he grabbed at his hair. "This can''t be happening to me. I''m at the


    prime of my life. I can''t end up in prison like Vernon Qin. I have so much more to do! You must help me,


    Mr. Ji!"


    Arthur pleaded, his desperate voice bouncing off from the walls.


    "Vernon Qin..."


    rk repeated as a thought came into his head.


    If he remembered correctly, it was Ivy''s younger brother who brought the matter about Vernon to the


    police.


    One of his men told him of the whole matter. It had caused a ruckus and had been on the news for a


    time. Now, it seemed as if Ivy was back with her little games again.


    What a troublesome woman!


    The seeds of doubt was among the quickest ones to grow in people''s minds. Once sowed, it would


    take root and sprout, and soon enough, there would be nothing but thorns and pungent blossoms. The


    more rk thought, the stronger his suspicion for Ivy grew.


    "I''ll arrange for my men to protect you. For now, keep quiet and don''t do anything reckless. This is only


    the beginning."


    rk''s voice was even colder as he spoke. Whoever was behind this had no idea who they were


    dealing with. Now that they dared provoke him, he would show them just who he was to his enemies.


    ''And it seems to be the perfect time to pay Ivy a visit, '' rk thought to himself, as he lit his lighter once


    again, envisioning the woman''s face within the mes.


    Ever since she had started working for him, he had not asked her to do anything, except steal Lionel''s


    bidding documents. It had been a few days since hest saw her.


    After meeting Arthur, rk left his office immediately and drove his car to the vi where Ivy stayed.


    When he was some distance from the house, the door of the vi opened to reveal a young man he


    had never seen before.


    He was tall and had a stylish look about him. A victorious smile curled in his lips as he turned to Ivy,


    who had followed him to the door.


    He snaked an arm around her waist and bent down to kiss her, but she pushed him away firmly.


    The man merely let out augh at her rejection, and retracted his arms.


    As he walked to the street to hail taxi, Ivy went back inside her house. After a quick contemtion,


    rk decided to follow the taxi the man took.

 Chapter 471 Clandestine Dealings (Part Two)

    Chapter 471 ndestine Dealings (Part Two)


    Ivy, on the other hand, walked inside and closed the door behind her. She headed straight to the


    bathroom to take a shower. She stood under the warm water, closing her eyes and running her hands


    over herself obsessively.


    Adrian was young and aggressive, and he had been persistent. And Ivy wasn''t seeing anyone in


    particr. She had no good reason to refuse him.


    Adrian''s young body was like a perfectly ripe fruit, firm and supple, and ready for the taking. It was as if


    she returned to her youth every time they were together.


    Many years ago, when she was a young girl, she held the attention of all men around her, and yed


    with them to her heart''s content. But she was not getting any younger as time continued to pass.


    Her appearance hadn''t changed much over the years, but Ivy knew that she no longer possessed any


    of the pure, unsullied charm younger women had about them. She knew it better than anyone else, as


    every day only took away what remained of her luster. And as if to add salt to her wounds, rk had


    never shown any interest in her. She was getting older the way pearls changed its colors until it


    became an unsightly yellow.


    Ivy smiled bitterly to herself as she turned the heat higher. The water had turned from warm to hot, and


    her skin flushed from the temperature. It was only at these times that Ivy felt she was young again, her


    skin rosy and soft. She let herself linger with thefort of the illusion.


    The taxi pulled to a stop in front of a bar. Adrian stepped out and headed inside, ordering his usual


    drink. The alcohol arrived quickly, and he took a long, cold swig of the amber liquid.


    Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    "Adrian! You''re looking good these days!"


    A man came over and gave him a small salute. For the past days, Adrian was loose with money, and


    now the people around were almost certain he had found a rich mistress.


    "You think so? That''s good to hear. When I make a lot of money, I''ll definitely remember you, bro!" he


    beamed, feeling himself swell at thepliment.


    Waving a hand to the bartender, he ordered the man another of his drink.


    Prompted with alcohol, the man continued to recite tteries which rang clear in Adrian''s ears and


    lightened his mood. They went on until midnight and walked out the bar swaying back and forth.


    rk''s watchful eyes followed the young man''s every movement. His mouth curled into a smile, lips


    dripping with malice.


    Ivy, that sly woman! No wonder Lionel left her. She was about as useful as wet matches. He


    remembered how she had begged for him, making big derations about her loyalty, but it turned out


    that she was sleeping with another man.


    If she thought she could y him for a fool, then she was dead wrong.


    rk was no Lionel.


    Reaching for his phone, he dialed a number and gave out orders, "I want information on a man called


    Adrian Li. Investigate everything about him, especially his rtionship with Ivy Luo."


    His expression did not shift as he spoke, but darkness loomed in his eyes like the clouds of a brewing


    storm.


    Not long after, the report was delivered. Adrian had a cousin who had worked for Cassandra before,


    and Cassandra had been to A City after the earthquake because of the girl.


    Ivy had all but kissed his feet thest time they met. Despite this, he did notpletely trust her.


    And as it turned out, he was right. He had sensed it, the traitorous streak underneath the pretty face.


    Ivy was like a ticking time bomb¡ªsooner orter, she would explode. rk smiled to himself as he


    thought of how clueless she was about what would happen next.


    Adrian had been on a consistent splurge night after night, having more than his fill of alcohol, women,


    and noise. He was always too inebriated to notice something slipped into his ss. This went on for


    some time. His days were the same as yesterday, going out at night and returning in the morning. All


    throughout his seeming surplus of energy, he never once stopped to question why he never felt tired.


    Attributing the change to his mood, he embraced the extra kick he felt every night. By the time he finally


    recognized his abnormality, it was toote and he found himself addicted.


    One night, as he was curling himself up and shivering on the ground in agony, the shadow of a man


    showed up in front of him and said, "If you want to save yourself, all you have to do is listen to what I


    say." Adrian looked at him with hazy eyes, struggling to focus on his words. The man crouched over


    him and continued, "Go to the police and tell them what Ivy Luo has ordered you to do." As if to make


    sure he understood, the man proceeded to narrate close to his ear, "She stole the bidding document


    from Lionel Tang and sold it to Arthur Zhuang as revenge." The cold voice rang in Adrian''s ears.


    The man stood up again. He looked like the devil himself in the darkness, but to Adrian, he appeared


    like a Messiah, offering him his deliverance.


    Adrian nodded his head vigorously to show his agreement, even as his body continued to be gued


    with incessant shivers.


    "Okay. I understand. I''ll do whatever you ask me to do! I promise!"


    Adrian croaked out in between dry heaves. His face was distorted in pain and his skin was ghastly


    against the dark pavement.


    The man''s teeth gleamed white in the darkness before turning away.


    Then there was a soft thud as a packetnded on the ground. Adrian crawled over and reached out,


    opening it hurriedly. At the sight of its contents, a manicugh came out from him, and he took a sniff of


    the drug like it was the breath of life.


    A few dayster, newspapers bled with shocking headlines that more or less said the same thing:


    Former lovers turned into enemies; The prospective daughter-inw of Horace Tang did an inside job.


    The man clutched the paper as his eyes lit up in pleasure.


    ''Kill with a borrowed knife. How do you like betrayal now, Ivy?'' the man thought, his lips curling into a


    sinister smile.

 Chapter 472 No Wedding

    Chapter 472 No Wedding


    Ivy was frantic and scared out of her mind on the police car going to the local station. Once they


    arrived, they went straight towards a bare-bones room with a huge one-way mirror. She sat on the


    nearby chair right across a police detective. Her mind went nk whenever a question was thrown at


    her. The cops were about to give up since they couldn''t get any decent information out of her because


    she always answered by asking to contact rk.


    "I am his girlfriend. rk Ji, I want to see him! Please, I need to see him."


    Ivy''s face was ghastly pale with fear. She kept repeating rk''s name.


    "Cut the bullshit. Just answer the questions, and maybe we''ll let you get in touch with your boyfriend!"


    One detective impatiently tapped the table with his pen.


    At that moment, the door swung wide open. A man in uniform promptly came in and whispered


    something to the detective.


    Ivy was observing the situation and saw the detective''s eyes widen as he looked at Ivy and then the


    uniformed officer. With a snort of contempt, he stood up and immediately went out the door. In a few


    moments, a familiar man came in the room.


    "Thank God, rk! You''re finally here!"


    Ivy practically jumped from her seat and threw herself into rk''s arms.


    "rk, I don''t know what to do. Someone sued me. What do I do?"


    Ivy felt hot tears stream down her face. She looked up expectantly at rk, eyes wide open despite the


    tears.


    "Don''t worry. Just sit down."


    rk was surprisingly calm, given the current situation. Ivy detached herself from the embrace and


    slowly sat down.


    "rk, I don''t know what to do. Adrian leaked the information and fingered me. He imed that I hated


    Lionel for driving me out of his mansion, so I deliberately stole his group''s business secrets for


    revenge."


    Ivy didn''t see all of thising. She didn''t expect that her carefullyid out conspiracy would be


    brought to light so quickly. To her great disappointment, Adrian had apparently betrayed her after he


    got the money.


    "Ivy, the city...the city has taken a hardline stance against highly illegal criminal activities recently. I''m


    sure you know that Arthur''s case is also under investigation. Things are pretty tense right now."


    rk''s eyebrows furrowed with stress. Dejection was clearly written in his eyes.


    He sighed deeply and continued, "The police have people who will testify against you in court, and


    even as far as physical evidence. I''ve already talked to my connections, but the authorities have


    already made their stance clear in cracking down on unfairpetition, and insiders'' influence in public


    bids. I really...I really can''t do anything right now. Take one for the team. I promise I''ll save you after I


    find a way out of this mess."


    rk fixed his eyes on Ivy with steely determination, anxiously waiting for her response.


    What rk had said left Ivy utterly speechless. Her mouth was agape in her incredible shock.


    It was as clear as day. rk saw her as a scapegoat, a patsy. He didn''te here to get her out.


    "rk, I''ve already given the hard drive to you. You can''t just throw me under the bus like this."


    Ivy unconsciously clenched her fists, her long nails biting into the soft skin of her palms, drawing a bit of


    blood.


    "Ivy, like I said, there''s nothing I can do right now, but I swear I''ll do everything in my power to find a


    solutionter. Lionel got your brother out of prison. Are you having doubts about my ability?"


    rk tried in vain to console Ivy, his eyebrows curved in his visible irritation.


    Ivy was still speechless, but something changed in her expression. rk saw that his words had their


    intended effect.


    "Don''t worry about your brother. I''ll sort everything out. You, on the other hand, need time alone to think


    things through."


    After hisst syble, rk swiftly got up and left without so much as a farewell. His threat lingered in


    Ivy''s ears.


    Her mind was in shambles right now. What did she do?


    She did everything she possibly could to attain a good life and a perfect marriage, but in the end, jail


    was waiting for her.


    Hearing rk''s thinly veiled threat was like getting submersed in a tub full of ice cold water.


    Everything clicked into ce and she realized that she had been duped and fallen into a trap she had


    little hope of escaping.


    Just within a few weeks, breaking headlines came one after another in G City. The Tang Group and the


    Dawn Star Group, the two most prominent real estate firms in the city, were both in trouble. The events


    unfolded so quickly, leaving people confused and stunned.


    The Tang Group suffered a bankruptcy crisis, and then the Dawn Star Group was reported for illegal


    dealings, which led to the thorough investigation of its CEO. For a time, the industry was in turmoil.


    Under the warm glow of the afternoon sunlight, Cassandra, who was making the final preparations for


    her studio, sat across Rufus.


    "Here''s the n. Check it out."


    Cassandra rotated her iPad and pushed it towards Rufus with a smile, which disyed her n for the


    studio.


    Rufus picked up the iPad and examined the n meticulously. He then smiled and nodded in


    satisfaction.


    "Very good. I''ll give you moreter."


    Rufus studied the attractive woman in front of him. She bathed in the afternoon sunlight, which kind of


    formed a faint halo around her. It stirred him to reach out and gently caress her face.


    "Cassandra, Arthur is pretty much doomed to fail. I''ve prepared all the materials. This time, he''s going


    away for a really long time. You can rest easy."


    Rufus gazed at Cassandra lovingly with a warm smile. His fingers were still caressing her soft face.


    "Thank you, Rufus."


    Cassandra didn''t know what else she could say. Rufus''s concern and care moved her.


    Originally, she wanted to resort to more harsh methods, such as direct confrontations, but Rufus


    promptly stopped her.


    "Your goal is to ensure your family''s protection. If you confront him head-on, it will only intensify things


    and probably ce your family in increasingly dangerous circumstances."


    Rufus always managed to stay calm even in the most critical moments. He collected hard evidence and


    then used Arthur. He showed him his smoking gun. Arthur had no way out of this one.


    In fact, he had no direct qualms about Arthur. He only did this for Cassandra''s sake.


    "Rufus, I know that you did all of this for me. I shouldn''t have been so impulsive. I owe you greatly."


    Cassandra felt indebted to Rufus. He then frowned in response.


    "Well, to return this debt of gratitude, when will you marry me?"


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Rufus casually offered marriage again, which put Cassandra on guard.


    "Maybe after my studio runs smoothly. It hasn''t even opened yet, so I''m really not sure about the


    timing."


    Cassandra turned scarlet. She was unprepared for such a question.


    "I''ll wait for you, Cassandra. No matter how long it takes."


    Rufus reminded himself not to force Cassandra. He was willing to patiently wait before she said the


    much yearned for ''Yes.''


    Their surroundings were bathed in the warm afternoon shine. It all felt so natural and harmonious. The


    two smiled into each other''s eyes.


    "Oh, wait," Cassandra said like she suddenly remembered something, "Amanda and rk''s wedding is


    tomorrow. Have you prepared for it?"


    She was so caught up in things that she almost forgot about the wedding.


    Rufus raised his eyebrows and said in an indifferent tone, "A red packet is enough. What else do I need


    to prepare?"


    Rufus didn''t think anything else than a red packet was necessary. Amanda''s wedding had nothing to do


    with him anyway.


    "I think it''s hardly appropriate for us to be invited like this. Amanda may have something nned."


    Cassandra had worry written all over her face. She just wanted to peacefully move on.


    "Well, we can just send out our red packet. We don''t need to attend."


    A sly smile formed on Rufus''s mouth, which made Cassandra''s heart beat rapidly.


    "That won''t do. It would be incredibly rude."


    Cassandra sounded hesitant, but she obviously agreed with Rufus.


    "Anyway, like you said, it''s hardly appropriate for us to be invited. Why bother going?"


    Rufus said with a chuckle. Cassandra also rxed and she smiled happily.


    Since they both knew Amanda had always harbored malicious intentions towards them, they just


    couldn''t bring themselves to attend her wedding.


    "You''re absolutely right. Let''s just catch some movies tomorrow. No wedding!"


    Cassandra yfully said.


    Rufus couldn''t control himself after that. He promptly stood up and embraced her, nting a soft kiss


    on her lips. Cassandra''s breath left her.


    "I love you, Cassandra. Always."


    Rufus''s forehead leaned against Cassandra''s, his eyes closed.


    "I love you, too."


    After her response, Cassandra kissed Rufus back.


    Every ceremony Amanda was part of was grand and lively. Herst engagement ceremony with Rufus


    already made headlines. Today, her wedding with rk was even more grandiose.


    Guests walked in the hotel on luscious red carpets just like the movie stars in their premieres.


    "Wait, what? Rufus and Cassandra aren''t here yet?"


    Amanda shouted in a sharp tone. She frowned, shocked that the two weren''t present.


    "No, ma''am. We already checked the guest register. Mr. Luo and Miss Qin have not arrived."


    The lowly busboy who reported the news was visibly shaking. The bride seemed to have a really bad


    temper. Why was she so angry?


    As Amanda swept her hand across the table, the various things fell on the floor with assorted ngs.


    "Get out! All of you, get the fuck out!"


    Amanda roared, her voice turning hoarse at thest syble.


    The makeup artist and staff were visibly shaken. They looked at each other and then swiftly left the


    room one by one. They didn''t dare to utter a word until after they were outside the room.


    "What''s wrong with her? Why does she even want her ex toe to her wedding?"


    "You don''t understand. Women are vain and love to show off. She just wants to show her ex that she''s


    about to be married to a better man."


    "Why does she feel the need to show off if she is truly happy now?"

 Chapter 473 The Encounter At The Hospital

    Chapter 473 The Encounter At The Hospital


    From inside the room, Amanda felt even more agitated than she already was with the conversation she


    could not help overhearing.


    She hated that people gossiped behind her back. Why did she have to be in this situation?


    In her irritation, she randomly took a vase from her bedside table and threw it violently against the door.


    After the loud sh, the voices outside finally ceased.


    The more she thought about it, the angrier she got. Tears welled up in her eyes.


    She had spent so much time preparing for the wedding just so she could paint a great image of herself


    in front of so many people.


    She wanted to be the star of the show, to be admired and envied.


    To her disappointment, Rufus and Cassandra didn''te.


    It felt as if she punched something with all her might and suddenly realized that her target was made of


    a parcel of cotton instead of something more solid. Her effort ended up harming only herself instead of


    her opponent.


    Images of Rufus and Cassandra shed across her mind. As she pictured their loving gazes and sweet


    caresses on each other, her heart burned with inextinguishable jealousy.


    Suddenly, the door to the make-up room opened. It was rk. He immediately spotted the broken vase


    on the floor.


    "What''s this?" he inquired.


    He apparently spotted the group of people who came out of Amanda''s room with caution on their faces.


    This immediately gave him a hint that something went wrong so he took it upon himself to check on


    Amanda.


    As he had expected, the pampered woman threw a tantrum and made a huge mess.


    Wordlessly, she shot rk a furious re.


    "Oh, are you angry? Come, show everyone that you''re angry. What good is it doing you when you''re


    just disying your temper to no one but yourself?"


    he said sarcastically.


    This made Amanda even more infuriated. She took another item and smashed it on the floor. Normally,


    she was subdued and restrained when she was in front of rk. At that moment though, she found


    herself so overwhelmed with her emotions that she almost forgot all the fear she had for the man in


    front of her.


    Predictably, rk saw her defiance. Her behavior made his face turn grim.


    "Are you testing me?"


    rk said as he drew nearer to intimidate her. She merely red back with wrath.


    "I don''t want to get married! I''m not going to marry you!" she shouted.


    Suddenly, she wanted to take back her words the moment she said them. She doubted her impulsive


    remark. Besides, the marriage was a way to secure her safety. Was she really about to throw that


    away? She had given up on Rufus and allowed Cassandra to take him. Still, she kept suffering.


    "I dare you say that again!"


    rk boomed. His eyes were fixed on Amanda''s face now, and some cruelty leaked out from them.


    "I AM NOT GOING TO MARRY YOU!"


    Amanda shouted, stressing every word, showing her stubborn determination.


    She pulled down the white veil that covered her hair. This was carefully attached and beautifully


    entangled with her hair. Pulling it out so suddenly made some strands of her haire off with it,


    causing her a little pain.


    Despite that, she kept pulling until it waspletely detached and threw it on the ground so hard.


    Her audacity fired rk up. In his anger, he grabbed her arms and pulled her so close that her face


    was only a few inches away from his. He then looked straight into her eyes.


    "Amanda, it seems that you''ve forgotten what you should be doing now,"


    he said with such an ice cold voice that she felt herself freeze.


    The intensity of rk''s fury seemed to have pulled her out of her tantrum. She suddenly realized the


    terror that was about to follow.


    "Let¡­ Let me go¡­"


    Her voice trembled. With all her strength, she tried to escape from rk''s grip, but it was to no avail.


    "What''s the matter? Weren''t you proud and firm just now? Weren''t you arrogant? Why did you stop?


    Come on!"


    rk dared as he raised his voice. Amanda''s entire body shook.


    Fear crawled into her face until she was consumed with pure terror. At this sight, he smiled even more


    cruelly.


    Brutally, he shoved Amanda to the floor. Then, he pressed against her body with his own.


    The wedding dress had her back exposed. Below her was the cold floor, while on top of her was rk.


    "Since you broke your promise, I don''t have to keep mine now!" he said grimly.


    "rk, I''m sorry. I''m sorry! Please don''t do that to me!"


    Amanda pleaded in horror. She knew what rk could do to torture her. The mere thought of the


    possibilities scared her to death.


    "Now, you''re sorry? It''s toote! I hate people who make me angry!"


    rk replied, ignoring her pleas. Then, he pressed his lips against her neck. The more she struggled to


    push him away, the more violent he became. Her fear seemed only to fuel his desire.


    Tears streamed down her face. She felt as if she was losing her wits.


    "Amanda, rk, are you two inside?"


    Charlie asked loudly from outside the door. He had been looking for rk and was told by someone


    that he could be in the make-up room where Amanda was. Immediately, he rushed there.


    The sudden interruption stopped rk on his tracks. Forcibly suppressing her emotions, Amanda


    managed to muster a normal tone to answer, "Yes, Dad, we''re here. We''re just... Getting ready."


    With tearful eyes, she turned to the man on top of her; her body shivered like a falling leaf in the chilling


    autumn wind.


    "Come out now, rk. You need to attend to the guests!"


    Charlie shouted. rk had no parents. As for Amanda, Charlie was the only one in attendance and had


    been spending the whole day entertaining all the guests himself. He needed a hand very badly.


    "The ceremony is going tomence soon. Quick!" he insisted.


    He found it necessary to push. ''What is wrong with these two? Why are they still dilly-dallying? It''s


    almost time to begin!'' he thought.


    "Okay, Dad. Okay! We areing now!"


    Amanda replied loudly as she pushed the body on top of her away.


    rk sneered, collected himself, and stood up.


    "Find me the hairdresser. I''ll need some touch-up," Amanda requested.


    She was really nervous. Even without having to look at the mirror, she knew how badly she must look


    right now. There was no way she was going to step out of the room looking like that.


    Wordlessly, rk exited. Shortly after, the hairdresser, the assistant, and the rest of the crew entered.


    None of them spoke. Everyone just went on doing their required tasks without as much as ament.


    Amanda''s disheveled appearance was then cleaned up. Soon, she looked like the gorgeous bride she


    was before her debacle with rk. Her heart was growing colder and sadder.


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    She was going to marry rk soon. The moment they exchanged vows, any hope of a future with


    Rufus would be gone forever.


    She closed her eyes and a drop of tear fell on her cheeks.


    "Why are we here? Are you visiting someone?"


    Cassandra asked curiously. The ce where the car stopped was a hospital.


    "I''m taking you in for a health check-up. If your body can still permit it, maybe we can n to have a


    baby,"


    Rufus replied as he opened the door to her side and extended his arm to assist her getting off.


    Surprised, she looked at him.


    "Come on, be nice. There''s nothing wrong with a check-up. Look at you. You''re so skinny. I can''t stand


    it! You''re skin and bones!" he remarked yfully.


    They went inside. Rufus had already made an appointment, so they just picked up a number and


    waited. As they were walking with his arm around Cassandra''s waist, he turned and was surprised to


    see a familiar figure.


    Clearly, the person saw them as well.


    "Amanda, here!"


    Charlie said loudly. His voice echoed throughout the whole hospital lobby, managing to draw all the


    people''s attention.


    He had pressed Amanda for a health check-up for pregnancy. Despite her unwillingness toe, she


    had no choice but to follow her father.


    To her astonishment, she saw Cassandra and Rufus here too!


    ''This is the department where women get checked for pregnancy. What is Cassandra doing here?


    Could it be that...she is...pregnant?!'' Amanda thought in her heart.


    She found her eyes glued to Cassandra thinking of the possibility.


    She was so slim. Her abdomen also had no signs of bulging. She did not look pregnant at all.


    But, if she ever got pregnant, the baby would certainly be Rufus''s. This thought suddenly made her turn


    cold.


    Jealousy consumed her.


    ''Cassandra, the woman standing beside Rufus, should be me! How dare you!'' Amanda screamed


    inwardly.


    "Amanda, what happened to you?" Charlie asked.


    He found Amanda''s reaction strange. Following her gaze, he spotted Rufus. Instantly, his face turned


    grim as well.


    It was because of him that Rufus and Amanda got engaged


    but Rufus cancelled the marriage without even discussing the matter with him. His defiance made


    Charlie feel uneasy.


    Amanda was his dear daughter, his precious girl. She would have been a perfect match for Rufus. Why


    on earth did he choose someone like Cassandra?


    "Rufus! Are you married? Why didn''t you tell me?" Charlie asked.

 Chapter 474 The Hospital Quarrel (Part One)

    Chapter 474 The Hospital Quarrel (Part One)


    Thefortable position Cassandra assumed at her ce beside Rufus was met with a judging


    appraisal from Charlie. His assessing gaze lingered on her stomach, naturally thinking that the woman


    was pregnant.


    It was clear that what he had said in prior was deemed as an attempt to embarrass her; the tant


    coldness of his eyes betrayed any facade of politeness he was expected to infer. ''Rumor has it that this


    lady is cunning, and I wouldn''t be so surprised if it''s true. She''s really shameless for divorcing Lionel


    just to be with his elder brother. I would be surely embarrassed if I were her, '' he thought.


    Charlie regarded Cassandra with a stare full of contempt¡ªhisst interaction with her, before he opted


    to ignore her presencepletely.


    "Mr. Ke, I brought Cassandra for a physical examination. Though, in respect to what you said, we will


    definitely invite you if we were to push through with our wedding."


    A hand snaked around Cassandra''s waist, which was an obvious ploy for Rufus to show her off as his


    esteemed partner, in reply to the unweed irony of Charlie''s words.


    On the other hand, it seemed that Charlie''s resentment was almost equivalent to Cassandra''s own. His


    figure was her source of loathing. The presumed knowledge that he was the main culprit for the


    bankruptcy of her preciouspany left her seething inside in disdain. It was exceedingly hard for her


    to even remain calm in the face of the used criminal.


    She could only bear so much due to the sole recollection of Charlie being Rufus''s mentor, and the fact


    that all of things he had done were for his cherished daughter.


    Her beloved''s respectful behavior coaxed her to lower down her guard. She had chosen to say nothing


    in fear of the hateful words that she might end up spouting, so she simply bowed her head in courtesy.


    Deliberately avoiding any participation in their ongoing conversation would save Rufus from


    experiencing any secondhand embarrassment, if Cassandra were tosh out in barely restrained


    anger.


    "Humph, then why didn''t youe to Amanda''s wedding the other day?"


    The couple had sent red packet as a congrattory gift to the newly-weds, but their choice of


    abstaining from the important event made Charlie extremely ufortable and bothered.


    ''I''ve tried my best to impart all skills needed for business to him, so I most likely y an important role


    in his achievements today. Yet, he didn''t even have the gall to attend my daughter''s wedding? Other


    festivals aside, that was a great humiliation on my part, '' he mused, clear disappointment showing on


    his expression.


    "My apologies. Cassandra wasn''t feeling very well the other day, so we needed to pass on the


    wedding. As you can see now, we are here for a check-up,"


    Rufus said in a steady voice, not the least bit affected by the underlying meaning of Charlie''s


    statement. Despite the onught of obtrusive remarks, his deference for his teacher had not wavered


    in the slightest.


    Charlie''s spite had reduced a bit as a result of Rufus''s unfaltering courtesy towards him. Although he


    was a little angry, a smile was still to appear on his stone features.


    "Neither you nor rk came back to the meeting earlier. Is it because you own TY Group now? You''re


    not willing to contribute to the Dark Night Group anymore, are you?"


    Malevolence enunciated his allegations for Rufus, unabashedly revealing his me for his student.


    rk was a wily old bird who was often absent from meetings, and even if he was the president of the


    Dark Night Group, he severelycked the qualifications needed for the high position. It was Charlie who


    had helped him willingly with all kinds of work matters every time.


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    ''I used to assist him in managing thepany for the sake of his father, but now that he has be


    my son-inw and my grandson''s father, I''ll be doing everything I can to help him of my own will, ''


    Charlie contemted.


    In any case, Rufus had also changed too much.


    His official leave from the Dark Night Group had not rescinded his active responses to Charlie''s


    management measures. He would even join scheduled appointments, given that there was an issue of


    great significance to be handled by thepany.


    Lately though, his involvement had substantially lowered, and it was another distress that Charlie had


    been dealing with until this point.


    "Mr. Ke, that''s a seriousint. I''ve never thought about it like that. Mr. Ji is in charge of the


    company now, so there''s not much help that I can offer at present. It''ll also make him unhappy if I


    engage deeply in the governance, so I decided to refrain from attending the meetings."


    Rufus''s brows furrowed in defense. He had promised to help Charlie in managing the business, right


    until rk had be Charlie''s son-inw. But he had not said anything about the matter and had


    solely intended to avoid theplicated situation he was forced in.


    The two had be a family, after all, so Charlie would be helping rk more in the future. Previous


    talks of Rufus assisting Charlie in taking over the authority of the Dark Night Group had all be an


    omitted past.


    Furthermore, Charlie''s support was now offered to rk, and the inexplicable hostility the man


    harbored against Rufus was more than enough to make him vignt. Rufus had no ns of keeping in


    touch with an enemy.


    An offhanded snort from Charlie startled the couple, his rude rebuttal setting them on edge.


    Amanda, who had not taken any interest in the exchange of the men, singled out Cassandra with a


    piercing stare. The subject of interest merely narrowed Cassandra''s eyes at the grant animosity and


    kept her posture submissive to withhold from fanning the mes of enmity.


    "Amanda, let''s go."


    No polite salutations of farewell were bartered as Charlie deserted their discussion. His daughter


    hesitated to follow suit, biting her lip as she dawdled on Rufus''s uncaring form before she eventually


    complied to her father''s wishes.


    Everything Amanda had arranged was enough to fool Charlie into thinking that she was pregnant. ''For


    the meantime, I must not let him know that I''ve been faking my pregnancy. I can''t risk annoying rk. If


    I had let my father in on our secret, my reputation would be destroyed in an instant, '' Amanda thought


    with worry gnawing on her sinful mind.


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