A Graduation Gift novel Chapter 198

Amanda was astonished at the manner in which the mayor spoke; he seemed a completely 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 relationship 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 playfully, and his eyes swept a glance at the audience.

Waiting in silence, Rufus still wore a expressionless mask on his face.

Amanda became a little anxious, stealing a quick glance at Rufus. Fearing Rufus would say a tactless remark as he did last time at her concert. This could embarrass the mayor on today's important occasion.

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! Congratulations!"

The mayor resumed in his loud and clear voice, followed by an uncomfortable 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. How come 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 applause broke the silence, which drew the remaining audience out of shock, before they applauded 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 glance at the winner with a glint of resignation in his eyes.

'Arthur, you dirty little scoundrel! If you hadn't blackmailed 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 nonchalant. He had no interest in taking on the position any way.

But... There must be a large 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 plot compiling to destroy her. Ivy was intent of getting even with Cassandra. She blamed 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 accusations at Cassandra.