A Graduation Gift novel Chapter 40

The night unveiled a dirty story. Lionel and Ivy were planning 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 replayed 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 very late. 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 melancholy and he would lift up his head again.

The eminent landmark of G City, the Tang Group towers, with its classy 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 welcomed her with congratulatory messages for her feat in sealing the multi-million dollar deal for the company.

"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 out company." added yet another.

…

The compliments 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 Stella who had came to her rescue.

"Hi, Stella,"

Cassandra cheerily greeted as the crowd dispersed with disappointment.

Excited to see Stella in the company, Cassandra walked over for a hug.

Smiling, they headed to Cassandra's office.

"Ignore them, Cassandra. They're just trying to flatter you."

Stella was above flattery. But she knew this case was a tricky one. No one in the company 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 would come. I'm so proud of you, Cassandra," Stella complimented 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." Stella 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 it comes 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, occasional ladies chino pants with a flannel shirt or a cardigan sweater did her justice. Only lately had she started wearing suits to work, once in a while.