A Graduation Gift novel Chapter 41

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 flaunting themselves to meet new acquaintances.

The party was a celebration of the success 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-black tailored suit, he had all the reason to be happy. He was the one in charge of the project and played a crucial role in gaining that huge profit.

His dramatic entrance made every head turn towards his direction. He always fancied the color black, 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, congratulating 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 glad 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 how competent his son was, and extremely proud that Rufus made the cooperation plan 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 successful cooperation plan. Thanks to you and Cassandra,"

Horace acclaimed 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 glasses of wine in his hands, and gestured for Rufus to take one.

Hearing his voice, Rufus raised his head and took the glass 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 glass in his hand and placed it on the table to look around in search of Cassandra -- the other secret weapon for the success 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 relationship with Cassandra. Rumors about them were spreading lately in the company. Obviously, there was something unspeakable between them.

Most people in the company 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-in-law 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 glared 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 glare 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 blank expression in his eyes grew more unfathomable. Unconsciously he tightened his grip of the wine glass.

'It seems that... Rufus will never forgive me, ' he blamed himself.

"Could you please drive faster? When will this traffic jam end? We are going to be late!"

Stella and Cassandra were both sitting in the backseat of the taxi, waiting for the car to move. Seeing the unmoving cars ahead of them, Stella began to feel desperate. They were seriously going to be late 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. Stella was extremely anxious because she didn't want them to be late and miss the party.

"Look, ladies. I want to get you two to the place 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 explained 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 flashed through her eyes. Her face turned red.

She secretly glanced at Stella before accepting 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 so comforting 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 being late.

"I am on 8th avenue right now. We are completely 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 elated. 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 planning 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 head comfortably 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?"

Stella'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 glanced at Stella with a wry smile saying, "No! Of course not."

Cassandra was quick to deny. She didn't want Stella to know that the call was from Rufus. But clearly, her denial was weak. Stella 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, Stella started tickling and teasing her, trying to make her tell the truth.

Soon the two of them were giggling and laughing 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.

The lady was none other than his girlfriend, Ivy.

She walked in wrapped in Lionel's arms. Her long red dress flaunting her sexy curves was a feast for eyes of men. There was an enticing smile on her pretty face as she walked with confidence, claiming 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.

'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 night commenced. 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 flashed through his mind, making his mysterious face look even more dangerous.

"Huh!" he snarled.