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.

Ivy had succeeded in drawing the attention she needed. A large crowed had their full attention squarely placed 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-in-law 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 accused 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 a large 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 and come 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, that lady is Cassandra, the present manager of the Qin Group. How could she be so mean and play 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 acceptance in Tang family. Her values had always been lacking and her respect for others didn't exist. Her plan 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.

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. The last 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 outclass 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 their comprehensive 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, formulated 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 is completely beyond me, ' Lionel gave out a long sigh.

'Rufus always beats the opposition and has this superiority towards others. How come he is whitewashed by Arthur this time?' Lionel thought to himself despairingly.

This commotion of Ivy being tripped by Cassandra with people gossiping and inquisitively gazing made him inflame 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 her company 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 in comparison to you. Well, it seems you came here alone, right? So seeing Rufus with Miss Ke, made you bitter huh?"

Cassandra frowned upon his last remark, feeling her chest tightened and a few drops of perspiration gathered at the base of her neck.