A Graduation Gift

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 blame 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,"

diffuse the tension that had built up in the

go shopping

went out together, and she was looking forward to

day, however, Edith caught a cold. She decided to stay

go

weakly, her

go, Cassandra," Cloris

buy, and she went out of the room without looking back.

I take you to

looked at her mother carefully,

a cold. Go shopping with Cloris. Buy her

to be disappointed and urged

plan to take Cloris shopping. She followed Cloris around silently as her little sister checked rack after rack. Soon

the shopping spree. Just as Cassandra was about

check her clothing line's sales.

have you forgotten your

frowning with distaste. She was annoyed to find

living together? What do

was having a terrific time until a very angry-looking woman stopped them in their tracks. She was

got

What are you doing here? Why are you yelling

stuck her chin as she met Michelle's heated gaze. Cassandra pulled at her hand to signal

Cloris?" Michelle scoffed, giving her a once-over. "What crude behavior. You once cut

glance.

was nothing but arrogance coming from Cloris, and she was not going to