A Graduation Gift

Lionel looked at Cassandra, begging her with his eyes.

'Cassandra, are you really going to let the Tang Group die right under your nose?' he seemed to say.

The silent question asked by Lionel was yet to receive an answer. Cassandra took a deep breath and let out a huge sigh.

'I have dreamed to be an architect almost all my life. Still, reality strikes. Maybe it's not meant to be. I'm no longer the type of person who would go for my dream despite everything that the world is telling me. I'm no longer that stubborn child, ' Cassandra thought.

She knew that Lionel was sincere. A myriad of thoughts crossed her mind.

Never could she have imagined that Lionel would ever ask her to return to the Tang Group. Strangely, she did not seem to want to go back anyway.

"Mr. Tang, there are plenty of other excellent designers. I'm afraid I no longer want to go back," she declined firmly.

Again, she had to reject Lionel. But he wasn't giving up just yet.

"Why? Cassandra, please come back. I will give you a much better salary compared to what you earn here!"

Lionel tried to exclaim enthusiastically, hurriedly thinking of a good deal that Cassandra might have difficulty refusing.

"It has nothing to do with money. I will stay here for as long as Lyndsy's studio exists. When I was hopeless, it was Lyndsy who gave me a chance. We, humans, should appreciate other people's kindness and pay it back, shouldn't we?"

Cassandra replied seriously. Lionel's eyes landed on the documents piled on her desk. Suddenly, he realized something.

"Fine, then. Forget about it. Since this is what you want, I won't ask you again. But this I assure you: our doors will always be open for you. If ever you decide that you want to be the Architectural Manager of the company again, I will graciously accept," he said gently before he finally took his leave.

He wanted to be sure Cassandra knew this. She put up a polite smile and responded, "If chance permits, I would love to work with you someday, Mr. Tang."

'I will never be going back with him but this is the least I can do. I should at least make him feel good, ' she thought.

Squinting his eyes, unconvinced, Lionel turned and finally left.

When he arrived in his car, he took out his phone and searched Lyndsy's recent activities.

"Famous actress Lyndsy is shooting a new film at the Film Base. The director of the film, who has gotten a budget of thirty million, is the well-renowned…"

Lionel read the news online as a slice of cruelty flashed across his eyes.

'Cassandra did say that she would work for the studio for as long as it existed. Well then, I guess it's time to make the studio disappear, ' he thought as a sinister smile crawled across his face.

In a chilly night such as this one, that smile would probably send shivers done anyone's spine.

Cassandra. You'll be back sooner than you think.

preparing herself to be lifted up. The movie, set in an ancient setting, was being filmed by the best teams in

day, Cassandra was also there to

her clothes, the martial arts director came over to check the condition of the equipment that would be used to hang Lyndsy. Then, he went to her again just to make sure that she had not changed her mind about doing the

a stunt double for you? The routine is quite

director asked with concern. For an award-winning actress like Lyndsy, there was absolutely no need for her

double? Look! The

the martial art director's sentiments and also showed concern, pointing at the stunt double who was already dressed and

looked really dangerous. Cassandra could not

I would almost offend myself

replied stubbornly. Besides, these people were the best in their fields. She had her

"But…"

of ways to make Lyndsy change her mind. In her gut, she felt as if something was wrong. She couldn't explain it, but she really felt like something bad was going to

okay, Cassandra! Don't worry. Just stay

assured her as she grabbed her shoulders and turned her to face the other way. Then, she

turned around and followed Lyndsy with a glance before she finally heeded

stubborn, it was difficult to change her

"Alright, I'm ready!"

as she slightly swung her costume. The white dress was

smiled and walked towards the director.

megaphone, he announced, "Get

people involved prepared themselves for the next sequence. According to the plan, they were going to do a trial

covered her chest with her both hands. She felt her heart racing. The machine had lifted Lyndsy to some height so Cassandra had

she was in position, the director confirmed that the camera was rolling, and finally

blew against her hair. She

face. At that moment, she was just like an innocent angel.

dazzled by her beauty. Lyndsy was indeed

to be the last smile that would ever be caught by

graceful descent turned into a quick freefall. Like a kite

white costume was dirtied by the dust on

big thump echoed through the set. After that, no other

time had stopped, her surroundings froze. In

was frightened, horrified, and struck with

Cassandra, her lips slightly apart, looked at what was before her with her mouth wide open in disbelief.

someone else tried to maintain order. Still,

string, then looked at the people around Lyndsy. Suddenly, she felt