A Graduation Gift

Amidst the sound of jet engines roaring overhead coupled with the pleasant voice of the airport intercom announcing the next flight, Cassandra bid Lyndsy farewell.

Cassandra wanted so badly to go with her, but Lyndsy refused, insisting that she should go alone. Given the circumstances, Cassandra had no choice but respect her decision.

Fortunately, Rufus had already arranged for the best doctor and medical care that money could buy, so Cassandra believed everything would be alright.

"Lyndsy, I'm always here whenever you have a problem,"

Cassandra said. A strange gut feeling made her uneasy, she choked back her words as she repeatedly asked Lyndsy if she would be okay.

"Cassandra, don't say that you'll wait for me, okay? Go and work at the TY Group since Stella had already gone there. I'm worried about you because you're the only one working at the office now,"

Lyndsy held Cassandra's hand firmly and consoled her. She felt utterly sad seeing Cassandra's concerned look.

"Stop overthinking. You're still my boss unless you call a press conference and tell everyone that you're leaving the industry forever!"

Cassandra refused to let Lyndsy get too stressed. The most important thing right now was for her to acclimate herself to the treatment.

Lyndsy's body turned rigid for a moment, but soon went back to normal, and a smile formed on her lips.

"I'm so lucky to have known you, Cassandra. You're the best girl I have ever met! You're generous, kindhearted, strong, independent and above all, responsible..."

Cassandra interjected before she could finish, "Wait, wait, stop. Lyndsy, you're my boss. Why would you flatter me like that? More of that and I might just turn arrogant!"

Cassandra teased Lyndsy with a lighthearted smile, but she was actually deeply touched.

She felt that Lyndsy understood her on a personal level. Their mutual trust for each other relieved her.

"Cassandra, please, please take care of yourself. Always aim for your own happiness!"

Without warning, Lyndsy reached out and embraced Cassandra tightly as she whispered into her ear.

"Don't worry, Lyndsy, I will. You be well, and brave the treatment. Don't ever falter,"

Cassandra replied as she returned the embrace and stroked her back softly. She felt a twinge of sadness in her heart.

She felt extremely guilty because she still hadn't figured out who set Lyndsy up.

The two girls were actually bidding farewell as if they would never see each other again. This made Cassandra feel utterly empty.

When they went their separate ways, she felt a little lost, wandering about not knowing where to go exactly.

on what to do with Lyndy's things. She then decided that she would move them out of the office. They had signed the leasing contract to a man who worked under Rufus, technically, the office belonged to Rufus. So she would be giving back the key to him.

for a ride-share, a

out of the

as well. Where are you headed? I can give you

he had followed

can book my

and

go into the details, but she definitely smelled something fishy. All the more reason why she refused to be with Lionel alone. This would also attract unwanted attention and eventually, gossip.

if you treat me like a friend. Your fear of Rufus suspecting

reaction out of Cassandra. Of course, Cassandra wasn't the same young,

closer to Cassandra, to keep chatting

can't count on Rufus right now. I have an extremely important bid right now that the Tang Group is ready to win. As you know, the design aspect has always been

all levity gone

worked. Cassandra turned her head towards Lionel. This sparked joy in

I'm asking you this because I think of you as a friend. I

had put everything into this bid, to conquer or to

a moment, torn between going straight home or helping Lionel.

the Tang Group, so her only way to help

Your

She still wouldn't want to be alone with

shrugged. He then drove after her

quiet and less frequented by people. Nothing could possibly

a firm seat, and reached over the table to take the bidding documents from Lionel's hands

all this time. I get the feeling that it's both practical and beautiful, never sacrificing form nor function. It still needs some highlights though, so it can really stand out. I'll tell

bidding documents and promptly stood up to

just

agape. 'Just like that, huh? Without

detail of the design. I'll polish it on

answered quickly, shaking off Lionel's hand. His mere

down please. I still have more

a moment. He wasn't just here for

for a moment,

"So, what is it?"

She thought Lionel had something more important to tell her other than the design documents, but she really had

the Tang Group. After all, Lyndsy's

looking at Cassandra straight in the eye. Designing was indeed the weak link for the Tang Group. If Cassandra could

sigh, "We've talked about this.