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.

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.

ride-share, a familiar black sedan pulled up slowly in front of her.

of the window with

actually here to see someone off as well. Where are you headed? I can give you a ride,"

said with an innocent smile. In truth, he had followed her all the way to the airport.

can book my own ride,"

said without looking at him. Her face turned grim, and she stepped aside. She wanted nothing to do

him in the past, Rufus didn't 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

There's nothing wrong if you treat me like a friend. Your fear of Rufus suspecting

Cassandra wasn't the same young, naive girl anymore.

his car closer to Cassandra, to keep

extremely important bid right now that the Tang Group is ready to win. As you know, the design aspect has always been our weakness, so I was hoping

said with a serious tone, all levity

towards Lionel. This

of you as a friend. I know you can't stand idly

this bid, to conquer or to

moment, torn between going straight home or

Rufus to breath life onto the Tang

take a separate car. Your car

passing cab. She still wouldn't want to be alone with Lionel in

and just shrugged. He then drove after her towards a

by people.

reached over the table to take the bidding documents from Lionel's

the feeling that it's both practical and beautiful, never sacrificing form nor function. It still needs some highlights though, so it can

stood up to leave. Lionel stopped her by grabbing

just leaving

his mouth agape. 'Just like that, huh? Without even

detail

off Lionel's hand. His mere touch

please. I still have more to discuss,"

eyes darkened for a moment. He wasn't just

for

"So, what is it?"

tell her other than the design

come back. Come back to the Tang Group. After all, Lyndsy's studio

straight in the eye. Designing was indeed the weak link for the Tang Group. If Cassandra could come back, they'd definitely come out on

"We've talked about this. I