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.

them out of the office. They had signed the leasing contract to a man who worked under Rufus,

book for a ride-share, a familiar black sedan pulled up slowly in front

Lionel's head stuck out of the window with a big,

coincidence! I'm actually here to see someone off as well. Where are you

he had followed

But I can book

at him. Her face turned grim, and

set up by 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 unwanted attention and eventually, gossip.

me like

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

his car closer to Cassandra,

ready to win. As you know, the design aspect has always been our weakness, so I was hoping to get some consultation

serious tone, all levity gone

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

I have the documents with me. I'm asking you this because I think of you as a

had put everything into this bid, to conquer or

moment, torn between

to breath life onto the Tang Group, so her only way to help

Your car can

hail a passing cab. She still

just shrugged. He then drove after her towards a nearby coffee

less frequented by people. Nothing could possibly go wrong here.

the table to take the bidding documents from Lionel's hands and carefully skimmed towards the design.

bad at all this time. I get the feeling that it's both practical and beautiful, never sacrificing form nor function. It still needs some

said. She gave back the bidding documents and promptly stood up to leave.

you're just

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

get inspiration. I remember every detail of the design.

hand. His mere touch made her extremely

please. I still have

a moment. He wasn't just here for

turned towards Lionel, thought for a moment, then

"So, what is it?"

her other than the design documents, but she really had

back to the Tang Group. After all, Lyndsy's studio is gone,"

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

let out a sigh, "We've talked about this.