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.

lost in the thought, pondering 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

a ride-share, a familiar black sedan

Lionel's head stuck out of the window with a big, fat smile on his face.

to see someone off as well. Where are you headed?

an innocent smile. In truth, he had followed her

But I can book my own

face turned grim, and she stepped aside. She wanted

she was set up by him in the past, Rufus didn't go into the details, but she definitely smelled something fishy. All the more

There's nothing wrong if you treat me like

a reaction out of Cassandra. Of course, Cassandra wasn't the same young, naive girl anymore. She just smiled at

his car closer to Cassandra, to keep chatting

you know, the design aspect has always been our weakness, so I was hoping to get some consultation from you, and maybe you can give some input on

serious tone, all levity gone from his

head towards Lionel. This sparked

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

everything into this bid, to conquer or to die.

for a moment, torn between going straight

the Tang Group, so her only way to

separate car. Your car can follow

cab. She

then drove after her towards a nearby coffee

was quiet and less frequented by people. Nothing could possibly

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

and beautiful, never sacrificing form nor function. It still needs some highlights though, so it can really stand out. I'll tell you

gave back the bidding documents and promptly stood up

you… you're just leaving like

mouth agape. 'Just like that, huh?

get inspiration. I remember every detail

answered quickly, shaking off Lionel's hand. His mere touch made her extremely uneasy.

I still

his eyes darkened for a moment. He wasn't

turned towards Lionel, thought for a moment, then sat down.

"So, what is it?"

her other than the design documents, but she really had

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

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.