Chapter 366

Rosalind lowered her head with a bittersweet smile. "I'll never be able to afford plane tickets to visit you."

Cassandra reached for her hand. "I'll cover all your travel expenses."

Shaking her head, Rosalind pulled away. "I still owe you more than four hundred thousand. After you're gone, I'll keep working to pay you back."

Cassandra's eyes softened with compassion. "Rosalind, forget about the debt."

"That wouldn't be right." Rosalind squared her shoulders. "I know you're the heiress of Wright Manor and money means nothing to you. But for someone like me, dignity is everything. Our friendship can only exist between equals."

A sigh escaped Cassandra's lips. "I just hate seeing you struggle."

Rosalind's face brightened. "You've already changed my life. Getting me that position at Dawson Industries when I barely graduated vocational school? I'm making ten thousand a month now - more than I ever dreamed possible."

"Your future will only get brighter," Cassandra murmured, pulling Rosalind into a gentle embrace.

Leaning into the hug, Rosalind closed her eyes. "Meeting you was the best thing that ever happened to me."

When they parted, Rosalind asked, "What time's your flight?"

"Tomorrow at dawn."

"I'll come see you off."

Cassandra shook her head. "It's too early. Get your rest. I'll message you when I arrive."

Her expression turned solemn. "I won't be reachable for about ten months once my assignment begins. If you hear from me, it means I'm on leave."

"I'll be waiting," Rosalind promised with a smile.

Cassandra hesitated, struggling with unspoken words. Rosalind noticed the tension. "What's wrong? Is there something else?"

Forcing a smile that didn't reach her eyes, Cassandra blinked back tears. "Rosalind... could you be friends with Liam?"

Rosalind's eyebrows shot up. "General Blackwood? A military commander befriending a nobody like me? You're giving me too much credit."

"But I introduced you months ago. You even have his contact information."

"Cassandra, be realistic. Why would someone like him have any interest in me?"

Cassandra gripped Rosalind's hands tighter. "He may seem stern, but he's actually kind and respectful. A truly good man."

"That's how you see him because you're special to him." Rosalind chuckled. "The rest of us see the Ice General of Aldenria."

Cassandra's voice grew urgent as she stroked Rosalind's hand. "Just... stay in touch with him. Not as lovers, just as—"

"You want me to keep you updated about him after you leave?" Rosalind guessed.

Cassandra bit her lip. "Would you?"

"Why not contact him yourself? Even if romance is off the table, friendship is still possible."

Cassandra looked away, unable to meet Rosalind's questioning gaze. The unshed tears glistening in her eyes spoke volumes. Changing the subject abruptly, she asked, "Rosalind, what matters most to you in life?"

"Money," came the instant reply. "Money solves everything."

Cassandra turned to where Rosalind Baskins was packing. "What about you, Rosalind?"

Snapping her suitcase shut, the bodyguard declared, "You matter most in my life, Ms. Wright."

Warmth flooded Cassandra's chest, though she scoffed. "Don't be ridiculous."

Rosalind Baskins knelt before her, taking both her hands. "I mean every word. I'll never forget what you've done for me."

Her voice dropped to a whisper. "I was left to die in that collapsed mine shaft. You pulled me out, helped me get justice, and gave me this new life."

Cassandra gently stroked her hair. "The military would have rescued you eventually."