Bones Learn To Listen When Silence Speaks by Ryn Miles 8

Chapter 8 

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What Cassian didn’t know was that Aurelia’s apartment was messy only because it was full of his things. 

Cassian was a complete workaholic, and as his chief secretary, Aurelia had to be on call twenty–four hours a day. 

Her desk was stacked high with files he might need at any moment. 

The walls were covered with his calendars and project schedules. 

Her closet was filled with his suits and the formal wear he needed for events. 

Even the empty space on the floor was piled with client gifts waiting to be delivered. 

That tiny apartment had turned into Aurelia’s second office. The only thing in the entire room that truly belonged to her was the single bed. 

But Cassian had complained that the bed was too small. After that one night, he refused to come over again. 

Before heading out, Aurelia called a moving company and asked them to send someone over on the weekend to help her pack. 

It was time to clear out everything that didn’t belong to her. 

***** 

Michael had chosen a restaurant that had just opened and was already making a name for itself. It was called Lunar Table. 

He must have remembered Aurelia saying that her stomach hadn’t been feeling well on the phone, because he ordered light dishes that were easy to digest. It was thoughtful of him. 

Thoughtful people never needed reminders. Aurelia used to think Cassian was just too focused on work to notice those small things. She convinced herself to accept that part of him. 

But today, she realized Cassian could be thoughtful–just not toward her. He had taken Tessa to Nourish Kitchen for a special soup because she was on her period. 

Aurelia had changed out of her usual no–nonsense style, setting aside the professional clothes she always seemed glued to. She let her hair down, instead of her usual neat bun. 

Her skin, already smooth and delicate, looked even softer against the pale shade of her dress. 

When Michael saw her, he almost didn’t recognize her. 

Aurelia greeted him first and said, “Mr. Reed, sorry to keep you waiting.” 

Michael stared, completely stunned. His eyes went wide. “Ms. Corin, you look different. I almost didn’t recognize you.” 

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As she sat down, a strand of hair slipped over her shoulder, and she brushed it back with an easy, graceful 

motion. 

“Ms. Corin, can I ask you something?” Michael asked, curiosity getting the better of him. 

“Go ahead,” Aurelia said, calm and open. 

“Does your company have some kind of weird rule?” Michael asked. 

Aurelia arched an eyebrow. “Like what?” 

“Like making beautiful women dress down on purpose,” he said with a teasing smile. 

Aurelia laughed. “I’ll take that as a compliment.” 

“I’m not just complimenting you,” he said, grinning. “I’m just good at telling the truth.” 

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As a top headhunter, Michael had an effortless charm about him. With just a few words, he made the mood light and easy. 

When Jasper walked out of a private room, his attention was instantly caught by Aurelia sitting near the window. 

At first, it was just her beauty that drew him in. 

The spot she’d chosen was perfect–the setting sun poured through the floor–to–ceiling windows, wrapping her in a warm glow that made her look almost ethereal. 

Jasper couldn’t look away. He found himself walking toward her without realizing it. 

Then Aurelia glanced up, and their eyes met for a moment. 

Jasper froze in place, his expression filled with disbelief–and surprise. He couldn’t believe it was Aurelia. 

She looked familiar, yet not. In his memory, Aurelia had always dressed conservatively, looking dowdy and completely lacking in charm. 

He had even mocked Cassian in private, wondering why he’d waste his time on a woman so plain when he could have anyone he wanted. 

Now he realized how wrong he’d been. Seeing her tonight, Jasper thought Cassian had been incredibly lucky to have such a beautiful girlfriend all these years. 

Aurelia’s gaze met Jasper’s briefly, then slid away without a flicker of emotion. Her calm indifference made it clear she saw him as nothing more than a stranger. 

The reaction irritated Jasper. He had always looked down on Aurelia, thinking she was just a pathetic woman who came running every time Cassian called. She had no right, in his eyes, to act aloof in front of him. 

He also knew Michael, so he walked over, deliberately ignoring Aurelia as he said, “Mr. Reed, long time no see. What’s been keeping you busy lately?” 

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Jasper was, after all, the second son of the Quinn family of Ashmont. Even if he was known for being a playboy, his family’s influence made people treat him with respect. 

Michael smiled politely. “Mr. Quinn, you know what I do. I’m always busy scouting for talent.” 

“Scouting for talent?” Jasper’s gaze flicked toward Aurelia, full of something between amusement and contempt, his lips curving into a mocking smirk. “Your standards must be slipping.” 

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Michael frowned slightly. “What do you mean by that? Ms. Corin is one of the most sought–after professionals in the industry.” 

Jasper ignored the defense and continued, “You probably haven’t heard, but Mr. Locke at Honoria Capital just brought in some real talent from overseas–a Ph.D. from the Whitvale School of Management. 

“She used to work at Strive Bank and is now serving as the director of Strategic Division Three.” 

He gave a smug little laugh. “Someone like that would count as top–tier in your field, wouldn’t they?” 

Michael nodded. “Definitely a top–tier resource.” 

“See? You need to raise your standards,” Jasper said, patting him on the shoulder like he was giving friendly advice. 

Michael didn’t take offense. He just smiled. “Thanks for the tip, Mr. Quinn.” 

Satisfied with himself, Jasper added with a smirk, “Oh, by the way, I’ve got a stake in this restaurant. Tonight’s 

meal is on me.” 

Michael immediately waved a hand. “Oh, I couldn’t let you do that.” 

“It’s okay,” Jasper said. “I might need your help finding someone one of these days. Consider this a friendly favor.” 

Before leaving, Jasper gave Aurelia a pointed, arrogant look, clearly hoping to see some trace of embarrassment or discomfort on her face. 

But Aurelia remained perfectly composed, not giving him the satisfaction of a single reaction. 

That calmness annoyed Jasper even more. The moment he stepped out, he pulled out his phone and called Cassian. “Cassian, guess who I just ran into?” 

Cassian was still in his office working overtime. Too busy to chat, he pressed the intercom button to the secretarial department. “Ms. Corin, bring me a coffee.” 

Jasper paused on the line, frowning. He was surprised Cassian didn’t know that Aurelia wasn’t even at the office. This just got interesting. 

As Cassian waited for his coffee, he asked casually, “Who did you 

“Michael,” Jasper said, keeping it vague. “He’s recruiting someone.” 

see?” 

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Just then, there was a knock on Cassian’s door. “Come in,” he said. 

Miranda stepped in, holding a cup of coffee. 

Cassian froze for a second, his brows pulling together. “Where’s Ms. Corin?” 

“She went home for the day,” Miranda replied. 

Cassian frowned deeper. “She’s not working overtime tonight, huh?” 

“No.” Miranda said with a shake of her head. 

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Cassian thought it was odd, but he didn’t dwell on it. Aurelia rarely made mistakes at work, so he assumed she just had something else to handle. 

He waved Miranda off and took a sip of the coffee. His brow, which had relaxed for a moment, tightened again. The taste was off–not how he liked it. 

Suddenly, he didn’t feel like drinking anymore. He set the cup down and leaned back in his chair, pinching the bridge of his nose. 

“So, who’s Michael recruiting?” he asked, his tone steady again. 

Finally, Jasper dropped the punchline. “Aurelia.” 

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