Bones Learn To Listen When Silence Speaks by Ryn Miles 25

Aurelia typed back casually: [What happened?] 

43 

A moment later, Miranda called. Her voice was low, almost a whisper–it sounded like she was hiding in the bathroom. “Ms. Rowe rejected every single project you picked before–none of them made the cut.” 

Aurelia froze for a moment. “All of them?” 

“Yes, all of them. Even the AI project and the gaming one you were most optimistic about.” Miranda’s tone burned with anger. 

Aurelia frowned. “What did Mr. Locke say?” 

“He didn’t say anything,” Miranda said. 

Aurelia’s mind went blank for a second before everything clicked. 

There was no way Cassian didn’t know those projects were solid investments. The reason he stayed quiet was simple–because Tessa was the one rejecting them. 

He was helping her build her authority, making sure everyone in the company looked up to her and followed her lead. He was protecting her, just like he always did. 

“Do you think Mr. Locke’s been possessed or something? How can he let Ms. Rowe decide everything?” Miranda grumbled. She had no one else to vent to, so she poured it all out to Aurelia. 

“It’s simple. He’s helping Ms. Rowe establish her position,” Aurelia said flatly. At this point, even if Cassian announced he was handing Honoria Capital over to Tessa, she wouldn’t be surprised. 

“But does he really have to be so biased? Is he treating her like the future Mrs. Locke?” Miranda blurted out, then quickly realized what she’d said. “Aurelia, I didn’t mean it—” 

Aurelia stayed calm, even teasing lightly, “Maybe he is. So you’d better stop gossiping behind their backs. If someone hears, you’ll lose your job.” 

Miranda didn’t care about that. She just felt bad for Aurelia. 

“Mr. Locke will definitely regret this one day,” Miranda said, her voice thick with emotion. She couldn’t forget how pale and lifeless Aurelia had looked on that hospital bed–so close to not making it. 

“Yeah, he’ll regret it,” she repeated. 

But Aurelia didn’t care whether Cassian would ever regret it. Regret wouldn’t change a thing. She had already decided to walk away. 

“It’s just a pity about those projects,” Aurelia said quietly. Her tone was steady, but there was a trace of sorrow there–pity for the wasted potential, nothing more. 

Miranda sighed, “Yeah. You spent so much time researching and screening each one. Who knows which firm 

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will get lucky and pick them up now?” 

An idea suddenly sparked in Aurelia’s mind–maybe she could take on those projects herself if she started her 

own company. 

But the thought faded just as quickly. Every connection and resource she had now was tied to Cassian and Honoria Capital. Once she left, she wasn’t sure which investors would still take her calls. 

Gideon showed up right on time. He must’ve spoken with Ted beforehand, because Ted was already waiting in his office when they arrived. 

As soon as they entered, Ted greeted Gideon warmly, shaking his hand with obvious respect. “Mr. Quinn, this way, please.” 

Aurelia didn’t know who Gideon really was, but judging from Ted’s attitude, it was clear he was someone of importance. 

Gideon got straight to the point about why they were there. 

Ted hesitated after hearing him out. “The slot was already finalized yesterday. It wouldn’t really be appropriate to change it now.” 

“Ms. Corin is my friend,” Gideon said evenly. 

Ted looked torn. 

Aurelia also spoke sincerely, showing him all the materials she had prepared. 

Gideon was part of the Quinn family of Ashmont–Ted couldn’t reject him outright. 

Making an excuse, he left the room, saying he needed to check on something. He didn’t return for a long time. 

In the meantime, Connor messaged Aurelia. He said he had shown her materials to the expert panel during their discussion, and the experts were actually quite interested in Ella’s case–it was complex and challenging. 

Aurelia was just starting to feel a flicker of relief when Ted finally came back. 

His attitude told her everything. “Mr. Quinn, I’m really sorry, but the slot’s already been assigned. It’s not convenient to make any changes now.” 

Seeing Gideon’s expression darken, Ted quickly added, “But please don’t worry. We’ll do our best for Ms. Corin’s mother. And if Ms. Corin isn’t comfortable with that, I can help contact another top hospital.” 

The last glimmer of hope in Aurelia’s eyes went out. 

“Aurelia, wait for me outside,” Gideon said quietly. 

Aurelia nodded and stepped out, her mind numb. 

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43 

Inside, Gideon looked at Ted sharply. “Mr. Fuller, be honest with me–what will it take to get that slot for Ella? Name your price.” 

“Mr. Quinn, you’ve misunderstood. It’s not about money. I really can’t help with this,” Ted said carefully. 

Gideon immediately caught on. “Then tell me–who’s behind this?” 

Ted hesitated. “Well-” 

There were only a handful of families in Ashmont powerful enough to make Ted this nervous. And even fewer stood above the Quinn family. 

It didn’t take Gideon long to guess. “Was it Cassian?” 

Ted didn’t confirm, but he didn’t deny it either. 

“I see,” Gideon said coolly. “Thank you for your time.” 

He turned and walked out, leaving the hospital without saying goodbye to Aurelia. 

Aurelia already knew what that meant. There was no more hope. She had to face reality and start preparing for the worst. She began searching online for other medical teams around the country. 

Meanwhile, Gideon drove straight to Honoria Capital. Tessa happened to be there as well. 

“Gideon! What brings you here?” she said brightly, clearly surprised but happy to see him. 

“I’m here to see Cassian,” Gideon said curtly. 

“He’s in his office. I’ll take you,” Tessa said, taking the lead. 

Cassian had been expecting this visit–Ted had called an hour earlier. He’d told Cassian that Gideon wanted the consultation slot with the expert team. 

But Cassian had already promised it to Tessa. There was no way he’d give it up now. 

Ted had no choice but to politely refuse Gideon’s request. 

“Can you give me the consultation slot with the expert team?” Gideon asked directly once he was in Cassian’s office. 

Cassian’s answer came without hesitation. “Sorry. I can’t give up that slot.” 

When Tessa realized what he was talking about, she quickly spoke up. “Gideon, Cassian got that slot for me. My mom’s sick and really needs the surgery.” 

“So you’re the one who took it, huh?” Gideon asked, his voice sharp. 

Tessa blinked. “Yes. Who are you trying to get it for?” 

But Gideon didn’t answer. He just looked at Cassian for a long, heavy moment, then turned and left. 

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43 

That evening, Ella said she wanted to go outside for a bit. Aurelia bundled her up and wheeled her out to get some fresh air. 

The sunset had painted the entire city a blazing red–it was rare to see such a beautiful sky in early winter. 

Not far away, Tessa was also pushing Alina along the garden path. Aurelia quickly turned in another direction, not wanting to run into them. 

Tessa was chatting happily with Alina and didn’t notice her. “Mom, just relax and wait for the surgery. The doctors this time are the best in the world. The risks are super low.” 

Alina smiled. “I really have Cassian to thank for this. You should thank him for me.” 

Tessa’s lips curved in a soft smile. “Cassian said we don’t need to be so formal with him.” 

“That’s true,” Alina said, laughing. “After all, we’ll be family soon.” 

“Oh, Mom, stop,” Tessa said, her cheeks flushing pink. 

“I’m not wrong,” Alina teased. “Cassian’s truly serious about you. Your father and I can both see it—” 

Their voices faded as they moved farther down the path. 

Under the shade of the trees, Aurelia stood frozen, her face pale as paper. 

She never would have imagined that it was Cassian who had taken the consultation slot for Tessa.