Bones Learn To Listen When Silence Speaks by Ryn Miles 40

The wine–soaked fabric clung to Aurelia’s skin like ice. 

Graham was still talking, but his voice sounded distant, muffled by the roar in her ears. 

The chatter around her, the clinking glasses, the sight of Cassian walking away–all of it blurred together into a gray haze. 

She had done everything she could to keep the situation under control–for everyone’s sake. 

She’d tried to minimize the damage, protect Tessa’s reputation, and preserve the partnership between Honoria Capital and Novalen Capital. 

She’d even spared a thought for Graham’s pride. 

But she hadn’t thought about herself. She hadn’t considered what she would do, standing there, soaked to the skin and humiliated. 

Graham, who had been furious just moments ago, now looked at her with an odd mix of pity and sympathy. 

“Ms. Corin, are you really planning to resign?” he asked, trying to sound concerned. 

Aurelia didn’t answer. She quietly dabbed her face with a tissue, wiping away the wine. 

“If you really do resign, you could come to Novalen Capital. I’d take you in,” Graham offered. 

“If I did, you might lose your partnership with Honoria Capital,” Aurelia replied flatly. 

That shut Graham up. That was the truth–no businessman would ever choose a person over profit. Cassian was no different. 

Maybe it was guilt, or maybe he just wanted to leave her with something. Before walking away, Graham said quietly, “That Ms. Rowe is not as innocent as she looks.” 

He didn’t explain further, but he didn’t need to. Graham knew Aurelia was smart enough to figure it out herself. 

Miranda hurried over soon after. The moment she saw Aurelia’s soaked, miserable state, her eyes welled up. 

Before she could say anything, Aurelia said gently, “I’m fine.” 

“I have some clothes in my bag. They might be a little big, but it’s better than staying wet–you’ll catch a cold,” Miranda said, taking her by the arm. 

Miranda was a size bigger, so the clothes hung loosely on Aurelia, making her look even more out of place. 

Aurelia didn’t care. When she returned to the hall, Cassian was on stage with Tessa, giving a speech. 

Tessa, who’d been tipsy and stumbling earlier, now stood tall and radiant, not a trace of drunkenness left. 

She had changed into a new gown–the same one Aurelia had custom–ordered for herself. In the end, it was Tessa who wore 

1. it. 

The gown matched Cassian’s suit perfectly, making them look like a picture–perfect couple. Everywhere Aurelia turned, she heard people whispering about how good they looked together. 

Tessa heard it too, and her face glowed with pride and satisfaction. 

And in that moment, Aurelia understood exactly what Graham had meant. 

18:13 Fri, Dec 19 Mw. 

Chapter 40 

There was no way Tessa didn’t know what Graham was after. She had gone with him on purpose–either to get Cassian’s attention or to make Aurelia the scapegoat. 

And she had succeeded at both. That was why she looked so damn pleased with herself. 

Aurelia stood in the corner, watching Cassian and Tessa side by side. 

The lights weren’t that bright, but somehow, they still stung her eyes. 

She had changed into dry clothes, and the hall was warm, yet she couldn’t shake the chill that seeped through her bones. 

She let out a small laugh, though she didn’t even know what she was laughing at. 

At some point, Gideon appeared beside her. Seeing her hugging her arms for warmth, he quietly draped his jacket over her shoulders. 

The jacket was warm. Aurelia paused for a moment, then murmured her thanks. 

Gideon’s gaze shifted from the couple on stage back to her. His voice was calm but gentle. “Don’t look anymore.” 

Aurelia nodded faintly. “Okay.” 

By the time the party ended, it was already ten. 

Since Aurelia had been in charge of the event, she was naturally the last to leave. 

After seeing off the final guests, she finally exhaled, feeling a wave of exhaustion. On her way to find Miranda, she overheard Jasper talking. 

“Cassian, do you think Aurelia’s serious about resigning, or is she just bluffing? I don’t think she’ll actually leave Honoria Capital,” Jasper said with a sneer. “You should’ve just agreed on the spot and watched her back out. 

“You know, even if you did say yes, she’d find some excuse to stay. And even if she did quit, she’d find a way to come crawling back.” 

Aurelia didn’t stop. She walked past them quietly and went to look for Miranda. 

When Tessa and Jasper came out, Gideon was waiting by the door. 

Tessa’s eyes lit up. “Gideon, you’re still here, huh?” 

Jasper chuckled. “He’s waiting for me. Don’t worry. I won’t be your third wheel.” 

Tessa smiled sweetly. “Then you two go ahead. I’ll wait for Cassian–he’ll be out soon.” 

As Jasper was about to get in the car, he suddenly turned back. “By the way, Gideon, have you picked a date for the Gold Gauntlet party? The board members can be pushy, and if you show up alone, they’ll be lining up to introduce you to 

someone. 

“You just got back, so you probably don’t know many people. Why not take Tessa? You can trust her, and it’ll make a good impression.” 

Tessa looked at Gideon, a spark of hope flickering in her eyes. 

The Gold Gauntlet party was full of powerful connections–landing a few projects there could solidify her place at Honoria. Capital. 

18:14 Fri, Dec 19 Mw 

Chapter 40 

And deep down, she wanted to believe Gideon still had feelings for her. 

Even though she had been the one to end things, she had never quite forgiven him for not begging her to stay–as if their relationship had meant nothing to him. 

But Jasper had told her that Gideon returned to the country soon after she did. She thought that had to mean something. 

Yet Gideon only glanced at Jasper and said impatiently, “Are you getting in or not?” 

“Yeah, yeah, I’m going. It’s hard to get a cab at this hour,” Jasper said, waving as he got into the car. 

Tessa’s smile faltered. She had been hoping for an invitation, but Gideon gave her nothing. The disappointment stung- though it vanished the instant Cassian appeared. 

“Cassian, I think it’s about to rain. It’s getting cold,” Tessa said softly. 

“I know. The driver should be here any second,” Cassian replied, his tone gentle. 

Right on cue, the driver pulled up. Cassian opened the car door for her himself. 

The rain started soon after. By the time Aurelia and Miranda stepped outside, it was coming down in sheets. 

Miranda was on the phone with her boyfriend. “I’m right by the entrance. Do you see me? Yeah, here!” 

A car pulled up in front of them. Miranda turned to Aurelia. “Come with us. It’s late–getting a cab now will be tough.” 

Aurelia shook her head. “No need. You’d have to go out of your way, and you’d get home very late. After a long day like today, you should go home and rest.” 

“Alright then. Be careful,” Miranda said before getting into the car and leaving. 

The rain wasn’t heavy, but the damp wind seeped into Aurelia’s collar, chilling her to the bone. 

She tried to hail a ride, but no one accepted her request. 

And in that moment, standing under the streetlight with rain dripping from her hair, Aurelia realized–in the vast city of Ashmont, there wasn’t a single car that would stop for her.