Bones Learn To Listen When Silence Speaks by Ryn Miles 85

Chapter 85 

20 unuchers. 

‘See? Even if Aurelia tries her hardest to prove herself, Cassian still won’t spare her a second glance, Tessa thought, feeling a wave of satisfaction wash over her. All the bitterness she’d carried from being outshone by Aurelia at the summit vanished in 

an instant. 

Tessa still believed Aurelia had only won because she’d gotten lucky. So when they got back, Tessa didn’t let it get her down. If anything, it made her even more determined to prove herself. 

She was determined to make everyone see that Cassian made the right call choosing her. She’d underestimated Aurelia before, and that was how she let Aurelia walk away with the InquireMind project. 

So Tessa revisited all the projects she’d previously dismissed, picking out a few that actually looked promising. One of them was the game project from Alpite Group. That was exactly why she was there today. 

Tessa honestly didn’t expect to see Aurelia here at all. ‘Is she after the project too?‘ Tessa wondered. ‘Well, things just got a whole lot more interesting. 

‘Does she really think she can compete with me for the Alpite Group project? She should know her place, Tessa scoffed inwardly. “This time, I’ll beat her fair and square, and everyone’s going to see it.’ 

Tessa switched things up last minute and set dinner at Seafire. That was the exact spot Aurelia had chosen for her treat. 

Cassian didn’t think much of it, just asked, “Why the sudden craving for Western cuisine?” 

“Just felt like it. What, you don’t want to go with me?” Tessa shot back playfully. 

“When have I ever said no to you?” Cassian replied. 

Cassian was focused on driving, but he never missed a beat in their conversation. Tessa couldn’t help but smile, her mood soaring. 

She gave Darren from Pione Investment a quick call to let him know about the change in dinner plans. Ever since they got back from Vireston, Tessa had been pushing hard to get the AeroMind partnership moving. 

Even though AeroMind lost to InquireMind at the summit, with Honoria Capital backing them, there was no need to worry about their prospects. As long as the resources were in place, it wasn’t impossible for them to surpass InquireMind. 

Every year, countless projects get started, but only a few actually make it all the way to true success. In the end, the ones who laugh last are the real winners. 

“Ms. Rowe, I’m really sorry, but something urgent just came up, so I probably can’t make it tonight. How about I treat you to dinner another day and make it up to you in person?” Darren said, sounding apologetic. 

Tessa frowned. “Talk about bad timing.” 

“Yeah, one of our projects ran into trouble, so I have to deal with it. Sorry about that,” Darren replied. 

With Darren saying that, Tessa had no choice but to let it go for now and reschedule. After hanging up, she shot Gideon a message, asking him out for dinner. 

She wasn’t just being friendly; she had a reason for it. She wanted in on that big Gold Gauntlet project. 

Gideon replied almost instantly. [Sorry, got something on. Next time, yeah?] 

This was already the third time he’d turned her down. Tessa stared at those words for a long moment. Finally, Tessa put her phone away with a cool expression and said to Cassian, “Looks like it’s just you and me tonight.” 

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Chapter 85 

“What’s up?” Cassian asked. 

“Mr. Keith and Gideon both have things to deal with, so they won’t be joining us,” Tessa replied. 

“Isn’t that perfect?” Cassian said. 

20 Vouch 

Tessa’s earlier frustration melted away, thanks to his words. “Yeah, it really is!” Tessa said, feeling her mood lifted instantly. ‘Guess it’s just the two of us, perfect for a date, Tessa thought, a little thrill running through her. 

Aurelia arrived at Seafire ahead of everyone, booked a spacious private room, and then went to the entrance to wait for Tyson and the others. It wasn’t long before Tyson and the rest showed up. 

Mila was the first to hop out of the car. Her face lit up with excitement as she dashed over and hugged Aurelia tightly. “Aurelia! I missed you so much!” 

Mila’s affection was pure and overflowing. Aurelia patted her head, asked concernedly, “Is school stressing you out?” 

“Not too bad,” Mila grinned. 

“If you ever run into trouble or feel down, you can always talk to me, alright?” Aurelia said, giving her a reassuring smile. 

Mila had dealt with mental health issues before, so Aurelia was always extra worried about her. 

“You got it, my secret–keeper!” Mila laughed, her eyes sparkling. 

Aurelia was just about to call her team in for dinner when another car pulled up right in front of her. The person inside couldn’t wait to roll down the window and call out, “Ms. Corin, wait up!” 

Aurelia turned around and saw it was Darren from Pione Investment. Darren hurried out of the car, practically jogging to catch up with Aurelia. “Ms. Corin, what a coincidence! You’re here for Western cuisine, too? Since we bumped into each other, why don’t we eat together?” 

“Sorry, Mr. Keith, we’re actually having a company dinner… Aurelia replied, trying to let him down gently. 

Darren didn’t mind at all. “No worries, you guys enjoy your dinner, I’ll stay out of your way. If you’ve got a sec, Ms. Corin, maybe we could chat for a bit?” 

He was clearly here to talk business. Aurelia wasn’t surprised; her phone had been blowing up with calls these past few days. Still, she hadn’t expected Darren to show up at the restaurant in person. 

Anyone who came to her was a guest, and since she had to keep working in that circle, making enemies wasn’t an option. Aurelia agreed. 

Darren was delighted. “I’ll go book a private room! I’ll text you, Ms. Corin, just swing by whenever you’re free, I’ll be waiting!” 

He’d already walked a couple of steps, but still turned back to call out, “Ms. Corin, I’ll be waiting! Don’t stand me up!” 

‘Guess I can’t escape this, Aurelia thought, feeling a bit helpless. 

“Ms. Corin, I want Western cuisine!” Mila called out, deliberately imitating Darren’s tone. 

Aurelia pretended to be mad, faking a scowl. 

Mila quickly darted behind Tyson, giggling, “Oh no, Ms. Corin’s mad!” Everyone was laughing and joking, the whole group buzzing with energy. 

Tessa and Cassian’s private room was just next door. The walls between the private rooms weren’t exactly soundproof, so all 

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Chapter 85 

the laughter and chatter from Aurelia’s group spilled right over. 

Vouchers 

Miranda was busy running interference for Aurelia, taking the drinks for her. Her voice was unmistakable. She’d trained in A cappella, after all. 

“From now on, I’ll drink for Ms. Corin!” Miranda announced with a dramatic flourish. “I’m taking notes from the boss!” 

“Learn what from me?” Aurelia asked, laughing. 

“Of course, your skills! You’re officially Honoria Capital’s chief secretary, but you do the work of an investment director. The annual meeting’s coming up, and I bet no one knows who’s getting the outstanding employee award this year. Once those numbers drop, nearly half the KPIs are all thanks to Aurelia. I can’t wait to see who’s shameless enough to walk and 

up accept that trophy!” Miranda teased, her voice full of admiration. 

In the next room, Tessa’s expression turned stiff the moment she overheard that. After all, Cassian had mentioned the outstanding employee award at the management meeting that morning. 

Everyone instantly read Cassian’s mind and unanimously put Tessa’s name forward. Cassian signed off on it without a second thought. 

Back then, Tessa was riding high, convinced Cassian really had his eye on her. She thought he was trying to cement her place at the company. But now, she was totally embarrassed and didn’t know where to put herself. 

Cassian was cool as ever, probably worried she’d get stressed out. He comforted her, “Don’t worry about what other people think.” 

“Yeah,” Tessa mumbled, barely managing a reply. Tessa felt a little better; at least Cassian was on her side. 

After the lively chatter died down, someone knocked on the door of the next private room. Tessa instantly recognized that voice. 

“Ms. Corin, I’ve already ordered the food! Once you’re done over there, just come on over; I’ll be waiting!” Darren called out, his tone a bit anxious. He seemed genuinely worried Aurelia might bail on him, so he rushed over to make sure she wouldn’t forget. 

“Alright, I’ll be over in a bit,” Aurelia replied. 

“Alright, you guys take your time. I’ll leave you to it,” Darren excused himself and left politely. 

However, barely two minutes after things had quieted down, someone knocked on the door of the room next door again. “Looks like my timing’s perfect,” Gideon said as he walked in.