Bones Learn To Listen When Silence Speaks by Ryn Miles 86

Chapter 86 

When Tessa heard Gideon’s voice, her gaze dimmed completely. 

Her fingers clutched the cup so hard that her nails turned pale. 

She never imagined that both Darren and Gideon would reject her just because of Aurelia. 

She could understand Darren’s refusal. 

But Gideon’s refusal was something she simply couldn’t wrap her head around. 

‘Does he really not care about everything we’ve been through together? Tessa thought, a pang of resentment in her chest. 

Seeing this, Cassian gently took the wine glass from her hand. “Let’s go say hello.” 

Tessa stood there, momentarily dazed. 

“I’ll go with you,” he said simply. 

Those words made his intentions clear to her, as if saying, ‘I’ve got your back, 

***** 

Gideon showed up out of nowhere. 

He said he’d just wrapped up a business meeting nearby, scrolled through Instagram and saw they were hanging out here, so he thought he’d swing by. 

Obviously, that was just his cover story. 

He’d only come up with that excuse because he wanted to see her. 

“What a coincidence,” Aurelia said, not suspecting anything, and she even told the waiter to bring another place setting. 

Miranda was about to shift her seat to make room for Gideon. 

But Mila, quick as ever, jumped up. “You can take my spot. I’m pretty much done eating, and I wouldn’t understand a thing about your business talk anyway. I’ll go snap some photos.” 

Mila had been sitting next to Tyson, with a seat between her and Aurelia. 

Meanwhile, Miranda was sitting right beside Aurelia. 

She absolutely didn’t want to give her brother’s love rival any chance to take advantage of the situation. 

It hadn’t even been a minute since Gideon sat down when someone knocked on the private room door again. 

Aurelia thought it was probably Darren, and she couldn’t help but feel a headache coming on. 

But to her surprise, it was Cassian who walked in. 

And, as always, Tessa was right there by his side. 

The smile faded from Aurelia’s face, and she instantly put up her guard, her whole demeanor turning cold and distant. 

She clearly wasn’t happy to see these two crash the party. 

14:17 Mon, Dec 22 

Chapter 86 

20 vouchers 

But Cassian just ignored her frosty attitude and turned to Gideon. “Gideon, I have something to discuss with you. 

Gideon raised an eyebrow. “What’s so important it can’t wait?” 

“It’s about the Entrepreneurs Summit, Cassian replied. 

That was definitely a big deal. 

Gideon turned to Aurelia. I’ve got to head out. Let’s grab a meal another day.” 

“It’s fine, you go ahead and handle your things,” Aurelia replied. 

After all those years as Cassian’s chief secretary, Aurelia knew just how big a deal the Entrepreneurs Summit was. 

Especially for Gideon, who needed to attend the summit to solidify Gold Gauntlet’s standing. 

But she just couldn’t figure out why Cassian had to pull Gideon away right in the middle of her dinner gathering. 

Before Gideon could even leave the private room, Darren came over to see Aurelia. 

As a result, he bumped right into Cassian and Tessa. 

Darren was used to big scenes, so he didn’t even flinch when he bumped into them. 

He just flashed a big smile and greeted them, “Hey, Mr. Locke, Ms. Rowe, what a coincidence! You guys eating here too?” 

Tessa, still annoyed about being ditched by him, barely nodded in response. 

Darren didn’t mind at all. He just kept his usual enthusiasm. “Since we ran into each other, why don’t we all go together?” 

“I’m here to talk to Mr. Marrick about the Entrepreneurs Summit. If you’re free, Mr. Keith, you’re welcome to join us,” Cassian said. Instead of turning him down, Cassian actually extended the invitation. 

“Sure!” Darren agreed without a second thought. 

After all, Cassian was the boss of Honoria Capital, the rising star in Ashmont’s finance world. Getting an invite from him was basically a golden ticket. 

Even though Darren was dying to talk to Aurelia, he knew priorities came first. 

Priorities had to be considered, and one had to weigh the pros and cons. 

In the end, Aurelia could never measure up to Cassian. 

Darren had to make a call. 

Seeing Darren decide without hesitation, Tessa’s lips curled into a faint, satisfied smile. 

Her eyes flicked past Aurelia to Tyson, seated beside her. 

After a brief pause, Tessa spoke up. “Mr. Morris, do you want to come along?” 

Cassian was the one who called everyone out for dinner, but Tessa just took it upon herself to invite Tyson. 

She didn’t even ask Cassian for his opinion. 

Clearly, the two of them were so close, boundaries didn’t even exist between them. 

Those harsh rules that Cassian had set only applied to everyone but Tessa. 

Mon, Dec 22 

Chapter 86 

He never tried to rein Tessa in, never set any boundaries for her. 

Tyson’s brows knitted at the sudden invitation. 

Even Tyson, who was usually oblivious to social cues, could tell Tessa was purposely snubbing Aurelia. 

Miranda clenched his fists in anger. 

Who the hell steals someone’s partner right out openly like this?‘ Miranda thought, seething. 

youichers 

Under the table, Aurelia quietly held Miranda back, staying cool and collected. She calmly picked up a bite of her food and ate it slowly. 

She looked totally indifferent, like she couldn’t care less about any 

of it. 

Tessa figured Aurelia was just faking it, pretending not to care. 

She had Honoria Capital, Cassian, and the whole Locke Group behind her. 

This offer was the kind that countless people could only dream of. 

She took the initiative to make the offer, confident that Tyson wouldn’t be able to resist. 

That was the kind of backing Cassian gave her. 

She wanted to put Aurelia in her place, to make her realize she wasn’t even qualified to compete, whether it was for career or for Cassian. 

But the truth was, things didn’t go as she expected. 

She’d barely finished asking. 

Tyson responded almost immediately, “Ms. Rowe, I appreciate it, but I only handle the tech side. All the business matters are managed by my lifetime partner, Ms. Corin. I work behind the scenes; she handles everything out front. If you want to talk business, you should reach out to her.” 

Tessa froze for a second. ‘Lifetime partner?‘ 

So Tyson and Aurelia are already this closely tied? And it’s only been such a short time?‘ Tessa thought, a flicker of surprise crossing her face. 

‘Looks like Aurelia really knows how to play the game. Who knows what kind of underhanded tactics she used to make Tyson trust her so much. Suspicion flashing in her eyes. 

Tessa finally looked Aurelia straight in the eye. 

But Aurelia didn’t even spare her a glance. 

She didn’t even bother to look her way. 

Aurelia just focused on her food, treating it like some five–star delicacy. 

Tessa’s expression soured. 

“Do you want to join us, Ms. Corin?” 

This time, it was Cassian who spoke up. 

Honestly, Aurelia was pretty surprised. 

14:17 Mon, Dec 22 

Chapter 86 

If it weren’t for all those tangled memories with Cassian, she would’ve said yes in a heartbeat. 

Yet they did have a past, one that spanned seven years and consumed her whole youth. 

Now, all she wanted was to leave it all behind and cut ties with Cassian, once and for all. 

So Aurelia didn’t hesitate for a second and shot Cassian down. “No, thanks.” 

Just two words, but it was as if she was flat–out telling him to get lost. 

Blunt and decisive. 

Cassian didn’t bat an eye at her response, just headed out with Darren 

Tessa quickly caught up and promptly linked her arm with Cassian’s. 

Cassian didn’t pull away. He just let her cling to his arm. 

Tyson watched, his brows furrowed tight. 

66 

120 Veichers 

Why would Cassian treat Aurelia like that? She’s such a great person!’ Tyson thought, confused and a little angry. 

‘Maybe he’s just not good enough for her! 

“You…” Tyson looked at Aurelia, his eyes full of concern and pain. 

Aurelia didn’t bat an eye, acting like it was just another ordinary meal. She said, “Don’t just sit there, eat up. Don’t let those irrelevant folks mess with your mood for food.” 

She had a healthy appetite, so it didn’t bother her one bit. 

Even with Cassian crashing her dinner and trying to poach her people, Aurelia didn’t even care. 

While Aurelia’s private room went quiet, the other room was lively as ever. 

The waiter handed over the menu, and as Tessa started picking dishes, she glanced at Cassian. “Cassian, anything you feel like eating?” 

Cassian just smiled. “I’ll eat whatever you order.” 

Darren overheard and laughed. “You two sure have a great relationship!”