Bones Learn To Listen When Silence Speaks by Ryn Miles 158

Posted by ADMINMMADMIN, ? Views, Released on December 24, 2025

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So, the reason Cassian paid such a high price for the painting was to help Tessa win over Benjamin.

No wonder Cassian was so willing to spend that much.

“You don’t have to hold such a grudge against the painting. It’s expensive. Throwing it out would be such a waste,” Aurelia said, feeling sorry for the artwork.

“Then you handle it. List it on a resale app and sell it for a dollar. I just don’t want it to be an eyesore around here,” Benjamin replied.

Benjamin couldn’t stand the painting. If Aurelia hadn’t come over, it probably would’ve ended up in the trash by tomorrow.

“That’s way too cheap for it,” Aurelia said.

“Cheap? I was about to throw it out anyway. Even getting a buck for it is better than nothing,” Benjamin replied.

Sometimes, Aurelia just couldn’t get how the rich think.

She could see Benjamin dumping the painting without a second thought.

Aurelia thought of the middle ground. “Mr. Locke, how about this? I’ll get a professional appraiser to evaluate the painting, and whatever it’s worth, I’ll send you the money.”

“If you like the painting, just take it,” Benjamin replied without a second thought.

Aurelia had expected that answer. “I can’t just accept it. I’ll only buy it. If you give it to me, I won’t take it. And with my plan, you’re still losing out. It’s basically the same as giving it to me.”

Benjamin knew exactly how Aurelia was.

If he tried to give it to her, she’d definitely refuse.

So he relented. “Alright, let’s do it your way.”

After sharing some coffee to help Benjamin relax, Aurelia stood up to head out.

Besides the medicine, Abigail packed Aurelia a bunch of snacks and homemade food.

There were fresh fruits and her signature shrimp cheeseburgers, quick bites for busy days. Abigail told Aurelia to make sure she eats real food instead of instant food all the time.

Aurelia couldn’t help but feel a little awkward. Every time she came over, she always left with a full stomach and a bag of goodies.

Abigail was delighted. “Aurelia, come by whenever you can. When you’re here, Mr. Locke eats better and his mood lifts. He’s always happier with you around.”

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Chapter 158

“Sure,” Aurelia agreed right away.

Abigail walked her to the door, reminding her to drive safely.

A

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“Abigail, you don’t have to see me out,” Aurelia said, trying to stop Abigail. But as she opened the door to leave, she froze in shock at the sight of someone standing right outside.

‘Wait, what? Why is Cassian here? Did I just run into a ghost or something?‘ Aurelia thought, stunned.

Benjamin was just as surprised to see Cassian.

“Cassian? What brings you here?” Abigail asked, clearly delighted to see him.

Cassian’s expression had already shifted from surprise back to his usual cool demeanor. “I came to pick up my medicine.”

“Oh, I haven’t prepared it yet,” Abigail said, sounding a bit flustered.

“Just give it to me. I’ll have someone else do it,” Cassian said.

But Abigail didn’t have it. “Let me do it for you. The last batch I made should be enough for you until tomorrow, so just come by and pick it up then.”

“Alright,” Cassian murmured.

Aurelia caught every word of their conversation and found herself wondering what was going on.

‘Was Cassian sick?‘ Aurelia thought.

But she didn’t ask. She was just about to leave.

But Cassian called out, “Aurelia, wait a second. I need to talk to you about something.”

Aurelia really didn’t want anything to do with him and was ready to politely refuse.

Cassian’s face grew stern. “It’s important.”

If Cassian said it was important, it would be serious.

Aurelia waited just outside the door.

Cassian went in, had a quick word with Benjamin, and came back out in under a minute.

He was in and out in a flash.

“What’s up?” Aurelia asked.

“Let’s talk outside,” Cassian said, making sure Benjamin couldn’t overhear.

Aurelia walked out with him. As soon as they stepped outside, Cassian started talking before she could say anything.

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Chapter 158

“I’m about to get engaged,” Cassian said.

Aurelia was like, “What?”

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For a second there, she seriously wanted to just throw everything she was carrying right at his face.

‘Seriously? This is his big, important news? Is he nuts?‘ Aurelia thought, totally thrown.

Before Aurelia could blow up, Cassian jumped in again. “My dad doesn’t approve of this engagement, and he won’t come to the ceremony. I can’t force him. His health isn’t great. Abigail told me he’s barely eating and feeling really down lately, so I was hoping…”

“You want me to convince Mr. Locke to show up at your engagement party?” Aurelia asked, her tone pure disbelief.

Aurelia looked at him like he was totally crazy.

Cassian hesitated, then said, “No, I just hope you can spend more time with him. Right now, the only people he listens to are you and Abigail.”

“You don’t need to remind me,” Aurelia replied.

She’d already promised Abigail she’d do just that.

“And…” Cassian lifted his gaze, his eyes clouded over. “My dad might do something rash. On the day of my engagement… Could you stay with him?”

“Your fiancée sent me an invite,” Aurelia pointed out.

“Just ignore it,” Cassian said.

Yeah, Tessa was so excited about the engagement party. She definitely didn’t want people she disliked there.

She only sent Aurelia the invite to show off, acting like she’d already won and just wanted to rub it in Aurelia’s face.

It was not like Aurelia ever planned to go.

It was a waste of time. Aurelia’d rather be out there making money.

Cassian sure was looking out for Tessa.

“Anything else? Just get it over with,” Aurelia said, glancing at her watch as if she couldn’t stand another second

with him.

Cassian lowered his eyes, his voice unreadable. “Please… I’m really counting on you to look after my dad.”

Aurelia couldn’t help but frown at that.

Aurelia thought, exasperated, ‘Seriously, is he treating his dad like some kind of pet he’s dropping off at a boarding kennel?

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Chapter 158

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‘He’s just getting engaged, not heading to his own funeral.

‘I just don’t get it. Not at all.‘

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“Seriously? You’re trying to pawn off your family duty now? Your dad’s your job, not mine. No matter what I do, I’ll never be you,” Aurelia said, honestly feeling like she was just throwing her time away on this guy. Again.

“Total waste of time,‘ Aurelia thought, rolling her eyes.

“And if your dad’s so against it, why are you dead set on defying him and getting engaged right now?” Aurelia shot back, her tone sharp.

Aurelia thought, ‘Can’t wait to marry Tessa, huh?

‘Whatever. There’s just no talking sense into someone whose brain’s been scrambled by romance.‘

“Suit yourself. Whatever floats your boat,” Aurelia said, couldn’t be bothered to waste another word on him. She turned and walked off without looking back.

This time, Cassian didn’t call out to her. He just stood there quietly, watching her walk away.

He watched her silhouette fade into the distance, his chest tight with emotions he couldn’t name, his gaze heavy and shadowed.

As soon as Aurelia walked through the door, Abigail texted her, just to make sure she got home safe and sound.

She told Aurelia to put the fruit in the fridge and the cheeseburgers in the freezer.

Aurelia did exactly as Abigail said.

As Aurelia was drinking medicine, something popped into her mind, so she replied to Abigail. [Abigail, is Cassian sick, too? Why’s he taking herbal medicine?]

Abigail: [Oh, he caught a cold a while back, and it drained his energy. He had this lingering cough that wouldn’t go away, and the regular doctors couldn’t do much, so we switched to herbal medicines to help him recover.]