Bones Learn To Listen When Silence Speaks by Ryn Miles 164

Chapter 164 

The staff member looked apologetic. “Sorry for the inconvenience.” 

Then he added, “The conference is about to start. Please cooperate, Ms. Rowe.” 

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Even though Tessa was reluctant, she had no choice but to get up and go along with the staff’s arrangements. 

As soon as she stood up, a staff member immediately came over to attach a new name tag to the seat. 

Tessa paused and glanced back before leaving. 

She happened to catch the staff member slapping a new name tag right over the one that said “Tessa Rowe.” 

Tessa caught a clear glimpse of the name on the new tag. 

It was Aurelia Corin. 

Tessa stopped in her tracks, stunned. 

‘How could it be Aurelia? Why Aurelia?‘ Tessa’s mind was reeling. 

She instinctively wanted to turn around and ask the staff again, just to make sure. 

But the staff member guiding her called out, “Ms. Rowe, this way, please! We’re short on time, so we need your cooperation. Thanks a lot.” 

So, with obvious reluctance, Tessa was led by the staff to a seat in the back. 

Her seat was so far from the main table, it was almost shoved to the sidelines. 

Tessa’s expression soured as she glanced unwillingly toward the main table. 

Just then, Darren and his crew showed up. Aurelia was right by his side, chatting animatedly with him. 

Not only that, but Tessa recognized several of the people around Aurelia. 

A few of them were top dogs in the gaming world, plus some big–name investors. 

The worst part for Tessa was that, just like that, Aurelia ended up seated right next to Cassian. 

Aurelia didn’t even know she’d be placed beside Cassian until she arrived at the venue, 

She couldn’t help but frown, just a little. 

Cassian noticed her, too. 

He stayed perfectly calm. His eyes landed on her for only a couple of seconds before he looked away like she was nothing, then nodded at Darren. 

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Aurelia quickly averted her gase, too. Once Darren and the others had taken their seats, she quietly took her place where the organizers had put her 

From that moment on, their eyes never met again. 

The air between them was so cold. It was like they were even more distant than strangers. 

No one would ever believe they’d once been inseparable for seven whole years. 

After Darren sat down, he chatted with Cassian across Aurelia. “You know, I only got to meet Ms. Corin thanks to you, Mr. Locke,” 

“Mr. Keith, you’re too kind” Cassian replied, his eyes unreadable, acting as if Aurelia were just another guest. 

Aurelia thought, Probably he was afraid Tossa would get jealous if he even acknowledged me. 

He is going out of his way to keep his distance, like he wants to carve that separation into his bones. 

If he really cared that much, he’d be glued to Tessa’s side all the time. 

If he really loved her, they’d be joined at the hip. 

Having him stick around just makes my skin crawl 

Darren didn’t notice the invisible wall between them at all. He just kept chatting with Aurelia, picking up right where they left off 

He even asked her what she thought about the cutthroat competition and toxic rivalries in the gaming industry, 

Aurelia actually had some strong opinions on the matter, 

“Our country’s gaming industry is massive. There’s space for all kinds of games, so it’s not a zero–sum game. Everyone gets a shot to carve out their own path. We should push for healthy competition, because that’s what really helps the industry grow,” Aurelia said. 

As she spoke, Darren leaned in, totally focused on her. 

He’d nod along whenever something resonated with him. 

It was clear that Aurelia’s words were exactly what Darren wanted to hear. 

“You hear that, Harrison? Open your mind a little,” Darren teased the guy next to him. 

Harrison Kitchie, the guy Darren called out, nervously wiped the sweat from his forehead. “Ms. Corin, your words are a real wake–up call” 

That was when Aurelia remembered, just recently, two top gaming companies were summoned by the authorities for their masty rivalry 

Turned out, Harrison was the boss of one of those companies. 

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Darren was totally putting Harrison on the spot through her. 

Aurelia felt a bit awkward. 

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Harrison was quick to hand Aurelia his contact information. “If you ever run into any questions about game projects, just reach out. I’ll do my best to help you out.” 

“Looks like I might be asking for your help down the line, Mr. Ritchie,” Aurelia said with a smile. 

“It’s no trouble at all,” Harrison said, waving it off modestly. 

Meanwhile, Tessa sat way out on the edge, glaring at Aurelia so hard she could’ve set her on fire with her stare. 

Watching Aurelia laughing and chatting with everyone, especially getting all that friendly attention from Darren, just made Tessa’s stomach twist with jealousy. 

The only thing that gave her a tiny bit of comfort was that Cassian completely ignored Aurelia the whole time. 

He didn’t even give her a single look. 

‘Thank God Cassian’s still got my back,‘ Tessa told herself, clinging to that thought for reassurance. 

As soon as the conference ended, Tessa jumped up and headed straight for Darren, her sights set on making sure he noticed her. 

“Mr. Keith, hello! I’m Tessa Rowe. We had dinner together before. Do you remember me?” she said, putting on her most gracious act. 

Tessa spoke to Darren in what she believed was her most elegant, self–assured manner. 

Darren nodded, though the annoyance in his eyes was hard to miss. 

Still, his good upbringing kept it hidden, and he replied politely, “I remember you. You’re Mr. Locke’s…” 

He paused, whether on purpose or just drawing a blank, it was hard to tell. 

“Fiancée,” Tessa jumped in, making sure to clarify. 

“Yeah, fiancée,” Darren said, having almost called her Cassian’s girlfriend but second–guessing himself. 

That engagement invitation she’d been holding onto finally got its moment. 

“Cassian and I are getting engaged. If you’re free, Mr. Keith, we’d love to have you at our engagement party,” Tessa said, her tone full of pride, 

“Sure thing,” Darren said, nodding to his secretary to take the invitation. 

Then he turned to Aurelia. “Ms. Corin, maybe we can continue our conversation later, if you’re free.” 

“Of course,” Aurelia replied, not missing a beat. 

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Tessa hadn’t even gotten a chance to pitch her new game project to Darren before he’d already moved on. 

She couldn’t help but feel a little let down. 

But she couldn’t exactly force him to listen. 

Cassian seemed to know exactly why she was disappointed and tried to comfort her. “Mr. Keith’s pretty busy. Next time, I’ll introduce you guys properly.” 

“Alright,” Tessa murmured. 

His words made Tessa feel a little better. 

But watching Darren get all chummy with Aurelia made her feel sour inside. 

Tessa couldn’t help but wonder, ‘Seriously, what could Aurelia even talk about with Darren? 

With what little she knows, what could she possibly bring to the table? 

‘All she ever does is suck up to people. 

‘Let’s be real. Everyone loves a little flattery, no matter how tough they act. 

‘Who would’ve guessed Darren actually enjoys hearing sweet talk? 

‘Or maybe all that attention Darren gives Aurelia has nothing to do with her skills at all. 

‘Beauty really is a woman’s best weapon. 

‘Even someone like Darren isn’t immune to it.‘ 

By the time Liam finally made it, the conference was already halfway through. That big meeting in the morning threw off his schedule. 

The moment Liam stepped into the venue, he couldn’t help but look around for Aurelia. 

As soon as he spotted her, he headed straight for her, with no hesitation. 

Liam didn’t even spare a glance at Tessa or Cassian, who were actually closer by. 

Tessa was the first to spot him, her eyes wide as she waved. “Liam!” 

Liam headed her way, grinning from ear to ear. 

Tessa was just about to ask him why he was here. 

But before she could even get the word out, Liam swaggered right past her, his smile stretching even wider as 

he went. 

Liam didn’t even spare Tessa a glance, his eyes zeroing in on Aurelia as he called out with a bright grin, “Aurelia, there you are! Finally tracked you down.” 

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Tessa’s smile froze instantly when she heard Liam call out Aurelia’s name. Her heart sank, and for a split second, she felt like she’d been completely overlooked. 

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