Bones Learn To Listen When Silence Speaks by Ryn Miles 196

Chapter 196 

“No way!” Jasper knew, better than anyone else, just how much Steven cared about EverMass Group. 

If EverMass Group really went bankrupt, Steven probably wouldn’t be able to hold on for long either. 

“I’ll find another way! I swear I will! Just give me one more chance!” Jasper pleaded. 

Steven looked at him with empty eyes. “Is there really any other way left? If you had a solution, we wouldn’t be stuck here now.” 

Jasper felt like he was choking on those words. 

“Back when I told you to reach out to Aurelia about that smart healthcare deal, I knew it was EverMass Group’s last chance. But you missed the wave, and now we’ve lost our final shot,” Steven said, his voice heavy with disappointment. 

“I’m sorry…” Jasper muttered, barely audible. 

“I’ve always told you to get close to Aurelia, but you never listened. She’s got real talent, even Benjamin respects her. Working with her would only help you, never hurt,” Steven sounded exasperated. 

Jasper hung his head so low that it looked like he’d never lift it again. 

He’d tried reaching out to Aurelia back then, but she didn’t even give him the time of day. 

He was annoyed, thinking she was just holding a grudge against him. 

Honestly, he never saw her as someone with real skills. 

Her degree was nothing impressive, and her resume was just as bland. 

After all, for the past seven years, she had only been a general assistant secretary. 

So he stopped chasing after Aurelia and decided to team up with Tessa instead. 

After all, Tessa had an international PhD, a track record at a top–tier global bank, and had even led a record- breaking port acquisition. 

Her resumé looked impressive across the board. 

With her by his side, he was sure he could turn EverMass Group’s losing streak around, prove his worth, and finally earn Steven and the Quinn family’s respect. 

But in the end, all of this happened. 

“I’ve set up a 50 million dollar trust fund for you in Grendel City. If I’m ever gone, try to spend it wisely,” Steven said, his voice weary and aged. 

Steven’s words cut deep into Jasper’s heart like a blunt knife. 

After more than twenty years of life, Jasper felt a pain like his heart was being gouged out. 

***** 

Aurelia had an important meeting that afternoon, so she ended up bringing Mia to the office with her. 

Mia was actually pretty happy about it. Staying home all day was boring, so heading to the office sounded more interesting. 

After all, she was a shareholder in Regal Investment, even if it was just a tiny stake. 

Even the smallest share added up. 

Besides, with Aurelia being a total cash magnet, Mia figured she’d never have to worry about money again. 

way 

Aurelia asked Miranda to grab some snacks for Mia to keep her entertained, then casually asked if she knew how to make any soup that’s good for a sprained ankle. 

Miranda scratched her head. “This is really hard for me. I only know how to make soups that are good for energy, blood, or digestion. Never tried anything for a sprained ankle.” 

“It’s just a little sprain. I’ll be bouncing around by tomorrow. Don’t make things hard for our secretary girl. You just focus on your job and remember your real job is making money to spoil me,” Mia said, sprawled out on the couch, living her best life. 

She happily posted on Instagram, bragging about her bestie. 

[Life’s good when you stick with your bestie. There’s always food and good times.] 

[Stick with your bestie and you’ll be living the good life–nine meals in three days, no joke.] 

[Be a truly loving person to your best friend, and she’ll make sure you’ve got everything you could ever want.] 

Aurelia, worried Mia might get bored, suggested she tag along to the meeting as an observer. 

Mia shook her head. “I’m not cut out for that kind of hustle. Just let me be your adorable little freeloader in peace.” 

“Alright, pretty, go entertain yourself for a bit. If you get sleepy, just nap in the lounge. I’m off to my meeting,” Aurelia said. 

“Alrighty! Make sure you actually work. No slacking off!” Mia called after her. 

Mia found a short play that had been very popular recently and watched it. 

The plot centered on a couple forced into a business marriage. 

The girl was seven years younger than the guy, and her family had set up the whole arrangement. 

She scoffed as soon as it started. 

“Typical short drama nonsense,‘ Mia snorted. ‘A business marriage? No real feelings. Next!‘ 

Outside the Regal Investment building, Jasper lingered for ages, but in the end, he finally forced himself to step inside. 

The receptionist recognized him because he used to show up here all the time. 

Just as she was about to say Aurelia wasn’t in, a teasing voice cut in from the side. “Well, look who it is. The Quinn family’s second prince.” 

Mia was bored out of her skull, so she just went out to kill some time. 

She couldn’t sit still for a second, even with her ankle messed up. She was bouncing around, and that’s when she bumped into Jasper. 

She could spot Jasper from a mile away. Even if he was dust, she’d still recognize him. 

He’d made life hell for her bestie more times than she could count. 

Mia wasn’t good at much, but when it came to holding a grudge, she was the best. 

In Mia’s own words, there’s no room for knowledge in her brain. It was already packed full of grudges. 

“Hold up, did the sun just rise in the west today?” 

Mia actually went over to the window to check, and once she confirmed the sun was right where it should be, she shot Jasper a suspicious look. “Are you sure you didn’t walk into the wrong place? Maybe your eyesight’s worse than I thought.” 

“Well, don’t let the door hit you on the way out.” 

Jasper looked like he’d just bitten into a lemon. 

Back in the day, he would’ve just turned on his heel and left. No way he’d let anyone talk to him like that. 

But now, not only did he have to swallow his pride, he had to humble himself and ask for help. “I’m here to see Aurelia.” 

“Huh? What did you say? I must’ve missed that,” Mia said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. 

Jasper tightened his jaw and spoke louder. “I’m here to see Aurelia.” 

“Yeah, she’s got no time for you. Off you go,” Mia waved him away, barely bothering to look interested. 

Jasper clenched his fists. “I have business to discuss with her.” 

“Doesn’t matter what business, she’s not free for you, okay?” Mia shot back, not even glancing his way. 

“What’s with you?” Jasper grumbled, barely holding back his annoyance. 

Mia shot him a sideways look. “Me? What’s wrong with me?” 

Jasper swallowed his frustration and tried to sound civil. “I need to talk to Aurelia about something important. Can you let her know I’m here?” 

“Oh, it’s that important? Then tell me first. Maybe I’ll decide if it’s worth passing on,” Mia replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm. 

“I only want to talk to someone from the Regal Investment,” Jasper insisted, trying to keep his composure. 

“Well, guess what? I’m a shareholder at Regal Investment too. So go ahead, talk to me. It counts, right?” Mia shot back, her voice thick with sarcasm. 

Jasper knew she was just giving him a hard time. His expression soured, but he still spilled the reason he’d 

come. 

Mia’s eyes lit up with sudden realization. “Are you here hoping someone will show you the ropes, huh?” 

Jasper hated that word. Asking someone to take him under their wing made him feel like he was admitting he needed help, like he was somehow less than everyone else. 

Especially if it meant lowering himself in front of Aurelia, of all people. 

He almost turned to leave, but Steven’s disappointed face flashed in his mind. Gritting his teeth, he finally admitted it to Mia. “Yeah, I guess you could say that. I just hope Aurelia will give me a chance.” 

“Alright, I get it. You can go now. Just wait for a call,” Mia said, waving him off with a lazy flick of her hand. 

Jasper could see it now. Mia was posted up like a gatekeeper. Even if he groveled and begged, there was no way he was getting past her today. 

Guess he’d have to try again another day. 

But before leaving, he still had to swallow his pride and politely ask Mia to make sure she passed his request on to Aurelia. 

All the humiliation he’d ever felt in his life was packed into this moment. 

As soon as he left, the receptionist shot Mia a dramatic thumbs–up. 

Mia bounced back into Aurelia’s office, flopped onto the couch, and shouted, “Cool!” 

This was way more satisfying than binge–watching any short drama. 

When Aurelia got back from her meeting, Mia was already bursting to tell her all about it. “You have no idea how miserable Jasper looked when he left. Honestly, I almost whipped out my phone to snap a pic for you!” 

“Yeah, I can totally imagine,” Aurelia replied, a faint smile tugging at her lips. 

Mia leaned in, curiosity all over her face. “Why didn’t he just hit up Cassian the mutt for help?” 

Aurelia shrugged, her tone dry. “Cassian’s barely managing his own affairs right now. No way he’s got time for Jasper.” 

Mia snapped her fingers in realization. “Oh, right! Totally slipped my mind. You think Tessa can actually make a comeback this time?”