Bones Learn To Listen When Silence Speaks by Ryn Miles 263

Chapter 263 

Tessa was quite surprised. “Heading back to Northvale so soon?” she asked. 

“Yeah, something cropped up at home,” Kyler replied. 

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Tessa couldn’t tell if it was true. Although she was disappointed, she said, “No worries. When I’m in Northvale for the roadshow, I’ll treat you to a meal.” 

This time, Kyler didn’t respond; neither accepted nor declined. Tessa didn’t dwell on it because she knew just how infatuated Kyler was with her. 

Although the roadshow had hit a snag and HelixTech had taken a hit, the celebration party had already been arranged. Tessa was utterly overwhelmed but could only grit her teeth and invite everyone, calling them one by one. 

In the past, all these people were polite to her for Cassian’s sake. But after the incident, their attitudes completely flipped. Some claimed they were “busy” and couldn’t make it, and some didn’t answer her calls at all. 

And some were even worse. They took the opportunity to demand that she buy back their shares. As a result, Tessa merely made a few calls before losing her patience. 

‘What a bunch of opportunistic snakes!‘ she thought. ‘Like they had forgotten they were the ones begging to work with me back then.‘ 

When Cassian came to pick her up, Tessa’s expression was unsightly. It was Alina who nudged her, reminding her to watch her expression and not get emotional in front of Cassian. 

‘No guy likes an emotional woman,‘ Alina thought to herself. ‘Especially in a wealthy family like Cassian’s. What a wealthy family really wants is a lady of the house who never loses her cool, no matter what happens.’ 

So Tessa could only hide her feelings, force a smile, and head out with Cassian to Cloud Nine Hotel. Before they left, Tessa had already mentally prepared herself, thinking the celebration might be a flop. 

But she never expected it to turn out so quiet. Looking around, there were only a handful of people in the hall, and all of them were her own people. Not a single partner or investor showed up. 

Even someone as skilled as Tessa at putting on a show, her composure slipped this time. She never expected Cassian’s influence not to be working this time. 

And to make things worse, she had ostentatiously set up ten tables. In the end, only three were occupied. It was rather pathetic. 

She felt like every hotel staff member was looking at her with sympathy Cassian tried to comfort her, “This is just how it goes. Business is all about profit. Don’t feel so bad.” 

At that moment, Tessa felt thankful that Cassian was around. At least he was still with her, like he always was. She remembered what Alina had whispered to her, “As long as Cassian’s with you, you’ll always have a shot at bouncing back.” 

Tessa finally regained her confidence. Just then, Jasper called, saying he would be running a bit late. Tessa’s expression finally eased a little. 

‘See? At least someone’s coming,‘ she thought. 

Jasper hung up and was about to slip out while Steven was distracted. But just as he got to the door, Steven came back. Seeing Jasper acting sneaky, he gave him a hard stare. “Are you deaf, or just pretending not to hear me?” 

Jasper felt helpless. “Dad, Tessa’s my friend. I should be there to show support. You didn’t allow me to attend the roadshow earlier. Now, you don’t allow me to attend the celebration party. How am I supposed to face people after this?” 

Chapter 263 

Jan 

“Fine, be a lapdog then,” Steven said, his tone full of irritation. 

Jasper was speechless. Why is Dad so thick–headed? It’s like talking to a brick wall; he thought. 

I’ve already promised Cassian. Didn’t you encourage me to spend more time with him previously? Why the sudden flip Jasper was so anxious that he stamped his feet on the spot. 

Previously, Tessa wasn’t hanging around Cassian,” Steven retorted. 

Jasper stared at him, speechless. ‘Dad’s getting old, and it’s like he doesn’t reason out anymore, Jasper thought. 

“It’s fine that you don’t let me invest in Tessa’s project. But you can’t control who I’m friends with!” Jasper protested. 

Steven just ignored him. Just then, someone knocked and came in. “Mr. Quinn, the congratulatory flower basket you ordered is here.” 

It was a congratulatory flower basket. Steven pointed at Jasper and said, “Give it to him.” 

Jasper, gloomy a second ago, instantly lit up at the sight of the basket. “Dad, you’re playing this game at your age? You told me not to go, but behind my back you ordered a congratulatory basket!” 

Jasper grabbed the basket, grinning from ear to ear. His smile was radiant, but in the next second, his grin froze when he saw that the card in the basket was addressed to Aurelia. The basket turned out to be given to Aurelia. 

“I just called Ms. Corin. Now’s the perfect time for you to go over; don’t forget to convey my congratulations,” Steven said. 

“Dad…” Jasper muttered in frustration. 

“And you’re not leaving before the party’s over, not a second earlier. If you leave earlier, don’t bother calling me Dad anymore!” Steven snapped. 

Jasper was speechless. With his father’s order, he had no choice but to head to InquireMind’s celebration party. 

When Jasper arrived, he saw all sorts of congratulatory flower baskets lined up at the entrance. Some were even from HelixTech investors. 

Stepping in, Jasper found there was quite a crowd. There were also plenty of familiar faces. After all, it’s a small world in this business. 

Jasper steeled himself and went over to greet Aurelia. Aurelia was rather indifferent toward him, but since he was a guest, she kept it professional, made some small talk, and got him a seat. 

The restaurant manager came over to Aurelia and said the five additional tables were all set up. They just needed to slide open the large central partition in the middle, and the place would become a big hall. 

After making sure everything was in order, Aurelia gave the go–ahead for the restaurant’s plan. Jasper couldn’t help but sigh to himself, ‘Aurelia’s really made it big this time! 

Just a year ago, Aurelia was just Cassian’s secretary, always by his side. All she ever did was those little chores, basically acting like a nanny. And the only reason she managed to stick around Cassian was by using some shady moves. 

Jasper thus held Aurelia in contempt, dismissed her, and looked down on her. To him, she was no different from those women scrambling to marry into inoney, 

With the environment he grew up in, Jasper had been surrounded by such women since he was a kid. They would scheme tirelessly, using every dirty trick to climb to the top. 

That was why he never treated Aurelia nicely and always said harsh things about her. Back then, Aurelia never bothered to argue with him, but always kept that icy, aloof vibe, as if nothing could affect her. 

Chapter 263 

But Jasper thought she was merely putting on airs. After all, for a woman who’s been proactively climbing into a guy’s bed. how lofty‘ can she be?‘ he thought.