Bones Learn To Listen When Silence Speaks by Ryn Miles 272

Aurelia was always completely honest with Benjamin. So she told him clearly, “No, that relationship is completely over for me.” And Benjamin believed her. 

He then took a stack of photos out of the coffee table’s drawer and set them in front of Aurelia. “These are some promising young men I had someone screen for you. 

“All of them have good character, sound education, and solid family backgrounds. Take a look and see if any of them catch your eye. Pick one.” 

Aurelia really didn’t expect Benjamin to have this up his sleeve. She was caught off guard. ‘Guess all elders are the same, always trying to find someone for the juniors to lean on, she thought. 

“Mr. Locke, I honestly don’t have the energy to date right now,” Aurelia said, feeling a little helpless. 

“That’s why I let you take a look first. If anyone stands out to you, maybe you can give it a try. Just because you’re not interested now doesn’t mean you won’t be later on,” Benjamin said. 

“I’ll think about it after I get through all this,” Aurelia replied. 

Benjamin knew she was busy preparing for her master’s program application, especially since she was applying for Stephen’s program. It was definitely exhausting, and she couldn’t focus on anything else. 

He nodded and said, “Alright, I’ll screen through the candidates for you.” Aurelia nodded in agreement. 

It was getting late, so Benjamin didn’t make her stay long. As she was leaving, he told Aurelia to drive safely. Aurelia had just left when Cassian showed up at the Locke family residence. 

Without thinking, Benjamin knew it must be Abigail’s doing. Just as Cassian walked in, Abigail came out of the kitchen. bringing a bowl of soup. “Cassian, have some chicken soup.” 

Cassian took the soup and sat on the couch across from Benjamin, his eyes landing on the photos spread out on the table. Benjamin ignored him and laid the photos out one by one. 

Cassian crossed his legs, sipping his soup and looking at the photos on the table. Just as Benjamin finished laying them out, Cassian started commenting, “This one’s way too effeminate; might have some issues, you know that. 

“This one isn’t her type. At a glance, this one clearly shows signs of domestic abuse. And this one? He’s the gayest of the gays. Don’t set her up for disaster.” 

Benjamin shot him a cold look, then pulled out the final photo and slapped it down on the table. “This one? We know everything about him. He’s close with Aurelia; they get along pretty well, and honestly, his background is spotless.” 

Cassian was at a loss for words. He put down his spoon and called out to Abigail, “Abigail, I’m done. I can’t drink anymore.” 

His appetite was gone. ‘Wait, why the hell is Gideon’s photo here?‘ Cassian wondered. 

Benjamin couldn’t be bothered to respond and just headed straight to his room. Abigail took the bowl from Cassian and let out a long sigh. She looked disappointed and wanted to say something, but then held back. 

Cassian was speechless. He could tell that he really wasn’t welcome here. “Rest early, Abigail. I’m heading out.” He got up and said goodbye. 

When Cassian stepped out, it started dizzling, wrapping the world in a thin, chilly mist. Cassian slid into the back seat, and just as the driver started the engine, he spoke up, “Not going back.” 

The driver got the message instantly and switched routes, pulling away from the Locke family residence. 

10:48 Thu, Jan 1 

Chapter 272 

EZ 50 vouchers 

Two weeks before her master’s program application, Tessa completely cut off social interactions and devoted herself entirely to studying. 

Jasper asked her out twice, but she turned him down both times because she was too busy. He couldn’t help but vent his frustration in the group chat. 

[Tessa, come on, give us slackers a break! You’re gorgeous, a total genius, and you work harder than anyone else. You already have a PhD in finance, and now you’re going for another master’s program? You’re raising the bar way too high!] 

[Seriously, compared to you, I feel like I’m just wasting oxygen!] 

Tessa dropped a cute smiley sticker in the chat and said, [Because I want to be someone Cassian is proud of.] 

Jasper was made to look inferior and felt even more frustrated. Lately, he had no idea what was going on. Everyone was just crazy busy. 

‘Cassian and Tessa are understandable, since they need time for their couple bubble, but what’s up with Gideon and Liam? he thought to himself. He failed to ask them out, too. 

“It’s good to be busy,” he muttered to himself. 

He went out to eat alone, picked an upscale restaurant, and had just sat down when he caught sight of Aurelia walking in. He reflexively ducked under the table, afraid that Aurelia would notice him. 

After confirming Aurelia had left, he straightened up and gazed out through the floor–to–ceiling windows. Aurelia was helping Stephen into his car, fussing over every little detail like she always did. 

Jasper always knew that Aurelia was skilled at social interactions, but he never expected her to handle Stephen well. 

Stephen was notoriously eccentric; no matter how rich or powerful one was, he wouldn’t give them the chance to curry favor. ‘Aurelia, however, really is impressive, Jasper thought. 

Right after that, Jasper saw Gideon’s car come to a steady stop in front of Aurelia. His brow twitched. Gideon hopped out, went straight over to Stephen’s car, and leaned over to say a few words to him. 

After that, Gideon and Aurelia stood side by side, watching as Stephen’s car disappeared down the road. 

Jasper overturned the conclusion he had just drawn. ‘Aurelia can handle that eccentric old man clearly because of Gideon,” he thought. 

As Gideon’s cousin, Jasper knew Gideon was Stephen’s protégé. Since Gideon was totally into Aurelia, of course, he would be more than willing to help her out. 

‘Isn’t this just totally unfair to Tessa?‘ Jasper thought, feeling indignant. ‘She studies so hard, only to lose to someone like Aurelia who takes shortcuts… 

Jasper’s expression turned serious, and he immediately grabbed his phone to text Tessa. 

[Tessa, I just saw Aurelia treating Stephen to a meal. I guess Gideon had set it up. Aurelia is really good at playing the game and has a lot of tricks up her sleeve. Who knows if she managed to dig up any inside information from Professor Horton?] 

[Perhaps you want to get Cassian to think of a way, see if he can get in touch with Professor Horton so you can impress him 

as well.] 

Tessa was probably busy studying and didn’t reply right away. By the time she replied, Jasper had already finished his meal. 

Tessa replied: [No need. I’ll prove myself with my own abilities.] 

10:48 Thu, Jan 1 

Chapter 272 

753 vouchers 

Just a few simple sentences made Jasper feel a deep respect for her. “Tessa truly isn’t an ordinary woman. Her abilities are her confidence. She doesn’t need to rely on the underhanded tricks Aurelia used,‘ Jasper thought to himself. 

Jasper really despised Aurelia for taking such shortcuts. And the fact that he still had to work under her made it even more 

unbearable. 

‘Dad’s getting old, and his judgment of people is unreliable. He actually entrusted the company to Aurelia to run, Jasper thought to himself. 

He steeled himself and shot Tessa another message. 

[Tessa, I’ve made up my mind. I want to invest in HelixTech.] 

Tessa replied almost instantly this time: [You should’ve figured it out long ago.] 

After that, Jasper sent her a bunch of messages thanking her. After chatting with Jasper, Tessa was in a pretty good mood. 

Jonathan also video–called her at that moment. She immediately answered and affectionately said, “Professor William, why are you only calling me now? I’ve been waiting for you for so long!” 

“So impatient, huh, babe?” Jonathan squinted, his eyes a little cloudy, his gaze lingering on Tessa like sticky cobwebs, roaming over her with obvious hunger. 

Tessa slowly trailed her long fingers down from her chin, teasing him with every movement. Jonathan’s eyes darkened with desire, his breathing becoming faster. “Babe, tilt the camera down a little…” 

Just as Tessa was about to make her move, someone knocked on her door out of nowhere. 

田 

AD