Bones Learn To Listen When Silence Speaks by Ryn Miles 276

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In the private room next door, Karlie shot up from her seat, her face burning with anger. She wanted nothing more than to storm over and tear into those people for their nasty gossip. ‘What a bunch of classless losers! Gossiping behind people’s backs like that. 

But Tessa quickly grabbed her arm, holding her back. “They’re talking about you!” Karlie fumed, unable to hold back her 

anger. 

Tessa’s eyes turned cold. “They didn’t even mention names. If you go over there all hot–headed, you’ll just be making it about yourself.” 

That snapped Karlie out of it. Her face grew even stiffer. “So we’re just gonna let them talk trash like that?” She was boiling with rage. 

Tessa was just as pissed, but she was the rational one. Cassian was about to show up, and the last thing she wanted was to cause a scene that would drag up those old memories she’d buried deep. No way did she want everyone in the room to find out about it. So, she just had to suck it up for now. 

“Why rush? How much longer do you think she can strut around like she owns the place?” Tessa said calmly. 

Karlie paused, then nodded. “Yeah, you’re right!” 

Once HelixTech went public, Tessa would shoot straight to the top. No matter how hard Aurelia tried, she’d never be able to catch up. By then, Tessa would finally win Benjamin’s approval and marry into the Locke family. 

Aurelia wouldn’t even stand a chance. She could only watch helplessly as Tessa soared ahead. And when that day came, Tessa would make sure to settle every single old score with her. 

“What are you guys talking about?” Cassian asked casually as he walked in. 

Tessa flashed a faint smile. “Just chatting about girl stuff.” 

Cassian let it go and didn’t ask any more questions. 

Meanwhile, Karlie took a sip of her wine and said, “Hey, Cassian, do you really think it’s possible to run into someone familiar in the same city randomly?” 

“Pretty low,” Cassian replied. 

Karlie gave him a meaningful look. “Then why do we keep running into Aurelia everywhere? It’s kinda hard not to think something’s up.” 

Karlie was basically spelling it out for Cassian. Aurelia was doing this on purpose. ‘Seriously, Aurelia is just embarrassing herself at this point, she thought 

Karlie knew Cassian was already engaged to Tessa, but she couldn’t keep her feelings in check. She didn’t know when to quit. 

When Karlie brought up Aurelia, Cassian’s face stayed calm and distant. “Let them talk. If you’ve done nothing wrong, ignore it.” 

With those few words, he made it clear that Aurelia had no place in his world anymore. Tessa was more than satisfied with his answer, and a smile finally returned to her face. She could tell that Cassian didn’t even want to waste another second with Aurelia. 

Karlie got the hint and dropped the subject of Aurelia, turning to Tessa. “So, you think Liam will show up today?” 

Tessa shrugged. “Not sure.” 

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Karlie couldn’t help but feel a sense of hope. “Come on, it’s his mom’s restaurant, and it’s the anniversary. He’s gotta be here, right?” 

She’d picked this place on purpose, hoping to run into Liam. But she didn’t know Aurelia would show up either. 

Aurelia had no idea Tessa and the others were eating there. She was only there because Mrs. Porter had invited her to the restaurant’s anniversary celebration. She was there to show up and support the event. 

Not wanting Mila to keep talking about other people, Aurelia quickly cut her off, handing her a glass of latte and smoothly steering the conversation in a new direction. 

“You’ve got a real knack for photography. Maybe you should think about taking a photography class!” Aurelia suggested. 

Mila, forever the kid at heart, was instantly distracted. “Aurelia, you totally get me! I’ve actually been thinking about it, but Tyson thinks it’s just a waste of time and doesn’t support me.” 

She wrapped her arms around Aurelia and leaned over Tyson, who was playing chess. “Tyson, even Aurelia thinks I should take photography classes. What do you say?” 

“Fine, go ahead,” Tyson finally relented. 

Mila gave Tyson a look of utter contempt. “Seriously? You always ignore me regardless of how much I beg, but the moment Aurelia says something, you fold instantly. You’re so easy on her. Just wait, you’ll be totally whipped when you get a girlfriend!” 

Tyson’s face turned bright red. “Just eat your damn food!” 

“Tyson, if you keep being this shy, you’re never gonna get a girlfriend!” Mila teased, 

Mila was honestly worried about her brother. It had been ages, and he still hadn’t made any progress. ‘Seriously, when am I ever gonna get to call her my sister–in–law for real?‘ Mila thought, starting to lose hope. ‘Forget it, guess I’ll have to step in and play Cupid myself!‘ With Tyson dragging his feet, it would take him five years to make a move. 

“Aurelia, my brother might be a bit of a blockhead, but he’s honestly a great guy. Maybe you should consider him!” Mila said, nudging her. 

“Plus, you two already co–own InquireMind. He’s the tech guy, and you run the business. It’s basically a husband–and–wife shop. You’d be unstoppable together!” 

“Mila, Tyson said, getting a bit worked up. “Leave the grown–up stuff to us. You must focus on your schoolwork for now.” 

Aurelia, worried Tyson might start lecturing Mila, quickly stepped in to smooth things over. “Trust me, grown–up relationships are way more complicated than you think,” she said with a gentle smile. 

Mila always did whatever Aurelia said, so she just nodded, “Okay!” 

Aurelia’s booth was crowded, and all the rowdy conversation from her group carried right over to Tessa’s side. That included Mila trying to set Tyson up with Aurelia. 

When Tessa caught Aurelia’s reply, she smirked in disdain and traded a knowing look with Karlie, ‘Aurelia’s obviously just playing hard to get, Tessa thought, rolling her eyes. ‘She’s just teasing Tyson deliberately, keeping him hooked on purpose!” 

What they didn’t know was that Mila had a history of depression and was at her most sensitive as a teen. The therapist had said she had to be treated lightly and sometimes humor her, which was why Aurelia was always so soft–spoken around her. 

But Tessa and Karlie completely got the wrong idea, thinking Aurelia was stringing Tyson along on purpose. 

Jasper was the last one to arrive. He’d gotten held up at the hospital for a bit. When Karlie saw Jasper walk in, her face fell. “Aw, it’s just you?” 

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“Who else did you expect? Liam? He’s not even in Ashmont. He’s out of town at one of the factories,” Jasper said as he sat 

down. 

Karlie’s shoulders slumped. ‘Looks like I’m not gonna see Liam today after all, she thought, feeling a wave of disappointment. 

After taking a couple of sips of water, Jasper turned to Tessa with genuine concern. “So, how’s the IPO for HelixTech coming along?” 

“We’re just waiting for the final approval from the review committee,” Tessa replied. 

Jasper’s eyes widened in surprise. “That’s quick. If it gets the green light, HelixTech will be the quickest company ever to go. public in Ashmont. Looks like I made the right call investing in it!” 

Cassian paused for a moment, then asked Jasper, “Does your dad know you invested in HelixTech?” 

Jasper shook his head. “No way I’d tell him! You know how old–fashioned my dad is. I’m gonna surprise him with it. When he sees what I’ve done, he’ll finally see me in a whole new light.” 

Cassian didn’t say anything else. But Jasper was totally fired up, dead set on going all in with Tessa to make it big. He was determined to prove he wasn’t some loser who couldn’t get his act together. He was determined to show everyone what he was really made of. 

Tessa gave Jasper the rundown on HelixTech, and honestly, the prospects were looking brighter than ever. Jasper’s confidence shot through the roof. But just as they were halfway through their meal, Steven’s call came through. 

Jasper had barely picked up when Steven’s voice roared through the phone, “Get your ass to the hospital, now!” 

“I’m having dinner with my friends,” Jasper replied. 

“I don’t care where you are. Get your ass here, now!” Steven barked, his voice shaking with rage. He was so worked up that he started coughing, gasping for air after yelling. 

Jasper didn’t dare waste a second. He jumped up and rushed straight back to the hospital. 

Steven had barely gotten his temper under control, but the second he laid eyes on Jasper, his rage shot through the roof. “Pull your investment out of HelixTech, right this instant!” 

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