Bones Learn To Listen When Silence Speaks by Ryn Miles 313

Chapter 313 

She often said that good women weren’t available to just anyone. When one appeared, the chance had to be seized, or it was lost forever. That was exactly why Mandy was so anxious. 

Worried her hints hadn’t landed, Mandy decided to lay it all out for Aurelia. “Aurelia, you’ve been single for a while now. If you’re interested, maybe give Liam a chance? 

“I really like you. I’ve always dreamed of having a daughter as amazing as you, so I really hope we could be family someday. Just think about it, okay?” 

Truth be told, Aurelia didn’t have any romantic feelings for Liam. So she politely declined, “Sorry, Mrs. Porter, I don’t see Liam that way.” 

Mandy said, “No need to turn him down so fast. You can always keep him in the running; having options is totally normal for women. Just pick whoever suits you best. 

“Yeah, Liam used to be a bit of a flirt, so I get why you might not have the best impression of him. But he’s never two–timed anyone; he always makes a clean break before moving on. 

“And seriously, if you agree, leave the rest to me! I swear he wouldn’t dare treat you wrong. The moment you two get married, I’ll put all my assets in your name, so he wouldn’t even dream of messing things up!” 

Seeing Mandy getting ahead of herself, Aurelia had to step in. “Sorry, Mrs. Porter, I’m still at a team dinner. Can we catch up later?” 

“Of course, of course!” Mandy replied, clearly delighted. 

Since Aurelia hadn’t given her a definite no, Mandy figured there was still hope. After hanging up, Aurelia finally let out a sigh of relief. 

Mandy’s enthusiasm was always a bit much for her to handle. Just as she finished dealing with Mandy, her phone buzzed with a WhatsApp message from Liam. 

He asked when she was heading back to Ashmont, saying he wanted to talk about further collaboration. That was the only excuse Liam could come up with. 

Because if he brought up anything else, Aurelia would never reply. But as soon as work was mentioned, she’d always respond. 

Aurelia frowned, stared at her phone for a few seconds, then finally replied: [I’ll be back in Ashmont in a week. Let’s meet up then.] 

Liam replied instantly, [I’m free anytime!] 

With the conversation over, Aurelia put her phone away and headed back into the restaurant. She had just walked away when Karlie emerged from the bathroom. 

Karlie had a sour look on her face. She’d overheard the whole conversation between Aurelia and Mandy. She never expected Mandy to be so fond of Aurelia, let alone trying so hard to play Cupid for her and Liam. 

The truth was, Karlie had a thing for Liam, too. But the problem was that Liam never even looked her way. 

So all she could do was stew in her own helpless anger, fuming at the unfairness of it all. ‘What makes Aurelia so popular anyway?‘ Karlie grumbled to herself, jealousy simmering inside. 

Just as Aurelia walked back into the restaurant, the fireworks show kicked off. She had no idea Darren had set up the whole fireworks show just for her, and she didn’t even know it. 

13:21 Wed, Jan 28 J. 

Chapter 313 

It wasn’t until the fireworks started that Darren finally called her. “Congratulations, Ms. Corin, Darren said. 

“Thank you.” Aurelia replied politely. 

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“Honestly, I wasn’t sure what gift to get you, so I went with a fireworks show over Victoria Harbor. You should have the perfect view from your restaurant,” Darren said, a hint of playfulness in his voice. 

“Ms. Corin, tonight Victoria Harbor is lighting up just for you,” Darren added softly. 

As Darren’s words faded, fireworks burst into bloom outside, painting the night sky just for her. It was a spectacular riot of color. 

Watching the stunning display, Aurelia sincerely thanked Darren. The fireworks were so beautiful that everyone in the restaurant got up and crowded around the floor–to–ceiling windows to snap photos. 

Everyone except Tessa’s table. They were the only ones in the whole place who didn’t bother to get up. 

Even so, the dazzling fireworks outside still bathed them in their glow. Alina yanked the curtains shut, trying to block it all 

out. 

But she couldn’t shut out the waves of oohs and aahs from the restaurant; even the staff were crowding around to watch the fireworks. 

The excited chatter just wouldn’t stop. “This is the biggest fireworks show in years! Who’s got that kind of budget?” someone exclaimed. 

Alina, her face clouded, turned to Tessa and asked, “Which Mr. Keith are they talking about?” 

Tessa hesitated, clearly reluctant to answer. 

Finally, Cassian stepped in to clear things up. “That’s Darren Keith, from the prestigious Keith family that’s been a powerhouse in Grendel City for generations.” 

Alina’s jaw dropped, disbelief written all over her face. ‘Wait, the Keith family? No way!‘ Alina’s mind spun. ‘Just how scary are Aurelia’s connections? This is unreal!‘ 

Karlie, distracted, found herself wondering, ‘Could Mr. Keith really be into Aurelia too? Otherwise, why would he set off fireworks just to celebrate her?‘ 

Aurelia had no idea what anyone else was thinking, and honestly, she wasn’t bothered at all. The fireworks really were gorgeous, so she snapped a few photos and posted them on Instagram. 

As soon as she hit send, likes and comments started rolling in. Aurelia didn’t bother replying; she just glanced at them. 

Most of the likes and comments were from people she knew, except for one, which came from a stranger’s account. 

The username was [ChillPhase.] All he wrote was, “Congrats.” 

Aurelia paused, then realized this account had liked her posts before. She opened up the profile to check it out. There was still nothing there; no posts, no info, just blank. 

But Aurelia honestly couldn’t remember when she’d ever connected with this account. She was just about to delete the account when Miranda called her over for a group photo. 

Aurelia put her phone away and went over to join in, smiling for the group shot. 

On one side, it was all cheers and laughter; everyone was living it up, riding high on their success. On the other hand, it was nothing but gloom and doom, with everyone just sulking in the shadows. 

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“I’m tired.” Tessa said, not wanting to stay and watch Aurelia bask in the spotlight any longer. It was suffocating just being 

here. 

Alina couldn’t stand sticking around either. “Let’s just head back to the hotel and get some rest. Aren’t we flying back to Ashmont tomorrow?” 

Cassian asked, “Wasn’t our flight supposed to be the day after tomorrow?” 

“I changed it. Never mind, let’s just leave early,” Alina replied, sounding resigned. 

That “never mind” carried a lot of weight. Everyone knew exactly what she meant. 

Cassian thought it over and said, “I suggest we change to an evening or late–night flight.” 

Karlie looked puzzled. “Why?” 

“To avoid the media,” Cassian replied. 

He paused, then added, “And to steer clear of the investors. They’re pretty fired up right now, and it could easily turn into a mess. Let’s keep our heads down for now; once everyone’s calmed down, we can sit down and figure out a solution.” 

Tessa’s glare was frosty, her eyes cold as ice. She never imagined she’d end up like this. 

Now she had to head home in the middle of the night, like she couldn’t even show her face. Brett bitterly wondered what difference there was between a street rat scurrying in the dark. 

But she knew Cassian was right; it was a harsh truth, but one she had no choice but to accept. It was a bitter pill she just had to swallow. So, swallowing her pride, she could only force herself to nod. 

The group left the hotel ahead of schedule.Right before heading out, Tessa finally dared to look over at Aurelia. It was the first time all night she’d actually looked at her. 

Even with everyone crowding around her, Aurelia still stood out, shining brighter than anyone else. That glow was so intense, it stung Tessa’s eyes. 

Once they were out of the restaurant, Cassian hailed a cab and helped everyone get in. Then, leaning down to the window. he said, “I’ve got something to take care of. You guys head back to the hotel first.” 

Tessa bit her lip and shot Cassian a look, her heart skipping like she’d just touched a live wire. He stayed cool as ever, his eyes deep and impossible to read. 

Truth was, she wished Cassian would stay with her. She needed him more than ever. But Tessa couldn’t bring herself to say anything. Her hand tightened on her lap, and all she could do was give a tiny nod in response. 

Karlie, curiosity getting the better of her, blurted out, “Do you think Cassian’s going to see Aurelia?”