Bones Learn To Listen When Silence Speaks by Ryn Miles 14

Chapter 14 

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“Speaking of which, you’d better keep a close eye on Ms. Corin,” Liam reminded Cassian. “She’s a rare talent, and plenty of people are trying to poach her. Sean’s been eyeing her for a while now,” 

Cassian’s tone was calm and cold. “She won’t go anywhere else.” 

Liam chuckled, realizing his concern was probably unnecessary. 

After all, everyone had seen how Aurelia treated Cassian all these years. 

For seven years, she had built her entire life around Cassian and barely had a personal life of her own. She wasn’t the kind to walk away easily. 

Privately, people often joked that Aurelia was Cassian’s most loyal lapdog–clingy, devoted, and impossible to get rid of. That was why Cassian sounded so sure she wouldn’t leave. 

“By the way, Gideon’s back in Ashmont,” Liam said. “Want to meet up tonight?” 

Cassian paused mid–signature and asked, “What time?” 

“Eight o’clock. Same place as always,” said Liam. 

“Got it,” Cassian said. 

***** 

The “same place as always” was the West Legacy Club. 

Aurelia happened to be there too–but not for Cassian. Michael had asked her to meet him there. 

Sean from Synerda Group was entertaining an important client at the club, and since their meeting would be quick, Michael suggested they meet at the same spot to save time. 

When Aurelia and Michael arrived, Sean’s guest was still there, so he invited them in. 

The moment Aurelia stepped inside, she recognized the client–it was Jessica Lane, a powerhouse 

businesswoman she’d met once at a venture capital summit. 

Jessica’s eyes lit up when she saw Aurelia. “Ms. Corin? What a surprise! It’s been a while.” 

“Nice to see you, Ms. Lane,” Aurelia said politely. 

Sean glanced between them, curious. “You two know each other, huh?” 

Jessica smiled. “We met at last year’s venture capital summit in Sundale, Ms. Corin actually helped me out a lot that day. I never got the chance to thank her properly.” 

“Don’t mention it, Ms. Lane. It was nothing,” Aurelia replied with a gentle smile. 

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It really had been a small favor. Right before Jessica was supposed to go on stage to accept an award, she had suddenly gotten her period and was in terrible pain. 

Wearing an evening gown, she couldn’t reach her phone or call her assistant for help. Panic was setting in as she was about to go on stage. 

Just then, Aurelia happened to walk into the restroom. She always carried painkillers and pads, and she quietly handed Jessica what she needed, saving her from an embarrassing moment. 

That summit had been a career–defining event for Jessica, so she never forgot it. 

“No, really, you saved me that day,” Jessica said warmly, pulling Aurelia down to sit beside her. 

Sean couldn’t have been happier to see it. Jessica was well–connected, and if she liked Aurelia, that could work in his favor. 

As the conversation went on, Jessica quickly realized Sean was trying to recruit Aurelia. 

“Are you planning on switching jobs?” Jessica asked. 

Aurelia nodded slightly. “I’m considering a change.” 

“Then why not come to Sundale?” Jessica said immediately, “Join my company. I’d love to have you on board.” 

Aurelia knew how big Jessica’s company was–it was a tempting offer. But Sundale was too far away, and she had no plans to move. So she politely declined. 

Jessica looked a little disappointed but smiled. “Synerda Group’s also a solid choice. Mr. Parker has a great eye for talent.” 

Their chat flowed easily, and Jessica stayed longer than she’d planned. 

She only got up to leave when someone came looking for her—a young man, maybe just out of college, and clearly the clingy type. 

The moment he walked in, he went straight to Jessica and kissed her–boldly, right in front of everyone. 

Jessica playfully pushed him away after a few seconds, laughing. 

The affection softened her features. “This is my boyfriend,” she said. “Young men are full of passion–it’s hard to keep up sometimes. Sorry if we made you uncomfortable.” 

Sean and Michael exchanged a quick look. It wasn’t judgment, exactly–just surprise. The age gap between Jessica and her boyfriend had to be at least twenty years. 

Her boyfriend kept urging her to leave, so Jessica said her goodbyes. 

Out of courtesy, Aurelia walked her to the door. 

Jessica linked arms with Aurelia on the way out, chatting casually, and her boyfriend got into the car first to wait. 

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“You’re probably wondering why I’m dating someone so young, right?” Jessica asked with a teasing smile. 

Aurelia hesitated, then nodded slightly. “A little, yeah.” 

Jessica laughed. “Well, men are simple creatures. Let me give you some advice, from one woman to another. 

“If a man has money, use it. If he has connections, use them. If he has a strong body, enjoy it. But don’t waste time on that true love‘ nonsense. It’s meaningless.” 

She blew a kiss toward her boyfriend, then added with a wry smile, “Of course, I used to chase after true love. But look at me now. 

“You’ll learn–every relationship in this world comes down to one rule: the moment you stop wanting it, all your problems disappear.” 

***** 

When Aurelia returned to the private room, she cut through the courtyard garden and froze. 

Someone was sitting on a bench in the middle of the courtyard, smoking. The faint glow of the cigarette lit up his face, his arm resting loosely on the bench’s armrest as smoke curled lazily around him. 

It was Gideon. 

For a second, Aurelia just stood there, caught off guard by the sudden familiarity, 

Then, as if sensing her gaze, Gideon looked up, 

A slow, teasing smile curved his lips as his eyes met hers. He mouthed her name silently. 

Aurelia’s heart skipped. She quickly averted her eyes and tried to walk away, 

But Gideon wasn’t about to let her. He stubbed out his cigarette, stood up, and caught up to her in a few 

strides. 

“You see me and don’t even say hi, huh?” he drawled. “Did Professor Horton never teach you manners?” 

Aurelia forced a small smile. “He doesn’t acknowledge me as his student anymore.” 

“Oh? So now you’re just going to pretend you didn’t see me, huh?” Gideon teased. 

“I just didn’t know what to say,” Aurelia admitted quietly. 

Gideon reached out and tapped her lightly on the head. “Still as ungrateful as Professor Horton said you 

were.” 

At that moment, Cassian and Tessa arrived at the West Legacy Club–and the first thing they saw was Gideon standing close to Aurelia. 

“Why is Gideon with Ms. Corin? Do they know each other?” Tessa asked, surprised. 

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Cassian didn’t answer. His gaze darkened as he watched them from across the courtyard. 

Tessa walked over with a bright smile. “Gideon! When did you get here?” 

“Just a minute ago,” Gideon said lazily, slipping back into his usual easy tone. 

While Tessa chatted with him, Aurelia quietly used the chance to slip away. 

Gideon noticed–and the corner of his mouth lifted in a faint, knowing smirk. 

Tessa blinked in surprise. “Do you two know each other?” 

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