Bones Learn To Listen When Silence Speaks by Ryn Miles 140

Aurelia had no clue they were talking about personal matters over there, she was focused entirely on work. 

Wade told her that the government and the Ashmont Chamber of Commerce were co–organizing an entrepreneurship competition, with major support for the winner. 

Aurelia’s interest was instantly piqued. She couldn’t help but ask Wade for more details. 

Liam wanted to talk to Aurelia, even if it was just about work, but she was caught up talking with Wade the whole time that she hadn’t even noticed he was nearby. 

With no chance to get a word in, Liam had no choice but to give up. 

As Liam turned to find Jasper, Karlie shyly handed him a bottle of Coke. “Liam, I got this for you.” 

“Sorry, I’m not into carbonated drinks,” Liam said, turning her down. 

Karlie quickly said, “Then what do you want to drink? I can get it for you.” 

“I’m not thirsty,” Liam replied. 

“Then I’ll just hang out with you for a bit,” Karlie offered. 

Liam frowned. “Sorry, I’m busy.” 

He didn’t wait for Karlie to say anything else and just walked off. 

If she weren’t Tessa’s cousin, Liam wouldn’t have bothered talking to her at all. 

Jasper was standing by the window, looking more somber than usual. 

Liam asked, “What’s up?” 

“I just realized how tough it’s been for my dad all these years,” Jasper sighed. “These meetings are so boring, and he’s been at it for thirty years straight. If it were me, I’d be done in three.” 

“And running a company is just too much. Every day I look at those reports, and it’s all Greek to me—I can’t make heads or tails of it,” he added. 

Liam couldn’t help much except encourage him. “Just take it slow.” 

“I just realized how impressive Aurelia is,” Jasper said, his gaze drifting over to her. 

He watched as she worked the room like she was born for it–mingling, laughing, making connections left and right. She was totally in her zone. 

“You’re only noticing now?” Liam was watching Aurelia too, admiration shining in his eyes. “She’s definitely a cut above the rest.” 

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He paused for a moment, then added. “Seriously, she’s on a whole other level.” 

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They were so absorbed in watching Aurelia that neither of them even noticed Karlie standing just a few steps 

away. 

She was squeezing her bottle of coffee so tightly that it was about to buckle in her hand. 

‘Why does it always have to be Aurelia?‘ Karlie fumed inwardly, jealousy burning in her chest. 

‘First she took Tessa’s man, and now she’s coming for my crush too?‘ she seethed. 

***** 

As soon as the afternoon meeting ended, Kyler immediately walked toward Tessa. 

He leaned in a little and said, “Want to grab something to eat later?” 

“I’m afraid I can’t, my boyfriend just texted me–he’s coming to pick me up,” Tessa replied with an apologetic smile. 

A flicker of disappointment crossed Kyler’s face, but he kept his cool. “No worries, maybe another time.” 

“Do you two know each other?” Ryan saw them chatting comfortably and couldn’t help but ask out of curiosity. 

Sitting next to Tessa was Ryan Gouling, a real estate developer who had ties with Kyler’s dad. 

Kyler straightened up and explained, “Ms. Rowe is my senior at Whitvale School of Management. She’s got a PhD in finance.” 

Ryan’s eyes widened in surprise. “Wow, that’s seriously impressive! I had no idea Ms. Rowe was so accomplished! Pleasure to meet you!” 

Once everyone heard about Tessa’s credentials, they were all blown away, looking at her with nothing but admiration and awe. 

Of course, that led to a flurry of small talk and people trying to get on her good side. 

Someone said, “No wonder she managed to win over Mr. Locke, they really are a perfect match–both talented and good–looking.” 

Another chimed in, “With talents like Mr. Locke and Ms. Rowe on board, Honoria Capital’s future is limitless!” 

Tessa acted all humble in front of the praise, but at the same time, she was totally basking in the spotlight, soaking up all the attention. 

Feeling pretty pleased with herself, Tessa shot a glance at Aurelia, who was standing off to the side, practically invisible to everyone else. The corners of her lips curled into a smug little smile. 

‘Honestly, what could Aurelia possibly bring to the table against me?‘ Tessa thought, full of herself. 

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Just my achievement alone is enough to leave her in the dust!‘ she gloated inwardly. 

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Aurelia had no idea everyone was hyping up Tessa’s academic background–she was caught up asking Wade how the hotline platform was doing lately. 

Wade praised its efficiency, saying it solved problems they’d struggled with for years. 

“Glad I could help,” Aurelia said with a smile. 

Wade went with the flow and casually invited Aurelia out for dinner. 

“Sorry, I’ve already got plans today,” Aurelia said. 

Wade’s face fell just a bit. “Let’s do it another day then.” 

Just then, Tyson finished up his conversation and walked over to Aurelia, naturally picking up her bag and the half–finished water bottle for her, attentive as always. 

Wade couldn’t help but size Tyson up a bit more. 

Noticing the attention, Tyson glanced back at Wade. 

When their eyes met, something unspoken passed between them. 

Seeing Aurelia about to head out, Liam hurried over. “Want to grab dinner? We could talk about that project while we eat.” 

Normally, the workaholic Aurelia would’ve jumped at the chance. 

Liam had tried this move plenty of times. He knew she’d always say yes if it was about work. 

As long as work was involved, Aurelia never turned anyone down. 

But this time, Aurelia didn’t hesitate to turn him down. “Sorry, I’ve got plans tonight. Maybe another time.” 

Liam couldn’t hide his disappointment, but he just nodded and let it go. “Alright, another time then.” 

After Liam left, Wade’s frown deepened. 

As Aurelia and Tyson were leaving, they encountered Cassian at the entrance–he was there to pick up Tessa. 

Tyson paused for a split second, instinctively glancing over at Aurelia. 

But to his surprise, Aurelia didn’t so much as glance at Cassian. She kept walking, not missing a beat. 

They just brushed past each other, like strangers, like two worlds that had nothing to do with each other. 

Tyson didn’t hesitate. He hurried after Aurelia, falling in step beside her as they left together. 

Soon after, Liam and Tessa’s group made their way outside, too. 

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As soon as Tessa saw Cassian waiting at the door, she hurried over to him, fussing with genuine concern. “Didn’t I tell you not to come? You just recovered a little; you shouldn’t be out here in the wind.” 

“I’m fine,” Cassian said, his voice still rough, coughing a bit as he spoke. 

Liam frowned, “Man, how did you end up like this? You look like you’ve dropped a ton of weight.” 

Thinking back, Cassian’s been under the weather ever since that night at the bar. 

It’s been dragging on for like two weeks now, coming and going. 

‘Seriously, is he really that weak?‘ Liam thought to himself. 

***** 

Aurelia had turned down every single social engagement today, just so she could celebrate Ella’s birthday with 

her. 

So as soon as the meeting was over, she drove straight over to pick up Ella. 

Aurelia had already made a reservation at a restaurant, but Ella was in the mood for hot pot instead. 

Since Aurelia hadn’t had hot pot in ages thanks to her sensitive stomach, she decided to let the birthday girl have her way. 

She ended up choosing a random hot pot spot. 

Once they sat down, Ella went to mix up the dipping sauce for them. 

Aurelia really loved Ella’s dipping sauce–it always had this unique flavor. She could never get it to taste quite right herself, so every time they had hot pot, Ella would make the sauce for her. 

After a bit, Ella came back empty–handed, looking a little weirded out. 

Out of nowhere, she said she didn’t want hot pot anymore. 

“Seriously, Ella? First you want hot pot, now you don’t?” Aurelia teased. 

Ella just shrugged it off. “Birthday girl’s got the final say. My party, my rules. No complaints!” 

“Alright,” Aurelia couldn’t help but give in, doting as ever. “Let’s go grab some healthy soup instead.” 

And just like that, the two of them hurried out of the restaurant. 

In a private room at the hot pot restaurant, the atmosphere was cozy, 

Daniel came back with the dipping sauce. 

Tessa, sitting nearby, grumbled, “Why did you suddenly want hot pot? Cassian still hasn’t fully recovered from 

his cold.” 

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Cassian was about to say it was fine, but Alina jumped in, “Why don’t you and Cassian go find another place to eat? I’ll just have hot pot with your dad.” 

Tessa blinked in surprise. “But today’s your wedding anniversary!” 

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