Chapter 179Â
In that moment, Aurelia’s mind raced with a thousand things she could sayÂ
She could go with the classic “happily ever after” and “growing old together” stuff.Â
Or, if she wanted to be petty, she could wish they’d be chained together for eternity, never getting the chance to mess up anyone else’s life again.Â
But in the end, she said nothing.Â
Whether it was a blessing or a curse, it would just be unfair to the person she used to be, the one who truly cared.Â
So she just kept quiet.Â
After she left, Cassian just quietly ate the cake.Â
After eating about half, he murmured to himself, “Maybe this cake is your blessing after all.”Â
He didn’t have the heart to throw away the rest, so he packed it up and put it in the fridge.Â
Only then did he pull out his phone and make a call.Â
“She should get in touch with you in the next couple of days,” he said.Â
*****Â
That brief run–in with Cassian made Aurelia feel something for a moment.Â
But it faded just as quickly.Â
Once she stepped out of the hotel, the cold air outside blew it all away.Â
Back then, she got through those endless rough days just by holding on to that stubborn hope inside her.Â
Afterwards, using the grit and skills she’d picked up back then, she kept pushing forward.Â
Life’s too long to waste on stuff like this. She’d got bigger things to chase.Â
So that night, Aurelia got in touch with Murel.Â
Early the next morning, she hopped on a flight straight to Murel’s hometown.Â
Murel didn’t expect Aurelia to show up so soon. He was honestly caught off guard.Â
Aurelia’d even brought him breakfast, and when she handed it over, Murel noticed she made sure to pass it to his left side.Â
He looked a bit confused.Â
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Chapter 179Â
Aurelia said, “I remembered you’re left handed”Â
“Ms. Corin, you really do pay attention to the little things” Murel said, genuinely impresand by her sharp eyeÂ
In today’s restless world, that kind of attention to detail was hard to come by.Â
And Aurelia wasn’t just observant. She put in the work and knew her stuff.Â
Murel’d seen it for himself whenever he worked with Aurelia before.Â
Back then, Murel always thought she was way overqualified for just being a secretary.Â
When he heard she’d started taking on projects, he figured she’d make it big soon enough. A promotion was only a matter of time.Â
Who would’ve thought….Â
Guess she just didn’t catch a break.Â
But now, things were finally turning around for her. She’d not only nailed the InquireMind flagship project, but had outmaneuvered Cassian and Honoria Capital to snatch the port renovation deal.Â
Regal Investment, a company barely a year old, shot up as the industry’s dark horse overnight.Â
Her potential was limitless.Â
So when Aurelia brought up the idea of teaming up, Murel was genuinely excited.Â
And it wasn’t some spur–of–the–moment thing. Aurelia’d come fully prepared, with all her research done.Â
That much was clear from her business plan.Â
Aurelia was a master at capitalizing on opportunities and streamlining processes. When it came to structuring a company, she was top–tier.Â
Murel, already interested, was completely won over after reading her business plan.Â
He promised Aurelia that once he sorted out his family stuff and got back to Ashmont, she’d be the first person he’d look for.Â
With things taken care of, Aurelia breathed a sigh of relief.Â
After saying goodbye to Murel, Aurelia called Mia. “Hey, babe, I’ve got half a day free. Mind if I come to see you?”Â
Mia was filming in Northvale, just a short trip away.Â
Mia was over the moon at the idea of Aurelia coming to visit, and swore up and down on the phone that she had a surprise waiting.Â
Aurelia tried to get her to spill, but Mia just kept teasing her, playing mysterious and refusing to say a word.Â
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It was only when Aurelia showed up that she finally got to see what Mia’s big surprise was.Â
The bar was packed, the music so loud it was almost deafeningÂ
People on the dance floor were going all out, moving to the beat like their lives depended on itÂ
Aurelia sat in the booth, rubbing her forehead. “Honestly, chilling at the hotel with a drink and some grilled skewers sounds way better.”Â
Mia, though, didn’t see it that way.Â
She said, “You keep saying you’ve lost your spirit, but that’s because you spent the last seven years living for Cassian. He never really appreciated it, and it ended up hurting you. That’s why you feel so empty inside, and why your drive is gone.Â
“I’m trying to help you get your spirit back, you know? Get it?”Â
Even though they didn’t get to hang out much, Mia always kept tabs on Aurelia’s romantic life.Â
When she found out Aurelia had shot down the advances of several really decent guys, she couldn’t help but worry about her.Â
With that, she waved over a waiter and told him to send over two of the top hosts in the club.Â
She wanted both the bad boy type and the sweet puppy type.Â
Aurelia really wasn’t interested at all. The sweet puppy type kept trying to strike up a conversation, but she just replied now and then, barely giving him the time of day.Â
On the other hand, Mia was having the time of her life, fitting right in like she owned the place.Â
She was dropping smooth lines one after another. Her flirting game was seriously next level.Â
Mia said, “My ex–boyfriend messed me up so badly that I’m honestly too scared to date again.Â
“I haven’t dated in forever, and now I’m totally hooked on you.Â
“I get all nervous talking to you. Are those muscles? Wow, that’s impressive.Â
“Whoa, your hands are huge! And your Adam’s apple moves when you talk. Can I touch it?Â
“I’m a total lightweight when it comes to drinking.Â
“Can you duck your head a bit? The music’s so loud, I can barely hear you.”Â
The bad boy next to her was totally reeled in, a goofy grin stuck on his face.Â
Halfway through, Mia nudged that sweet puppy boy by Aurelia and teased, “Hey, why are you just zoning out? Hurry up and charm her!”Â
“Lady, let’s toast!” The sweet puppy boy grinned, raising his glass to Aurelia.Â
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Aurelia thought. He’s just trying to earn a living, so she played along and clinked glasses with him.Â
But the sweet puppy boy got cheeky. He boldly linked his arm with hers and went straight for a cross–arm drink.Â
Upstairs, Kyler was celebrating a friend’s birthday.Â
The private room was packed with guys and girls, everyone having a blast.Â
One of the girls tried to hit on him, but Kyler shot her down. “Just give it up. He’s got someone in his heart. totally loyal to her,” his friend teased.Â
The girl looked pretty let down. After all, Kyler came from money and had it all going for him. If she could snag him, she’d never have to worry about money again.Â
Kyler thought the private room was way too loud, so he stepped outside to get some air.Â
He leaned against the second–floor railing, gently swirling his drink.Â
The lights shimmered through the amber liquor.Â
Peering through his glass, he caught sight of a familiar figure.Â
Kyler set his glass aside, eyes zeroing in on a booth downstairs.Â
After a moment, a smirk of pure disdain tugged at his lips.Â
‘Aurelia is still as ridiculous and shameless as ever,‘ he thought.Â
He turned away, feeling sick to his stomach at the mere sight of Aurelia.Â
Sure, Mia loved to party and joke around, but she always knew when to stop.Â
When she saw that Aurelia really wasn’t feeling the scene, she waved the two guys away.Â
“I can see it now. You haven’t just lost your spark, you’re starting to get sick of men altogether. And that’s what really worries me!” Mia said, shaking her head.Â
The more Mia thought about it, the more pissed she got. She regretted just splashing Cassian with the drink.Â
‘I should’ve just clocked him with the damn bottle!‘ Mia fumed to herself.Â
Aurelia didn’t see anything wrong with that.Â
How did that saying go again?Â
If one doesn’t love, one breaks free from the whole relationship trap.Â
If one stays detached, one can win the whole game.Â
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Chapter 179Â
Right now, there were only three things that mattered to herÂ
Her cash, her health, and her inner peace. Those were the only things she cared about now.Â
Honestly, she loved the person she’d become.Â
After their night out ended and they stepped outside, Aurelia was about to call a cab.Â
Just then, her phone lit up with a call from Wade.Â
Aurelia assumed it was about business, since that was pretty much all they ever talked about.Â
She picked up without a second thought.Â
“You in Northvale right now?” Wade asked.Â
“Yeah.” Aurelia said.Â
“Where at?” he continued.Â
སÂ
Aurelia picked up on his tone. He was probably in Northvale, too. “Just out having drinks with a friend,” she told him.Â
“When are you wrapping up?” Wade asked.Â
“Just finished up, about to call a cab back to the hotel,” she replied.Â
Aurelia wondered if he needed something. Why else would he be calling her so late?Â
But Wade spoke first. “It’s kinda sketchy to grab a cab this late. I’ve got my car. If you’re okay with it, drop me your location, and I’ll swing by to get you.”Â
Aurelia felt Wade was coming on a little too strong and was ready to say no.Â
But Mia grabbed her hand and shouted into the phone, “We’re at 98 Brightway Road!”Â
“Wait for me. I’ll be there soon,” Wade said, then hung up.Â
Aurelia gave Mia a resigned look.Â
Mia shot her a knowing grin, waggling her eyebrows. “Looks like you’ve got an admirer, huh? Come on, give the guy a chance. Don’t keep everyone at arm’s length.”Â
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