Bones Learn To Listen When Silence Speaks by Ryn Miles 274

Chapter 274 

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“Trying to act tough like that? No one else would go that far,” Karlie said, her voice ringing out. It was loud enough for everyone to hear. Even Cassian caught it. 

But he looked totally unfazed, like he didn’t give a damn about Aurelia. His attention stayed locked on Tessa. 

While everyone else was talking about Aurelia, Cassian leaned over to Tessa and asked, “Are you nervous?” 

Before Tessa could answer, Karlie cut in, “Please, Tessa’s got a PhD in finance. A master’s program is a piece of cake for her. There’s no way she’d be nervous.” 

Tessa was way more humble about it. “Don’t say that. Getting into Professor Horton’s grad program is seriously tough!” 

Karlie pouted, sounding super proud. “Tessa, you’re way too modest. You’ve been top of the class since you were a kid, always number one. You’re just that good. Not everyone gets an offer from Whitvale School of Management, you know?” 

Even Jasper jumped in, “Tessa, quit being so humble. Give the rest of us slackers a chance!” 

It was always the same. The more talented someone was, the more down–to–earth they were. That was exactly why Jasper admired Tessa so much. She had that quiet confidence that came from real ability, but never felt the need to show off. 

And then there was Aurelia. Jasper shot another look her way, his face impossible to read. ‘Hope she doesn’t start whining when she hits rock bottom,‘ he thought. 

“Alright, guys, this is as far as you go. It’s almost time, so I’m heading in. Do your own thing. Cassian, you’ve got a mountain of work at the office, right? Seriously, please don’t wait around for me. I’ll come find you after the exam,” Tessa said, checking her watch and giving Cassian a look. 

“It’s fine. We’re waiting for you,” Cassian said, his tone firm. 

Karlie chimed in with a dramatic sigh, “Come on, Tessa. Cassian would never leave you hanging. You’re always his number one!” 

Tessa laughed, “You never stop talking, Karlie,” but inside, she was pretty happy 

Right before she went in, she wrapped Cassian in a quick hug. Tessa was honestly reluctant to let go, wishing she could stay in Cassian’s arms a little longer. 

At the front gate, Aurelia had just made it through security and spun around to wave at Gideon. She gave Gideon a quick wave and couldn’t help but notice the couple just a few meters away, wrapped up in a tight hug. 

It was almost impossible not to see Cassian and Tessa, so close and holding each other as if nobody else existed. But she had zero intention of getting caught up in their moment. 

Just as Aurelia was about to look away, her gaze collided with Cassian’s. He was already watching her. She didn’t even pause, just spun around and headed right inside. Aurelia didn’t care what kind of look Cassian was giving her. She didn’t even glance his way. 

Since Aurelia and Tessa were both pursuing the same program, they were assigned to the same exam room. The exam was split into two main categories. One was the general subjects everyone had to take, while the other was a custom section with questions personally written by Stephen. 

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The morning exam primarily focused on Stephen’s customs section. It was a tough exam, and everyone had their heads down, writing like madmen. 

Even with three hours on the clock, most people were racing against time. So, when someone turned in their paper a whole forty minutes early, it was a shock. 

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That kind of move usually means one of two things either they totally blanked and gave up, or they’re a straight–up genius who crushed the test like it was nothing 

Tessa glanced up. Of course, it was Aurelia. No surprise there. Clearly, Aurelia was one of those who just threw in the towel Tessa morted, then buried herself back in the test. 

As soon as Aurelia stepped out, she ran right into Stephen, who was making his inspection rounds. Kyler was right there with 

him. 

On pure reflex, Aurelia spun around, ready to make a break for it. But Stephen spotted her. He called out, “Stop right there!” 

Realizing she couldn’t escape, Aurelia turned back with an awkward smile. “Professor Horton.” 

Stephen shot her a cold look and glanced at his watch. “Forty minutes early? What, you hit a wall and decided to bail? 

Aurelia scratched her head, feeling awkward. She wasn’t used to being back in student mode. “I went over my answers three times. 

Stephen snorted. “Oh, so I’m supposed to be impressed?” 

Aurelia wasn’t about to argue with that. She just kept quiet. She only said that because, back in the day, she’d check her answers once and hand in her paper. She would always hand in her exam early, every single time. 

After Stephen caught her doing that a few times, he set strict rules: she had to review her answers three times, and she couldn’t turn in her paper more than forty minutes early. 

Aurelia was literally toeing the line. If she didn’t have another exam this afternoon, Stephen would’ve totally chewed her out 

However, he let her slide this time, but ordered, “Don’t hand in your paper early this afternoon!” 

“Alright, I understand, Aurelia said. 

With his hands behind his back, Stephen strode off to continue his inspection. 

As Kyler followed Stephen, he had to walk right past Aurelia. He gave her a sideways look, a cold, sarcastic smirk playing at the corner of his mouth. When it came to credentials and know–how, Tessa completely outclassed Aurelia. 

Back at Whitvale School of Management, Kyler had checked out some of Tessa’s papers. They were so good that his professors used them as case studies for extra analysis. He believed there was no way Aurelia got out of this without wiping 

out. 

Aurelia was still on campus when she spotted Gideon waiting for her. He’d come in and never left. He’d even guessed she’d finish early and was already waiting outside the exam room. 

I made a reservation. Let’s go eat!” Gideon invited. 

“Okay, Aurelia agreed right away. They walked out together, laughing and chatting. 

As they passed the small playground outside the exam room, they ran into Cassian and his entourage. They were probably there to pick up Tessa. 

They rolled in with quite the entourage, making an impressive show. But neither Aurelia nor Gideon paid them any attention. Gideon just walked right past without even a greeting. 

Karlie gave Aurelia a dirty look as she passed by. But Aurelia didn’t even look her way. Karlie could’ve glared till her eyeballs popped out, and nobody would give a damn. 

Jasper remembered some juicy gossip he’d just heard and decided to spill. “I just bumped into a buddy who enrolled at Ashmont University. He’s two years ahead of Aurelia and told me something pretty wild. You guys wanna hear it?” 

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Karlie perked up instantly. “Is it about Aurelia? Come on, spill it!” 

“Apparently, Aurelia once ranked dead last in her entire grade!” Jasper said. 

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“Dead last?” Karlie gasped, totally floored. “Where does she get the confidence to even go for Professor Horton’s grad program?” 

Jasper let out a soft, half–mocking laugh. Just then, Tessa came out of the exam room. Spotting the group, she walked straight over. 

“What are you guys laughing about? You all look so happy,” Tessa asked, curious. 

Karlie couldn’t wait to share the shocking gossip she’d just heard with Tessa. “Jasper’s friend said Aurelia used to rank dead last in her grade back in college!” Karlie blurted out, eyes wide with excitement. 

Hearing this, Tessa paused for a second. But Karlie cracked up. “Dead last, for real!” 

Tessa grinned. “Dead last? Then how’d she even land a spot at Honoria Capital?” 

Back then, Honoria Capital was just a small startup, but Cassian was super picky about who he brought on board. Everyone who fought alongside him was the best of the best in the business. 

“Come on, she totally used some underhanded moves to get in!” Jasper declared, sounding like he knew exactly what went down. 

Jasper was the go–to guy for this kind of gossip. He was right there when it all happened. He was the first one in the loop. 

Karlie, who had no clue about the real story, jumped in, “What kind of underhanded moves? Give us the details!” 

If it was dirt on Aurelia, Karlie wanted every juicy bit. She would have loved nothing more than throwing shades at Aurelia. 

AD