Bones Learn To Listen When Silence Speaks by Ryn Miles 280

Chapter 280 

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Tessa had always loved these kinds of meetings. They were a great way to network and highlight her success. 

But this time, more than ever before, she just wanted it to be over as soon as possible. 

To make matters worse, the government had set up an awards ceremony for the top ten taxpayers. 

Wade would be personally awarding the sashes to them. 

Tessa noticed that when Wade put the sash on Aurelia, he took his time and didn’t rush at all. 

His smile looked a lot warmer, not the usual formal one. 

Tessa’s gaze grew colder, and she found herself gripping her pen tighter without even realizing it. 

Once the sashes were handed out, everyone in the audience started clapping. 

Tessa really didn’t feel like joining in, but the cameras were trained right on them, so she had to force herself to clap. 

Once the meeting finally wrapped up, Tessa made a quick exit, not bothering to mingle with anyone, which was totally unlike her. 

She’d actually wanted to ask Wade to come to her victory party, but in the end, she just couldn’t get the words out. 

The whole meeting had left her feeling stifled, and she was in a bad mood by the time she got home. 

Alina came home after a ladies‘ gathering in an unusually good mood, which was quite the contrast to Tessa. 

“What’s wrong?” Alina asked in concern, noticing Tessa’s sour expression. 

“It’s that bitch Aurelia again. She just had to make herself the center of attention at the roundtable meeting.” Tessa snapped. 

Alina said, unconcerned, “Why are you so mad about it?” 

“How can I not be mad? She already stole the show at Mrs. Porter’s charity gala, and now she’s hogging the spotlight again at the roundtable meeting. Everyone’s just obsessed with her.” 

Tessa was practically losing it now, her frustration boiling over as she ranted, 

Normally, Alina would have tried to calm her down. 

But this time, she was completely unbothered. She leisurely poured herself a cup of coffee, sipping it with exaggerated elegance, pinky raised. 

Seeing this, Tessa’s rant faltered, and she found herself unable to keep complaining. 

“Why stop now? Go on, keep venting. When you’re done, I’ve got some good news for you,” Alina drawled. 

Tessa’s focus snapped to Alina. “What’s the good news?” 

“I had afternoon tea with Mrs. Gold today, and she shared something interesting,” Alina replied, smiling as she reclined on the sofa, her elegant features radiating a quiet confidence. 

“Didn’t she go abroad with her husband last week? They went to one of the most high–profile auctions in the world. She told me she spotted Cassian at the event,” Alina continued. 

Tessa’s expression faltered. “Why would Cassian be at an auction? He told me he was on a business trip abroad.” 

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“Wait, let me finish,” Alina said with a grin. “Mrs. Gold said Cassian picked up a bunch of items at the auction, worth over 1.5 billion dollars.” 

Tessa was floored by the amount. 

Alina went on, “The point is, Cassian didn’t just go to one. He’s attended several of these auctions.” 

Something clicked for Tessa. 

She and Alina locked eyes, both thinking the same thing at once. 

“Is he buying all this stuff at auctions behind my back because he’s planning to use it as a betrothal gift?” Tessa was still just guessing. 

But Alina was already convinced. “What else could it be? Didn’t he buy loads of things for your engagement, too?” 

Even though Tessa still hadn’t received any of those, they were all meant to be betrothal gifts anyway. 

Both Tessa and Alina just assumed that those things were for Tessa. 

‘So, Cassian is secretly putting together an extravagant proposal ceremony,‘ Tessa thought. 

As soon as Tessa realized this, she was instantly over the moon. 

She finally let herself relax, her whole face lighting up with a smile. 

“Are you cheered up 

Tessa nodded. 

now?” Alina asked. 

How could she not be thrilled with a surprise like that? 

“Are you not mad anymore?” Alina asked. 

“It’s not worth it,” Tessa replied, sounding totally sure of herself. 

Compared to this, Aurelia’s little moment in the spotlight was nothing. 

***** 

About a week before the master program application results were released, Stephen got back from an academic conference out of town. 

Aurelia canceled her overtime shift just so she could pick up the fourth batch of herbal medicine for Stephen from Hector. 

Stephen was so stubborn that he wouldn’t even think about taking the medicine unless she handed it to him herself. 

As she got out of the car, she told the driver she’d be right back and wouldn’t take long. 

Aurelia carried the medicine inside, and the housekeeper opened the door for her. 

Seeing her, the housekeeper greeted her warmly, “Professor Horton went out for a walk. He won’t be back for a while. Why 

don’t 

you come in and wait?” 

“No, I just came to drop this off. Make sure he takes it on time,” Aurelia said, passing the medicine over. 

“Will do,” the housekeeper replied. 

Aurelia didn’t bother going in. She just left right away. 

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The housekeeper headed back inside with the medicine. 

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Kyler was lounging in the living room, sipping his coffee, when he noticed what the housekeeper was carrying. He couldn’t hide the sarcasm in his eyes. 

‘So this is how she tries to get in people’s good graces?‘ Kyler thought. 

Kyler’s opinion of Aurelia just kept sinking lower. 

Not long after, Stephen came back. 

Kyler stood up to greet him, “Professor Horton.” 

“Hmm, how long have you been here?” Stephen asked, hands behind his back. 

“I just got here,” Kyler replied. 

Stephen nodded. “Your dad called me last night, asking me to introduce you to Ms. Corin from Regal Investment. I turned him down. I’ve been swamped lately and just don’t have the time.” 

“It’s fine,” Kyler said. 

It wasn’t like he wanted to meet Aurelia 

He came here for something else today. 

anyway. 

“I ran into Professor Dempsey at Ashmont University last week. He said you’ve already got your eye on someone for this year’s graduate student spot?” Kyler asked. 

“Yeah,” Stephen replied, sounding certain. 

It seemed like he was really satisfied with his choice this year. 

Just then, Stephen’s phone rang. It was Professor Dempsey. Stephen gave him some instructions. 

“Next Monday, have Tessa come to Ashmont University,” Stephen said. 

‘Is he planning to meet his student early?‘ Kyler wondered. 

Kyler couldn’t be happier for Tessa. 

So as soon as he left Stephen’s place, he shot Tessa a message. [I just left Professor Horton’s place. He wants to see you next Monday.] 

He sent a second message. [Congratulations, Tessa.] 

And then he sent a third message. [Once you’re officially Professor Horton’s student, I’ve got something really important to tell you.] 

Tessa couldn’t help but ask when she saw this message: [Why wait until then?] 

Kyler replied: [Because that’s when the timing will be just right.] 

Tessa didn’t push any further. She was too polite for that. 

Instead, she switched topics. 

Tessa texted: [At that official meeting the other day, I forgot all about inviting Wade. Since you two are pretty close, could you ask him to come to my party for me?] 

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Kyler agreed without hesitation. 

He called Wade right away and mentioned Tessa’s party. 

Wade asked. “Is it a formal party?” 

“No, it’s just a small get–together, mostly friends, Kyler replied. 

“That wouldn’t be appropriate for me.” Wade said. 

Kyler knew Wade well enough to know that once he made up his mind, there was no changing it, so Kyler didn’t bother trying to persuade him. 

Cassian came back to Ashmont the night before Tessa’s party. 

Tessa personally went to the airport to pick him up. 

“What brings you out here so late?” Cassian said, looking genuinely surprised to see her. 

“I couldn’t wait to see you. What, are you not glad to see me?” 

Cassian shook his head. “No.” 

As Cassian handed his suitcase to his assistant, his gaze briefly turned icy. 

On the way back, when they drove past an ice cream shop, Tessa asked the driver to pull over. She turned to Cassian. “Cassian, I want ice cream. I don’t know what’s up, but I’ve been really craving cold treats these past couple of days.” 

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