Bones Learn To Listen When Silence Speaks by Ryn Miles 297

Chapter 297 

Edric was no fool. When Tessa came in, he didn’t say a word about what had just happened. Instead, he started talking about the crisis Ascend Group was dealing with. 

“If we go straight for bankruptcy, Ascend Group’s losses will be massive. The shareholders are furious. But I do have an idea that might soften the blow,” he said. 

Tessa was even more anxious than Cassian. “What is it?” 

Bankruptcy would hit her way too hard. 

It would confirm all the nasty rumors about her, ruin things between her and Cassian, and even drag HelixTech down with her. 

If HelixTech’s IPO failed, she’d be completely buried by the loan sharks. 

That was 100 million they were talking about. Just thinking about it sent chills down her spine. 

Edric paused, then said, “What if we sell off all of Ascend Group’s tech and resources as a package to MegaTech? The real question is, would MegaTech even want to buy Ascend Group?” 

After that, he gave Cassian a knowing look. “Given how close you and Ms. Corin are, she might just be open to a deal.” 

Tessa’s expression froze. She really didn’t want Cassian and Aurelia getting tangled up right now. 

Cassian replied, his voice cool and steady, “No, thanks. Ms. Corin never mixes business with personal stuff.” 

He shot Edric a calm look. “Besides, she’s not exactly my biggest fan.” 

Edric managed a sheepish smile. “Guess Ascend Group’s only option now is bankruptcy.” 

Tessa’s fingers tightened in her lap before she even realized it. 

***** 

Mia was hanging around on set, waiting for her next scene, so she started texting with Aurelia to kill time. 

Her classic opener, as always: [Any news on Cassian that scumbag going bankrupt today?] 

Aurelia managed to reply in the middle of her busy day. [Not yet, I don’t think.] 

Mia sent a super disappointed meme. 

The next second, Murel messaged her. Aurelia blinked in surprise when she saw it. 

She immediately texted Mia: [Looks like the angel just worked their magic.] 

Mia: [Wait, what?!] 

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Aurelia: [Just got word. Ascend Group filed for bankruptcy.] 

Mia: [About time! This is awesome!] 

She even sent a whole minute–long voice message, belting out “It’s a Good Day.” 

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Her singing was so ear–splitting, it could’ve shattered glass. Aurelia instantly regretted ever hitting play on that sixty–second voice message. 

Still, she couldn’t help but feel pretty good about it. 

At the same time, she was still a bit confused. Cassian had known for ages that Preston was bending the rules, but he never bothered to step in. 

Back then, Aurelia figured he was just turning a blind eye for Tessa’s sake, cutting her and her family endless slack because he cared about her. 

That just didn’t add up now. Still, it was none of her business, so she didn’t dwell on it. 

Aurelia glanced at the clock, about to pick up the phone and call Miranda on the intercom to get the team together for a meeting. 

But before she could, Miranda burst into the office, so flustered she didn’t even bother to knock. 

Aurelia was just about to say something when Miranda blurted out, “Ms. Corin… there’s someone here to see you.” 

“It’s Tessa,” she added. 

Aurelia raised an eyebrow, a bit taken aback. ‘Talk about a rare visitor.’ 

Miranda looked super tense, like she was bracing for a showdown. “What could she possibly want? Bet she’s not here for anything good!” 

Aurelia leaned back in her chair, thought for a moment, and had a pretty good guess what this was about. 

She told Miranda, “Just come up with any excuse and send her going.” 

Miranda went right over, acting all high and mighty as she told Tessa, “Sorry, Ms. Corin’s super busy. No appointment, no meeting. That’s just how it is.” 

Tessa knew this wasn’t going to be a walk in the park, and she was pretty sure Aurelia would give her a hard time. 

She’d given herself a pep talk before coming over, just to brace herself. 

But all that mental prep went straight out the window the moment she got here. 

She never imagined she’d get shut out before even seeing Aurelia’s face. And to make things worse, she was straight–up humiliated by the secretary. 

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Tessa clenched her bag strap, holding back her temper. “So, when will Ms. Corin actually be available? I want to talk business with her face–to–face.” 

“Sorry, Ms. Corin’s really busy. She won’t be free anytime soon,” Miranda said, sounding totally dismissive and not even trying to hide her disdain. 

Tessa walked out, her face red with humiliation. 

Back in the car, Karlie immediately asked, “So, how’d it go?” 

Tessa looked even more miserable than before. “Aurelia wouldn’t see me.” 

Karlie was fuming. “What a snob! Who does she think she is, anyway?” 

But no matter how much Karlie ranted, Tessa really didn’t have any other options left. 

“So what now? Are we just giving up?” Karlie asked. 

Tessa’s brows were knitted tight, her jaw clenched so hard it looked like she might shatter her teeth. “No way! We can’t give up!” 

For her, giving up was basically a death sentence. 

No matter how much Aurelia tried to make things difficult, she had no choice but to bow her head and bite the bullet. 

“The problem is, Aurelia won’t even give us a chance to meet. How are we supposed to negotiate?” Karlie pressed. 

Tessa suddenly remembered Stephen’s party coming up this weekend. She paused, then said with determination, “I know exactly where to find her.” 

Mia had just finished her scene when she got a message from Aurelia: [Tessa came over, looking for help.] 

[But I refused to meet her.] 

Then, Mia sent another sixty–second voice message. 

This time, Aurelia was wise to it. She didn’t listen, just had it transcribed into text. 

Just as she expected, it was sixty seconds of nonstop laughing. Literally, Mia just laughed for a whole minute. 

Then Mia sent another voice message. This one was super short, just a second. 

Aurelia tapped play and heard Mia’s voice, “So satisfying!” 

After she finished laughing, Mia finally asked Aurelia: [So, why is Tessa trying to get you involved?] 

[Probably about Ascend Group. Filing for bankruptcy would be a total disaster for her, so I’m guessing she’s hoping MegaTech will swoop in and buy them out,] Aurelia replied. 

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Mia: [No wonder she’s freaking out.] 

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This whole situation was enough to make Tessa lose her mind. If things weren’t this bad, Tessa wouldn’t have come running to her for help. 

But there was no way Aurelia was going to let Tessa get what she wanted. 

MegaTech was already set up with all the resources they needed and making new strides in tech. There was no reason they would want to pick up a sinking ship that’s about to go under. 

[Cassian hasn’t hit you up yet?] Mia asked curiously. 

[Not yet,] Aurelia replied. She had no clue if he’d reach out later or not. 

Up on the top floor of the Golden Bay Hotel, the atmosphere was buzzing. But no one was happier than Stephen today. 

After all, he’d finally welcomed the apprentice he’d been hoping for all these years. 

So, this party was more extravagant than any he’d ever thrown before. 

Stephen’s five apprentices were all gathered together for the first time in ages. Except for Kyler, the other four had all made a name for themselves in their respective fields. 

The eldest, Marshall Sharpe, and the second eldest, Cruz Yelton, both worked at the Voyager Fund, which Stephen founded. 

The third eldest, Zane Lavell, handled all the business affairs for the Voyager Group, which was majority- owned by the Voyager Fund. 

The three of them formed the backbone of the entire Voyager business empire, and were highly respected in the industry. 

Gideon, meanwhile, was set to inherit his family’s company, so he never got involved with Voyager Fund. 

Kyler had just returned after finishing his studies, and, as his father Elias wanted, joined Evergreen Group. 

Marshall was the calm and collected one. 

Cruz was the funny guy, always ready with a joke. 

Zane was the proud one, always acting a bit aloof. 

Out of the three, only Marshall was married. He was the only one who showed up with his family tonight. 

“Wow, you’re even prettier than last time!” Zane joked with Marshall’s wife, Vivian. 

She was used to Zane’s teasing and quipped back, “That’s because my husband spoils me rotten.” 

 

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Zane clicked his tongue, pretending to be jealous. 

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Cruz laughed at him. “You’re always asking for a front–row seat to their lovey–dovey show. How are you not sick of it yet?” 

Zane turned his head away, trying to change the topic. “How come the guest of honor isn’t here yet? She’s Professor Horton’s only female disciple, think she’s cute?” 

Marshall gave him a friendly nudge. “If you don’t want to get kicked out by Professor, you’d better not get any funny ideas.”