Bones Learn To Listen When Silence Speaks by Ryn Miles 302

Just as Tessa was at her wit’s end, Kyler called her. Her heart leaped with hope, and she answered in a flash. 

“Got a minute? Let’s meet up.” Kyler said. 

Normally, Tessa would’ve acted aloof for a while. It was her usual trick for stringing men along. 

Especially with the ones who couldn’t get her, like Kyler. The more she played it cool, the crazier they got for her. 

But this time, she agreed instantly. She was desperate now, with nowhere else to turn. 

Tessa deliberately chose a live music restaurant and arranged with the manager for a guitarist to perform right at her table. 

She even specifically requested the song, Endless Love. 

It was the very same tune Kyler played for her back then, when he told her he loved h 

Kyler showed up right on time. Tessa was all set to stir up some nostalgia, to really se 

1. d. 

Then, when he was totally hooked, she’d hit him up for the money. 

It usually worked like a charm. But this time, before she could even say his name, Kyler cut her off. “I’m here to talk about pulling out my investment.” 

Her smile stiffened instantly. 

“Just giving you a heads–up. My lawyer will reach out tomorrow, and we’ll handle everything by the book,” Kyler said. 

Kyler didn’t waste any words. He got up. “Goodbye.” 

“Kyler!” Tessa jumped up, stopping him. “Can you at least tell me why?” 

‘He was crazy about me, used to put me on a pedestal,‘ Tessa thought. ‘How could he flip on me just like that?‘ 

“I went by Whitvale School of Management a few days ago and learned a few things,” Kyler said, still facing away from her, his voice icier than ever. 

Tessa’s eyes widened in shock. 

“That whole charity act you pulled back then was just to build that do–gooder image for yourself, wasn’t it?” Kyler said. 

Tessa’s face froze, and inside, she felt herself falling apart. “No, Kyler, please, just let me explain…” 

She realized he was really done with her this time. There would be no second chance. 

Chapter 302 

This time, he just walked away, didn’t even say goodbye. 

As soon as Kyler left, the guitarist sat down at her table and started strumming the tune she’d picked out. Endless Love. 

Each soft note landed like a slap, stinging her over and over. 

Tessa’s expression contorted. “Stop! Just stop!” 

Tessa yelled at the top of her lungs, making everyone in the restaurant stare at her. 

Her face flushed with embarrassment, Tessa grabbed her bag and rushed out, desperate to get away from the humiliating scene. 

“Maybe we should just ask Cassian for help,” Karlie said, hesitating. They’d racked their brains for solutions, but it felt like every road was blocked. 

Tessa’s head was pounding. “Take me to Honoria Capital.” 

She headed straight to Honoria Capital to see Cassian, just like she always did, didn’t before walking in. 

There were people inside, and every face looked serious. 

“Sorry, I didn’t realize you had company,” Tessa quickly apologized. 

Cassian gestured that it was fine and motioned for them to continue with the report. 

er knocking 

“Right now, Honoria Capital’s accounts are barely enough to cover Ascend Group’s compensation. But that means we’ll probably have to delay the next round of shareholder dividends,” the finance director said. 

“I’ll talk to the shareholders myself. Go ahead and move the money, we can’t let this escalate and affect HelixTech’s IPO,” Cassian said, making the call. 

The finance director nodded. “Got it.” 

“You guys can head out,” Cassian said, waving them off. 

Once everyone was gone, he turned to Tessa. “What brings you here today?” 

Tessa never saw this coming. Honoria Capital’s accounts were basically empty. Something was definitely off. 

“Cassian, how did Honoria Capital end up with no money all of a sudden?” she finally asked. 

The payout for Ascend Group was just over 3 billion dollars. There was no way that could’ve cleaned Honoria Capital out. 

“We spent a lot lately, so cash flow’s been tight. Honestly, we just didn’t see Ascend Group’s collapse coming, otherwise, we would’ve had plenty in reserve,” Cassian said. 

Tessa had to admit, he was right. 

18:03 Tue, Jan 6 

Chapter 302 

None of them could’ve imagined Ascend Group would go bankrupt so suddenly. 

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22 55 vouchers 

A company worth nearly 60 billion dollars just six months ago had its value crash to 10 billion, and got delisted by the regulators. 

After the bankruptcy, there was still over 3 billion dollars in debt left behind. 

Cassian tried to cover the shortfall by pulling funds from Honoria Capital, but ended up draining Honoria Capital dry. 

When he said they’d spent a lot lately, he was probably talking about all that money he blew at those international auctions. 

Carlee always said Cassian was notorious for splurging at those auctions. 

“Don’t worry. Once HelixTech goes public, we’ll be out of this mess,” Cassian said, trying to comfort her. 

After hearing that, Tessa knew there was no way she could bring up money now. 

But Celestium Financial was breathing down her neck, and the next day, they came a 

money. 

again for the 

“It’s only two days until Friday, Mr. Ledger. Can you give me a little more time?” Tessa said, forcing a smile and actually lowering herself to plead with him. 

“I mean, it’s not impossible, but…” Brett checked Tessa out from head to toe, his grin sleazy and full of bad intentions. 

“You gotta show me a little sincerity, you know? Or how am I supposed to trust you?” he said, making his meaning crystal clear. 

Tessa had seen this kind of guy a thousand times before. She caught his drift right away. 

“Let me down three shots to show my sincerity,” Tessa offered, trying to keep it light. 

Brett snorted. “Drinking? Come on, Ms. Rowe, we’re both adults, drop the act.” 

With that, he pulled out a room key and slid it across the table. “Take it yourself.” 

Tessa, used to holding her head high, had never had to swallow her pride like this. 

Even back when she had her wild times with Jonathan, she was always the one in control, never because someone made her. 

Here in Ashmont, she’d never lower herself like that. 

“What’s that supposed to mean, Brett? I’m not that kind of woman,” Tessa said, her voice cold and sharp. 

She went right back to acting like she was above it all. 

Brett instantly changed his tune. “So you’ve got some backbone, huh? I like that. You wanna drink? Fine, 

1=2 

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Chapter 302 

drink! Drink as much as you want! If you can handle it, we’ll let this slide tonight.” 

He called the waiter over and had them bring out a whole tray of bottles and shot glasses. 

5455 Velthers 

The first round was thirty shots. It was white liquor, the strongest stuff they had, the kind that burns going down. 

He was clearly out to put Tessa through the wringer. “Bottoms up, Ms. Rowe!” 

Guys like him, once their pride took a hit, just had to mess with someone to patch up their ego. 

When Tessa didn’t move, he leaned in, all fake concern. “You don’t have to drink, of course. But I can’t guarantee news about HelixTech’s founder running into financial trouble won’t start making the rounds. I hear you’re waiting on the commission’s review, you sure you’ll pass?” 

Tessa clenched her jaw, picked up the glass, and forced herself to drink, swallowin 

e with every shot. 

The white liquor scorched her throat like flint scraping raw skin. Each gulp was a chong, miserable ordeal. 

Tears streamed down her face from the burn and the humiliation, but she didn’t stop; she kept drinking, refusing to back down. 

Meanwhile, in the room next door, the waitress was late bringing the drinks. 

Zane looked annoyed. “Seriously, your service here is pretty bad. What took you so long?” 

“Sorry, sir I had to bring three rounds of drinks to the next room, so I got held up,” the waitress apologized meekly, eyes downcast. 

“Really?” Zane said, raising an eyebrow. 

“Yeah, totally. One of the regulars is really putting this girl through the wringer, making her drink a crazy amount. And she’s actually pretty cute,” the waitress replied. 

Zane was all ears for gossip. “How pretty are we talking?” 

“Seriously, she’s gorgeous!” the waitress replied. 

“Hey, Mr. Lavell, where are you going?” the waitress called after him.

 

Zane didn’t even look back. “Gotta go play the hero and save the damsel in distress.”