Bones Learn To Listen When Silence Speaks by Ryn Miles 316

Chapter 316 

Aurelia didn’t sleep well that night. 

For the first time since she’d truly moved on, Aurelia found herself losing sleep because of Cassian. 

At first light, she called Benjamin. 

She knew he always got up early to feed his fish, so she made sure to call him right when she knew he’d be up. 

Benjamin’s voice was a little hoarse, and he sounded more tired than usual. 

Aurelia asked about his health first. 

“I had the flu a while back, but I’m almost back to normal now. My doctor’s been taking care of me, so it’s nothing serious,” Benjamin replied. 

“And how about everything else?” Aurelia asked. 

“Everything’s fine,” Benjamin said. 

Aurelia let out a small sigh of relief, thinking maybe she’d just been overthinking things. 

Before she could hang up, Miranda walked in. “Aurelia, the car to the dock leaves at ten, so we need to head downstairs by nine–thirty. I’ll start packing for you now. 

“And I’ve already picked up all your vacation essentials–swimsuit, sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, you name it. They’re in my suitcase. Once we’re on board, I’ll drop them off in your cabin.” 

Aurelia said, “Okay.” 

Benjamin must have overheard Miranda, because he paused and asked, “Are you going on vacation?” 

“Yeah, everyone’s been working so hard lately. I want to treat them,” Aurelia replied. 

“That’s the right thing to do. You should take a break and get some rest yourself,” Benjamin said, sounding supportive. 

But he added, “Just remember to stay safe and take care of yourself, even while you’re having fun.” 

Aurelia’s heart warmed at his words. “Sure, I’ll come see you when I’m back in Ashmont.” 

“Alright,” he said. 

Aurelia felt a weight lift off her shoulders after making sure that Benjamin was okay. 

On the way to the dock, the tour guide reminded everyone that there’d be no cell signal on the cruise ship, and if they wanted to stay connected, they’d have to pay for Wi–Fi. 

But since the Wi–Fi was expensive and not really worth it, he suggested everyone wrap up any last–minute calls or texts before boarding and enjoy the trip offline. 

Everyone started pulling out their phones to reach out to friends and family one last time, 

Aurelia had already checked in with Ella, so there was nothing left for her to say. 

Instead, she took the chance to catch up on today’s financial news. 

She had wanted to check out the stock market, but the first thing that popped up was news about Cassian. 

Chapter 316 

Gossip Gazette never shied away from drama, and their headlines were pure clickbait. 

Even Aurelia was floored when she saw the headline. 

[A 30–billion–dollar gamble hanging over her head! Tessa on the brink, Cassian threw millions to save the day: Down in the boardroom, up in the bedroom.] 

The article claimed that after Tessa left the exchange in defeat, she headed straight back to the hotel, with Cassian sticking by her side the whole time. Apparently, the two didn’t step foot outside until the next evening. 

Rumor had it that sparks were flying between them. 

‘Guess I really was just overthinking it, Aurelia thought. ‘Cassian and Tessa are getting along just fine. Indeed, overthinking never does anyone any good. 

Besides, this was Cassian’s business, not hers. It wasn’t her place to dwell on it anyway. 

‘I’m just stressing myself out for no reason, Aurelia thought. 

Aurelia switched off her phone and boarded the ship, ready to enjoy her vacation without a care in the world. 

Less than half an hour after the cruise ship pulled away from the dock, someone knocked on Aurelia’s cabin door. 

She thought it was Miranda coming to drop off her stuff. 

But when she opened the door, she was surprised to see Darren standing there, Joey in tow. 

Darren looked a bit helpless. “Joey just wouldn’t stop asking for you, so I had no choice but to bring her over.” 

“It’s fine,” Aurelia said with a smile, taking Joey’s hand. 

“Actually, when the driver came to pick us up this morning, I was debating whether to let her have some fun and come along, but I was worried it might interrupt her schoolwork, so I sent her home instead.” 

“She’s really bright. School’s the last thing you need to worry about with her,” Darren said. 

“Then I’ll make sure she has a blast these next few days,” Aurelia replied. 

“I hope she’s not too much trouble for you,” Darren added. 

Aurelia had always said it. Joey was never any trouble to her. 

To make it easier for Aurelia to look after Joey, Darren upgraded her cabin. 

Even though Aurelia said it wasn’t necessary, Darren insisted anyway. 

He explained it wasn’t just to thank her. He wanted Joey to have a quiet space so that she wouldn’t get overwhelmed or upset. 

Only then did Aurelia agree. 

The luxury suite on the top floor was pure comfort, and the view was absolutely breathtaking. 

The endless expanse of the ocean washed away all Aurelia’s worries from back on land, leaving her completely at ease. 

After a whole year of nonstop work, she finally had a brief respite. 

For the first couple of days, Aurelia and Joey barely left their cabin. 

They ate when they were hungry and slept when they were tired. 

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Chapter 316 

Joey was in great spirits, chattering away and smiling more than Aurelia had seen in ages. 

On the third day, the company had a team dinner, and Aurelia brought Joey along. 

Everyone was eating, drinking, and just having a great time. 

After dinner, Aurelia and Joey went for a walk out on the deck. 

The sea breeze was so relaxing that they couldn’t help but feel at ease. 

“Dolphins!” Joey, quick–eyed as ever, spotted dolphins swimming alongside the cruise ship and pulled Aurelia over happily to watch them. 

Other passengers on the deck saw what was happening and gathered around to watch. 

Joey wriggled through the crowd like a slippery eel, determined to get a better view. 

But before Aurelia could finish apologizing to someone she’d bumped into, Joey had already vanished into the crowd. 

Panicked, Aurelia started searching for her until a crew member mentioned seeing a little girl run off to the right. 

She rushed over, asking people along the way, and finally spotted Joey standing by the railing. 

Aurelia breathed a sigh of relief, calling out Joey’s name as she walked over. 

But Joey didn’t answer. 

Aurelia stepped through the archway, and just as she was about to reach for Joey, Joey suddenly broke down and started crying. 

Out of nowhere, someone shoved a stinking black cloth over Aurelia’s face. 

She barely managed to struggle before everything went black. 

When Aurelia woke up, the first thing she saw was Joey, her face red and blotchy from crying. 

Her mouth was wrapped in thick layers of tape, and she was strapped tightly to a chair. 

Reclining on a nearby chaise lounge was a woman with a knockout body. 

It was Zofia’s sister, Juliana Sands. 

Aurelia had seen Juliana before, back when she was dining at the restaurant. 

“Awake, are you?” Juliana took a slow sip of her red wine as she arched a brow at Aurelia. 

“What do you want?” Aurelia asked. 

The drugs had left her so weak she could barely speak, let alone struggle. Her whole body felt like jelly. 

Juliana set her glass down, stood up, and walked over. She grabbed Aurelia’s chin, tilting Aurelia’s face up to meet her gaze. 

She studied Aurelia’s face carefully. 

Her already icy gaze grew even darker, and without warning, she slapped Aurelia hard across the face. 

The slap landed with brutal force. 

Aurelia’s whole face was forced to one side, the sting on her skin and the metallic tang of blood filling her mouth. 

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“You bitch! Who told you to seduce Darren?” Juliana spat. 

Joey was so frightened that she started thrashing around, trying to break free. 

Juliana turned around to snap at her, clearly losing patience. “Try that again, and I’ll kill her!” 

Joey froze on the spot, her eyes filling with fear. 

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“You’ve got it all wrong. Nothing’s going on between Mr. Keith and me. It’s not what you think at all,” Aurelia explained. 

Juliana was acting completely unhinged, as if she’d totally lost it. 

Worried that she might hurt Joey, Aurelia had no choice but to swallow her pride and try to negotiate with her. 

“Oh, please! Darren has only ever done fireworks for one woman in his whole life, and that was for my sister, when he proposed. Yet now he’s doing it for you,” Juliana snapped. 

“You seriously expect me to believe you two are innocent?” 

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