Bones Learn To Listen When Silence Speaks by Ryn Miles 33

Cassian’s tone shifted in an instant. “Aurelia, do you have any idea how much calling the police could hurt the company?” 

Of course she did. But that had nothing to do with her anymore. Honoria Capital was no longer a place she cared about, and she had no reason to keep sacrificing for it. 

Her voice was steady. “I just want to clear my name.” 

It was probably the first time Cassian had ever seen her so resolute. For a moment, he didn’t know what to say. 

The air between them grew tense. Aurelia handed the phone back to Tessa. She hadn’t planned on asking Cassian’s permission, nor did she expect him to take her side. She had to save herself. 

Without hesitation, Aurelia called the police. 

Tessa’s expression shifted instantly. “Cassian, she called the police. You’d better come back right now.” 

Cassian and the police arrived almost at the same time. He must’ve rushed back, worried that Tessa might get wronged. Aurelia told the officers everything as it had happened, asking for help to uncover the truth and prove her innocence. Since there were no cameras in the storage room, the police suggested a technical analysis–like checking for fingerprints. It would take more time, but it could identify who had actually ruined the gown. 

However, they needed the owner’s consent to proceed. It meant the decision came down to Cassian. 

Tessa instinctively leaned closer to him. “Cassian, it’s a minor issue for now–but if we let it drag on, it could turn into something big. The company’s reputation has to come first.” 

Cassian’s expression was icy. His eyes swept the whole room before locking onto Aurelia, sharp enough to make her shiver. 

“I’m sorry,” he said at last. “This is an internal matter. We’ll handle it ourselves. Thank 

you 

for 

your time.” 

Aurelia had expected that answer, but hearing it still made her chest tighten painfully. 

The officers also felt it was better handled privately, so they nodded and left. 

As soon as they were gone, Cassian’s face remained calm, but his eyes were cold as steel. “Are you satisfied now?” 

Aurelia forced a cold smile. “Are you blaming me?” 

“You knew how much damage this could do to the company, yet you still called the police,” he said, his voice low and dangerous. 

Aurelia didn’t feel she’d done anything wrong. She met his gaze head–on. “Because I don’t want to be framed. Because I want to clear my name. Or do you think I should just take the fall? Why should I?” 

She owed nothing to anyone–least of all to Cassian. She didn’t need to endure it, and she refused to back down. 

Right then, she was guarded against everyone, even him. 

To Cassian, that made her seem like a stranger. The Aurelia he remembered had always been gentle, patient, and understanding–someone who cared more about Honoria Capital’s reputation than her own. 

Miranda, watching from the side, had never seen Aurelia talk to Cassian that way. She was so frightened that she didn’t even dare to breathe. 

Chapter 33 

Sensing the tension rise, Tessa stepped in smoothly. “Forget it, Cassian. Maybe we really did misunderstand Ms. Corin. That’s why she’s so upset. 

“After all, she’s been your secretary for years. You trust her–that’s why you didn’t agree to the analysis. The truth doesn’t really matter now. Let’s just move on.” 

Aurelia looked at Tessa. It was a sly move–pretending to smooth things over while subtly twisting the knife. 

It sounded like she was helping, but every word was laced with implication. For the first time, Aurelia saw just how malicious Tessa truly was. 

Cassian took the way out that Tessa offered. “This ends here. No one is to bring it up again.” 

He hadn’t said a single word in Aurelia’s defense. That silence was his stance. 

Something inside Aurelia tore apart, the pain spreading through her chest. 

She lost the will to argue anymore. It was pointless; Cassian had already made up his mind–she was guilty. Explaining further would only humiliate her more. 

For a moment, she wished she had ruined the dress–then he would have a reason to fire her. A clean break like that might’ve been easier. 

Tessa sighed, holding the ruined gown. “The celebration’s tomorrow. What am I supposed to do now that this one’s destroyed?” 

Cassian’s eyes scanned the closet until they stopped on a white satin gown. “Try that one.” 

It was the custom–made gown Aurelia had ordered for herself–the one that matched Cassian’s suit in a quiet, intimate way. 

Tessa’s face lit up. “This one’s beautiful. I think it’ll look great on me.” 

They began discussing the gown like no one else was in the room. Meanwhile, Aurélia stood there, still trapped in the storm of everything that had just happened, unable to breathe. 

She’d had enough of this life–enough humiliation, enough pain. She just wanted to end it once and for all. 

So she cut into their easy conversation, her voice sharp. “Mr. Locke, when are you planning to approve my resignation?” 

Both of them froze. Cassian narrowed his eyes, searching her face, trying to read what she was really thinking. 

Tessa looked at her, surprised. She assumed Aurelia was only saying it to get his attention–that she didn’t truly mean to leave. 

But what mattered most now was Cassian’s reaction. Tessa wanted to hear his answer. 

Aurelia didn’t bother trying to read the look in Cassian’s eyes. She didn’t care anymore. 

In fact, she was afraid he wouldn’t take her seriously, so she made it unmistakably clear. “I’ve been waiting every day for you to approve my resignation. 

“I was worried you hadn’t noticed it, so I’ve been printing out a new copy every day. It’s a waste of resources. Why not just sign it?” 

Cassian’s expression darkened, his voice laced with cold sarcasm. “Seems like you’ve already found a new job. What did Michael promise you? What deal did he offer that makes you so eager to leave Honoria Capital?” 

Of course, he knew about her meeting with Michael. The business circle in Ashmont was small–nothing stayed secret for long. 

18:12 Fri, Dec 19 M 

Chapter 33 

Ashmont would dare hire you? Don yourself, Aurelia. The company will run just fine without you 

He stepped closer, his gaze like an invisible blade cutting through her composure. “As long as I don’t say yes, who in all of 

Aurelia let out a quiet, bitter laugh. It was true–she had overestimated her importance to him. And now, she would never make that mistake again. 

“You’re right, Mr. Locke. The company won’t suffer without me, and I’m not that important. So you can approve my resignation without any worries. There’s no need to drag it out,” she said evenly. 

Standing off to the side, Miranda gasped, wishin 

Cassian’s eyes narrowed, a chill radiating from hin 

she’d slipped away while she still could. 

“Since you want to leave so badly, I’ll grant your wish.” 

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