Bones Learn To Listen When Silence Speaks by Ryn Miles 38

Chapter 38 

This wasn’t the first time Honoria Capital had hosted a party at this hotel, so Aurelia knew the place like the back of her hand. She knew exactly where to go if she wanted some peace and quiet. 

A cold front had blown in recently, and the temperature kept dropping. The sharp wind against her skin felt like tiny blades, cutting through the haze of alcohol and jolting her awake. 

Luckily, she wasn’t wearing a gown tonight–otherwise, she would’ve frozen out here. 

Just then, her phone buzzed. It was a message from Ella, reminding her not to drink too much. Aurelia replied that she wouldn’t. 

Then Ella asked her to pass along congratulations to Cassian. 

Aurelia hesitated for a few seconds before replying that she would. 

By now, most of the alcohol had worn off. She pushed herself up, ready to head back to the party, when the door behind her suddenly opened. 

She hadn’t expected Cassian to walk out–and alone. 

Instinctively, Aurelia glanced behind him, half–expecting to see Tessa, who was never far from his side. 

“Who are you waiting for?” Cassian looked down at her, his handsome face sharp and cold. There wasn’t a trace of warmth in his eyes. “Gideon?” 

Aurelia’s brows, which had just relaxed, furrowed again. She hated his tone–arrogant and demeaning. 

“Excuse me, please move,” she said, trying to stay calm. 

Cassian didn’t budge. His gaze was darker than she’d ever seen, heavy and threatening. 

Before Aurelia could lose her patience, he spoke again, his voice low and clipped–a warning wrapped in authority. 

He said, ‘Aurelia, the Quinn family cares a lot about social status. They’d never approve of someone like you. So don’t get 

any ideas. Just stay where you are at Honoria Capital.” 

It took her a moment to register what he meant. He was warning her not to think she could move up by getting close to Gideon. 

Anger flared inside her, hot and uncontrollable. She couldn’t stop herself from asking, “Is that really what you think of me? Is that who you believe I am?” 

“Isn’t it?” he shot back, his words sharp as knives. “You’ve been hanging around Gideon nonstop. You think you’ve found a new ladder to climb. Now you’re bold enough to hand in your resignation.” 

His eyes darkened, a mocking smile curling at his lips. “Aurelia, do you have any idea what leaving me means?” 

His voice dropped, his tone cold and cruel. “Without my say–so, no one in Ashmont will dare to hire you. Not even Gideon. Go ahead–try it. Without me, you won’t last three days in this city before you come crawling back.” 

He stepped closer, one deliberate step at a time, his gaze cutting straight through her. 

Aurelia didn’t flinch. She stood her ground, staring back at him, burning every inch of that cruel expression into her memory–so that the next time she was tempted to go back, she’d remember exactly who he really was. 

When the air between them was stretched to the breaking point, Aurelia finally spoke. Her voice was steady but firm. “Then 

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Chapter 38 

let’s see. Let’s see if I come back begging you.” 

When Aurelia returned to the party, someone immediately approached her. “Ms. Corin, I’ve been looking all over for you. 

It was Graham Vance from Novalen Capital–one of Honoria Capital’s partners. 

“Mr. Vance, it’s been a while,” Aurelia said politely. 

Graham smiled and patted her shoulder. “It has. And you’ve gotten even more beautiful, Ms. Corin.” 

“Thank you for the compliment,” Aurelia said, keeping her tone professional as she subtly put some distance between them. 

Graham had a reputation–a bad one. He was a notorious womanizer and greedy to the bone. 

Still, he had a sharp business instinct and made money off almost everything he touched. Over the years, he’d built a fortune, and in their industry, people had to show him some respect. 

Back when their companies first started working together, Graham had hinted—more than once–that if Aurelia agreed to be with him, she wouldn’t have to work so hard. She could shop, travel, and just keep him happy. 

He’d said he’d give her a limitless credit card, buy her houses, cars, and even a private jet. 

Aurelia hadn’t been the least bit tempted. She turned him down gracefully without making a scene. 

Graham had been disappointed, but he never pushed again. 

Still, a man like him didn’t change. Whenever they crossed paths, he’d always try to take advantage of the moment. 

“Mr. Locke really knows how to pick his people,” Graham said with a smirk. “His secretary is not only beautiful but also capable. Ms. Corin, if you worked for me, my company would probably be even bigger than Honoria Capital.” 

“You’re flattering me, Mr. Vance. I’m just a secretary. Mr. Locke’s success comes entirely from his own hard work,” Aurelia replied evenly. 

“Ms. Corin, you’re too modest. Everyone knows half of Honoria Capital’s most profitable projects were because of you. It’s a shame you’re still just a secretary,” Graham said, leaning in closer. 

Aurelia smoothly sidestepped, picking up a glass. “Mr. Vance, let me toast to you.” 

Across the room, Tessa noticed them. She turned to Nadia beside her. “Who’s that talking to Ms. Corin?” 

Nadia glanced over. “That’s Mr. Graham Vance from Novalen Capital. They’ve been doing really well these past few years. Not as big as Honoria Capital, but getting close.” 

The moment Tessa heard that, she walked straight toward them. 

Aurelia had just managed to steer the conversation back to work. 

“I’ve heard about that gaming project you mentioned,” Graham said. “I just haven’t met the person in charge yet. Ms. Corin, would you mind introducing us? We could all make some money together.” 

Before Aurelia could answer, Tessa cut in, “Mr. Vance, hello. I’m Tessa Rowe, the director of Strategic Division Three at Honoria Capital. You can discuss the project with me.” 

Graham didn’t know her, but when he saw how beautiful she was, his smile widened. “Well, well. Ms. Rowe, you’re stunning. How come I’ve never seen you before?” 

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Chapter 38 

“I just joined not long ago,” Tessa said, flipping her hair. Then she turned to Aurelia and ordered, “Ms. Corin, get me a glass of wine.” 

Her tone was sharp and entitled, like she was giving orders to a server. 

Aurelia didn’t argue. She handed Tessa the wine and quietly said, “Mr. Vance has a bad reputation. You should be careful.” However, Tessa thought Aurelia was just being petty and afraid that Tessa would steal her contacts. 

She raised her glass and clinked it against Graham’s. “Mr. Vance, you can talk to me about the project. Ms. Corin only handles clerical work now–she doesn’t have the authority to make any decisions.” 

Aurelia almost rolled her eyes. But she’d done her part by warning Tessa. Tessa was an adult; she could deal with the consequences herself. So Aurelia went to take care of other things. 

Not long after she left, Graham led Tessa away, saying they needed to discuss the project in detail. 

When Cassian came back after sobering up, Jasper found him. “Have you seen Tessa? She’s been Cassian scanned the room but didn’t see her anywhere, so he asked Nadia. 

gone for a while.” 

“You should ask Ms. Corin,” Nadia said. “She probably knows where Ms. Rowe went.” 

Cassian found Aurelia and immediately demanded, “Where’s Tessa?” 

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