Chapter 649
After a few rings, the call connected.
“Thaddeus, I’m honestly surprised and delighted you’d call me,” Chad’s voice was as warm and kind as ever, though tinged with a hint of frailty.
“Chad, how have you been holding up?”
Thaddeus, by nature, wanted to cut straight to the chase, but desperate times called for some pleasantries first.
“Oh, same old. Popping pills like candy just to keep ticking, so much so I’m practically balding.”
Chad cracked a joke, “Tell me, Thaddeus, next time we meet, do you reckon I’ll look like I’m sporting a monk’s tonsure?” “Chad, I’m actually in this country,” Thaddeus replied seriously, not in the mood for banter.
“Oh? Really? When did you get in?”
“Night before last.”
Thaddeus took a deep breath and spoke in a low tone, “Chad, I’ve got something serious to discuss. Can we meet?”
That evening, Thaddeus and Gordon drove to the address Chad had provided. All the way there, Thaddeus‘ jaw was set in a firm line.
Though they were brothers by blood and had got on well in their youth, and despite not sharing the same mother, his older brother had taken care of him a lot.
after more than a decade apart, with only holiday greetings exchanged, Chad didn’t feel
we’re here!”
of his reverie
striking an
rivals the grandeur of Mrs. Abernathy’s
been living it up abroad. This
“Nonsense.”
competitive streak flaring up, “It’s nothing compared
his gaffe and scratched his head awkwardly.
a strand of her hair. In his eyes, everything
out first, respectfully opening the car door for Thaddeus. As he stepped out, buttoning up his suit jacket, a delicate fragrance wafted towards him, reminiscent of the
to have a calming effect,
Thaddeus Abernathy, my apologies for not greeting you at a
slender and elegant, approaching them with grace. “I’m Alexia, Mr. Chad Abernathy’s
hand politely to Thaddeus, “I’m pleased
fixed on her. This woman seemed familiar, yet after sifting through his
meet
hand, as
Chad Abernathy has been waiting for you. Please,
“Sure.”
stated in a cold tone. “I’m sorry, but Mr. Chad Abernathy’s estate is off–limits to anyone but family and invited guests. Your secretary will
deflated, his eyes filled with concern for Thaddeus.
the car, Gordon, Thaddeus said quietly
smile in her eyes iced
Gordon stared at her retreating figure, feeling
the other along the winding corridor. Thaddeus‘ cool gaze remained on Alexia, his suspicions
smells quite nice. What brand is it?” Thaddeus, ever the blunt businessman, surprisingly took an interest in a woman’s
hooks, “Would a busy man like Mr. Abernathy be interested in a
but now that I have a
joy, “Could you tell me the brand? I’d like to get it for her as a gift when I
afraid 141 have to disappoint you, Mr. Abernathy. It’s not
see, Thaddeus‘ expression flickered, and he dropped
suddenly remembered where he had
Avery, in every encounter, he had faintly detected this orchid scent clinging
rare incense she could obtain probably due to
Avery get it? Did they know each other? Or
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