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.
apart, with only holiday greetings exchanged, Chad didn’t feel all that close to him anymore. Respect was the predominant sentiment.
Abernathy, we’re here!”
of his reverie and slowly lifted his
stood an astonishing mansion, its seclusion striking an impressive contrast to the outside
rivals the grandeur of Mrs.
open in awe, “Looks like Mr. Chad Abernathy’s been living it
“Nonsense.”
competitive streak flaring up, “It’s
and scratched his head awkwardly.
Abernathy, treasuring even a strand of her hair. In his eyes, everything about
stepped out, buttoning up his suit jacket, a delicate fragrance wafted towards him, reminiscent of the
have a calming effect, easing some of the tension he felt.
not greeting you at a greater distance,” a cool and soothing female voice
white gown, her figure slender and elegant, approaching them with grace. “I’m Alexia, Mr. Chad
a smile as she extended her hand politely
This woman seemed familiar, yet after sifting through
meet
for his brother, he quickly touched her hand, as if any longer and he might
waiting for you. Please, follow
“Sure.”
moved to follow, Alexia abruptly 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 have
looked deflated, his eyes filled
Gordon, Thaddeus
the smile in her eyes iced over
woman, Gordon stared at her retreating figure, feeling an inexplicable
gaze remained on Alexia, his suspicions growing. As she moved, her
your perfume smells quite nice. What brand is it?” Thaddeus, ever the
“Would a busy man like Mr. Abernathy be interested in a
I have a
curled up, unable to hide his joy, “Could you tell me the brand? I’d like to get it for her as a gift when I
141 have to disappoint you, Mr. Abernathy. It’s not a perfume, but
see, Thaddeus‘ expression flickered, and
he suddenly remembered where he
faintly detected this orchid scent clinging
perfume but a rare incense she could obtain probably due to
it? Did they know each other? Or was it
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