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.
decade apart, with only holiday greetings exchanged, Chad didn’t feel all that close to him anymore. Respect was the
we’re
reverie and
seclusion striking an impressive contrast to
the grandeur of Mrs. Abernathy’s Silverlake
hung open in awe, “Looks like Mr. Chad Abernathy’s been living it up abroad. This
“Nonsense.”
lips thinned, his competitive streak flaring up, “It’s nothing compared to
gaffe and scratched his
Abernathy, treasuring even a strand of her hair. In his
stepped out first, respectfully opening the car door for Thaddeus. As he stepped out, buttoning up his suit jacket,
have a calming effect, easing some
a greater distance,” a cool and soothing female voice
and saw a woman in a white gown, her figure slender and elegant, approaching them with grace. “I’m Alexia, Mr. Chad Abernathy’s personal
she extended her hand politely to Thaddeus, “I’m pleased to meet you, Mr. Thaddeus
fixed on her. This woman seemed familiar, yet after sifting through his
meet you.”
hand, as if any longer
has been waiting
“Sure.”
abruptly stated in a cold tone. “I’m sorry, but Mr. Chad Abernathy’s estate is off–limits
his eyes filled
Gordon, Thaddeus said quietly
her eyes iced over
Abernathy being led away by that woman, Gordon stared at her
winding corridor. Thaddeus‘ cool gaze remained on Alexia, his suspicions growing. As she moved, her clothes
ever the
smile, her eyes like tempting hooks, “Would a busy
I have
up, unable to hide his joy, “Could you tell me the
turned her face away, a shadow crossing her features, “I’m afraid 141 have to disappoint you, Mr. Abernathy. It’s not a perfume, but a rare incense made from local
I see, Thaddeus‘ expression flickered, and he dropped the subject.
because he suddenly remembered
encounter, he had faintly detected this
but a rare incense she could obtain probably
how did Avery get it? Did they know each other? Or
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