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.
Chad didn’t feel all that close to him anymore. Respect was
we’re
of his reverie and slowly lifted his
its seclusion striking
estate, easily rivals the grandeur of Mrs. Abernathy’s
Mr. Chad Abernathy’s been living it up
“Nonsense.”
his competitive streak flaring up, “It’s nothing
gaffe and
a strand of her hair. In his eyes, everything about Mrs. Abernathy
respectfully opening the car door for Thaddeus. As he stepped out, buttoning up his suit jacket,
effect, easing some of the tension he
greeting you at a greater distance,” a cool and soothing female voice approached
white gown, her figure slender and elegant, approaching them with grace. “I’m Alexia, Mr.
hand politely to Thaddeus, “I’m pleased to meet you, Mr. Thaddeus
his composure, his sharp gaze fixed on her. This woman seemed familiar, yet after sifting
to meet
touched her hand, as if any longer and he
waiting for
“Sure.”
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
his eyes filled with concern for
in the car, Gordon, Thaddeus said
in her eyes iced over to a chilling
woman, Gordon
on Alexia, his suspicions growing.
Thaddeus, ever the blunt businessman, surprisingly took an interest in
like tempting hooks, “Would a busy man like Mr. Abernathy be
now that I
“Could you tell me the brand? I’d like to get it for her
Mr. Abernathy. It’s not a perfume, but a rare
expression flickered, and he dropped the
because he suddenly remembered where he had
faintly detected this orchid scent clinging to Avery, the same
she could obtain probably due to his
they know each other? Or was it merely
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