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.
only holiday greetings exchanged, Chad didn’t feel all that close
we’re
snapped out of his reverie and slowly
an astonishing mansion, its seclusion striking an
estate, easily rivals the grandeur of Mrs.
in awe, “Looks like Mr. Chad Abernathy’s been living it up abroad. This place
“Nonsense.”
competitive streak flaring up, “It’s nothing compared to Evadne’s place.”
his gaffe and scratched his head
totally smitten with Mrs. Abernathy, treasuring even a strand of her hair. In his eyes, everything about Mrs. Abernathy was
stepped out, buttoning up his suit jacket, a delicate fragrance wafted towards him, reminiscent of
a calming effect, easing some of the tension he
greeting you at a greater distance,” a cool and soothing female voice approached
woman in a white gown, her figure slender and elegant, approaching them with
in a smile as she extended her hand
familiar, yet after
meet you.”
hand, as if any
Abernathy has been waiting
“Sure.”
Alexia abruptly stated in a cold tone. “I’m sorry, but Mr. Chad Abernathy’s estate is off–limits to anyone
looked deflated, his eyes filled
car, Gordon, Thaddeus said quietly
smile in her eyes iced over to
Gordon stared at her retreating figure, feeling an
corridor. Thaddeus‘ cool gaze remained on Alexia, his suspicions growing.
nice. What brand is it?” Thaddeus, ever the blunt businessman, surprisingly
“Would a busy man like Mr. Abernathy be interested in a woman’s vanity?”
that I have a significant other,
curled up, unable to hide his joy, “Could you tell me the brand? I’d like to get it for
disappoint you, Mr. Abernathy. It’s
flickered, and he dropped the
remembered where he had smelled that
he had faintly detected this orchid scent clinging to Avery, the same as Alexia’s.
incense she could
they know each other? Or was it merely a coincidence?
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
The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!