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.
more than a decade apart, with only holiday greetings exchanged, Chad didn’t feel all that close to him anymore. Respect was the predominant sentiment.
we’re
snapped out of his reverie and
an astonishing mansion, its seclusion striking an impressive contrast
the grandeur of Mrs.
awe, “Looks like Mr. Chad Abernathy’s been living it up abroad.
“Nonsense.”
thinned, his competitive streak flaring up, “It’s nothing compared to Evadne’s place.”
his gaffe and scratched his
Mrs. Abernathy, treasuring even a strand of her hair. In his eyes, everything about Mrs. Abernathy
door for Thaddeus. As he stepped out, buttoning up his suit jacket, a delicate fragrance wafted towards him, reminiscent
have a calming effect, easing some of the tension he
my apologies for not greeting you at a greater distance,” a
in a white gown, her figure slender and elegant, approaching them with grace. “I’m Alexia, Mr. Chad Abernathy’s personal
smile as she extended her hand politely to Thaddeus, “I’m pleased to meet
woman seemed familiar, yet after sifting through
to meet
quickly touched her hand, as if any longer and he might spontaneously combust.
Abernathy has been waiting for you.
“Sure.”
Abernathy’s estate is off–limits to anyone
eyes filled with concern for Thaddeus.
the car, Gordon,
turned away, the smile in her eyes iced over to a chilling glare.
by that woman, Gordon stared at her retreating figure, feeling an inexplicable
the other along the winding corridor. Thaddeus‘ cool gaze remained on Alexia, his suspicions growing. As she moved,
brand is it?” Thaddeus, ever the blunt businessman, surprisingly took an interest in
a light smile, her eyes like tempting hooks, “Would a busy man like Mr. Abernathy
now that I have
joy, “Could you tell me the brand? I’d like
a shadow crossing her features, “I’m afraid 141 have to disappoint you, Mr. Abernathy. It’s not a perfume, but a rare incense
I see, Thaddeus‘ expression flickered, and he dropped
he suddenly remembered where he had smelled that fragrance
he had faintly detected this orchid scent clinging
said it wasn’t perfume but a rare incense she could obtain probably due to his brother’s favor.
know each other? Or was it merely
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