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.
with only holiday greetings exchanged, Chad didn’t feel all
Abernathy, we’re here!”
snapped out of his reverie and
its seclusion striking an impressive contrast to the outside
easily rivals the grandeur of Mrs. Abernathy’s Silverlake Harbor!”
in awe, “Looks like Mr. Chad Abernathy’s been living it up
“Nonsense.”
competitive streak flaring up, “It’s nothing
gaffe and
smitten with Mrs. Abernathy, treasuring even a strand of her hair. In his
opening the car door for Thaddeus. As he stepped out, buttoning up his suit jacket, a delicate fragrance wafted towards him, reminiscent of the subtle scent of orchids.
the fragrance seemed to have a calming effect, easing some
at a greater distance,” a cool and soothing female voice approached him.
white gown, her figure slender and elegant,
a smile as she extended her hand politely to Thaddeus,
on her. This woman seemed familiar, yet after sifting through his memory,
meet you.”
of respect for his brother, he quickly touched her hand, as
Chad Abernathy has been waiting for you. Please, follow me.”
“Sure.”
but Mr. Chad Abernathy’s estate is off–limits to anyone but family and invited guests. Your secretary
filled
in the car, Gordon, Thaddeus
the smile in her eyes iced over to
woman, Gordon stared
other along the winding corridor. Thaddeus‘ cool gaze remained on Alexia, his suspicions growing. As she moved, her clothes fluttered, and the orchid–like scent lingered
quite nice. What brand is it?” Thaddeus, ever the
“Would a busy man
now that I have
you tell me the brand?
her features, “I’m afraid 141 have to disappoint you, Mr. Abernathy. It’s not a perfume, but a rare incense made from local botanicals,
Thaddeus‘ expression flickered, and he
asked her that because he suddenly remembered where he had smelled
he had faintly detected this orchid scent clinging to Avery, the same as Alexia’s.
it wasn’t perfume but a rare incense she could obtain
they know each other? Or was
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