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
Abernathy, we’re here!”
reverie and slowly lifted his
its seclusion striking an impressive contrast
grandeur of
open in awe, “Looks like Mr. Chad Abernathy’s been living it up abroad. This place must’ve cost
“Nonsense.”
streak flaring up, “It’s nothing compared to Evadne’s
gaffe and scratched
a strand of her hair. In his eyes, everything
he stepped out, buttoning up
to have a calming effect, easing some of the
Abernathy, my apologies for not greeting you at a greater distance,” a cool and soothing female
a white gown, her figure slender and elegant, approaching them with grace.
extended her hand politely
composure, his sharp gaze fixed on her. This woman seemed familiar, yet after
meet you.”
he quickly touched her hand, as if any longer and he might spontaneously
Chad Abernathy has been waiting for you. Please,
“Sure.”
cold tone. “I’m sorry, but Mr. Chad Abernathy’s estate is off–limits to anyone but family and invited guests. Your secretary
deflated, his eyes filled with concern for
in the car, Gordon, Thaddeus said quietly
smile in her eyes iced over to a
Gordon stared at her retreating figure, feeling an inexplicable discomfort.
corridor. Thaddeus‘ cool gaze remained on Alexia, his suspicions growing. As she moved, her clothes fluttered, and the orchid–like scent lingered
your perfume smells quite nice. What brand is it?” Thaddeus, ever the blunt businessman, surprisingly
hooks, “Would a busy man like Mr. Abernathy be interested in a woman’s
that I have
me the brand? I’d like
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, nearly impossible to buy.”
see, Thaddeus‘ expression flickered,
suddenly remembered where
this orchid scent
perfume but a rare incense she could obtain probably due to his brother’s
they know each other?
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