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.
a decade apart, with only holiday greetings exchanged, Chad didn’t feel all that close to him
we’re
snapped out of his reverie
seclusion striking an impressive contrast to the outside
rivals the grandeur of
Chad Abernathy’s been living it up abroad. This place
“Nonsense.”
lips thinned, his competitive streak flaring up, “It’s nothing compared to Evadne’s place.”
and scratched his head awkwardly.
Mrs. Abernathy, treasuring even a strand of
stepped out, buttoning up his suit
to have a calming effect,
Abernathy, my apologies for not greeting you at a greater distance,” a cool and
slender and elegant, approaching them with grace. “I’m Alexia, Mr. Chad Abernathy’s
curved up in a smile as she extended her hand politely to Thaddeus, “I’m pleased to meet you, Mr. Thaddeus Abernathy.”
kept his composure, his sharp gaze fixed on her. This woman seemed familiar, yet after
meet you.”
his brother, he quickly touched her hand, as if any longer and he might spontaneously combust.
Abernathy has been waiting for
“Sure.”
Gordon moved 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
the car, Gordon, Thaddeus said quietly
her eyes iced over to
woman, Gordon stared at her retreating
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
glanced back with a light smile, her eyes like tempting hooks, “Would a busy man like Mr. Abernathy
be, but now that I have a significant other, it’s
you tell me
features, “I’m afraid 141 have to disappoint you, Mr. Abernathy. It’s not a perfume, but a rare incense made from local botanicals,
expression flickered,
remembered
faintly detected this orchid scent
a rare incense she could obtain probably due
get it? Did they know each other? Or was it
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