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
we’re
his reverie and slowly lifted
seclusion striking an
grandeur of
Abernathy’s been living it up abroad. This place must’ve cost hundreds of
“Nonsense.”
thinned, his competitive streak flaring up, “It’s nothing compared to Evadne’s
and scratched his head awkwardly.
a strand of her hair. In his eyes, everything about Mrs. Abernathy was
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.
have a calming effect, easing some of
my apologies for not greeting you at a greater distance,”
her figure slender and elegant, approaching them with grace. “I’m
extended her hand politely to Thaddeus, “I’m pleased to meet you,
fixed on her. This woman seemed familiar, yet after sifting
meet
respect for his brother, he quickly touched her hand, as if any longer and he might
been waiting for
“Sure.”
sorry, but Mr. Chad Abernathy’s estate is off–limits to anyone but family and invited guests. Your secretary will have to
eyes filled with concern
Gordon,
away, the smile in her eyes iced
being led away by that woman, Gordon stared at her retreating figure, feeling an inexplicable discomfort.
after the other along the winding corridor. Thaddeus‘ cool gaze remained on Alexia, his suspicions growing. As she moved, her clothes fluttered, and
smells quite nice. What brand is it?” Thaddeus, ever the blunt
smile, her eyes like tempting hooks, “Would a busy man like Mr. Abernathy be interested in a
now that I have a significant other, it’s different.”
to hide his joy, “Could you tell me the brand?
“I’m afraid 141 have to disappoint you, Mr. Abernathy. It’s not a perfume, but a rare incense made from local botanicals, nearly
see, Thaddeus‘ expression flickered, and he dropped the subject.
suddenly remembered where he had smelled
encounter, he had faintly detected this orchid
wasn’t perfume but a rare incense she could obtain probably due to his brother’s
it? Did they know each other? Or was it merely a
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