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
Abernathy, we’re here!”
of his reverie and slowly lifted
an astonishing mansion, its seclusion striking an
grandeur of Mrs. Abernathy’s Silverlake Harbor!”
Mr. Chad Abernathy’s been living it up abroad. This place must’ve cost hundreds of millions, eh?”
“Nonsense.”
lips thinned, his competitive streak flaring up,
and
Abernathy, treasuring even a strand of her hair. In his eyes, everything about Mrs. Abernathy
out, buttoning up his suit jacket, a delicate fragrance wafted towards him, reminiscent of the subtle
a calming effect, easing
a
figure slender and elegant,
extended her hand politely to Thaddeus, “I’m pleased to meet
composure, his sharp gaze fixed on her. This woman seemed familiar,
to meet you.”
his brother, he quickly touched her hand, as if any longer and he might spontaneously
Abernathy has been waiting for you. Please, follow me.”
“Sure.”
Gordon moved to follow, Alexia abruptly stated in a cold tone. “I’m sorry, but Mr. Chad Abernathy’s estate is off–limits
looked deflated, his eyes filled with concern for
car, Gordon, Thaddeus said
away, the smile in her eyes iced over to a
away by that woman, Gordon stared at her retreating figure, feeling
two walked one after the 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 around him.
perfume smells quite nice. What brand is it?” Thaddeus, ever the blunt businessman, surprisingly took an interest in
tempting hooks, “Would a
that I have a significant
curled up, unable to hide his joy, “Could you tell me the
141 have to disappoint you, Mr. Abernathy. It’s not
flickered, and he dropped the subject.
he suddenly remembered where he had smelled that fragrance
this orchid scent clinging to Avery, the same as Alexia’s.
incense she could
it? Did they know each other? Or was it merely a coincidence?
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