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.
after more than a decade apart, with only holiday greetings exchanged, Chad didn’t feel all that close to him anymore. Respect was the predominant
we’re
of his reverie and slowly lifted his gaze.
its seclusion striking an impressive contrast to the
rivals the grandeur of
Mr. Chad Abernathy’s been living it up abroad. This
“Nonsense.”
his competitive streak flaring up, “It’s nothing compared
his gaffe and scratched his head awkwardly.
a strand of her hair. In his eyes, everything about Mrs. Abernathy was the best.
up his suit jacket, a delicate fragrance wafted towards him, reminiscent of the subtle
calming effect, easing some of the tension
at a
her figure slender and elegant, approaching them with grace. “I’m Alexia, Mr.
eyes curved up in a smile as she extended her hand politely
fixed on her. This woman seemed familiar, yet after sifting through his memory, he couldn’t recall ever
to meet you.”
of respect for his brother, he quickly touched her hand, as if any longer and he might
Abernathy has been waiting for
“Sure.”
“I’m sorry, but Mr. Chad Abernathy’s estate is off–limits to
filled with concern for
in the car, Gordon,
smile in her eyes
Mr. Thaddeus Abernathy being led away by that woman, Gordon stared at
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.
nice. What brand is it?” Thaddeus, ever the blunt businessman, surprisingly took an interest in a woman’s fragrance.
eyes like tempting hooks, “Would a busy man like Mr.
that I have a significant other, it’s
up, unable to hide his joy, “Could you tell me the brand? I’d like to get it for her as a gift when I return.”
features, “I’m afraid 141 have to disappoint you, Mr. Abernathy. It’s not a perfume,
I see, Thaddeus‘ expression flickered, and he
because he suddenly remembered where
encounter, he had faintly detected this orchid scent clinging to Avery,
a rare incense she could obtain probably due
know each other?
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