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.
with only holiday greetings exchanged, Chad didn’t feel all that close to him anymore. Respect was
Abernathy, we’re
of his reverie and slowly
an astonishing mansion, its seclusion striking an impressive
some estate, easily rivals the grandeur
in awe, “Looks like Mr. Chad Abernathy’s been living it
“Nonsense.”
flaring up,
gaffe and scratched his head awkwardly.
totally smitten with Mrs. Abernathy, treasuring even a strand of her hair. In his eyes, everything about Mrs.
door for Thaddeus. As he stepped out, buttoning up his suit jacket, a delicate fragrance
the fragrance seemed to have a calming effect, easing
Abernathy, my apologies for not greeting you at a greater distance,” a cool and
eyes and saw a woman in a white gown, her figure slender and elegant, approaching them with grace. “I’m Alexia, Mr. Chad Abernathy’s personal
extended her hand politely to Thaddeus, “I’m pleased to meet you, Mr.
composure, his sharp gaze fixed on her. This woman seemed familiar, yet
to meet
quickly touched her hand, as if any longer and he might
Chad Abernathy has been waiting for you. Please, follow me.”
“Sure.”
Mr. Chad Abernathy’s estate is off–limits to
looked deflated, his eyes filled with concern for Thaddeus.
in the car, Gordon, Thaddeus
away, the smile in her eyes iced over to a chilling
that woman, Gordon stared at her retreating figure, feeling
gaze remained on Alexia, his suspicions growing. As she moved,
nice. What brand is it?” Thaddeus, ever the blunt businessman,
glanced back with a light smile, her eyes like tempting hooks, “Would a busy man like Mr. Abernathy be interested in a woman’s vanity?”
that I have
Thaddeus‘ lips curled up, unable to hide his joy, “Could you tell me the brand? I’d like to get it for her as a gift
afraid 141 have to disappoint you, Mr. Abernathy. It’s not a perfume,
flickered, and he dropped the
he suddenly remembered where he had smelled that
had faintly detected this orchid scent
it wasn’t perfume but a rare incense she could obtain
Avery get it? Did they know each other?
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