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.
we’re here!”
reverie and
astonishing mansion, its seclusion striking an impressive contrast to
some estate, easily rivals the grandeur of Mrs. Abernathy’s Silverlake Harbor!”
awe, “Looks like Mr. Chad Abernathy’s been living it up abroad. This place must’ve cost hundreds of millions, eh?”
“Nonsense.”
his competitive streak flaring up, “It’s
realized his gaffe and
with Mrs. Abernathy, treasuring even a strand of her hair.
buttoning up his suit jacket, a delicate fragrance wafted towards him, reminiscent
the fragrance seemed to have a calming effect,
my apologies for not greeting you at a greater distance,” a cool and soothing female voice
eyes and saw a woman in a white gown, her figure slender and elegant, approaching them with grace. “I’m Alexia, Mr. Chad
hand politely to
This woman seemed familiar, yet after sifting
to meet
quickly touched her hand, as if any longer and he might
waiting for you. Please, follow me.”
“Sure.”
“I’m sorry, but Mr. Chad Abernathy’s estate is off–limits to
filled with concern for Thaddeus.
in the car, Gordon,
the smile in her eyes iced over to a
woman, Gordon
other along the winding corridor. Thaddeus‘ cool gaze remained on Alexia, his suspicions
your perfume smells quite nice. What brand is it?” Thaddeus, ever the blunt businessman, surprisingly took an interest in a
hooks, “Would a busy man like Mr. Abernathy be interested in a woman’s
that I have a significant other, it’s different.”
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.”
face away, a shadow crossing her features, “I’m afraid 141 have to disappoint you, Mr. Abernathy. It’s not a perfume, but a rare incense made from local botanicals, nearly
I see, Thaddeus‘ expression flickered, and he dropped
remembered where
detected this
wasn’t perfume but a rare incense she could obtain probably
Did they know each other? Or was it
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