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.
didn’t feel all
Abernathy, we’re here!”
his reverie and slowly lifted his
an astonishing mansion, its seclusion striking an impressive contrast to the outside world.
grandeur
in awe, “Looks like Mr. Chad Abernathy’s been living it up
“Nonsense.”
lips thinned, his competitive streak flaring up,
gaffe and scratched his head awkwardly.
smitten with Mrs. Abernathy, treasuring even a strand of
As he stepped out, buttoning up his suit jacket,
the fragrance seemed to have a calming effect, easing some
at a greater distance,” a cool and soothing female voice approached him.
a white gown, her figure slender and elegant, approaching them
smile as she extended her hand politely to Thaddeus, “I’m pleased
fixed on her. This woman seemed familiar, yet after sifting through his memory,
meet you.”
quickly touched her hand, as if any longer and
has been waiting
“Sure.”
follow, Alexia abruptly stated in a cold tone. “I’m sorry, but Mr. Chad Abernathy’s estate is off–limits to anyone but family
eyes filled with concern
car, Gordon, Thaddeus said
in her eyes iced over to a chilling
Abernathy being led away by that woman, Gordon stared at her
other along the winding corridor. Thaddeus‘ cool gaze remained on Alexia, his suspicions growing. As she moved, her clothes fluttered, and the orchid–like
ever the blunt
tempting hooks, “Would a busy
used to be, but now that I have a significant
me the brand? I’d like to get it for her as a gift
away, a shadow crossing her features, “I’m afraid 141 have to disappoint you, Mr. Abernathy. It’s not a perfume, but a
see, Thaddeus‘ expression flickered, and he
he suddenly remembered where he had smelled that fragrance
in every encounter, he had faintly detected this orchid scent clinging to Avery, the same as Alexia’s.
said it wasn’t perfume but a rare incense she could obtain probably due to
get it? Did they know each other? Or was it merely a
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