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 that close to him anymore. Respect was
we’re
out of his reverie
seclusion striking an impressive contrast to the outside
grandeur of Mrs. Abernathy’s
Chad Abernathy’s been living it up abroad. This place must’ve cost hundreds
“Nonsense.”
flaring up, “It’s nothing compared to
and scratched his
with Mrs. Abernathy, treasuring even a strand of her hair. In his eyes, everything about Mrs. Abernathy was
stepped out, buttoning up
effect, easing some
Abernathy, my apologies for not greeting you at a greater distance,” a cool and soothing female voice approached him.
and saw a woman in a white gown, her figure slender and elegant,
in a smile as she extended her hand politely to Thaddeus, “I’m pleased to meet you,
composure, his sharp gaze fixed on her. This woman seemed familiar, yet after sifting
to meet you.”
her hand, as if any longer and he might spontaneously
waiting for
“Sure.”
Alexia abruptly stated in a cold tone. “I’m sorry, but Mr. Chad Abernathy’s estate is off–limits to anyone but family and invited guests. Your secretary will have to wait outside.”
looked deflated, his eyes filled
in the car, Gordon, Thaddeus said quietly
smile in her eyes iced over to
away by that woman, Gordon stared at her retreating figure, feeling an inexplicable discomfort.
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
is it?” Thaddeus, ever the blunt businessman,
eyes like tempting hooks, “Would a busy man like Mr. Abernathy be interested in a
now that I have
joy, “Could you tell me the brand? I’d like to get it for her
to disappoint you, Mr. Abernathy.
see, Thaddeus‘ expression flickered, and
remembered where he had
every encounter, he had faintly detected this orchid
it wasn’t perfume but a rare incense she could
they know each other? Or was it merely
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