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.
holiday greetings exchanged, Chad didn’t feel all that close to him anymore. Respect was the
Abernathy, we’re here!”
his reverie and slowly lifted his gaze.
its seclusion striking an impressive contrast to
easily rivals the grandeur of
been living it up abroad. This place must’ve cost hundreds of millions,
“Nonsense.”
thinned, his competitive streak flaring up, “It’s
his gaffe and
Abernathy was totally smitten with Mrs. Abernathy, treasuring even a strand of her hair. In his eyes, everything about Mrs. Abernathy was
up his suit jacket, a delicate fragrance wafted
calming effect, easing some
my apologies for not greeting you at a greater distance,” a cool and soothing female voice approached him.
figure slender and elegant, approaching them with grace.
as she extended her hand politely to Thaddeus, “I’m
fixed on her. This woman seemed familiar, yet after sifting through his memory, he couldn’t recall ever
to meet you.”
hand, as if
waiting for you. Please, follow me.”
“Sure.”
sorry, but Mr. Chad Abernathy’s estate is off–limits to anyone but family and invited guests. Your
deflated, his eyes filled with concern for
the car, Gordon,
away, the smile in her eyes iced over
led away by that woman, Gordon stared
cool gaze remained on Alexia, his suspicions growing. As she moved, her clothes fluttered, and
quite nice. What brand is it?” Thaddeus, ever the blunt businessman, surprisingly took an
a light smile, her eyes like tempting hooks, “Would a busy man like
used to be, but now that I have a
up, unable to hide his joy, “Could you tell me the brand? I’d like to get
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 impossible to buy.”
Thaddeus‘ expression flickered, and he dropped the
that because he suddenly remembered where he had smelled
Avery, in every encounter, he had faintly detected this orchid scent clinging to
wasn’t perfume but a rare incense she could obtain probably due to his brother’s
did Avery get it? Did they know each other? Or
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