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.
a decade apart, with only holiday greetings exchanged, Chad didn’t feel all that close to him anymore. Respect was the predominant
Abernathy, we’re here!”
reverie and
an astonishing mansion, its seclusion striking an
grandeur of Mrs. Abernathy’s
hung open in awe, “Looks like Mr. Chad Abernathy’s been living it up abroad. This place must’ve cost hundreds of
“Nonsense.”
thinned, his competitive streak flaring up, “It’s nothing compared to Evadne’s
his gaffe and scratched
a strand of her hair.
Thaddeus. As he stepped out, buttoning up his suit jacket, a delicate fragrance wafted towards him, reminiscent of the subtle scent
seemed to have a calming effect, easing some of the
greeting you at a greater distance,” a cool and soothing female voice approached
slender and elegant,
smile as she extended her hand politely to Thaddeus, “I’m pleased to meet you, Mr. Thaddeus
seemed familiar, yet after sifting through his memory, he
to meet you.”
hand, as if any longer and
been waiting for you.
“Sure.”
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.”
eyes filled with
in the car, Gordon, Thaddeus said
her eyes iced over to a
being led away by that woman, Gordon stared at her
remained on Alexia, his suspicions growing.
ever the
tempting hooks, “Would a busy man like Mr. Abernathy be
but now that I have a
his joy, “Could you tell me the brand? I’d like to get it for her as a gift when I
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 subject.
remembered where he had smelled that fragrance
detected this orchid scent clinging
wasn’t perfume but a rare incense she
Avery get it? Did they know each other? Or was it merely a
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