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.
exchanged, Chad didn’t feel all that close to him
we’re
of his reverie and slowly lifted
him stood an astonishing mansion, its seclusion striking
easily rivals the grandeur of Mrs. Abernathy’s
in awe, “Looks like Mr. Chad Abernathy’s been living it up abroad.
“Nonsense.”
up, “It’s nothing compared
and scratched
smitten with Mrs. Abernathy, treasuring even a strand of her hair. In his eyes, everything about Mrs. Abernathy was the
Thaddeus. As he stepped out, buttoning up his suit jacket, a delicate fragrance
the fragrance seemed to have a calming effect, easing some of the
a greater distance,” a cool
eyes and saw a woman in a white gown, her figure slender and elegant, approaching them with grace. “I’m Alexia, Mr. Chad Abernathy’s
extended her hand politely to Thaddeus,
sharp gaze fixed on her. This woman seemed familiar, yet
meet you.”
quickly touched her hand,
been waiting for you.
“Sure.”
Gordon moved to follow, 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
looked deflated, his eyes filled with concern for Thaddeus.
in the car, Gordon, Thaddeus said quietly
her eyes iced over to a chilling
being led away by that woman, Gordon stared at her retreating figure,
Alexia, his suspicions growing. As she moved,
smells quite nice. What brand is it?” Thaddeus, ever the blunt businessman,
eyes like tempting hooks, “Would a busy man like Mr.
now that I have a significant
Thaddeus‘ lips curled up, unable to hide his joy, “Could you tell me the brand? I’d like
“I’m afraid 141 have to disappoint you, Mr. Abernathy. It’s not a perfume, but
expression flickered, and he dropped the
her that because he suddenly remembered where he had smelled that fragrance before.
he had faintly detected this orchid scent
said it wasn’t perfume but a rare incense she could obtain
did Avery get it? Did they know each
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
The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!