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.
with only holiday greetings exchanged, Chad didn’t feel all that
we’re here!”
out of his reverie and
an astonishing mansion, its seclusion striking an impressive contrast to the outside world.
the grandeur of
open in awe, “Looks like Mr. Chad Abernathy’s been living it up abroad. This place must’ve cost hundreds of millions,
“Nonsense.”
streak flaring up, “It’s nothing compared to
gaffe and scratched his
totally smitten with Mrs. Abernathy, treasuring even a strand of her hair. In
up his suit jacket,
fragrance seemed to have a calming effect, easing some of the tension he
not greeting you at a greater distance,”
a white gown, her figure slender and elegant, approaching them with grace. “I’m
smile as she extended her hand politely
his sharp gaze fixed on her. This woman seemed familiar, yet after sifting through his memory, he
meet you.”
her hand, as if any longer and he might spontaneously
Abernathy has been waiting for you. Please,
“Sure.”
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
his eyes filled with concern for
Gordon, Thaddeus said
her eyes iced over
being led away by that woman, Gordon stared at her retreating figure, feeling an inexplicable discomfort.
Thaddeus‘ cool gaze remained on Alexia, his suspicions
nice. What brand is it?” Thaddeus, ever the blunt businessman, surprisingly took an interest in a woman’s
like tempting hooks, “Would
used to be, but now that I have
unable to hide his joy, “Could you tell me the brand? I’d like to get it for her as
afraid 141 have to disappoint you, Mr. Abernathy. It’s not a perfume, but a rare incense made from local botanicals, nearly impossible to
flickered, and
asked her that because he suddenly remembered where he had smelled
Avery, in every encounter, he had faintly detected this orchid scent clinging to
but a rare incense she could obtain probably due to his brother’s favor.
know each other? Or was it merely
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