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.
decade apart, with only holiday greetings exchanged, Chad didn’t feel all that close to him
we’re here!”
reverie and slowly lifted his
an astonishing mansion, its seclusion striking an impressive contrast to the
easily rivals the grandeur
open in awe, “Looks like Mr. Chad Abernathy’s been living it
“Nonsense.”
lips thinned, his competitive streak flaring up, “It’s nothing compared
and
strand of her hair. In his eyes, everything about Mrs. Abernathy was the best.
car door for Thaddeus. As he stepped out, buttoning up
a calming effect, easing some of the tension
apologies for not greeting you at a greater distance,” a
her figure slender and elegant, approaching them with grace. “I’m Alexia, Mr. Chad Abernathy’s personal
hand politely to Thaddeus, “I’m pleased to meet you, Mr.
fixed on her. This woman seemed familiar, yet after sifting through his memory,
meet you.”
her hand, as
Abernathy has been waiting for you. Please, follow me.”
“Sure.”
Chad Abernathy’s estate is off–limits to anyone but family and invited guests.
his eyes filled
car, Gordon, Thaddeus said
turned away, the smile in her eyes iced over to a chilling
Abernathy being led away by that woman, Gordon stared at
Thaddeus‘ cool gaze remained on Alexia, his suspicions growing. As she moved, her clothes fluttered, and the orchid–like scent
it?” Thaddeus, ever the blunt businessman, surprisingly took an
“Would a busy man like Mr. Abernathy be interested in a
that I have a significant
joy, “Could you tell me the brand? I’d like to get
turned her face away, a shadow crossing her features, “I’m afraid 141 have to disappoint you, Mr. Abernathy. It’s not a perfume,
see, Thaddeus‘ expression flickered, and he
suddenly remembered where he had smelled that fragrance before.
every encounter, he had faintly detected this orchid scent clinging to
rare incense she could obtain probably due
how did Avery get it? Did they know each other?
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