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.
apart, with only holiday greetings exchanged, Chad didn’t feel all that close to him anymore. Respect was the predominant
we’re here!”
of his reverie and slowly lifted his
striking an impressive contrast to the outside world.
grandeur of Mrs.
“Looks like Mr. Chad Abernathy’s been living
“Nonsense.”
streak flaring up, “It’s nothing compared to Evadne’s place.”
gaffe and scratched
of her hair. In his eyes, everything about Mrs. Abernathy was
stepped out first, respectfully opening the car door for Thaddeus. As he stepped out, buttoning up
have a calming effect, easing some of the tension
Thaddeus Abernathy, my apologies for not greeting you at a greater distance,”
and saw a woman in a white gown, her figure slender and elegant, approaching them with grace. “I’m Alexia, Mr. Chad Abernathy’s personal doctor.”
in a smile as she extended her hand politely to Thaddeus,
her. This woman seemed familiar, yet
meet you.”
quickly touched her hand, as if
Chad Abernathy has been waiting for you. Please,
“Sure.”
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
filled with concern for
in the car, Gordon,
away, the smile in her eyes iced over to
Gordon stared at her retreating figure, feeling an
the other along the winding corridor. Thaddeus‘ cool gaze remained on Alexia, his suspicions growing. As she moved, her clothes fluttered, and the orchid–like scent lingered
perfume smells quite nice. What brand is it?” Thaddeus, ever the blunt businessman, surprisingly
smile, her eyes like tempting hooks, “Would a busy man like Mr. Abernathy be interested in a woman’s vanity?”
to be, but now that I have a
hide his joy, “Could you tell me the brand? I’d like to get it for her as a gift
141 have to disappoint you, Mr. Abernathy. It’s not
I see, Thaddeus‘ expression flickered,
he suddenly remembered where he had smelled that fragrance before.
this orchid scent clinging to Avery, the same as Alexia’s.
it wasn’t perfume but a rare incense she
get it? Did they know each other? Or
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