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 anymore.
we’re here!”
snapped out of his reverie and
striking an
easily rivals the grandeur
Abernathy’s been living it
“Nonsense.”
competitive streak flaring up, “It’s nothing
gaffe and scratched his
was totally smitten with Mrs. Abernathy, treasuring even a strand of her hair. In his eyes, everything about Mrs.
he stepped out, buttoning up
calming effect,
a
lifted his eyes and saw a woman in a white gown, her figure slender and elegant, approaching them with grace. “I’m Alexia,
as she extended her hand politely to Thaddeus, “I’m pleased to meet you, Mr. Thaddeus Abernathy.”
fixed on her. This woman seemed familiar, yet after sifting through his memory, he
to meet you.”
his brother, he quickly touched her hand, as if any longer and
Abernathy has been waiting for you. Please, follow me.”
“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 and invited
filled
car, Gordon, Thaddeus said quietly
in her eyes
that woman, Gordon stared at her retreating figure, feeling
after the other along the winding corridor. Thaddeus‘ cool gaze remained on Alexia, his suspicions growing. As she moved, her clothes
perfume smells quite nice. What brand is it?” Thaddeus, ever
tempting hooks, “Would a busy man like Mr. Abernathy be
to be, but now that I have a significant other, it’s different.”
you tell me the brand? I’d like to get it for her as a
to disappoint you, Mr. Abernathy. It’s not a perfume, but a rare incense made from local
flickered, and he dropped
he suddenly remembered where
Avery, in every encounter, he had faintly detected this orchid scent clinging to Avery, the same as Alexia’s.
wasn’t perfume but a rare incense she
Did they know
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