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 close to
Abernathy, we’re
his reverie and slowly lifted
its seclusion striking an impressive
easily rivals the grandeur of
mouth hung open in awe, “Looks like Mr. Chad Abernathy’s been living it up abroad. This
“Nonsense.”
his competitive streak flaring up, “It’s nothing compared
gaffe and scratched his
with Mrs. Abernathy, treasuring even a strand of her hair. In his eyes, everything
car door for Thaddeus. As he stepped out, buttoning up his suit jacket, a delicate
have a calming effect, easing some of
at a greater distance,” a
woman in a white gown, her figure slender and elegant, approaching them with grace. “I’m
she extended her hand politely to Thaddeus, “I’m pleased to meet you, Mr. Thaddeus Abernathy.”
his composure, his sharp gaze fixed on her. This woman seemed familiar,
to meet
he quickly touched her hand, as if
has been waiting for you. Please, follow me.”
“Sure.”
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
filled with concern for
Gordon, Thaddeus
turned away, the smile in her eyes iced over to a chilling glare.
away by that woman, Gordon stared at her retreating
Alexia, his suspicions growing. As she moved, her clothes fluttered, and the orchid–like
What brand is it?” Thaddeus, ever the blunt businessman, surprisingly took an
eyes like tempting hooks, “Would a busy
used to be, but now that I have
lips curled up, unable to hide his joy, “Could you tell me the brand? I’d like to get it
141 have to disappoint you, Mr. Abernathy. It’s not a perfume,
flickered, and he dropped the subject.
that because he suddenly remembered where
in every encounter, he had faintly detected this orchid scent
she could obtain probably
Did they know each other? Or
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