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
we’re
reverie and
him stood an astonishing mansion, its seclusion striking an impressive contrast to the
some estate, easily rivals the grandeur
Abernathy’s been living it up
“Nonsense.”
competitive streak flaring up,
his gaffe and
of her
stepped out, buttoning up his suit jacket, a
fragrance seemed to have a calming effect, easing some of the tension he
Abernathy, my apologies for not greeting you at a greater distance,” a cool and soothing female voice approached
figure slender and elegant, approaching them with grace. “I’m Alexia,
curved up in a smile as she extended her hand politely to Thaddeus, “I’m pleased to meet you, Mr.
his sharp gaze fixed on her. This woman seemed familiar, yet after sifting through his memory, he couldn’t recall ever
to meet you.”
he quickly touched her hand, as if any longer and he might spontaneously combust.
Abernathy has been waiting for you. Please, follow
“Sure.”
abruptly stated in a 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
eyes filled with concern for Thaddeus.
Gordon, Thaddeus said quietly
the smile in her eyes iced over
woman, Gordon stared at her
Thaddeus‘ cool gaze remained on Alexia, his suspicions growing. As she moved, her clothes fluttered, and the orchid–like scent lingered around
ever the blunt businessman, surprisingly took an interest in
eyes like tempting hooks, “Would a busy man like Mr. Abernathy
be, but now that I have a significant
of Evadne, Thaddeus‘ lips curled up, unable to hide his joy, “Could you tell me the brand? I’d like to get it for her as a
face away, a shadow crossing her features, “I’m afraid 141 have to disappoint you, Mr. Abernathy. It’s not a perfume, but a rare incense made
flickered, and he dropped the subject.
he suddenly remembered where he
every encounter, he had faintly detected this orchid scent clinging to Avery, the
said it wasn’t perfume but a rare incense she could obtain probably due to
they know each
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