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.
holiday greetings exchanged, Chad didn’t feel all that close to him
Abernathy, we’re
out of his reverie and slowly lifted his
stood an astonishing mansion, its seclusion striking
easily rivals the grandeur
awe, “Looks like Mr. Chad Abernathy’s been living it up abroad. This
“Nonsense.”
streak flaring up, “It’s
gaffe and scratched his
smitten with Mrs. Abernathy, treasuring even a strand of
door for Thaddeus. As he stepped out, buttoning up his suit jacket, a delicate fragrance wafted towards him, reminiscent of the subtle scent of orchids.
the fragrance seemed to have a calming effect, easing some
for not greeting you at a greater distance,” a cool and soothing female
white gown, her figure slender and elegant, approaching them with grace. “I’m Alexia,
hand politely
composure, his sharp gaze fixed on her. This woman seemed familiar, yet after sifting through his memory, he couldn’t recall ever meeting her.
to meet
quickly touched her hand, as if any longer
has been waiting for you.
“Sure.”
Mr. Chad Abernathy’s
deflated, his eyes filled with concern for
the car, Gordon, Thaddeus
Alexia turned away, the smile in her eyes iced over to
Abernathy being led away by that woman, Gordon stared at her retreating figure,
after the other along the winding corridor. Thaddeus‘ cool gaze remained on Alexia, his suspicions
Thaddeus, ever the blunt businessman, surprisingly took an interest in a
back with a light smile, her eyes like tempting hooks, “Would a busy man like
used to be, but now that I have
Evadne, Thaddeus‘ lips curled up, unable to hide his joy, “Could you tell me the brand? I’d like to get
her features, “I’m afraid 141 have to disappoint you, Mr. Abernathy. It’s not a perfume, but
I see, Thaddeus‘ expression flickered, and
suddenly remembered where he
detected this orchid scent clinging to Avery, the same as Alexia’s.
wasn’t perfume but a rare incense she could
Did they know each other? Or was
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