His Ex Wife Is A Billionaire

Chapter 649

Chapter 649

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.

But after more than a decade apart, with only holiday greetings exchanged, Chad didn’t feel all that

close to him anymore. Respect was the predominant sentiment.

“Mr. Abernathy, we’re here!”

Thaddeus snapped out of his reverie and slowly lifted his gaze.

Before him stood an astonishing mansion, its seclusion striking an impressive contrast to the outside

world.

“Wow…that’s some estate, easily rivals the grandeur of Mrs. Abernathy’s Silverlake Harbor!”

Gordon’s mouth hung open in awe, “Looks like Mr. Chad Abernathy’s been living it up abroad. This

place must’ve cost hundreds of millions, eh?”

“Nonsense.”

Thaddeus‘ lips thinned, his competitive streak flaring up, “It’s nothing compared to Evadne’s place.”

Gordon realized his gaffe and scratched his head awkwardly.

Mr. Abernathy was totally smitten with Mrs. Abernathy, treasuring even a strand of her hair. In his eyes,

everything about Mrs. Abernathy was the best.

Gordon stepped out first, respectfully opening the car 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.

Curiously, the fragrance seemed to have a calming effect, easing some of the tension he felt.

“Mr. Thaddeus Abernathy, my apologies for not greeting you at a greater distance,” a cool and soothing

female voice approached him.

Thaddeus lifted his eyes 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.”

Alexia’s eyes curved up in a smile as she extended her hand politely to Thaddeus, “I’m pleased to meet

you, Mr. Thaddeus Abernathy.”

Thaddeus kept his composure, his sharp gaze fixed on her. This woman seemed familiar, yet after

sifting through his memory, he couldn’t recall ever meeting her.

“Pleased to meet you.”

Out of respect for his brother, he quickly touched her hand, as if any longer and he might

spontaneously combust.

“Mr. Chad Abernathy has been waiting for you. Please, follow me.”

“Sure.”

As Gordon moved 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 guests. Your secretary will have to wait outside.”

Gordon looked deflated, his eyes filled with concern for Thaddeus.

“Wait in the car, Gordon, Thaddeus said quietly

As Alexia turned away, the smile in her eyes iced over to a chilling glare.

Watching Mr. Thaddeus Abernathy being led away by that woman, Gordon stared at her retreating

figure, feeling an inexplicable discomfort.

The two walked one after 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

around him.

“Alexia, your perfume smells quite nice. What brand is it?” Thaddeus, ever the blunt businessman,

surprisingly took an interest in a woman’s fragrance.

Alexia glanced back with a light smile, her eyes like tempting hooks, “Would a busy man like Mr.

Abernathy be interested in a woman’s vanity?”

“Never used to be, but now that I have a significant other, it’s different.”

Thinking 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 gift when I return.”

Alexia turned her 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 from local botanicals, nearly impossible to

buy.”

“Oh, I see, Thaddeus‘ expression flickered, and he dropped the subject.

He asked her that because he suddenly remembered where he had smelled that fragrance before.

On Avery, in every encounter, he had faintly detected this orchid scent clinging to Avery, the same as

Alexia’s.

She said it wasn’t perfume but a rare incense she could obtain probably due to his brother’s favor.

So how did Avery get it? Did they know each other? Or was it merely a coincidence?

Lost in thought, Thaddeus arrived at a carved wooden door.

“Mr. Thaddeus Abernathy, Mr. Chad Abernathy awaits you inside. Please, come in,” Alexia stepped

aside to let him through. Thaddeus took a deep breath and entered. Inside the room, smoke curled

lazily in the air, the atmosphere serene.

“Thaddeus, you’ve finally come.”

Coughing, Chad wheeled himself out from the room, his face brightening with joy at the sight of his

younger brother. “Chad,” Thaddeus hurried over to him.

Chad leaned forward to grasp Thaddeus‘ hand, lifting his face to look at him with clear, bright eyes that

twinkled like stars, “It’s been what, over a decade since we last saw each other? I’ve missed you a lot.

You look thinner than the last time we had that video call at Grandpa’s. Have you been working too

hard lately?”

“I’m managing,” Thaddeus replied softly.

“No matter how busy you are, you’ve got to take care of yourself. You’re the president of the Abernathy

Group, after all.” Chad coughed lightly, his pale cheeks flushing with the effort, “You see the state I’m

in. I can’t be of much help to you as your older brother. The future of Abernathy Group rests on your

shoulders now.”

“Please, don’t talk like that.” Thaddeus‘ voice was thick with emotion, “You can always come back to

Elmsworth to recuperate. And if you ever want to return to the Abernathy Group and make your mark,

I’d welcome you with open arms.”

Before seeing Chad, Thaddeus had harbored countless doubts and concerns. But now, seeing his

older brother confined to a wheelchair, he couldn’t help but feel a surge of guilt.

The young Chad had once been a figure of vigor and brilliance, a standout in both looks and intellect.

Now, all Thaddeus could see was a man ravaged by illness, frail and pale, seemingly ready to shatter

at the slightest touch.

The tragedy all stemmed from that kidnapping incident. If it hadn’t been for Chad stepping in, it could

have been Thaddeus himself exiled to a foreign country, living his days dependent on a wheelchair.

In the tea room, the brothers sat facing each other. Alexia performed her tea art with graceful fluid- to

watch.

Thaddeus kept his gaze on her hands, seemingly deep in thought.

Chad smiled contentedly. “Thaddeus, I’ve been a bit better these past few years, thanks to Alexia’s

care. She’s not just my personal doctor but also a friend, part of the family.”

“Mr. Chad Abernathy, you’re too kind. It’s my honor to be here to take care of you.” There was a soft

light in Alexia’s eyes as she pushed a cup of steaming tea towards Thaddeus, “Mr. Thaddeus

Abernathy, please enjoy your tea.”

Thaddeus maintained his composure.

Chad chuckled, “Speaking of which, Alexia and you share a rather interesting connection.”

“A connection?”

“You once mentioned that after graduating from the military academy, you joined the peacekeeping

forces and were deployed to Zenithia for international aid and anti–terrorism efforts.

Coincidentally, Alexia was in Zenithia around that same time.” Chad turned to look at Alexia.

Thaddeus lowered his eyes, “Is that so? Quite a coincidence.”

“Yes, she was there as a Doctor Without Borders. It’s quite possible she treated some of your

comrades.”

Doctor Without Borders?!

Thaddeus‘ most sensitive nerves were struck by the casual revelation! He looked sharply at Alexia, and

in his mind’s eye, he saw Paloma’s radiant, luminous eyes shimmering back at him.

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