His Ex-Wife Is A Billionaire (Evadne and Thaddeus) novel 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.

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 motions that were a pleasure 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.