?Chapter 1645:


    If lives were at stake, that would change everything.


    “No, nothing like that,” Wesley assured him. “It was just the money.”


    Sensing Shepard’s inclination to help, Wesley felt a glimmer of hope, convinced he hade to the right ce.


    Exasperated by the conversation, Shepard just wanted to dismiss Wesley and Jalen quickly. He pulled out his phone and dialed a number, the call connecting almost instantly.


    “Mr. Atkinson!” Shepard greeted.


    A warm, cordial voice—the mayor’s—flowed through the line. “Shepard, what has prompted you to call me today?”


    Shepard let out a soft chuckle. “Can’t I ring you up just to chat? Is now a good time?”


    The faint hum of voices and activity in the background hinted that the mayor was in a bustling environment. Understanding what Shepard meant, the mayor signaled for those in his office to leave.


    “Shepard, go ahead and say what’s on your mind,” he said.


    Shepard cut to the chase. “Are you aware of Wesley’s situation?”


    The mayor didn’t hesitate. “Yes, I’m in the loop. It’s embezzlement, tangled up with bribery. The investigation is still underway, but results shoulde through next week. Word is, he’s looking at about twenty years in prison.”


    As Darwin’s father, the mayor had known Shepard and Giselle for years, their friendship a longstanding bond.


    Wesley’s face paled as the prospect of spending twenty years behind bars hit him. He dropped heavily onto the couch, arms and legs limp with shock. For a moment, he just sat there. Then, he pushed himself up, clutching the edge of the table for support, eyes frantic.


    “Shepard, I really need you to help me,” he said, his voice trembling. “I know I made mistakes. I know I crossed a line, but I can’t handle a sentence that long. If I end up in prison, my whole family will pay the price. My son’s future will be ruined. Politics will be out of his reach for good.”


    Without a word, Shepard stared at him, aplicated mix of emotions ying across his face. “I’m trying to help you here. Just be patient.”


    He spoke in a low voice, but the mayor on the other end of the call still heard his words.


    “Shepard, how are you connected to Wesley?” asked the mayor, his curiosity clear.


    Shepard gestured for Wesley to settle back down. “He’s my wife’s brother, and he’s desperate not tond in prison,” he exined, choosing his words carefully.


    The mayor understood the situation immediately. “Shepard, this is the first time I’ve seen you step up for someone in the political world. Looks like you might need a few tips. Prison is almost a certainty here—embezzlement and bribery don’t just go away. Still, there’s a small chance we can shave some years off his sentence.”


    Wesley’s hopes took a nosedive when he heard that, the weight of his choices settling in. Now, not only would his life be ruined, but his son’s future would be destroyed as well. Regret seemed etched into every line of his face.


    Shepard asked, “How could we do that?”


    A more serious tone crept into the mayor’s voice. “The main issue is the misuse of public funds. Thirty million has been paid back, but there’s still one hundred ny million missing. If you cover the rest, there’s a chance to cut his time by eight or ten years.”


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