Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon novel Chapter 412

Adeline was out of options. Desperate, she dialed Director Nichols.

That phone call was supposed to be her last resort, a trump card she’d been saving for when she faced that man. But now, saving Mitchell had to come first—her son could not, under any circumstances, go to jail.

She called Director Nichols again and again, but he didn’t pick up. Each time her call went to voicemail, a cold dread settled deeper in her chest.

With nowhere else to turn, Adeline found herself standing outside Director Nichols’ house in the middle of the night.

When he opened the door and saw who it was, Director Nichols just stared at her, speechless. He looked weary, exasperated. “You really think it’s wise to come here, at a time like this?”

Adeline hesitated. “What do you mean?”

He let out a heavy sigh. “You know exactly what I mean.”

He studied her, almost with pity. “Adeline, you’re a smart woman. So how did you end up raising a son like Mitchell? Do you have any idea? No one up top is willing to touch this mess. If I intervened, I’d be finished—my job, my reputation, everything. Do you honestly think I’d risk that for you?”

Adeline’s brow furrowed as realization dawned on her. “So there’s nothing you can do? At all?”

He shook his head. “I’m sorry. The best I can manage is to make sure your son’s time inside isn’t unbearable. That’s all.”

“What?!” The words hit her like a bolt of lightning. She staggered, nearly losing her balance.

“Nichols—Director Nichols, please, I’m begging you.”

Adeline dropped to her knees and bowed her head to him, pleading. But it was pointless. Even if he’d once promised her anything, there was no way he’d throw away his entire career for her sake now. He was only a few years away from a dignified retirement; he couldn’t afford even the slightest risk.

Suzan’s anxious voice tumbled through the phone: “Aunt Adeline, please, don’t hang up—I have a way to help Mitchell.”

Adeline froze, her heart skipping a beat. Of course! How could she have forgotten—Suzan’s uncle was Lionel Harper, one of the wealthiest men in the city. If Lionel stepped in, maybe there was hope.

Here, only Lionel had the clout to stand up to someone like Lyman. If Lyman weren’t involved, Director Nichols wouldn’t be so scared, wouldn’t have refused her.

She had to seize this opportunity.

Adeline’s tone transformed instantly, becoming warm and eager. “Hang up on you? Why would I ever do that?”

On the other end, Suzan heard the change in her voice and knew she had Adeline exactly where she wanted her. Now, she could finally reveal her true intentions.