Trading My Ex for His Uncle (Nyla and Damon) novel Chapter 1123

"Then what about you? What are you going to do?" Wren asked, her face etched with sadness and pain as she looked at Gabriel.

No matter what happened, Gabriel was her only son. If he couldn't make it out of this situation, she felt her own life would lose its meaning.

Gabriel's expression remained indifferent. "What happens to me is none of your concern. Just take care of yourself."

"What kind of nonsense is that? How can I not care about you?" Wren demanded.

Gabriel glanced at her, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Even if you want to care, you can't do anything about it.

"Don't come to see me again. I won't meet with you again. Just live your life with the money you'll be getting each month.

"As for Wilhelm, with Jane supporting him, he won't have to worry about food or clothing. There's nothing for me to stress over."

Wren's face drained of color, and she stared at him, her lips trembling. "Why do you sound like you're saying your last words... Gabriel, don't scare me like this."

Gabriel chuckled bitterly, meeting her gaze. "Even if I don't get the death penalty, I'll likely be sentenced to life. What's the difference between that and being dead?"

"Gabriel, even if you're sentenced to life, I'll wait for you out here. You must promise me you won't do anything foolish. I couldn't handle it," Wren pleaded.

A flicker of something passed through Gabriel's eyes before he lowered his gaze.

In a low voice, he said, "Mom, just pretend you don't have me as your son anymore. I've let you down, and I've failed Wilhelm too."

"Gabriel—" Wren started, but the lawyer beside her interrupted, informing her that visitation time was up.

She quickly turned back to Gabriel. "Son, no matter what happens, I'll be waiting for you. Don't you dare do anything foolish. If you do, I won't survive it either!"

But no matter how much she pleaded, Gabriel didn't lift his head again.

…

After a moment of hesitation, she asked, "Mr. Higham, based on your experience, how long do you think my son will be sentenced?"

Philip paused briefly before responding carefully. "Ms. Hackett, it's hard to say right now, but considering the charges—stealing critical trade secrets from a competitor and kidnapping—he's looking at a minimum of ten years."

Truthfully, it could be much worse. He knew sharing that would only heighten her anxiety.

Wren turned even paler, her voice trembling. "If we get a letter of forgiveness, will that help with a lighter sentence?"

Philip shook his head. "It wouldn't make much of a difference."

"Alright... I understand. Mr. Higham, please do everything you can to save him. Otherwise, his life will truly be over," Wren pleaded.

"I'll do my best, Ms. Hackett. But this case has a complete chain of evidence. To be honest, a lawyer can only do so much here," Philip confessed.