Can't Win Me Back

"I heard that a few hundred citizens went protesting at the city hall today, demanding Mayor Hodgson's resignation!"

A total of seven people had been arrested, including Zoe, Betty, and Freddy. They were under detention until they were formally indicted.

Meanwhile, the Hodgson couple was devastated to learn that their only son lost his tongue and injured his balls. Minnie took ibuprofen multiple times a day to soothe herself, fainting frequently from all the crying. All her time awake was spent crying and begging her husband to bail Freddy out.

"What else could you do aside from crying? It's all your fault that he ended up in this situation! You spoilt him!" Orlander pointed a finger at Minnie while he chided her. "He attempted to rape Lauren Beckett, the daughter of Javier Beckett! He certainly has great taste in women, doesn't he? He's not only ruining his future but also dragging me down with him.

"The entire nation has probably watched him take off his pants eagerly and top her! My political career ended because of him!"

At the same time, Minnie was crying her heart out. She retorted, "How could you only care for your career at this time? Nothing is more important than your son!"

Orlander cussed, feeling his blood pressure rise from dealing with Minnie. Still, he called his attorney to help Freddy. Unfortunately, the attorney only had bad news for him.

Due to the scale of the scandal, the police rejected the Hodgsons' request for bail on medical grounds.

"Go ask Mandy Lovelace for help!" Still stubborn, Minnie grabbed Orlander's arm and pleaded, "Didn't you have a good chat with her? She and Winston Taylor professed their support for you, didn't they?

"Get her to speak up for you, and Freddy will be saved. Once we survive this ordeal, you can pledge to repay their favors whatever it takes."

Orlander's hope was revived. He was about to reach for his phone when he heard a frosty voice addressing him. "Why the trouble? Just talk to me. As a Taylor, I'll be sure to pass the message to Mandy Lovelace."

Silas, dressed in the prosecutor's uniform, showed up with his colleague with intimidating airs.

Orlander paled. "W-Who let you in? You're trespassing!"

"Orlander Hodgson, you are under arrest for your crimes as the mayor of Solana City. We have solid evidence against you."

Looking serious, Silas waved at his men. "Search the villa and take away all the documents!

"Yes, Mr. Taylor!"

"W-What evidence do you have against me? Show them to me!" Orlander was secretly trembling from a guilty conscience despite raising his voice.

"I am the witness!" Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

Orlander spun around and was dismayed to see his loyal secretary of many years stepping out with a look of determination. "As the secretary to the mayor, I hold all the evidence of the mayor's misdeeds from the time of his appointment. I am formally turning myself in, and I shall reveal the corruption and abuse of power by Orlander Hodgson and his wife over the years!"

Upon hearing that, Minnie fainted from fear again.

"You traitor... You—" Orlander didn't have a chance to snap back at the secretary, as two members of the prosecution had dragged him away.

At the same time, Jasper sent Jonah and Julien to the hospital after their arrival. Then, he received a call from Silas.

Silas reported to him, "Jasper, I've arrested Orlander Hodgson and his wife. They're currently under interrogation at the prosecutor's office."

"As expected of Silas Taylor. You're efficient. You must have gone through a lot of trouble. Thanks!"

"Tsk. Stop with all the groveling."

Jasper grinned at Silas' remark.

"Well, I have to thank you for your help in securing the search and arrest warrants in no time," Silas remarked, sounding both amazed and jealous. "You certainly have a lot of connections, don't you? I can't believe that you're friends with the mayor's secretary. When did you get acquainted with him?"

"It's been a while. Silas, he's just an unwilling accomplice who takes orders on a salary basis. I hope you cut him some slack, considering that he turned himself in."

"Don't worry. I will."

After ending the call with Silas, Jasper received a call from Xavier.

Xavier exclaimed, "I have bad news, Mr. Beckett! Your dad has hired legal representation for Ms. Betty, hoping to bail her out on medical grounds!"