Breaking Mr. Cold (Giselle and Donovan) novel Chapter 828

Chris was left speechless.

He wanted to tell Donovan that he could endure his downfall in front of anyone else—just not him. He didn't want the man he respected to see him in such a pathetic state, begging for money. But the words died in his throat.

"Enough." Donovan saw the severity of his injuries and did not want to drain his energy further. "If you want your son back, then cooperate with me. Just do as I say and leave the rest to me."

Chris initially did not want to drag Donovan into this personal feud. However, the short video and the photos flashed in his mind whenever he closed his eyes. He imagined the hellish environment Billy was enduring.

He couldn't afford to be stubborn anymore.

Chris finally compromised. He revealed Kori's entire background just as Donovan requested.

Once he had the facts, Donovan didn't waste a second. He had Chris place a call to Kori. Under Donovan's gaze, Chris told them the money was ready, demanding proof of life and a guarantee of Billy's safety before they discussed the logistics of the transfer.

"Just lie here and recover for the next few days," Donovan said, his tone surprisingly steady. "I'm going to prepare the ransom now."

Chris stared at him blankly, his mind struggling to catch up. He had fully expected to be discarded—tossed aside like trash after his wretched past and his deal with Anne were exposed. He thought Donovan might spare him from prison, but he never imagined the man would stay.

Instead, the result was the exact opposite. Donovan was stepping into the line of fire for him.

For the first time in years, a ray of light penetrated Chris' darkened world. In his dazed state, he almost forgot the physical pain and simply stared at Donovan for a long time wordlessly.

Donovan said a temporary goodbye and walked out.

Outside the ward, Heath was waiting. Donovan instructed, "Clear Chris' hospital bills. Arrange for two elite caretakers to monitor his condition around the clock. Don't let anything happen to him."

Giselle sat in a daze for a while before a thought suddenly made her heart pound.

She asked tentatively. "By the way, is that all Chris told you?"

"What else is there to say?" Donovan did not think much of it.

"He didn't say what his real purpose for coming to Valanthea was?" Giselle pretended to be calm. "I'm just wondering. Did he really agree to come here and approach us just for Anne's money?"

"Who cares?" Donovan had a headache and did not want to dwell on the details.

Giselle realized that Donovan did not react much to the question. She understood that Chris had deliberately omitted the experience they shared in the Gold Delta when telling his story.