Breaking Mr. Cold (Giselle and Donovan) novel Chapter 434

In Gideon's mind, the reason he lost Giselle came down to one thing—he was an illegitimate son, someone unworthy of standing beside the likes of Donovan or Zachary, men born into privilege. The weight of that shame and resentment erupted all at once.

Ethan listened in silence. His chest ached, and the fight drained out of him. Slumping into the couch, he lit a cigarette, each drag heavy with guilt.

He had kept the truth hidden all these years partly for the sake of family stability, partly because he feared Gideon's hatred. After all, this humiliating origin was something he, as Gideon's father, had created.

"Gideon," Ethan said at last, exhaling smoke in slow circles. His voice was low, solemn. "No matter what, the fact remains that you're my son. That will never change. In my heart, you've always stood equal to Zach. If I'm honest, you matter even more to me than he does. I failed you, and I failed your mother."

He drew another breath. "I don't want to dredge up the past anymore. We've lived as father and son for over 20 years. The truth or lies of it don't matter so much now. I was there for your childhood. I did my duty as a father. I hope you can understand why I kept it from you."

Gideon had felt Ethan's care all these years. But the word "illegitimate" upended everything. It meant rejection, exclusion, and being forever cast out of the Kane family's circle.

Resentment churned in him, too bitter to swallow.

If he had never learned the truth and if he had gone on believing Ethan was simply his benefactor and his adoptive father, he would have felt fortunate—blessed, even.

But now, to discover that the man he had respected and relied on for more than a decade was the very one who had authored his misery—Gideon could feel nothing but hatred.

He didn't shout again. He simply spun on his heel and stormed out of Ethan's office.

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