Breaking Mr. Cold (Giselle and Donovan) novel Chapter 477

After pausing for several seconds, Lauren sniffled and continued, finally revealing the truth.

"After all, it was just the two of us in the room. It was late, and Donovan had been drinking. He wasn't fully aware of what he was doing. He hugged me and kissed me. I didn't resist him because I wanted it too. I went along with it."

Giselle listened quietly. Her mood grew heavier with every word, and her breathing became slightly constrained.

Lauren added, "That night, he must have drunk too much. He was reckless and unusually aroused. Later, I decided to play along. I told him I liked things more intense and that if he slapped me a few times, it would turn me on even more. He did exactly as I said.

"After it was over, I used the bruises on my face and breasts as evidence that he had assaulted me. I reported it to the police, and the result was exactly what you've seen. I admit it was my fault. What happened between us was entirely voluntary. He didn't assault me intentionally…"

At this point, tears welled up in Lauren's eyes. She looked full of regret and choked on her words.

Giselle pressed pause on the recording and remained silent for a long moment.

Lauren had revealed the truth Giselle wanted to hear. Donovan had been falsely accused and was innocent.

However, she had also revealed a truth Giselle didn't want to face. Donovan had physically betrayed her. He had spent a passionate night with Lauren, and it had been intense.

Giselle had thought she wouldn't care much about his cheating, but seeing the truth made a dull ache tighten in her chest. She pushed the feeling aside.

When the crime was discovered, Renee was furious. She ordered the legal department to ensure Ryan was sent to prison and that all of the company's losses were recovered.

"At that point, someone presented you with an offer," Giselle said. "They said that if you ruined Donovan's reputation, your boyfriend could avoid imprisonment. Is that correct?"

Lauren nodded and looked up. "How do you know all of this so clearly?"

Giselle pressed on. "The person who made the deal with you was Renee's daughter, Anne Holt?"