Breaking Mr. Cold (Giselle and Donovan) novel Chapter 503

Dorothea's expression was cold as she said, "That's it. I won't hear another word. I've made myself clear—she's going to face criminal charges. What she did was vile and unforgivable. She has to answer for the harm she caused Donovan and the Kane Group."

"Mom, maybe we should reconsider," Grace urged, trying her best to defend Renee. "After all, Anne was once engaged to Donovan. She only acted out of desperation. Think about it—Donovan broke off their engagement, humiliating her in front of everyone. She must've been in so much pain…"

Before Dorothea could respond, Renee put up a sorrowful expression and said, "Mrs. Kane, you might not know this, but Anne has been diagnosed with severe depression and early signs of schizophrenia.

"Ever since her engagement with Donovan ended, she has never been the same. She even tried to take her own life. What she did this time, trying to frame Donovan, wasn't done in her right mind. She's a patient—a very sick one."

Tears streamed down Renee's face as she pleaded, "Please, I'm begging you. I've already lost my son. I have nothing left. Please give my daughter a chance to start over, Mrs. Kane. For the sake of the friendship between our families, don't take this to court. Let's handle it privately, please."

Seeing her break down so miserably, Dorothea's resolve began to falter.

Grace added softly, "Mom, they just lost their son. They've already been through the pain of burying their own child. I know what that kind of grief feels like, and it's unbearable. Renee only has Anne left now. If Anne ends up in prison, I don't think she'll be able to go on."

"Enough," Dorothea said, stepping in quickly.

She knew her son's temper well. "You should go, Renee. His wife's barely hanging on to life. How could you come here now and make things worse? He's in no state to talk about this calmly. Please, just leave."

Grace had no choice but to take Renee by the arm and usher her toward the door. As they walked out, she leaned close and whispered, "Let's wait until that little tramp dies before we bring it up again. Donovan's in a foul mood right now. Once she's dead and buried, give him some time to grieve. When he's calmed down, we'll talk to him about Anne's case again. Come on, let's go."