Chapter 223

---- Chapter 223 "Don, what on earth happened?" Anne asked, puzzled by the sullen expressions on Donovan's and Gideon's faces. "You should leave. Don't make things more complicated." Donovan's mind was entirely on Giselle's safety. He had no interest in entertaining anyone else. But Anne didn't take the hint. "Tell me, did something happen to Giselle ? Is she in danger? Did she go missing , or was she kidnapped? How serious is it?" "Don't ask questions. Just leave." Anne was startled. But when she saw the frustration burning in his eyes, she knew Giselle was in deep trouble.

A wave of satisfaction washed over her, and a cold sneer tugged at her lips as she strode out. Meanwhile, Gideon remained in Donovan's office. He slumped on the couch, waiting for the kidnapper to respond. Things had happened in such a blur that Donovan felt equally powerless. As the CEO of a legitimate, law-abiding pharmaceutical group, he had almost no dealings with the underworld. He couldn't call the police, and for the moment, he truly couldn't come up with a better solution. All he could do was lean against the bed, smoking one ---- cigarette after another.

About an hour later, Gideon's phone rang again. He grabbed it and saw it was the same unknown number. He quickly answered it. "Hello?" The same, familiar male voice came through. "Mr. Grayson, I read the message you just sent me. You seem quite sincere. So now, I'll tell you exactly what I want." "What is it "want your leg," the person said airily. Gideon took a deep breath. "Don't joke around. Taking my leg means nothing. Money is the only thing that's worth it. If you want a few billion, just name the number." Acold laugh sounded on the other end. "Ttold you-I want your leg.

Nothing else." Gideon heard the revenge in his tone, but he kept his composure. "Are you serious?" "T'm not joking," the person on the other end of the line hissed. "Cut it off, send me a video, and then we'll confirm the time and place for the exchange." The line went dead before he could reply. When he tried calling back, the number was unreachable ---- again. On the verge of a breakdown, he collapsed back onto the couch. He couldn't help but kick the coffee table in front of him ina burst of rage. The incident from five years ago came to mind.

Five years ago, he had indeed arranged for someone to break the leg of a spoiled young man named Miles Fowler, leaving him disabled for life. He had also set up Miles! family, so they went bankrupt. Thanks to Ethan's connections, he had avoided any legal consequences. Miles was the only son of a businessman in the entertainment industry. His feud with Gideon had started years earlier, back in high school, when he led others to bully Gideon. Gideon had suffered so badly that he nearly died. As a result, he carried that resentment with him for years.

When he was later adopted by Ethan, he decided to take revenge. He hired men from the underworld to kidnap Miles and break his leg. Five years had passed, but he'd never expected Miles to retaliate in this way. "What are you hesitating for?" Donovan urged coldly after learning the truth. "If you really want to save her, then do as he says. Cut your leg off!"