CHAPTER 188

ELLA'S POV

I stared at Mr. Donovan, my heart pounding so hard I thought it might burst from my chest. His cold eyes bore into mine, a cruel smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

"What do you want from us?" I managed to choke out, my voice barely above a whisper.

Mr. Donovan chuckled, the sound sending chills down my spine. He circled my chair slowly, like a predator stalking its prey. "What do I want? Oh, Ella. It's not about what I want. It's about what Trent needs to learn."

I swallowed hard, trying to keep my voice steady. "And what's that?"

He stopped in front of me, leaning down until his face was inches from mine. "The consequences of betrayal," he hissed. "My son thought he could turn against me, expose my secrets, and walk away unscathed. But he forgot one crucial detail – I always find a way to win."

"So that's it?" I spat, anger momentarily overriding my fear. "You're using me to hurt Trent? You're pathetic."

Mr. Donovan's hand shot out, gripping my chin painfully. "Car