The three calmed their emotions, waiting for the sobbing inside to subside before casually knocking and entering the room. Eager to uncover the culprit threatening his daughter’s life, Mu Jianhua began probing Kuang Ye for clues.

“We still haven’t found any leads on the kidnapper,” he started. “Both Yanci and I investigated, but we didn’t uncover any connections to Shenzhou Bank in our circles.”

Mu Jianhua continued, “Wang Lan is part of the art world. She spends her time painting, writing, and occasionally attending lectures within her industry. It’s hard to imagine her having any ties to such a heinous person.”

Kuang Ye’s eyes flickered briefly. “What about Grandfather Mu? Did he have any dealings with Shenzhou Bank when he was alive?”

He couldn’t forget the dream where the kidnapper’s first demand was 300 million in cash and Grandfather Mu’s ashes. While the money could be chalked up to greed, the ashes and the subsequent demand for daily donations of ten million clearly pointed to a grudge.

Mu Wan suddenly remembered something. “Right! When the kidnapper caught me, he said he’d chop off my hand and present it to Grandpa as a greeting gift…”

Realizing she’d slipped up, her face turned pale as she glanced nervously at her family.

The Mu family, already overwhelmed by the revelation of the torturous details outside the door, finally broke down completely. Wang Lan let out a heart-wrenching cry, rushing to embrace Mu Wan with such sorrow it seemed she might faint.

“My darling, my baby, how much suffering have you endured?” she wept.

Seeing her family’s reaction, Mu Wan knew she couldn’t keep hiding the truth. Hugging her mother, she softly consoled, “It’s all in the past now, Mom. I’ll be fine this time.”

Even as Wang Lan cried uncontrollably, the family gradually regained composure after half an hour.

Mu Yanci contacted the bodyguards to secure the ward inside and out, while Wang Lan took out a silver bracelet and handed it to Kuang Ye.

“This bracelet contains a tracker that sends a signal to the satellite every ten minutes. It’s something reserved for families of high-ranking officials. Ye, you should wear one. If the kidnappers target you again, it’ll make it easier for your uncle to rescue you.”

Kuang Ye nodded and then glanced curiously at Mu Wan.

If Mu Wan had worn the bracelet in their past lives, it should have been easy to locate her.

Mu Wan hesitated, finally admitting sheepishly, “Mine broke, and I didn’t get it repaired…”

To her, the bracelet felt like a tracking device, and as an adult, she wasn’t keen on her family constantly knowing her whereabouts.

Kuang Ye fell silent for a moment before speaking. “But the fault isn’t yours; it’s the kidnapper’s.”

Mu Wan lowered her gaze and intertwined her fingers with his. “You don’t have to comfort me. Like you said, putting myself in danger is irresponsible to myself.”

Looking at the silver bracelets on their wrists, she added with a smile, “Actually, wearing it isn’t so bad. It kind of looks like a couple’s bracelet.”

Mu Yanci flashed his bracelet-clad wrist, chiming in while grabbing an apple. Wang Lan also showed hers while reaching for an orange.

Clink. The sound of bracelets colliding filled the room.

Mu Wan and Kuang Ye exchanged awkward glances.

Mu Wan: “…Let’s just call it a family bracelet.”

Kuang Ye: “Mm.”

—

Three days later, Kuang Ye was discharged from the hospital. Under the Mu family’s strong insistence, the couple moved from their apartment into the Mu family villa. Until the culprit was apprehended, they were forbidden from leaving unaccompanied to prevent any further danger. Work was put on hold, and any treatments for Kuang Ye’s wrist would take place at home.

On the fourth day, Mu Jianhua uncovered a lead from his father’s illustrious career.

“Thirty years ago, a group of armed robbers stole 300 million from Shenzhou Bank.

“To put that in perspective, 300 million back then would be worth billions now.

“Because of the enormous amount, Wan’s grandfather personally pursued the case. He eventually tracked the group to the border, where they’d killed each other in a dispute over the spoils. All the robbers died, but the whereabouts of the stolen money remains a mystery to this day.

“These are photos of the robbers.”

Mu Jianhua laid six photos on the table. Mu Wan examined them one by one, and her eyes widened when she reached the last.

“This person…”

Mu Jianhua nodded. “He bears a slight resemblance to the composite sketch of the kidnapper you described.”

“That’s why I suspect the kidnapper might be Zhao Binhai’s son.”

Wang Lan asked urgently, “Did you find his whereabouts?”

Mu Jianhua shook his head regretfully. “Zhao Binhai’s file doesn’t mention any children.”

“However, locals in his hometown mentioned he had a son and a daughter with a prostitute. Their current whereabouts are unknown.”

Mu Yanci pinched the bridge of his nose. “So, the trail’s gone cold again.”

Mu Wan, unwilling to remain passive, clenched her fists and suddenly suggested, “Dad, Mom, Gege, Ye—why don’t we take the initiative and lure them out—”

“Absolutely not,” the four replied in unison.

They’d rather fight a protracted battle against the kidnappers than let Mu Wan take even the slightest risk again.

Mu Wan: “…”

Kuang Ye held her cold hands tightly. “Don’t be reckless. Besides, the kidnapper isn’t stupid.”

“If you walk into danger knowingly, he’ll immediately suspect it’s a trap.”

Mu Wan nodded, though fear still lingered in her heart.

Suddenly, her phone rang. Thinking it was work-related, she quickly answered, but her face darkened as soon as she heard the voice on the other end.

The others looked at her curiously.

Kuang Ye mouthed silently: “Who is it?”