Ethan Sullivan was deep in sleep.

The sudden ringing of his phone shattered the silence.

His eyes flew open. Seeing "Mother" flashing on the screen, his chest tightened.

"Mom?"

Audrey Sullivan's panicked voice came through. "Ethan, your brother is missing!"

Instantly alert, Ethan threw off the covers. "Check the bathroom first."

"Everywhere!" Audrey's voice trembled. "Under the bed, behind the curtains—even the closets."

Ethan frowned. "What do the bodyguards say?"

"They claim no one left." A sob caught in her throat. "I only stepped out to buy a watch..."

He grabbed a shirt. "I'm coming now."

Sophia Laurent stirred awake. "What's wrong?"

"Shane's disappeared." Ethan fastened his cufflinks. "Mom's frantic."

Sophia swung her legs out of bed. "I'm coming with you."

He pressed a hand to her shoulder. "Rest."

She was already reaching for her coat. "Family sticks together."

Thirty minutes later.

In the hospital corridor, Audrey paced relentlessly.

Her flawless makeup couldn't mask the fear in her eyes.

Ethan addressed the guards. "Who saw him last?"

"A nurse did rounds," one recalled. "And his driver delivered dinner."

Ethan moved to the window.

Three stories up—dangerous for most, but for Shane Prescott...

His phone vibrated.

Unknown number.

"Ethan." Shane's voice. "New number."

Ethan exhaled. "Where are you?"

"Safe." A pause. "That nurse was suspicious. The driver's being followed."

Audrey snatched the phone. "Come home!"

Silence stretched.

"Mom..." Shane's voice cracked. "My past could endanger you."

Tears welled in Audrey's eyes. "I don't care!"

"I do." Shane whispered. "Take care."

The line went dead.

Audrey's hands shook.

Ethan pulled her close. "He's protecting us."

She closed her eyes. "Too selfless..."

Sophia embraced her mother-in-law. "Shane can handle himself."

During the ride back.

Sophia suggested, "I'll stay with Mom tonight."

Ethan nodded. "We both will."

At Audrey's apartment.

Sophia brushed her mother-in-law's hair. "It's okay to cry."

Audrey shook her head. "I'm fine."

But her fingers clenched the bedsheet.

Sophia said nothing, simply rubbing her back.

Night deepened.

In the Laurent study.

"Grandfather," a subordinate murmured. "Victor sent Shane game meat."

Leonard Laurent narrowed his eyes. "As I thought..."

Adrian Sullivan sneered. "I told you they're close."

"Confirmed background?"

"Grave robber." Adrian scoffed. "Trash."

Leonard stroked his beard. "Don't act rashly."

Adrian protested, "Just let him go?"

"Wait and see." The old man sipped tea. "A tomb raider can't cause waves."