Audrey's fingers trembled slightly, but her voice remained steady. "Either human traffickers or enemies."

The temperature in the hospital room plummeted.

Shane radiated icy intensity, his gaze sharp as a blade. "Any leads?"

Audrey shook her head, her knuckles whitening. "The police investigated for thirty years. All trails went cold. The hospital was chaotic back then—no surveillance."

She bent to pick up fresh cotton socks, gently sliding them onto his feet.

When tucking him in, her fingers brushed against the scar on his ankle. Her heart clenched.

This man who should have lived in luxury had crawled through dark tombs instead.

How terrified he must have been all those years.

Audrey suddenly clutched her chest, doubling over in pain.

Ethan immediately supported her. "Mom, we're lucky to have him back at all."

"Yes." She forced a smile. "I'm being greedy."

Knock knock—

Sophia entered carrying a thermal container. "I made ginseng pork rib soup. Good for bone recovery."

Shane's Adam's apple bobbed as he thanked her. No one had ever cared for him so meticulously.

Ethan accepted the bowl, raising an eyebrow at Sophia. "Adapting quickly to your new role?"

"Your brother is my brother too." She speared an apple slice and offered it to him.

The domestic scene made Shane's eyes flicker. He remembered those lonely nights in tombs, the wind howling like ghosts.

Audrey noticed his shift instantly, dialing her assistant. "Arrange matchmaking—gentle, kind women. Family background doesn't matter."

Shane gripped the sheets. "I have a criminal record—"

"Because I failed to protect you." Her voice cracked. "You should have had Ethan's life—"

"Not your fault." His comfort came out stiff. "The child-stealing bastards deserved worse."

Ethan abruptly set down the bowl. "Let's go."

As he pulled Sophia out, she laughed. "Jealous of your own mother?"

"They need privacy." He glanced back at the bed. "Thirty years of catching up can't happen in minutes."

Audrey wiped her tears, smiling. "From today, I'm only spoiling your brother!"

"Perfect." Ethan tightened his arm around Sophia. "I have my wife to spoil me."

Once alone, Audrey took out a yellowed photo album.

Her hands shook turning to one page. "Your grandfather... He searched for you until his dying day."

The military man in the photo shared Shane's strong brows and striking features—though Shane's eyes held more wildness.

"I'm not leaving again." He awkwardly patted her hand.

The door burst open.

Natalie charged in with an armful of blue roses. "So this is my real brother?"

She studied him like a new discovery. "My God! Isn't this Iris' brother?"

"Call him 'brother'!" Audrey ordered.

Natalie mumbled the title, then scrutinized Shane's features. "Mom's eyes, grandfather's nose..."

Shane actually smiled, the stern lines of his face softening.

When the nurse entered to remove his IV, her gaze darted between the three.

Outside the room, she quickly texted: "Target accompanied by two women—likely family..."