The Ex-Wife They Begged To Keep - Chapter 75: Chapter 75

"Don't worry, I can afford ransom," Victor said. "I can have someone transfer it immediately."
Keith looked slightly pissed off by Victor then said calmly, "Fine. Since you can raise the money, prepare it as soon as possible. Time is tight—any delay could complicate things."
Victor was taken aback, then nodded repeatedly. "Okay, I'll withdraw the cash right away."
Keith added, "I'll arrange for another team to ambush outside the factory in advance to ensure Leon's safety."
Victor subconsciously clenched his fists at this. "What do you mean?" he asked.
Keith replied, "Kidnappers are greedy, but they aren't necessarily trustworthy."
Then Keith turned away from him and patted Serena's shoulder. "Leon is young—they won't hurt him easily. My people will be in position. If we time it right, we can definitely rescue him."
"Mr. Brannon, thank you," Serena choked out. Keith had helped her again in her most helpless moment, and she didn't know how to repay him.
"You don't need to," Keith leaned down, looking into her eyes. "Trust me—Leon will be fine."
He watched her flustered face, where tears had smudged her delicate makeup. She bit her lower lip, struggling to hold back sobs, but her shoulders trembled uncontrollably.
Serena nodded firmly. Though tears blurred her vision, the panic in her heart was gradually soothed.
Beside them, Victor gritted his teeth, glancing at Keith but saying nothing.
The next noon, cold wind poured through the broken windows of the abandoned factory on the outskirts, carrying a biting chill and a faint sense of unease.
"Are we there?" Serena asked in a low voice, unconsciously clutching her sleeve.
"Not yet, but soon. Don't worry—Leon will be okay," Keith said calmly, gripping the steering wheel. Just then, Victor's phone vibrated. His hand jerked, nearly dropping the phone.
Serena's heart skipped a beat at the vibration. She held her breath and looked at Victor nervously. Keith's gaze sharpened. "Stay calm," he reminded softly.
Victor tried to steady his trembling hand. He knew he had to stay calm—any mistake could put Leon in danger. Shaking, he answered the call.
"Listen up—drop the money inside, then get out. Got it?" The man's rough voice on the other end was thick with impatience.
"I have the money. I promise to do as you say. Please don't hurt my child," Victor said.
"Cut the crap and do as told," the kidnapper interrupted.
Hearing Victor's trembling voice and the kidnapper's harsh reply, Serena's heart clenched. Victor was too emotional—this would only anger the kidnappers and harm Leon.
She couldn't let this continue. Snatching the phone from Victor, she said, "We need to confirm our son is safe."
The other end paused for two seconds, clearly caught off guard by the new voice. Then the kidnapper sneered, "We haven't killed him yet—consider that mercy."
Serena pressed, "Let the child speak. Otherwise, we can't guarantee the money will reach you."
The kidnapper seemed subdued. After brief arguing and noise, she heard a soft, trembling breath.
"Leon?" At the familiar, childish breath, Serena's heart lurched. She instinctively leaned toward the phone.
Victor moved even faster, leaning forward with desperate eyes. He gripped the seat armrest so tightly he seemed on the verge of tears.
Serena said shakily, "Leon, it's Mom. Don't be afraid—I'm coming to save you."
The little boy on the line was still sniffling.
"Leon, don't be scared," Serena tried to sound gentle, but tears welled in her eyes. Gritting her teeth to stay calm, she said, "I'm here. Can you calm down for me?"
"Mom..." Finally, she heard Leon's terrified cry. "Get me out—"
"Enough!" The kidnapper interrupted roughly, making Leon flinch. Before hanging up, he ordered, "Drop the money and get out of here now."
The air froze. The three exchanged glances, and Serena felt her heart pounding painfully.
"Take the money out," Keith finally broke the silence, parking the black car in front of the factory's rusty gate.
Victor was visibly tense. He hurriedly grabbed the money case, his breathing unsteady.
"Hold it steady," Keith warned.
Victor's hand jerked, and the case thudded to the ground.
"Leave," the kidnapper's voice echoed from deep inside the factory.
Victor hesitated, staring at the closed gate. "What are you waiting for? Get in the car," Keith snapped. "Don't provoke them."
Victor's hand at his side clenched, but he could only glance at the gate helplessly before getting into the car.
Serena grabbed Victor's phone and said to the kidnapper, "We put the money where you asked. Where's my son?"
The kidnapper's laughter cut off, and they hung up.
A beat-up van suddenly rushed out from a side road, stopping nearby. The door flew open, and a child with bound hands and feet was roughly pushed out, falling heavily to the ground. The van sped away.
Serena froze for an instant, then flung open the car door and rushed to wrap Leon's small body in her arms. "Leon, Leon? Are you okay? Don't be afraid—I'm here."
She stroked his face and forehead, checking for injuries. Victor charged out from the other side simultaneously, fumbling to untie the ropes on Leon's limbs.
Just then, sharp police sirens grew louder. A police car raced up, followed by more, surrounding the factory.
Uniformed officers jumped out, splitting into teams—some chasing the van, others storming the factory.