*Runze's POV*
We aren't even halfway down the stairs when I hear the television downstairs.
The sound is faint from the landing, softened by the high ceilings and open space of the estate. Usually, I wouldn't pay much attention to it. The television plays somewhere in the background most days, whether anyone is actively watching or not.
But something about the voice coming through the speakers makes us both slow down.
It isn't the usual calm rhythm of a broadcast.
The presenter sounds urgent.
"...authorities have officially reopened the investigation into the death of former Wuchen Group executive vice president Wuchen Ming."
My feet stop moving mid-step.
Bael freezes right beside me on the staircase.
For a few seconds, neither of us says anything. The quiet between us turns heavy and cold.
I turn my head slightly toward the lower floor. "...What?"
Bael's fingers tighten around mine.
Downstairs, the journalist's voice continues over the broadcast line.
