Richie held the phone tightly in his hand.
His expression was grim, with veins visible on his forehead.
On his phone was a Facetime screen.
Two children, around seven or eight years old, were playing and laughing in the yard, their joyful laughter filling the air.
Beside them, a middle-aged blonde woman was hanging up clothes.
She occasionally reminded the children to be careful, creating a warm and harmonious scene.
Just then, the screen changed to show a masked man.
"They are all safe, we still have that credibility." The masked man said:
"You should have received the package we sent, inside is one million dollars, hoping for a pleasant cooperation."
Glancing at the envelope nearby, Richie showed no expression change.
"As long as I do as you say, you won't harm my family, right? I hope you will keep your promise."
"Of course, but you must keep this secret. If you leak it to others, I can't guarantee what will happen."
"Alright, I will do as you say."
