Chapter 2

I squirmed in the cold, rigid chair. After being used to plush seats, this hard one was unbearably uncomfortable.

"Haven’t I told you already, officer? I wanted all the money. My brother wouldn’t give it to me, so I decided to take it myself."

The door to the interrogation room suddenly opened. My brother walked in, his face weathered and drained, looking utterly exhausted. Yet, he still managed to give the officer a strained smile.

"There must be some misunderstanding. Claire is a good kid. She’s been through a lot, and with her past illness... maybe she’s relapsed and couldn’t control her actions."

The officer’s gaze flicked between me and the medical file he had just placed on the table.

"Claire Bowden, you were previously diagnosed with autism and depression. You—"

I interrupted him with a radiant smile.

"I’m completely cured now, aren’t I? I’m lively, cheerful, and perfectly fine mentally. There’s nothing wrong with me. I’m perfectly calm. Everything I did was part of a carefully laid plan."

I pulled a small leather-bound notebook from my pocket and slid it across the table to the officer.

"Take a look. My plan is all written there.

"First, I started with Daniel. He’s hopeless when it comes to academics—there’s no way he inherited my brother’s brains. He was bound for some second-rate college. So, I dangled the promise of a spot at an elite university in front of him for $137,500. He took the bait without hesitation.

"Once he paid, I handed him a fake admission letter. Of course, if he wanted to actually attend classes, it’d cost more. When he realized he didn’t have enough allowance to cover it, I encouraged him to con his mom into helping him out..."

The more details I revealed, the darker the officer’s expression became. My brother, meanwhile, slumped in his chair, his arms hanging limp at his sides. His eyes burned with both anger and devastation as he looked at me.

I methodically executed my scheme: first Daniel, then his mother, and finally my brother. Systematically, I stripped them of every penny, watching as they sank deeper into financial ruin.

If nothing else, this was proof that I committed my crimes with a clear mind.

"Why, Claire?" my brother finally asked, his bloodshot eyes locked on mine. "Have we not treated you well?"

I flashed him a playful smile and gave him a wink.

"Of course, you’ve treated me well. You and your wife have always shown me more kindness, more generosity than you ever showed Daniel. You gave me the best of everything."

My brother opened his mouth to say something, but before he could continue, the officer in charge of the interrogation couldn’t hold back any longer. He barked at me, his voice low and furious.

"And has your nephew ever treated you poorly?"

I blinked as Daniel’s smiling face flashed before my eyes.

"Daniel always did whatever I asked. Even if it was the middle of the night, he’d drop everything to get me what I wanted. Once, I craved chicken stew from a restaurant in the far west. Without hesitation, he ran halfway across the city to fetch it for me.

"When he returned, he was soaked in sweat, his face pale. The first thing he said was, ‘Auntie, I hope you didn’t wait too long. I carried it carefully the whole way—it’s still hot, and I didn’t spill a drop.’

"His hands were burned red from holding it..." I trailed off, my tone almost wistful.

The officer, visibly trying to contain his anger, slammed his fist on the table. "Answer the questions you’re asked! Stop going off-topic! Be honest about your crimes and your accomplices. The law won’t show mercy to any criminal!"

Unlike my calm demeanor, my brother’s face grew more ashen by the second. His body trembled as he stepped forward and grabbed the officer’s arm.

"Please, officer. Don’t be angry. Claire just lost her way for a moment. If we don’t press charges, can this case be resolved now? She’s still young. Please go easy on her. We’re willing to give her a chance to turn over a new leaf!"

The officer let out a long sigh, shaking his head. "She committed a serious crime. This isn’t about whether you’re willing to forgive her. A lenient sentence isn’t something you can decide."

But my smile only grew brighter.

"My brother is just so forgiving, isn’t he? Truly kind to a fault. And me? I’m someone who knows how to repay that kindness. Your worthless son and your unfaithful wife? I’ve handled them for you by making sure they become well-behaved and obedient. Honestly, you should be thanking me."