Chapter 3: The Cost of Betrayal

The officer's eyes narrowed, and he slammed his hand on the table with a loud thud.

What did you just say? Get to the point!

My thoughts drifted back to three months ago.

After being brought home, I was pampered like a princess. My once stern brother treated me with nothing but gentle smiles, Daniel spoke to me in soft tones, and my sister-in-law personally took care of me day and night.

They all gave me their absolute best, sparing nothing. Whatever I wanted, they bought without a second thought.

Then one day, I noticed Daniel, usually so full of life, sitting quietly with a defeated look as he checked his SAT scores. Curiosity got the better of me, so I glanced over his shoulder—six sections, and he couldn't even break 400.

What a failure.

I handed him a flyer I'd been saving, feigning sympathy as I watched his forced smile crumble.

Interested in an easy way to get into a top university? Spend a little money, and you won't even need to study.

Daniel's eyes lit up.

The moment the money hit my account, I felt a thrill I hadn't experienced in ages.

But it wasn't enough. I wanted more.

Daniel eagerly reached out to the so-called elite university tutor I had recommended. Bit by bit, he transferred enormous sums, all for fake acceptance letters and forged student IDs.

I didn't stop there. I loudly announced to everyone that Daniel had been admitted to a prestigious school, ensuring the news spread far and wide. With his pride at stake, he had no choice but to keep sending money.

Eventually, Daniel hit a wall.

Auntie, I'm completely out of money. I've given all my allowance to the tutor, and even borrowed through those online loans you mentioned, but it's still not enough...

I held his hand, my voice dripping with feigned concern as I gently guided him.

Daniel, if you're out of money, why not ask your mom? She's had a big payout from her recent business deals. I happen to know a few investors, and they've got a little gathering coming up...

I personally escorted my sister-in-law to the club, watching as fear filled her eyes when they covered her mouth and nose.

After collecting the cash she withdrew for me with a quick facial scan, I smiled at the man in charge and rubbed my hands together.

She's exactly the type your boss loves—graceful and charming. She's worth every penny, don't you think?

Her desperate screams echoed in my ears as I left.

Claire! If there's something I haven't done right, just tell me! Don't leave me here, Claire!

The sound of the money transferring into my account was music to my ears. Without looking back, I pocketed my phone and walked away.

Of course, I knew exactly what she was about to face but I didn't care.

Daniel disappeared, running from debt collectors, and my sister-in-law vanished completely, leaving no trace. My brother, desperate to find them both, was caught in the chaos of his failing business, relentlessly hounded by competitors.

I took the initiative to offer him a cup of warm milk.

Brother, you'll need more money if you want to find your wife and Daniel. I know a businessman with a lucrative investment opportunity. I wouldn't usually tell anyone about him but for you...

At first, I let him taste a little success.

I even leaked information about Daniel's whereabouts.

He started trusting me more and more, handing over the company's funds and transferring various properties into my name.

But all he got in return was news of the company's bankruptcy, swallowed whole by his rivals, leaving him drowning in debt.

When he came back to the family home, he had lost everything. His once-proud posture was gone as he knelt before me, broken and humiliated.

Claire, the company's gone. Please, just help me find my wife and Daniel. The houses I gave you—they're yours. I won't ask for them back. Just... please, Claire...

I watched him coldly, not a shred of pity in my eyes. With a wave of my hand, I called for security to drag him out like a stray dog.

In the dead of winter, they tossed him onto the snowy ground outside.

Later that night, as I counted the extra zeros in my bank account, I couldn't help but laugh in my sleep.

When I finished telling my story, the entire room fell silent.

The officer ordered a team to track down my accomplices, his gaze fixed on me like I was the lowest form of filth.

I knew he couldn't say what he was really thinking, bound by the restraints of his position.

But I also knew that in their eyes, I was worse than scum.