Cheap Tricks Getting Old

At three o'clock in the afternoon, the Stafford family arrived at my office.

They had been summoned as the suspect's family.

Although it was my first time seeing Charles in this life, he was as polished and carefully presented as ever. With that innocent face of his, he could easily stir anyone's protective instincts.

The shift in Juliet's attitude was surprising. She apologized respectfully, "Mr. Perkins, I apologize for my outburst last time. I'm sorry."

Her parents, Owen and Geraldine, stood anxiously to the side, looking at me with unreadable expressions.

I didn't bother to address them. I simply cut to the chase. "The suspect stays. His family can wait outside."

The door clicked shut, shielding Charles and me from the inquiring looks.

In an instant, the naiveness and innocence on his face vanished. In their place was something twisted and malicious.

After sizing me up, a sarcastic smile curled his lips. "Miles… or should I call you Sage? I have to admit, you got lucky. Even though the Stafford family didn't take you in, you still managed to latch onto the Perkins family. Well done."

I stared at him, unmoved. His jabs were getting old. I reminded him, "Mr. Stafford, remember your place. I didn't bring you here today to insult me."

Realizing he failed to strike a nerve, he lost his composure.

He lounged in the chair, changing his approach to unnerve me. "So what if you're a prosecutor now? You can only be jealous of the happy life I've had. Being a Perkins doesn't change anything between us.

"I'm still Juliet's beloved brother. She only hired you because she didn't know you were Sage Perkins beforehand. Don't think you're better than me. You'll always be beneath me."

In our previous life, he had been just as two-faced.

He was a kind and thoughtful family to our parents and Juliet. When they weren't around, he insulted me with the most hurtful remarks and trampled on my dignity.

After killing people in a car accident, he begged me to take the blame and swore he would spend his life repaying me.

However, once I was sentenced to prison, he hopped in his sports car with his friends and traveled the world. Never once did he remember me.

I could only swallow the unfair treatment and take it as it was.

Over time, Juliet despised me more. Eventually, our parents decided that I was beyond redemption and gave up on me.

Nonetheless, I had left everything in the past.

In this life, he could no longer shake me with his cheap tricks.

I interrogated him for two hours according to procedure, making sure every question was direct and precise.

He denied the allegation, thinking his statement was flawless. He even dared to accuse me of blurring the line and abusing my authority.

He thought he was clever, but his little performance only wore down my patience. Still, I refrained from acting on impulse and glared at him.

Startled, he deflated.

After the interrogation, I asked him to sign his statement. Once that was done, I left my office with a displeased expression.

Outside, his family was desperately waiting for us to emerge.

When I exited the door, Juliet came forward. "Mr. Perkins, how was your interview with Chuck?"

Geraldine grabbed my arm. Tears clung to her lashes.

She pleaded, "Mr. Perkins, Charles is innocent. He has to be! They must have overlooked something!"

I impatiently announced, "There's clear evidence of his involvement, and we'll file charges against him."

They gasped.

Dakota looked at me in shock. I usually valued rigor and caution, so it was the first time I jumped to a conclusion so fast.

The Staffords' faces turned pale.

Geraldine's legs gave out. Owen held her in time to prevent her from collapsing.

"No! It can't be! Chuck hasn't done anything wrong…"

Juliet sneered. "I don't believe you! Chuck told us he's innocent. You don't have evidence to convict him!"

"It's personal, isn't it?" She growled.

Just then, Charles walked out of my office.

A flicker of smugness flashed across his face. But soon, tears welled in his eyes as he leaned obediently against Juliet. "It's fine, Juliet. I expected him to treat me unfairly. I understand where he's coming from."

I stared at them coldly and added, "Your precious son just confessed to the crime himself."