Chapter 190

Chapter 190

"That's hilarious," Charles chuckled, then added, "Those two were trying to drag Eris into their mess. They were already scumbags. Stanley's fate is just karma! But the real shocker here is Armando. I bet he still can't wrap his head around Stanley's 'other side.'"

"Yeah, no kidding!" Dennis laughed loudly with Charles, their laughter echoing through the entire detective squad.

Charles continued, "So, Stanley basically died because of Eris?"

"I don't think Eris ever liked Stanley," Alexander, who had been silent until now, chimed in. "From Poppy's statements, it seems Eris knew about Armando and Stanley's relationship for a long time. She acted clueless during the interrogation. She's quite the actress."

Neither he nor Zoey had noticed anything.

Zoey, typing away, chimed in distractedly, "What they did was way out of line, but a lot of women in sham marriages just think, 'Whatever, it doesn't matter who I'm married to,' and the best they can hope for is a divorce. Few go for revenge. Poppy has shown men that women aren't so easy to mess with."

"Men and women think differently, and have different strengths. The chances of a woman getting revenge are really slim, like one in a billion. Most people, when hurt, just want to move on and live their lives." Zoey thought of Stanley and sneered, "Congrats to Stanley for being that one in a billion."

Charles didn't get it. "Why not get revenge?" He quickly added, seeing the police station around him, "I mean, legally."

"It's simple. Men and women aren't equal in strength. A woman's revenge often relies on another man or some underhanded tactic. But if she's caught, do you think the man will let her go?"

"Oh, I get it!" Charles said, annoyed. "Women don't dare, but why do men?"

"Although I don't believe in victim-blaming," Zoey said with a half-smile, "the fact is, even if you're innocent, if you're seen as an easy target, your chances of being victimized increase. Most women in our country are seen as easy targets."

Dennis was curious. "Is it like this everywhere, or just here?"

Alexander replied, "It's pretty much the same everywhere."

Zoey agreed, "Exactly."

Robert, organizing case files, couldn't help but join the heated discussion. "Does it have to do with global gender equality rankings?"

"There are many reasons, but I think the biggest influence is aesthetics."

Zoey asked, "Who do you think benefits the most from the preference for youthful looks?"

"Criminals," Alexander said calmly. "In an era where education and anti-fraud information are widespread, as the success rate of scams decreases, physical appearance becomes a major factor for criminals choosing their victims. To ensure success, they'll choose the easier target."

"For example," Zoey raised her hand, "if a 90-pound woman and a 120-pound woman are walking down the street, and you're a criminal who can only take one, who would you choose? Forget about looks; it's about ease. Wouldn't you almost always choose the 90-pound woman?"

"The preference for youthful looks," Alexander said, "is not just about pale skin. Youthfulness itself is anti-evolutionary. People should grow stronger and more mature. But somehow, this backward aesthetic has become mainstream."

The more Charles listened, the more terrified he became. "This is the dark side of the world, isn't it? Scary."

"Don't be scared. It's time to clock out. Clean up, eat well, and work out. Make the criminals fear you!" Robert's humor lightened the heavy discussion.

Charles loved the end of a case, especially when it meant a big meal.

"Time to clock out and eat!"

Zoey saved her novel draft and joined everyone in shutting down their computers, ready to leave.

She noticed Alexander had already packed up and was playing on his phone.

She walked over, "Alexander, you were impressive just now. You know a lot."

Knowing Zoey well, Alexander was wary. "Thanks."

Zoey asked, "What's the safest way for a woman to walk at night?"

Alexander thought for a moment and answered, "Stay in well-lit areas and carry pepper spray."

"Wrong." Zoey smiled. "We just discussed this. The attacker will target the weaker woman, so the best way is..."

"Eat more?" Alexander guessed, looking puzzled.

Zoey looked at him like he was an idiot. "Are you out of your mind? The best way is to walk with someone even weaker than you, so the attacker targets her instead."

Alexander was exasperated. Zoey was clearly messing with him.

He knew she had no good reason to talk to him. Changing the subject, he asked, "Have you had dinner?"

"Why, are you treating me?"

Alexander smiled, "Sure!"

Zoey laughed, "You're such a nice guy, always unable to say no. Your family must be loaded!"

He packed up and left the detective squad office.

The others also clocked out on time, with colleagues from other departments looking on enviously.

Robert had just gotten home when his wife called. She had bought group coupons for a nearby mall and wanted Robert to join her for dinner.

Robert thought about it and called the rest of the detective squad. He invited everyone over.

Tenley, knowing they were coming, bought some drinks for them.

"Mrs. Davis, visiting us so late and bringing food, we have to work hard!" Dennis joked, picking a drink she liked.

Robert ordered the food, and the atmosphere in the private room was lively.

They chatted about recent cases and their thoughts, while Tenley, unable to join in, sipped her drink quietly.

Charles, always attentive, noticed and started a conversation with Tenley, "Mrs. Davis! When do you plan for your son to get married?"