Chapter 2

Lucas had always spoiled Nina, treating her like she was his whole world.

Because of her, he had long since grown to hate me. So when he slapped me twice, he didn't hold back at all.

Blood trickled from the corner of my mouth, and my vision spun.

My parents stood there coldly, making no move to stop him.

When my mother saw the blood on my lips, her face twisted with even deeper disgust.

"Don't blame Lucas," she snapped. "If you weren't rotten to the core, he wouldn't have to treat you like this."

Lucas' temper flared even more at her words. He jabbed a finger at me and shouted, "Blame me? What kind of nerve do you have to blame me? Tell me, has our family ever wronged you?

"The day you came home, Nina baked you a cake herself, and I even gave up the room I'd lived in for over ten years. And what did you do in return? You acted like some filthy animal and shit all over the carpet I'd just brought back from Brighton.

"Soiling the room was one thing, but why did you hit Nina that day? You really are just some loser straight out of the sticks — no class, no manners, nothing."

The more he spoke, the angrier he became.

He continued, "And remember when Dad got drunk and started coughing up blood? Mom and I weren't home, but you didn't even bother to check on him.

"It was Nina who stayed up all night making him honey lemon, feeding him medicine, and watching over him until he finally felt better.

"But you? You just lie in your bed like a dead pig, not even bothering to come out or spare Dad a glance."

That wasn't true.

None of it was.

I wanted to tell Lucas to explain.

But just like all those other times before, he didn't want to listen.

Lucas grabbed my bruised face, pressing hard on the already split skin until more blood ran down my chin.

Grinding his teeth, he said, "I'll ask you one last time. Do you admit to hurting Nina? If you confess, I'll give you 300 thousand dollars and cut all ties with you. I'll send you back to that filthy village you came from, and we'll call it even.

"Sophie, think carefully. This is your last chance."

When I heard he was going to send me back, panic spiked in my chest.

"No, I'm not going back," I blurted out, my whole body trembled uncontrollably.

I didn't want to return to that nightmare of a place.

I would rather be erased than go back there.

Lucas looked at me mockingly, as if he had already expected my answer.

"I knew it," he sneered. "You only came back because you wanted our family fortune. To chase after a life of luxury, you'd turn your back on the people who raised you. Someone as heartless as you should be erased right here and now."

I shook my head desperately. "No, that's not why—"

"Shut up," Lucas barked, cutting me off. "Don't you dare try to weasel out of this."

His voice was ice-cold. "We're done showing mercy. Your Honor, let the trial begin."

I looked at my family, who were absolutely sick of the sight of me, and gave a bitter chuckle.

Then, I clamped my mouth shut.

How could I forget?

I was actually stupid enough to think I could explain myself.

They had never been willing to give me the time of day to say a single word.

Before long, the AI's stern voice boomed out. "Plaintiffs Edward Lane, Helen Lane, and Lucas Lane, and defendant Sophie Lane, are you prepared to begin the trial?"

Lucas immediately bellowed, "We're ready."

Maybe when one had been hurt enough times, one just went numb.

At this point, I couldn't even summon up any fear about the trial.

I closed my eyes and gave a hollow, desolate smile.

"I'm ready, too," I said.

Since nobody would believe anything I said anyway, I figured I would just let the court call the shots and be fair.