Chapter 2

The first memory extracted from me started playing on the big screen.

It was back when Ruby and I were in high school.

After losing our father at a young age, our mom raised us on her own.

However, she simply couldn't afford to put two high schoolers through school at the same time.

One evening at dinner, Ruby said, "Mom, I'll drop out. Let my sister continue to go to school.

"I'll go to work with you, Mom. We can support her education together."

As Ruby's words from her high school days echoed through the room, the self-righteous crowd started buzzing again.

Someone exclaimed, "Oh my god. Ruby was just a high schooler back then, and already so mature!"

Another chimed in, "Look at Jade. She is just sitting there and not feeling any guilt. After hearing what her sister said, she didn't even show any reaction."

The scene shifted to the gates of my high school.

Ruby carefully handed me the money in her hand.

"Sis, here's your allowance for this month," she said softly.

I took the cash from her expressionlessly, then turned and walked back into school.

In the dead of winter, I left Ruby standing alone, shivering in the biting wind.

After that, every month right on schedule, Ruby would be waiting for me at the school gates.

Each time, I'd come out coldly, take the money from her, and turn away as if it were just another routine task.

One time, my mom came.

For once, I asked, "Where's Ruby?"

My mom replied, "Ruby went to work out of town. She got sick and couldn't make it back."

I simply said, "I see."

Hearing my icy tone, my mom frowned. "Jade, that's your sister. She gave up her chance to study for you. You should care about her more."

"Ruby's grades were so poor, even if she hadn't given up her education, she would have flunked out anyway."

My mom lost her temper, which was a rare occurrence. "Jade, I won't tolerate that kind of talk!"

That was my first memory.

When they took the memory extractor off my head, I kept my eyes closed for a moment, just trying to catch my breath.

I felt that this thing really drained my energy.

The cacophony of the crowd's chatter assaulted my ears.

A person in the audience exclaimed, "Oh my god! That woman is an absolute ingrate!"

Another person said, "Look at her shameless expression. So what if she's top of the class? Does she think she's hot stuff just because of that?"

A third person said, "What's the damn point of being smart if you're that kind of person? People like her are a menace to society!"

A fourth person said, "Her mother must be out of her mind. She should've given the chance to study to Ruby instead."

Someone else said, "The evidence is undeniable. Come on, play the other two memories already! I can't wait to see that woman's downfall."

I slowly opened my eyes, first meeting the crowd's disgusted stares, then locking onto Ruby's triumphant gaze.

With deliberate slowness, I raised a hand and massaged my temples.

All the while, I put on a perfect show of utter indifference.

The Judge said in a solemn and grave voice, "The first memory has been verified. In this recollection, Jade violated the Code of Family by showing heartless cruelty toward her sister.

"Jade, do you admit to your actions?"

The trial would extract three pieces of memories in total. If all three were found to violate the codes of conduct, I would be stripped of everything, left homeless, and cast out by society.

In stark contrast, Ruby would inherit everything that was mine, including my identity, status, wealth, and honor.

I steadied myself before meeting Ruby's deceptively innocent gaze and saying, "I do."

My words immediately sparked another furious uproar.

A person in the audience seats yelled, "She sounds so unapologetic! This woman is utterly shameless."

Another person urged, "Hurry up already. I can't wait to see her crash and burn!"

*****