Chapter 6 Bullying

Genesis’s POV

I clenched my hands into tight fists, not because of Eli, but because Delilah could so easily decide my fate with just one sentence.

Once I left this place, neither Savannah nor Delilah would ever control my destiny again.

I lowered my eyes and nodded, showing I understood.

Perhaps satisfied with my attitude, Delilah proudly lifted her chin and dismissed me.

Only then did I slowly climb the stairs.

Actually, Delilah's hostility toward me was completely unnecessary.

After all, everyone in the Martinez family knew Eli only liked voluptuous beauties like her. How could he possibly be attracted to someone as slender as me?

Not to mention, we were nominally uncle and niece.

Instead of focusing on me, she'd be better off watching those other women fluttering around Eli.

The next morning, I was surprised to see Jordan and Eli at the dining table when I came downstairs.

I was somewhat shocked. These two almost never appeared at the family dining table. What had suddenly sparked their interest?

"How are you feeling?" Seeing me come down, Jordan asked directly.

I quickly took out my phone to reply: [I'm fine now.]

Jordan glanced at me coolly, clearly unsatisfied with my answer.

I was confused. Did Jordan want me to say my condition was serious?

Jordan looked at Eli with annoyance and kicked his chair. "Genesis is still a child. You hurt her, so you must earn her forgiveness!"

I frantically shook my head. Who would dare demand an apology from Eli? He'd definitely kill that person behind their back!

Savannah also spoke up. "She just accidentally fell into the swimming pool. What's the big deal?"

Christian frowned. "Genesis is a girl after all. Yesterday's situation really wasn't appropriate."

Just as they were about to argue, Eli slowly spoke. "I was forced to act to maintain relations with the Nelson family. Did you want Papa to watch Delilah complain to her father and brothers?"

Jordan's expression grew even uglier.

He slammed the table hard, angrily scolding Eli. "There are many ways to punish someone. Why did you have to do this at my birthday party? So many eyes were watching. Do you want them saying we mistreat our adopted daughter?"

Getting angrier as he spoke, he slapped Eli hard on the back.

Remembering the wounds I'd treated last night, I couldn't help but gasp.

That must hurt terribly.

Seeing Jordan's gaze sweep over, I quickly lowered my head, pretending nothing had happened.

It wasn't me who was in pain anyway.

"If you weren't so promiscuous all the time, Delilah wouldn't act like a shrew throwing tantrums everywhere." Jordan said grimly. "Anyway, this matter won't end until Genesis forgives you."

Only then did I understand. Jordan didn't care whether I'd been wronged. He only cared that Eli's behavior last night had embarrassed the Martinez family, and he needed to make up for it.

Of course. Savannah targeted me all the time, but Jordan had never said a word for me.

This family was still so suffocating.

Eli's gaze circled my face, then he suddenly sneered. "Speaking of bullying, everyone knows Savannah abuses the adopted daughter. Papa has never stopped that."

I looked at Eli in surprise. Jordan was already angry. Wasn't this adding fuel to the fire?

Sure enough, Jordan angrily stood up, pointing at Eli and cursing. "Bastard! Does it matter what outsiders say? You're the one giving them ammunition!"

When his gaze passed over me, Jordan paused, then looked at Savannah with displeasure. "And you, don't go too far!"

After saying this, he left angrily.

Eli shrugged indifferently, mockingly glanced at Savannah, and followed.

Savannah's face turned red with anger. She wanted to curse at me as usual, but remembering Jordan's words, she could only swallow it down and glare at me viciously.

I silently lowered my head, trying hard to hide the smile at the corner of my lips.

For the next period, I kept worrying that Eli would take his anger out on me because of that day, finishing me off like the person under the tree.

"You don't need to worry about that. Eli was sent to America on a mission." Susan quietly told me. As a maid in the villa, she always knew many things others didn't. "By the time he returns, this will all be forgotten. He won't be able to trouble you anymore."

I let out a long sigh of relief. That was wonderful.

I didn't want any more entanglements with him. I just wanted to safely get into college.

"Aren't you starting school tomorrow?" Susan asked while wiping the table.

I nodded.

Susan looked at me hesitantly and sighed. "I heard Delilah's cousin Sofia is at your school too. You need to be careful. You know Delilah's temper isn't good..."

I silently gripped the table, hoping they could be rational.

But facts proved there were really too few rational people in this world.

I stood in front of my locker, looking at the door spray-painted with the large word "SLUT," and pressed my lips together.

"Oh my, who spray-painted the truth on your locker door?"

Elegantly dressed Sofia approached with her little followers, arms crossed over her chest, mockingly triumphant.

"If you're not a slut, why don't you deny it? Silence means you're admitting it, right?"

She smiled at her followers behind her, and they all chimed in agreement.

I couldn't be bothered with her and picked up my bag to walk around her.

But Sofia suddenly stuck out her foot, tripping me hard to the ground.

The intense pain left me dazed. Then a bucket of ice-cold dirty water poured down from above my head, soaking me completely.

Sofia stood not far away, sneering. "A bastard like you who seduces men everywhere really should be properly cleaned, so you don't stink up even the school air."

She deliberately fanned in front of her nose, making everyone laugh.

This wasn't the Martinez family villa.

I struggled to my feet, hands clenched into tight fists. Dealing with someone like Sofia, being a bit excessive occasionally wouldn't matter, right?

Just as I was about to strike, a figure rushed out and stood in front of me.

"What are you doing?!"

I looked in shock at the person blocking my way. It was actually Forth?

Though Forth was my classmate, we'd never spoken. I never imagined he'd jump out to help me!

He took off his jacket and draped it over me, asking with concern. "Are you okay?"

The warm jacket warmed my heart a little. I shook my head, indicating I was fine.

Sofia's expression turned extremely ugly. She glared at us hatefully. "Why are you jumping out? What's your relationship with her?!"