Vito: (He chuckled, amused.) Sure... tell my Dad that his daughter is one of those poor kids that receive money from the social services... he will love it.

Amanda: What??? (She had stopped walking and let go of Vito's arm.) What do you mean by his daughter? That Asian kid is your sister? How is that even possible?!

Vito: She is not my sister, but my father's bastard child!

Amanda: So what... she is still your half sister!

Vito: (He looked at her with a devilish smirk.) What's wrong? Are you afraid now that you know the truth? Bullying the great Mr Smith's daughter is less funny?

Amanda: You...you didn't say anything! You don't like her, right?

Vito didn't answer and entered his classroom like if he was the owner of the place. The teacher didn't say anything, and the young man went to join his friends in the back of the classroom. Amanda sat at her usual spot too with her girls' group.

Amanda was still thinking about the news she just learned. What if that girl complains to her father? Her life would become a mess for sure and her entire family will have to pay the price. She couldn't focus on her classes the entire morning.

At lunch time, Suki and Haru installed themselves in a quiet corner of the cafeteria. They were talking about a book when Amanda and two of her friends stopped near their table. Suki didn't expect to see her coming to talk to her. She looked behind to see if Vito was around but no, he wasn't there.

Amanda: Eh you... why did you hide the fact that Mr Smith is your father?! I hope that you didn't say shit to him!

Suki: (She was startled to hear that Amanda found out about her father's identity.) No... I...

Amanda: You what? You don't even know how to speak correctly! If you say something bad about me and bring troubles to me or my family... I will not spare you! I get why Vito doesn't like you!

Amanda's friends laughed and the table nearby heard their conversation. They were now all staring at the little girl that was embarrassed by the situation. Haru was looking at her too, but with a different gaze. He felt sorry to see her mistreated by that older girl. He was also surprised by the news, but it was in adequation with what Suki told him about her origins.

Girl: She is just a bastard anyway... I'm sure that your man doesn't care if you use her as your slave!

Girl 2: Clearly... he even hid to everyone that she was her family!

Murmurs could be heard from the students around. Suki looked at her food, hoping that those 3 girls were done and leave.

Amanda: At least, you found yourself a friend... another useless thing of this place... I don't even get why they let all those people entering our school...

Girl: Your boyfriend just arrived... bye bit**... (She overturned Suki's plate and left, laughing that Suki's uniform was now stained.)

Haru: Suki... are you okay? (He gave her a napkin.)

Suki: (She took it and tried to clean her uniform.) Yes... Haru... sorry for not telling you about my family...

Haru: It's okay, I understand that it is not easy for you. I guess that you were not accepted by your new family.

Suki: Not really... but I can understand them... I am not really a wanted child, and my father only took me in because... my mother passed away...

Haru: Don't you have family from your mother side that can have your custody?

Suki: There was only my mother and me. I don't think that she was in good term with her family... and I think... that it's because of me... because I was born out of marriage... (She was embarrassed and sad.)

Haru: I hope that things will be better with your family in the future. If you need to talk, I am here for you... and about those girls, try to avoid them as much as possible. I can't assure you that they won't bother you again because we are easy target... you heard them...

Suki: Thank you Haru... can I ask you something? (He nodded.) Did Vito bully you too?

Haru: No... only Amanda and her friends... they think that only white people deserve to be in that school... Most of them are from well known families, with power in that city... I call them the "Blonde Club"... (He smiled to ease the atmosphere.)

Suki: I'm going to clean this at the restroom...

Haru: You didn't eat a lot...

Suki: I'm fine... have a good afternoon, bye.

Suki left the cafeteria under the heavy stares of most of the children. She spotted Vito at one of the central table with his friends and Amanda's band. She avoided to look at him, wanting to prevent a mean reaction from him too. But the teenager had already saw her passing by and the state she was in. At his girlfriend and her followers' reaction, he understood that they were responsible of that situation.

Vito didn't want to pay attention to that kid and after his father's warning, he decided to just ignore her as long as she did the same and not interfered with his life. But for the last 10 minutes, people were annoying him of questions about her.

Boy: Vito, you kept for yourself that you had a little sister... she is cute with that...

Boy 2: I can't believe that she is really your sister, she doesn't look like you at all! Your father knows how to choose women... her mother must be beautiful...

Vito: (He stood up with a menacing aura.) Can you shut the fu** up!

Boy: Cool dude...

Vito: Who told you about all that shit?!

Boy: We heard your girlfriend's discussion with that kid... that's funny that you let her treat your sister like that... but as she said, you maybe really hate her... she is only a half sister after all.

Vito: That useless bit** doesn't know when to shut her mouth!

The two boys thought that Vito was angry because of Amanda's way to talk to and about his little sister but no, Vito was mad that she talked about his link with Suki. Because if no one knew, he wouldn't have to care about what people think and his family's honor. No one could mess with a Smith without paying the price.

Even if he didn't like Suki, he couldn't escape that family rule. He needed to remind Amanda of her place, so he texted one of the girls he knew was after him to join him in front of the school at the end of the classes.

Then he went back to his classroom and patiently waited for the end of the day. He was waiting outside, near his car when the girl he called, Mary, showed up. She was all excited by Vito's message.

Mary: Vito, I'm glad that you finally decided to contact me...

Vito: (He smirked.) Yeah, I thought that we could have fun together... what do you think?

Mary: What about Amanda? You finally grew tired of her?

Vito: Exactly! I need something new... (She approached and kissed him.)

The teenager responded to her kiss without worrying about anyone around. Few minutes later, the high tone of his girlfriend... ex-girlfriend's voice stopped the long kiss. Mary stayed near Vito who had his arm around the teenage girl's shoulders.

Amanda: Vito!! Are you kidding me? What are you doing with that bit**!!! You, let go of my boyfriend!

Mary: He is not yours anymore... too bad for you... good for me!

Amanda: Vito!!

Vito: (He let go of Mary and walked toward Amanda.) Listen for once without opening that useless mouth of yours... we are done... find another dude to sleep with... and a piece of advice, know your place and how to shut up when you should!

Vito had a straight cold face while saying it. He only smirked when he was done before returning near his car. Then, he pulled Mary in his embrace and kissed her once again, in a very demonstrative way. Amanda was stunned by what was happening.

All the students outside were able to enjoy Vito's show. And among those students, Suki and Haru. The young boy was worried that Amanda could try to bully his friend once again, so he decided to wait with her outside until the person in charge of taking her home arrived.

Suki couldn't look at Vito's kissing that girl, she was so embarrassed. Haru was not more at ease too, and they were both looking down, in silence.

Amanda's friends were trying to comfort her but most of the other students were laughing at her misfortune.

The teenage girl felt humiliated, and she was sure that everything was happening because of that bastard girl. She looked around to find her and when she spotted her waiting apart, she furiously walked in her direction, quickly followed by her friends.

Amanda: Little bit**!! Everything is your fault!! (She was about to attack Suki, but Haru had the courage to put himself in front of her.) Move, fuc*** useless shit!!! (She slapped him hardly and he stumbled.)

Suki was shocked by Amanda's violence. She immediately checked on her friend's state. She was trembling in fear.

Suki: Haru!!

Amanda: Your turn now!

She grabbed Suki's arm to make her face her and she was about to slap her when she yelled in pain. Someone had grabbed the teenager by her hair and throw her on the ground with force.

Dante: What do you think you're doing, bit**!? (He was glaring at her, overlooking her from his imposing stature.)

Gabriel: Suki! (He bent at her level.) Are you alright? Are you hurt somewhere?

Suki: Onii-san... (She looked behind Gabriel and saw Dante, and Amanda on the ground.)

Gabriel: I'm here, no one will try to harm you.

He scanned her from head to toe and noticed dry stains on her uniform. His blood was boiling, and he tried to keep his calm.

A deadly silent took place outside despite the numerous students present. Everyone's attention was now on the two well dress men that just arrived. They had powerful aura, and some recognized them as the two eldest Smith brothers.

Another point was easy to catch, the fact that one of them had the exact same eyes colors than that Asian kid, giving more credits to the rumors about her being part of the Smith family.

Vito approached the group with a serious face. He knew that Gabriel will probably hold him responsible of the situation.

Vito: Gab, Dante...

Amanda: Vito... (She stood up.)

Dante: That bit** is your girlfriend, right? (Suki startled at his cold words.) Don't you know how to handle her?!

Vito: She was... but not anymore. (He stared at Suki.)

The little girl felt his heavy gaze on her, so she focused her attention on Haru who was standing behind her. He had a mark on his cheek because of Amanda's ring.

Suki: Haru... I'm sorry, because of me... you were hurt...

Haru: (He shyly smiled but it hurt.) It's okay... (Gabriel approached and grabbed Haru's chin.)

Suki: Haru is my friend... please don't hurt him... (She had grabbed his forearm.)

Gabriel: You need to clean the cut; it shouldn't let a scar. Thank you for protecting my little sister.

Suki was staring at Gabriel and blushed. She felt sorry to have thought that he was about to hurt Haru. The young man smiled to reassure her and then turned to face his brothers.

Gabriel: I'm taking the kids to the car, fix this! Suki, let's go. We will drop your friend at his house, and I will explain everything to his parents.

Haru: (He was embarrassed.) Sir, you don't have to...

Gabriel: It's my duty as an adult. Let's go. (He didn't let space for discussion and the two children followed him to the car.)

The car was parked few meters away. Gabriel opened the back door. Suki and Haru entered inside, and Gabriel closed it. He stayed outside, his back against the door, blocking the view to the outside in purpose.

Suki: Does it hurt a lot?

Haru: A little... but it's not the first time that I receive a hit in that school, don't worry.

Suki: You never told it to your parents?

Haru: My father is a soldier, he wouldn't understand... (She shyly smiled to him.) Your brothers arrived just in time... they are a bit scary... even more than Vito...

Suki: I know... I feel the same most of the time... but Gabriel is probably the sweetest of all... he accepted me immediately...

Haru: He is the one with the same eyes color?

Suki: Hum... That's our father's eyes color... he said that it is our special link...

Haru: I think he really cares about you...

Suki blushed and only smiled as an answer. In the past few weeks, even if she tried to not get attached to her new family, she couldn't deny that she became closer to Gabriel. She was even calling him Onii-san, recognizing his status. She was also used to interact with Enzo, but she was still too shy to act like a little sister with him. For the others, she felt it still too dangerous to be around them.

Outside the car, Gabriel lighted a cigarette. He needed to calm his anger. He had his back resting on the car and was observing his brothers and that stupid girl who dared to attack his baby sister.

Amanda: Vito! Everything happened because of that bit**, say it!

Vito: You should shut up.

Amanda: And you... how dar... (She couldn't finish her sentence; Dante had slapped her so hard that she fell on the ground once again.)

Dante: (He kneeled down.) Shut the fu** up or I will kill you! I don't care that you're a kid or a girl, touch a member of our family and you're dead, is it clear? (She nodded, afraid and crying.)

Vito could only observe in silence. He was not going to go against his elder brothers for that useless girl. She put herself in that shit alone. Dante stood up and glared at Vito. He joined Gabriel to the car.

Dante: It's done! That bit** won't bully your little protegee anymore.

Gabriel: Thank you. (He crushed his cigarette.) Let's go.

Dante: That idiot is lucky that we came to pick up her.

Gabriel: (He stopped and frowned.) She is far from being an idiot!

Dante: She is bullied by her own brother's girlfriend and didn't say anything to anyone... she is stupid!

Gabriel: She doesn't trust us enough, that's all. And could we reproach that to her, because, as you said, her own brother's girlfriend bullied her without he intervened! I'm going to deal with him later. Let's go!

Vito had also left on his own, letting a crying Amanda with her friends. His new girlfriend, Mary was smirking and followed him to his car. She was the winner one in that story. When they left, Suki quickly looked outside and saw Amanda crying.

The ride was silent. Haru gave his address to Dante and when he parked the car, Gabriel accompanied Haru to explain to his parents why their son was hurt. Suki stayed in the car with Dante.

Dante: Your uniform... it's that bit**'s fault too? Or are you the only toy for all bullying group of that damn school?!

Suki: (She looked at him through the mirror.) It was... a misun...

Dante: Don't waste your time to lie, you are very bad at it! I guess the other time, it was her too... (He turned himself.)... I just affirmed that you are stupid because you let others bully you without saying anything, but your dear Gabriel thinks the contrary... so show us that he is right and use that little mouth of yours to tell us if anything like that happens again in the future. Understood? (His tone was tough, and she nodded.) I said use your mouth, and words, dummy!

Suki: Yes, sorry...

Dante: Pfff... your entire self gives people the will to bully you... you're such an easy target... You really piss me off!

Suki looked down, playing nervously with her hands. Dante stared at her few seconds before taking back his position.

Outside, Gabriel exchanged few words with Haru while walking on the long alley to his house.

Gabriel: So, you and Suki are friends?

Haru: Yes, sir. My name is Haru Campbell, I am on the same year with Suki but in another class.

Gabriel: Good. If you are of the same age, I am sure that you will behave like a cute little kid with my only baby sister. (His gaze was menacing and Haru nodded with force.) Good. I'm glad that Suki made a friend.

Haru's mother was the only one at home. Gabriel was surprised to be welcomed by an Asian woman. The little boy's mother thanked him for his approach. Gabriel apologized for her son's injury and proposed to compensate them, but she refused. He came back to the car and noticed that Suki seemed down.

Gabriel: Everything is alright here?

Dante: Everything is lovely. Can we leave now?

Gabriel: Sure. (He started the car and asked Suki.) Your friend's mother is also Japanese?

Suki: No, she is Korean. Was her mother angry that Haru was hurt?

Gabriel: She was surprised, as a parent, it is a normal reaction, but she didn't make any reproach to us, you don't have to worry.

Suki was relieved. She received a text message in her way back home from Haru. He told her once again that he was fine. They will see each other tomorrow for lunch as usual.

When they reached home, Suki wanted to go upstairs but Gabriel stopped her. He wanted to talk to her first. Dante stayed in the room.

Gabriel: Suki, I am going to ask you questions and I want honest answers. Did that girl bully you since you arrived in that school?

Suki: Yes... (Gabriel frowned and she hesitated to continue.)

Gabriel: Please tell me everything, you won't be in troubles.

Suki was very uncomfortable. She looked at Dante who was standing behind Gabriel. She felt his intense gaze on her. She was sitting on one of the sofa, her eldest brother was in front of her, sitting on the coffee table. Gabriel noticed that she was staring at Dante.

Gabriel: Suki, look at me, focus your attention on me and tell me.

Suki: Yes... it was not the first time. I bumped into her by accident when I joined that school and it started... she... she thinks that I integrated that school with a scholarship... that I am only a poor foreigner...

Enzo: (He just arrived with his twin.) Who is that bit**??!! (Suki looked up at him but Gabriel and Dante didn't move.) Why didn't you say anything... at least to me?! So, Maria was right!

Gabriel: What do you mean?

Enzo: She found weird that Suki was so clumsy to have her uniform dirty or when she was hurt during sports class. Was it her too this time? Did she hit you?

Suki: No... it was really the ball...

Gabriel: But she did harm you other time, right? (She nodded.)

Suki: But it was only once... I avoided her after that... but today...

Davide: Is she a problem magnet? (Enzo elbowed his twin.)

Gabriel: Davide, shut up! Suki, from now on, nothing like that should happen. I don't think that she is stupid enough to bully you again in the future but if anyone else tries to bully you, I want to know.

Enzo: And me too!

Suki: I am sorry... I didn't want... to bother you...

Dante: Stupid kid! It was the same at her previous school... if you don't change and continue to let everyone treating you like shit, you will never survive in this world!

Dante left. Suki startled. She didn't expect him to burst out like that. Gabriel sighed and asked his two younger brothers to leave the room.

Gabriel: Suki. I have another question. Did Vito ever hurt you at school? (She strongly shook her head.) You are not lying, right?

Vito: Gabriel... (He entered the living room.) I never touched her!

Gabriel: Suki, you can go refresh yourself.

Suki didn't waste time and disappeared upstairs. Vito had a serious face, ready to face his brother.

Gabriel: Sit. (Vito obeyed.) You were aware, do you? That the girl you are seeing bullies your little sister.

Vito: I knew but I never did anything to her.

Gabriel: Letting her do it means the same for me!

Vito: The deal was only to not do anything to her. I agreed to ignore her, and she stays out of my life! But today, because of her stupid self, everyone knows that my father had a bastard child!

Gabriel: (He stood up from his position.) You should be ashamed of yourself... and thinks twice about the girls you sleep with... I get that you don't really look for smart girls but one like that, that treats badly people according to their colors or names... should not deserve your time! It only put you in the same basket... think about that!

Gabriel left the room. Vito was pissed off because his brother's words were true. How could he have bear with Amanda for so long?