Chapter 38

Bailey withdrew her hand and casually rubbed her nose. "I got into a scuffle this afternoon," she disclosed.

"With whom?" Naomi inquired.

"It's all in the past, Naomi. Don't bother asking," Bailey dismissed.

"Bailey, don't leave me in the dark," Naomi warned.

Bailey knew Naomi's temperament well. Despite her usual cheerfulness, crossing her boundaries could lead to unexpected consequences.

"I met Madelyn this afternoon. She had others with her, and I couldn't handle it," Bailey explained.

As Naomi headed for the door, Bailey grabbed her. "Where are you going?" she asked.

Naomi's expression soured. "Do you think I can just sit back and do nothing, seeing you like this?"

Bailey held onto her firmly. "Naomi, it's over, and this isn't just about Madelyn. Please don't act impulsively."

Sensing an underlying message, Naomi suppressed her anger. "Fine, I won't act rashly. Tell me everything."

Seated at the table, Bailey recounted, "A few days ago, I had a confrontation with Estelle at home. I think she and Pauline held a grudge against me for that, so they teamed up with Madelyn."

Estelle Jenkins was Bailey's stepsister. Bailey's mother had died when she was only a year and a half old. Her father had remarried Pauline Lewis, who was already eight months pregnant with Estelle at the time.

Since childhood, Pauline hadn't been fond of Bailey and had often mistreated her when her father was away. After a middle school incident, Bailey's relationship with her father became strained due to Pauline's influence. Thus, Bailey's days at home were far from pleasant.

Listening intently, Naomi asked, "Apart from your face, are there any other injuries? Did you get a checkup at the hospital?"

"It's just some cuts and bruises. I got kicked in the lower abdomen, causing some bleeding, but it's nothing serious. I've had it checked," Bailey replied.

Hearing about the bleeding pained Naomi deeply. She understood that Madelyn had intentionally targeted Bailey and brought others for a fight. Madelyn didn't dare confront Naomi directly; she had noticed Bailey wasn't favored at home and had chosen to target her deliberately.

"Are you really okay?"

Chapter 38 (Note: The repetition of Chapter 38 is unnecessary and should be removed.)

"Don't worry! I can take care of myself. How else could I face them both?" Bailey reassured.

"Alright. I trust you." Naomi served Bailey some chicken soup. "Eat more. Don't be so stubborn next time. And next time there's trouble, you should run if there are too many people."

Bailey had noticed Madelyn's readiness earlier. She had planned to run, but Madelyn had blocked all possible routes.

Bailey chose to withhold the details; she didn't want to upset Naomi. The conflict involved both families, and Bailey didn't want to escalate matters, given that her father already had disagreements with Naomi's father regarding business.

After they finished their meal, they parted ways in their cars at the crossroads. Naomi urged, "Bailey, call me right away if anything happens."

"I got it. Don't worry!"

"Alright. Then, you should head home and rest."