One year, one love by Aurora Miller

Chapter 26

Chapter 26

Lola continued her explanation, her tone calm but resolute as she said, “You signed Doris’s name on the bill, but there is no legal agreement between you and Doris allowing such charges. Therefore, the signature is invalid.

“Legally speaking, you are the ones responsible for the expenses as the actual consumers. Refusing to pay amounts to

intentional fraud.”

Her words were like a spark to dry tinder. The Robinsons erupted into chaos. “You’re the manager, and she’s your employee. You’re just covering for her,” one person yelled, pointing a trembling finger at Lola.

Another shouted, “Don’t think you can scare us with your fancy words. We’re not buying it.”

“Exactly. We’ll file a complaint against you,” someone else chimed in, his voice shrill with indignation.

Lola kept her composure, though the anger simmering beneath her professional exterior was barely contained. “I’m simply stating the facts,” she replied coolly.

In truth, she had her own reasons for standing firm–she couldn’t stomach seeing Doris being taken advantage of like this. And, objectively speaking, none of this had anything to do with Doris.

Watching the Robinsons hurl accusations at Lola made Doris’s heart ache even more than when they directed their venom at her. Doris bit back her frustration, her hands balling into fists at her sides as she forced herself to stay composed.

Taking a deep breath, she addressed them with as much patience as she could muster. “I’ll make sure Rupert handles this matter, but I’m telling you now–I will not pay the bill.”

Her voice carried a finality that left no room for argument. Doris knew all too well that if she gave in and paid this time, Rupert would use her as a scapegoat again and again.

Setting this precedent would only tighten the noose he had around her. She refused to let him manipulate her any further.

“You’re just wasting our time with all this nonsense,” someone sneered dismissively.

Another person jeered, “If you won’t let us leave, then we’ll leave anyway. Let’s see what you can do to stop us.”

With that, the thirty–some Robinsons began pushing and shoving their way toward the exit, a disorderly mob intent on defying authority.

But Lola had anticipated their move. She had already made the necessary arrangements. As they neared the doors, security guards stepped in to block their escape.

The tension reached its peak when the distant wail of police sirens cut through the air. Moments later, uniformed officers arrived, effectively cornering the would–be escapees. The group froze, their defiance giving way to unease.

Ava, ever the instigator, turned on Lola with narrowed eyes. “Ms. Bates, what is the meaning of this?” she demanded, her voice trembling with barely disguised rage.

Lola, her patience thin and fraying at the edges, took a deep breath to steady herself. She replied coldly, “You tried to skip out on a bill. That’s fraud. As the manager, I have every right to call the police.”

The Robinsons fumbled for excuses, but the combined money on all of them was not enough to settle the bill. Left with no alternative, the police had to escort the entire group to the station for further processing.

Naturally, Lola and Doris had to accompany them to give their statements and cooperate with the investigation.

The news of the incident spread quickly, and it wasn’t long before Jimmy and Rupert arrived at the station, their expressions a mix of annoyance and irritation.

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Chapter 26

face twisted in fury as he jabbed a finger at Doris’s nose. “Doris, you’ve really outdone yourself this time. I’ve spent

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measly thirty thousand dollars, you’ve sent Claudia’s relatives straight to the police station. Are you trying to ruin your brother? Do you want to destroy his relationship?

you care about is money. You’ve turned your back on your family entirely. How could you be so cruel? I’ve never seen someone so heartless and vile

more than an autumn breeze brushing past her. She had long since grown numb

shielding Doris like a protective wall. “Mr.

have something to say, say it to me, but stop berating

the manager? Then why didn’t you just make her pay the bill instead

it’s simple–the person who spends is the one who pays. Thirty thousand dollars isn’t pocket change. Why should Doris bear the burden of something she had nothing to

her. And she’s Rupert’s sister. If her brother is in trouble,

Lola’s eyes

his mess.”

her voice laced with icy sarcasm. “Is Rupert some kind

anger. “Who are you calling a deadbeat?” he barked, his voice quivering

cutting deep. “Whoever feels the need to respond.”

words came out. His jaw worked in silent frustration, his

louder, each word sharp and unyielding. “For years, you’ve leeched off Doris. Hasn’t she given enough? Have you ever, even once, treated her with the same love and care as the rest of your family?

you only be satisfied after you’ve bled her dry, after there’s not a single

encountered such blatant favoritism from a father–one who cared nothing for his daughter’s feelings or well–being, only relentless

none of your

down, he turned his ire back to Doris. “And you. Look at the kind of people you surround

calm but laced with an iron edge. “When are you going

“Stop bringing up the

commanding as he positioned himself in front of Doris, his posture straight and unyielding. “Nice

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Chapter 26

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hurl insults at my client. I will

bravado, “A lawyer? So what? I’m her father. I can discipline my daughter however I see fit. What

steps toward Ivan, puffing out his chest as if

Jimmy’s arm before he could

top ten in the country, headquartered in Hampstone with branches. in several major cities. Ivan Mitchell, in particular, was a star attorney, a name that carried weight far beyond legal circles.

he’d remained loyal to his partnership with

to you, but the law can, Ivan replied,

harder on his father’s arm, desperation creeping into his voice. “Dad, we need to focus. The Robinsons are still waiting for us.”

turned to Ivan. “Thank you, Mr. Mitchell, she said, her tone soft but

a moment, his sharp, handsome features creased with a faint trace of doubt. “He’s

but carrying an undercurrent

that.”

a lawyer. I’ve seen

something specific?” Doris

didn’t expect to run into you and this circus on my way down,” he remarked,

“If you need

I could afford you, Mr. Mitchell,” Doris said honestly.

fees were notoriously high, and hiring him was a luxury most couldn’t dream of.