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

thundercloud, his face twisted in fury as he jabbed a finger at Doris’s nose. “Doris, you’ve really outdone yourself this time. I’ve spent over twenty years raising you, and

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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?

your back on your family entirely. How could you be

Jimmy’s words were no more than an autumn breeze brushing past her. She had long since grown numb

indignation in her eyes made her step forward, shielding Doris like a protective wall. “Mr. Reed, this has nothing to do with Doris. I’m the one who

Bates, the manager of Hampstone Hotel. If you have something to say, say it to me, but stop berating

turned his fury on Lola, his scowl deepening. “You’re the manager? Then why didn’t you just make her pay the bill

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 do

Rupert’s sister. If her brother is in trouble, she should step up and handle it. It’s her duty to pay the bill.”

Lola’s eyes

his mess.”

Rupert some kind of deadbeat? Doris isn’t obligated to

the side, turned red with anger. “Who are you calling a deadbeat?”

an eyebrow, her smirk cutting deep. “Whoever feels the need to respond.”

came out. His jaw worked in silent frustration, his face an amusing mix of ‘embarrassment and

word sharp and unyielding. “For years, you’ve leeched off Doris. Hasn’t she given enough? Have you ever, even once, treated

will you only be satisfied after you’ve bled her dry, after there’s not a single shred of her left for you

a father–one who cared nothing for his daughter’s feelings or well–being,

family. This is none of your business, so stop meddling,” he

Lola’s words but unwilling to back down, he turned his ire back to Doris. “And you. Look at the kind of people you surround yourself with, Doris.

voice calm but

his chest heaving with anger. “Stop bringing up the money! That’s all you ever think about. I never should’ve

forward, his presence commanding as he positioned himself in front of Doris, his posture straight and unyielding. “Nice to meet you. I’m Ivan Mitchell,

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Chapter 26

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insults at my client. I will issue

what? I’m her father. I can discipline my daughter however I see fit. What are you

steps toward Ivan, puffing out his chest as if daring him to

grabbing Jimmy’s arm before he

firm–it was one of the 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.

Watson Group had tried to recruit him, though he’d remained loyal to his partnership with Hartman Group. His

anything to you, but the law can, Ivan replied, his deep–set eyes locked on Jimmy, calm but brimming

focus. The Robinsons are still waiting for us.” With some effort, he managed to drag Jimmy away from the

gone, Doris exhaled a quiet breath of relief and turned to Ivan. “Thank you, Mr. Mitchell, she said, her

a moment, his sharp, handsome features creased with a faint

nod, her voice steady but carrying an undercurrent of resignation.

that.”

lips. “I’m a lawyer. I’ve seen the best

something specific?” Doris asked,

a case. I didn’t expect to run into you and this circus on my way down,” he remarked, gesturing

“If you need

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

wasn’t exaggerating. Ivan’s time was money–literally. His fees were notoriously high, and