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

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station. Are you trying to ruin your brother? Do you want

family entirely. How could you be so cruel? I’ve never seen someone

as if Jimmy’s words were no more than an autumn breeze brushing past her. She had long since grown numb to his accusations, so much so

eyes made her step forward, shielding Doris like

Bates, the manager of Hampstone Hotel. If you have something to say, say it

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

is the one who pays. Thirty thousand dollars isn’t pocket change. Why should

brother is in trouble, she should step up and handle

Lola’s eyes

his mess.”

with icy sarcasm. “Is Rupert some

off to the side, turned red with anger. “Who are you calling

deep. “Whoever

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

“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

be satisfied after you’ve bled her dry, after there’s not a single shred of her left for you to take?”

from a father–one who cared nothing for

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

but unwilling to back down, he turned his ire back to Doris. “And you. Look at the kind

but laced with an

anger. “Stop bringing up the money! That’s all you ever think about.

strode 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, an attorney from Goodwin LLP, and also Ms.

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Chapter 26

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to hurl insults at my client. I will

however I see fit. What are you gonna do about it? Sue me? Go ahead, hit

few steps toward Ivan, puffing out his chest as if

Rupert intervened quickly, grabbing Jimmy’s arm before

of the top ten in the country, headquartered in Hampstone with branches. in several major cities. Ivan Mitchell, in particular, was a

him, though he’d remained loyal to his partnership with Hartman Group. His reputation

law can,

focus. The Robinsons are still waiting for us.” With some

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

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

her voice steady but carrying an undercurrent

that.”

lawyer. I’ve seen the best and worst of people. This? This barely

you here for something specific?” Doris asked,

on my

you need

afford you,

high, and hiring him was