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 non 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 twith 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-sRobinsons 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, | 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

Jimmy stormed in like a brewing 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 this is how you

repay me?

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“For a 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?

“All 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 like you in my life.”

Doris stood silently, her face blank, 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 that she didn’t even bother to argue anymore.

But Lola wasn’t about to let this slide. The fiery 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 called the police.

“I'm Lola Bates, the manager of Hampstone Hotel. If you have something to say, say it to me, but stop berating

her.”

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

the bill instead of getting the police involved?”

Lola crossed her arms, her stance unwavering. “Because 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 with?”

Jimmy snorted as if her words were absurd, “Because | raised her. And she’s 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.”

narrowed, her voice laced with icy sarcasm. “Is Rupert skind of deadbeat? Doris isn’t obligated to clean up

Rupert, who had been standing off to the side, turned red with anger. “Who are you calling a deadbeat?” he

barked, his voice quivering with indignation.

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

Rupert opened his mouth to retort, but no words cout. His jaw worked in silent frustration, his face an

amusing mix of ‘embarrassment and impotent rage.

But Lola wasn’t done. Her voice grew 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 slove and care as the rest

of your family?

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

take?”

Her words were like a whip cracking through the air. She had never encountered such blatant favoritism from a

father-one who cared nothing for his daughter's feelings or well-being, only relentless exploitation, as if it were

his birthright.

“She’s a part of the Reed family. This is none of your business, so stop meddling,” he shot back defensively.

Stung by 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. Look at what you've become.”

Doris slowly lifted her gaze to meet his, her expression unyielding, her voice calm but laced with an iron edge.

“When are you going to pay the hotel bill?”

Jimmy's face twisted with fury, his voice rising to a roar, his chest heaving with anger. “Stop bringing up the

money! That's all you ever think about. | never should've brought you into this world. You ungrateful bastard.”

A tall figure 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. Reed's

legal representative.

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Chapter 26

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“If you continue to hurl insults at my client. | will issue a legal notice on her behalf

Jimmy sneered, crossing his arms with exaggerated bravado, “A lawyer? So what? I'm her father. | can discipline

my daughter however | see fit. What are you gonna do about it? Sue me? Go ahead, hitif you dare.”

He even took a few steps toward Ivan, puffing out his chest as if daring him to respond.

“Dad, that’s enough, Rupert intervened quickly, grabbing Jimmy's arm before he could make the situation worse.

Goodwin LLP wasn’t just any law 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 nthat carried weight far

beyond legal circles.

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

His reputation was impeccable.

“I may not be able to do anything to you, but the law can, Ivan replied, his deep-set eyes locked on Jimmy, calm

but brimming with authority.

Rupert tugged harder on his father’s arm, desperation creeping into his voice. “Dad, we need to focus. The

Robinsons are still waiting for us.” With seffort, he managed to drag Jimmy away from the scene.

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

said, her tone soft but sincere.

Ivan studied her for a moment, his sharp, handsfeatures creased with a faint trace of doubt. “He’s really

your biological father?”

“Yes,” Doris replied with a faint nod, her voice steady but carrying an undercurrent of resignation. “Sorry you had

to witness

that.”

“There's nothing to apologize for,” Ivan said, a faint smile curling his lips. “I'm a lawyer. I've seen the best and

worst of people. This? This barely qualifies as tic.”

“Were you here for something specific?” Doris asked, curious.

“Well, | was following up on a case. | didn’t expect to run into you and this circus on my way down,” he

remarked, gesturing toward the chaotic scene he'd just stepped into and intervened with his professional skills.

Then, his expression softened. “If you need help, don’t hesitate to ask me.”

“I don’t think I could afford you, Mr. Mitchell,” Doris said honestly.

She wasn’t exaggerating. lvan’s twas money-literally. His fees were notoriously high, and hiring him was a

luxury most couldn't dream of.

“For Lewis's sake, I'll give you a 90% discount,” Ivan replied, lifting a single finger with a mischievous quirk of his

brow, the glint of playful arrogance in his expression.

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Doris chuckled lightly, a rare smile gracing her lips, “Well, I'll thank you in advance, then.”

After Ivan and Doris wrapped up their conversation, Lola, who had been quietly standing by, finally spoke up, her

eyes sparkling with intrigue, “Mr. Mitchell, may | have the pleasure of an introduction?”

Doris didn’t need a crystal ball to know exactly what was going on in Lola’s head. She could practically see her

friend mentally swooning over Ivan’s devastatingly good looks.

Lola extended her hand toward him, her smile warm and inviting. “Hi, I'm Lola Bates, Doris’s best friend.”

Ivan responded with the perfect blend of charm and decorum, lightly clasping her fingertips in a gentlemanly

gesture.

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Chapter 26

“Pleasure to meet you, Ms. Bates. I'm Ivan Mitchell”

Before the conversation could stretch on, Doris interjected with a tone that carried a subtle hint of finality. “Mr.

Mitchell, I'm sure you have more pressing matters to attend to.”

Ivan glanced at Doris, amusement flickering briefly in his sharp gaze. “If you two are headed somewhere, I'd be

happy to give you a lift,” he offered smoothly.

“We're going back to the Hampstone Hotel,” Lola blurted out, clearly thrilled at the prospect,

“That won't be necessary,” Doris cut in quickly, her polite smile disguising her firm resolve. “We've got a car.

Thank you, though.” She waved at Ivan, effectively dismissing him. “Goodbye, Mr. Mitchell”

Ivan simply nodded as he turned and walked away,

As soon as he was out of sight, Lola turned on Doris, shaking her arm with mock outrage. “Doris, what the hell?

Couldn't you have letadmire him a little longer? He's so handsome.”

Doris let out a sigh, glancing at her friend. “Lola, I'm telling you-don’t even think about going after Mr. Mitchell.”

“Why not?”

“He and Lewis have been friends since middle school, and they're still colleagues.”

“Oh, no wonder Mr. Mitchell felt so approachable. He's practically family.”

Doris was left utterly speechless. “Let's just go.”

The two girls climbed into their car and drove back to the hotel.

Later that day, Jimmy and Rupert showed up at the Hampstone Hotel to settle their bill, though it was clear from

their sour expressions that things hadn't gone their way.

Rupert had planned to pull a fast one on Doris, hoping to scam her out of smoney. But instead, his scheming

backfired spectacularly, leaving him with nothing but frustration.

Both Jimmy and Rupert left the hotel with bitterness gnawing at their hearts, their resentment toward Doris

burning hotter than ever.

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