Chapter 12 Chapter 12 The morning after covering Kaylas night shift , Doris nearly overslept . She rushed to the hotel , only to be greeted by a commotion in the lobby . Her younger brother , Rupert , was making a scene , his voice echoing throughout the space . Wheres Dori Get her out here . I need to see her he demanded . A small crowd had already gathered , their curiosity piqued by the outburst . Lola wasnt having it . Her tone was sharp as she said , This is a hotel , not your living room . Were trying to work here . If you want to make a fuss , take it outside . Otherwise , Ill call security . Lola knew a fair bit about Doriss family dynamics . She particularly disliked how Doriss parents spoiled Rupert while neglecting Doris , a fact that only deepened her disdain for him . Doris hurried forward , grabbing Ruperts arm in an attempt to diffuse the situation . Rupert , whatever it is , lets talk outside . okay ? But Rupert wasnt about to back down . He yanked his arm free , his expression full of contempt . Well talk right here . Doris , youre so selfish . Mom wanted to book this hotel for me , thinking you work here and itd be good to support your business . And yet , you had the audacity to convince her to go for some cheap hotel , claiming it was to save money for my wedding . He continued , each word dripping with anger , Were talking about tens of thousands of dollars chump change . Its not even your money , so who do you think you are , making decisions for us ? Ive always been Mom and Dads favorite , and you just cant stand it . Youre jealous of the way they treat me . Thats why you dont want Mom booking Hampstone Hotel . You want to see me humiliated in front of Claudias family , dont you ? Rupert let out a derisive laugh . Youre bitter because you got dumped . Thats why you cant stand anyone else being happy and tried to sabotage my relationship . You vile , spiteful wretch . No wonder Mr. Watson left you . If I were him , I wouldnt want you either . Ruperts tirade flowed with unabashed venom , each word like a dagger aimed straight at Doriss heart . And yet , under the curious gazes of passersby , Doris stood there , silent and composed , as if the insults werent meant for her at all . Lola , on the other hand , was fuming . She couldnt stand by and let Rupert tear Doris down like this . She opened her mouth to speak , but Doris quickly caught her arm , and the silent plea in her eyes stopped Lola from doing so . Doris knew Lolas fiery temper and her unwavering loyalty as a friend , but this wasnt the time . As the front desk manager , Lola couldnt afford to say anything unprofessional in front of guests at work . If word got back to upper management , it could lead to disciplinary action , Doris couldnt let her best friend take that risk on her behalf . But Lola wasnt one to care about consequences when her best friend was being mistreated . She folded her arms and glared at Rupert , her voice dripping with disdain . Rupert , do you even hear yourself ? Doris works hard and earns her own living . What about you ? All you do is leech off your parents . What exactly are you so proud of ? She stepped closer. If youve got so much to say , how about paying for the hotel yourself ? I might actually respect you then . But using your parents hard earned money ? Thats nothing to brag about . Honestly , no woman in her right mind would wanna marry a man like you . 1/4 13:05 Wed , 26 Feb EFA . Chapter 12 Who the hell do you think you are ? What gives you the right to butt into our business ? Rupert sneered , his voice dripping with disdain . Mom and Dad are willing to spend money on me , so what ? None of your damn business . Why dont you mind your own ? And anyway , its not my fault Doris cant get them to cough up for her . If they want to give her money , thats up to them . I wouldnt care . Ruperts shamelessness was astonishing what others might find embarrassing , he flaunted with pride . Both Lola and Doris knew better than to waste their breath arguing with someone like him . Reasoning with Rupert was like trying to teach a brick wall how to think . Utterly insufferable . Lola muttered with a sigh of frustration . Rupert , are you done ? Doriss voice cut through the air, ice cold and steady . If youve got nothing else to say , then piss off . Ruperts eyes flared with indignation . Youre telling me to piss off ? Fine . Just wait . Fll tell Dad , and hell deal with you . He brandished the threat of their father , Jimmy , like a weapon , his tone laced with petty vengeance . Without missing a beat , Lola turned to the security staff . Please escort this troublemaker out of the hotel . The security team immediately approached Rupert , who , seeing the imminent threat , raised his voice . Im here to make a reservation . If you dare kick me out , Ill file a complaint . And you … He leaned closer to Lola , squinting at the name tag pinned to her crisp uniform . Front Desk Manager , Lola Bates , huh ? Ill make sure you regret this . Be my guest , Lola replied with a calm smile , her poise unwavering . She wasnt the least bit intimidated by his threats . Maintaining a professional demeanor around someone like Rupert was pointless , and Lola knew it . After all , she came from a wealthy family herself . Losing her job would hardly spell disaster at worst , shed fall back on her inheritance . Ruperts attempt at intimidation fizzled , leaving him visibly deflated . Still , he wasnt about to let it go . Just you wait . Wheres your manager ? Im filing a formal complaint . Ill make sure they know how rude you were , how you humiliated me with that arrogant attitude … Lola didnt bother responding , her expression blank as she watched him rant like a clown . Finally , Doris had had enough . Come with me . Her voice was firm , her patience hanging by a thread . She grabbed Ruperts arm and practically dragged him out of the hotel , her grip as unyielding as her resolve . It wasnt until theyd reached a quieter spot outside that she let go , stepping back with a deliberate exhale . Rupert slapped her hand and yanked his arm free , glaring at her . Dont touch me . Ignoring the sting spreading across her hand , Doris warned , Rupert , you can stir up whatever drama you want between us , but if you even think about targeting my coworkers or my friends . I promise Ill make you regret it . Rupert snorted , his face twisting into an arrogant sneer , Oh , really ? Youre going to make me regret it ? Worry about yourself first . Youre the one who got kicked out of the house for disobeying Mom and Dad . And now you have the nerve to lecture me ? He stood there , puffed up with the entitlement their parents had fed him for years , the weight of their favoritism shielding him from any sense of accountability though he had spent years bullying Doris . Ruperts tone was dripping with arrogance as he ordered , Doris , if you ever want to come back to our family , youll do exactly as I say . Book a few tables at your hotel , reserve ten rooms , and cover all the expenses for the alcohol , cigarettes , and beverages . yourself . If you listen , I might consider putting in a good word for you with Dad . He only listens to me anyway . 2/4 Chapter 12 Ca He cried , his voice dropping to a sinister whisper , But if you refuse Ill make sure Ezad punishes you and makes you The song confidence on his face made Dorics iromachi chiarn . He genuinely believed he had her backed into a corner . Rupert , are you out of your damn mind ? Or just plain stupid Doris shot back , her tone laced with ley disdain . She had no intention of playing the fool and letting herself be taken for a sucker . Ruperts composune cracked . His face darkened with rage as he spat , You think youre so tough huh ? Youre the one whos messed up this familys reputation , dragging us down like the useless dead weight you are . Why dont you just kill yourself ? With that , he raised his hand , aiming to slap Doris across the face . Before his hand could connect , a shadow loomed over them , and Doris felt a rush of air as someone intervened . A strong hand caught Ruperts wrist mid swing and twisted it sharply behind his back , locking it in place. Rupert froze , a pained gasp escaping his lips as his arm was pinned so forcefully he couldnt budge . Who are you ? Rupert managed through gritted teeth , his face contorted in pain as he craned his neck to look at the man restraining him . Doriss eyes widened in shock and relief as she saw Lewis standing there , calm but radiating an aura of quiet menace . For a fleeting moment , be looked almost otherworldly like a guardian angel descending to rescue her from this nightmare . Apologize , Lewis demanded , his voice low and unyielding , the sharp edge of command unmistakable . Apologize ? For what ? I dont owe her anything , Rupert growled , though the tremor in his voice betrayed his discomfort . Tm calling the cops . Go ahead . Lewis said , his tone cool and almost taunting . Lets see if the cops arrest me … or you . His grip tightened , cliciting an audible crack from Ruperts wrist . Ruperts cry of agony rang out , w and unrestrained . Doris , standing nearby , couldnt help but feel a small spark of satisfaction flicker in her chest . Watching Rupert writhe and scream , she thought , Serves him right . Apologize , Lewis ordered , his tone slow and deliberate , each syllable sharpened by his barely contained fury . Ruperts face twisted in pain , his wrist feeling like it might snap any second . Beads of cold sweat gathered on his forehead and trickled down his neck as panic flashed across his features . … Im sorry , Rupert stammered , the words spilling out in a frantic attempt to relieve the crushing grip on his arm . Lewis wasnt impressed . His gloomy eyes glinted with menace as he leaned closer , his voice dropping a dangerous octave . To whom are you apologizing ? Try again . Rupert flinched at the command and followed Lewiss pointed gaze to Doris , who stood silently , her expression as cold and sharp as a winter wind . Resentment bubbled under Ruperts skin , but he knew he had no choice . Gritting his teeth , he reluctantly muttered . Doris … Im sorry . I was wrong Doris didnt speak . She simply stared at him , her icy demeanor enough to send a shiver down anyones spine . She knew full well that Rupert didnt actually think he was in the wrong . The only reason he was backing down was because the situation wasnt in his favor . He didnt stand a chance against Lewis and had no choice but to temporarily swallow his pride . Lewis , however , wasnt one to let things slide . His voice , laced with quiet threat , cut through the tension like a blade . If I ever see you picking on Doris again , youll lose more than just your dignity youll lose that arm of yours . 3/4 Wed , 26 Feb Chapter 12 Alright . Lunderstand Rupert nodded rapidly , his voice trembling as he scrambled to agree Only then did Lewis release him , the force of his grip leaving Rupert stumbling back a few steps . Lewiss voice cracked like a whip . Now get lost . Rupert didnt need to be told twice . He staggered backward , his fear evident in every awkward step he took to put distane between himself and Lewis . Once he was far enough away , his cowardly bravado returned Doris , dont think having a man protect you makes you special . Mom and Dad will take my side and youll regret this Unless you plan to stay away from home forever , he spat , his parting words dripping with venom before he turned tail and bolted . His retreat was nothing short of pathetic his threats hollow and his ego bruised . Doris watched him fee with a cold . detached gaze , her shoulders relaxing just slightly as his figure disappeared . She then turned her attention to Lewis . Why are you here ? she asked . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!