Chapter 26 Chapter 26 Lola continued her explanation , her tone calm but resolute as she said , You signed Doriss 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 . Youre the manager , and shes your employee . Youre just covering for her , one person yelled , pointing a trembling finger at Lola . Another shouted , Dont think you can scare us with your fancy words . Were not buying it . Well 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 . Im simply stating the facts , she replied coolly . In truth , she had her own reasons for standing firm she couldnt 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 Doriss 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 . Ill make sure Rupert handles this matter , but Im 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 . Youre just wasting our time with all this nonsense , someone sneered dismissively . Another person jeered , If you wont let us leave , then well leave anyway . Lets 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 . 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 . Thats 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 wasnt long before Jimmy and Rupert arrived at the station , their expressions a mix of annoyance and irritation . 1/4 10:02 Thu , 27 Feb Chapter 26 Jimmy stormed in like a brewing thundercloud , his face twisted in fury as he jabbed a finger at Doriss nose . Doris , youve really outdone yourself this time . Ive spent over twenty years raising you , and this is how you repay me ? +13 ) For a measly thirty thousand dollars , youve sent Claudias 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 . Youve turned your back on your family entirely . How could you be so cruel ? Ive never seen someone so heartless and vile like you in my life . Doris stood silently , her face blank , as if Jimmys 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 didnt even bother to argue anymore . But Lola wasnt about to let this slide . The fiery indignation in her eyes made her step forward , shielding Doris like a protective wall . Reed , this has nothing to do with Doris . Im the one who called the police . Im 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 . Youre the manager ? Then why didnt you just make her pay the bill instead of getting the police involved ? Lola crossed her arms , her stance unwavering . Because its simple the person who spends is the one who pays . Thirty thousand dollars isnt 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 I raised her . And shes Ruperts sister . If her brother is in trouble , she should step up and handle it . Its her duty to pay the bill . Lolas eyes his mess . narrowed , her voice laced with icy sarcasm . Is Rupert some kind of deadbeat ? Doris isnt 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 came out . His jaw worked in silent frustration , his face an amusing mix of embarrassment and impotent rage . But Lola wasnt done . Her voice grew louder , each word sharp and unyielding . For years , youve leeched off Doris . Hasnt she given enough ? Have you ever , even once , treated her with the same love and care as the rest of your family ? Or will you only be satisfied after youve bled her dry , after theres 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 daughters feelings or well being , only relentless exploitation , as if it were his birthright . Shes a part of the Reed family . This is none of your business , so stop meddling , he shot back defensively . Stung by Lolas words but unwilling to back down , he turned his ire back to Doris . Look at the kind of people you surround yourself with , Doris . Look at what youve 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 ? Jimmys face twisted with fury , his voice rising to a roar , his chest heaving with anger . Stop bringing up the money ! Thats all you ever think about . I never shouldve 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 . Im Ivan Mitchell , an attorney from Goodwin LLP , and also Ms. Reeds legal representative . 2/4 Chapter 26 +13 ) If you continue to hurl insults at my client . I will issue a legal notice on her behalf Jimmy sneered , crossing his arms with exaggerated bravado , A lawyer ? So what ? Im her father . I can discipline my daughter however I see fit . What are you gonna do about it ? Sue me ? Go ahead , hit me if you dare . He even took a few steps toward Ivan , puffing out his chest as if daring him to respond . Dad , thats enough , Rupert intervened quickly , grabbing Jimmys arm before he could make the situation worse . Goodwin LLP wasnt 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 name that carried weight far beyond legal circles . Even Watson Group had tried to recruit him , though hed 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 fathers arm , desperation creeping into his voice . Dad , we need to focus . The Robinsons are still waiting for us . With some effort , 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 , handsome features creased with a faint trace of doubt . Hes 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 . Theres nothing to apologize for , Ivan said , a faint smile curling his lips . Im a lawyer . Ive seen the best and worst of people . This ? This barely qualifies as dramatic . Were you here for something specific ? Doris asked , curious . Well , I was following up on a case . I didnt expect to run into you and this circus on my way down , he remarked , gesturing toward the chaotic scene hed just stepped into and intervened with his professional skills . Then , his expression softened . If you need help , dont hesitate to ask me . I dont think I could afford you , Mr. Mitchell , Doris said honestly . She wasnt exaggerating . Ivans time was money literally . His fees were notoriously high , and hiring him was a luxury most couldnt dream of . For Lewiss sake , Ill 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 . Doris chuckled lightly , a rare smile gracing her lips , Well , Ill 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 I have the pleasure of an introduction ? Doris didnt need a crystal ball to know exactly what was going on in Lolas head . She could practically see her friend mentally swooning over Ivans devastatingly good looks . Lola extended her hand toward him , her smile warm and inviting . Hi , Im Lola Bates , Doriss best friend . Ivan responded with the perfect blend of charm and decorum , lightly clasping her fingertips in a gentlemanly gesture . 3/4 0 % Chapter 26 Pleasure to meet you , Ms. Im Ivan Mitchell Before the conversation could stretch on , Doris interjected with a tone that carried a subtle hint of finality . Mitchell , Im 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 , Id be happy to give you a lift , he offered smoothly . Were going back to the Hampstone Hotel , Lola blurted out , clearly thrilled at the prospect , That wont be necessary , Doris cut in quickly , her polite smile disguising her firm resolve . Weve 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 ? Couldnt you have let me admire him a little longer ? Hes so handsome . Doris let out a sigh , glancing at her friend . Lola , Im telling you dont even think about going after Mr. Mitchell . Why not ? He and Lewis have been friends since middle school , and theyre still colleagues . Oh , no wonder Mr. Mitchell felt so approachable . Hes practically family . Doris was left utterly speechless . Lets 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 hadnt gone their way . Rupert had planned to pull a fast one on Doris , hoping to scam her out of some money . 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 . 4/4 1 AD Comment Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!