This time , she was even bolder . She called her parents to join her . The three of them spent the day ordering six massages , over a dozen Japanese tasting menus , and four more bottles of expensive red wine . The front desk manager , who had probably never witnessed such a spectacle , even sent me security footage of Lillian and her parents in the hotel lobby . Before leaving , her parents helped themselves to twenty cartons of premium cigarettes and three cases of top - shelf liquor , nearly clearing out the lobby's display case . They even took the hangers from the room . " Honey , are you sure your company won't make you pay for all this ? " her mother was caught on camera asking . " Don't worry , " Lillian had replied smugly . " My name isn't registered . The bill will go straight to the company ! And even if they do que- stion it , they'll go after Zoe . She's the one in charge . " " Hahahaha ! Our daughter is so clever ! Finding a perfect sucker like that ! " I saved all the receipts and video clips and messaged the front desk . " Everyone else is checking out at 8 a.m. tomorrow . Please arrange a noon checkout for my room . " On the third morning , I slipped out of the room quietly and joined my colleagues in the lobby . Lillian was still passed out in bed , reeking of stale wine . After the night she'd had , she needed her beauty sleep . By the time our bus pulled back into the company parking lot , my phone was blowing up with frantic calls and texts from her . " Zoe ! Why did you all leave without me ?! " " Why are they making me pay fifteen thousand , eight hundred dollars ? " 10 Ms. Evans praised me for organizing an excellent retreat . Everyone had a wonderful time , and she gave me a 30 % raise . I was grin- ning from ear to ear , completely ignoring the phone vibrating itself off my desk . 11 Chapter 2 Lillian didn't make it back to the office until noon the next day . Her face was a twisted mask of rage . The second she saw me , she lunged , her hand raised to strike . " Zoe ! How dare you set me up , you bitch ! " I sidestepped her attack , my face a picture of pure innocence . " What are you talking about ? What did I do ? " " Why did you leave early yesterday and stick me with the bill ? I had to take out a payday loan to cover the $ 15,800 , or the hotel was going to have me arrested ! " Everyone in the office stared , their faces a mixture of confusion and disbelief . " Lillian was there ? " " I didn't see her . Did she sneak along ? " " Our total accommodation bill wasn't even two thousand . What could she possibly have spent fifteen grand on ? " Under the weight of their skeptical gazes , Lillian's fury faltered slightly , but she stood her ground , her voice still a screech . " I don't care ! You're paying me back that $ 15,800 today ! No , make it twenty thousand ! And another ten for emotional distress ! If you don't , I ' Il sue all of you ! " I didn't answer her . Instead , I walked over to Ms. Evans's desk and spread out the official expense report from the retreat for every- one to see . " Ms. Evans , this is my fault , " I said , my voice filled with regret . " She begged me to let her stay in the room . I figured since it was already paid for , it wouldn't hurt to let her have a place to sleep . " " I had no idea she would secretly charge so much to the room ! " I wrung my hands . " Maybe ... maybe we should just call the police and let them handle it . " Lillian completely lost it , screaming as she charged at me again . " You snake ! " Several male colleagues quickly intercepted her . Ms. Evans stepped in front of me , her face like thunder . " Your name was not on the guest list for this trip . You went of your own accord . Why should the company be responsible for your personal expenses ? " " You used the company's name to fund your extravagant binge ! You should be thanking us for not suing you for damages ! " she continued , her voice rising . " Did someone force you to spend nearly sixteen thousand dollars ? If that had actually been charged to the retreat's budget , I would have our legal team charge you with embezzlement ! " Ms. Evans , now thoroughly enraged , snatched a termination letter from her desk and threw it at Lillian's face . " Lillian , your conduct is unprofessional and you have nearly caused significant financial harm to this company . You are officially terminated , effective immediately . There will be no severance . Go to accounting , collect your final paycheck , and get out . " 11 Lillian trembled , her face ashen , and then she burst into tears . " No ! You can't fire me ! " She pointed a shaking finger at me . " Zoe , you let me stay in your room ! This is all your fault ! Why am I the one getting fired ?! " The sheer , shameless audacity of her claim left everyone in the office speechless . Ms. Evans signaled for security . Less than five minutes later , a walling , struggling Lillian was escorted out of the building . Her part- ing shot was screamed over her shoulder : " Zoe ! You'll pay for this ! " As Ms. Evans passed my desk , she paused . " Good work , Zoe . But from now on , don't be such a pushover . Sometimes , you need to be tough . " I nodded emphatically . The last lingering shred of guilt from that transfer I'd made to her parents finally dissolved . 11 1 Chapter 2 Life returned to a peaceful rhythm . My projects moved forward , my salary increased , and I started looking for a new apartment in a nicer , more secure building closer to the office . But a few days later , the office was abuzz . My colleagues were all staring at their phones . " Zoe , you have to see this ! Lillian is at it again ! " " Oh my god , the way she twists things is masterful ! " " She started a TikTok ? And now she's the ' victim ' ? " My heart sank . I clicked on the video link everyone was sharing . vese On the screen , a makeup - free Lillian sat in a cramped , dimly lit room , her face artfully made to look pale and gaunt . " ... I just don't know what I did to deserve this , " she whispered , her voice cracking . " Just because I come from a poor family , because my parents exploited me my whole life , does that mean I deserve to be bullied and ostracized at work ? " The camera zoomed in on her bloodshot eyes , which stared directly into the lens as tears streamed down her cheeks . She looked like she was on the verge of collapsing . " I worked so hard . I just wanted to make a life for myself . But because my family is a mess and I have no one to back me up , they thought I was an easy target ! " In "CEO, Those Twins Look Just Like You" by CrushReel, a single mother's life takes an unexpected turn when she crosses paths with a charming playboy who unknowingly holds a billionaire secret. As their worlds collide, secrets unravel and hearts intertwine in this captivating romance novel set in a modern office backdrop. Amidst the challenges of raising twins solo, our protagonist finds herself drawn to the enigmatic playboy, unaware of the wealth and complexity hidden beneath his charismatic facade. The juxtaposition of their contrasting lives sets the stage for a tale of unexpected love, where opposites truly attract in ways neither could have imagined. This sweet romance novel delves into themes of family, identity, and the power of love to transcend social boundaries. With its blend of heartwarming moments and intriguing twists, "CEO, Those Twins Look Just Like You" stands out as a refreshing take on the billionaire CEO trope, offering readers a glimpse into a world where love knows no bounds. Experience the magic of this ongoing story at CrushReel and dive into a narrative that promises to captivate your heart and leave you eagerly awaiting what unfolds next. Read online at CrushReel for a journey that will keep you hooked till the very end.