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 .
No.
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 .

Follow new episodes on the CrushnovelS.Com

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 .
Fine .
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 .
4/4 Ө