Chapter 80
Chapter 80
Doris arrived at the address Lola had given her.
“Doris, over here. Lola waved at her.
Lola was wearing oversized sunglasses and a long green dress, still as dazzling as ever.
Doris walked over, frowning suspiciously, “Why did you ask me to come here?”
“I want to show you something. Come on. Lola pushed open the black and gold lacquered door behind her.
Doris followed her inside and watched as Lola took out a key to unlock the glass double doors.
The interior was empty, but the decor was nice.
What do you think?” Lola removed her sunglasses and turned to ask.
“It’s pretty good.” Doris glanced around. “What are you planning to do?”
“Have you found a new job?” Lola answered with a question.
Doris thought of the call she received that morning from the hotel’s HR specialist. “I was just about to tell you the HR specialist called and said I could return to work anytime. What about you? Did they call you?”
Lola looked surprised and shook her head. “No. So, are you going back?”
“Lola, I really need a job right now. I need to make money.” Doris felt anxious at the thought of Peyton’s illness.
Lola immediately noticed the sorrow in her eyes. “Did something happen? Tell me, maybe I can help.”
“My mom is sick. Breast cancer. She insists on not having surgery and is opting for conservative treatment,” Doris admitted.
Lola hugged her. “Doris, don’t be afraid. You have me. If you need money, I’ll give it to you.”
“No, that’s not necessary.” Doris shook her head firmly. “The surgery isn’t even that expensive. The problem is that my mom refuses to have it.”
She still hadn’t paid Lola back the 30 thousand dollars she borrowed, and she didn’t want to owe her more. Besides, Jimmy could afford the 30 thousand dollars surgery. The real problem was the one million dollars owed to Ryan.
However, she would never pay that debt just because of Rupert. She refused to become someone who endlessly sacrificed for her brother. Otherwise, there would be no end to it.
She had only ever been controlled by her parents.
She was married to Lewis and didn’t want to drag him into this either.
“So, why did you ask me to come here today?” asked Doris.
Lola glanced around the 7000–square–feet space. “Doris, I want to open a café and dessert shop. You know I have a barista certificate, and I make great coffee. What do you think?”
“That’s a great idea. Being your own boss is better than working for someone else.” Doris genuinely supported Lola’s plan.
“But I don’t know how to make desserts,” Lola said, grabbing Doris’s hand and looking at her intently.
Doris immediately understood. “You want me to join you?”
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Chapter 80
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“Yes” Lola smiled, “You just said being your own boss is better than working for someone else. Doris, why don’t we open a shop together?”
“Start a business together?” Doris was a little surprised. She had dreamed of owning a small dessert shop. Waking up early every day, making pastries and bread in her own store–that sounded like a happy life to her,
But after working hard for five years, she had only saved up 100,000 dollars. And she had already given that money to her sister to pay off debts.
In the end, it was Lewis who took care of everything. And that amount wasn’t nearly enough to open a shop.
When Lola suggested starting a business, Doris felt excited, tempted, and thrilled. But she simply didn’t have the money to invest.
“Doris, we’re best friends. Of course, I want to open a shop with you and make our dream come true together,” Lola said, her eyes filled with anticipation.
Doris hesitated,
“Lola, I don’t want to drag you down.” Doris forced herself to reject Lola’s kind offer.
Lola’s face immediately darkened. “Doris, if you say that again, I’ll be mad at you.”
“Don’t be mad.” Doris tried to calm her down.
“Doris, I know the hotel called you back, and I’m sure you’re tempted. You’ve worked there for years, and you have feelings for your colleagues and the job.
“I also hope you find a good job and earn money. But I really want you to think about my offer.
“I sincerely want us to work hard together and build something of our own.” Lola’s eyes were full of sincerity.
Doris bit her lip, hesitating before finally admitting, “Lola, it’s not that I don’t want to do this with you. I just don’t have the money to invest right now.”
“I never expected you to invest money.”
“I knew you’d say that. And that’s exactly why I don’t want to do this.” Doris didn’t want Lola to take on everything while she just benefited from it.
“Doris, this shop belongs to my dad. When I told him about my idea, he was very supportive and let me choose a location.
“After inspecting the location, I chose this place. This shop is in a bustling area, with many office buildings and a high flow of people. I think opening a store here has potential.
“Most importantly, my dad said he would waive my rent at first. He’ll only start charging rent once I start making a profit, so we’re saving a huge amount on rent. Then there’s just the renovation, which won’t cost much.
“I’ve thought it through–you have skills, so you can invest with your expertise. You’ll still receive your salary as usual, and at the end of the year, we’ll split the profits according to our shares. What do you think?” Lola’s eyes sparkled with anticipation.
Doris thought for a moment. “Lola, let me think about it before I give you an answer, okay?”
“Sure, I’ll wait for your good news. But don’t feel pressured, alright?” Lola reassured her, giving her arm a gentle squeeze.
Doris nodded.
“Come on, it’s lunchtime. Let’s go eat.” Lola pulled Doris along as they left.
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They chose to eat breads–quick and convenient.
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Lola took out a rectangular, dark blue velvet box and handed it to Doris. “I got this for you on my trip. Open it and see if you
like it.”
Doris accepted it. “If it’s from you, I’ll like it no matter what.”
Doris opened the box–it was a Tiffany necklace with a heart–shaped pendant, glittering beautifully.
She also noticed that Lola was wearing a necklace from the same collection. “This is too expensive.”
“Then wear it every day.” Lola stood up, took the necklace from the box, and said, “Let me put it on for you.”
The necklace rested against her skin, perfectly complementing her elegant collarbones–it looked stunning.
“Thank you.” Doris gently touched the pendant with her fingertips.
“No biggie. Come on, let’s take some nice photos.” Lola picked up her phone, leaned close to Doris, and proudly showcased their matching necklaces. Then, she edited the photos and posted them on her social media.
Their WhatsApp friends flooded the post with likes, with some even commenting: [Gorgeous. Do you need a boyfriend?]
Others asked about Doris, wondering whose friend she was and if they could get to know her.
Lola didn’t reply. She set her phone down and happily continued eating with Doris.
After the meal, Doris wanted to buy some of Peyton’s favorite fruits and pastries to visit Peyton.
Lola had also planned to visit Peyton, so she went with Doris to the Reed residence.
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