Chapter 10

"Just transfer the money. Why all the questions?" Victoria Lowell's impatient voice crackled through the phone.

William Lowell's brow furrowed. "Mother, I don't have that much liquid cash right now."

Three million wasn't pocket change. Though his assets far exceeded that amount, liquid funds were another matter.

"What do you mean?" Her voice turned icy. "You won't even spare this small amount?"

If Sophia Laurent could produce three million as a mere secretary, surely the CEO of Lowell Group had funds available.

William took a deep breath. "Let me transfer three hundred thousand first. Maybe postpone the purchase—"

The line went dead.

William stared at the darkened screen, his expression stormy. Suppressing his anger, he still transferred the three hundred thousand.

"To the office, Mr. Lowell?" The driver asked cautiously, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

William massaged his temples. Suddenly, Emily Lowell's gentle smile flashed through his mind.

"To Lowell Entertainment."

Only Emily could lift his mood now.

Meanwhile, Victoria immediately dialed her second son after hanging up.

Daniel Lowell was a renowned fashion designer whose haute couture brand Versini Couture enjoyed prestige in elite circles. Every new collection arrived at her doorstep first, much to her social circle's envy.

"Mother?" His calm voice answered.

"I need three million for some jewelry. Transfer it immediately." Victoria demanded bluntly, acutely aware of the watching eyes around her.

Silence stretched for several seconds.

"Daniel?" Her voice sharpened.

"I can send six hundred thousand now." He measured his words carefully. "Perhaps Father could—"

"For jewelry!" Her voice rose. "Just do as I say!"

"I'll transfer what I have." He paused. "You should ask Father for the rest."

Though established in design circles, his liquid assets were limited.

Victoria's expression darkened, but recalling William's meager three hundred thousand, she softened slightly. "Fine. Send it now."

After hanging up, her mood remained volatile. Calls to Christopher and Nathan went unanswered—one filming on location, the other preparing for a singing competition.

Gritting her teeth, Victoria dialed Emily.

The line rang endlessly before connecting.

"Mother?" Emily's voice flowed like honey, sweet and coaxing.

"Darling, I'm short one point five million for some pieces. Could you help?" Victoria's tone turned saccharine.

Emily nestled against William's chest in Lowell Entertainment's photo studio. She bit her lip, meeting his concerned gaze before looking down.

"Of course, Mother. I'll arrange it immediately." Her voice remained dulcet, though her expression tightened after hanging up.

"William, I'll need to borrow from friends..." She made to rise from his embrace.

"Nonsense!" He pulled her back. "I won't have you borrowing money."

Emily worried her lower lip. "But Mother—"

"You're too kind for your own good." William sighed, reaching for his phone. "Let me handle this."

He transferred the remaining one point five million—his last available liquid funds.

"Thank you, William!" Emily's eyes sparkled like a kitten receiving cream.

He ruffled her hair affectionately. "Transfer it to Mother now."

Neither noticed the figure outside the studio window, quietly raising a phone to capture their intimate moment.

"Miss Lowell, you were right. The show's just beginning." A message with attached photos sent silently into the digital ether.