Chapter 72

Richard Lowell's expression softened slightly after hearing Victoria's words.

"Victoria, speak plainly. No need for formalities."

Seeing his attitude relax, Victoria finally let out the breath she'd been holding.

If Sophia could casually produce nine million, surely they had access to funds too?

"That card Sophia gave me... I assumed it had no spending limit, so I made a few purchases..."

Her voice trailed off.

"Now she's not only frozen the card but is threatening to sue me for repayment..."

Richard's brow furrowed.

"She dared freeze your card? And sue you?"

Victoria nodded weakly.

Bang!

Richard slammed the table and stood abruptly. "The audacity! Does she forget her family name after marrying into the Valdemars?"

William remained stone-faced, recalling the previous incident when his mother had demanded three million. He stayed silent.

Victoria didn't dare respond either.

"Don't repay a cent! Would she actually sue her own mother? The scandal would ruin her!"

Victoria wrung her hands anxiously.

She couldn't comprehend her daughter's heartlessness.

"The court summons arrived. She's serious this time. Perhaps... we should just repay the amount?"

Richard's chest tightened with anger.

Ever since forcing Sophia into marriage with the Valdemars, nothing had gone right for the Lowells.

"Countless women would kill for that marriage. What's her problem?"

He poured himself tea irritably.

"Fine. Return whatever you spent. No point straining relations over petty cash."

They still needed Sophia to compose songs for Lowell Entertainment.

Cultivating more cash cows was the priority.

Relief washed over Victoria's features.

"My funds are tight right now. Could you cover it temporarily?"

Jail didn't frighten her—but the humiliation would be unbearable.

Richard nodded. "How much?"

Compared to future earnings, this was pocket change.

Sophia was the legendary Composer T, capable of carrying Lowell Entertainment to new heights.

Victoria relaxed completely.

"About nine million over the past few years. Let's just round it to nine."

Clatter!

Richard's hand jerked, scalding tea splashing his skin as the cup shattered.

"How much?!"

William inhaled sharply.

Nine million in three years? No property or vehicles purchased—where did the money go?

Victoria shrank under their stares. "N-nine million... Is that... problematic?"

Richard gaped at her, finally processing the number. "Nine million? What exactly did you spend it on?"