Chapter 76

Victoria Lowell's fingers turned pale as she gripped her phone.

Christopher Lowell's voice carried clear displeasure through the receiver.

"Mom, how could you?"

Her heart plummeted.

"What did I do?"

Her voice trembled slightly.

"You demanded nine million from Emily? Where would she get that kind of money?"

His tone dripped with accusation.

Victoria's chest tightened.

Memories surfaced of her four sons repeatedly blaming Sophia Laurent for Emily's sake.

Had Sophia felt this same suffocating pain back then?

"So you're here to defend her?"

Her voice suddenly steadied.

Christopher hesitated.

"Emily didn't even know I was calling. I found out on my own."

"Oh?"

Victoria's laugh held no warmth.

"What exactly did she tell you?"

"She just asked to borrow money. I had to pry the truth out of her—"

His impatience bled through.

"Do you know why I asked her for the money?"

Victoria interrupted.

Silence stretched for several seconds.

"Whatever the reason, you shouldn't pressure her like this."

Ice settled in Victoria's veins.

"I've raised you all these years. Spent tens of millions on you."

Her voice dropped to a whisper.

"Now when I need help, I can't even ask?"

Christopher faltered.

"That's not what I meant—"

"Then what did you mean?"

She countered.

"Just leave Emily alone. She genuinely doesn't have the funds."

His tone softened.

"Fine."

Victoria suddenly laughed.

"Then you pay it."

Another prolonged silence.

"What do you need the money for anyway?"

Confusion colored his words.

"Debts."

She answered casually.

"Unless you'd prefer I go to prison."

"What?!"

Christopher gasped.

"Who do you owe? Does Dad know?"

"Of course he knows."

Her reply came calmly.

The line went completely silent.

Victoria waited, then chuckled darkly to herself.