Chapter 75

Emily Lowell curled her lips into a cold smile as she listened to the incessant chatter on the phone.

Her fingers tapped lightly against the desk, though her voice remained sweet and gentle. "Mom, my acting fees are split with the agency, and maintaining my image is expensive. I really don't have much savings..."

Every penny in her account had been painstakingly accumulated. Why should she give it away?

Even when she'd been blackmailed before, she'd made that idiot Christopher foot the bill.

"Mom, don't worry. I'll ask a friend for help..."

Victoria Lowell sighed. "Fine."

The moment the call ended, Emily dialed William Lowell's number.

"Big brother..." Her voice trembled with fake tears. "Mom suddenly asked me for money, and I just don't have it..."

William set down his pen mid-document. "Don't cry. I'll handle it."

Emily sniffled. "Could you lend me some? I'll pay you back—"

"No need." William rubbed his temples. "Mom's just upset because of Sophia."

After hanging up, Emily repeated the act with Daniel and Christopher.

Just as expected, both brothers were furious on her behalf.

Emily set her phone down, a flicker of mockery in her eyes.

Trying to take her money? Dream on.

The Lowell fortune was hers. Handing over shares to Sophia last time had already been agonizing.

Victoria clutched her phone, an emptiness settling in her chest.

She remembered how Sophia had transferred the money without hesitation—and how her adoptive daughter had made excuses.

All her children owned properties. Selling one would solve everything.

The phone rang abruptly.

"Mom!" Christopher's voice crackled with anger. "Stop harassing Emily for money! Do you know how hard she works?"

Victoria's fingers trembled.

"I'm killing myself on set, and all you do is spend recklessly!"