Chapter 147
Her mother's muffled sobs came through the phone.
Anna Ross's heart tightened.
Her fingertips turned white from gripping the phone.
Had Howard Lowell hit her again?
She took a deep breath.
Her voice trembled. "Mom, did he hurt you again?"
Silence lingered on the other end.
Sobs came in broken bursts.
Vivian Lowell choked out, "No... It's the San Francisco branch. It's under sudden investigation."
Anna relaxed slightly.
But then she frowned.
Trouble at the branch?
Adrian Sinclair had never mentioned this.
Vivian's voice was tearful. "Your father suspects Adrian did this... Anna, can you help him?"
Anna clenched the phone.
She had no desire to help that man.
But her mother was still in his grasp.
She had no choice.
"Put him on the phone."
Howard soon took the phone.
His voice was icy. "You heard? You must fix this for me."
Disgust flashed in Anna's eyes.
He always used her mother to threaten her.
"I can help you."
Her voice was calm. "But you must promise not to harm a single hair on my mother's head."
Howard paused.
He glanced at Vivian beside him.
He suddenly laughed. "Of course. I promise."
Vivian quickly interjected. "Anna, your father treats me very well. You must help us!"
Anna heard the anxiety in her mother's voice.
A sharp pain pierced her heart.
If Howard fell from power.
Those debts would crush them instantly.
She had no ability to repay them now.
"Mom, don't worry."
She agreed softly. "I will help him."