Isabella's phone rang.

She glanced at the caller ID.

It was the police station.

As one of the witnesses in Chloe Roland's case, she had been prepared to cooperate with the investigation.

Especially after discovering the special status of Chloe's brother, she didn't dare to be negligent.

During her statement that day, she honestly disclosed every detail.

Now the police needed her to confirm her testimony again, and she was happy to comply.

After all, this could not only help testify for Chloe but also put Ryan Roland in her debt…

Thinking of this, a smile curled at the corner of Isabella's lips.

She answered the call cheerfully and readily agreed to the police's request.

After hanging up, she was about to leave when her phone rang again.

Seeing the name on the screen, Isabella's face instantly darkened.

It was Leo Lowell.

She took a deep breath and reluctantly answered. "What is it now?"

Leo's anxious voice came through. "Niece, you have to save me this time! If I don't pay up, they're going to kill me!"

Isabella gripped her phone tightly, her tone icy. "How much this time?"

"Five million."

"Five million?!" Isabella's voice shot up. "Are you insane?"

Although the Ashcroft family was well-off, since middle school, her monthly allowance had only been one hundred and fifty thousand.

The family's liquid assets totaled less than twenty million.

She had just given Leo two million a few days ago, and now he was asking for five million?

Leo was completely unfazed. "Niece, just tell me if you're giving it or not. If not, I'll have to go to Evelyn Ross…"

Isabella's pupils constricted.

"You have two days. If the money isn't in my account, don't blame me for revealing your and Evelyn's true backgrounds. After all, survival comes first, right?"

Leo hung up without waiting for a reply.

Furious, Isabella threw her phone to the ground!

She stood still for a long time, trying to calm down.

Five million was not a small amount. She could only ask her family for it.

At this thought, Isabella hesitated.

Although Evelyn hadn't exposed her for stealing the email, Mrs. Ashcroft clearly had her suspicions.

Since yesterday, Mrs. Ashcroft's attitude toward her had cooled significantly.

Isabella bit her lip and walked to Mrs. Ashcroft's room.

Just outside the door, she overheard a conversation.

Mrs. Ashcroft asked, "Where's Linda? I haven't seen her for days."

William Ashcroft replied, "Why bother about her? She probably went back to her brother's. It's best if that woman never comes back. I can't stand the sight of her."

Isabella's eyes flickered at the door.

She steeled herself, her eyes reddening, and walked into the room with a sob. "Mom, Dad."

Mrs. Ashcroft saw her and made to rise but settled back on the sofa.

William frowned. "Isabella, have you upset your mother again?"

Isabella lowered her head and cried. "Mom, I know I was wrong. I shouldn't have framed Evelyn. I just… I just saw how well you treated her, and I was jealous."

She cried with genuine emotion. "Evelyn is so accomplished now. She's Dr. Nan and helped arrange your hospital room. I'm not as good as her. I'm so afraid… afraid you'll like her more than me…"

Mrs. Ashcroft's expression softened.

She walked over to Isabella and sighed. "Silly child, why are you so narrow-minded? It's because of this that Evelyn never came home all these years. She never tried to take me away from you, and I could never like her more than you. Don't think like that anymore."

Isabella sniffled. "Really?"

Mrs. Ashcroft said helplessly, "You're all grown up. Would I lie to you?"

Isabella smiled through her tears. "Then say it, Mom. Say you love me the most."

Mrs. Ashcroft smiled indulgently. "Alright, I love you the most."

Isabella's smile became more genuine, but then Mrs. Ashcroft added, "But don't keep treating Evelyn as your rival anymore!"

Her smile froze, a shadow flashing in her eyes.

Isabella lowered her head in apology. "I won't. I really know I was wrong."

After placating Mrs. Ashcroft, Isabella finally said, "Mom, Julian said he's taking me to buy an engagement ring today. I want to get him a gift too."

Mrs. Ashcroft nodded. "That's the right thing to do. We can't always take advantage of others."

After Isabella started working, her monthly allowance increased to three hundred thousand.

She lived at home and had few expenses.

Mrs. Ashcroft thought she had at least ten million in savings and didn't catch the subtext.

Isabella looked embarrassed, bit her lip, and said directly, "My expenses have been high since I've been with Julian. I'm a bit short on cash right now…"

Mrs. Ashcroft finally understood. "I have a little over three hundred thousand left. I'll transfer it to you later."

Isabella was taken aback. "Only three hundred thousand?"

Mrs. Ashcroft explained, "I gave the rest to Evelyn. She said she wanted to buy stocks…"

Before Isabella could speak, William expressed his displeasure. "Buy stocks? The market is so bad right now. Who would enter at a time like this? This is nonsense! What if she loses it all?"

Mrs. Ashcroft waved her hand. "She said a friend gave her a tip. She won't lose. Even if she does, consider the money a gift to her. Over the years, she's generated hundreds of millions in profit for the company. Giving her over ten million is too little."

William frowned deeply, clearly very unhappy.

Isabella only felt panicked.

There was no way she could get five million in such a short time…

Distracted, she went downstairs and got into Julian's car.

Julian was in high spirits. "Isabella, my father was thrilled to hear you saved Mr. Roland's sister. He transferred me some money this morning to take you shopping for nice jewelry. It's a gift from him!"

Isabella guiltily averted her eyes. "Let's go to the police station first. I need to give my statement for Mr. Roland's sister's case."

Julian smiled. "Alright, I'll take you."

When they arrived at the police station, they happened to run into Ryan Roland in the parking lot.

Seeing Isabella, Ryan understood she was there to testify. His resentment toward her lessened. "Miss Ashcroft, thank you for coming."

Isabella smiled. "It's my pleasure."

After greeting each other, the three headed into the police station.

But at the entrance, they coincidentally met Evelyn, who was just leaving.

Evelyn had been the first to arrive at the police station.

She recounted the events of that day from beginning to end, confirmed her statement was accurate, and signed it.

An officer personally saw her out and was speaking to her. "Officer Ross, your quick action in saving the victim deserves an official commendation from our department. We will also issue a public notice to recognize your bravery."