Coronation Street's Amy Barlow faces money horror in cult story

 She has lost her entire inheritance.

Amy Barlow has lost her entire inheritance to The Institute in a worrying Coronation Street twist.

Earlier this week, Amy convinced her sceptical grandfather Ken Barlow to transfer her inheritance to The Institute as a business investment.

It wouldn't be long before Amy came to regret that decision, as she broke away from the cult during Wednesday's (August 28) episode.

Rowan and Leanne convinced Amy to take part in a "malware session", where she'd be blindfolded and bombarded with verbal abuse.

Amy was understandably traumatised as Leanne joined the cult members in hurling vicious and deeply personal insults about her rape and her abortion. It got to the point where Amy couldn't take it anymore and ran out of the session.

Leanne tried to coax her back into the room as Amy questioned why her close family friend had joined the others in their taunting. Amy ultimately decided she was done with the group.

Amy went to her grandfather Ken Barlow for support, telling him how the cult members had cruelly attacked her. Ken reluctantly had to explain that he'd already transferred her money to the cult earlier in the day.

A panicked Amy confronted Leanne, revealing she wanted her £40,000 to be returned immediately. A guilt-stricken Leanne had to explain The Institute couldn't return her cash.

Steve McDonald was disgusted to hear how the cult had swindled his daughter. He turned to the police for help but was discouraged by detective Kit Green's response.

Kit explained to Amy that, since she was an adult and willingly gave The Institute the money, they were under no legal obligation to return it.

The episode's climax saw Leanne fretting about Amy's turnaround, while Nick Tilsley and Tracy Barlow confronted Rowan Cunliffe.

Rowan maintained that the investment was entirely above board and suggested they consult a lawyer if they disagreed. After Tracy threw water in the cult leader's face, Nick ordered Rowan to make the situation right.

"Give Amy her money back or I'm going to report you to police for blackmail," Nick threatened.

Nick promised he was willing to expose his affair with Toyah to bring down The Institute. Back at home, Nick and Toyah tried to make Leanne realise she'd been used just like Amy.

Leanne once again deflected, telling them Rowan would surely return Amy's money. She sat alone, crying, as the episode ended…