Chapter 602
Richard and Sofia stormed off in anger, their footsteps echoing down the hallway. Stephanie glanced at Sebastian with a worried expression. “Why on earth are you making Sofia marry Richard?” she asked, her voice tinged with anxiety.
Henry, the butler, had arranged for all the things they had brought back to be moved inside. There was so much stuff—some belonged to Stephanie, and some to Sofia. Every time they visited Beth and Michael, they returned with a treasure trove of items. Beth adored Sofia and Stephanie and always saved the best things for them.
Sebastian pulled Stephanie into his arms, his grip gentle but firm. “Of course, it’s to deal with any potential competitors,” he said, his tone light yet serious. But Stephanie had never felt that way about Richard. She couldn’t understand the whole “competitor” thing.
“What? Really?” she exclaimed, her eyes widening in disbelief. “You’d put our sister in a difficult spot over someone who’s not even a rival? No way, I’m going to call her and tell her not to go through with this wedding.”
“Are you kidding me? Is this something worth sacrificing Sofia’s entire future for?” Stephanie thought and reached for her phone, determined to call Sofia and stop the wedding. However, at the next moment, Sebastian snatched the phone from her hand. “What are you thinking? I was just joking,” he said, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
Stephanie was left speechless.
“Now Richard and Sofia are both facing some trouble,” Sebastian continued, his tone softening. “Maybe this marriage could help resolve some issues. It’s just a coincidence.”
Stephanie’s eyes widened in shock. She knew Richard was in trouble—Lottie had told her. But Sofia was in trouble too? Stephanie was puzzled. “What’s wrong with Sofia?”
Sebastian affectionately ruffled her hair, his eyes filled with warmth. “You’re still a little girl. That’s not your business.”
Stephanie’s lips pursed. She’d already said she wasn’t a little kid anymore.
They both went inside, and Stephanie’s phone started ringing. She glanced at the number. It was the person she’d asked to investigate the former female leader of Dark Portal. She stepped aside to answer. “What do you have?”
“Miss, it’s confirmed,” the voice on the other end said. “The former female leader of Dark Portal is Ms. Ella Turner’s mother.”
Stephanie’s brow furrowed. “It’s all confirmed?”
“Yes, it’s confirmed. I’ll send you the photos I took.”
Stephanie’s mind raced. The photos had been taken, which seemed to confirm things. “Is she in any danger?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
The key issue now was whether Andrea was the former leader of Dark Portal. With the current complicated situation at Dark Portal, her safety was a major concern.
When Stephanie asked the question, the person on the phone paused for a moment. The slight change in their breathing made Stephanie’s frown deepen. “What is it?” she pressed.
“It’s uncertain,” came the hesitant reply.
Stephanie’s heart sank. If nobody could say for sure, then the truth was still unclear. “Send me the photos first,” she said and hung up.
The photos arrived quickly, and with just a glance, Stephanie recognized it was Ella’s mother. Remembering the word “uncertain” from the call, her expression became more serious.
Sebastian came over and put an arm around her shoulders. “Who was on the phone?” he asked, his voice gentle.
Stephanie slightly turned her head, her soft lips brushing against Sebastian’s face, leaving a faint sensation. She paused for a moment. “—”
“Come on, don’t be shy,” Sebastian said as he turned her around, his warm hand holding her still slender waist. At that moment, Sebastian felt something wonderful. This small frame was nurturing a new life.
She said, “I just got a call, confirming that the former leader of Dark Portal is actually Ella’s mother.”
Hearing this, Sebastian’s expression shifted slightly. “Confirmed?”