Chapter 605

“Because your mother was the previous leader of the Dark Portal,” Stephanie stated clearly, word by word.

When Ella heard this, her mind went blank with a loud “buzz.” She gasped, “Stefi, what did you say? My mom, she…”

“You heard right. She really was the former leader of the Dark Portal,” Stephanie confirmed directly, making it very clear and easy to understand.

The moment the words were spoken, Ella’s breathing on the other end of the phone became noticeably tighter. Even though Stephanie had explained it clearly, Ella still couldn’t believe it.

She took a deep breath and said, “How can that be? My mom definitely doesn’t have that kind of ability. She’s just a regular businesswoman, you know. She doesn’t even have what it takes to expand her business.” The more she spoke, the more anxious Ella’s voice became.

In her heart, Ella always thought of her mother as someone who didn’t have a lot of money but was never short on small cash. Her businesswoman identity was so unremarkable in Long Harbor. Or rather, if she had any fame, it wasn’t from her business skills but her unique social tactics. Who would believe she was really the former leader of the Dark Portal?

Even though she had started to suspect it before, the moment Ella got the definite news, her heart tightened. Or maybe, the doubts she had during this time were more about fear. It truly terrified her… if there was really a connection to the Dark Portal, it would mean the end of their peaceful days. That’s what worried Ella the most.

Before Stephanie could speak, Ella interrupted, “Stefi, are you sure you didn’t get it wrong? You must be mistaken, right?”

It had to be a mistake—she knew what her mother was like better than anyone; Andrea just wasn’t capable of something like this.

Stephanie saw that Ella still didn’t believe it, especially since her tone showed a hint of excitement. Stephanie also didn’t want to be too forceful, so she calmly said, “How about I help you confirm it again?”

“Alright, please double-check it quickly,” Ella said anxiously.

Stephanie said, “Actually…” Whether she confirmed it now or not, the outcome was almost certain. After all, coincidences like this just didn’t happen.

“There’s no ‘actually,’ Stefi. Make sure you confirm it first,” Ella said anxiously. In short, she simply wasn’t ready to accept the result she had gotten.

Stephanie remained silent as she noticed the anxiety in Ella’s tone. She felt anxious too. After all, no one would want to get involved with a complex place like the Dark Portal.

Before she could hang up the phone, it buzzed in her hand. Stephanie glanced at it—a message from her contact.

The photo attached was even clearer than before. Just by looking at the previous photo, Stephanie had pretty much recognized Andrea, Ella’s mom. And now the photo was even clearer.

“Looks like there’s no need to check further,” Stephanie said regretfully. No matter how much Ella was in denial, it had become an undeniable fact.

Hearing what Stephanie said, Ella’s breath caught nervously. “Stefi, you…”

“I’ll send you a clearer photo. Just take a look,” Stephanie said, sending the photo to Ella. The call stayed on, so she could see it without hanging up.

When Ella got the notification, she immediately opened it and took a look. Just one glance… her small face turned pale instantly. It was her mom.

On her end, Stephanie listened to Ella’s increasingly fast breathing and reassured her, “Don’t worry. She’s not as dangerous as you think.”

After all, like Sebastian said, being the former leader of the Dark Portal wasn’t something just anyone could achieve. If Andrea really was, then there was nothing much to worry about.

Ella tightened her grip on the phone, saying, “I’ve heard a little about the shady dealings of the Dark Portal. Those rumors alone were enough to frighten people. And her mother was right in the middle of it.”

The call lasted over two hours. Ella was really worried about her mother being the former leader of the Dark Portal. Stephanie kept reassuring her over the phone. It wasn’t until Lorenzo returned that Ella quickly hung up.

Lorenzo’s face was a cold, stern mask, the kind that made it clear whatever he’d been doing outside hadn’t been pleasant. He tossed the gun in his hand to Cecil with a careless flick. Even from a distance, Ella caught sight of the bright red blood staining the weapon.