CHAPTER 12: CHAPTER 12: PRESS CONFERENCE HELD

Anna Thornton’s first press conference upon returning to the country was held at the Starlight Hotel.

It’s the same place where Sterling Group hosted their banquet last night, and is also one of Sterling Group’s properties.

Originally, Anna Thornton wasn’t considered a high-profile celebrity, although her work this year won an award at an international film festival, her domestic popularity was still far from established.

It’s inevitable that her extravagance upon returning would make people curious about what will be said at today’s press conference, and many sensitive media outlets caught the scent and came by.

After Mary had pretty much arranged the press conference, she still felt uneasy.

So, before it started, she rushed backstage to confirm one last time with Anna Thornton: "Anna, remember, at today’s conference we’re only announcing your return to the country, don’t mention your unmarried motherhood."

Anna, already dressed and made up, was choosing a pair of diamond earrings in front of the mirror and did not agree to Mary’s request.

"Didn’t you say you’ve connected with President Sterling? He’s very powerful in Aethelgard, and the media that took the photos yesterday will definitely respect his authority. Even if it costs fifty million to buy back the photos, for him, it’s nothing. After we let him take advantage, he should step in to solve your problem, right?"

Mary plotted with great enthusiasm, even having mapped out how Anna Thornton would soar in her career backed by Sterling Group’s president’s influence.

Anna’s response, however, was indifferent: "Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing."

Her dismissive attitude left Mary at a loss for words.

After all, Mary knew her; when Anna Thornton had something on her mind, she wouldn’t listen to anyone else.

Mary recalled the first time she saw Anna, it was when she had just arrived abroad with her newborn Pop.

Anna Thornton, unfamiliar with the language and penniless, had worked various odd jobs to survive. But without anyone trustworthy to take care of her child, she could only do limited work, eventually begging the restaurant owner for permission to bring Pop while washing dishes.

While Anna worked, she carried Pop around in a basket all day.

Fortunately, Pop was very well-behaved, sensing his mother’s struggles, he never cried or fussed. He always used his big, round eyes to peek through the basket’s gaps at the outside world, his eyes rolling like black grapes, and would giggle if a customer amused him, showing great agility.

Due to Pop’s cuteness, Anna often received generous tips from customers, which were Pop’s earnings for his own milk money.

Back then, it was Pop’s charm that first caught Mary’s attention, thinking that such a beautiful child surely deserved to be groomed into a child star.

And with the child’s mother so down and out, surely she would not oppose.

Who would’ve thought that when the child’s mother turned around, Mary would be struck by her beauty!

That’s how Mary persuaded Anna Thornton into becoming her managed artist.

It’s not really persuasion; after all, surviving abroad with a child was truly challenging for a young woman, working by day, caring for her child by night, homeless, and often harassed by thugs...

At that time, anyone who could offer Anna and her child a lifeline, she’d follow them without hesitation.

In her early days as an artist, Anna stayed obedient to Mary.

But over the past two years, her growth has been so rapid.

Rapid enough to comfortably refuse all dubious engagements and unspoken rules, she even outshone a popular Hollywood actress at a red carpet event to secure a major role in "Revenge."

Mary was increasingly unable to manage her and now could only play the role of Anna Thornton’s sidekick.

Honestly, over the past years, Anna seems wound up like a clock spring, frantically absorbing nutrients to grow fast, and then during her career peak, she decisively chose to return home, making Mary suspect she had preset goals and was plotting something big.

But as for what Anna Thornton truly intended to do, Mary didn’t know, nor did she dare to ask.

"Oh, and at the press conference, make sure to connect with the media who took the photos yesterday at the right time," Anna advised Mary.

"Do you mean asking them for fifty million hush money?"

"That was just a joke. Discuss with them that if they don’t want to miss out on this crucial story, they must agree to one condition of mine."

...

At the press conference—

Anna Thornton appeared in a dark blue high customized fishtail gown, adorned with large wave-shaped diamond earrings that made her face appear even smaller, an outfit so glamorous and dazzling that it couldn’t overshadow her radiant features.

The moment Anna Thornton stepped onto the stage, she naturally became the center of attention, and the reporters present couldn’t help but gasp in astonishment.

What followed was a flurry of flashing lights.

"Hello everyone, I’m Anna Thornton. The reason for today’s press conference is mainly to share two pieces of good news."

"The first good news is, my upcoming work focus will shift back to domestic!"

Anna Thornton spoke as boldly and composedly as her aura today, right after announcing the first piece of news, a reporter eagerly interrupted with a question: "Miss Thornton, after winning at the international film festival, you’re announcing your return to domestic career development. Have you secured a deal with a domestic agency?"

"Yes, more or less sorted out."

"Could you disclose which agency it is?"

"Dynasty Entertainment!"

These four words immediately stirred up widespread discussion at the venue.

Dynasty Entertainment was well-known for its stringent contracts with female artists, and it’s widely understood in the industry that President Sterling enforces this to protect Marilyn Ford’s resources from conflict and division.

Yet now, they’ve made an exception to sign Anna Thornton?

Even though Anna’s domestic fame hasn’t grown much yet, having Dynasty Entertainment as her backing is enough to make this news quite explosive.

However, the second news Anna was about to share would be even more shocking.

"The second good news is actually somewhat delayed now. But yesterday, after returning to the country, I witnessed the passion of the fans, who are eager to know more about me. So here, I want to display my sincerity and formally introduce myself."

"I am Anna Thornton, in addition to being a female artist, I am also a single mother!"