CHAPTER 3: CHAPTER 3: ANNA THORNTON IS BACK

Four years later, Aethelgard International Airport—

"President Sterling, the VIP channel might not be very convenient today..."

"Then we’ll take the standard channel."

Conrad Sterling put on the sunglasses handed to him by his assistant as he exited the standard channel.

Despite having been on a thirteen-hour flight, there was no sign of fatigue on the man’s face. He was followed by a group of bodyguards and led the way with an imposing presence.

His cold, chiseled features paired with his tall, elegant figure drew blushing glances from a group of young women nearby.

Suddenly, a woman holding a child walking beside him stopped abruptly, nearly bumping into the bodyguard behind him due to their proximity. Fortunately, Conrad Sterling reached out just in time to steady her.

"Wow... he’s so handsome!"

The man’s swift reaction and gentlemanly gesture drew gasps of admiration from the young fans once more.

The woman looked gratefully at Conrad Sterling. "Thank you!"

Conrad Sterling didn’t speak, glancing briefly at the child in her arms. Around three or four years old, the child was sleeping with eyes closed.

It was that seemingly innocent and harmless sleeping face that instantly pricked some of the most hidden memories in Conrad Sterling’s heart.

The man suddenly furrowed his brows and quickened his pace to leave the airport.

Once in the car, the assistant noticed something was off and asked, "President Sterling, are you alright?"

"It’s nothing." Conrad removed his sunglasses and habitually rubbed his temples.

Having fought in the business field for years, working non-stop for forty-eight hours was routine for him. Moreover, the Sterling Group had already reached the peak of the pyramid.

This sudden discomfort wasn’t physical; he just... didn’t like children!

He really didn’t like them!

"Should we postpone tonight’s gala for you?" the assistant asked, confused.

"No need." Conrad waved his hand.

Tonight’s gala was prepared for him, celebrating a major deal to enter the European market, pushing the Sterling Group to the next level; there was no way he could miss it.

After all, having prepared for so many years, the real show was just about to begin.

"Is Marilyn confirmed to attend?"

"Yes, Miss Ford just finished attending The Lumina Film Festival and is flying back specifically to congratulate you, President Sterling."

After the assistant spoke, he observed Conrad Sterling’s uncertain face, wondering if he should share more about Miss Ford’s activities at the festival.

After all, as her boyfriend, President Sterling should be quite interested.

However, just as he was pulling up an interview about ’Marilyn Ford’s Lumina trip’ on the iPad, Conrad suddenly asked, skipping ahead, "What happened with the VIP channel earlier?"

"Oh, I heard a fan of a celebrity who was on the same flight as you sneaked into the VIP channel, and the airport is investigating for the safety of VIPs."

Conrad said nothing, listening as the assistant continued, "But I haven’t even heard of that celebrity’s name. It seems she wasn’t developing her career domestically before, but surprisingly, her fans are quite fanatical."

Upon hearing this, Conrad closed his eyes.

He had no interest in so-called celebrities; all his energy was invested in the business world, and he left managing the entertainment industry to others.

As for why he opened an entertainment company? Firstly, to follow trends and capitalize on the fan economy.

Secondly, because of Marilyn.

...

As they were leaving the airport, a group of fans gathered at the terminal.

Anna Thornton had just finished speaking with airport officials, repeatedly apologizing for her enthusiastic fan’s reckless behavior of sneaking into the VIP area, before stepping out to greet other fans.

"Ah, it’s Anni in person!"

"She’s even more beautiful in real life than in the movies!"

"Could I get an autograph? I loved your performance as the stunning avenging woman, your acting was incredible!"

...

Surrounded by the crowd, the petite woman wore Dior’s new-season pointed high heels, over ten centimeters high, yet she walked with perfect poise.

Her outfit from the same brand was a chic ensemble: a cropped top, a houndstooth pencil skirt, and a matching little tweed jacket, exuding a powerful aura.

Her delicate, small face was half-hidden by sunglasses, with bright red lipstick outlining a perfect mouth, corresponding with a special tattoo made of fire and roses on her waist, her lips strikingly vibrant, oozing sensuality and charisma.

Even fans waiting for Marilyn’s next flight couldn’t help but be drawn to her.

"Thank you all for your support!" Anna said, signing several autographs before emphasizing, "But I’m very sorry for causing inconvenience at the airport today. Please promise me, don’t do anything so dangerous again, okay?"

Although she was dazzling, her words were humble placing herself on the same level as her fans, and they all nodded repeatedly, admitting their mistakes.

After handling the airport incident, Anna finally got into the nanny van that had come to pick her up.

As soon as she got in, a sweet, soft little figure jumped into her arms.

"Mommy!"

"Pop, have you been good today?"

"Yes, I’ve been good."

Anna held the child in her arms. Pop gazed up at her and planted a kiss on her cheek, still with a soft, sweet smell of milk, clearly having just had some candy.

Looking at her daughter, Anna felt all the fatigue of her journey suddenly dissipate without a trace.

Sitting in the front passenger seat, her manager Mary couldn’t help but start to scold her after witnessing the scene, "Why did you tell the reporters about focusing on domestic work next? You should have waited until we’d finalized a deal with a local agency first! And bringing Pop to the airport was too risky. What if people find out you already have a child?"

"What’s the problem?" Anna countered.

After all, it had to be said sooner or later.

She wanted to tell the whole world:

Four years!

Anna Thornton is back!

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