CHAPTER 7: CHAPTER 7: LET ME GIVE YOU A WELCOME GIFT

Since everyone is so determined to clear up the relationship, Anna Thornton couldn’t keep embarrassing herself.

"Four years ago in Veridia, I briefly met President Sterling at a coming-of-age party. I was naive enough to think that meant I had some connection with him."

Anna Thornton’s words aligned with Conrad Sterling’s intentions; they had only met at the same event with no further connection, which should ease Marilyn Ford’s mind.

It seems this Miss Thornton was overly sentimental, but it’s nothing unusual.

Given Conrad Sterling’s social standing, there are hundreds of starlets trying to gain favor with him each day to boost their careers.

Fortunately, this man has greater self-control than most, and those seductive women trying to sleep with him have never succeeded.

Anna Thornton seems to have just returned from abroad and doesn’t know much yet, but Marilyn Ford instantly had a poor impression of her.

"Miss Thornton, let me tell you, our President Sterling’s eyes work in mysterious ways. Apart from Marilyn, he automatically filters out all beauties; that’s why Dynasty Entertainment under him doesn’t sign any female artists."

Henry Willow chimed in to ease Anna Thornton’s embarrassment, and she gave him a slightly grateful glance, "Is that so?"

"As for me, it’s different. I never forget a beauty. But seeing you, I realized how narrow-minded I’ve been — I shouldn’t just focus domestically, almost missed an earthly treasure. Come on, tell me where I can watch the movie you starred in. I’m very interested in the role of ’Glamorous Vengeful Goddess’."

"The group of President Sterling’s cinemas recently screened it."

"I must book the theater and watch it ten times! The glamorous goddess... is there a lot of glamour?" Henry raised an eyebrow.

"Of course!"

...

Seeing Henry Willow lead Anna Thornton aside to flirt, Marilyn Ford laughed, "They seem to get along well."

Conrad Sterling glanced at Henry Willow, whose hand was faintly positioned near the waist of the little woman beside him, itching to touch her exposed fair waist.

"Do you like that movie?" Conrad Sterling asked ambiguously.

"Yes, ’Revenge’ is the best drama this year in my opinion. The first half depicts the tragic situations of several heroines, all oppressed, some with broken families, some losing beloved children... and the later part of triumphing against all odds, the pacing was superb, each point gripping. I wish we had scripts that good here too."

Marilyn Ford looked coquettishly at Conrad Sterling as she said this.

It was like complaining, why doesn’t he get her such outstanding roles?

However, beneath the ambiguity lay an unmistakable whiff of romance.

Henry Willow, who hadn’t gone far, couldn’t stand it and turned his head to show them a slightly choked expression, "I just got here and haven’t eaten yet, why do I feel full already?"

"If you’re full, get lost. Should I call Sarah Grant to pick you up?"

"No way, Young Master Sterling, do you want to kill me? I’ll see myself out, okay?"

Why did Henry Willow feel an inexplicable hostility from Conrad Sterling towards him tonight?

Forget it, better to get away from him.

Henry Willow took Anna Thornton to sit on the observation deck behind the banquet hall for a while, various hints were made, trying to lead her to a secluded spot in the garden.

But Anna Thornton didn’t fall for it, looking like a charming woman, yet she could effortlessly counter all his flirty advances.

"Miss Thornton, the more I look, the more I find you interesting."

"To you men, all the women you haven’t gotten yet must be interesting, right?" Anna Thornton swirled the champagne glass in her hand, thought for a moment, then put it down.

"Seems you know how to handle men well?"

Anna Thornton glanced back at Marilyn Ford, who stood by Conrad Sterling like a conjoint twin.

"Not as well as Miss Ford does." She said.

"If you came today with an eye on Young Master Sterling, I advise you to forget it. Here’s some honest advice: no woman can win him over, not even Marilyn Ford. But eventually, he’s sure to marry Marilyn Ford."

Hearing this, Anna Thornton raised her eyebrows with interest, "Why?"

"I don’t want you wasting time, but I’ll only say this much. There are plenty of wealthy, handsome men at the party tonight, why don’t you consider changing your target, like me?"

Henry Willow raised his glass to her, but Anna Thornton still didn’t pick up her champagne again.

"You’ve only drunk half a glass and won’t drink more, afraid I’ll get you drunk?" Henry laughed.

"I promised my darling I wouldn’t drink too much."

"Darling? You, you have a boyfriend?"

Anna Thornton didn’t answer, just smiled at him.

"Young Master Willow, thank you for the introduction today. I’ll treat you to a meal sometime."

With that, the woman rose and picked up her bag.

"Hey, you’re leaving already? Won’t even give me a chance to see you off?"

"At least leave me a number for contact, how else will you treat me to a meal?"

Anna Thornton had already pushed open the glass door back to the hall from the balcony, turned back and said with meaning, "You’re a friend of Conrad Sterling, right? We’ll have plenty of chances to meet in the future."

Before leaving, Anna Thornton approached Conrad Sterling again.

That man had just finished entertaining a guest of the business partner, and as he turned he saw Anna Thornton. Although his expression didn’t change, his demeanor carried a slight wariness.

However, as Anna Thornton came close, she abruptly turned and shifted her direction to Marilyn Ford beside Conrad Sterling, saying, "Miss Ford, it’s truly nice to see you again since the film festival. Thank you for recognizing my acting skills. As I’ll be developing my career in the country, there might be quite a bit I need to learn from you, hoping for your guidance."

"Of course." Marilyn Ford nodded politely.

"To show my gratitude, I’d like to give you a small gift."

"No need to be so courteous..."

Just as Marilyn Ford was about to refuse, Anna Thornton interrupted her, "Don’t worry, it’s nothing valuable."

With that, Anna Thornton stepped closer, discreetly slipped a small note into Marilyn Ford’s hand unnoticed, and whispered in her ear, "There’s content you will surely find interesting here, make sure to keep it safe. Remember, read it away from others!"