Chapter 125: Chapter 125

"Jean, don’t panic! The brand of this design is one I’ve worked with before, let me ask my agent to check for you."

Marilyn Ford first calmed Jean Zane down, so she wouldn’t continue embarrassing herself with that naive demeanor.

Meanwhile, Marilyn’s agent had already contacted them as she had instructed.

Marilyn Ford is the daughter of the leading family in Aethelgard, the Ford Family, and the youngest Best Actress in the country. You could say that whether in Aethelgard’s elite circles or the entertainment industry, she’s always been at the top, never at the bottom.

Today’s birthday party was naturally supposed to be centered around her, and she had prepared meticulously for it. She even spent over a million to buy a classic design gown by Nick Walters.

Who would have thought that Anna Thornton would unexpectedly outshine her?

Anna Thornton’s gown was ten times more valuable than the one Marilyn Ford wore. Although it was borrowed, it still made it hard for the Eldest Miss Ford to maintain her prestigious face.

Jean Zane, having foolishly and recklessly caused a big mess that couldn’t be undone, naturally could not save face. Anna Thornton, with her minor reputation, had a hard time even borrowing a dress. In such a situation, if Marilyn Ford were to step in and resolve the conflict peacefully, it would naturally prove to the fans and everyone present her capabilities and connections, reclaiming her main stage.

Marilyn Ford is not a person without ambition; as the future wife of the Sterling Group’s CEO, she needs such groundwork. Fresh chapters posted on noveⅼfire.net

With the covert help from her family utilizing their network, Sharon Langley soon contacted the general manager of the dress brand in the Cathayan Region.

To facilitate the fans watching the live broadcast to understand, Sharon Langley even projected the video call onto the big screen.

The woman on the other end, middle-aged with a shrewd and grand demeanor, greeted Marilyn Ford warmly: "Darling, happy birthday. I’m so sorry I was sent abroad for a business trip early this morning, missing the chance to attend the party in person, but I’ll make up for the birthday gift when I return home."

Presumably, after the call was connected, Marilyn’s agent had already explained the situation to her.

In both the entertainment and fashion circles, it’s customary to call everyone ’darling’ upon meeting. Although the Cathayan Region’s person in charge of this brand didn’t have a deep relationship with Marilyn Ford after their collaboration ended, her words seemed to convey years-long friendships.

Marilyn Ford cooperatively nodded, expressing: "President Sherman, you’re very thoughtful."

It was apparent that President Sherman was quite busy, judging by the bustling fashion show seen in the video background, so she quickly said: "The dress your agent mentioned is indeed one of Mr. Nick Walters’ proudest creations, our company paid a high price to buy it at auction..."

Hearing this, Jean Zane couldn’t hold back and interjected: "But a million is too exaggerated, it’s just a little champagne spillage. Even if compensation is needed, could it be based only on the stained part?"

This statement was so lacking in class it was laughable.

No one ever said that when a dress is stained, we only look at the stained part rather than the overall harmony and aesthetics being ruined to calculate the loss.

Others present could only find her words amusing, but if the retired renowned international designer heard them, he’d likely wish to flip his golden basin of retirement to cover Jean Zane’s head, to hide her hopeless IQ.

Fashion design enthusiasts found Jean Zane speechless, but Sylvia Sherman maintained a smile for Marilyn’s sake: "Miss Zane, if you’re not well-versed in fashion, I suggest you search online for information about Nick Walters or read fashion magazines to know that the reason his designs are so expensive and rare is due to their inherent aesthetic value, requiring a suitable environment for maintenance. Imagine if a princess’s extravagant gown got dirtied; would she cut out the damaged piece with scissors and continue wearing the tattered dress?"

"Actually, there’s no need to call me, because our company no longer holds ownership of this dress. It’s more appropriate for you to discuss a reasonable compensation with Miss Thornton; the gown has already been purchased by her."

"What?" Jean Zane widened her eyes in disbelief, "You’re saying this million-worth dress was bought by Anna Thornton? How is that possible? Didn’t she borrow it as a non-sale item?"

Sitting there watching the commotion, Anna Thornton was suddenly addressed, and she didn’t even know when she had bought this dress. When did she have a million to spare?

Just as she looked up, she heard Sylvia Sherman explain through video: "The reason this dress is a non-sale item is because of its valuable price. We’re in business, and since someone discerned its worth and could afford it, of course, a deal could be made."

Jean Zane asked: "When did she buy it?"

Sylvia Sherman confidently replied, "About a month ago, Miss Thornton paid the deposit."

Had it not been for the fact that a month ago Pop was still undergoing intensive treatment, Anna Thornton might have believed she was dreaming, having made the deposit herself.

It was obvious that others were also shocked by such a lavish act.

The dress Marilyn Ford wore, also designed by Nick Walters, was worth a million and already luxurious enough.

Wasn’t it said that Anna Thornton hadn’t even taken on any roles since returning home?

Where did she get the money to buy such an expensive dress?

Wasn’t it said the earnings overseas are less than at home? Money is that easy to earn?

Anna Thornton didn’t know she had inspired the determination in many stars present to step out of the country and expand globally with her sole action.

She only knew her dress was borrowed by Ethan in the morning.

"Miss Thornton is a valued guest of our company, and we’ll do our best to handle any post-sales issues. Please feel free to contact me if you need any further assistance."

Sylvia Sherman didn’t know Anna Thornton yet cooperated with her act, helping her out of the dilemma. Was it under someone’s directive?

The person next to her, Finn Grant, although boasting a lot, didn’t even know who Nick Walters was, so it couldn’t have been him.

That left only one option. Anna Thornton looked towards Conrad Sterling...

However, he didn’t meet her gaze, slightly turning away to show he wasn’t interested in the drama unfolding, hiding his accomplishments and name.

"Conrad Sterling, oh Conrad Sterling, you’re already planning to propose to Marilyn Ford, so why help me?" Anna Thornton asked him in her heart, "Didn’t you see how angry you got your fiancée?"

Originally, contacting the brand leader was Marilyn Ford’s idea, but instead of bragging successfully, it ended up benefitting Anna Thornton, making her shine.

Now, whether it’s the guests onsite or the fans watching the live broadcast, they are all talking about Anna Thornton.

Yes, Anna Thornton’s fans, who had logged off in embarrassment, are back online with renewed vigor, each one proud and lively.

Who said their idol was poor? Can you afford a million-dollar dress!

Who said their idol attending Marilyn Ford’s birthday banquet was like a country bumpkin visiting the city? A million-dollar dress is ten times theirs!

Who said their idol is all about hype? If they had even the tithe of a million in discretionary spending to smooth things over with various media outlets, they wouldn’t be vilified so badly!