Chapter 126: Chapter 126

Anna Thornton estimated that the three drama queens, teamed up with Jean Zane to cause trouble for her, were probably acting on their own accord.

If it was Marilyn Ford’s signal, she wouldn’t always pretend to be so mysterious, making Anna think that becoming a rival with her might be difficult to handle, but it turned out to be nothing more than this.

Accepting the invitation today, Anna thought there might be some big move waiting for her, but it was just splashing champagne and discussing dresses.

After the luncheon, there was still a dinner party, and though Anna stole the spotlight at noon, it wasn’t her intention.

In the afternoon, she just wanted a bit of peace to find an opportunity to handle serious business.

Actually, the dinner party was the most lively one, with some guests who couldn’t make it at noon arriving in the afternoon.

Among them were many directors Anna wanted to get to know. Read complete versıon only at novel⟡fire.net

If she wasn’t mistaken, the bearded man ahead was one of them.

Anna immediately held up her champagne, ready to introduce herself.

But the man was talking to someone else, and only after they finished did Anna speak: "Director Warner, it’s a pleasure to meet you..."

"You’re Anna Thornton, right?"

Unexpectedly, without waiting for her introduction, the man had already called her name and said, "I’ve seen the movie you starred in."

"Really? Do you think... it was alright?"

This Hank Warner, a long-established director in the industry, had recently collaborated with Marilyn Ford on an award-winning film, which was why he was invited today.

"How should I put it, haven’t you studied acting?"

Anna thought that after asking this, he was about to say something unsatisfactory, and with a slightly embarrassed expression, she shook her head: "Uh... no."

"That’s right; now when I hire actors, I prefer those not formally trained because, in acting, talent is more important. Some are just good-looking but poor in acting, or act entirely according to textbook styles, which on-screen is simply a disaster. You’re not only well-shaped but also inherently talented and charismatic as an actress, which is quite lucky."

Hearing the director’s high praise, Anna was simply flattered and shocked.

But she remained humble: "Thank you for your compliment, Director Warner. Actually, I have polished myself bit by bit in drama groups, and there are still many areas I need to improve in acting."

"Hmm, you seem smart. If discovered and trained by a good director, your future could be unlimited. Who knows, maybe you could reach Marilyn Ford’s level one day. I currently have a script that needs a supporting female role; are you interested?"

"Of course, I’m interested! Very interested!" Considering there’s a script involved, Anna managed to overlook the director’s previous contradictory statements.

Alright then, you can’t become successful overnight; the path must be walked step by step, and reaching Marilyn Ford’s level isn’t bad at all.

Seeing her positive attitude, the director raised his glass of red wine, indicating to Anna.

Anna stepped forward to clink glasses with him, being asked to drink it all in one go.

After that, the director continued, "I’m preparing to shoot a sci-fi movie. We’ve already cast Marilyn Ford as the lead female, and the lead male will be chosen from the most popular young male actors currently. As you can see, this film is a large production, headed by investments from the Ford Group, and future special effects will be produced by an overseas team. Currently, there’s a huge market gap for sci-fi movies in the country, and our team will pioneer it once we emerge. So, you understand how competitive this supporting female role is?"

"Recently, my assistant director and I have seen many actors auditioning for this role. Some are indeed beautiful but haven’t reached that point in my mind. Honestly, Miss Thornton, when I first saw you at the banquet, my first thought was that I’ve finally found the most suitable candidate."

Anna is now beyond merely being flattered; she feels as though a pie has fallen directly from the sky, landing on her head.

"But there’s one thing, I wonder if you’ll mind?" the director added, "The supporting female role is of a special profession who makes a living by selling her body, with many revealing and intimate scenes. You’ve had international experience, so you must be open-minded and not too conservative, right?"

"If it’s for the sake of achieving the complete storyline with revealing scenes, I can accept it." However, Anna couldn’t help but question, "Director, didn’t you say this is a future-oriented sci-fi movie? How could the supporting female have this identity?"

The director naturally lit a cigarette: "There will still be such professions in the future. Wherever there’s demand, there’s a market."

"The script is already completed. If you’re sure you can take on the role, I can finalize it for you today and let you take it home to ponder over slowly."

"So it’s... finalized just like that? No interviews or anything?"

"I’ve seen your work, so I’m confident in your acting. As for the interview, of course, it’s still necessary. Later, my assistant director will find you to arrange the final round of interviews."

After saying this, the director seemed to have other matters to attend to, unable to continue conversing with Anna, and hurriedly left.

After the director left, a servant-like person came up to Anna and said, "Miss Ford is about to open presents and invites all the guests into the hall."

Marilyn Ford truly sees herself as a princess, having people gather to watch her open presents.

How could she live if she weren’t the center of attention?

Anna followed everyone inside for a look, only to find it was just a competition of limited edition bags and luxurious jewelry, utterly unoriginal.

There were also some sycophants, stuffed to the brim, explaining how famous each gift designer was, how unattainably high the market price, and which celebrities had worn the same style... thus initiating debates on whose gifts had greater appreciation potential.

Anna was getting so bored that she almost fell asleep and was just about to sneak off to find a quiet place to nap.

However, at that moment, Marilyn Ford opened the next gift: "This emerald necklace is quite beautiful!"

"I just don’t know which designer it comes from?"

"The box doesn’t have any famous brand marks or labels, indeed very unique!"

Anna curiously glanced sideways, and that glance was like a thunderbolt striking her completely.

"The necklace was from me!" a woman suddenly spoke from the crowd, flattering her way forward a couple of steps, "It’s not a design from a famous house. I specially brought this gift from Veridia, as long as Miss Ford doesn’t mind!"

Anna was already standing there, and upon hearing that voice, her entire body stiffened as if her pores had frozen over.

Anna Thornton’s stepmother!

How could she appear here?