Chapter 159: Chapter 159

Quinn Locke is Marilyn Ford’s fan. Encountering his favorite actress in a place , he seemed particularly excited.

"When I wrote this story, I imagined it being performed by Marilyn Ford. Later, I sent her the script many times, but never got a response."

Hearing this, Mary closed the menu in her hand with some displeasure, suspecting this guy might have a screw loose?

Or is he just crude in a typical guy fashion? Can’t he speak properly!

To actually tell the actress considering his role that he envisions another as the leading lady.

Not to mention, Marilyn Ford is someone who demands high standards, having had renowned directors and film royalty endorse her since her debut; how could she possibly be interested in such a low-budget film?

Besides, in what way is Anna lesser than Marilyn Ford?

Yet Quinn Locke seemed oblivious to the vibe, asking, "Can I go out and ask Miss Ford for an autograph? I’ll be back soon; it’s a rare opportunity."

"Sure, go ahead." Anna Thornton said, not really minding.

Upon hearing this, Quinn Locke flipped his hands before standing up and actually went.

He opened the door to the private room, coincidentally bumping into Conrad Sterling and Marilyn Ford as they passed by.

"Miss Ford, I... I’m a fan of yours. Can I get your autograph?"

Marilyn Ford was almost startled by the sudden appearance of her fan, especially upon noticing Quinn Locke’s presence.

She forced a somewhat friendly smile and nodded, "Sure!"

Quinn Locke checked himself for a suitable surface to sign, then handed her a restaurant napkin: "Just sign here."

Conrad Sterling stood beside Marilyn Ford, his gaze falling into the private room’s open doorway, surprisingly spotting Anna Thornton inside.

Anna Thornton was focused on selecting dishes and didn’t notice him.

Mary instinctively shielded her face and Anna’s face with her hand, mainly thinking it was too embarrassing.

No matter how well the script is written, she doesn’t believe Quinn Locke could direct a good film.

Being a celebrity fan isn’t a problem; needing inspiration from one’s muse isn’t a problem either.

But the one thing Mary couldn’t comprehend was how bad this guy’s taste was!

Marilyn Ford finished signing on the napkin and handed it back to Quinn Locke, unconsciously glancing into the private room, appearing surprised to encounter Anna Thornton here.

Anna Thornton had already finished ordering and casually greeted her. Googlᴇ search novel⟡fire.net

Wasn’t it said Marilyn Ford fell ill from the rain? She recovered quite quickly!

Marilyn Ford didn’t respond, instead holding Conrad Sterling’s arm as they walked to their own reserved private room.

Quinn Locke finally obtained his goddess’s autograph, delighted beyond measure.

After sitting back down, Director Lucas seemed to finally notice the obvious displeasure in Mary’s eyes and explained to Anna Thornton, "Miss Thornton, I’ve liked Marilyn Ford for years. I’ve seen every piece of her work. Please don’t mind!"

"It’s normal to have actors one likes!"

"Yeah, to speak frankly, I originally hoped Miss Ford would play the lead role. But I hadn’t finished what I wanted to say earlier; after watching your work in theaters this year, I realized what the most suitable choice was. This script was practically written for you!"

"You’ve seen the script setting, right? A robot girlfriend crafted from the desires of seven different men, embodying the perfect goddess everyone fantasizes about. With a hot and sensual figure, big eyes that all men adore, and black hair... These traits wrapped up in one person, just from the appearance, make you more fitting for the role than Marilyn Ford."

From Director Lucas’s awkward manner, he didn’t seem to be someone who would bluff.

He’s indeed straightforward; while having a goddess in mind, objectively, he considered Anna Thornton to be a better fit for his leading role.

Mary’s previously frowning face finally showed some improvement.

"Our Anna is not just perfect in appearance, her acting skills aren’t worse than anyone else’s either. All we’re missing is an opportunity for the public to recognize us."

"I know. I’m also a talented person who lacks opportunity. I want to work with Miss Thornton and make this movie great! Let audiences see how we, who lack luck and chances, are still trudging forward with effort and difficulty."

Anna Thornton’s thoughts aligned with his.

The two of them discussed the movie’s script; Anna Thornton discovered that while he wasn’t good at speaking, when it came to the script, he could explain it brilliantly, his eyes sparkling.

"Oh, you haven’t answered me yet, is the male lead decided?" Mary asked at the right moment.

Speaking of this, Quinn Locke scratched his head, "Not yet! But I’m planning to play a role myself, one of a geek who’s never dated by the age of thirty."

Indeed, that suits him!

"What about the others?" Mary pressed on.

"The others... still undecided! But I believe once Miss Thornton is confirmed to play the female lead, finding male roles won’t be so difficult."

The meal and discussion almost reached their end.

Anna Thornton went to the restroom to refresh her makeup; upon exiting, she happened to encounter Conrad Sterling smoking in the corridor smoking area.

"President Sterling, running into you at the restroom again, what a coincidence!"

Conrad Sterling stubbed out the cigarette and glanced at her, "Is the one you’re dining with the director for your next film?"

"Good eyes, does his face spell out the word director?"

While there weren’t any words, Conrad Sterling saw Anna Thornton meeting with Mary and Quinn Locke. Moreover, they had been discussing upcoming roles recently, prompting the speculation.

However, that person did seem... to not resemble a director much.

"Is he reliable?" Conrad Sterling asked Anna Thornton.

"No idea. After all... my judgment of men is notoriously bad; otherwise, I wouldn’t have been duped before."

Upon hearing this, Conrad Sterling couldn’t help but frown, "Jane Jennings gave you so many resources, can’t you pick one from them?"

"I can’t choose, I settled on this. Fine, if I got duped before, I acknowledge it. If I bump into an unreliable director this time, I’ll own that too!"

She quipped one "duped" after another to taunt Conrad Sterling, noting his face about to turn sour.

Anna Thornton quickly changed the subject, "By the way, you have too many properties. I can’t decide which is the best. Moreover, once I finalize things here, I’ll soon be entering the production crew. You need to give me some time to find a nanny."

Hearing that she plans to leave Pop with a nanny, Conrad Sterling expressed some dissatisfaction, "Have you considered the support payments? Once you receive that money... you wouldn’t need to rush back to work."

"Why wouldn’t I work? If Marilyn Ford were to marry you, you wouldn’t stop her from pursuing her career post-wedding, would you? And I have to stay home looking after children, a marriage-less status, and even sacrificing my own dreams. That comparison is downright miserable!"

"That’s not what I meant."

"Then what do you mean? If you’ve decided to detach from us mother and daughter, remember not to fret about me and Pop when you’re with Marilyn Ford. Look at your good buddy Henry Willow; usually, men being fickle bring nothing but trouble to women."

Upon hearing this, Conrad Sterling’s gaze lingered.

Anna Thornton wasn’t chasing him anymore and couldn’t care less about his expression.

Just as she was about to bypass Conrad Sterling and leave, the sound of Marilyn Ford’s high heels approached from across the corridor.

Anna Thornton couldn’t detect Marilyn Ford’s footsteps, only her sixth sense warned of impending trouble.

Before getting spotted by Marilyn Ford, she quickly ducked into the restroom.

"Conrad, who were you talking to just now?" Unsurprisingly, it was Marilyn Ford.

She looked for Conrad Sterling when he took a long time to return after going to smoke.

"I’m done eating. Wait for me here; I’ll touch up, then we leave."

Marilyn Ford said, entering the women’s restroom.

However, she didn’t touch up at all. Her gaze scanned the interior thoroughly, checking every stall, finding no trace of Anna Thornton.

Only then did Marilyn Ford take out her lipstick, applying it symbolically.