Chapter 224: Chapter 224

"Ladies and gentlemen of the board, please quiet down. If you wish to catch up, you can do so after the meeting. I have brought Anna to attend this board meeting to make an important announcement."

With just one sentence from Holly Sutton, the meeting room instantly quieted down, and everyone was attentively listening to hear what she had to announce.

"Four years ago, due to Anna’s illness, I had no choice but to send her abroad for treatment. But seeing that she has recovered well now, I’ve decided to arrange a position for her in the company. Although Kenneth’s will instructed me to manage all his assets and the company, as Anna mentioned, this company still carries the name Thornton. I plan to train Anna to take over my position."

Anna Thornton’s request to Holly Sutton was merely to secure a position in her own family’s company.

Yet the way Holly Sutton worded it made it seem as if Anna was deliberately coming back to seize her position.

After hearing Holly Sutton’s words, the board members present expressed strong objections.

"How can that be? All these years, it’s been you, President Sutton, managing the company. Even if there’s no merit, there’s been plenty of hard work. You’ve led the group through its toughest times. How can it now be handed over to a little girl who knows nothing?"

"Exactly! Anna, we’re not trying to criticize you, but when your father passed away, you hadn’t even attended university. Can you read financial reports? Understand the stock market? Know how to plan?"

"What would a young girl understand about these things? She might be able to act in a couple of films, but managing a company? We’ll all be out in the cold!"

"I’m absolutely against it! President Sutton’s contributions to the company over the years are evident to all. Besides, she’s now connected with Aethelgard and has ties with the leading Ford Family. Who else has such capabilities?"

One by one, the board members made their stances clear, and Holly Sutton listened with satisfaction.

Holly Sutton wanted Anna Thornton to realize that she couldn’t outmatch her.

Even if the brat returned to the company, so what?

No one here welcomed her, no one trusted her, so where could she find justification?

Fortunately, Anna Thornton had already endured the most despairing events four years ago and had no intention of justifying herself with anyone now.

She just waited for others to express their indignant stances until they were hoarse.

Then Anna calmly explained, "Maybe everyone misunderstood. I’m not back to compete for any position. Since you all know, it’s not easy for a woman with a child. I’m just here at my family’s to make a living."

Hearing this, Holly Sutton glanced at Anna Thornton, nodded in agreement, "If that’s the case, I plan to let Anna handle a brand under the company to gain some experience. If she does well, I’ll consider gradually delegating more authority to her."

"She definitely won’t do well! Just a young girl causing a fuss!"

"She hasn’t even been to college; does she think managing a company is that easy?"

"Exactly, she’ll hit a wall sooner or later!"

No matter how others doubted her, Anna Thornton had achieved her purpose.

She walked out of the meeting room with Holly Sutton, one in front of the other, and as they reached the downstairs lobby, there was a sudden commotion ahead. Googlᴇ search novel✶fire.net

"Oh my, is that really Conrad Sterling? He’s so handsome!"

"Did a figure we can only see in magazines really come to a small place like ours?"

"You didn’t know? President Sterling originally started in Veridia before moving to Aethelgard. He even attended the Thornton princess’s 18th birthday banquet back then. Who knew that years later there’d be such a drastic change; he’s now towering over at the Apex, while some have fallen from grace and are no longer princesses."

"From what you’re saying, President Sterling is now an influential person in Aethelgard. What’s he doing at our company?"

"Not sure! Maybe he’s here to see President Sutton. Didn’t you hear the company rumors? That President Sutton climbed up the social ladder by associating with the Ford Family, invited to the Eldest Miss Ford’s birthday party. Now there’s a true noble lady fit for an Oscar-winning actress, unlike some who only create hype as minor stars. It’s said Miss Ford and President Sterling have a very close relationship; if President Sutton gets in with the Ford Family, doesn’t that indirectly link her with President Sterling too?"

Amid the various infatuated discussions around her, Anna glanced towards the crowd’s focus, indeed spotting Conrad Sterling.

He stood discreetly at the entrance, seemingly waiting for someone.

Sadly, nothing about President Sterling’s attire allowed him to remain low-key.

Standing there, his looks alone were enough to cause a stir.

Not to mention he represented the massive Sterling Group behind him.

The Thornton Family board members, fond of currying favor, had limited ability and insight, but were astute at social climbing.

Seeing such an obvious golden opportunity, they naturally rushed to seize it.

"President Sterling, how many years have you spent away from Veridia? Why didn’t you give us notice of your return so we could prepare a welcome banquet?"

Conrad Sterling glanced coldly at those approaching him sycophantically, as if looking at wagging dogs, annoyed at their disturbance.

"Do I know you well?"

The person rebuffed was Anna Thornton’s fourth uncle.

The same one who criticized Anna at the board meeting, saying bringing up a child for some random man would revive her father.

Fourth Uncle relied on his seniority; he had seen Conrad Sterling at Anna’s 18th birthday banquet.

In Veridia, President Sterling wasn’t one to show favor to just anyone, and that was his only public appearance.

So, even the brief encounter was rare, and Fourth Uncle probably didn’t expect such a direct rebuttal, feeling ashamed with his face turning colors.

But who dared challenge President Sterling?

He could only turn to Holly Sutton for help: "President Sutton, President Sterling came to see you!"

If she hadn’t heard it from others, Holly Sutton wouldn’t have believed she had a connection with Conrad Sterling.

Initially, Holly Sutton went to Aethelgard simply because Marilyn Ford wanted to use her to probe Anna Thornton.

Holly Sutton wanted to connect with Aethelgard’s elite, but the Ford Family hadn’t contacted her since then, seemingly shelving her.

If she was shelved, why would Conrad Sterling come today?

No matter why, President Sterling’s face was even bigger than the Ford Family’s.

Previously, just being invited by Marilyn Ford for a birthday made her boast for so long.

If she let her company’s brand enter Sterling Group’s Starlight City, those board members who love bootlicking would surely exalt Holly Sutton to the heavens.

With such a large ’business opportunity’ at the door, Holly Sutton naturally invited him in.

"President Sterling, the sun is intense outside at this time. Why not come to my office and take a seat?"

"Do you prefer tea or coffee? I’ll have someone prepare it immediately!"

Conrad Sterling didn’t even glance at her, but instead, checked the time on his watch.

"President Sterling, are you waiting for someone? If they’re someone I know, I may assist."

No matter what Holly Sutton said, Conrad Sterling ignored her.

This was embarrassing, with the entire company staff watching.

They assumed she could show some influence in front of Conrad Sterling, yet she could only awkwardly stand beside him not knowing whom he was waiting for.

Until Anna Thornton appeared, upon which Conrad Sterling’s gaze finally settled: "I’ve been waiting for you for a long time!"

"Waiting... for me?" Anna pointed to herself in disbelief.

It wasn’t that she doubted Conrad Sterling waiting there just for her.

But wasn’t it this man who insisted they keep their relationship concealed outside?