Chapter 305: Chapter 305

"Anna, where did you go?"

"I was planning to take Pop and Lola to Ocean Park for some fun! Lola has been once before, so I thought I’d take Pop along this time."

Conrad Sterling frowned, "Just the three of you?"

President Sterling’s implied meaning was: You took Mary, but didn’t even invite me?

Anna Thornton had picked up on this, but still chose not to respond directly: "Yeah, we’ll probably be playing here until sunset, so don’t wait for us to eat together. We might just eat out."

Conrad Sterling: "..."

"Anything else? If not, I’ll hang up now!"

"Anna! Thornton!" This woman was driving him crazy.

"Wait there with the kids, I’m coming over right away!"

Anna Thornton was taken aback and asked, "What, you’re coming too?"

Was he missing an eye or a leg? Why was he always left out of the plans or activities when it came to family outings?

"Alright then, we’re not there yet. If you get there first, buy two seahorse balloons at the park entrance so we can spot you easily."

"Can’t you see me without balloons?"

President Sterling had confidence in being the center of attention in any crowd. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ NovelHub(.)net

"It’s just that the kids like balloons." Anna Thornton deflected with a shield, and Conrad Sterling immediately stopped talking.

After hanging up, Anna Thornton crouched down to instruct the little ones standing hand in hand in front of Dad and Mother Thornton’s tombstone.

"Okay, consider this your meeting with grandpa and grandma. Put down the little flowers you’re holding, and say goodbye to them."

Yes, the reason Anna Thornton hadn’t told Conrad Sterling in advance was because she had brought Pop and Lola to pay respects to her parents.

She had wanted to bring Pop over years ago but couldn’t find the right time.

Now that Lola was also back by her side, Anna Thornton felt it was time to let her parents know that both children had grown up so well and she had been living well too.

Watching the two little ones obediently place flowers at the grave, Pop was seriously saying goodbye to grandpa and grandma, with small hands clasped in front murmuring. It was something like: Grandma, grandma~ Pop is leaving~ I’ll bring goodies next time to see you~ and so on.

In a child’s eyes, there was no concept of life and death, as if two elders indeed bent down to listen, gazing kindly and lovingly at Anna Thornton and her twins.

However, Lola noticed a small tombstone without an engraved name or photo next to Dad and Mother Thornton’s shared grave.

Lola gently touched the tombstone, understanding something.

He turned to Anna Thornton and suddenly hugged her.

A light embrace, quickly released.

Lola wasn’t very accustomed to initiating intimate affection, probably because he had not been particularly close to adults while growing up.

Previously when Anna Thornton kissed him, he would only deliberately show off in front of Conrad Sterling.

But in truth, he was a bit embarrassed.

After the hug, Lola went to pick up his sister and brought her to their mom, pretending as if nothing had happened.

But Anna Thornton knew he wanted to comfort her, so she patted Lola’s head: "Thank you, sweetheart!"

Thank you for growing up so well!

Thank you for coming back to your mom!

"Anna, President Sterling might have already reached Ocean Park," Mary reminded her.

"Then let’s head out as well."

Anna Thornton took the hands of her little ones, and Mary couldn’t help but ask her: "Why didn’t you invite President Sterling for the visit to your parents? Haven’t things been better between you two lately?"

Don’t think Mary hadn’t noticed that Anna had been yawning a lot during the day recently, looking quite listless.

It’s because she’s been ’exhausted’ at night, isn’t it?

From Anna Thornton’s weary eyes, Mary glimpsed a world singletons couldn’t fathom: "If President Sterling doesn’t leave soon, are you going to be completely drained?"

"Speak civilly, no innuendos!" Anna Thornton stopped her.

Especially with the kids around!

Though Mary had whispered this in Anna Thornton’s ear, there was no way Pop and Lola would hear.

The reason Anna Thornton blew things out of proportion was mainly to dodge Mary’s earlier question.

Why didn’t you invite Conrad Sterling?

Anna Thornton hadn’t completely figured out where she and Conrad Sterling stood.

In the past, the biggest obstacle between Anna Thornton and Conrad Sterling was her belief she had lost a child.

Even though the situation was complicated at the time, Conrad Sterling was only a factor, not the primary reason; the main cause of Anna Thornton’s difficult childbirth was Holly Sutton.

But at least for the sake of that child, Anna Thornton felt she could never accept Conrad Sterling in this lifetime.

Unexpectedly, a miracle happened, and Lola returned to Anna Thornton’s side.

Holly Sutton has also received the punishment she deserved.

So, is it that easy to forgive that man’s broken promises from four years ago?

No, it feels like it’s not satisfactory yet.

At least it requires further observation, watching Conrad Sterling’s upcoming behavior.

Only then will Anna Thornton decide whether to introduce this man, who is already officially registered with her, to her parents.

"Let’s talk about business, Anna. Once President Sterling leaves with the little ones, we need to officially join the production team. The day after tomorrow is costume fitting, and I’ve mentioned before that filming this drama involves sacrifice."

"I know, cutting hair!"

Anna Thornton accepted the idol drama script, which was a bit different this time, as the female lead needs to be disguised as a man throughout.

It was this challenging aspect that attracted her to take it.

"Yes, the director insists you must cut your hair short."

In Anna Thornton’s perspective, sacrifices made for the script are warranted.

Besides, it’s just hair, it’s not like it won’t grow back once cut.

Mary felt it was a pity mainly because Anna Thornton’s cascading long hair was stunning and also a symbol of her allure.

Yet Anna Thornton’s acting career has reached a point where the next step is to break away from labels of seductiveness and beauty, allowing audiences to see more possibilities in her.

However, there’s one issue... certain someone might have objections.

This "someone," loved the scent of her hair last night!

This is one of the reasons why Anna Thornton is eager to send Conrad Sterling back to Aethelgard before her new drama begins filming!

Anna Thornton and the others hadn’t left the cemetery when they met a familiar face head-on.

"Douglas Uncle? Are you here to see my father?"

"Anna, I’m here to see you."

"Great, I have a surprise to tell you."

The middle-aged man greeting Anna Thornton was dressed in a retro Tang suit, holding a bouquet of simply wrapped yet fresh lilies.

His gentle gaze lingered momentarily on Anna Thornton, then kindly dropped to look at the twins by Anna Thornton’s side, finally resting on Lola.

"Anna, this must be the surprise you mentioned. You’ve found the other child from years ago?"

"Yes, I’ve been trying to reach you these past weeks. Douglas Uncle, how did you know?"

"I visited William Sutton in prison, talked to him. The Sutton siblings are completely finished, Anna. Your father’s great revenge is finally avenged. I’m truly relieved!"

"Uh..." Anna Thornton didn’t want to talk about revenge in front of the children, settling past grudges with her to prevent affecting the next generation.

Anna Thornton just hopes Lola and Pop can live happily and carefree.

"Mary, please take Lola and Pop to the car, I’ll be there shortly."

Anna Thornton sensed from Douglas Uncle’s eyes that he had something to discuss with her, hence instructed Mary to take the little ones aside.

Mary is very perceptive, holding each adorable child’s hand, nodding to Anna’s Douglas Uncle, "We’ll be going ahead."

As Lola passed beside Douglas Dempsey, she glanced up at him, wrinkling her small brow.

"Douglas Uncle, where have you been lately? After finding Lola, I tried to contact you, you saved me and Pop, regretting not for the other child. I intended to bring the whole family to visit and thank you." Anna Thornton said.

"Anna, when you mention family, you mean including the president of Sterling Group, Conrad Sterling? If that’s the case, it’s not necessary!"

"Douglas Uncle, do you have an issue with Conrad Sterling?"

"I understand Holl Sutton’s quick downfall is thanks to President Sterling’s help. But as your dad’s friend, I must remind you, be cautious of Conrad Sterling! Anna, want to know where I’ve been lately? Do you recall Dylan White?"

He was the one who conspired with Holly Sutton to alter Dad Thornton’s will, helping Holly Sutton to seize all of Anna Thornton’s rightful family assets, then pretended to act as a savior before Anna Thornton.

Later Dylan White received a lesson from Conrad Sterling, and ever since his naked run around Veridia, Anna Thornton hadn’t seen him.

"Attorney White is missing!"

"His last known location was in Veridia, and the last person he likely saw before disappearing was Conrad Sterling. This person vanished thereafter!"

Dylan White was merely a minor figure; his last deed before disappearance was being taught a lesson by Conrad Sterling!

Conrad Sterling did it to vent Anna Thornton’s anger.

Since then, Dylan White hadn’t contacted Anna Thornton, with Anna Thornton assuming he no longer had the face to.

But how could Dylan White disappear?

He had a law firm in Aethelgard, abandoning both his work and career is illogical!

"But how do you know the last person he saw was Conrad Sterling? Without sufficient evidence, there’s no way to link Dylan White’s disappearance to Conrad Sterling!"

"It’s precisely the lack of direct evidence that’s most frightening! Anna, I recently visited several old friends of mine and your father’s, discussing circumstances before and after the Thornton Family incident four years ago, recalling some details. Want to hear them first before deciding to continue supporting him?"

Anna Thornton: "...Alright!"