Chapter 449: Chapter 449

Anna was woken up by Mary’s phone call.

After she arrived at the company, Mary circled around Anna like a scent hound: "Anna, I feel like there’s something different about you today."

"I don’t know, you just seem especially radiant, with skin that’s both rosy and bright."

"That’s just my skin in its normal state, performing as usual," Anna proudly lifted her pale skin face, "My bare face is even paler than with makeup!"

"I know your skin has always been great, but I’m talking about your complexion! Complexion, you know? It’s more of a feeling! Honestly, have you been taking any beauty supplements that regulate hormones?"

"I never take those, it’s all thanks to natural beauty!"

As for regulating hormones... does making peace with Conrad Sterling count?

Now Anna has only given Conrad a chance to compensate her, and whether she continues to give this chance depends entirely on her mood, which means that man is still in the probation period.

However, on the first day of the probation period last night, Conrad put in quite the effort.

Anna’s back is now sore, and her legs feel weak.

She supported her back and stood by the window for a while, noticing many new faces entering and exiting the company door downstairs.

"By the way, Mary, give me the artist profiles we didn’t finish reading yesterday."

"I’ve had Faye put away the profiles, I’ll ask her where she left them."

Just as Mary’s words fell, a clear voice sounded as a girl with a ponytail handed over the stack of profiles: "Mary, right here."

Faye—in Veridia, she was the girl who once took a hit for Anna.

After she was discharged from the hospital, Anna and Mary offered their thanks multiple times, but she refused them all.

Despite her impoverished background, Faye is a strong and diligent girl. Although there was some misunderstanding when she helped Anna, ultimately, it was her own willing choice.

When she recovered, she went back to complete her studies and later reached out to Anna for an internship opportunity, hoping to become her assistant.

Anna had always managed her work with Mary alone, but now, with her rising popularity, she indeed needed to recruit more staff, so she agreed. Nᴇw ɴovel chaptᴇrs are published on n͟o͟v͟e͟l͟f͟i͟r͟e͟.net

Faye started working half a month ago, and she’s diligent and serious, though a bit inexperienced and timid in dealing with people. But with Mary guiding her, she’s much better now.

"By the way, isn’t Angela also in the company? How’s she doing recently?" Anna asked while flipping through the artist profiles.

Seeing Faye inevitably reminded her of Angela.

Of course, it’s not out of concern for her, nor does she plan to include Angela while developing newcomers; she’s just asking casually.

However, speaking of Angela, Mary seemed somewhat annoyed: "Her? She’s doing fine. I ran into her at the company today, and she acted like she didn’t see me with her eyes up in the air."

"Anna, I’ve been hearing a rumor inside the company lately."

"People say Angela is President Sterling’s girlfriend!"

Anna almost spewed her coffee.

She put down her coffee cup, pursed her lips, and continued looking at the profiles: "That’s quite interesting."

"Don’t you think it’s ridiculous? She has nothing to do with President Sterling."

What’s even more absurd is that quite a few people in the company actually believe it!

After going through the stack of newcomer profiles, Anna picked out three candidates.

"I’ve read the scripts; there are a lot of characters that can be developed in the fantasy setting. However, this time the production team is robust, so the competition is fierce. I can recommend them to the director, but whether they can secure the roles depends on their performance on-site. Let’s do it this way: you notify them to come to my studio in the afternoon, and I can give them some advice based on experience."

Being recommended by Anna Thornton for the same production opportunity was thought to be an exciting prospect for those selected.

However, after Mary sent out the notifications, no one came to Anna’s studio by the three o’clock appointment.

Everyone was just on different floors of the same company, so traffic delays weren’t an issue.

It seemed there wasn’t any unforeseen circumstance!

"Anna, I’ve notified the agents of the three artists you picked. I don’t know what happened, but they still haven’t come over?"

"No rush, let’s wait a little longer."

Anna waited another half-hour, yet still no one showed up at her studio.

Mary was just about to make a phone call and press the issue when there was a knock on the studio door.

"Excuse me, are you looking for me?"

A woman wearing glasses cautiously poked her head inside after opening the door.

"Are you Julia Yates?"

Julia was quite taken aback, seemingly surprised that Anna called out her name effortlessly.

In the dazzling entertainment circle, Julia’s looks were particularly ordinary, the kind that would disappear among the stars.

Henry Willow prefers signing younger, vibrant, pretty girls.

Julia doesn’t fit that mold; she got into Starlight Entertainment by following her agent.

Even her agent doesn’t pay much attention to her, having only brought her along when transferring to Starlight Entertainment to show loyalty.

The former popular company certainly wouldn’t let their stars go, so they only brought over the nearly invisible ones like Julia, who had some history in the lower leagues.

Luckily, she was affordable; a package deal of little stars at a bargain price.

"Come in and have a seat, I want to talk to you about the new series."

Anna invited Julia in, but she opted to remain standing instead of sitting.

"Miss Thornton, actually, my agent initially advised against coming."

Julia seemed rather conflicted, "Miss Thornton, could I ask first if you truly intend to recommend me to the production team?"

"Of course not! I called you guys here to con you, charging twenty thousand for each role. Important supporting roles would cost several times more. After taking your money, I’d turn my back on you, then you could jointly sue me on a legal show. From there, my reputation collapses, fans abandon me, and off I go to act in prison dramas."

Initially, Julia’s face paled at Anna’s words.

But as she listened further, she realized it was a joke.

Julia breathed a sigh of relief: "My agent said you wouldn’t genuinely support newcomers, that no one in the industry would start nurturing talent during the peak of their career. You are Starlight’s leading artist now; you wouldn’t allow your spotlight to be shared."

Julia’s agent wasn’t wrong, but Anna is more than just an artist; she’s also the behind-the-scenes boss of the company.

Building newcomers is profitable for her, keeping it within the company; why wouldn’t she allow it?

But Anna didn’t explain: "Makes sense, so why did you come?"

"I... Miss Thornton, to be honest, after joining Starlight Entertainment, I haven’t had work for three months. My agent has newer talent she thinks has more potential, so she left us old-timers to gather dust in the corners. I have to fight for myself. I came secretly today; I can’t miss any opportunity. And I think you’re not like they say!"

Julia’s words were straightforward, displaying her ambition clearly.

Since stepping into the entertainment circle, who doesn’t want to stand out?

Especially since the prime time for actresses is short, it’s understandable she’d be anxious after three months of no work.

However, Anna caught an important point in her earlier statement: "They? What have they been saying about me behind my back? What am I like?"

"You must honestly tell me, or I won’t give you this chance."

"They say you’re calculated, lacking skills, but number one in creating buzz. Although your acting is good, it’s all used to seduce men and steal sisters’ boyfriends, which makes you an outright manipulative green-tea girl."

"..." Anna realized how desperately Julia wanted this chance.

The harsh words were spilled out unreservedly, not even sparing a bit of dignity.

But after speaking, Julia’s courage wavered: "Those things were overheard in the shared makeup room where many people love to gossip aimlessly, don’t pay attention."

"Perfect timing, I’m also aimless today." Anna beckoned Mary and Faye, "Come on! Let’s go for a walk!"