Chapter 84: Chapter 84

Conrad Sterling had just finished talking with the client, successfully closing the deal.

The whole process took just over half an hour. Those who know him understand his style has always been this way. When discussing business, he focuses on it seriously without endless small talk. There’s no need to go through the routine of meals, drinks, or massages.

Moreover, President Sterling is highly capable in his work, with many vying to collaborate with Sterling Group. They all know that trying to book a meal with him might require waiting until the year after next. Him spending half an hour here having tea with a client is already a very courteous gesture.

So when the client left, they were beaming with a very pleased expression.

After seeing off the client, Conrad Sterling glanced at the time on his branded watch.

"President Sterling, for this afternoon, the only remaining schedule is the variety show observation. Miss Thornton’s recording should be starting soon. Shall we go down and take a look?"

Ethan was quite on point this time, and when Conrad Sterling looked at him, he added, "I’ve never seen a live variety show. I’m so excited!"

Conrad Sterling nodded slightly, with a look as if saying, ’Seeing that you’re so excited, I’ll accompany you to broaden your horizons,’ making him seem like a very understanding boss.

Heavens know, a small assistant like Ethan, who’s tasked with gauging moods and running errands, never had this kind of treatment before.

However, as the two walked out of the teahouse, just as they reached the vestibule, they ran into someone they knew.

"Conrad, what are you doing here?"

The moment Conrad Sterling heard the voice, he instinctively frowned but quickly relaxed his expression. Everything happened very quickly, switching within a second, almost masking his mood change.

Looking sideways, he saw a man in a Tang suit standing to his left front. A middle-aged man, around forty or fifty years old, with graying hair, but a tall and straight posture. His deep, eagle-like eyes, and prominent bridge of the nose revealed this person’s extraordinary presence and status.

"...President Ford," Conrad Sterling addressed him.

"Didn’t I tell you just to call me Uncle Ford? Why are you still so distant?"

Indeed, the middle-aged man standing in front of Conrad Sterling was none other than Harold Ford, Marilyn Ford’s father.

"I came here to meet a client." Conrad Sterling did not correct his manner of address but instead answered the previous question.

"Have you finished meeting with the client?"

"Yes." Thıs content belongs to N()velFire.net

"That’s great. It’s rare to bump into each other. Shall we sit down for a cup of tea?"

Hearing Harold Ford’s invitation for more tea, both Conrad Sterling and Ethan looked a bit troubled.

"What’s wrong, do you have other plans? If you do, go ahead. I know you young people have busy work schedules. Actually, I don’t have anything too important going on. Just heard Marilyn complaining the other day, saying you’re just like I was when young—so engrossed in work that you might forget her birthday."

"Next month, I haven’t forgotten."

Hearing this, Dad Ford nodded with satisfaction, "Conrad, I know you care for Marilyn. But my daughter is too ambitious. She wants to quickly achieve something in her career to prove she’s worthy of you. But, she doesn’t need to work so hard. Isn’t just being the Ford Family’s heiress enough proof?"

"But, I only have one daughter, and you know how she’s spoiled in the Ford Family. Even if she wanted the stars from the sky, we’d get them for her. I’m thinking, this year for her 24th birthday, how about you take charge of organizing it? The child is grown, and she doesn’t want to be close to us elders. You should understand her better and can give her a nice surprise."

Upon hearing this, Ethan couldn’t help but silently sigh.

It always seemed like the Fords didn’t treat Conrad as a future son-in-law. Though Marilyn’s father seemed understanding on the surface, they never got over the fact that Conrad had no background or family support.

So, the Fords supported Miss Ford in keeping Conrad hanging, fearing that if President Sterling’s company couldn’t hold up one day, they wouldn’t have to bear the loss.

Conrad Sterling set up an entertainment company to pursue Marilyn Ford. With business collaborations between the Sterling Group and the Ford Family, the Sterling Group has always given them concessions. Over the years, the Ford Family has gained enough benefits from Conrad, yet they still expect to order him around?

In today’s status he holds in Aethelgard, if not for Marilyn Ford, he wouldn’t have to give face even to the Ford Family, which leads the four great families. After all, when he first came to Aethelgard to develop, these so-called great families didn’t spare him any suppression or trickery behind his back.

Conrad Sterling achieved his current status on his own, surpassing those second and third-generation rich kids who lived idly off their family wealth.

Ethan truly felt for President Sterling, believing no one truly cared for him in this bunch. They all wanted to benefit from him but weren’t willing to share in the risks. Marilyn Ford’s thoughts were actually aligned with her family’s.

Oh, truly, why is President Sterling so adamant on marrying Miss Ford?

If he wanted to marry Miss Thornton, things would be great... Miss Thornton would definitely be willing to get the certificate right away. They already have a child so big, how happy a family of three would be.

Ethan’s imagination was nice, but while he was lost in thought, Conrad Sterling had already sat back in the tea room with Harold Ford. The two were discussing how to plan the birthday party.

Looks like President Sterling still chooses Miss Ford!

Oh, reality is so cruel!

Anna Thornton, along with Ethan Hawthorne, returned to the program recording site, which took less than ten minutes.

She had successfully brought the person over, but it seemed she hadn’t used any ambiguous means, since Ethan Hawthorne didn’t look pleased.

Seeing the important guest arrive, the crew quickly went to their respective positions.

Jay Cross greeted Ethan Hawthorne with a fawning face, only to exaggerate finding a burnt red spot on the latter’s arm: "Oh my, Young Master Hawthorne, what happened to your arm?"

"Coffee!" When these words were spoken, Ethan Hawthorne glanced at Anna Thornton, nearly gritting his teeth.

"I burnt him." Anna Thornton admitted proactively, "But it was really an accident."

"You burnt him? What were you thinking?" Ever since he was rebuffed by Anna Thornton, Jay Cross had held a grudge.

Seeing that Anna Thornton hadn’t hit it off with Ethan Hawthorne, he desperately tried to drag the hatred onto her: "Do you realize the stature of Young Master Hawthorne compared to you? Having him agree to be on the same show as you is your honor. Not only aren’t you grateful, but you also burned him? Do you know that Sterling Group is sending people to our recording site later to observe the show, which is crucial for the show’s sponsorship and everyone’s salary for the latter half of the year? If you ruin it, can you afford the loss?"

Why would Sterling Group sponsor this kind of program? Besides, it’s inconsistent with their high-end and upscale positioning!

If Conrad Sterling truly made such a decision, he would be out of his mind.

Anna Thornton knew in her heart that it was impossible. Jay Cross said this only to pin the blame on her preemptively if they couldn’t secure sponsorship later.

All it took was a remark about cosmetic surgery, and his grudge was this significant?

Moreover, Anna Thornton was just a guest for one episode of the show. Why should she bear such a scapegoat?