Chapter 91: Who’s this Anna girl?
Three days had passed since Daniel confirmed that he had filed a lawsuit against Principal Maxwell of Hill Valley Academy, holding him accountable for neglecting the misconduct of his son and his friends. Not only that, he had also pulled out his investments—the very funds that had been supporting the institution’s welfare.
It still surprised Anna, how decisively Daniel had acted. Yet the calm assurance in his voice when he told her everything was under control had been enough to ease her mind.
She had even shared the news with Betty, who lit up with gratitude. Knowing Theo and his friends wouldn’t dare trouble her again was a relief the girl had desperately needed.
"Everything is fine," Anna murmured to herself as she sat in her room. But then, as though struck by lightning, a thought jolted her.
She scrambled to her bed, snatching up her phone.
Today—the directorial team was announcing the new movie on social media, revealing the cast list.
Since it was only names and not faces, Anna wasn’t too worried about drawing attention. Still, curiosity clawed at her, and before she knew it, her fingers were scrolling through the comments section.
User1: Woah, Ethan Helmsworth’s movie is finally announced! I can’t wait to see it on the big screen.
User2: I wonder who this new face is that Director Wilsmith is launching. She must be talented to land a role alongside experienced actors.
User3: Beauty Queen Fiona as the female lead! Yay~ I always dreamed of seeing Fiona and Ethan together. My wish finally came true!
Anna rolled her eyes, recognizing the overly sweet tone of Fiona’s fan club.
User4: I’m sure Fiona’s going to achieve massive success with this project. Director Wilsmith never disappoints—it’s a turning point in her career.
User5: Who’s this Anna girl? Never heard of her before. Do you know her social media account.
User3 replied: Probably just an extra we’ll all forget quickly. Fiona is the star—she’s the best!
Anna’s lips twitched into a dry smile. Most of the comments came from Fiona’s obsessive fans, busy demeaning her without even knowing who she was.
"Glad they’re not too interested in me yet," she muttered, oddly relieved that no spotlight was burning on her—for now.
The shoot would begin in just a few days, and though her role was minor, Anna was determined to give it her all. This was her chance, and she couldn’t afford to falter.
But even as she tried to focus on work, something else weighed heavily on her.
Shawn. Or rather—his lack of updates about Kathrine.
Since that day, he hadn’t been able to dig up anything useful about her sister. No traces. No signals. Nothing.
And the silence, more than anything, unsettled Anna.
Just as Anna was sinking deeper into her thoughts, her phone buzzed.
The caller ID made her blink. Daniel?
"Why is he calling me?" she muttered. It had barely been an hour since he’d left for work.
Still, she couldn’t ignore it—not when she knew he’d be upset if she did. With a small sigh, she answered.
"Come to my office. There’s something I need to discuss with you."
His deep voice cut through her haze, steady and commanding. And then the call ended—just like that.
"..." Anna stared at the blank screen. "What was that supposed to mean?"
Before she could puzzle it out, a knock sounded at her door.
Mariam stepped inside. "Madam, the car is ready for you."
Anna blinked. Oh... so he already made the arrangements.
But for what?
Ever since Daniel had revealed himself as the film’s producer, everything had changed. He rarely left her unattended now, going so far as to forbid her from using public transport. It was as though she were constantly under quiet observation, every step accounted for.
Without a word, she nodded and followed Mariam out.
***
[Daniel’s Office]
"Is everything ready?" Daniel asked as Henry approached.
Henry handed him a neat file. "Yes, Boss. Everything has been prepared with utmost caution."
Daniel flipped the file open, his eyes skimming the contents with care before he gave a small, satisfied nod.
Ever since the movie announcement, inquiries had been flooding in from the entertainment world. People wanted to know who Anna Clafford was—where she came from, how an unknown face had landed a role alongside Ethan Helmsworth and Fiona.
For now, information was scarce. But Daniel knew how quickly the industry turned hungry, how deep they would dig. And when they did, Anna would need more than his silent protection.
She would need an agency. A shield. Someone to handle the world she was stepping into.
And it would be his choice who guided her.
The moment Anna stepped into Glorious International, memories tugged at her. It was only her second time here, yet the first had been marked by nothing but bitterness. She drew in a steadying breath and followed the assistant through the private elevator straight to Daniel’s office.
"She’s here," Daniel’s voice carried through the quiet room as her eyes landed on him.
Another man sat across Daniel’s desk—well-groomed, sharp-eyed, with the air of someone who knew his influence carried weight. His gaze swept over Anna with a pointed, assessing look.
Anna arched a brow, refusing to squirm under it, and instead fixed her attention on Daniel. "You called me," she said evenly.
"Yes," he gestured smoothly. "Come, have a seat."
Anna slid into the chair without protest, folding her hands in her lap as her gaze flickered between them.
"This," Daniel began, his voice calm but final, "is Kevin Blanco. He’ll be your manager from now on."
Anna’s lips parted slightly, surprise flashing across her face. Just a few days ago, she’d been weighing the idea of signing with an agency—someone who could guide her through the chaos of the industry. But she hadn’t said a word about it to anyone.
Her eyes narrowed faintly, catching the knowing look Daniel gave her. ’He found out.’
Turning to Kevin, she schooled her expression. Starlight Entertainment. Of course. One of the most renowned agencies in the country, known for launching both musical and acting talents into stardom. Their reach was undeniable, their connections vast.
If she signed under them, her career would no doubt take flight. The exposure would be explosive.
And yet... something about the way Daniel had arranged it all, without so much as consulting her first, made her chest tighten.
There was no denying it—Anna wanted an agency behind her. And Starlight was one of the best choices she could’ve hoped for. But did that also mean Daniel would have a say in every project she took from now on? Would he always be one step ahead, pulling the strings?
"Miss Anna," Kevin’s tone shifted as he offered a polished smile, his earlier sharpness gone, "let’s work together and bloom your career."
Anna caught the change immediately. Just minutes ago, he’d been sizing her up like she was some puzzle tied to Daniel’s presence. Now, he was all charm and professionalism.
But she didn’t care. If Daniel had arranged this, then it meant her identity would remain protected. And for now, that was enough.
She forced a polite smile and took the file Kevin presented. Flipping through the pages, her sharp eyes scanned every clause. Nothing binding, nothing hidden. It was a fair agreement—almost too fair.
Without hesitation, she signed.
"Thank you," Kevin said smoothly, then turned his focus on her. "Welcome to Starlight Entertainment, Miss Anna." He extended his hand.
Anna accepted it briefly, her grip firm but brisk. Moments later, Kevin excused himself and left, the door closing behind him.
Now, only she and Daniel remained.
Silence pressed between them, thick and heavy. Anna kept her eyes away from him, but she could feel his stare, sharp as always.
"It’s surprising," Daniel finally broke the quiet, his voice carrying that deep timbre that made her nerves twitch, "that you signed the document without creating a fuss."
There was an edge of amusement in his tone, though his eyes held something else—relief, maybe. He had expected her to resist, to push back. Especially because he knew how much her career meant to her. But the truth was, he didn’t trust the industry—or the people watching her. Not after the comments online, not after how quickly vultures circled at the smallest scent of blood.
Anna met his gaze at last, her lips curving into a wry smile. "Do you really think anything can stay hidden from you now that you’ve decided to take control of my life?"
Her voice wasn’t angry—just matter-of-fact. She wasn’t blind. She knew exactly what he was doing, and why. And though part of her bristled at the control, another part of her admitted—she needed the backup.
Daniel leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "I had to. You’ve made a habit of inviting chaos. First the attack outside Alaska Studios, and then the little brawl with those college boys." His tone deepened, cutting. "You’re a walking trouble, Anna."
Anna’s jaw tightened. Her eyes snapped to his, a silent fire burning back at him.
How did he know about the studio incident?
The thought shot through Anna like a jolt. Her eyes widened as the realization sank in. Don’t tell me... he was there. Watching everything unfold. Watching me struggle, instead of helping.
Her lips twitched, caught between anger and unease. To think Daniel might have stood in the shadows, treating her pain as some kind of spectacle, only to swoop in now with his "protection." No, she couldn’t shake the feeling that his help came with motives of its own.
Across from her, Daniel smirked faintly. He hadn’t intended to mention that night at all—the incident was history, long since taken care of. But the reminder had served its purpose. Now that she had signed with Starlight, he wanted her cautious, alert, aware of how fragile her public image could be.
"Anyway," Anna said abruptly, brushing off her thoughts with forced composure, "now that your job here is done, I’ll take my leave."
She pushed herself up, striding toward the door. Her hand closed around the handle—
Click.