When Briony turned to look, that figure had already vanished.
Was it just her imagination?
She brushed off the thought, refocusing as she made her way to the interview
area.
Briony and Mary were seated together for the interview.
A journalist raised a question:
"Ms. Kensington, we''ve heard that Miss Mary will be studying abroad next year. Do you personally support her decision?"
"Yes, I do." Briony faced the camera with calm poise, smiling gently. "It''s always a good thing for young women to pursue further education."
"But Miss Mary has just won Best Actress. Don''t you think it''s a shame for her to leave the industry now to study abroad?"
Briony''s smile didn''t waver. "Mary is still young-she''s optimistic, hardworking, and I believe that no matter what field she chooses, she''ll excel."
Another reporter chimed in, "But Starlight Entertainment has given Miss Mary some of the best opportunities in the business. She''s just reached the height of her career, and now she''s leaving for school. Doesn''t that mean Starlight is losing out?"
Briony nced at the male reporter, her smile now tinged with a hint of cool indifference.
"Starlight Entertainment has the resources tounch every talented artist to stardom,” she replied, "but that''s only if the investment matches the artist''s potential."
The implication was clear-Mary had already brought immense value to thepany. There was no question of a loss.
The reporter pressed again, "So after Miss Mary leaves to study, will her resources be redistributed to other neers?"
"Starlight Entertainment will always keep a ce for Mary," Briony said decisively. "As for sharing resources, let me be clear: we have many exceptional artists. Every single one is unique. Our team tailors the perfect path for each talent, and we treat all our artists equally."
At that, the host turned to Mary. "Miss Mary, do you worry that if you leave for school, the industry might move on and neers could take your ce?"
Mary gave a sweet, cheerful smile. "Well, you win some and lose some in life, don''t you? Going abroad is something I thought long and hard
about and I discussed it in ace
with Ms. Kensington. No one can predict the future of this industry. All I can do is give it my bestand have a clear conscience. I just want to say sorry to my fans-your Mary is off to be an academic for a while! I won''t be able to be with you for some time."
After the interview, Briony led Mary into the banquet hall.
Mary had had a bit too much to drink and, after a quick word to Briony, slipped away to the restroom.
Briony was left alone, holding a ss of champagne, as a steady stream of people came over to greet her.
By now, everyone in Northborough knew her-Briony Kensington, president of Starlight Entertainment, who had single-handedly pushed thepany to new heights with a low-budget documentary.
In the past six months, Starlight had dominated the short drama market,
pioneering a new genre and quietly signing a fresh crop of talent.
In today''s entertainment world, being picked by Starlight was as good as guaranteed stardom-but Starlight was famously selective about the neers it epted.
At this point, Starlight Entertainment was every actor''s dream.
Everyone knew Briony cherished talent. But no one expected her to be so generous-as soon as Mary won Best Actress, Briony let her go abroad for further studies. This set her apart from every other media executive in the business.
To the industry, Briony was nothing short of a legend.
Actresses dreamed of jumping ship to Starlight Entertainment.
Actors, too.
Some ambitious neers-hoping for a shortcut-had even heard rumors that Briony, divorced and still single, might be swayed by a handsome face.
After all, in the world of wealthy women, Briony''s looks were second to none. If she happened to take a liking to someone—even if only
few months-it would still be considered a windfall.
for a