The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

Seth ended the call, the screen displaying a mere 54 seconds of conversation. His phone lingered in his hand as his emotionless gaze stared at the digital numbers. His chiseled face held no warmth, and his narrow eyes seemed to gaze into an abyss.

A sense of vague disquiet settled over him.

He had felt her rage bubbling just beneath the surface, and noticed her restraint and the shadow of disappointment. Her final, resigned “I see” echoed in his mind, painting a vivid picture of her slumped over a desk, a mix of defiance and vulnerability etched into her posture.

With a slight shift in his eyes, Seth pocketed the phone and pushed through the library doors.

Kane, draped in a black cardigan, lounged on a chair, its four legs precariously balanced on two, his whole frame swinging to maintain equilibrium.

Noticing Seth’s stoic entrance, Kane propped himself up on the table, his expression brimming with curiosity. “When will she get here?” he asked, his voice tinged with mischief.d2

Seth glanced at him. “It’s not her.”

Kane paused, his eyes whirling with thoughts. “Ellis family’s little princess, huh?”

Seth remained silent.

Kane, knowing Seth’s temperament well, smirked. “You’re in for it now, caught the eye of that girl.”

He settled back, stroking his chin thoughtfully. “Surprising, though. She’s always so aloof, like no one’s good enough for her. Cold to everyone, hard to figure out. Then again, I never really got to know her, so who knows what she’s really like. But she is stunning. Ever wonder what she’d be like as a girlfriend? The type to get all cute and cuddly?”

Seth’s brows knitted together, his pen pausing mid-sentence, as Kane’s words stirred an unexplained irritation within him. “If you’re not here to study, then get lost.”

to help you cram? You’re turning on me

pen down, his icy

ever the opportunist, raised his hands in surrender. “Alright, alright, my bad, okay? But considering your sudden mood, is it because I mentioned Cicely?

“Kane.”

Seth’s voice was unmistakable. Kane nodded frantically, “Fine, fine, I’ll

Kane pledged silence, he couldn’t help but probe, “Do you

snap, Seth closed his book, and Kane immediately clammed up, sitting ramrod

thin line, his eyes cold. His attention, however, didn’t linger on Kane for long. It snapped away, shooting past Kane’s shoulder to

icy stare, a flash of panic

frown deepened. The boy was unfamiliar, but just before withdrawing his gaze, Seth’s eyes lingered on the textbook in front of

Eighth-grade curriculum.

boy, who was now

“Who’s that?”

followed Seth’s gaze. “Oh, him? Joel Davis, the Davis family son. His great-grandfather made a fortune in construction materials. The business is stable. Davis Construction has long-term deals with several major families in P

piqued,

the Ziems, the

—

resting his head in his hands, dozing off. Seth, on the other hand, sat upright, supporting his head with

watching him for a

the table at the

before his eyes shifted to the seat next to Kane. “If you

his book. Feeling

a warm touch,”