The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

Chloe had a way about her, an undeniable magnetism. Nathan trusted her implicitly, enough to leave his own kin in her care without a second thought. Rose was on the horn every other day, fussing about coming to see her. Cicely didn’t even bother heading home after Seth took off. She picked up Hugo from school and made a beeline for the Harper household.

The house was bustling with activity. Hugo and Anya, in their soft and clean pajamas, were playing around with Little Sun and Little Moon.

Cicely, hugging a throw pillow, lounged comfortably on the plush sofa in the home theater, with a half-eaten fruit bowl nestled in her lap.

“All in all, not too shabby.” After finishing the movie, Cicely lazily gave Chloe the long-awaited review.

Chloe chuckled, “This flick’s been pegged for a few awards. Crysti’s likely to nab Best Supporting Actress.”

“Shouldn’t be a problem. Crysti’s performance really sparkles. But the lead actress is a bit off the mark.”d2

While Cicely wasn’t a film buff, she had an audience’s intuition for when empathy fell short, turning scenes cringe-worthy and breaking the spell.

Chloe pursed her lips, “We did cut some key scenes from the lead. You’re spot on. The footage just didn’t work.”

Cicely glanced at the lead actress on the screen and snorted softly, “Compared to other flicks this year, she’s riding her luck. Dodged a bullet there.”

Chloe glanced at Cicely strangely, hesitating as if she wanted to say something but held back.

Cicely arched an eyebrow, “What’s that look?”

“The entertainment biz thrives on gossip and journalists stirring the pot. If you’ve got doubts, best clear them up with Seth directly. Don’t let outsiders brew unnecessary misunderstandings.”

Cicely let out a soft chuckle, “What misunderstandings could possibly be unnecessary?”

Chloe watched Cicely for a moment, her fingers brushing her brow, then pointed to the woman on the screen, “Xenia, Wave Entertainment’s rising star from last year.”

“Mhm,” Cicely hummed lazily, a veil of lethargy in her gaze, “Danielle’s heir in many ways.”

Chloe’s delicate brow twitched subtly, a fleeting glint in her eyes.

Yulia, observing this, quietly turned away her gaze. Though brief, Yulia sensed that Chloe had something on her mind.

The next day.

Cicely, descending the stairs after waking up, paused at the sight of another woman in the living room. She leaned on the banister with a lazy smirk, “Am I mistaken about your hubby, Mr. Harper? He’s quite the host, isn’t he?” The man seemed jealous to the point of not distinguishing between genders. Could he really allow Chloe to be so welcoming?

The visitors were indeed a constant stream.

Crysti coughed discreetly, “As if you’re not the one squatting here while he’s away.”

Cicely tilted her head, pondering. Yeah, fair point.

A maid swiftly prepared breakfast, and Cicely took a seat on the sofa. “Aren’t you busy skyrocketing? What brings you here?”

Crysti inhaled deeply, then suppressed it, “I was up for a role recently but got sniped midway. I’m here to see if Chloe might have some wiggle room for me.”

Cicely laughed softly, “Who’s bold enough to compete with our mighty CEO Chloe for resources?”

this, even Crysti’s good temper frayed, “Xenia,

a subtle

set, and now she’s clearly targeting me. The role I had was minor; what interest could she have in it, given her

film to promote, we’re slated for a variety show. Who

taste? There were plenty of gorgeous, talented actresses out there,

emphasis on

Maybe he finds drama more

Chloe.

set down her glass and mused, “Here’s what we’ll do. I’ll call Noah and let him know that I’ll join you on

Crysti’s eyes brightened.

Television, was a major draw. With Noah’s clout and connections, his favors were sought after as much as

and chat, aiming for authenticity and virality. HC Television would ensure

was a social media titan. Her presence would be a boon

excited for the

smirked at Cicely,

a beat,

the financial news buzzed with an

sleek black cars lined up, each with

tall and imposing, their faces obscured by the shadows of black umbrellas or the hulking figures of their bodyguards. Clad in crisply tailored suits, their perfect proportions exuded an

capitalist worth their salt knew the

to hyping up the usually low-key Seth, painting him in

celebrity world. His private life, his stable of artists, his once-favored sweetheart, and now Xenia, the company’s rising star, rumored to have

life a million times better than their own, fiercely defending her from any perceived rival seeking to leech off her fame. They were

matter. Even when the topic about Seth arose,

met summer, and Seth’s jacket hung casually over his arm. His black shirt, with the top two buttons undone, revealed a skin slightly paler than that of other men, made even more striking by the visible

Xenia’s fans were in a

the screen with a hint of disgust at the sight of

who was driving, had seen the notification Cicely was looking at. Seeing Cicely’s reaction,

out a laugh, “If only it had a different ship name, I might have looked a

familiar with that ship

in a loose-fitting white suit, towered over most, her stride creating a stir wherever she

lace dress with a cinched waist, her voluminous hair

the staff didn’t dare to neglect them and led them straight to

of the set. Chloe thought it wise to greet the director personally and took Crysti with her,

after their departure, the dressing

Cicely, nor did Cicely recognize her. Assuming Cicely was Crysti’s assistant, the woman barely gave her a glance before turning

member hesitated, “But

dressing rooms. The

dismissive, belying

as a familiar figure appeared at the door—her husband’s

She peered closely at Xenia through her large sunglasses, and when Xenia’s smile began to falter, Cicely’s lips curled into a smirk, her chin tilting

tone were almost

polite smile, “Thank you for your generosity. Please thank

sure your foundation is flawless. If it creases or cakes during the show, it’d

Xenia’s expression turned stormy.

incident from the staff, and Crysti was trying to contain her