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?”

good temper

silent, her lips curling into a subtle smile as she sipped water, her gaze

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

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

gorgeous, talented actresses out there, so why pick another

emphasis on “another” was

coldly, “Who knows? Maybe he finds

snuck a glance at Chloe. Crysti wondered

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 the

Crysti’s eyes brightened.

a hot ticket produced by Noah’s HC Television, was a major draw. With Noah’s clout and connections, his favors were sought after as much as Chloe’s and

casual cookout and chat, aiming for

a social media titan. Her presence would be a boon

I’m already excited for the

at

with Chloe for a

next day, the financial news buzzed with an

lined up, each with

the hulking figures of their bodyguards. Clad in crisply tailored suits, their perfect proportions exuded an air of nobility and power

was all about Obsidian Group’s latest meeting—it was the talk of the town. Every capitalist worth their salt knew the deliberations of these individuals could signal the

of the news had taken to hyping up

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

fans wanted their idol to live a life a million times better than their own, fiercely defending her from any perceived rival seeking to leech off her fame. They were blatant in their desire to see Xenia “marry for love,” with

about Seth arose, a post closely

top two buttons undone, revealed a skin slightly paler than that of other

were

with a hint of disgust at the sight of the countless

was looking at. Seeing Cicely’s reaction, she teased, “Jealous

laugh, “If only it had a different

with

most, her stride creating a

other hand, wore a simple white lace dress with a cinched waist, her voluminous

didn’t dare to neglect them and

set. Chloe thought it wise to

the dressing room door swung

Assuming Cicely was Crysti’s assistant, the woman barely gave her a glance before turning to

hesitated, “But this

rooms. The mirror light next door is

tone was dismissive, belying the courtesy of

a familiar figure appeared

her pride palpable as she approached Xenia. 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 up,

and tone were almost

a polite smile, “Thank you for

stepped aside, her gaze amused, “No thanks needed. Our Crysti is a natural beauty, and a little touch-up is all she needs. But you—make sure your foundation is flawless. If it creases or cakes during the show, it’d

Xenia’s expression turned stormy.

Cicely tossed her hair and walked away, Chloe and Crysti arrived to find her casually browsing her phone. They had heard about the incident from the staff, and Crysti was trying to contain her laughter. “It’s annoying to give up the room, but well done. Just walked into that dressing room, and Xenia was already giving her makeup artist an earful about the thick foundation,