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?”

Crysti’s good

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

me. The role I had was minor; what interest could she have in it, given her

we’re slated for a variety show. Who knows what petty moves she’ll

gorgeous, talented actresses out there, so

emphasis on

coldly, “Who knows? Maybe

Chloe.

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

Crysti’s eyes brightened.

was a major draw. With Noah’s clout and

guests to bring friends or family for a casual cookout and chat, aiming for authenticity and virality. HC Television

celeb, Chloe was a social media titan. Her presence would be a boon for Crysti—and a shield against Xenia’s

excited

at Cicely,

Chloe for a beat, then quirked

the financial news

cars lined up, each with two umbrella-wielding

or the hulking figures of their bodyguards. Clad in crisply tailored suits, their perfect proportions exuded an

Every capitalist worth their salt knew the deliberations of these individuals

news had taken to hyping up the usually low-key Seth, painting

of artists, his once-favored sweetheart, and now

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

arose, a post closely followed shortly after. It was a photo of Xenia and Seth outside a

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 marks that adorned it. It wasn’t hard

Xenia’s fans were in a

hint of disgust at the

notification Cicely was looking

let out a laugh, “If only it had a

familiar with

loose-fitting white suit, towered over most, her stride creating a

wore a simple white lace dress with a cinched waist, her voluminous hair framing a beautiful,

entering, the staff didn’t dare to neglect them and led

thought it wise to greet the

departure, the dressing room

was Crysti’s assistant, the woman barely gave her a glance before turning to the staff behind her, “The lights around this mirror

member hesitated, “But this

we’ll have to switch dressing rooms. The

dismissive, belying the

figure appeared at the door—her husband’s

Cicely stood, her pride palpable as she approached Xenia. She peered closely at Xenia through her large

demeanor and tone were

“Thank you for your generosity.

touch-up is all she needs. But you—make sure your foundation is flawless. If it creases

Xenia’s expression turned stormy.

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