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

silent, her lips curling into a subtle smile as she

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

promote, we’re slated for a variety

gorgeous, talented

emphasis on “another” was

“Who knows? Maybe

Chloe. Crysti wondered if she had gone

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

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

and chat, aiming for authenticity and virality. HC

media titan. Her presence would be a boon for Crysti—and a shield against

I’m already excited for the

at

a beat, then

next day, the financial news buzzed

towering skyscraper’s entrance, sleek black cars lined up, each

shadows of black umbrellas or the hulking figures of their

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

of the news had taken to hyping up the usually low-key Seth, painting him in grand

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

any perceived rival seeking to leech off her fame. They

to clarify the matter. Even when the topic about Seth arose, a post closely

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

were in

hint of disgust at the

seen the notification Cicely was looking at. Seeing

out a laugh, “If only it had a different ship

familiar with

towered over most, her

a cinched waist, her voluminous hair framing a beautiful, fair face half-hidden behind

neglect them and

time before the shoot, the staff suggested that Chloe and Crysti take a tour of the set. Chloe thought it

after their departure, the dressing room door

Cicely, nor did Cicely recognize her. Assuming Cicely was Crysti’s assistant, the woman barely gave her a glance before turning to the staff behind her, “The lights around this mirror are working, aren’t they? We’ll take this room. Get Xenia set

member hesitated, “But this

dressing rooms. The mirror light next

was dismissive, belying

appeared at the door—her

eyebrow, Cicely stood, her pride palpable as she approached Xenia. She peered closely at Xenia through her large sunglasses, and when Xenia’s smile began

tone were

a polite smile, “Thank you

little touch-up is all she needs. But you—make sure your foundation is flawless. If it creases or cakes during the

Xenia’s expression turned stormy.

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