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?”

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

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

set, and now she’s clearly targeting me. The role I had was minor; what

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

with your husband’s taste? There were plenty of gorgeous, talented actresses out there, so why pick

on “another”

“Who knows? Maybe he finds drama more

glance at Chloe. Crysti wondered if she had gone too

what we’ll do. I’ll call Noah and let him know that I’ll

Crysti’s eyes brightened.

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

1+N, invited guests to bring friends or family for a casual cookout and chat, aiming for authenticity and virality. HC Television would

titan. Her presence would be

I’m already excited

at Cicely,

eyes with Chloe for a beat, then quirked an eyebrow,

financial news buzzed with an image-laden

sleek black cars lined up, each with

by the shadows of black umbrellas or the hulking figures of their bodyguards. Clad in crisply

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 next big investment

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

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

from any perceived rival seeking to leech off her fame. They were

involved never came forward to clarify the matter. Even when the topic about Seth arose, a post closely followed shortly after. It

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

Xenia’s fans were in a

at the screen with a hint of disgust at the sight of

seen the notification Cicely was looking

laugh, “If only it had a

with that

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

white lace dress with a cinched waist, her voluminous

neglect them and led

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

the

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

hesitated, “But

to switch dressing rooms. The

dismissive, belying

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

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

tone were

she maintained a polite smile, “Thank you for your generosity.

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

Xenia’s expression turned stormy.

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