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, your

curling into a subtle smile

barely interacted with her on set, and now she’s clearly targeting me. The role

Crysti speculated, “With a new film to promote, we’re slated for a variety show. Who knows what petty moves

husband’s taste? There were plenty of gorgeous,

on “another”

knows? Maybe he finds drama

discreetly and snuck a glance at Chloe. Crysti wondered if

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

Crysti’s eyes brightened.

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

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

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

I’m already excited

at Cicely, “Joining

for a beat, then quirked an

day, the financial news buzzed with an

entrance, sleek black cars lined up, each

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

all about Obsidian Group’s latest meeting—it was the talk of the town. Every capitalist

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

Seth was concerned, there was no escaping the gossip that trailed him in the celebrity world. His private life, his stable of artists, his once-favored sweetheart, and now Xenia, the company’s rising star, rumored to have had

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 P City’s golden

matter. Even when the topic about Seth arose, a post closely followed shortly after.

the top two buttons undone, revealed a skin slightly paler than that of other men, made even more striking by the visible marks that

fans were in a

at the screen with a hint of disgust

the notification Cicely was looking at.

a different ship name,

with that

most, her stride creating a stir

a cinched waist, her voluminous hair framing a beautiful, fair face

them and led them straight to Crysti’s dressing

Chloe and Crysti take a tour of the set. Chloe thought it wise to greet the director personally and took Crysti with her, leaving Cicely who couldn’t

after their departure, the dressing room door swung

turning to the staff behind her,

hesitated,

rooms. The mirror

tone was dismissive, belying

figure appeared at

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, “Go

demeanor and tone were

she maintained a polite smile, “Thank

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.

staff, and Crysti was trying to contain her laughter. “It’s annoying to give up the room, but well done. Just