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

her lips curling into a subtle smile as

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

promote, we’re slated for a variety show.

taste? There were plenty of gorgeous, talented actresses out there, so why pick another

on

coldly, “Who knows? Maybe he finds drama

at Chloe.

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.

produced by Noah’s HC Television, was a major draw. With Noah’s clout and connections, his favors were sought

friends or family for a casual cookout and chat, aiming for authenticity and virality.

titan. Her presence would be

I’m already excited for

at

Chloe for a beat, then

the financial news buzzed with an

sleek black cars lined up, each with two umbrella-wielding bodyguards

tall and imposing, their faces obscured by the shadows of black umbrellas or the hulking figures of their bodyguards. Clad in crisply tailored suits, their perfect proportions exuded an air of

capitalist worth

hyping up the usually low-key Seth, painting him in grand

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

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 boy Seth

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

hung 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

fans were

with a hint of disgust at the

driving, had seen the notification Cicely was looking at. Seeing

laugh, “If only it had a different ship name, I might have

was familiar with that ship

white suit, towered over most, her stride creating a stir wherever she

other hand, wore a simple white lace dress with a cinched waist, her voluminous hair framing a beautiful, fair face half-hidden

staff didn’t dare to neglect them

suggested that Chloe and Crysti take a tour of the set. Chloe thought it wise to greet the director personally and took Crysti with

departure, the dressing room door swung

newcomer didn’t recognize 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,

staff member hesitated, “But this

have to switch dressing rooms. The mirror

was dismissive, belying the courtesy

a familiar figure appeared

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

and tone were

smile, “Thank you for your generosity. Please thank

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 be embarrassing for you. It would also spoil the show and

Xenia’s expression turned stormy.

heard about the incident from the staff, and Crysti was trying to contain her laughter.