The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

The director on set was momentarily at a loss.

He didn’t want to offend Chloe personally, especially now that she was Damon’s wife, someone he had to tread lightly around.

And then there was the lady standing before him, the once well-known princess of P City, now the wife of the new darling of the business world, someone whose mere glance could determine life or death in their circles—Seth.

He couldn’t afford to cross either of them.

Xenia really didn’t know what she was getting herself into. Barely rising to fame, riding the wave of CP Entertainment’s resources, she dared to cross the path of these influential women.

Was she asking for trouble?d2

“Ms. Summers, well..” the director tentatively asked Chloe, unsure of what to do with Xenia.

Chloe’s eyes held a distant, polite smile, “Director, I’m not the one who was wronged today.”

The director quickly turned to Cicely, “Mrs. Diaz…”

Cicely, not one to mince words, opened her mouth with a cold look in her eyes, “Do I look like someone with a good temper?”

The director got the message.

Xenia’s assistant, who had widened her eyes in shock upon hearing Cicely’s title, was now visibly panicked. Cicely’s intentions were clear, and the assistant couldn’t help but scramble, “Mrs. Diaz, the company is counting on Xenia’s film to sweep awards this year. Mr. Diaz has invested a lot, and it’s not just about the money; there’s a lot of people’s efforts at stake.”

“Yes, so it’s unfortunate that because of one person, Xenia, it looks like everyone’s efforts might go to waste.”

The assistant couldn’t believe her ears. Could such a large investment really go down the drain just like that?

“Mrs. Diaz, please reconsider…”

“Reconsider what? To forgive her?” Cicely flicked her hair back over her shoulders with a cold laugh, “That would make me look like the fool here.”

Having said her piece, Cicely gathered her coat around her and strode off.

Chloe stayed behind to exchange a few words with the director before following Cicely out.

The recording continued despite Xenia’s absence, with another actress filling in. The incident on set didn’t leak to the public, but that didn’t stop Seth from finding out.

On the way back to the company, Xenia’s assistant confidently reassured her, saying that Seth would ultimately think of the bigger picture and not let Cicely have her way. Xenia, after much thought, found her assistant’s words to be sensible. If she could secure the Best Actress award, her value would soar, and Seth would indeed have to think twice before trying to blacklist her.

But when they arrived at the company, the looks they received unsettled their recently adjusted mindset once again.

I’m the lead actress. How can I rest at a time like

wearing thin with her feigned ignorance. He slammed his pen down on

I’ve fought for you to get? How many people I’ve offended? Do you think you got your spot as a prioritized artist solely based on your

by Mrs. Diaz? She’s been tolerant to preserve Mr. Diaz’s image. Xenia, you’ve really dug your own grave. It’s one thing to have ambitions, but to flaunt them in front

her chair,

She stayed at the Harper

that couldn’t hide his weariness or the

a robe, descended the stairs, unsurprised to see him,

Seth asked, his voice as cold

floor, the room by the

another word, Seth strode past her, his presence leaving a chill in

with concern, slightly intimidated by Seth’s ominous demeanor. “It’s okay,” Chloe reassured him with a smile. “Go

“Understood.”

—

to the third-floor guest room. His well-defined hand rested on the

familiar scent filled his senses, easing the tension that had gripped

the room, his eyes adjusted to the darkness, and he could make out the subtle rise on the large bed where Cicely lay, her hair spilling around her. Even in the dark, he could

—

the arm wrapped around her waist and the slow, steady breaths at

not in the mood for this. Let

He remained still.

sleep to clear the way for someone else to take Mrs. Diaz’s

sat up, his eyes rimmed with redness,

be thinking. I allowed her to have her way purely because I wanted to, willingly falling into her trap. Frankly, when that coffee stain hit my shirt, I didn’t care if it was

easing tension in his brooding gaze. His thin lips curled into a faint, subtle arc, and he reached out to take Cicely’s hand. “Does it

time I see her, she’s getting

that, she rolled out of bed

but next time you want something, come straight to me. I’m not a fan of beating around the bush, and I don’t need Damon

simply smiled, an air of nonchalance about her, “Sounds like I’m the one who ended up with the short end of

just a minor role in a play, not much of a leg up for Crysti. She’s got her pick of better opportunities. If Damon really blames you for tiring me out,

seconds, his eyes glinting with

down and

“I

softly, a cold edge to his voice, “After all, the

to

slight tug at the corner of

on despite yesterday’s hiccups, and the incident with Xenia had been neatly swept under the rug.

premise hinged on Crysti seizing that award through the play. It was the only intersection between them. Whether he came out on top or lost it all depended on this tiny bit of