The Enticing CEO's Chosen Bride novel Chapter 1973

Seth had indeed seen the picture Kane initially sent, but it was just a random shot that he saw no need to pay attention to. Afterwards, when he saw another message from Kane, he furrowed his brow. Without even giving the picture a proper look, Seth finished the document he was working on and then simply replied: [No idea.]

Kane waited forever just to get that emotionless reply. Glancing at Cicely munching away across from him, he shook his head with a smirk. [Jeez, you're not exactly boyfriend of the year material, are you?]

And Cicely, she was just asking for it, wasn't she? Out of all people, she had to fixate on Seth, even blatantly throwing herself at him for everyone to see. Now, instead of being treasured like a delicate gem, she was treated like just another pebble.

Kane's response made Seth halt his perusal of the next document. He stared at the message for a few seconds before picking up his phone again to open the picture. After a while, Kane received another reply from Seth. [Her diet isn't anyone's concern.]

Kane looked at the message for a few seconds, his brow furrowing slightly. [Dude, you're kind of a jerk, you know that?]

[Girls, they just want the simple things - food, fun, shopping. Cicely's not hurting for cash, and you don't have to worry about her being materialistic, but if you think you don't need to bother about these things, what, are you dating just to kill time?]d2

Seth, staring at Kane's barrage of messages, looked cold.

Eventually, Kane sent another message, [What, did you guys date for a few days and now you're calling it quits?]

Seth's brow furrowed even more, his slender fingers tapping out a reply on the screen. [So what?]

Kane raised an eyebrow, [So you guys are really breaking up?]

Seth didn't reply.

Kane followed up, [Well, that might be for the best. Cicely has always been coddled and pampered since birth. She's meant to be cherished. All the things you find unnecessary are as vital to her as air. If you can't even provide that 'air,' how's she supposed to thrive by your side?]

Seth looked at his phone expressionlessly, feeling a vague sense of irritation coursing through his veins. [Think you're some kind of love guru after a few girlfriends? Mind your own business and stay away from her.]

Kane, pulling his gaze back from Cicely to the chat, shook his head at the reply. [Since she's been your girlfriend, I wouldn't dream of going there.]

He wasn't planning on replying again, but then he saw Joel, leaning in and asking Cicely in a tender, attentive voice what side dish she'd like, and couldn't help but smile and text Seth one more line. [Don't worry, what you don't think is necessary, someone else will.]

With that, he pocketed his phone. He knew Seth well enough to be sure he wouldn't reply.

Cicely declined the side dish. The spread was too much for her to handle. "I'm heading to my room to rest a bit. What time are we heading to the base?"

Joel saw her disinterest and didn't insist. "Get your rest. You won't sleep till tomorrow morning, will you?"

Cicely took a sip of water, set down the glass, and stood up with a faint smile, "I didn't ride over an hour to come here and sleep."

Joel nodded.

Cicely added, "Actually, don't wait up for me. If you want to head out early, go ahead. It's not far from here to the base. I'll make my own way."

"No worries, I think most folks would choose a cool air-conditioned room over the scorching heat outside."

Cicely's smile was non-committal as she left the dining area.

...

At six in the afternoon, with the sun still high, Cicely contacted Joel in advance and was now waiting for the elevator in the lobby.

"Fancy seeing you here."

The voice was familiar, and without turning, Cicely saw the reflections of several figures in the elevator mirror.

Kane, with one hand in his pocket, was followed by two girls. Cicely, fresh from a nap and still a bit drowsy, simply replied, "Hey." Her tone was dismissive.

Kane was grateful for even that small courtesy.

As the elevator doors slid open, Cicely stepped in first. Kane followed with Rose and Ollie.