The Enticing CEO's Chosen Bride novel Chapter 1981

Cicely squinted her eyes, a chill slowly seeping out.

Seeing Cicely finally lose her composure brought a rush of satisfaction to Danielle's heart. From the moment she met Cicely, she couldn't stand her arrogant swagger. Maybe they were just like oil and water.

She relished any sign of distress in Cicely, yet for years, Cicely had coasted through life with undue ease. Nothing seemed to ruffle her feathers. Her wishes were commands, her desires, instantly fulfilled. Except for Seth, who seemed to be the one thing that sparked a hint of anticipation in her.

Watching Cicely cling to Seth day in and day out with such shamelessness amused Danielle at times.

Without the grace and composure expected of a lady of her stature, Cicely’s arrogance and possessiveness were blatant, her entanglements with Seth, embarrassingly public.

How could a man, known for his aloof indifference, not grow irritated with such relentless attention?d2

However, Seth's repeated shows of affection had Danielle on edge. In the end, he actually agreed to be her boyfriend. So, even a hint of an unusual expression on Cicely's face could make Danielle feel a bit relieved.

But that feeling didn't last. She hoped Cicely would ask why she had made such a comment, but Cicely, as if seeing right through her, just laughed after a moment's gaze. "I know the situation better than you do. When I got him to agree to be with me, at best I felt he didn't despise me. To say he's with me out of pure fondness, well, that would suggest to me that he has a soft spot for me in your eyes."

Danielle's face turned cold.

With her arms crossed, Cicely's lips curled into a lazy, dismissive smile. "Danielle, I understand why you try so hard. In your eyes, I have everything, always the very best, so you've been using me as your benchmark, pushing yourself relentlessly?"

She scoffed, "Why are you so fixated on me? Even if I weren't the darling of the Ellis family, you wouldn't be any happier. Do you know why?"

She tugged at the hem of her dress, speaking indifferently, "This dress, a designer label. It was a tad tight when I bought it, a couple of millimeters snug around the waist. But I got it anyway, and then I cut back on my portions. Now, it fits just right. I feel the same way about Seth. It doesn’t mean he’s perfect, and his imperfections include not being fond of me."

Danielle's face twisted with skepticism. She didn't believe it.

Cicely continued nonchalantly, "So what? At least right now, he's my man, officially and rightfully. Affection can grow over time, and I don't mind occasionally indulging his preferences. Right now, I'm the only one with that privilege, and no one else comes close."

"Danielle, I've never claimed to be a saint, nor do I pretend to be a good person. I couldn't care less about anyone outside my close circle. There are plenty who dislike me, but if you have grudges, bring them to me. My father doesn't owe you anything. With even a shred of conscience, you wouldn't keep causing him distress.

"This is the last time I'm warning you. Be polite to my father, or since you're so keen on independence, I'd assume you're ready to break away completely. Then do us a favor and keep out of our sight. If I hear about you upsetting my father again, you'll see what I'm capable of.

"Don't play the Ellis family lady card with me. You know full well that in P City, when people mention the Ellis family's daughter, they think of me, Cicely."

Danielle's hands trembled at her sides before she clenched them into fists. She stared coldly at the woman before her, struggling to keep her voice steady. "Without the Ellis family, you're nothing." And Seth wouldn't be yours, either.

Cicely raised an eyebrow. "You've told me that more than once, and I've answered you every time. But who knows, maybe one day I won't be an Ellis. Perhaps then, Seth will adore me so much he can't live without me? Even if I'm no longer Miss Ellis, I might just become his wife, still living in luxury, simply with a different title."

Danielle's expression darkened before she forced a mocking smile. "That day will never come. Without the Ellis family, you're nothing."

She repeated her words, each one deliberate and clear, but this time, there seemed to be an underlying meaning.

Cicely's brow furrowed imperceptibly.

Danielle stepped back, "Consider that slap earlier a payment for my disrespect towards your father. But don't think I'll let you off easily, Cicely. The real winner is the one who laughs last. You enjoy your moment, but one day, you'll pay double for your actions today."

Cicely had heard similar threats before, always from the same source. She shrugged it off, unwilling to waste more words on the subject.

Danielle took a deep breath, suppressing the bitterness in her heart. "Can you leave now, please?"

Cicely glanced at her and walked out, closing the door behind her.

Descending the stairs, she encountered Brody, the butler, busying himself with chores. "Brody," Cicely called out.

"Miss, aren't you resting this afternoon?"

Cicely shook her head. "I'm too agitated to rest."