The Enticing CEO's Chosen Bride novel Chapter 2106

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?"

At this, even Crysti's good temper frayed, "Xenia, your artist."

Chloe remained silent, her lips curling into a subtle smile as she sipped water, her gaze veiled.

Crysti continued, incensed, "I barely interacted with her on set, and now she's clearly targeting me. The role I had was minor; what interest could she have in it, given her status?"

Taking a sip, Crysti speculated, "With a new film to promote, we're slated for a variety show. Who knows what petty moves she'll pull?"

"And what's with your husband's taste? There were plenty of gorgeous, talented actresses out there, so why pick another drama queen?"

The emphasis on "another" was shrewd.

Cicely laughed coldly, "Who knows? Maybe he finds drama more entertaining."

Crysti shivered discreetly and snuck a glance at Chloe. Crysti wondered if she had gone too far.

Chloe set 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 variety show tomorrow."

Crysti's eyes brightened.

The show, a hot ticket produced by Noah's HC Television, was a major draw. With Noah's clout and connections, his favors were sought after as much as Chloe’s and Seth's.

The 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 power if needed.

Though not a celeb, Chloe was a social media titan. Her presence would be a boon for Crysti—and a shield against Xenia's antics.

"Fantastic. I'm already excited for the air date."

Chloe smirked at Cicely, "Joining us?"

Cicely locked eyes with Chloe for a beat, then quirked an eyebrow, "Sure."

-

The next day, the financial news buzzed with an image-laden alert.

At the towering skyscraper's entrance, sleek black cars lined up, each with two umbrella-wielding bodyguards escorting someone out.

The men stood 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 nobility and power that was palpable.

The buzz was all about Obsidian Group's latest meeting—it was the talk of the town. Every capitalist worth their salt knew the deliberations of these individuals could signal the next big investment opportunity.

The entertainment section of the news had taken to hyping up the usually low-key Seth, painting him in grand strokes.