The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

Chapter 2107

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.

It wasn't until her agent called her into the office and suggested she "take a good rest" that Xenia’s nerves shattered again. "What does this mean? I'm the lead actress. How can I rest at a time like this, when we’re promoting the film. The promotions will have other arrangements; your arrangement is to rest."

The agent's tone grew colder, his patience wearing thin with her feigned ignorance. He slammed his pen down on the desk, his expression chilling.

"Xenia, do you have any idea how many resources 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 talent? What gave you the confidence to be so brazen? Riding Mr. Diaz's coattails is a risky business.

"Do you think your past affairs went unnoticed 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 of Cicely is to seal your own fate."

Xenia slumped into her chair, her face ashen.

-

Seth called Cicely several times, but she didn't answer. She stayed at the Harper family home as if nothing had happened.

However, late at night, Seth appeared in the Harper family's living room. Clad in a crisp, dark suit that couldn't hide his weariness or the sharp edge of cold in his eyes, he looked around the quiet space.

Chloe, wrapped in a robe, descended the stairs, unsurprised to see him, which made Seth realize she knew more than she let on.

"Where is she?" Seth asked, his voice as cold as the night air.

"Third floor, the room by the window," Chloe pointed without much ado.

Without another word, Seth strode past her, his presence leaving a chill in the air.

The butler glanced at Chloe with concern, slightly intimidated by Seth's ominous demeanor. "It's okay," Chloe reassured him with a smile. "Go rest. We'll need an extra breakfast tomorrow."

"Understood."

---

Seth, who had previously ascended the stairs three at a time, now paused at the door to the third- floor guest room. His well-defined hand rested on the doorknob, his dark eyes fixed on the door for a moment before he finally turned the handle.

As the door opened, a familiar scent filled his senses, easing the tension that had gripped his body.

Inside 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 see her clearly.

---

When Cicely awoke the next morning to the arm wrapped around her waist and the slow, steady breaths at her neck, her brows furrowed slightly. Sensing her wakefulness, the arm tightened its hold.

"Seth, I'm not in the mood for this. Let go."

He remained still.

"What? Planning to strangle me in my sleep to clear the way for someone else to take Mrs. Diaz's spot?"

After a pause, Seth sat up, his eyes rimmed with redness, his voice hoarse, "You know she means nothing."

Cicely suppressed a sigh, her tone indifferent, "Well, she's nothing, just like Danielle. I've fabricated everything, making a fuss out of nothing. Actually, I have an inkling of what Chloe might 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 an accident. She was going to pay for it. I mean, what's her deal anyway? She's just got one of those faces, you know? Just rubs me the wrong way."

Seth watched her with a calmness that belied the slowly 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 hurt?"

Cicely huffed and pulled her hand back, "Next time I see her, she's getting a piece of my mind."

With that, she rolled out of bed and made a beeline for the bathroom.

*

Downstairs, Seth was the picture of composure as he sat on the couch, his handsome features settled into a look of quiet authority. "I'll let this one slide, 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 blaming me for stressing you out."

Chloe simply smiled, an air of nonchalance about her, "Sounds like I'm the one who ended up with the short end of the stick."

She shifted in her seat, her eyes alight with mirth as she looked at Seth. "It's 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, I'm afraid you'll just have to endure it."

Seth regarded her for a few seconds, his eyes glinting with a hint of amusement.

"That's so you, Chloe. You manage to knock me down and still expect me to thank you for it."

Chloe's laughter was gentle, "I haven't bankrupted you yet."

Seth chuckled softly, a cold edge to his voice, "After all, the role of Best Supporting Actress isn't without its value, Chloe."

Chloe replied, "Here's to a fruitful collaboration."

Seth gave a slight tug at the corner of his mouth, choosing not to say more.

The show must go on despite yesterday's hiccups, and the incident with Xenia had been neatly swept under the rug. Nobody but Chloe would dare orchestrate such a cover-up.

The whole 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 "collaboration" with her. From now on, any move he made would be stuck with her like a stubborn band-aid.

From a distance, Yulia listened with her mouth agape. Although Yulia had suspected since yesterday that Chloe had something up her sleeve, Yulia hadn't realized the extent of it. Looking back at Chloe, Yulia’s eyes shone with admiration.

*

The butler was puzzled. Why was Mr. Diaz in such a good mood today when just last night he was seething? Especially since Mrs. Diaz came downstairs looking quite upset.

Seth, upon seeing Cicely's furrowed brow, seemed to radiate warmth, a departure from his usual cool detachment.

The butler was about to instruct the staff to prepare breakfast for Cicely and the kids when Chloe stopped him. "Let her handle it."

Cicely entered the dining room and found no servants. Heading into the kitchen, where the children's breakfast was being prepared, she felt a tall, lean figure step behind her. Strong arms enveloped her from behind.

His voice, clear and soothing, whispered in her ear, "What would you like to eat? I'll make it for you."

"Keep your distance."

The butler, concerned about maintaining proper hospitality, fidgeted uneasily, "Maybe I should check on them. It's not right to have guests fend for themselves."

"Interrupting an intimate moment? Are you sure that's wise?"

The butler looked confused. "But Mrs. Diaz seems angry with Mr. Diaz."

Chloe smiled, "That's exactly why it's okay."

"Huh?"

"Cicely making a move on Xenia is her way of telling Seth she's jealous."

Yulia's eyes widened with realization, and she couldn't help but cover her mouth in surprise. ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

So that was it.

What did it say when a woman remained indifferent to other women around her man? It meant she didn't care. But Cicely still showing jealousy meant Seth had every reason to be thrilled.

She was willing to fight, and to "act out" for him. Seth couldn't ask for more.