The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride
Chapter 1981

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."

The butler sighed at the mention of Danielle, his expression souring.

"Did my father's health checkup earlier this year reveal any issues?"

The butler paused, "No issues at all. Doesn't he always discuss the results with you afterward?"

Cicely watched him silently for a moment, then spoke in a cool, detached tone, "He did tell me, but his demeanor today didn't seem like a man with no problems. I must've binged one too many soap operas. His last checkup fell right around the time of my tests, and I swear, if you guys pull some melodramatic stunt to keep Dad's illness a secret just to avoid messing with my scores..."

The butler, Brody, lowered his gaze and shook his head gently. "Miss Cicely, perhaps you should consider watching less TV drama. You know as well as I do that even if you hadn't aced your tests, your father would still have made sure you got into college."

Cicely raised an eyebrow, conceding the point.

"The weather turned chilly recently with the onset of autumn. Sir caught a bit of a cold, but the doctor has seen him, and there's no cause for serious concern."

As Cicely mulled over Brody's words, he nodded, "Indeed."

A silence settled in the living room. Brody thought the matter would rest there, but Cicely's voice slowly filled the space again. "Brody, you've been with my dad for years, and he trusts you more

than anyone. I'm curious—did Seth agree to be with me because of my dad?"

The butler looked up. His gaze met Cicely's straight on. There was no emotion, yet those eyes were so transparent. It was as though she wasn't asking a question, but seeking confirmation for something she'd already concluded.

After a moment's hesitation, he sighed softly and said, "Sir always thinks ahead. Seeing how fond you were of Mr. Diaz, he wanted to nudge you two together early. I suppose in this world, he's the one who wishes for your happiness above all else."

Cicely's fingertips trembled slightly. "So, Dad's involvement in managing Diaz International was all part of the plan for us to be together?"

The butler didn't answer directly. "Mr. Diaz is young and at an age of pride and vanity. Besides what was done, it was hard to think of a better way at the time. Love needs to grow gradually, Miss. With your beauty and talents, it's hard for anyone not to be charmed."

Although the words she had just shared with Danielle were true, and she was indeed clear-headed, her heart couldn't help but feel desolate.

Pride and vanity.

So marrying her was equivalent to possessing the entire Ellis family empire, and he would be tempted.

She joked about throwing herself at Seth, but even if it were true, Seth wouldn't care.

Her father managed Diaz International, taught him how to run the business, and then used this "favor" as leverage for a successful match. The answer to Danielle's question lay right here. Compared to liking her, he was more unwilling to be labeled ungrateful.

Cicely forced a smile, "I think so too."

Just like she had told Danielle, they were together now, and there would be a chance of being together forever. Even if that was the case, so what? That was the advantage she was born with.

Danielle came downstairs with her luggage, pausing upon seeing Cicely and the butler, then proceeded to carry her suitcase out herself. The butler instructed a maid to help Danielle with her luggage.

Cicely sat down on the couch, not bothering to acknowledge her. She picked up her phone from the coffee table and dialed Seth's number. The call connected, and Cicely spoke, "Are you going to be busy today? I'd like to see you."

Seth's voice, cool and detached, came after a few seconds, "Busy."

Cicely kicked off her slippers, curled up on the couch, and noticed a note with an address that Danielle had left on the coffee table. She picked it up, settling into the cushions, and responded, "You've been busy a lot lately. When are you going to be free of this busy spell?"

"If things go well, I should have results in three days."

A long pause followed Seth's words, with no response from Cicely. His gaze lifted from his documents, frowning, "What's up? Talk to me."

Several seconds later, Cicely finally spoke. "Seth, did you know Danielle is moving out of the Ellis household today?"

This time Seth fell silent for a few moments before responding, "I know."

Cicely looked at the note in her hand and asked further, "She said she found an apartment for herself. Do you know where it is?"

"Yes."

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