The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride
Chapter 2020

Charlie had once mentioned to her that everyone at the office actually had high hopes for Danielle, and it was only Seth who was holding her back. Of course, she was pleased to hear it. Summer vacation was in full swing, and Seth was busy prepping a new series and a movie, planning to tackle both simultaneously.

Cicely, ever so understanding, had steered clear of bothering him. Emiliana's recent series had wrapped up with a decent buzz, gaining her a modest fan base. Her sights were now set on auditioning for a production by C&P Studios.

During Emiliana's shoot, Cicely had visited the set a few times, lavishing gifts that ensured Emiliana was well taken care of by the crew. Now, with both of them free, they had arranged to meet up for some shopping and lunch.

Cicely had made a reservation at a popular bistro renowned for its spotless kitchen and celebrity clientele. Emiliana had also praised the place, saying how many stars frequented it for its cleanliness. Cicely was mainly interested in the hygiene aspect.

Sure enough, as a hotspot for celebs, they bumped into Danielle, who they hadn't seen for a while. Dressed in a flowing blue maxi dress, her hair voluminous, she donned sunglasses that covered a third of he face - an obvious attempt at incognito in such a place.d2

The girl trailing behind her wasn't tall and had scanned the bistro upon entering, her gaze finally landing on Cicely. The gesture was so overt, it was as if Cicely was marked. Then, with regal poise, the girl nodded in her direction.

Cicely raised an eyebrow.

Danielle seemed to notice her too, those eyes behind the sunglasses lingering on her for a few seconds before she turned and walked to a seat on the other side. She made no move to greet them, nor did she leave. Cicely couldn't be bothered to acknowledge her either.

Emiliana, having witnessed the whole exchange, commented as their food arrived, "That assistant looked like she was searching for you. She might have something to say."

Cicely picked up her fork and speared a bite of her salad, confirming its quality. "I'm a well-behaved and obedient college student. What does she have to talk to me about? Does she want to ask about my GPA?"

Emiliana chuckled, "Maybe she thinks you're pretty enough to be a star?"

"If I wanted, it wouldn't be her doing the scouting."

Emiliana nodded, "True enough."

After lunch, they headed to the ladies' room to freshen up.

"Got anything particular you want to buy?" Emiliana asked.

Cicely applied a fresh coat of lipstick, "Didn't you say you wanted to check out those vintage clothing and masks? I'm good, but I can go take a look."

"It's funny how clothes from the past have made a comeback in the 21st century."

"Don't you wear them all the time for your roles?"

Emiliana nodded, "There are so many designs, each more stunning than the last. You'll see."

Cicely, uncommitted to the subject, shifted gears, "Have you thought about signing with an agency?"

Emiliana paused, her eyes shimmering with hope, "Of course, but I don't want to sign with just anyone. C&P Studios is on fire right now; everyone's dying to get in." They did have top-tier resources.

At the mention of C&P Entertainment, Cicely felt a strange surge of pride, unusual since she never felt this strongly even growing up with the Ellis family. It was all because Seth had built it from the ground up. With a smile, she stashed her lip balm in her purse, "Alright, I'll see what I can do to put in a good word for you."

"Should I look forward to it?"

"Just make sure you can show your worth when you're in front of him."

As they exited the restroom, a figure suddenly blocked their path. "Ms. Cicely..."

Cicely stepped back, glancing down at the girl before her, saying nothing.

The girl, expecting a reaction, continued nervously, "Ms. Cicely, I wouldn't approach you if it wasn't necessary. I really need to talk to you."

Cicely glanced sideways at Emiliana's unsurprised expression and chuckled, "Do I know you?"

"I'm Allie, Danielle's assistant."

Cicely feigned a smile, "Oh, I see. Still, no clue."

She attempted to sidestep Allie, but the assistant blocked her again, desperation in her voice.

"Ms. Cicely, I wouldn't be here if there wasn't a reason. I have a favor to ask."

"Miss Allie," Cicely cut her off, "even if I did know you, which I don't, I wouldn't grant you any favors. What makes you think I might help you?"

Allie bit her lip, confirming that Cicely was as formidable as rumors suggested. "I'm an intern at C&P Entertainment, and Ms. Danielle wishes to sign with us. Most of the company sees her potential, but Mr. Diaz has been unreceptive, and we understand it's out of consideration for you..."

Cicely brushed her hair aside, her laugh tinged with sarcasm. "So, what? You want me to convince Seth to sign Danielle?"

After a brief silence, Allie gave a timid nod.

"Did Danielle send you?"

"No, it was my own decision."

"Miss Allie, you're just an assistant. You do the job you're paid for. Where Danielle signs is none of your business. What made you think you could show up and expect any favors from me?"

"But signing Ms. Danielle would benefit C&P Entertainment. If you could just agree, then perhaps Mr. Diaz..."

Cicely's laughter broke out, "And why would I agree? Everyone knows Danielle and I don't mesh. Seth is aware enough to avoid her for my sake. And you? What's your role in this?"

"Even if she's valuable to the company, the world won't stop spinning without her. You think her worth is enough to persuade me? After everything she's done, it's nowhere near enough.

"Wasn't she all about pride and keeping up appearances? Now she's throwing that out the window? I haven't even settled the score with her, and she expects me to just let bygones be bygones and pave her a golden path out of my generosity?"

Allie stood in front, head lowered, with a somewhat restrained expression. "I said it before, I wouldn't be here if I wasn't desperate..."

"Guess Danielle made you think I'm a pushover, huh? Like anyone can just walk all over me, and I'd just grin and bear it. Maybe I'd spit some fire, but then I'd let it slide all too easily."

Her voice was icy as she reached into her purse and pulled out her phone, dialing Seth's number without hesitation.

The phone was answered within seconds. Before Seth could get a word in, Cicely cut straight to the chase: "Mr. Diaz, as far as I recall, apart from trading some gossip about celebrity scandals, I've never meddled in your company's affairs. So why am I suddenly the fall guy for not signing an artist? But hey, I heard you're considering my feelings in not signing Danielle, and that does put a smile on my face." "I'm in a rare good mood, so you better take care of the issue with this lady here before I change my mind and start whispering in your ear on bed to fire her too." There was a brief silence on the other end before Seth replied, "If she's got the power to influence you to that extent, then I must be one lucky man."

Cicely's lips curled into a smirk. "Oh, so you weren't satisfied before? When have I ever left you wanting?"

Emiliana, standing nearby, blushed to her roots. This was not the kind of talk befitting a lady in her twenties, was it? Way too brazen.

Seth managed a strained smile, "My bad. I'll handle it. So where are you now?"

"Just finished lunch with Emiliana. We're about to hit some stores. Make it quick. Don't ruin my day."

"Alright."

Cicely hung up, casting a glance at Allie whose complexion had turned ghostly pale, "Maybe now's your chance to tell Seth just how valuable Danielle really is."

As soon as Cicely finished speaking, Allie's phone rang. Seeing the caller ID, Allie's hands began to tremble.

Cicely stepped aside, finally walking past her. Halfway through, she paused, "Playing the sacrificial pawn is pointless in this game. It's just a ploy to annoy me, that's all. Doesn't she still hold an ace up her sleeve? She could get what she wants with just a word, couldn't she?"

Allie didn't understand.

Stepping out of the restaurant with Emiliana, they spotted Danielle's car in the parking lot, the door open, her gaze fixed on Cicely from behind her shades. Her expression was unreadable, but the thin line of her lips betrayed her far-from-calm state.

"I used to think time could heal all wounds, but clearly, some people just can't stay put. Danielle, let me remind you, just because I haven't come after you doesn't mean we're square. If I had the time, I'd have set the record straight. You send your assistant to flaunt your worth in front of me? Sure, take this time to maximize your value. The more valuable you feel, the more my patience pays off."

How could the past just be the past?

No matter what, Cicely couldn't just act as if nothing happened and leave in front of Danielle. Danielle was right there, and Cicely couldn't hit her or scold her. Couldn't she at least say a few words to make herself feel better? Especially when Danielle couldn't resist provoking her again?

Danielle's brows furrowed, "I have no idea what you're talking about."

Cicely smirked, "Whether you know or not is up to you. As long as you're not deaf, that's fine." Pretending to be ignorant didn't mean she was actually clueless.

With her piece said, Cicely walked over to her car, got in, and Issac closed the door behind her. Emiliana entered from the other side.

As the car door shut, Allie emerged from the restaurant, her face pale, her expression dazed.

Emiliana caught sight of her in the rearview mirror and shook her head, "These young girls fresh out of school, they really don't know what hits them." Cicely let out a laugh, "And you think Danielle is much older?"

"It's not about age."

Cicely gave Allie a cold look, "Let's go."

Cicely had called Seth, and there was no way he'd keep Allie around after that. Though Allie had braced for this outcome, it still felt like a near-breakdown.

C&P Entertainment was a force to be reckoned with. Starting from obscurity, it was now a place where artists, agents, and assistants were clamoring to get in. Allie had worked so hard to get there, only to be cast out so easily.

Danielle had accompanied Allie to the C&P building. Upon learning of her dismissal, Danielle stormed into the company, heading straight for Seth's office floor.

Charlie blocked her at the office entrance, "Ms. Danielle, Mr. Diaz isn't expecting anyone this afternoon."

Danielle's expression was icy as she removed her large sunglasses, "I need to speak to Seth about Allie."

Charlie shook his head, "Her dismissal is a matter for the Human Resources Department. She was just an intern, Ms. Danielle. Mr. Diaz doesn't have time to worry about such trivialities. You understand?" Danielle's frown deepened, "But it was because of me."

"If it weren't for you, Allie might still be an intern at C&P." Charlie was brutally honest. Danielle sought an excuse to see Seth, using a naive young girl to her advantage. After being in the business for a while, Charlie could see through the manipulation and scheming.

Danielle must have understood, as her face soured. "What if it's not about Allie? Would he see me then?"

Charlie just shook his head, staying silent.

Danielle let out a hollow laugh, her voice tinged with defeat. "Do I not even have the right to discuss business with him anymore?"

Charlie remained silent.

Danielle glanced at the closed door, clenched her teeth, and walked away.

Charlie watched her go, then knocked on the office door. Seth was inside, his gaze fixed on the paperwork in front of him. "Mr. Diaz, Miss Danielle has left. But are we really going to pass up the chance to sign her at a time like this? She's turned down so many other firms, and it looks like she's got her heart set on C&P. If we reject her now, and Patty finds out..."

Seth stopped typing, and Charlie instantly clamped his mouth shut. After a long silence, Seth's voice came out deep and detached. "Then let her find out."

"But sir, if the lady finds out, the consequences..."

"There won't be any changes."

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