The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride novel Chapter 1992

Danielle watched as Seth cradled Cicely in his arms and walked away, her mind swirling with Cicely's recent words.

"He probably feels some kind of debt towards me. I'm okay now, so I can afford to feel relieved that it was me who took the hit tonight. If it had been you, his guilt would have shifted to you. And if you wanted to take advantage of that guilt to make him stay with you, it might just work."

"There are so many kinds of love. It doesn't always have to be romantic to be together."

Patty's words from Cicely's debutante ball suddenly crowded Danielle’s thoughts at this moment. She hadn't understood then, but now, she was beginning to. It didn't have to be love that brings people together, guilt could do the trick too.

"To be with the one you love makes you a winner in life. You must learn to be content and not ask for too much."

Patty's words from the past now seemed to resonate deeply within her, but it seemed Cicely had beaten her to the punch.d2

Seth felt guilty towards her. He felt guilt for not protecting her tonight. Everyone could see that the power in their relationship had never been in Cicely's hands, but now, it seemed to have shifted to her. As long as she played her cards right with that guilt, Seth would stay by her side.

And the one who made it all possible was Danielle.

Cicely stepping in to stop any further pursuit had also given Erik and Creighton a way out. Digging deeper wouldn't change anything.

"Issac, see her out," Creighton ordered coldly, motioning towards Danielle.

Issac nodded, stepping outside to make the arrangements.

Erik's gaze on Danielle was heavy with disappointment and chill.

"How can two kids raised under the same roof turn out so different, one with such a selfish and spiteful heart?"

Danielle felt desolate and met his words with a bitter laugh. "In your eyes, she's always been the better one."

Erik took a deep breath. "No one's been comparing you two. It's you who's made her your rival all these years. You both are Ellis', and her successes don't threaten you, nor do yours affect her. Eventually, the family legacy will belong to just you two, and no one wishes more for you two to get along than us. Forget it, if you were going to change, it wouldn't have taken till today. You're grown with your own mind, and we can't constrain you. Pursue your dreams if you wish, but if you're going to measure yourself against Cicely, just stay with the Ellis family. We can afford to keep you."

"No need. I've been a thorn in your side for years, and I don't deserve to be a freeloader." With those final words, she turned and left coldly.

Erik's brow knitted in frustration.

Creighton's breathing grew heavy, he sank into the sofa, his head lowered, struggling to get over the hurdle.

The tension in the air thickened, and Brody felt a sense of helplessness beside him. "Sir, perhaps Miss Danielle is just more sensitive since she's an orphan. Her attitude over the years might stem from being hung up on her mother's story."

At the mention of this, both Erik and Creighton's expressions shifted slightly.

"If she's unsatisfied, she should take it up with me. It was solely my decision to stop her mother from entering our family. She has no right to take it out on Cicely."

Brody said no more. Creighton had always worried that living with Erik might make Danielle uncomfortable or even worsen their conflicts, which was why he allowed her to stay, but it hadn't changed anything.

After a while, Creighton sighed and waved his hand dismissively. "Let it go, Dad, don't bother with it anymore. Tonight, Cicely... it didn't lead to irreversible consequences, so let it be."

Again with 'let it be.'

Brody stood aside, watching Creighton's helpless demeanor, feeling a pang of sympathy. Time and again, it was Creighton who made the concessions because of Danielle.

Family skeletons were meant to stay in the closet, and no matter how ruthless, one couldn't cut off their own flesh and blood, especially the only child left by his own brother.

"Sir, perhaps you should stay here for the night. It's getting late." Brody tactfully changed the subject.

Erik, not wanting to go through any more trouble, nodded in agreement.

*

Cicely was placed back into bed by Seth, burrowing beneath the covers.

"I really feel awful right now, so do the smart thing and leave. You must have a lot to deal with, just close the door on your way out."

Seth watched her turn her back to him as usual, standing still for a long while before finally turning to leave.

Exiting the Ellis family home, he took out his phone, which had been vibrating all night. It was filled with calls from Patty. He gave it a cursory glance and then switched it off.

*

The next morning, the events of the previous night had fully fermented and exploded. Negative comments and skeletons from the past were dragged into the light.

Fans of their signed artists were clamoring for contract terminations, and scripts under

Ray’s management faced a near-universal boycott.

The turn of events was within Seth's expectations except for one thing—Ray’s crippled.

He had never considered it.

Even when he decided to use Danielle, he had never thought he'd lay a hand on Ray. But who could have foreseen it would come down to Cicely?

Unacceptable.

He had wanted to shelter her from the darkness and filth of society, keep her untouched by its ugliness. How then could he bear to see her consumed by it?

Destroy Ray? He had wanted to kill him.

Seth sat alone in his office, his expression as frosty as the atmosphere, the room itself felt like it was in the grip of winter.