The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride novel Chapter 2013

Slipping out of his shoes, Seth casually shrugged off his jacket as Patty stood up, turning to face him with a questioning look. "Where's Cicely?"

“Why are you looking for her?”

"Don't play dumb with me." Patty's cold voice cut him off sharply. "I know you two have shacked up together. I told you the other night, as long as you agreed to get Danielle a spot on the show, I'd turn a blind eye to your antics. But what did you do? You get Danielle on set, and Cicely throws a fit, slapping her in front of everyone and trying to force her to leave. You were there—you know what went down. The Ellis family may spoil her rotten, but why should I?"

"I told you I wouldn't meddle in your affairs as long as you kept your word about Danielle. But this? This is a whole different ball game. If you don't know how to break it to her, then I will."

Patty's gaze followed Seth as he entered the house without a moment's pause, heading straight to the kitchen. He grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and turned to see the untouched dinner on the table.

He hesitated for a moment, then walked back out.d2

"Are you even listening to me?!" Patty's voice rose, her emotions teetering on the edge of control.

"Look, I did agree to bring her onto the show. But what happens after that? You didn't specify, and I'm not obligated to baby her if she gets roughed up.

"If she's decided to join this industry, then she's got to toughen up. Today it's Cicely, and there will be someone else tomorrow. Let's face it, she didn't get in on talent. People will always whisper about the backdoor deals and the talent squeezed out because of her. Might as well get used to it."

Patty's brows knitted together. "So I should be thanking Cicely for slapping Danielle, is that it?"

Seth set the water bottle on a cabinet by the balcony, his indifferent gaze landing on Patty. "Cicely wouldn't hit her for no reason. If it was just about bringing her on set, she wouldn't lose her cool like that."

"There's no good reason to hit someone!" Patty retorted, her distaste for Seth's obvious bias was almost visceral.

Seth's eyes turned icy. "Then go ask Danielle. Would she rather it be Cicely who hit her, or would she prefer if I'd done it myself?"

Patty gasped, "You..."

"Cicely wouldn't lay a finger on her just because of the show. While you're busy feeling sorry for Danielle, maybe consider why she was hit in the first place."

Seth clearly wanted to end the conversation. "Tell her to straighten up. I didn't commit to her even when times were good, let alone now with her constant scheming. It only makes me dislike her more. And as for our relationship," he gestured between them, "I'm sure you can distinguish it from what she has with you. Let's not let her come between us, okay?"

Stunned by Seth's cold words, Patty took a moment to collect herself. "So what about the internet fiasco today? Not only was she slapped, but now the whole web is mocking her as a 'pretty face with no talents', and the show's reputation is tanking. You're not going to hold Cicely accountable?"

"And who should I hold accountable? If Danielle hadn't joined the cast, none of this would've happened. Don't make me list every little thing to prove that you can't get favors for her through me."

Patty frowned in confusion, watching him. "Seth, you told me you'd never fall for Cicely. You promised there would be no future between you two. Better not get in too deep. You're defending her too much, downplaying the issue, always making excuses for her. Did she confess something to you? It's clear as day that she orchestrated the online mess to get back at you for bringing Danielle in. It's all about her own twisted jealousy. Otherwise, why would Danielle be targeted out of the blue? Anyone could guess that Cicely's behind it all—who else could pull such strings?"

Seth pursed his lips, his brow furrowed as if contemplating something obvious.

"Seth, if you really don't want to hurt her, break it off now. Otherwise, if you catch feelings, or she falls harder, it'll hurt you both even more."

"Isn't that what you'd prefer to see?" Seth moved from the balcony towards her. "If there's nothing else, I'll take you home."

Patty, feeling like she hadn't vented her frustrations, walked to the door in a daze, then suddenly turned. "So, where's Cicely? Isn't she living with you? Why didn't I see her today?"

"She went back to the Ellis family."

"Having a spat?"

"Yeah."

"You sure are patient with her."

With a driver waiting, Seth opened the car door, helping Patty in.

"You're not going back for dinner?" Patty looked out the rolled-down window.

Seth smirked. "Now you remember I haven't had dinner?"

A bit sheepish, Patty replied, "I was too upset."