The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride novel Chapter 2045

While waiting for a coder to work his magic on her code, Cicely's phone buzzed with a new message. She checked it to find a text from Emiliana. [Sorry, just finished my scene. The wedding dress is gorgeous. I adore it just from the photos, dying to see it in person.]

Emiliana's response touched on every girl's soft spot. Cicely was naturally thrilled that her wedding dress was the envy of another girl. [Come over and see it then,] she texted back.

[Can't tonight, I'm free tomorrow night though. How about then?]

Emiliana's message was followed by a string of emojis.

Cicely raised an eyebrow, [Tomorrow's Friday. Alright, we'll have dinner and then take a look.]

[Yay!!! Love you!!]d2

[Sure. Dismissed.]

[Got it, your Highness.]

Ever since her career took off, Emiliana had become more confident and lively. The two girls had grown more familiar and comfortable with each other.

There were no replies from Creighton and Erik. Cicely had gotten used to it, wondering if older folks just weren't into texting back.

She pocketed her phone and turned her attention back to the computer screen. "Are we almost there?"

"Just two more minutes, ma'am."

"Okay." She propped up her chin, bored. "Do you tech guys ever write viruses? Like, planting one in a hard drive to mess up someone's system, or hacking into computers to steal trade secrets?"

"We do write viruses, but it's rare and targeted. We’re mostly into software development or upgrading and reinforcing firewalls. As for hacking into computers to steal secrets, those kinds of machines are too well-guarded for us to break into. Take our computers here—our firewalls are crafted by top engineers from abroad, commissioned by Mr. Diaz. We're well-protected, no worries."

"I see," Cicely murmured, "so if there's corporate espionage, it must be an inside job?"

"That's correct, but that's a crime. No one would dare."

"Right."

"It's ready, ma'am."

"Huh?"

Her eyes moved to the cartoon character playing on the scree. It bore an uncanny resemblance to Seth. The character was adorably dressed in a dapper outfit, with dark furrowed brows and a stern, haughty expression, strikingly similar to Seth’s typical demeanor.

She couldn't help but laugh, "So this is how you see Seth, huh?"

The tech sat upright, "Mr. Diaz is a commanding leader. Please go easy on him, ma'am."

Cicely laughed out loud and said, "Move over. Let me try."

The tech yielded his seat and showed her a few game commands. With a few clicks, her character threw punches with "pow, pow, pow" sounds, and the face of mini Seth could even swell up a bit.

Cicely was laughing her head off. It was hard to imagine the real Seth ever taking a hit.

She played the simple game for over half an hour, and if Seth hadn't come looking for her in the office, suspecting she was causing chaos in the engineering department, she would have kept playing.

Her giggles echoed through the office space. The tech, whose seat she had taken, watched Seth approach with a thunderous expression, then glanced at the cartoon Mr. Diaz getting pummeled on the screen and felt his legs go weak. "Ma'am."

Cicely, engrossed in the game, ignored him.

"Mr. Seth..."

The "pow, pow, pow" continued. The office, which had been filled with the sound of typing, fell silent, making Cicely's computer sound even louder.

Realizing something was off, she sensed a chilling presence behind her. As she turned, she locked eyes with Seth's dark, ominous glare. The impact was so intense she blinked rapidly.

Seth glanced at the screen, his voice icy, "Having fun?"

"Yeah."

"Enjoying it?"

"Sorta."

He chuckled, a sound that sent shivers down her spine. "Should I thank you for getting yourself so excited?"

Cicely was speechless. This man had the nerve to make such a suggestive comment in public.

Seth grabbed her arm, lifting her from her seat, "Let's continue at home."

"No need, I've had my fill. Don't wanna play anymore."

He held her close, his hand tight against her skin, and she felt herself weaken. "I should try harder when you're this happy."

Under everyone's gaze, Seth whisked Cicely away.

The staff of engineering department collectively exhaled in relief. Thank heavens!

*

In the car, Cicely put as much distance between herself and Seth as possible. "I was just playing a game. Stop looking for excuses to pick on me."

Charlie couldn't help but chuckle at Cicely's scrunched-up figure as he started the car and let the couple bicker.

"The engineering department isn't some playground. They work tirelessly to meet deadlines, and you're there distracting them with games?"

She had no comeback for that. "I was there to boost morale, and I realized they really do work hard. You should consider giving them a raise."

"They're paid for their work, but now they have to entertain you too. A raise does seem fair."

Cicely pouted, "It's really because you're the bully. They're just taking the fall for you. You owe them that raise."

"Am I bullying you?" Seth gave her a sidelong glance, pulling her close and resting his hand on her neck, his voice teasing. "How have I bullied you, hm?"

Cicely held her breath, "Did you know Camden called in sick today?" A blatant attempt to change the subject.

Seth's eyes narrowed slightly, "And that concerns you?"

"Just reminding you to care for your employees."

He glanced at her briefly, then turned to Charlie as traffic slowed, "Call Camden."

"Sure."

They came to a red light. Charlie quickly dialed Camden's number.

The phone rang for a good ten seconds before it was answered, the car's Bluetooth speaker crackling to life. "Hello, Charlie, is that you?"

Camden's voice sounded a tad frazzled, prompting Charlie to ask, "What's up, Camden? Something wrong?"

"No, it's just that some emergency came up, and I didn't have time to call in sick. You're here on behalf of Mr. Diaz, aren't you?"

Charlie's tone was even, "Not that. Mr. Diaz is right here. You can speak to him directly."

"For real? You are with Mr. Diaz..."

"What's so urgent that you don't even have a minute to call and ask for time off?" Seth's deep and stern voice cut through the air, while Cicely, accustomed to such scenes, merely watched as Camden's trembling voice grew even weaker on the other end.

"I'm truly sorry, Mr. Diaz, it won't happen again. It's just that I might not be able to make it back for a couple of days, and I was hoping to take this opportunity to ask for a few more days off."

"Tomorrow's Friday, and then it's the weekend. You can't make it back in three days?"

"Three days should do it, that's plenty. Thank you, Mr. Diaz."

"Alright."

After hanging up, Cicely lounged back against the cushion, drawling lazily: "Camden's got to be ten years older than you, and yet, just a phone call and you've got him stuttering and shaking like he's about to cry."

"The one paying his hefty salary is me. Anger your bread and butter, and you've got nowhere to cry when you lose your livelihood."

Cicely grimaced and glanced out the window at a couple of girls walking side by side, each with an ice cream in hand.

Yeah, she could have ice cream with Emiliana tomorrow.

Tomorrow, Emiliana.

"Oh right, I won't be joining you for dinner tomorrow night. I've got plans with Emiliana."

"What time will you be back?"

"Not sure. Emiliana rarely gets out, so dinner, a movie, or maybe just hang out somewhere? I'll be home before midnight for sure."

"Be back by ten at the latest. Otherwise, don't bother going out."

Cicely, "Do I not get to have a nightlife?"

"Am I not providing you with a satisfying nightlife?"

"Cough, cough, cough." Charlie, who was driving with utmost seriousness, choked unexpectedly.

Jesus. He hadn't anticipated this side of Mr. Diaz.

Cicely's cheeks burned as if scalded by boiling water. Decency masked in indecency was the most shameless of all.

*

Cicely had made a reservation at the restaurant Seth had taken her to on the day Danielle was discharged from the hospital. Emiliana naturally gave it rave reviews as well.

After dinner, they spontaneously decided to catch a movie. The cinema was just two blocks away from the restaurant. They bought a couple of ice creams and enjoyed them while taking a leisurely stroll.

The summer nights were bustling with life. The square was crowded, and most of their conversation revolved around Cicely's upcoming wedding.

They were particularly focused on the bridesmaids and groomsmen.

"For bridesmaid, you. For groomsman, Issac's a given."

"Shouldn't the groomsmen be Mr. Diaz's call?"

"Hmm... the more the merrier! If not, Issac can just join my squad of bridesmaids."

Emiliana laughed, "You want him in a dress?"

"I'm afraid if I actually suggest it, he might just be up for it."

Cicely shot her a glare, "Are you done? If so, let's go."

Emiliana shook her head, reluctant to leave the dress's side, "I could look at it all night and it still wouldn't be enough."

"Then keep looking. I'm out of here."

"Hey, wait for me..."

Though Emiliana was loath to leave, she couldn't really stay all night. "You just got here and you're already rushing off."

"I'm running late as it is." Cicely grabbed her purse from the couch, clearly annoyed.

"Late for what?"

"He wants me back by ten."

Emiliana raised an eyebrow, "That strict, huh?"

Cicely sighed deeply, as if the curfew was her idea of fun.

"We're not doing anything wrong. Even if you are late, what's Mr. Diaz gonna do, eat you alive? A little charm, perhaps flirt a little, and all's well. Simple."

Cicely opened the office door, "I hope you get a boyfriend someday and have to 'flirt a little' to keep him happy."

The two reached the elevator, and just as Cicely was about to press the button, her hand froze in mid-air, her gaze fixed on the display. Emiliana pressed the down button herself, "What's wrong?"

The elevator was on the top floor, and upon opening, Emiliana urged her, "Come on."

Cicely entered, deep in thought.

Emiliana hit the button for the ground floor, then pulled out a compact mirror and started touching up her makeup. She had plans to drag Cicely to a bar for a drink.

The elevator doors closed and the elevator began to run, and when it reached the fifteenth floor, Cicely suddenly reached down and pressed the floor number for the twelfth floor.

The elevator halted almost immediately.

The doors parted, and Cicely stepped out just as they were closing, leaving Emiliana to catch only a glimpse of her retreating figure. "This is the twelfth floor!"

"Wait for me downstairs."

The doors shut completely, and Emiliana couldn't tell if Cicely heard her last words.

The twelfth floor was familiar to Cicely, second only to Seth's office at Diaz International – it housed the Engineering Department.

Earlier, all three elevators had been on the ground floor when she and Emiliana ascended. The other two should have remained there, so why had one stopped at the twelfth?

The Engineering Department was home to Diaz International's largest project, Seth's brainchild, two years in the making. The software was in the final stages of coding. Any leak or malicious sabotage could be a deathblow to Diaz International. There was no room for error.

If someone had left something crucial behind and was coming back for it this late, it would be one thing. Or maybe someone was just a workaholic with nothing better to do. The thought made Cicely scoff. Such employees couldn't possibly exist, could they? But if they did, why was the vast Engineering Department dark, not a single light on?

Cicely tiptoed through the foyer and down the hallway to the entrance of the Engineering office. Inside, the flash of a smartphone's flashlight caught her eye. She watched from a hidden angle as the figure rummaged through the workstations, searching for something in a sneaky manner.

The intruder's actions tightened Cicely's chest with apprehension. This couldn't be an insider. But who else could have a security badge for free access to the company?

"Where's your office?" The stranger sounded nervous, a muffled voice tinged with anger and urgency.

Cicely then noticed the Bluetooth earpiece, occasionally winking blue in the intruder's ear. Were they communicating with someone inside the company?

Office? Only Camden had a private office in the Engineering Department.

Remembering Camden's tremulous voice on the phone that afternoon, Cicely was beginning to realize something. That explained how the stranger had a security badge.

Apparently, Camden had told the stranger something significant, and the figure headed straight for Camden's office.

"Camden, I'm warning you, that file path you gave me better not have any mistakes. Play any tricks on me, and you'll be picking out a coffin for your son."

That voice...

Cicely frowned, a tinge of recognition flashing in her mind. Was that Ray?!

The image of Ray's face suddenly merged with the pair of eyes she'd seen lurking behind the hospital door when she had picked up Danielle from being discharged. A sharp pain pulsed at the center of Cicely's forehead.

All the pieces of information started connecting in her mind.

Joel had mentioned that Ray dropped out of school and sold his properties. He was probably planning a comeback or something more extreme. Clearly, he had opted for the latter.

Camden's sudden no-show at work wasn't due to a lack of time to call in sick, but because Ray had threatened him with his son's life.

At the annual company gathering, Ray had vowed to make Seth pay, and now it seemed he was executing his sinister plan.

Seth's software development was well-known within the company, and if Ray wanted to find out, he certainly could have. It was no secret that this project meant the world to Diaz International. So, he chose the moment right before completion to either steal the program or destroy it. Then, everything that Diaz International and Seth had worked for would come tumbling down.

The Ray of today was clearly no different from a desperado. She wasn't foolish enough to face him alone.

She reached for her phone to text Issac to come up when suddenly, her ringtone sliced through the silence of the empty office space, the sound echoing off the walls.

Cicely's mind went blank.

A blinding light suddenly hit her face, and she squinted, drawing a deep breath. She raised her hand to shield her eyes from the glare and answered the call.