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 be more confident and lively. The two girls had


    grown more familiar andfortable 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 theputer 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, nting one in


    a hard drive to mess up someone''s system, or hacking intoputers 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 intoputers to steal secrets, those kinds of


    machines are too well-guarded for us to break into. Take ourputers here—our firewalls are


    crafted by top engineers from abroad,missioned 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 ying on the scree. It bore an uncanny resemnce to


    Seth. The character was adorably dressed in a dapper outfit, with dark furrowed brows and a stern,


    haughty expression, strikingly simr to Seth’s typical demeanor.


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


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


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


    The tech yielded his seat and showed her a few gamemands. 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 wasughing her head off. It was hard to imagine the real Seth ever taking a hit.


    She yed the simple game for over half an hour, and if Seth hadn''te looking for her in the


    office, suspecting she was causing chaos in the engineering department, she would have kept


    ying.


    Her giggles echoed through the office space. The tech, whose seat she had taken, watched Seth


    approach with a thunderous expression, then nced at the cartoon Mr. Diaz getting pummeled on


    the screen and felt his legs go weak. "Ma''am."


    N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    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''sputer 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 re. The impact was so intense she blinked rapidly.


    Seth nced 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 suggestivement 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 y 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 ying 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 yground. They work tirelessly to meet deadlines, and


    you''re there distracting them with games?"


    She had noeback 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 nce, 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 tant attempt to change


    the subject.


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


    "Just reminding you to care for your employees."


    He nced 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, ustomed 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, drawlingzily: "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 sry is me. Anger your bread and butter, and you''ve got nowhere to cry


    when you lose your livelihood."


    Cicely grimaced and nced 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 ns 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 thetest. 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 uing wedding.


    They were particrly 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."


    Emilianaughed, "You want him in a dress?"


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


    "Wow, he spoils you that much?"


    Cicely let out a proud "Hmph," "You just realized?"


    In the cinema lobby, they passed by posters of movie stars, each more morous than thest.


    Emiliana had some fame by now, and to avoid unnecessary trouble, she wore a hat.


    The waiting area was bustling. They grabbed their tickets and nced over the stars on the


    promotional boards—several were talents under C&P.


    "Well, that reminds me, I saw Danielle at the studio today. We were switching sets, and her crew


    happened to be there," Emiliana recalled, likely spurred by the electronic posters.


    Cicely didn''t react much, "Considering it''s the biggest studio in P City and you''re both actors,


    bumping into each other isn''t odd."


    Emiliana nodded, "I saw their costumes and crew today, sovish. You can tell it''s a top-notch


    production."


    Cicely cracked a smile, "If he promised to help out, he wouldn''t skimp. But a top-tier production, that


    I didn''t expect."


    "Well, he''s repaying a favor. Mr. Diaz''s favors are bound to be grand."


    "That’s true," Cicely agreed with a raised eyebrow.


    "But I also saw some high-profiledy at the set visiting Danielle. Danielle''s got scenes tonight, so


    she''ll probably rest over the weekend. Let''s drop it, no point dwelling on it when you’re about to


    announce your wedding to the world. Come on, let''s find our seats."


    Cicely could guess who Emiliana was referring to, but she really didn''t want to talk about Danielle.


    She nodded and let Emiliana pull her along.


    After the movie, it was nine o''clock. Cicely had called Issac, so as they stepped out of the cinema,


    they went straight to the car.


    "Take us to Diaz International."


    "Got it."


    *


    The whole building was eerily quiet over the weekend. Cicely, often visiting Diaz International,


    naturally had her own ess card. Leading Emiliana through the elevator straight to the top floor,


    they headed for Seth''s office.


    Emiliana was somewhat astonished, "I thought we were to see the wedding dress. Why are we at


    Mr. Diaz''spany?"


    "Of course, we''re here for the dress, but who knew he''d decide to store them at his office?"


    While she said that, Cicely figured the man probably just wanted to corner her in the lounge. They


    entered Seth''s office, flicking on the lights, and the room was instantly bathed in brightness.


    It was Emiliana''s first time here, and even without Seth present, she couldn''t help but feel tense.


    The office''s decor and arrangement screamed grandeur and formality. Of course, that was if you


    ignored the little table next to the big desk. It was covered with girlish trinkets, a plush cushion on


    the chair, and pink cartoon mats.


    As the thought of Cicely cooped up in this ce crossed her mind, Emiliana couldn''t suppress a


    chuckle.


    "What''s so funny?"


    "Just picturing you holed up next to him at work cracks me up. But do you actually get any work


    done? I can''t imagine it. All I see is you sitting there, shuffling a deck of cards out of sheer


    boredom."


    Cicely grimaced dismissively, "The affairs of Diaz International aren''t my concern. What else am I


    supposed to do if not y solitaire?"


    "Ha, you''ve got a point there." Laughter brought tears to Emiliana''s eyes.


    Cicely grabbed a decorative pillow from the chair and hurled it at her, "Laugh all you want, but let''s


    see you try."


    Emiliana waved her hands frantically, "No, no, I''m not up for that. Alright, alright, show me the


    wedding dress."


    With a huff, Cicely moved to a concealed door in the lounge area and pushed it open. Her


    expression froze for a moment.


    "Why aren''t we going in..." Emiliana couldn''t wait and squeezed past into the room, but her words


    stopped short.


    After a pause, she turned back with a mischievous wink. "You two got up to some naughty business


    this afternoon, didn''t you?"


    The disarrayed bed was a testament to their passionate encounter. A blush crept up Cicely''s ears.


    Emiliana knew she had hit the nail on the head and stepped forward, peering around the corner of a


    cab. She gasped. "Oh my God!"


    She pped a hand over her mouth, scurrying to the center of the lounge where the wedding dress


    was disyed, now illuminated under the brightest lights, even more stunning than it had been in


    the afternoon.


    "Is that all diamonds? I''m getting dizzy just looking."


    "The bell sleeves are gorgeous."


    "And that veil, so lush and long."


    "Actual silver thread embroidery, unbelievable."


    "The design is just exquisite."


    Emiliana''s reaction to the stunning bridal gown was anything but an overstatement.


    Cicely snorted with an air of pride, "Did you expect anything less for my wedding dress? Only you


    get the sneak peek before the big day."


    Emiliana nodded, snapping a few high-resolution photos with her phone. "I can''t wait to see you


    wear it at the wedding. You''re going to be breathtaking."


    Cicely snorted again, "Don''t share those pictures, okay? Wait until I''m wearing it on the wedding


    day."


    "Okay. For such a beautiful dress, you must have repaid the favor in kind, right?"


    Cicely shot her a re, "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 runningte 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 arete, 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 disy. 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 apact mirror and started touching up


    her makeup. She had ns 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 shutpletely, and Emiliana couldn''t tell if Cicely heard herst 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''srgest 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 wasing back for it thiste, 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 sh of a smartphone''s shlight 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 ess to thepany?


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


    urgency.


    Cicely then noticed the Bluetooth earpiece, asionally winking blue in the intruder''s ear. Were


    theymunicating with someone inside thepany?


    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 exined 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. y any tricks


    on me, and you''ll be picking out a coffin for your son."


    That voice...


    Cicely frowned, a tinge of recognition shing 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


    nning aeback or something more extreme. Clearly, he had opted for thetter.


    Camden''s sudden no-show at work wasn''t due to ack of time to call in sick, but because Ray had


    threatened him with his son''s life.


    At the annualpany gathering, Ray had vowed to make Seth pay, and now it seemed he was


    executing his sinister n.


    Seth''s software development was well-known within thepany, 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 beforepletion to either steal the program or destroy it. Then, everything


    that Diaz International and Seth had worked for woulde 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 toe up when suddenly, her ringtone sliced through the


    silence of the empty office space, the sound echoing off the walls.


    Cicely''s mind went nk.


    A blinding light suddenly hit her face, and she squinted, drawing a deep breath. She raised her


    hand to shield her eyes from the re and answered the call.