We Want Mommy Not You Daddy (Cedar) novel Chapter 12

Cedar’s POV

As Ridley left the room, I tugged at the sleeves of his expensive suit jacket draped over my shoulders, feeling both grateful for the protection it provided and uncomfortable with its obvious luxury. The fabric alone costs more than my entire wardrobe.

Suddenly, I heard a flurry of rapid footsteps in the corridor. Security personnel, perhaps? After what had just happened with Brad Wilson, I couldn’t bring myself to care. My body still trembled slightly from the encounter, though Mr. Sterling’s intervention had prevented the worst from happening. The memory made my stomach clench.

I supported myself and walked slowly to the elevator. As the elevator doors closed, I leaned against the wall and exhaled slowly. The contract with the Wilson Group was definitely lost now. With it went my chance at the eight million dollars needed to buy my freedom from the Wright family. My shoulders

sagged under the weight of this realization. Back to square one.

The lobby seemed to stretch endlessly as I made my way through it, keeping my eyes fixed on the exit. A few curious glances came my way–a disheveled woman in a torn dress covered by a man’s designer suit jacket wasn’t exactly inconspicuous. I quickened my pace, desperate for fresh air.

Outside, I hailed a cab and gave the driver my address in Wicker Park. He eyed me in the rearview mirror, no doubt taking in my state of disarray, but

thankfully remained silent.

My fingers traced the edge of Ridley Sterling’s jacket lapel, the memory of his sudden intervention still vivid in my mind. One moment I’d been trapped in

Brad Wilson’s grip, fear paralyzing me as I realized how quickly a professional meeting had descended into something terrifying–and the next, Ridley

Sterling had appeared like some modern–day knight, his voice cutting through the room with icy authority.

That brief moment when our eyes met as he draped his jacket over my shoulders–I’d seen something unexpected there. Not pity, thankfully, but something

deeper I couldn’t quite name.

It was the second time he helped me. How can I repay him? He mentioned that he owned the building. And he’s the CEO of Sterling Group. The disparity

between us couldn’t be more obvious. Maybe he needs nothing back from me. But I can’t just let this go unacknowledged.

I’d return his jacket personally, I decided. No assistants or messengers. Whatever came of it–even if it was just a polite dismissal–at least I’d have the

chance to thank him face to face properly.

The taxi passed the business area where our company was located, reality crashed back down. The Wilson contract was dead. Completely fallen through after

tonight’s disaster.

“How am I going to come up with eight million dollars now?” I whispered to myself, watching the city blur past the window. The agreement with the Wrights required that sum in exchange for my complete independence–my chance to break free from their manipulation and control. Without it, I’d remain tethered to them, my designs and ideas forever at their mercy.

When the cab pulled up outside my apartment building, I paid the driver and stepped out, adjusting the oversized jacket around me. The familiar sight of my aging brownstone offered little comfort today. I made my way to the entrance, fumbling for my keys as I reached the door.

Just as I was about to insert my key into the lock, I heard quick, uneven footsteps approaching from behind. Turning around, I saw a small figure running up the sidewalk toward the building.

‘Mommy!” he cried, his voice breathless as he sprinted the final few steps to reach me.

‘Oliver?” I gasped, immediately taking in his appearance.

3:49 pm D M

Chapter 12

His face was smudged with dirt, cheeks flushed pink from exertion. His clothes were rumpled and dirty, so unlike his usual neat appearance. He looked as though he’d been running for some time, small chest heaving with each breath.

I knelt down, momentarily forgetting my own disheveled state. ‘Oliver, what happened to you? Are you okay?”

‘I’m okay… and Mommy, that jacket looks…” he hesitated, then seemed to change his mind about what he was going to say. “Why are you wearing it?

“You know this jacket?‘ I asked, noticing his curious reaction.

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weird how she can keep a child in her place without informing the child’s father or reporting to police, what if she’s accused of kidnapping or child neglect. even the child sees to his own meals.

7 days ago

✩ 2