We Want Mommy Not You Daddy (Cedar) novel Chapter 130

Chapter 130

“If Mr. Sterling comes over, would any of you actually be able to eat

normally?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

“Who cares about food when Mr. Sterling is at your table?” one of the

female designers gushed. “I’ve never seen him up close before. In the

company photos, his eyelashes look impossibly long. I’d love to see if

they’re really as perfect as they seem…”

Jane rolled her eyes. “Mr. Sterling isn’t someone you can just ‘invite

over‘ on a whim.”

One of the male analysts nodded in agreement. “Have you seen his

intimidating presence? Look at the tech department–they’re all

sitting there like frightened rabbits, barely touching their food. I

certainly wouldn’t want to share a meal with him. Besides, it’s already

surprising enough that someone of his caliber is at a place like this.

Inviting him over? Keep dreaming.”

“Let’s just enjoy our lunch,” I said, hoping to end the conversation.

But just as I thought the matter was settled, Victoria abruptly set

down her fork, stood up, and dabbed her lips with her napkin. “Since

everyone’s so curious, I’ll go ask him myself.”

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Before anyone could respond, she was already walking toward the

tech department’s table, leaving the rest of us in shocked silence.

“Is she serious? We were just joking around!” someone whispered.

“She’s new here–does she not understand how intimidating Mr.

Sterling is? He’s going to completely ignore her!”

“This is going to be so awkward, I can’t even watch.”

“Five dollars says he treats her like she’s invisible.”

“There’s absolutely no way he’s coming over here.”

While everyone speculated excitedly, I felt an unexpected knot

forming in my stomach. My fingers tightened around my fork as I

took a deep breath to steady myself.

Then came the collective gasps.

“No way!”

“Holy shit, Victoria actually convinced him!”

“Since when is Sterling so… approachable?”

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“Everyone shut up, he’s coming!”

The table fell silent immediately. I slowly raised my head to see

Ridley walking toward our table with purposeful strides. A small, irrational part of my brain whispered that his acceptance might have

something to do with my presence here…

I immediately squashed that ridiculous thought. When had I become so self–centered? Overinflated ego was never a good look on anyone.

“Good afternoon, Mr. Sterling,” everyone chorused, standing up in

unison as he approached our table.

Ridley gave a slight nod. “This is a casual lunch. No need for

formalities. Please, sit down.”

No one dared to sit while he remained standing.

“Mr. Sterling, there’s an empty seat right here,” Victoria said, her

voice honeyed with admiration. Her eyes sparkled as she looked up at him, clearly proud of her accomplishment.

Her smile widened as she began clearing a space beside her, but

before she could finish-

Ridley smoothly pulled out the chair next to me and sat down. “This

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seat works fine,” he said coolly

I watched Jane’s eyes go wide–that was her seat! She’d just gone to

wash her hands. She opened her mouth to say something, but another

colleague quickly pulled her away,

Meanwhile, I sat frozen, unable to process what had just happened.

Of all the places he could have chosen to sit, why did he pick the

chair right next to mine?

He just sit there, seemed oblivious of my embarrassment. And I

couldn’t focus on anything. Not the food, not the conversation,

nothing.

As design director, letting this awkward silence continue seemed

unprofessional, but every time I glanced his way, memories of last

night’s humiliating encounter flooded back.

“Mr. Sterling,” I said, grabbing an empty plate and standing up,

“would you like some fruit? I’m heading to the buffet section.”

I didn’t even wait for his response before slipping away. The cool air

between the tables felt like freedom compared to the suffocating

tension of sitting next to him.