We Want Mommy Not You Daddy (Cedar) novel Chapter 132

Chapter 132

Everyone at the table exchanged uncomfortable glances, then

collectively avoided eye contact with me. Their silence told me

everything I needed to know–Ridley had said something cutting. The

previously tense atmosphere had somehow become even more

strained.

Throughout the rest of dinner, I made valiant attempts to revive the

conversation, but it was like trying to resuscitate a dead plant.

Between awkward small talk and nervous laughter, I caught Ridley

watching me several times. Each time, I quickly looked away, focusing

intently on my plate as if the answer to life’s mysteries could be

found in my half–eaten dessert.

After settling the bill, I stepped outside to find everyone from

Marketing had vanished–everyone except Ridley Sterling, who stood

waiting by the entrance, tall and imposing against the Chicago

skyline. My steps faltered, but I forced myself forward with all the

composure I could muster.

“Mr. Sterling, you’re still here?” I asked, trying to sound professional

rather than flustered.

His cool gaze settled on me. “That’s the third sentence you’ve spoken

to me all evening.”

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Heat rushed to my face. He’d been counting. After our explosive

argument last night in my tiny apartment, followed by his outrageous

attempt to gift me a house today, I’d deliberately limited our

interaction. There was a line I couldn’t cross–wouldn’t cross–and

accepting expensive gifts from him was definitely on the wrong side

of that line.

But the fact that he’d noticed, that he’d been counting my words… it

did something strange to my pulse rate.

“It was busy tonight,” I mumbled, rubbing my nose awkwardly. “Lots

going on, you know… ha.”

“Have you visited the apartment the company awarded you?” he

asked, completely ignoring my pathetic excuse.

The mention of the apartment instantly dissolved my facade. Despite

the elaborate pretense that it was a “company reward,” I knew exactly

why Sterling Design Group had suddenly decided to gift properties to

top–performing employees. The reason was standing right in front of

me, watching me with those intense dark eyes.

I’d tried to convince myself it was acceptable to accept it–after all,

nine other employees had received similar “rewards“-but deep down,

I knew I couldn’t move in. I’d been independent my entire life,

working for everything I had. Taking handouts wasn’t in my DNA,

especially not from him.

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“The company will arrange moving services tomorrow for all the

reward recipients,” he stated, studying my profile with that

penetrating gaze.

My fingers tensed reflexively. “That–that won’t be necessary,” I said,

looking up at him abruptly.

I had no intention of moving. My lease wasn’t even up yet.

Ridley stepped closer, his presence suddenly overwhelming. “Cedar,

your attitude suggests you don’t want the company’s reward.”

I could feel the weight of his stare, probing, analyzing. He’d known all

along I wouldn’t accept a direct gift from him. That’s why he’d

disguised it as a company initiative. When that didn’t work, he’d

expanded it to include other employees. He was relentless, and far

too clever.

Meeting his gaze directly, I pressed my lips together before asking the question that had been burning inside me: “Mr. Sterling, let me ask you one thing–is this apartment truly a company reward, or is it

something you’ve orchestrated to give to me?”

I felt exposed asking so directly, but I needed clarity. My question

hung in the cool evening air between us, honest and unfiltered like a

gust of wind across an open field.

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Chapter 132

For a moment, Ridley’s perfect features hardened into an unreadable

mask. Then, surprisingly, his pretense dropped.

“Yes,” he admitted coldly. “It’s a house I’m giving to you.”

My heart sank. Though I’d suspected as much, hearing him confirm it

made me more unsettled. I suddenly feared what might come next.

I dug my nails into my palm, drawing strength from the small pain.

“Mr. Sterling, I can’t accept something so valuable. Please take it

back.”

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