We Want Mommy Not You Daddy (Cedar) novel Chapter 133

Chapter 133

Cedar’s POV

I held out the key to return it to him. “Mr. Sterling, now that I know

the ‘company reward‘ story was fabricated, I definitely can’t accept

this key. Whatever this is…”

Ridley cast a cold glance at the key in my palm. “This isn’t exactly a

free gift, Cedar. Yes, I created a pretext to offer you the apartment, but my reasons remain practical.” His deep voice carried that characteristic chill I was becoming all too familiar with.

I bit my lip, trying to keep my composure. I should have known this

man had ulterior motives.

Taking a deep breath, I straightened my shoulders. “Mr. Sterling, I’m willing to fulfill any professional requests to your satisfaction. But anything outside of work…” I hesitated, choosing my words carefully.

“I’m afraid I must decline.”

“Hmph.” Ridley let out a sharp laugh, his lips curling into an amused

smirk. “Cedar, you’re not actually thinking this apartment is some

kind of romantic gesture, are you?”

1/7

Chapter 133

My face instantly burned. While I hadn’t explicitly thought that, what

else was I supposed to think when a man offers a woman an

apartment? I might not have much dating experience, but I wasn’t

completely naive about these things.

“Don’t flatter yourself,” he continued, his voice smooth as ice. “There

are two reasons I’m giving you this apartment. First, your work

performance has been exceptional, and this is recognition of that. Second, I need you to take special care with Aria, and this is a token

of my appreciation.”

Hearing his explanation, my blush deepened from embarrassment. Was I being conceited? I’d never considered myself vain before…

I lifted my chin, attempting to appear composed. “Mr. Sterling, I’ll

continue to do my best with my work. As for Aria…” I softened my

voice, “even without an apartment, I would give her my full attention

and care. So please, take back your offer.”

“If you don’t accept the apartment, you won’t be seeing Aria,” he

stated, his dark eyes fixed on mine.

Was this man so wealthy that he felt the need to force expensive gifts

on people? It seemed absurd. And now he was using Aria as leverage

to make me comply. He really knew exactly where to hit.

2/7

Chapter 133

I sighed, rubbing my temple. “Fine, I’ll accept the apartment. But

please arrange for me to see Aria soon.”

Seeing my acquiescence, the corner of Ridley’s cold lips finally curved

upward slightly.

“Let’s go see the place,” he said, already striding ahead while I

followed silently behind.

The apartment was far nicer than anything I could afford on my own.

It wasn’t exorbitant for someone of Ridley’s wealth, but its urban

location made it appealing to white–collar workers. The building had

been completed for nearly two years, yet many units remained

unoccupied.

For me, however, this place was paradise compared to my old

apartment in the run–down building I’d been living in since college.

– It was everything I could dream of: elevator access, 1,500 square feet,

a spacious balcony, and floor–to–ceiling windows showcasing

Chicago’s breathtaking skyline. The city lights reflected off Lake

Michigan in the distance, creating a tapestry of shimmering beauty.

Despite my initial reluctance, I fell in love with the apartment the

moment I stepped inside. It was more perfect than any home I’d ever

imagined for myself.

3/7

Chapter 133

I noticed Ridley’s smile deepening as he watched my reaction. Did

giving gifts actually bring him joy? It seemed so out of character for

someone so cold.

We spent half an hour touring the apartment before leaving. My cheeks remained flushed with excitement I couldn’t suppress.

Ridley teased me. “Wasn’t it you who said she didn’t want this

apartment?”

My face reddened further. “That was then, this is now. Besides, you’ve

already give me the key. I changed my mind.”

We walked out of the building and had just reached the entrance.

when a car suddenly pulled up in front of us.

“Ridley? I thought that was you!” The window rolled down, revealing

a handsome face with sharp features.

Ridley raised an eyebrow. “Ethan. What are you doing prowling

around here this late?”

“Just out for a drink,” the man replied, pushing open his car door and

stepping out. “But you–not working late for once and out with a

woman? That’s the real surprise here.”

4/7

trepnized ham immediately from design industry ew* $6

Endisimuation to his firm, and now here he wwe, piking with we as we

Ethan casually draped an arm over Midleye shoulder, his eyes Getting

Hey, Ridley, aren’t you going to introduce me to this lovely lady?

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify