Chapter 135
Cedar’s POV
The Sterling mansion stood majestically in Chicago’s Gold Coast
neighborhood, the epitome of wealth and privilege. As my Uber
pulled up to the wrought iron gates, I couldn’t help but gawk at the
prawling property that must have been at least 30,000 square feet. A
magnificent swimming pool stretched across the front, while
extensive gardens and what appeared to be a custom–designed
playground occupied the back.
The nearest neighboring estate was at least a quarter mile away. I bet
it would take me half an hour just to walk from one end of this place
to the other. The world of the wealthy truly existed in a different
dimension.
I stepped out of the car, carefully balancing on my rarely–worn heels as I made my way toward the entrance. I had expected a grand affair for the evening, but noticed only six vehicles parked in the circular driveway. Just as Ridley had said, this was an intimate gathering- likely only for close family members celebrating his mother’s
birthday,
Someone like me didn’t belong in a place like this. But I wasn’t one to be easily intimidated. I walked confidently toward the mansion. Just
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Chapter 135
as I approached the entrance, I spotted two familiar figures–Daisy
and little Aria.
Seeing Aria standing there, seemingly unharmed, released days of
anxiety that had been building inside me. I quickened my pace, eager
to greet the little girl, when-
Daisy’s icy voice carried through the evening air.
“…I’m telling you one more time, I don’t care what method you use,
but you need to stay overnight here…”
“…Stop looking down and ignoring me. I know you understand what I
mean. Answer me now…”
Yet Aria kept her head down, silent.
Aria’s silence only seemed to fuel Daisy’s anger. She grabbed Aria’s arm, her porcelain–white fingers reaching under the child’s armpit`
and pinching hard.
“What are you doing?” I shouted, horrified.
Secretly pinching a child–how cruel could this woman be? And her movements were so practiced–clearly this wasn’t the first time.
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Chapter 135
I rushed forward and pulled the motionless Aria into my arms. The
child, who had been standing like a small statue, suddenly
transformed in my embrace. Her eyes lit up like sunshine breaking
through storm clouds.
Daisy’s POV
Idn’t miss the way Aria’s face lit up when she saw Cedar.
My irritation intensified. How dare she?
“Someone get over here and remove this woman!” I commanded, my
voice sharp with authority, my expression fierce.
She’d tried to take Aria from me multiple times already. Did she really
think she could just waltz in here and challenge me? I’d been part of
the Sterling household for ten years. All my connections and relationships were rooted here. And now this woman had the audacity
to invade my territory?
“Aria, come here,” I ordered coldly, my voice carrying an unmistakable
threat.
The child in Cedar’s arms trembled noticeably.
Cedar held Aria tighter and looked directly at me. “Is this how you
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