Chapter 147
Rachel’s POV
I saw that flash in Ridley’s eyes–the same look his father had before making decisions no one could undo. For years, Ridley had kept his emotions tightly controlled, but tonight, he was repeatedly losing his
grip. When Sterling men truly lose control…
The consequences are unthinkable.
“Ridley, enough.” My voice finally pulled him back from the precipice.
Daisy didn’t realize she had just been spared. She continued pleading:
“Ridley, I truly love Aria. No one understands her artistic talent like I
do…”
“Security!” I made the decision with swift certainty. “Escort Miss
Black out.”
“No! I won’t go! The Metropolitan Dance Academy needs me for Aria’s
development!” Daisy tried to struggle, but our security detail gave her
no opportunity, removing her with professional efficiency.
I turned to our house staff: “Please take Aria to her room. Have a
1/5
Chapter 147
doctor examine her injuries and provide appropriate care.”
The grand room emptied until only my son and I remained beneath
the crystal chandeliers.
I crossed to him, sighing heavily. “Ridley, I misjudged Daisy’s
character. But ultimately, this was our negligence. If we had paid
more attention to Aria’s withdrawn behavior, how could it have taken
so long to discover what was happening?”
The dangerous glint in Ridley’s eyes gradually subsided.
His jaw remained tightly clenched as he said, “I will investigate
exactly what Daisy did to Aria.”
“This matter certainly needs investigation, but Ridley,” I placed my
hand on his arm, feeling the tension there, “whatever Daisy’s faults,
there was no need for physical confrontation. What worries me most
is you…”
“Mom, I’m fine. You don’t need to worry,” Ridley said gravely.
Fine? He was clearly anything but fine…
The worry I’d carried for years settled more heavily on my shoulders.
2/5
Chapter 147
Ridley would soon turn thirty–one. I couldn’t forget that night when
he was twenty–four and collapsed during the Fischer project.
presentation. When I rushed back from Milan, he was pale as marble,
medical equipment surrounding him in the private hospital suite. In
that moment, I was terrified of losing my son just as I had lost my
husband when Ridley was barely twenty.
Then the doctor delivered the crushing news: Ridley had an
extremely rare blood disorder that could be managed with treatment but gave him perhaps seven years to live. I had to accept fate’s cruelty
while desperately seeking specialists from home and abroad. But
despite all resources at my disposal, the clock continued ticking. Now
we were approaching his final predicted year…
“Mom, I’m perfectly healthy. I’m following the treatment protocol and
avoiding unnecessary risks,” Ridley squeezed my hand. “I promised
you long ago that you wouldn’t have to bury your child.”
My tears fell despite decades of practice at maintaining composure in
crisis.
I covered my mouth, my voice breaking. “Ridley, you’ll be alright, you
will…”
Some phrases, when repeated, only reveal our deepest doubts.
3/5
Chapter 147
VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABEL
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: We Want Mommy Not You Daddy (Cedar)