We Want Mommy Not You Daddy (Cedar) novel Chapter 169

Cedar’s POV

6

I nearly choked on my coffee. Rachel was inviting me to a social

event? The same woman who’d looked at me last night like I was

something stuck to the bottom of her heels?

“I–I’m not sure I understand,” I stammered.

Rachel regarded me with the patient look one might give a

particularly slow child. “You’re unfamiliar with our social circles.

While I’m in Chicago, I’ll introduce you properly. You’ll need to learn

how things work in our world.”

I blinked rapidly. “Our world? I’m sorry, but why would I need to learn

about your social circle?”

“Because you’re clearly ignorant of it, and knowledge is preferable to ignorance,” she replied crisply. “Especially for someone in your position.”

My position as…what? An employee in Nest Design?

“I appreciate the offer,” I said carefully, “but I already have plans

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Chapter 169

tonight, and honestly, I don’t see why learning about high society

would be relevant to my job at Nest Design.”

Rachel’s perfectly shaped eyebrows arched. “This isn’t about your job.

Every woman who becomes a Sterling by marriage must understand

certain social protocols. I’ve researched your background, Ms. Wright.

Adopted by the Wright family, raised in middle–class comfort but

without exposure to our circles. As your future mother–in–law, it falls

to me to provide what your upbringing lacked.”

The world screeched to a halt.

Future WHAT?

I stared at her, mouth opening and closing like a goldfish. Had Rachel

just implied that I was engaged to her son? The same son who barely

tolerated my existence?

“Mrs. Sterling,” I finally managed, heat‘ rushing to my face, “there’s

been a massive misunderstanding. Ridley and I have a strictly

professional relationship. He’s my boss. That’s all.”

Rachel didn’t look convinced. “Is that so? Ridley personally invited

you to my birthday celebration–the first woman he’s brought home in years. You stayed overnight in our family home. The children adore

you. These aren’t the actions of ‘just a boss,‘ Ms. Wright.”

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Chapter 169

Oh God. When she put it that way, I could see how she’d jumped to

that conclusion. But the reality couldn’t be further from the truth.

“Mrs. Sterling, I swear there’s nothing between us!” I was practically

pleading now. “Last night was completely innocent. The children

wouldn’t let me leave, and I—”

I broke off, realizing how pathetic it sounded that I couldn’t say no to

a bunch of kids. But it was the truth.

“I have tremendous respect for your son professionally,” I continued

desperately, “but there’s absolutely no romantic relationship between

1. us. None whatsoever.”

Even as I said it, my traitorous mind flashed to moments that

definitely weren’t purely professional–Ridley’s hands gently applying

medication to my skin, the electric tension when our eyes had met…

No. Those moments meant nothing. They couldn’t.

Rachel’s gaze shifted briefly toward the garden entrance before

returning to me. Her voice softened unexpectedly.

“The children have never connected with anyone the way they have

with you. Aria, especially, needs stability and care. What if I told you I

believe you would make an excellent addition to this family?”

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Chapter 169

“That’s–that’s not possible,” I managed to say, genuinely shocked.

“Your son doesn’t see me that way, and I’ve never even thought about

marrying him.”

Rachel’s expression remained unreadable for several long moments as

she studied me with new intensity. I felt like a specimen under a

microscope, every reaction being cataloged and assessed.

“I see,” she finally said, her tone measured. “Regardless of whatever

relationship you may or may not have with Ridley, your connection to

my grandchildren is undeniable.” She paused, watching me carefully

over the rim of her cup. “I hope this conversation won’t change how

you feel about the children.”

Rachel’s POV

I couldn’t help but notice the silhouette lingering at the garden

entrance–my son’s unmistakable frame–and his abrupt departure

the moment Cedar declared she had no intention of marrying into the

Sterling family. The way he stormed off told me everything I needed

to know.

A smile tugged at my lips as I turned my attention back to the young

woman sitting across from me, her cheeks still flushed with

embarrassment. All these years, and finally, Ridley was showing

genuine emotion toward a woman again. Not the calculated interest

he displayed during business negotiations or the polite detachment

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