We Want Mommy Not You Daddy (Cedar) novel Chapter 170

Chapter 170

This was progress. Unexpected, but welcome.

“Since we’ve cleared up that misunderstanding, you can relax now,

Ms. Wright,” I said, studying her with renewed interest.

Cedar’s shoulders visibly loosened as she exhaled. “Thank you for

understanding, Mrs. Sterling. I was worried you might think I was…”

“Opportunistic? Hardly.” I reached for the elegantly wrapped box on

the Italian marble table between us. The morning light filtering

through the conservatory glass caught the gold embossing on the

pale blue packaging. “This is a token of our appreciation. I had my

assistant select it specially.”

Cedar’s eyes widened as I slid the box toward her. “Oh, I couldn’t

possibly–I didn’t really do anything to deserve-”

“You exposed Daisy Black’s true nature and protected Aria,” I

interrupted, my voice carrying the same authoritative tone that had

silenced boardrooms throughout Chicago’s business district. “The

Sterling family doesn’t leave debts unpaid.”

She hesitated, fingers hovering over the box. “Mrs. Sterling, I only did

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what anyone would have done.”

“We both know that’s not true.” I gestured toward the gift. “It’s a pink diamond set. Nothing too ostentatious–I thought it would

complement your understated elegance.”

I opened the box. The centerpiece was a teardrop pink diamond

pendant, expertly cut to capture and reflect light from every angle.

Matching earrings and a delicate brooch completed the ensemble.

The entire set had cost me close to a million dollars at last month’s

charity auction.

Cedar’s expression shifted from surprise to visible discomfort. “Mrs.

Sterling, this is far too generous. I can’t accept something so

valuable.”

I studied her reaction carefully. Most women in Chicago’s Gold Coast

circle would have feigned reluctance while mentally calculating the

set’s worth. Cedar’s discomfort appeared genuine–another point in

her favor.

“In the Sterling family, we believe in equivalent exchange, Ms.

Wright. It’s a principle that has guided our business for generations.”

I leaned back in my chair. “Besides, I hope you’ll be seeing more of

the children. Consider this a retainer, of sorts, for your time. But

more importantly, a symbol of our family’s gratitude.”

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I softened my tone, allowing a rare warmth to enter my voice.

“Besides, you’re young. These pieces would look stunning on you at

the right occasion.” Without ceremony, I reached for her hand and

placed the jewelry box directly into her palm.

She stared down at the box, her fingers trembling slightly as she held

1. it. For a moment, she seemed torn between acceptance and refusal,

her eyes darting between the gift and my face.

“I… I can’t possibly accept this,” she whispered, though her grip on

the box remained firm.

“You can, and you will,” I said simply.

After a long pause, she nodded slowly, her voice barely audible.

“Thank you for your recognition. I hope you know that I genuinely

care for those children, regardless of any compensation.”

Her continued hesitation pleased me. My son, despite his brilliance in

business, had always had impeccable judgment when it came to

people. The women who had previously caught his eye–rare as they

were–had always possessed qualities beyond the superficial

attractions that seemed to satisfy other men of his standing.

“I won’t keep you from your work any longer, Ms. Wright.” I rose from

my seat, signaling the end of our conversation. “Charles will show you

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out.”

“That’s very kind of you. Thank you. Mrs. Sterling.”

As she carefully closed the jewelry box and slipped it into her modest

handbag, I permitted myself a private smile. Perhaps this unassuming

woman with her genuine nature and obvious integrity might be

exactly what my son–and my grandchildren–needed in their lives.

Only time would tell, but for the first time in years, I felt a flicker of