We Want Mommy Not You Daddy (Cedar) novel Chapter 173

Chapter 173

Emma’s POV

“If anyone has any questions, please feel free to ask,” Cedar said with

a warm smile, wrapping up her presentation.

This was my first project as lead, and I knew I should take advantage

of this opportunity to learn from our partners. Despite my nerves, I

raised my hand.

“Cedar, there’s something I’m not quite understanding,” I said,

furrowing my brow. “With the smart home design, is it only

configured once by the designer, or can homeowners add new smart

features later themselves?”

The conference room suddenly fell silent. My cheeks burned.

Had I asked something ridiculously obvious? Great job, Emma. Way to

prove you deserve this responsibility by asking the most basic

question possible.

I dug my manicured nails into my palm, trying to maintain

composure. My whole life, I’ve known I wasn’t as quick or clever as

others. That’s why I’ve always stayed in the background, never

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drawing attention to my intellect–or lack thereof.

My parents never trusted me with anything important. For twenty-

three years, I’ve been just “the Pierce daughter“-nothing more,

nothing less.

But I was tired of that label. I wanted to make my mark in business

like my brother. I was sick of the media only describing me as “sweet”

and “simple.” I wanted to contribute something meaningful to the

family business.

I had begged Dad and Mom for months for this chance. And now, in

my very first meeting, I’d exposed my intellectual shortcomings to

everyone.

Cedar smiled kindly. “Of course you can add components later. Our

smart systems are designed to be flexible and expandable. Clients can

easily add or remove smart products as their needs change.

Technology evolves so quickly these days that it’s perfectly normal

not to be familiar with the latest innovations. I’m constantly learning

new ways to integrate smart features into interior design myself.”

With those few sentences, she smoothly diffused the awkward tension

in the room. I felt myself relax a little.

“Well, I should leave the technical stuff to the experts,” I said with a

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laugh. “I’m no design specialist, so I’ll trust Nest Design to handle

everything. I look forward to working together.”

I signed the contract with a flourish, trying to project confidence I

didn’t feel.

Cedar nodded appreciatively. “You’re very decisive, Miss Pierce. I look

forward to our collaboration.”

“Please, call me Emma. And I hope you’ll teach me a thing or two-

there’s so much I don’t know.”

I walked Cedar and Aiden to the elevator, beaming with pride. This

was the first contract I’d signed in my twenty–three years of life. Even

if Nest Design was an old partner of Pierce Group, I could still take

credit for securing this project myself.

As I headed to the executive floor with the contract in hand, I

overheard some of the assistants gossiping by the coffee station.

“Did you see that woman from Nest Design?” one whispered.

“I couldn’t believe it–she looks exactly like Mrs. Pierce! It was uncanny.”

“How can two people look so similar without being related?”

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“Well, identical leaves grow on different trees all the time. It’s not

that strange…”

I walked past them, suddenly understanding why I’d felt an

immediate connection to Cedar. She resembled my mother–the one

person who had always supported and loved me unconditionally. No

wonder I was drawn to her.

I pushed open the door to my brother’s office. “Ethan! Look! I signed

my first contract!”

My brother, who handled most of Pierce Enterprises‘ operations these

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