We Want Mommy Not You Daddy (Cedar) novel Chapter 204

Chapter 204

Mommy needed to find out about Dad’s illness. Otherwise, when that

day finally came, she would be devastated with regret.

Cedar’s POV

I was still pondering Aiden’s unusually mature questions when Oliver

bu

Into the room.

look!” He was clutching an enormous Transformer toy,

with pride. “I built this myself for my third birthday! I want

o have it so it can keep you com

when I’m not around.”

I stared at the toy, speechless

t want any more gifts!

But that wasn’t all. Aria

quietly placed it on the

ng a framed painting and

It was an oil pain

and three chil

recognize

es seen from behind–two adults

showing their backs, I immediately

self, and the Sterling children.

It

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Chapter 204

I’d never had a family portrait growing up.

My fingers traced the painting, unexpectedly moved by the image.

Then I caught myself. Just because these children called me “Mommy” didn’t mean we were actually family..

“Aria, the painting is beautiful, but I can’t accept it,” I said softly. “And

lease don’t paint more like this.”

What would Ridle

As if sump

appear

it?

ts, there was a knock, and Ridley

ke some imposing guardian.

arting,” he announced coolly. “All of you,

faces fell simultaneou

ilting in frost.

to three. Anyone st

a hour of lessons

in’t even

three children bolted for

floor.

e gifts the children had left and

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Chapter 204

placed them in a corner.

Looking up at Ridley, I spoke carefully. “Mr. Sterling, since you’ve

asked me to move in to help Aria, may I discuss some concerns I have

about the children’s education?”

Ridley studied me, then nodded slightly. “Go ahead.”

“I understand Aiden is the Sterling heir and the future of your family,

which is why your expectations for him are highest. He studies

twenty–four different subjects daily…”

Ridley cut me off. “Weren’t you going to discuss Aria’s education?”

“I…” I faltered. “All the children are equally important to me. It

wouldn’t be right to speak only for Aria.”

I gathered my courage. “Children’s education is certainly important, but I think the pressure you’re putting on them is excessive. Aiden is only six–most six–year–olds still need help cutting their food, but he’s already handling complex business problems. He’s already doing remarkably well. Why pile on so much pressure?”

“I’ve seen their curriculum. Besides languages, they’re studying marketing, economics, management, even advanced mathematics. Mr. Sterling, these concepts are too complex. Forcing this knowledge into

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Chapter 204

their young minds–do they truly understand it? Eventually, they’ll

grow to resent this home and become rebellious.”

I met Ridley’s gaze directly. “Oliver has run away countless times because of the pressure you put on him. Now you’re adding even more. A six–year–old child will eventually break. Even if they don’t, they’re accumulating resentment day by day that will someday

explode.”

Ridley’s voice remained even. “Don’t think my children are so fragile.”

I was s

Had he heard nothing I’d said?

e broken so easily,” he continued, “then they don’t e Sterling children.”

ed my teeth in frustration. “Do you think they want to be your en? If they did, why did Oliver sneak away from home two ths ago and hide at my apartment for nearly a month?

f they did, why does Aria, who can speak perfectly well now, rarely ake the initiative to talk to you? And Oliver–such a vibrant, cheerful child–has he ever once told you ‘I love you‘?

“As for Aiden, he’s the oldest. He knows the responsibility on his shoulders, so he silently bears everything for his siblings. But that

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Chapter 204

doesn’t mean they like your approach to education!”

I stood with my hands on my hips, each sentence louder than the last.

When I finished, the room fell into an eerie silence.

I suddenly realized what I’d done. Had I really just yelled at Ridley Sterling? The man rumored to be ruthless and unyielding–and I had

challenged his authority.

He was definitely going to throw me out.

Though my heart pounded with fear, I kept my expression defiant. I

chin slightly and forced myself to meet Ridley’s gaze.

raised my

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