We Want Mommy Not You Daddy (Cedar) novel Chapter 217

Chapter 217

When I returned to my workstation, Albert, Ridley’s assistant, was

waiting for me.

Ms. Wright,” he said with his usual formal demeanor, “Mr. Sterling

would like to see you in his office immediately.”

My stomach tightened. “Did he say what it’s about?”

“No, ma’am. Just that it’s important.”

I followed Albert to the executive floor, my mind racing through possibilities. Was this about Aria? Had something happened with one

of the children?

When I entered Ridley’s office, he was standing by the window, his

tall frame silhouetted against the Chicago skyline. He turned as I

entered, his expression unreadable as always.

“Cedar,” he said, gesturing to the chair across from his desk. “Please,

sit down.”

I perched on the edge of the seat, my back straight. “Is everything alright? Are the children-”

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Chapter 217

The children are fine,” he assured me, taking his own seat. “This is

about you.”

Without further explanation, he pulled open a drawer and removed a

folder, sliding it across the desk to me.

Confused, I opened it and scanned the document inside. Then froze.

It was a share transfer agreement. For 5% of Sterling Design Group.

I looked up, stunned. “What is this?”

“Sterling Design Group’s headquarters is here in Chicago, but we have

substantial operations on the West Coast as well, managed from our

Seattle office,” Ridley explained, his voice businesslike. “The 5% stake

you’re holding would make you the largest non–family shareholder in

the company.”

I struggled to find words. Sterling Design Group was worth billions-

far more than Wright Creatives could ever dream of. Five percent

was… astronomical.

“I don’t understand,” I finally managed. “Why would you give me shares in your company?”

Ridley’s eyes met mine, steady and calm. “Because the children see

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you as their mother. I want to ensure you have the means to protect

them if necessary.”

I closed the folder, shaking my head. “I don’t need shares to care for

your children, Ridley. I made a promise to them–and to you—that I

would always be there for them. That doesn’t come with a price tag.”

I’m not trying to pay you for your affection,” he said. “I’m giving you

what you deserve for everything you’ve done.”

“There’s more,” he added, pulling another envelope from the drawer.

“The deeds to two properties, already transferred to your name. You

can visit them whenever you like.”

I glanced at the property documents, noting addresses in Chicago’s

Gold Coast and North Shore, and suddenly felt a surge of indignation.

A bitter laugh escaped me as I pushed the share transfer agreement

back across his desk.

“Do you think I agreed to be mother to your children for financial

gain?” I asked, unable to keep the edge from my voice. “Let me be

frank, Mr. Sterling. If I wanted family money, all I’d have to do is

acknowledge what the Pierces would undoubtedly offer once they learn I’m their daughter. Do you really think I’m interested in your

assets?”

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The moment the words left my mouth, I regretted them. I hadn’t

meant to sound so mercenary. The truth was, I didn’t want anything

from the Pierces either. I had supported myself my entire life and

intended to continue doing so.

Ridley showed no reaction to my outburst. His long, elegant fingers

gathered the documents, stacking them neatly before returning them

to his drawer.

“These belong to you,” he said quietly, closing the drawer. “Whether

you accept them now or later, they’re yours. When you’re ready,

they’ll be waiting.”

He turned to his computer, effectively dismissing me.

I stood there for a moment, watching him work, trying to decipher

what was happening beneath his composed exterior. When it became

clear he had nothing more to say, I turned and walked out, more

confused than ever about the enigmatic man who had upended my

life.

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