We Want Mommy Not You Daddy (Cedar) novel Chapter 29

Chapter 29

Ridley’s POV

I stepped out of the elevator to the Nest Design’s executive floor with Aiden trailing silently behind me.

Given how impressed I was with Aiden’s proposal to advance Nest Design’s development, I’d decided to put him in charge of managing this subsidiary, which would also facilitate coordination with headquarters.

This required a personal visit with Thomas to arrange the details. Since this was merely a simple communication process, I hadn’t notified him of my arrival

-this would also serve as an impromptu inspection of the branch’s operational status.

Aiden’s posture was rigid, his eyes fixed straight ahead, deliberately avoiding meeting mine. The silent treatment continued, exactly as I’d expected. His

punishment–two hours of silent reflection–had clearly struck a nerve, but discipline was necessary. Searching through my office files for that woman was

unacceptable, regardless of his motives.

As we approached the reception area, I noticed unusual activity–a cluster of professionally dressed individuals waiting, portfolios clutched in anxious hands.

“What’s happening here?” I asked as the receptionist led us toward Thomas’s office.

“Interviews, sir,” she replied, stepping aside to let us enter. “We’re hiring two junior designers.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Well, always good to see the talent pool firsthand.”

Aiden and I arrived at the executive floor, acknowledging greetings from employees who seemed surprised by our unexpected visit.

Inside Thomas’s office, I scanned the space with practiced efficiency. Nothing seemed out of place, yet something felt off. My gaze fell on a file folder open

on Thomas’s desk, and I reached for it as Thomas busied himself offering Aiden a drink that my son predictably declined.

“Why are you hiring a new director?” I asked, noticing the position on the first page.

“This is an urgent personnel need, sir,” Thomas explained, his voice carrying a slight tremor that always emerged when he felt scrutinized. “Our current

director took an extended leave, and the Sunshine Development project requires immediate leadership. We found a promising candidate today and made an

offer on the spot. I was planning to submit the formal approval paperwork by end of day.”

The portfolio in my hands was impressive–clean lines with unexpected warmth, innovative solutions that didn’t sacrifice practicality. But it was the name

on the resume that made my fingers pause: Cedar Wright.

Something shifted in my chest–recognition, perhaps, or something more unsettling. The woman from the hotel incident.

“You’ve already made a selection,” I observed, keeping my voice neutral as I studied her credentials. Wright Creatives. Award–winning designs.

Thomas nodded, adjusting his tie. “Yes, sir. Ms. Wright demonstrated exceptional vision and practical experience. She starts immediately as our new Senior Design Director.”

I felt my mouth curve slightly upward, an involuntary reaction I quickly controlled.

“Aiden,” I said, turning to my son who stood by the window, “Thomas will show you the operational aspects of managing the Nest Design subsidiary. Pay attention to everything.” My tone left no room for negotiation.

Aiden remained silent, his gaze fixed on the Chicago skyline. His shoulders tensed visibly, and his small fingers curled into fists at his sides–a subtle

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Chapter 29

gesture of resistance he thought I wouldn’t notice. The slight twitch at the corner of his eye betrayed the emotional control he was exerting.

‘Are you still sulking?” I asked sharply. “Answer me when I speak to you.”

Before Aiden could respond, the door swung open without warning.

Cedar Wright stood in the doorway, her eyes immediately locking on Aiden’s small form by the window. Something fierce crossed her expression as she assessed the tension in the room, and without hesitation, she stepped inside and positioned herself protectively in front of my son.

“Mr. Sterling,‘ she said, her voice steady despite the audacity of her interruption. “I don’t think speaking to your son that way is productive.”

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