We Want Mommy Not You Daddy (Cedar) novel Chapter 30

Chapter 30

The room fell silent. Thomas’s face drained of color as he looked between us, clearly anticipating an explosion. Most employees would never dare challenge me, especially regarding my children.

“Excuse me? My voice dropped several degrees. “You’re interrupting a private conversation.”

Cedar didn’t flinch. ‘I heard your tone from the hallway. There are better ways to communicate with children than intimidation.”

I studied her for a long moment. Her posture was defensive, shoulders squared, chin lifted slightly–a shield between Aiden and myself. Most intriguing was that Aiden, who typically maintained rigid formality around strangers, had subtly shifted closer to her.

“And you consider yourself an expert on parenting, Ms. Wright?” I asked coolly.

“I consider myself someone who recognizes when a child is afraid to speak,” she countered: “Silent reflection isn’t punishment–it’s withdrawal. Children need guidance and explanation, not isolation.”

The directness of her challenge was remarkable. Most people cowered under my scrutiny, yet she held her ground, her eyes unwavering.

Aiden understands the consequences of his actions,” I replied. “Discipline builds character.”

“So does compassion, Cedar said simply. She turned slightly, addressing Aiden with a gentler tone. “Are you alright?”

To my surprise, Aiden nodded, his expression softening fractionally. “I’m fine, Ms. Wright.”

“You don’t have to be fine just because you’re expected to be,” she told him, then looked back at me. “Children aren’t miniature adults. They’re developing

humans who need space to make mistakes.”

Thomas cleared his throat nervously. “Perhaps we should-*

“It’s fine, Thomas,” I interrupted, my gaze fixed on Cedar. “Ms. Wright clearly feels strongly about this.”

Cedar didn’t back down. “I do. Punishment without understanding creates resentment, not respect. Whatever he did, he deserves the chance to explain

himself.

An unexpected warmth flickered in Aiden’s eyes as he glanced up at Cedar, and something tightened in my chest. When was the last time I’d seen that look from my son?

“I apologize, Father, Aiden said suddenly, his voice small but clear. I shouldn’t have gone through your desk and… asked about that woman.”

The admission surprised me. Aiden rarely offered explanations, preferring stoic acceptance of consequences.

‘Just know better now,” I found myself saying, the words emerging before I’d fully considered them. “I hope you won’t do it again.”

Aiden nodded, relief visible in the slight relaxation of his shoulders.

Cedar stepped back, apparently satisfied with this exchange, but remained close to Aiden. The protectiveness in her stance was unmistakable, and strangely… familiar.

‘I see you’ve been hired as our new Design Director,” I said, changing the subject and gesturing to her file on the desk. “Congratulations.”

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3:58 pm

Chapter 30

A flash of surprise crossed her features, quickly replaced by professional composure. “Thank you. I look forward to proving myself worthy of the position.”

“The design world is unforgiving of mediocrity,” I tested.

“Then it’s fortunate I’ve never been mediocre,‘ she replied without hesitation.

A smile threatened to form at her confidence. There was fire beneath her polished exterior–a quality I reluctantly admired.

“We’ll see,‘ I said. “The Sunshine Development will be your first test.”

“I’m ready for it,” Cedar responded, her voice carrying quiet conviction. “If you’ll excuse me, I should return to my orientation.”

She turned to leave, her posture straight and dignified. Before exiting, she offered Aiden a small smile that he–to my astonishment–returned.

After she departed, a strange silence fell over the room. Thomas busied himself with paperwork, clearly eager to escape the lingering tension.

“Father,” Aiden said unexpectedly, “I will take my responsibilities at Nest Design seriously.”

I studied my son’s face, noting something different in his expression–a subtle shift I couldn’t quite identify.

“I hope so,” I replied evenly, though my thoughts remained on Cedar and the peculiar effect she seemed to have on both my son and myself.

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3:58 pm M

We Want Mommy, Not You, Daddy!