We Want Mommy Not You Daddy (Cedar) novel Chapter 33

Chapter 33

Cedar’s POV

Beyond the door was a stylish lounge with a beautiful dining table at its center. The room smelled of sandalwood and expensive leather–clearly the executives private dining area. But given my situation, I barely had time to appreciate these luxurious details.

In the brightly lit bathroom, the stain looked even worse under LED lighting. I had to unbutton my blouse partially, exposing my undergarments to better

treat the stubborn coffee mark.

“Perfect start to my first day…” I muttered, scrubbing furiously at the persistent stain.

Completely focused on salvaging my blouse, I didn’t register the sounds outside until the bathroom door suddenly opened. I realized too late that I’d

forgotten to lock it.

Ridley Sterling stood in the doorway, his expression transforming from initial surprise to cool suspicion.

I shrieked, instinctively trying to cover myself. An awkward silence enveloped us as time seemed to stop.

“Ms. Wright, this is the executive area, he stated flatly, arms crossed as he remained in the doorway.

“I spilled coffee and was desperate to find a bathroom,” I explained frantically, trying to rearrange my clothing.

“Indeed?” His tone dripped with skepticism. “I’ve seen many arranged ‘chance meetings,‘ but this approach is certainly creative.”

Heat rushed to my face. “I–I was looking for somewhere to deal with this,” I gestured to the coffee stain. “It was an accident.”

‘Indeed?” His eyebrows rose slightly. “Accidents seem to follow you with remarkable consistency.”

“I didn’t know this was the executive area,” I explained, fighting to keep my voice steady despite the humiliation burning in my chest. “I was just trying to

find a bathroom or break room to clean this up.”

“And you thought an unmarked door in an unfamiliar hallway was the most logical choice?” His gaze was clinical, assessing.

The condescension in his tone made me want to snap back, but I bit my tongue. It was my first day at Nest Design, and Ridley Sterling was essentially my

boss’s boss’s boss. I couldn’t afford to make enemies, especially not at his level.

‘I apologize for the intrusion,” I said stiffly. “I’ll find my way back.”

Ridley moved to the doorway, effectively blocking my exit. He pressed a button on his phone.

“Albert, bring a woman’s suit, to my office. Immediately.”

My eyes widened. “That’s not necessary-

“It is if you intend to be taken seriously in your new position,” he cut me off. “A Senior Design Director can’t walk around with a coffee–stained blouse. It undermines authority.”

‘I appreciate the gesture, Mr. Sterling, but I can manage-

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3:58 pm D M

Chapter 33

“This isn’t a debate, Ms. Wright. His tone was final. Professional appearance is non–negotiable at Sterling Design Group.”

I wanted to argue, but part of me recognized the practical reality–I couldn’t spend my first day as director looking like I’d been in a fight with a coffee machine. Still, the high–handedness of his approach made my teeth clench.

Ridley stepped aside to let a young man enter–presumably Albert–who carried a garment bag.

For Ms. Wright, Ridley said, then turned to me. “Albert will show you to a private room where you can change. The next time you wish to see me, schedule an appointment with my assistant rather than orchestrating elaborate coffee accidents.”

My jaw dropped at the accusation. ‘I wasn’t-

But Ridley had already turned away, dismissing me entirely as he returned to his desk.

Albert led me to a small adjoining room, hanging the garment bag on a hook by the door.

“Please take your time, Ms. Wright,” he said with unexpected deference. “There’s a private bathroom through that door if you need it.”

Once alone, I unzipped the garment bag to find an exquisite gray suit. It was easily the most expensive piece of clothing I’d ever held.

When I emerged, Albert was waiting.

“It fits perfectly,” I said, unable to hide my surprise. “How did Mr. Sterling know my size?”

Albert’s expression remained neutral, but something flickered in his eyes. “Mr. Sterling has an excellent eye for detail,” he said carefully. “Though he rarely

purchases clothing for anyone, Ms. Wright.”

That statement hung in the air between us, heavy with implication.

“I hope this doesn’t create any… misunderstandings,” I said cautiously. “I’m just a new employee who had a coffee accident.”

“Of course, Albert replied smoothly.

Then he escorted me back toward the interior design department.

When I returned to my department, conversations halted mid–sentence. Eyes tracked my entrance, taking in the obviously expensive suit that had replaced

my coffee–stained outfit.

“Nice upgrade, someone muttered as I passed.

I heard whispers behind me: “Twenty–six and already design director?” “I heard she was in the executive wing earlier,” “Must have some serious connections.”

Melissa, the Harvard graduate I’d seen yesterday, approached my desk directly. She had impeccable credentials and two years of experience at a prestigious company before joining here.

“Wright, isn’t it?” she asked, her smile not reaching her eyes. “I was looking at your resume. State university design program? That’s… interesting. Most .directors here have Ivy League backgrounds or international design school training.”

Another designer Victoria, who had also been hired after yesterday’s interview, immediately chimed in as if on cue. “Exactly. I heard the design directors at the Drake Hotel are all Pratt Institute graduates. A project of this caliber should be led by someone with comparable credentials, don’t you think?”

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Chapter 33

I met her gaze steadily. I appreciate your interest in my background, Melissa. But I’d much rather you judge me by my portfolio and ideas than my alma mater. I’m looking forward to working with all of you to create exceptional designs.”

Her smile tightened. “Of course. We’re all very curious to see what… qualities… earned you this position.”

As she walked away, I felt the weight of every doubtful stare in the office. They all assumed I had connections, or worse. None of them believed I’d earned my position based on merit.

I straightened the jacket of my new suit and opened my laptop. I would prove them wrong. I had to.

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