We Want Mommy Not You Daddy (Cedar) novel Chapter 34

round the conference table nodded slightly. I knew many of them had walked similar paths–earning their positions through merit rather than pedigree.

While I regretted missing the opportunity to attend an Ivy League school because the Wrights disapproved–perhaps to maintain better control over my future—I had never abandoned my pursuit of a design career, nor felt inferior because of my educational background.

“Easy for you to say, Melissa scoffed. “But Gold Coast clients expect professional credentials. Do you really think you understand the core principles of luxury interior design?”

I glanced around the room, noting that Thomas, our general manager, was quietly observing everything. This was my chance to prove myself.

“Since we’re discussing professional credentials, I’m curious,” I picked up my notepad, my tone friendly yet carrying unmistakable confidence. “Melissa, could you explain the application of axial relationships in spatial planning? Particularly in open public areas like the ones in our project?”

Melissa’s smile froze. She cleared her throat. “That’s about… the connectivity of spaces.”

“Could you be more specific?”

Silence.

“Perhaps you could tell everyone how the concept of chiaroscuro influences our lighting design decisions?”

Victoria shifted uncomfortably in her seat, while Melissa’s face had begun to flush.

“I… it’s a kind of… art technique,” she stammered.

I nodded gently. “It is indeed an art technique, originating from the Renaissance, dealing with light and shadow contrast. In interior design, it guides us in creating depth and mood, as I detailed on page three of my proposal.”

I turned to address the entire team. “I understand the value of academic credentials, but in this industry, what truly matters is hands–on experience and the ability to continuously learn. I may not have a degree from RISD or Parsons, but I have four years of frontline design experience and complete dedication to every project.’

Mark, a senior designer who had been with the company for eight years, suddenly started applauding. “Well said, Cedar. I’ve seen too many designers with impressive degrees but no talent. Your proposal is the most creative I’ve seen in years.”

Several other veteran employees joined the applause. Thomas smiled slightly, obviously pleased with the turn of events.

Melissa’s face turned crimson as she hurriedly gathered her files and stood up. “I have another appointment,” she muttered, practically fleeing the

conference room with Victoria close behind.

When this ended, Thomas approached me. “Well handled, Cedar. That’s why you’re in that position–not because of your credentials, but because you have a

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Chapter 34

clear understanding of yourself and know how to prove your worth.”

I smiled gratefully. In this industry, what ultimately speaks volumes is ability and results, not diplomas hanging on a wall.

Back at my desk, I overheard Mark and Jen discussing in hushed tones by the coffee station.

“Mr. Sterling’s been here three times this week, Mark said. “Coleman wouldn’t say much, but I heard it’s about the kid–Aiden.”

“The heir?” len raised her eyebrows. “Isn’t he like, seven?”

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“Six,” Mark corrected. ‘Apparently Sterling wants him to understand the business from the ground up. Poor kid, having that much responsibility already.”

I couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy. At six, children should be building with blocks, not being groomed to take over design empires. I recalled the

serious little boy, how he’d stood with perfect posture beside his father, observing everything with those intelligent eyes.

By six o’clock, most of the office had cleared out. I stayed to organize my desk, wanting to start fresh tomorrow. The confrontation with Melissa had been

draining, but I felt a quiet satisfaction. I’d held my ground professionally, without stooping to their level.

When I finally made my way down to the lobby, the evening rush hour was in full swing. Chicago’s streets were crowded with commuters, and the first drops

of an early autumn rain had begun to fall. I was contemplating the long wait for a rideshare when a familiar voice called my name.

“Ms. Wright?”

Turning, I found myself looking at Aiden Sterling, standing beneath the awning of our building.

“Aiden? What are you doing here?”

“I had a meeting with Mr. Coleman regarding some operational aspects of Nest Design,” he replied with that eerily adult cadence. “I should understand how

our subsidiaries function.”

I nodded, trying not to show my surprise at a six–year–old using phrases like “operational aspects” and “subsidiaries.”

“I noticed you were leaving,” he continued. “Getting a taxi during rush hour can be quite inefficient. Our driver could take you home, if you’d like.”

I hesitated, seeing the sleek black car idling at the curb. “That’s very kind, but I wouldn’t want to impose.”

“It’s no imposition.” Something in his expression softened slightly. “Consider it gratitude for defending me yesterday.”

The rain began to fall harder, and the rideshare app on my phone showed a fifteen–minute wait time. Looking at Aiden–a child being forced to grow up too

quickly, yet still showing unexpected kindness–I found myself nodding.

“Thank you, Aiden. That would be helpful.”

In the car, Aiden sat with perfect posture, hands folded in his lap. I gave the driver my address in Wicker Park, feeling strangely self–conscious about my modest apartment destination.

“Is your father expecting you home soon?‘ I asked, trying to make conversation.

*Father is in meetings until eight.” He glanced at me. “So today was your first day–how did it go, Ms. Wright?”

“It was good. I’m enjoying the work here so far, though there are some challenges. And I’m still working on building relationships with my colleagues,‘ I said

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Chapter 34

honestly.

“People underestimate you,‘ he stated matter–of–factly. “They do that with me, too, because of my age.”

I blinked in surprise, turning to look at him more closely. “I didn’t expect you to experience that.”

I studied him, this strange little man in a child’s body. “Does that bother you?‘

For a moment, something very childlike flickered across his face–vulnerability, perhaps even loneliness. “It’s irrelevant. Perceptions change when results speak for themselves.”

The car pulled up to my apartment building. It wasn’t shabby by any means, but certainly a far cry from the Gold Coast mansions the Sterlings occupied.

“Thank you for the ride, Aiden. It was very kind of you.”

He nodded, then hesitated for a moment, his formal demeanor softening slightly. “Actually… would it be alright if I came up for some water?”

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