We Want Mommy Not You Daddy (Cedar) novel Chapter 42

Chapter 42

“Your tactics are becoming quite obvious, Ms. Wright.” He moved to his desk, pulling out his phone. “First, this friend request on my personal Facebook

account.”

He turned the screen toward me, displaying my recent friend request.

“And this. Another swipe revealed that I’d followed his X account.

My embarrassment transformed into indignation. I was only trying to contact you to return your clothes! I gestured toward the shopping bag. “That’s literally the only reason I needed to reach you.”

Ridley’s mouth curved into a cold smile. “Ms. Wright, obtaining my personal contact information must have required considerable effort.”

I nearly blurted out Aiden’s name but caught myself. The last thing I wanted was to get that sweet child in trouble.

“Believe what you want, Mr. Sterling, but I have no inappropriate intentions toward you whatsoever.” I picked up the shopping bag and thrust it toward him.

*I’ve returned your clothes. Now I’ll get back to my actual work.”

“Stop. His voice was sharp as I turned to leave.

I paused, my back stiff. “Is there something else, Mr. Sterling?”

“Take your trash with you.”

“What trash?”

When I turned, I found his gaze fixed on the shopping bag, his expression one of unmistakable disgust.

My lips pressed into a tight line. Of course. A man like Ridley would consider clothing someone else had worn–even if professionally cleaned–as garbage.

I snatched back the bag. “I’ll dispose of this ‘trash‘ immediately. Wouldn’t want to contaminate your pristine environment.”

At the door, I paused. Despite everything, he had helped me twice. And these were expensive clothes–his loss, not mine.

Taking a deep breath, I forced a polite smile. “I’ll get back to my projects now, Mr. Sterling. Enjoy your afternoon.”

The moment I exited the office, I shoved the bag into the nearest trash receptacle.

‘Germaphobic narcissist!” I muttered under my breath.

‘Ms. Wright?‘

The small, careful voice behind me made me turn. Aiden Sterling stood at the end of the hallway, his dark eyes watching me with concern.

. My expression immediately softened. “Aiden, what are you doing here?”

‘I thought I heard you arguing with my father, Was he mean to you?”

The boy’s voice carried a note of self–reproach that broke my heart. I knelt to his level.

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1:00 pm M

Chapter 42

“Sweetie, what are you talking about? Your father is my boss–I wouldn’t argue with him.”

It was one thing to dislike Ridley in our shallow work dynamic, but I couldn’t let my emotions damage Aiden’s bond with his father. That would be too cruel to this innocent child. For the boy’s sake, I’d swallow these lies about his father being caring and responsible- even if every word tasted bitter.

I gently smoothed his hair. “Actually, your father is quite kind to his employees. Very professional.”

Aiden’s doubtful expression spoke volumes.

I continued softly, “You shouldn’t be afraid of your father, Aiden. He’s a very responsible person. When he’s strict with you, it’s because he cares. I can tell he

values you very much.”

While inside, I was still seething. What kind of father inspired such fear in his own child? Ridley might be brilliant in business, but he was clearly failing where it mattered most. Still, undermining their relationship would only hurt Aiden in the long run.

“Aiden,” a commanding voice called from inside the office. “Come in here.”

“Your father’s calling you,” I said, rising quickly. “You’d better go.”

As the boy walked toward the office, I made my escape toward the elevator, determined to avoid the executive floor as much as possible in the future. The

less I had to deal with Ridley, the better–for my career and my sanity.

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