We Want Mommy Not You Daddy (Cedar) novel Chapter 48

Chapter 48

Fortunately, Jack had barely noticed me then. His standards for arm candy were as exacting as his taste in art. The fact that he didn’t remember me now was a relief–I was determined to sever all connections to my past as the Wright family’s adopted daughter.

I offered a composed smile. I’m Cedar Wright, the new design director at Nest Design.”

“Miss Wright, enchanted. I’m Jack Carter, though most people just call me ‘trouble.” He lowered his voice conspiratorially. “You know, you’re the first woman Ridley has ever brought to a business gala. I have high hopes for you.”

My lips curved into a subtle smile. “Mr. Carter, do you say that to every woman who appears in Mr. Sterling’s orbit?”

Jack looked momentarily stunned before breaking into appreciative laughter. “Ridley, she’s delightful! A rose with thorns, this one.”

Ridley’s expression remained impassive, his lips pressed into a thin line.

I couldn’t read Ridley’s thoughts, but his cold stare suggested he wasn’t impressed by Jack’s flattery.

I maintained my polite smile and followed a stylist into the private suite, leaving Jack and Ridley to converse in the waiting area. As I settled into the chair

before the mirror, I could barely hear their muted conversation from the adjacent lounge.

Ridley’s POV

“Who is she, really?” Jack asked, sidling up beside me as I watched Cedar walk away with a stylist.

I gave him a sidelong glance. “The Design Director at Nest, as I’ve already told you.”

“Come on,” Jack scoffed, sipping his champagne. “A subsidiary design director doesn’t get escorted to the Marshall gala by Ridley Sterling himself. There’s

something about her – refreshingly genuine. Not like the usual social climbers circling you like sharks.”

“And your assessment counts for what, exactly?”

“For plenty!” Jack’s eyes gleamed with mischief. “I’m Jack Carter art collector extraordinaire, Chicago’s most eligible bachelor. I’ve dated more women than you’ve interviewed for executive positions. You excel at business; I excel at reading women. Can you deny that?”

I allowed myself a slight smile. “In this case, your reading is incorrect.”

“Impossible! I’m an expert at reading people. Her eyes have no calculation in them – she’s genuinely good. Ridley, if you’re not interested, I might-

The temperature of my gaze dropped several degrees, cutting him off mid–sentence,

Jack raised his hands in surrender. “Just joking! Why so defensive?”

I remained silent, watching Cedar across the room. Once could be coincidence. Twice, perhaps. But repeatedly appearing in my orbit–at Nest Design, with my son–suggested something more deliberate,

And the way Aiden had taken to her… that wasn’t insignificant. The fact that he would personally select gifts for her, like those crystal shoes… that was highly unusual. And the accessories–I’d seen them in the news. They were treasures that had just been auctioned off a couple of days ago.

“Seriously though, Jack continued, his voice uncharacteristically sincere, “you should consider your personal life. Irene has been gone for years. You’ve honored her memory admirably, but you can’t live alone forever, Maybe you can handle it, but what about your children? They’re still so young. As they

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Chapter 48

grow, they’ll only feel the absence of a mother more acutely.”

I tightened my grip on my glass, feeling the smooth crystal against my fingers.

Men like me were destined to remain alone. Why else would Mother have arranged for the three children the way she did? My life was mapped out for

solitude.

Even if Irene were still alive, we could never have had a future together.

Twenty minutes later, Cedar stepped out of the styling room, transformed in ways I hadn’t anticipated. They’d swept her hair into an elegant updo that showed off the graceful line of her neck, and the makeup enhanced her features without looking overdone. Professional yet striking–exactly what the

evening called for.

As she slipped on the white heels I’d chosen, I watched her stop in front of the mirror, her face showing genuine surprise at her own reflection. The stylists

had done excellent work, but really they’d just brought out what was already there.

I caught myself staring longer than I should have. Clearing my throat, I stood and walked over to her. “Good. Time we left for the gala.”

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