We Want Mommy Not You Daddy (Cedar) novel Chapter 58

reate problems that would distract me from my work or, better yet, get me fired.

Without hesitation, I slipped my phone into my blazer pocket and headed back toward the cafeteria. I should face this head–on.

As I pushed through the double doors, dozens of eyes tracked my movement.

In the far corner, Melissa sat surrounded by a group of colleagues, and she leaned forward conspiratorially. She was holding her phone at an angle that allowed everyone around her to see the screen, their occasional snickers punctuating the unusual quiet. Victoria also sat

among them.

I squared my shoulders and walked directly toward their table, my heels clicking rhythmically against the floor. With each step, the cafeteria grew quieter until only the soft hum of the ventilation system remained.

“Enjoying yourself, Melissa?” I asked, my voice steady despite the anger simmering beneath my composed exterior.

Melissa looked up, feigning surprise that didn’t reach her eyes. “Cedar! We were just discussing the… something interesting.”

“You mean your deliberate attempt to spread malicious lies?” I kept my tone conversational, though my eyes had turned to ice.

Melissa’s lips curled into a smirk. “Lies? The photo speaks for itself. Everyone knows rapid promotions like yours don’t happen based on merit alone.” She gestured vaguely with her hand, inviting the silent support of her audience.

No one spoke, but their expressions–ranging from poorly concealed curiosity to thinly veiled judgment–made their position clear. They

were enjoying the show.

“That photo,” I said, reaching for my phone and displaying it for everyone to see, “was deliberately taken from an angle to suggest something entirely false.” I turned to Melissa, my gaze unwavering. “Specifically, from the exact position where you were sitting. Second

desk from the left, by the conference room glass partition.”

A flicker of surprise crossed Melissa’s face before she masked it with indignation. “Are you accusing me of taking that photo? That’s

absurd!”

“You were the only person with that particular vantage point at that time.” I zoomed in on the photo, highlighting details only visible from that specific angle. “The reflection in the glass shows your desk ornament. Quite distinctive.”

Melissa’s face flushed with anger. “Even if I did take the photo, it only reveals what everyone already suspects. How else could someone with your… background suddenly become a director? What special skills did you demonstrate for Mr. Coleman behind closed doors?”

Several colleagues shifted uncomfortably in their seats, but no one intervened.

Chapter 58

Victoria cleared her throat delicately. “Perhaps we should all calm down. Cedar, I understand you must be upset, but there’s probably a simple way to resolve this. Maybe you could speak with Mrs. Coleman, explain the misunderstanding-

“Explain what exactly?” I cut her off, recognizing the false olive branch for what it was. “That I did nothing wrong? That I’m being targeted with disgusting rumors because I earned my position?”

Victoria’s supportive facade cracked slightly. “I’m only suggesting a way to clear the air-”

“By implying there’s something to apologize for,” I finished for her. “There isn’t.”

Melissa stood up, her chair scraping loudly against the floor. “Stop acting so innocent! Everyone knows you’re sleeping with Thomas. The

rumors about you being fired from Wright Creatives for similar behavior make perfect sense now.”

“That’s enough, Melissa,” I said, my voice dangerously quiet. “What you’re doing isn’t just unprofessional–it’s defamation. Do you

understand the legal implications of what you’re spreading?”

“Legal implications?” she scoffed. “I’m just saying what everyone’s thinking. If you want to sue me for telling the truth, go ahead.”

The cafeteria had become so silent I could hear the wall clock ticking. Dozens of employees watched, frozen between morbid fascination

and discomfort.

“Ms. Wright is right about the legal implications.”

The deep voice cut through the tension like a knife. Thomas stood in the cafeteria doorway, his normally affable expression replaced by

cold fury.

“Mr. Coleman,” Melissa’s voice faltered slightly.

“I’ve been made aware of the rumors circulating in our office today,” Thomas said, walking toward us with measured steps. “Sterling

Group’s head office has already been notified, and their legal team is investigating the source.”

We Want Mommy, Not You, Daddy!