We Want Mommy Not You Daddy (Cedar) novel Chapter 78

Chapter 78

Cedar’s POV

“Oliver, shouldn’t you be in bed by now? I asked, unable to hide the smile forming on my lips as his face filled my laptop screen.

I miss you so much, Mommy!” His cherubic face beamed back at me, those mischievous dark eyes sparkling with excitement.

My heart swelled with warmth. “Is your daddy nearby?”

“Of course not! Guess where I am, Mommy?” Oliver’s voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper, clearly delighted with his secret.

I studied the background behind him. Not artificial lighting, but natural daylight. It was evening in Chicago, which meant… “Are you… in a different

country?‘

“Wow! You’re so smart!” He giggled, bouncing slightly. “We just got off the plane! I’m going to see Grandma! It’s almost her birthday, and I’m going to bring her back for her big party. You have to come to Grandma’s celebration, okay?”

I hesitated, uncertain. Attend his grandmother’s birthday celebration? Would that be appropriate? But looking at his hopeful little face, those expectant eyes,

I couldn’t bring myself to refuse.

“Alright, if your grandmother wouldn’t mind,” I replied softly.

“Awesome! Grandma will like you too, Mommy,” Oliver exclaimed, bouncing with excitement. “Oh, and Mommy, since I can’t be with you for a while, I left you a special present to keep you company. You have to carry it with you all the time, okay? So whenever you look at it, you’ll think of me. I hid it under my

pillow!”

I was touched and a little ashamed that I hadn’t thought to give him something to remember me by. “Thank you, Oliver. I promise I’ll keep it with me always. And I’ll think of you every day.”

“Master Oliver, the car is here,” a familiar voice called from somewhere off–screen.

I frowned slightly. That voice sounded remarkably like Hunter. Had they brought him along on an international trip? And did he just call him “Master

Oliver“?

“Oops! Gotta go, Mommy! The car’s here. Go to sleep soon, okay? Love you!” Oliver blew a kiss before abruptly ending our call.

I waved goodbye. The restlessness that had plagued me all evening seemed to dissipate after talking to him. That’s the magic of children, I suppose–they have this extraordinary power to make you believe the world is still beautiful, even when everything feels overwhelming.

I walked to the bedroom and lifted Oliver’s pillow. Sure enough, there was a small box hidden beneath. Opening it, I froze in astonishment. Inside was a platinum ring with a sparkling gemstone. This was clearly expensive–very expensive. I hesitated, conflicted, but remembered my promise to Oliver. I slipped it onto my finger, making a mental note to prepare something equally special for when I saw him again.

The next morning at Nest Design, I found myself staring at the project proposal on my desk, hesitating. It wasn’t a minor decision, but it wasn’t exactly major either. All I had to do was sign this document, and we’d be set.

But Elara’s comments from last night kept echoing in my mind. After some deliberation, I decided to take the file to the top floor. Getting the CEO’s signature for a $1.2 million design collaboration seemed like the prudent thing to do, right?

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Chapter 78

I gathered the documents and nervously made my way to the executive level. The floor was eerily quiet–Ridley Sterling ketely worked here, and there wasn’t even a reception area. Just the hollow sound of my footsteps against the polished terrazzo:

As I approached the CEO’s office, preparing to knock, the doar swung open. I took a deep breath, about to announce myself, when I froze.

‘Albert?

Ridley’s assistant looked up, equally surprised to see me. He immediately straightened his posture and offered a deferential nod. “Me Wright”

“Mr. Sterling isn’t in today?” I asked, clutching the portfolio to my chest.

‘No- Albert began, then quickly changed course. “If you’d like to see Mr. Sterling, I can call him right away to let him know you’re here.

“Don’t!‘ I exclaimed, my eyes widening. “That’s not I’m just here to report on a project. Albert, please don’t misunderstand?

“I understand nothing, Ms. Wright, he replied with an exaggerated gesture of discretion that accomplished exactly the opposite.

I placed the portfolio on the desk, trying to maintain my professional composure. “These are the concept boards and budget for our eco–friendly childress’s spaces collaboration. I thought Mr. Sterling might want to review it before final approval.”

“Ms. Wright, as Design Director, you’re fully authorized to make these decisions yourself. There’s no need to trouble Mr. Sterling with such details.

I noticed Albert’s expression suddenly freeze, as if he’d just remembered something important. His eyes widened slightly before his professional mask süpped

back into place.

“Actually,” he backpedaled, “Mr. Sterling is particularly invested in this sustainable design initiative. I think it would be best if he reviews this himself.”

Before I could protest, Albert had already pulled out his phone and was dialing. I stood frozen, watching his fluid efficiency with mounting horror. Calling Ridley all the way here just to sign this relatively minor project proposal seemed incredibly excessive. Could I still make a graceful exit?

“Mr. Sterling, do you have time to come to Nest Design?” Albert would ask. “Ms. Wright is here specifically to see you.”

I nearly choked at Albert’s choice of words. Specifically? That single word carried far too much implication!

There was absolutely nothing between Ridley Sterling and me–our relationship was strictly professional. How could Albert make it sound so… suggestive?

Ridley’s POV

My phone vibrated against the polished mahogany of the conference table. Every executive in the room glanced nervously in my direction, then quickly averted their eyes. I silenced it without looking down.

“The Milan project update, please continue,” I instructed, my tone leaving no room for hesitation.

The project manager swallowed visibly. “Yes, Mr. Sterling. This quarter’s sales have been promising across most design collections, but we’re seeing concerning numbers with the new sustainable materials line. After analyzing the market response, we believe there may be issues with the aesthetic

integration…”

The room temperature seemed to drop with each word. I could see beads of sweat forming on the man’s forehead despite the chill. My patience was wearing

thin.

My phone vibrated again. Twice in succession was Albert’s code for urgency. I raised my hand, and the room instantly fell silent. Not a single executive dared

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2:48 pm P

Chapter 78

to make a sound, regardless of their seniority. They all knew better.

I picked up the phone, irritation tightening my jaw. “What is it? The words came out crisp, barely containing my annoyance at the inderenuption.

“Mr. Sterling, do you have time to come to Nest Design? Albert’s voice came through. Ms. Wright is here specifically to see you.”

I felt my eyebrow rise involuntarily. Cedar Wright was looking for me? Specifically?

I’ll be there in twenty minutes, I replied, ending the call without further explanation.

Looking up at the room of executives, I stood. This meeting is postponed until tomorrow. I expect solutions, not excuses, when we reconvene ”

Without waiting for their response, I gathered my things and headed for the door.

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