We Want Mommy Not You Daddy (Cedar) novel Chapter 80

Chapter 80

Cedars POV

A chill ran down my spine when Ridley’s expression changed. His face, always controlled, now displayed open contempt. I had crossed some invisible line,

stepped too far into territory where I didn’t belong.

I immediately backpedaled. 1–I’m sorry. Forget I asked. It was inappropriate.”

What was I thinking? A mere staff at Nest Design trying to influence the CEO of Sterling Group about a major acquisition? This was way above my pay

grade.

The information about my birth parents would have to wait. I’d find another way,

“Stop,” Ridley commanded, his voice cutting through my panic. “You want me to spare Wright Creatives? That could be arranged… if you show some genuine

commitment to the idea.”

The negotiator in me immediately recognized the opening. I’d been the assistant marketing director at Wright before joining Nest Design. Negotiation tables

didn’t intimidate me.

I turned back to face him. “What kind of commitment would you consider adequate, Mr. Sterling?”

Ridley’s fingers drummed against the desk in an irregular pattern, his dark eyes studying me like I was a particularly puzzling challenge.

“You’re just their adopted daughter,” he said coldly. “And they’ve treated you terribly for twenty–six years. Are you really willing to make sacrifices to save Wright Creatives?”

Make sacrifices? That might be overstating things. The information about my birth parents was important, but there were other avenues I could explore.

This was just one possible path.

Still, at a negotiation table, you always project confidence.

“As long as what you’re asking isn’t completely unreasonable, I’m willing to discuss terms,” I replied evenly.

The smile that spread across Ridley’s face wasn’t pleasant. It was cold, almost pitying.

‘I’ve never met anyone as foolish as you,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “After twenty–six years of being treated like you were worth less than nothing, you’re still willing to sacrifice for the Wright family.”

He exhaled sharply, his expression suddenly unreadable as his eyes fixed on something beyond me.

Something in his tone made me wonder if we were still talking about business at all. The conversation had shifted into territory I hadn’t anticipated.

I struggled to find a response, but before I could speak, his expression changed again, and I realized we had moved into a different kind of negotiation.

Ridley’s POV

My gaze locked onto Cedar’s right hand–specifically the fourth finger where an elegant platinum ring caught the light. Diamond center with distinctive blue sapphires arranged around it in a pattern I knew all too well.

1/2

5:49 pm P

Chapter 80

I’d seen that exact ring at a jewelry auction once. One of a kind piece that had caught my attention, though I passed on bibling since it seemed impractical at the time. The price tag had been astronomical–definitely not something the Wright family could ever afford.

So how the hell did Cedar end up wearing it?

“That ring…” My voice dropped an octave as ice crept into my veins. ‘Who gave it to you? I stepped closer, studying her reaction. “The father of pear child?

Cedar instinctively backed away, bumping into the design display behind her. “That’s none of your business, Mr. Sterling. My personal belongings aren’t

subject to your interrogation.”

“Who is it?” I hissed through clenched teeth. Something primal took over as I reached out and seized her wrist. “Tell me!

“Let me go!” She struggled against my grip, but I held firm, needing answers more than I needed her comfort.

My fingers brushed against the platinum band, an impulse to rip it off her finger nearly overwhelming me. This doesn’t belong to you

“Stop!” Cedar cried out in pain, her eyes flashing with defiance. “You have no right to treat me this way! Who do you think you are?”

My hand froze mid–motion, but the fire in my chest wouldn’t extinguish. I needed to know. “Tell me,” I demanded, my voice dangerously low.

“I don’t owe you any explanations!” Despite her significantly smaller frame, Cedar stood tall, meeting my gaze, without flinching. This is my life, my choice. Sterling Design Group hired me for my professional skills, not so you could interrogate me about my personal life!”

Just as the tension between us reached breaking point, three measured knocks sounded at the office door.

I reluctantly released Cedar’s wrist, straightening my posture.

“Come in,” I commanded, my voice arctic.

Albert stepped through the doorway, immediately sensing the charged atmosphere. His eyes darted between Cedar’s reddened wrist and my thunderous expression before quickly composing himself.

“Mr. Sterling, Gerald Kittel from Kittel Group is here. He says it’s urgent–regarding the Lake Michigan project. He’s waiting for you in the VIP conference

room.”

I inhaled deeply, forcing my attention away from Cedar and the damned ring that had triggered something dark inside me. Without another word, I strode out of the office, leaving Cedar and Albert in awkward silence.

As I closed the door behind me, I knew this wasn’t over. Not by a long shot. Whatever game Cedar Wright was playing, she’d soon learn that no one challenges me in my own domain. No one.

Comments

✔ LIKE

Write Comments

<SHARE

2/2