We Want Mommy Not You Daddy (Cedar) novel Chapter 86

Cedar’s POV

My promising morning evaporated the moment Selena and Elara showed up at my apartment, followed by that irritating call from Ridley. After they finally left, I managed a hurried breakfast of cold toast and coffee before rushing to work. I tucked Ridley’s forgotten charger into my messenger bag, planning to drop it off at the Nest Design offices before starting my day.

The elevator ascended to the top floor with glacial slowness. I checked my watch–already running behind on my presentation for a new project. This detour to deliver Ridley’s charger wasn’t helping my schedule, but I reasoned it would only take a minute.

When the elevator doors opened to Nest Design’s executive floor, I was greeted by the now–familiar minimalist space–white walls adorned with framed architectural awards, sleek Danish furniture, and floor–to–ceiling windows overlooking Lake Michigan. The reception sk sat empty, so I headed straight for

Ridley’s office.

I knocked lightly on the frosted glass door before pushing it open. Instead of Ridley, I found Albert, his assistant, organizing documents at the conference

table.

“Ms. Wright, Albert straightened immediately, adjusting his tortoiseshell glasses. “Perfect timing. Mr. Sterling just called. He asked if you could bring his charger to the Sterling Group headquarters downtown.”

I stood frozen, the charger halfway out of my bag. “Excuse me?”

“He’s in meetings all morning at the main office and mentioned he needs the charger urgently.” Albert’s expression was professionally pleasant, but I detected a hint of amusement in his eyes.

I fought to keep my expression neutral. When Ridley had called earlier, he couldn’t have mentioned this small detail? Now I had to trek across the city to Sterling headquarters, which would throw my entire morning schedule into disarray.

“Ms. Wright, I’d be happy to drive you,” Albert offered, his tone turning helpful. His eyes had that knowing look again, as if he suspected something was developing between me and the boss.

It was unsettling how quickly the Sterling ecosystem had registered the shift in our relationship. I’d known Ridley for just over a week, and already his staff treated me with a deference that made me uncomfortable.

Albert continued with barely concealed excitement, “It would be no trouble at all.

I recognized my opportunity. “Since you’re headed to headquarters anyway, perhaps you could just take the charger to Mr. Sterling?” I pulled the sleek black device from my bag and held it out.

Albert’s helpful smile faltered. ‘I-” He took a step back as if the charger might bite him. “Actually, I just remembered some urgent documents I need to prepare for Mr. Sterling’s afternoon meeting. You should probably deliver it yourself.”

His sudden backpedaling was almost comical. The look of mild panic told me everything I needed to know–Ridley had specifically requested me, not the

charger.

I slowly returned the device to my bag, irritation blooming.

“Fine,” I said, keeping my voice even. ‘I’ll head over now.”

I turned to leave, but Albert called after me, “Take the company car service, Ms. Wright. I’ll arrange it for you.”

1/2

::52 pm P

Chapter 86

I had no choice but to agree. This day was off to a stellar start.

First showing up uninvited at my apartment, then disrupting my morning schedule, and now making me chase across the city for his convenience. The Sterling entitlement was reaching new heights.

If he weren’t my boss, I might have tossed this charger into the Chicago River and been done with it.

Aiden’s POV

I watched her from the doorway outside Dad’s office, trying to keep my expression neutral despite the strange fluttering in my chest. Cedar- the woman who made me want to get closer, though I couldn’t explain why.

I realized this was the perfect opportunity to make my move, so I approached her as she was leaving.

“Ms. Wright, I overheard you need to go to headquarters,” I said, making my voice as mature as possible. ‘I’m heading there to see Father. I can take you.”

The moment she saw me, her expression softened in a way that made something warm spread through my chest. She approached and gently touched my

hair.

“That would be wonderful. Thank you,” she said with genuine warmth.

I couldn’t help leaning slightly into her touch, enjoying the gentleness I so rarely experienced.

Albert stood watching us with an expression of amazement. I ignored him, guiding her toward the underground parking garage where Henderson was waiting with the car to drive us to headquarters.

In the car, I sat on the right side of the backseat while Cedar took the left, leaving an empty space between us. I studied her profile when she wasn’t looking, then slowly, carefully, inched closer.

When she suddenly turned toward me, I quickly retreated to my original position, sitting perfectly still, heart pounding.

“Aiden, how many hours do you work each day? Aren’t you exhausted?” she asked, concern evident in her voice.

The question surprised me. No one ever worried about my schedule or whether I was tired. Before I could answer, the car braked suddenly, throwing me

forward.

Cedar’s arm shot out, pulling me against her. “Are you okay?” she asked, her voice soft with worry.

Pressed against her, I caught a scent that felt inexplicably familiar and comforting. My eyes fell on a single strand of hair on her shoulder.

Carefully, I reached out and took it, closing my fist around it tightly.

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