We Want Mommy Not You Daddy (Cedar) novel Chapter 94

Chapter 94

Cedar’s POV

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The next day at work was just as hectic, with everyone preparing for next Monday’s design exhibition. By the time most people had left, I was still in Ridley’s office, finalizing my presentation report. Aiden was there too, quietly observing our conversation from the corner leather armchair, occasionally sketching something in his notebook.

“I think the spatial flow diagram for the Lake Shore project needs more emphasis on the transitional spaces,” I concluded, sliding the last rendering across Ridley’s minimalist desk. “The clients specifically mentioned they wanted ‘breathable boundaries between the living zones.”

Ridley nodded, his expression giving away nothing as he studied the blueprints. “Make it happen.”

As we wrapped up for the day and made our way through Next Design’s glass–walled lobby, the evening light casting long shadows across the polished concrete floor, a familiar voice called out.

“Cedar! There you are!”

Selena’s stilettos clicked rapidly across the floor as she hurried toward me, her expression one of exaggerated delight. The enthusiasm in her eyes was so theatrical it almost made me believe we had the close sister relationship she pretended we did.

I instinctively stepped back, avoiding her outstretched arms. Selena didn’t seem bothered, her face immediately softening into practiced

vulnerability.

“I was just passing by on my way to an appointment and thought I’d see if you were still here. I hope I’m not interrupting anything important?”

“Wright Creatives doesn’t have any projects in this district,” I replied coolly. “It seems unlikely you’d be ‘passing by.“”

I knew Selena well enough to recognize when she was lying. After multiple attempts by her and Elara to cause problems for me, I wasn’t

surprised they’d try to ambush me at work. I just hadn’t expected such boldness.

‘I actually do have something important to discuss with you,” Selena said, her expression shifting to a look of feigned concern. “Tomorrow

night is Grandfather’s seventieth birthday celebration. I know you’ve… distanced yourself from the Wright family, but that doesn’t change the

fact that you grew up with us. Grandfather doesn’t know about the… situation between you and the rest of us. He asked why you haven’t called

him in so long…”

I pressed my lips together, memories flooding back. Jonathan’s father, Nathaniel Wright, was a traditional man with outdated views–including

favoring his male heirs over females. When I lived with him during my childhood years, no matter how well–behaved I was, he never warmed to

me the way he did to his biological grandchildren.

I didn’t have much emotional attachment to the man. Yet I couldn’t deny that despite being adopted, he hadn’t completely neglected me. When

I was accepted to college, Elara nearly burned my acceptance letter, but Nathaniel intervened. I only had the opportunity for higher education

because of him.

Beneath his prejudices lay an unwavering belief that education was the comerstone of the Wright family legacy, regardless of gender.

“Here’s the invitation,” Selena continued, extending an elegant cream envelope. “Whatever issues you have with our family, Grandfather has always been fair to you. I hope you’ll attend his birthday celebration.”

I accepted the envelope, feeling its expensive weight in my hand. “Fine. I come.”

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Chapter 94

I could at least pay my respects and give him a gift, acknowledging the opportunity he’d given me years ago.

“Only for her?‘ Ridley’s cold voice suddenly cut through our conversation.

Selena’s POV

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I’d been waiting outside Nest Design for nearly an hour before Cedar finally emerged. My frustration disappeared instantly when I saw who was with her. This was even better than I’d hoped.

I rushed forward with calculated enthusiasm, trying to look as genuinely sisterly as possible. “Cedar! There you are!”

She dodged my attempt at a hug, but I didn’t let it bother me. What really interested me was assessing her relationship with the two Sterling males beside her.

Was it possible? Had this plain, nobody designer actually managed to get close enough to Ridley Sterling that he’d consider letting her become a stepmother to his children? The thought made my blood boil.

When Cedar finally agreed to attend the party, I nearly smiled in triumph. One task accomplished. But then I heard Ridley Sterling’s deep voice: “Only for her?”

My heart leaped. This was the perfect opportunity.

“Of course not,” I quickly produced two more invitations, holding them out “Mr. Sterling, young Mr. Sterling, Wright Creatives would be honored if you could join us as well.”

Aiden accepted his invitation politely. Ridley, however, barely glanced at the envelope before delivering his cutting remark:

“The Elegance Hotel? Has the Wright family fallen so far?”

His voice dripped with contempt, and I had to dig my nails into my palm to maintain my composure. Our family’s decline was largely thanks to Sterling Design Group stealing our clients, yet he had the audacity to mock us!

But I couldn’t show my anger. Not when I needed him there.

“Mr. Sterling,” I said softly, letting vulnerability seep into my voice, “we’re struggling financially. This celebration at the Elegance is stretching our resources to the limit. But what choice do we have? Grandfather is getting older, and his seventieth birthday is significant…” I paused delicately. “You’re Chicago’s most respected designer. If you attended our celebration, it would mean so much to my grandfather.”

Ridley scoffed. “Your grandfather’s happiness is hardly my concern.”

My face flushed, but I quickly recovered. I wasn’t new to Ridley’s sharp tongue.

“Perhaps not, I conceded, “but I think my sister would be happier if you accompanied her to the event, wouldn’t she?”

“Would you like me to accompany you?” Ridley turned to Cedar, his intense gaze fixed on her.

I silently fumed at how he sought her opinion rather than simply accepting my invitation.

11:15 Mon, Feb 2 DBB

We Want Mommy, Not You, Daddy!