Chapter 159

Chapter 159
Ridley's POV

The moment Cedar walked out, I clutched my chest, a sharp pain radiating through it. My heartbeat faltered, then stabilized, but the message was clear.

I don't have much time left.

The doctors had been brutally honest—months, not years. I sank into my chair, waiting for the wave of discomfort to pass while watching the clouds through my office windows. The late afternoon sun transformed the glass towers into pillars of amber light, a beautiful city I wouldn't see change with the seasons much longer.

Everything needed to be arranged properly. For my children. For Cedar.

Especially for Cedar.

Her face appeared in my mind, bringing a different kind of ache. If circumstances were different—if I weren't living on borrowed time—she would be the woman I'd choose to build a life with. Her quiet strength, her innate kindness, the way my children gravitated toward her... she embodied everything I hadn't realized I was searching for.

But fate had different plans.

The next morning, I called Howard Sinclair, the Sterling family attorney, to my office before regular hours. Sterling Design Group headquarters remained quiet, and most employees had not yet arrived.

"I need to modify my will," I said as Howard settled into the chair opposite my desk.

Howard, who had represented the Sterling family for three decades, barely raised an eyebrow. "I assume this concerns arrangements for your children?"

"Partly," I replied, sliding a folder across the polished walnut desk. "I want to add provisions for Cedar Wright."

Now Howard did look surprised. "Ms. Wright? The Design Director?"

"She's more than that," I said firmly. "She's important to my children. And regardless of what happens when the Pierces discover her true parentage, I want her protected."

Howard nodded slowly, opening the folder to review my instructions. His eyes widened slightly. "This is... quite generous, Mr. Sterling."

"It's what I want."

"These provisions are typically reserved for—"

"For someone I care deeply about," I finished, my tone leaving no room for discussion. "Someone who deserves security after I'm gone."

Howard studied me for a moment, then nodded. "I'll have the papers drawn up today."

After he left, I stood at the window, looking down at Michigan Avenue below. This wasn't just about the children, though they were reason enough. This was about making amends for a relationship that would never have the chance to begin. A silent apology for pushing her away when all I wanted was to draw her closer.

Cedar's POV

I couldn't focus. The Lakefront renovation blueprints blurred before my eyes as my mind bounced between two impossible situations: the revelation about the Pierces potentially being my birth family, and Ridley's dismissal that left me feeling like a foolish schoolgirl nursing a crush.

"Cedar, did you hear anything I just said?" Jane's voice pulled me back to reality. My colleague was staring at me with concern. "You've been staring at that same blueprint for twenty minutes."

"Sorry," I mumbled, straightening in my chair. "Just... distracted."

"That's an understatement," Jane said, perching on the edge of my desk. "You look like you're carrying the weight of Chicago on your shoulders. Want to talk about it?"

I shook my head. How could I explain any of it? That I might be the long-lost daughter of one of Chicago's elite families? That I'd developed feelings for my boss—my temporary employer—only to be firmly rebuffed?

"Just tired," I offered with a weak smile.

Jane nodded, though her expression told me she wasn't convinced. "Well, take a break if you need it. The Lakefront isn't going anywhere."

When she left, I pushed back from my desk and headed to the women's restroom. I stared at my reflection in the mirror—the dark circles under my eyes, the tension in my shoulders.

"Pull yourself together," I whispered. "He's just another arrogant executive. If it weren't for the children playing matchmaker, you wouldn't have given him a second glance."

The lie didn't even sound convincing to my own ears. There was something about Ridley that had captivated me from the beginning, though I'd fought against it every step of the way.

I splashed cold water on my face and made a decision. Once Aria was well enough, I would move out of the Sterling mansion. I'd find my own place again, create some distance, and refocus on my career. The children would still be part of my life—I couldn't bear to lose them—but I needed boundaries with their father.

When I returned to my workstation, Albert, Ridley's assistant, was waiting for me.

"Ms. Wright," he said with his usual formal demeanor, "Mr. Sterling would like to see you in his office immediately."

My stomach tightened. "Did he say what it's about?"

"No, ma'am. Just that it's important."

I followed Albert to the executive floor, my mind racing through possibilities. Was this about Aria? Had something happened with one of the children?

When I entered Ridley's office, he was standing by the window, his tall frame silhouetted against the Chicago skyline. He turned as I entered, his expression unreadable as always.

"Cedar," he said, gesturing to the chair across from his desk. "Please, sit down."

I perched on the edge of the seat, my back straight. "Is everything alright? Are the children—"

"The children are fine," he assured me, taking his own seat. "This is about you."

Without further explanation, he pulled open a drawer and removed a folder, sliding it across the desk to me.

Confused, I opened it and scanned the document inside. Then froze.

It was a share transfer agreement. For 5% of Sterling Design Group.

I looked up, stunned. "What is this?"

"Sterling Design Group's headquarters is here in Chicago, but we have substantial operations on the West Coast as well, managed from our Seattle office," Ridley explained, his voice businesslike. "The 5% stake you're holding would make you the largest non-family shareholder in the company."

I struggled to find words. Sterling Design Group was worth billions—far more than Wright Creatives could ever dream of. Five percent was... astronomical.

"I don't understand," I finally managed. "Why would you give me shares in your company?"

Ridley's eyes met mine, steady and calm. "Because the children see you as their mother. I want to ensure you have the means to protect them if necessary."

I closed the folder, shaking my head. "I don't need shares to care for your children, Ridley. I made a promise to them—and to you—that I would always be there for them. That doesn't come with a price tag."

"I'm not trying to pay you for your affection," he said. "I'm giving you what you deserve for everything you've done."

"There's more," he added, pulling another envelope from the drawer. "The deeds to two properties, already transferred to your name. You can visit them whenever you like."

I glanced at the property documents, noting addresses in Chicago's Gold Coast and North Shore, and suddenly felt a surge of indignation. A bitter laugh escaped me as I pushed the share transfer agreement back across his desk.

"Do you think I agreed to be mother to your children for financial gain?" I asked, unable to keep the edge from my voice. "Let me be frank, Mr. Sterling. If I wanted family money, all I'd have to do is acknowledge what the Pierces would undoubtedly offer once they learn I'm their daughter. Do you really think I'm interested in your assets?"

The moment the words left my mouth, I regretted them. I hadn't meant to sound so mercenary. The truth was, I didn't want anything from the Pierces either. I had supported myself my entire life and intended to continue doing so.

Ridley showed no reaction to my outburst. His long, elegant fingers gathered the documents, stacking them neatly before returning them to his drawer.

"These belong to you," he said quietly, closing the drawer. "Whether you accept them now or later, they're yours. When you're ready, they'll be waiting."

He turned to his computer, effectively dismissing me.

I stood there for a moment, watching him work, trying to decipher what was happening beneath his composed exterior. When it became clear he had nothing more to say, I turned and walked out, more confused than ever about the enigmatic man who had upended my life.