Overbearing CEO's Contract Love
Chapter 139: Hospital Turmoil

Chapter 139: Hospital Turmoil

Logan Harrington couldn’t help but burst into laughter at Damien Sterling’s stern expression. "Mr. Sterling, since when have you become so old-fashioned? What could possibly be inferred from this photo? It’s not like it’s a bedroom shot."

Damien felt a sense of déjà vu hearing this logic, reminiscent of Emma Hart’s words from the day before.

Damien picked up a photo again, scrutinizing it closely—their shoulders were clearly touching.

Logan pondered for a moment, then, with a sigh of admiration, picked up the photo.

"Emma Hart really has quite the talent, attracting both of the city’s most eligible bachelors. This time, it seems your competition is quite evenly matched," he said half-jokingly, raising his head and holding the photo.

Damien’s gaze fell on Oliver Westmore’s face, and he let out a scoff. "Competition?" That would only be the case if he considered him a worthy opponent.

Emma Hart had woken early to a frantic call from her mother.

"Emma, your grandmother has been hospitalized with a sudden stroke," her mother said anxiously.

Emma, sitting up in bed and tousling her hair, suspected this was just another scheme by her grandmother to extort money.

"Mom, has grandma resorted to cursing herself just to get money now?" Emma mused.

Her grandmother’s resilience amazed her; despite her age, she seemed more inclined to attack Emma with a cane than to suffer a stroke.

Her mother’s urgent voice broke through her thoughts, "Your grandmother’s been hospitalized, hospitalized!"

Emma began to sense that the situation was serious, especially when she heard her mother crying, "Emma, hurry to the first hospital!"

Emma hastily ended the call and rushed downstairs, only to find no sign of Damien Sterling.

On a Saturday, where could he have gone instead of resting at home?

In her confusion, Emma quickly dressed and went looking for Mrs. Harris.

"Mrs. Harris, is the driver at home?" It was rare for Emma to actively seek out the driver; even though Damien had told her numerous times to use the driver as she pleased, she never had.

Mrs. Harris looked bewildered. "One went out to buy something, and the other is getting maintenance done. We don’t have any cars available at home right now, Miss Emma. Shall I call them back?"

Emma waved her off in a panic. "No need, I’ll just grab a taxi!"

After a long wait with no taxi in sight—taxis were rare in this affluent neighborhood where there was no shortage of personal vehicles—Emma started running towards the main road, hoping to have better luck hailing a cab there.

Breathless from her morning run, Emma Hart arrived at the street, only to find no car in sight.

Amid her anxious wait, a car honked from behind.

Oliver Westmore, spotting Emma drenched in sweat, quickly got out of his vehicle.

"Emma, what’s wrong?" he asked, concern evident in his voice.

Without the breath to explain, Emma managed to gasp out, "Take me... to the hospital."

Oliver promptly opened the car door, ushered Emma in, and secured her seatbelt, trying to calm her agitated state with soothing words. "Don’t worry, Emma, we’re on our way now."

Emma’s hands fidgeted nervously on her lap. Despite not always getting along with her grandmother, her heart wasn’t cold.

At the emergency room entrance, Emma’s mother awaited, visibly distressed. Grabbing Emma’s hand, she shared the urgent news: "Grandma felt ill after using the bathroom this morning. She collapsed and was rushed here. The doctors say she needs surgery immediately."

"Why not proceed with the surgery then?" Emma asked, urgency in her voice.

Her mother hesitated, tears streaming down her face, hinting at a dilemma unsaid.

Emma quickly grasped the situation, understanding her mother’s gentle yet protective nature. "It’s the money, isn’t it?" she deduced.

Her mother nodded helplessly. Emma knew well that hospitals required payment upfront, but she had no money on her.

That’s when Oliver Westmore stepped forward, declaring, "Emma, go ahead with the surgery. I’ll take care of the costs right now."

"Thank you, Oliver Westmore. I’ll repay you," Emma expressed her gratitude.

Before she could finish, the sound of footsteps approached, followed by a chilling, magnetic voice that raised the hairs on the back of one’s neck, "Even if the payment is made, I’m curious to see who in this hospital dares to operate."

Emma watched Damien Sterling approach, his black coat billowing, a presence only someone with his model-like stature could command, emanating an aura that seemed to freeze everything around him.

His gaze was icy, a shadow flickering in his eyes.

As Damien walked towards Emma, Oliver stood protectively in front of her, a gesture that surprised her greatly.

Emma’s mother, frightened, clutched her hand tighter, prompting Emma to suggest, "Why don’t you check on grandma? I’ll be right there."

The two men locked eyes, a palpable tension swirling around them, as if a whirlwind had risen, freezing the surrounding air with their standoff.

Damien Sterling casually and effortlessly rests his hand on his wristwatch, a signature gesture that somehow manages to irk Emma Hart immensely.

Damien’s voice, laced with nonchalance, carries a piece of news, "I forgot to mention, I’ve invested in this hospital."

Emma looks at him, exasperated. How is it that this man seems to own the entire world?

Oliver Westmore steps forward, not showing any signs of backing down. "Are you implying that you won’t be offering treatment?" he challenges.

Damien glances at Emma, who’s trying to stay out of sight, and says with a hint of amusement, "Well, not necessarily. If my woman asks me, I might reconsider."

Oliver, turning away from Damien, decides not to engage further, unwilling to witness Damien’s triumph. "Emma, let’s find another hospital," he suggests, moving on.

Damien, overhearing the use of "we," wonders. Her and who? His possessiveness doesn’t allow Emma to be with any other man, even in speech. It’s utterly unacceptable.

Damien’s gaze shifts, his eyes darkening suddenly, a malicious smile playing on his lips. "We’ll see if her grandmother can wait that long."

"Is this how you keep women by your side, Mr. Sterling? Through such vile methods?" Oliver retorts, his tone dripping with scorn.

Damien considers for a moment. Not usually, but with Emma Hart, he admits to himself, he might actually need to resort to such despicable tactics.

Taking a step forward, Damien offers a disarming smile, his eyes calm yet unfathomably deep, quickly masking a flicker of displeasure before it vanishes.

In a low, husky voice, he inquires, "Mr. Westmore, since when have you taken an interest in someone else’s discarded plaything?"