Overbearing CEO's Contract Love
Chapter 180: Wreck It

Chapter 180: Wreck It

Since impressively completing her last assignment, Sophia Greenwood had increasingly entrusted Emma Hart with the critical task of maintaining client relationships.

Emma gradually grew accustomed to the routine of shopping for others, constantly seeking a way out of this position, though she had yet to find one.

The status of the client this time was no ordinary matter, unlikely to be impressed by just anything.

Sophia had messaged her to visit this place and make a selection. Just standing at the entrance, Emma could tell that the items inside were of significant value.

The store’s minimalist façade, devoid of decoration, belied the wealth within. Inside, the destructive lighting highlighted each art piece, many of which, according to Sophia, were acquired from international auctions.

Emma believed that client maintenance could easily be handled internally by the company. For instance, simply taking a few items from one of Damien Sterling’s numerous villas would suffice, surely more valuable than anything here. After all, the money spent would be Damien’s, and with his abundance of properties and luxurious items, it seemed unnecessary to her.

The world of the wealthy was always beyond Emma’s comprehension.

Lost in thought, she was approached by a salesperson who sized her up, mistaking her for a student from a nearby art school, here more for inspiration than purchase. The salesperson, disliking such visitors who seldom bought anything, asked tersely, "Need help with something?"

Emma responded politely, "I’ll just have a look around," confirming the salesperson’s suspicion that she was just browsing.

Having spent so much time around Damien, especially during those days confined at his place, Emma had developed an eye for his collection of art. Despite the fine appearance of the items on display, they seemed to lack a personal touch, not quite unique enough for her taste. Frowning slightly, she asked, "Is there anything else?"

"You couldn’t afford these anyway," the salesperson retorted dismissively, unwilling to show her more expensive items to someone who seemed only interested in looking.

Emma glanced at the salesperson’s visibly irritated face, wondering if her day had started with a domestic squabble or perhaps a child’s academic failure. Why else would she be so unfriendly?

Emma Hart was too weary to engage in conflict, restrained only by her professional responsibilities. Otherwise, she would have surely exchanged a few sharp words with her antagonist. Such confrontations, albeit futile, might at least have offered some solace.

She detested the arrogance of those who looked down on others, as if working here implied she could afford the merchandise. If only they’d boldly state: "No spending, no entry!"

Turning away, Emma’s scarf accidentally brushed against a nearby shelf.

A server hastily approached, reaching for an item teetering on the edge, only to retract their hand at the last moment. The sound of shattering glass echoed behind her.

Emma’s jaw dropped in shock, only to meet the server’s indifferent gaze, a mix of disdain and smugness apparent on their face. With a snort, the server picked up a price tag, "I’m sorry, that will be $580,000."

"What?" Emma gasped, her eyes widening at the modest-sized piece of artwork on the floor, priced at an astounding $580,000—a sum that could buy a house!

"Will that be card or cash?" the server asked with a sneer.

Where would she find such an amount? She had only slightly bumped the shelf; how could the item have been so precariously placed?

$580,000! The figure hammered in her mind. How could she possibly compensate?

The server’s contemptuous gaze lingered on Emma as they called out, "Security!"

What were they planning to do? Arrest her?

"What are you doing?" Emma eyed the approaching burly men, struggling as they seized her.

"What are we doing? You broke our merchandise. Will you compensate yourself, or should we call someone to bail you out?"

"Let me go!" The men’s grip caused Emma pain, but whom could she call for help? Her mother? Her grandmother?

"Release her!" A stern voice cut through the air as the glass doors swung open. Damien Sterling, dressed in a sharp suit, strode in, his face darkening with fury at the sight of Emma being manhandled.

Damian Sterling, with an aura as commanding as a king’s, walked up to the group, his presence freezing everything around him. Glancing down, he casually turned the dial on his watch with slender fingers, his movements slow and deliberate.

Despite his calm demeanor, Emma Hart could feel the grip of the men around her loosen, some even starting to tremble slightly.

Damian suddenly looked up, the shattered pieces on the floor speaking volumes of the incident. But to him, what did it matter?

"What’s been broken?"

"A masterpiece... worth $580,000."

With a snort, Damian slipped a hand into his pocket, flicking a card between his index and middle finger towards the waiter, who approached with a smile, reaching out to take it.

However, Damian, with a slight raise of his brow, retracted the card, his smile returning colder than before, freezing the atmosphere. His sharp gaze, cold as ice, landed on the men near Emma.

Seeing the tension, the waiter hurriedly ordered, "Let her go, now!"

Despite not knowing who the man was, his aura instilled a deep fear in her.

The woman, processing the payment, saw Damian Sterling’s name appear on the computer screen. She shakily took back the card and collapsed to the ground with a thud, overcome with fear.

"Mr. Sterling, I didn’t see who you were... I..."

Damian Sterling, with a finger to his lips, signaled for the woman to be silent.

Positioned at the storefront, Damian subtly gestured with his finger, and the men outside immediately entered.

Towering figures stood by Damian’s side. "Mr. Sterling, your orders?"

"Smash it," he commanded clearly and forcefully.

At his words, a flurry of clubs descended, and moments later, the shop was reduced to rubble.

Damien Sterling reached out and enveloped the stunned Emma Hart in his arms, as the staff watched a group, unstoppable like wild beasts, lay waste to the store, leaving nothing but the receding figures of Damien Sterling and Emma Hart.