Overbearing CEO's Contract Love
Chapter 201: Does Germophobia Vary by Person?

Chapter 201: Does Germophobia Vary by Person?

Emma Hart found herself unable to escape the inevitable; she was now standing outside the CEO’s office, the secretary behind her signaling for her to go in. No secretary was eager to disturb that woman inside, especially after the last one was fired for seemingly no reason other than Nina Waters feeling threatened by her looks. It seems nobody wanted to risk their job over such trivial matters.

Taking a deep breath, Emma turned around and entered without even knocking—a habit she had unless she was either brought in by Damian Sterling himself or followed a secretary. She hadn’t developed the habit of knocking at this particular door.

Upon entering, Emma first noticed Damian Sterling, seated at his desk with his typical stoic expression, looking every bit the part of a man who excelled at hiding his true intentions. Here to cause trouble, no doubt.

"You called me here..." Emma started, only to be interrupted by the appearance of a woman striding from around the corner where Damian’s art collection was displayed. It was indeed Nina Waters, walking towards her with a look of murderous intent.

Emma understood that look; if someone had splashed water on her in front of the man she liked, she would feel equally homicidal.

Feeling engulfed by awkwardness, Emma bit her lip, her arms, which had been hanging loosely, now drawn in tight to her sides. She clasped her hands together, then, unsure of what else to do, raised one in greeting to Nina, "Hi."

Nina Waters, fueled by anger, marched towards Emma, hand raised, "You..."

Emma stepped back involuntarily, bracing for what she assumed was Nina’s retribution for yesterday’s confrontation, especially after Nina had vowed revenge. What could she do but offer a strained smile?

"Miss Nina Waters, about yesterday, I assure you, it wasn’t intentional. I apologize," Emma tried to explain.

Nina, closing the distance, seemed at a loss on how to vent her pent-up anger. Typically, she would express her frustrations through her assistant, but now, left to her own devices, she seemed almost helpless.

"You..." As Nina approached Emma, hand raised, Emma stared in shock. Was she about to receive a slap? Couldn’t these women find a more original approach?

Nina Waters’ movements were slow, and seizing the moment, Emma Hart stepped forward, questioning her, "Miss Waters, is this really the image you want to present in front of Mr. Sterling?" Emma whispered, then retracted her head and closed her eyes, feigning resignation to her fate. Given Nina’s sluggish pace, Emma was confident she could easily dodge if necessary.

Nina paused, considering Emma’s words. How could she afford to project the image of a shrew in front of Damian Sterling? Shouldn’t she embody the grace and tolerance of a well-bred lady instead? With that realization, her raised hand faltered.

Meanwhile, Damian Sterling, that infuriating man, just sat there, witnessing another woman about to hit Emma, and did nothing. Men really do lose interest quickly! Emma cursed Damian under her breath, glaring at him as he continued to work, seemingly indifferent to the women’s confrontation.

Suddenly, Nina’s temper flared again, perhaps feeling that their earlier exchange hadn’t resolved things fairly. Raising her hand once more, she rationalized that yesterday’s incident was indeed Emma’s fault and felt increasingly justified in her actions. If she didn’t follow through with the slap, Nina felt she wouldn’t be able to let the matter rest.

As her hand was about to come down...

Damian suddenly coughed, drawing attention to himself, his gaze resting on both women. He couldn’t stand by while his secretary, whose face he wasn’t done admiring, was about to be slapped around without reason. "Nina Waters, if you need anything at Sterling Group, feel free to approach her," he said, his eyes lingering on Emma, with a trace of smugness.

Nina, observing Damian, felt his gaze was solely on her. Despite Emma’s attractiveness, Nina deemed her too plainly dressed to be a match for Damian, her simple lipstick adding a homely charm that, in Nina’s eyes, couldn’t compare to her own allure.

Initially, Nina wanted to share the events of the previous day, hoping to garner Damian’s sympathy once more. However, considering the potential to manipulate Emma if she remained by her side, Nina saw an opportunity. After all, Damian’s intervention would likely result in nothing more than Emma’s dismissal.

"Very well, thank you, Mr. Sterling."

Nina Waters glanced at the water glass on the desk and casually mentioned, "Mr. Sterling, I’m just going to the restroom."

As she made a move towards the office’s restroom, Damien Sterling’s sharp command stopped her, "Use the one outside."

Nina was taken aback, clearly puzzled by the sudden loudness of Damien’s voice, but its sternness instilled a sense of fear in her.

Beside Nina, Emma Hart explained, "Miss Waters, the CEO prefers cleanliness; there’s a restroom outside for guests."

Nina, not daring to provoke Damien further, quickly headed for the external door without another question.

Once the door closed, Damien Sterling, sitting coldly at his desk, commented, "You seem to know it all."

Emma, momentarily stunned by his tone, realized it was directed at her. Emma, choosing to ignore the man before her, heard Damien put down his pen, presumably wanting to say more.

Turning around, Emma mockingly mimicked Nina Waters’ coquettish tone, "Mr. Sterling, may I use the restroom?"

Damien’s response was just as stern as before, "Use the inside one!" Although his tone matched the one used with Nina, Emma felt it lacked the same firmness, pondering whether Damien’s aversion to germs varied depending on the person. Was she somehow "privileged" in his eyes?

"Go on, then. Need me to accompany you?" he teased.

"Ah? Oh, right away," Emma hurriedly agreed, making her way to the internal restroom.

Emma’s interest in the opulence of Damien Sterling’s office restroom had faded. She remembered marveling at its size during her first encounter, lamenting the unfairness of the world and the decadence of the wealthy. The restroom was as large as a living room in a regular house. Damien didn’t dine there, so why did he need such a lavish space just for a restroom?