Overbearing CEO's Contract Love
Chapter 282: Joy for Some, Sorrow for Others

Chapter 282: Joy for Some, Sorrow for Others

After a playful night with Damien Sterling, Emma Hart slept until noon, while Damien had left for the office early. As Emma descended the stairs, she greeted Mrs. Harris, who was busy preparing lunch. "Good afternoon, Mrs. Harris."

Mrs. Harris looked up with a knowing smile. "Did you and Mr. Sterling have a good evening last night?" Her eyes hinted at more intimate inquiries, almost asking if their night involved more than just fun.

"No, Mrs. Harris," Emma blushed, her pregnant belly evident. "We were just fooling around."

"It’s nice to see you getting along!" Mrs. Harris sighed with relief. She reminisced about her own days of peace with her late husband, choosing not to dwell on the past any longer.

In Mr. Sterling’s study, the previous night’s antics had relaxed Emma significantly. Energized, she woke up bursting with creativity, quickly completing and submitting her preliminary sketches. She hoped everything would go smoothly today.

At the Greenwood estate, Anthony Greenwood was confronted by his distraught daughter, Sophia Greenwood, as soon as she arrived home. "Sophia, what has happened? Why are you crying incessantly?"

Through tears, Sophia recounted the ordeal, which infuriated Anthony so much that he slapped her. "How can you be so careless, causing such trouble! Do you think we can afford to provoke someone like Damien Sterling?" he gasped for air in his agitation.

"Daddy, I’m sorry, you must help me! I can’t be sent to Country A!" Sophia cried, her makeup running.

"If Damien wants you transferred, it means he’s onto you. You know his background... You always bite off more than you can chew! With our family’s financial troubles this year, how am I supposed to help you?" Anthony unintentionally revealed their dire financial state in his distress. Placing Sophia in the Sterling Group was meant to win Damien’s favor, a desperate move to aid their ailing fortunes.

"What did you say? What’s wrong with us?" Sophia Greenwood asked, puzzled and confused.

"Yes, our family is on the brink of bankruptcy," Anthony Greenwood admitted, his head bowed as he disclosed the dire state of their finances to Sophia.

She was no longer the untouchable queen, the precious daughter of the Greenwood Group.

"This must be kept from Damien Sterling at all costs, otherwise—"

"Otherwise, it won’t just be a simple relocation to Country A."

Inside the spacious and bright Greenwood family guesthouse, silence reigned. Sophia Greenwood felt utterly helpless, allowing tears to streak down her makeup-smeared, delicate oval face as she slumped on a wooden bench.

"I called you here today to tell you I’ve decided to sell this place," Anthony Greenwood revealed with a heavy heart. "It holds beautiful memories of you, your mother, and me. I wanted you to see it one last time." Selling this property, a treasure trove of their happiest memories, was a last resort.

Is reality always this cruel?

A week later.

Sophia Greenwood’s departure overseas was confirmed for the week following the design competition. Emma Hart’s entry had passed the internal review, advancing to the top three with excellent results.

"I made it! I made it!" Emma Hart exclaimed, jumping with joy as she read the notification on her computer.

"It’s just the preliminary round, don’t get too excited," Damien Sterling rolled his eyes at Emma’s jubilation.

"Miss Emma is truly talented," Mrs. Harris commented.

"Mrs. Harris, no need to cook lunch today, I’m taking her out," Damien Sterling said casually, setting down his coffee cup.

"Very well, Mr. Sterling," Mrs. Harris responded.

"You’re taking me out to eat?" Emma Hart could hardly believe it. The formidable boss showing a kinder side was unexpected.

"I’ve said before, as long as you obey, life won’t be too terrible," Damien Sterling replied, his expression as cold as ever.

Well, it’s either prosper under his favor or perish under his disfavor, Emma thought. But it had been a long time since she’d been out, and the thought was genuinely pleasing.

"Ding!" Damien Sterling’s phone suddenly received a text message: "Hello! Miss Emma Hart, your work has passed the preliminary selection from 80 to 10. We are organizing an interview session for the ten finalists. Please be on time. Location: Sterling Group Office Building 2, Floor 3, Date: December 24th, XXXX."

"Did you put down my number when you registered?" Damien asked.

"Yes, you took my phone, so I had to use yours," Emma responded.

"Check it yourself," Damien handed her the phone.

"Sterling Group? This competition is hosted by Sterling Group?" Emma Hart was taken aback, realizing Damien Sterling had full control to influence the outcome. She felt utterly disadvantaged, regretting her decision to participate.

"Indeed." Damien continued his breakfast nonchalantly.

"As long as you behave, I won’t interfere," Damien glanced at the disheartened Emma.

Hearing this, Emma’s mood significantly brightened, just as Damien had anticipated. She was like a child, easily swayed by a few sweet words.

"You can skip the interview if you want."

"I want to go."

"Then I’ll take you shopping for clothes."

"Again?"

"Yes."

Mrs. Harris busied herself in the kitchen, ostensibly occupied, but she was actually eavesdropping on the couple. She remembered how tumultuous it was when Emma first arrived, but now things seemed to be settling down nicely.

At the department store, the salesperson brought out a variety of designer clothes for Damien to choose from. Emma’s choices never satisfied him; despite being a fashion designer, her own casual approach to dressing could lead others to doubt the originality of her work.

Noon at a seaside restaurant.

Damien drove Emma to a beachside villa for lunch, where it was quieter, allowing them to enjoy the beauty of the sea uninterrupted. The villa, with its red walls and green tiles covered in ivy, looked modest yet artistic. Inside, the construction materials were evidently luxurious—understated opulence. Emma, drawn by a rich fragrance, approached an incense burner, with Damien following behind.

"The scent is called ’Muse,’ a special blend I made myself. It’s excellent for sleep and safe during pregnancy," a serene voice floated from the doorway. Emma looked up to see a young woman approaching. She was ethereally beautiful, dressed in a linen dress, like a nymph in the flesh.

"Auntie," Damien stepped forward and embraced the beautiful woman.

"Damien, you’re here!" she exclaimed joyfully.

"This is my aunt, Brianna Baker, owner of the Green Mountain Retreat," Damien introduced her.