Overbearing CEO's Contract Love
Chapter 297: Beyond the Plan

Chapter 297: Beyond the Plan

Damien Sterling had already left, leaving Emma Hart alone in the room, lost in thought. The atmosphere had been really pleasant... Emma mused to herself. Time to sleep, today ends like this—tiring and unbelievable, but still not bad.

At eight in the morning, Emma, like a lazy cat, was oblivious to the shift from night to day. Damien had left early, dressed quickly and skipped breakfast. Before leaving, he instructed Mrs. Harris to let Emma sleep in and that someone would pick her up at 2 PM. The competition was scheduled for 4 PM on the rooftop of Sterling Group’s Building C.

"Good morning, Mrs. Harris," Emma finally greeted as she came downstairs at noon, her hair tousled, still in her pajamas.

"Oh Emma, it’s already noon! Hurry, wash up and come have lunch! Mr. Sterling said someone will pick you up at 2 PM to go to the company," Mrs. Harris said warmly.

"Ah! Okay!" Emma suddenly snapped awake and hurried upstairs to get ready.

She hesitated and dawdled, and it was one o’clock by the time she was prepared. After a rushed lunch, she left home in a car.

Today’s competition had been the buzz on the internet for weeks, with the company’s media, design, and logistics departments busy preparing all day. The contestants thought it was just the semi-finals, unaware that the outcome would be decided today.

Emma, escorted by her bodyguards, arrived backstage where makeup artists were meticulously preparing their models. After handing her dress to Harper Clark, Damien called Emma to the VIP lounge.

"Stay here before the contest starts, and don’t wander off," Damien instructed Emma.

With many media reporters and wealthy patrons outside, the scene was chaotic, and he was concerned for Emma’s safety.

"But I need to practice with Harper Clark!" Emma protested. Indeed, she was to narrate while Harper showcased the dress.

"Then have her come here to practice," Damien said before closing the door and leaving.

In just a few minutes, under the guidance of Damien’s assistant, Harper Clark joined Emma in the VIP lounge to practice together.

"Harper Clark, it’s all on you today!"

"We can definitely do it, Emma!" they encouraged each other.

Two hours later, the competition was about to begin.

Emma and Harper, accompanied by two bodyguards, entered the waiting area.

"Mrs. Sterling, you look beautiful today."

"Mrs. Sterling, your designs are absolutely stunning."

"Mrs. Sterling, it’s an honor to meet you; I’ve always admired you!"

...

The contestants were all trying to charm Emma Hart, who responded with nothing more than a polite smile. After the host concluded his introduction, it was Damien Sterling’s turn to speak: "Welcome, esteemed guests, to this exclusive design competition hosted by our company. Without further ado, I am here to announce a significant change. Today’s semifinal will now be the final round!"

This announcement sent shockwaves through both the audience and the backstage area—it was completely unexpected!

"A truly exceptional designer must not only be accountable for each piece but also adaptable to sudden changes. This competition will test not just the designers’ responsibility but also their ability to adapt. Let’s watch eagerly and see what unfolds!" After his speech, the host took the microphone from Damien and declared the start of the competition.

The lower-ranked contestants panicked, hastily checking if their designs needed last-minute adjustments. Emma Hart, scheduled second to perform, steeled herself to go on stage—her outfit was meticulously planned, and she felt no need for further thought.

The first to take the stage was an old middle school classmate of Emma’s. To Emma’s surprise, this woman had developed a commanding presence. Backstage, she had merely nodded politely to Emma, with no further interaction.

Her design was dignified and elegant, yet fresh. Her model, mirroring the designer’s aura, looked haughtily over the audience with a frosty grace. Emma admitted to herself that losing to this woman would be acceptable.

Next, it was Emma Hart and Harper Clark’s turn. As they reached the center stage, Harper playfully tiptoed and jumped, turning to flash an innocently mischievous smile at the audience and cameras, resembling a cheeky fairy descending among mortals for amusement. Emma tried to stabilize her emotions and narrated her design in a calm voice.

Suddenly, as Harper reached the front edge of the stage, she slipped and fell! Damien Sterling, who was seated directly in front of the stage, about a meter away, caught her in a reflexive move. He held her gently by the waist, an intimate moment captured by the media. Harper, her face flushed with embarrassment, looked at Damien, froze for about ten seconds, then hurriedly extricated herself from his arms, bowing and apologizing, "I’m so sorry, Mr. Sterling! I truly apologize!"

Damien didn’t say a word; he simply left the audience area.

Emma, still on stage, stood frozen like a statue, watching everything unfold. Snapping back to reality, she quickly muttered a few words to wrap up and hurried off the stage.

The competition continued to unfold.

Backstage, Emma Hart was making her way to the lounge, anxious to check on Harper Clark’s condition. Harper was sitting in front of the mirror, humming a tune and touching up her makeup. Suddenly, a tall figure appeared in the mirror’s reflection. Harper set down her powder puff and turned around, "Why are you here, Ryan?"

Ryan Garcia smirked, "Looks like your foot’s fine?"

Harper retorted with a seductive smile, "A guy who dumps a girl by the roadside showing up here probably isn’t here out of concern for her injuries, right?"

Ryan stood with his hands in his pockets, facing Harper. "You really are quite the actress. No wonder the others perform so poorly. They lack a truly skilled teacher like you."

Harper responded nonchalantly, "Humph! You better stay out of my affairs!"

Ryan shot back, "If you’re planning to wreck my brother’s marriage, then it becomes my business!"

As Harper curled her tempting, seductive lips, she taunted, "Ryan, no matter what you do, it’s futile. Any man that Harper Clark sets her sights on can’t escape. That includes you and your brother!"

Before Ryan could respond, the sound of a water glass dropping echoed from the door. They both turned to see Emma Hart standing at the doorway, looking utterly bewildered.

Harper gave Emma a dismissive glance, undeterred. She thought pregnant women were the easiest to defeat, especially since Emma’s was a shotgun wedding with no real emotional foundation.

"Emma?" Ryan felt a surge of panic. Getting caught in such a situation by the wife could lead to a major scandal, and he dreaded the guilt that would follow.

Emma snapped out of her shock and without a word, started to leave. Ryan, his heart nearly leaping out of his chest, quickly stepped forward and grabbed Emma’s arm...

"Let go of me!" Emma shouted.