Overbearing CEO's Contract Love
Chapter 309: Guest Etiquette

Chapter 309: Guest Etiquette

Ryan Garcia sat alone in the café, playing mobile games to calm his racing heart. Every gamer knows how time flies when you’re engrossed in a game, and before Ryan knew it, night had fallen. Suddenly, his phone rang, interrupting his game. "Damn it!" he cursed, annoyed at whoever was disturbing his playtime.

It was Brianna Baker.

"Ryan Garcia!" Her voice was so loud it nearly made his heart leap out of his chest.

"Oh, it’s my dear mother! What can I do for you?" Ryan’s tone flipped instantly to one of eager politeness.

The barista nearby observed Ryan’s sudden change in attitude, feeling goosebumps at the drastic shift.

"Where are you? Why aren’t you home yet? Harper Clark is at our house; come back immediately!" Brianna Baker demanded.

"Uh, okay, I’m on my way," Ryan replied, hastily hanging up and heading out.

At Green Mountain Retreat, Harper Clark sat in the cozy living room, admiring the elegant decor. "Auntie, your home is truly beautiful," she complimented.

"It’s getting late, Harper. Why don’t you stay over tonight? Keep me company since Ryan is never around," Brianna suggested eagerly.

"Who says I’m never home? I’m here every night!" Ryan’s voice called out from the doorway.

He walked in and glanced at Harper sitting beside his mother.

"Sure, you’re home every night, but you’re gone by breakfast, if you even bother to eat. It’s like you treat this place as a hotel!" Brianna retorted, rolling her eyes at her son.

"Ryan," Harper said, standing up to greet him.

"Sit down, you’re a guest," Ryan replied, gently patting her shoulder.

"You can bring guests home, but you can’t bring a girlfriend? Or even a fiancée?" Brianna grumbled.

"Mom, that’s enough," Ryan said, irritation creeping into his voice.

"Alright, let’s eat," Harper interjected, trying to ease the tension.

At the dinner table, the food was served in equal portions for three. Ryan ate in distracted silence, while Harper and Brianna chatted animatedly. Harper even helped Brianna by refilling her tea and serving her food.

"Thank you, Harper," Brianna said gratefully, then turned to Ryan, "Look at how polite and considerate Harper is. She even bought me clothes and health supplements today. You could learn a thing or two from her!"

Ryan felt increasingly uneasy. Harper was behaving like the ideal daughter-in-law, and he couldn’t shake the feeling that she might be plotting something after being spurned by him.

Was she here to win his mother over as part of some elaborate revenge plan?

Ryan Garcia glanced at Harper Clark, catching her gaze. He quickly looked away, focusing on his rice.

"Harper will be staying over tonight!" Brianna Baker announced cheerfully.

"What did you say?" Ryan mumbled through a mouthful of food.

"I hope it’s not too much trouble for you and Auntie," Harper replied with a smile.

"What!" Ryan turned to Harper, eyes wide.

Brianna discreetly pinched Ryan’s side.

"It’s fine! No trouble at all," Ryan reluctantly agreed, unable to voice his true feelings.

Harper smirked inwardly. Her plan was working perfectly.

After dinner, Ryan pulled Harper into the backyard. The artificial waterfalls and rock gardens mesmerized her.

"Auntie really knows how to live and enjoy life, doesn’t she, Ryan?" Harper asked.

"Why are you here?" Ryan demanded.

"Mind your manners. After all, I am a guest, Mr. Garcia," Harper said, batting her eyelashes playfully.

Ryan’s eyes widened in response. Harper slowly walked closer, lightly brushing his fringe with her fingers. "Don’t you think...this is a great opportunity for us to get to know each other better?"

She looked at him with her enchanting, expressive eyes. Ryan smirked, "Indeed, it is."

He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close. Harper had underestimated Ryan’s willingness to play along. Reflexively, she placed her hands on his chest to keep some distance.

She hadn’t expected Ryan to be so forward, and the situation was escalating faster than she’d anticipated.

"You!" Harper stammered, at a loss.

"What? Isn’t this what you wanted?" Ryan asked, lifting her chin with his other hand, his eyes burning with desire.

Startled by his intensity, Harper’s body trembled slightly. She suddenly pushed him away forcefully.

Ryan was surprised but amused. She’s quite the actress, he thought. Her innocent demeanor had been convincing.

"Come on, you’re a guest, Miss Clark. I’ll show you to your room," Ryan said, walking away.

After a few deep breaths, Harper followed him inside.

Sterling Mansion.

Damien Sterling was working in his study. Downstairs, Emma Hart and Mrs. Harris were in the living room, entertaining the two children. Suddenly, the doorbell rang.

"Who is it?" Mrs. Harris went to open the door. Upon seeing the visitor, she immediately greeted him with respect, "Mr. Sterling Senior! Welcome!"

Emma Hart heard Mrs. Harris’s words and quickly stood up, hurrying to the door. "Grandpa! Please come in! Mrs. Harris, prepare Grandpa’s favorite Dragon Well tea!"

"Yes, Mrs. Sterling!" Mrs. Harris replied and rushed to the kitchen.

Mr. Sterling Senior saw his two great-grandchildren on the couch and was overjoyed. "Oh, my precious great-grandsons! Did you miss your great-grandfather?" he cooed as he sat on the couch to play with the babies.

"Grandpa, have some tea," Emma Hart said, placing the freshly brewed Dragon Well tea on the coffee table.

"Good, good," Mr. Sterling Senior finally settled into a seat, his demeanor returning to its usual seriousness.

"Emma, I see you’ve recovered well. That puts my mind at ease," Mr. Sterling Senior said, looking her over with satisfaction.

"Thanks to your blessings, Grandpa," Emma replied.

"Is Damien home?" Mr. Sterling Senior asked next.

"Yes, Grandpa, he’s upstairs working. I’ll call him for you," Emma said, immediately heading upstairs to fetch Damien.

Mr. Sterling Senior nodded in approval.

Upstairs, Emma Hart knocked on the study door before opening it. "Mr. Sterling, Grandpa is here."

Damien Sterling pondered for a moment before standing up and heading downstairs. Emma and the assistant followed behind him.

"Grandpa!" Damien greeted respectfully as soon as he reached the living room.

Search the lightnovelworld.cc website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.