Overbearing CEO's Contract Love
Chapter 323: Finally Home

Chapter 323: Finally Home

Damian Sterling, after dropping off Emma and the kids, didn’t stay for lunch. He headed straight to the office, understanding the pressing nature of his responsibilities. Emma, though understanding, felt a pang of sadness as they parted after a brief, tender hug. She hoped he would manage everything quickly and return home to rest.

Back at the Sterling mansion, Emma was having lunch while Mrs. Harris and the maids fed the children. Joshua and Gabriel, both with hearty appetites, were eating well. Emma mused that their robust health and quick recovery were likely due to their strong appetites.

At the Sterling Group office, Damian was immersed in reviewing documents. His tall, leggy secretary came in occasionally, bringing more files. She noticed that the lunch she had delivered to Damian an hour ago remained untouched.

"Notify everyone to finish up their work by noon and head home for the holiday," Damian instructed, eyes still on the papers in front of him.

Sterling Group had always been stricter compared to other companies. Out-of-town employees could go home a week early, but local employees had to work until Christmas Eve. Despite the heavy workload during this period, the company compensated by increasing the salary by fifty percent, which kept complaints at bay.

The secretary felt a surge of joy at the announcement. But what about her? She hesitated, then nervously asked, "Mr. Sterling, does that include me too?"

"Yes, you too," Damian replied curtly, not looking up.

Relieved, the secretary thanked him and left the office with a spring in her step.

Time was flying by as everyone hurried to complete their tasks.

At six in the evening, Damian Sterling wrapped up his work and returned to the mansion. Emma Hart and Mrs. Harris were busy making dumplings, while the two children played happily on the sofa.

"Dumplings?" Damian glanced at the table, covered with dumpling wrappers and various fillings—pork and cabbage, peppered beef.

"Yes, don’t you like them?" Emma paused her dumpling-making to ask.

"They’re okay," Damian replied nonchalantly. Chinese cuisine wasn’t his favorite, but Emma seemed to have a particular fondness for it.

"I’ll go upstairs to rest for a bit," he added, heading towards the stairs.

Emma watched him go, a bit concerned. Turning to Mrs. Harris, she asked, "Does Mr. Sterling not like dumplings much?"

"I’m not sure. Usually, during this time of year, he’s either working late at the office or dining with Mr. Sterling Senior. He rarely comes home," Mrs. Harris replied.

Emma nodded thoughtfully and resumed making dumplings. She realized that someone like Damian, who grew up in such an environment, probably never lacked for material comforts but was deprived of genuine family warmth.

Suddenly, an idea struck her. "Mrs. Harris, let’s make it more fun since we’re having dumplings!" Emma exclaimed, excited.

Mrs. Harris looked intrigued. "What do you have in mind, Mrs. Sterling?"

"Let’s hide a coin in one of the dumplings. Whoever finds it will have the best luck in the coming year," Emma suggested with a grin.

Mrs. Harris thought for a moment. "I’ve heard of that tradition, but coins can carry a lot of bacteria, and Mr. Sterling is very particular about cleanliness. He might not appreciate it."

Emma considered Mrs. Harris’s point. "You’re right, no need to invite trouble!" She paused, then her eyes lit up again. "We can use something else instead—like wasabi or chili oil!"

Mrs. Harris smiled, approving of the idea. They decided to use wasabi as a substitute for the coin. To ensure the flavor didn’t spread and affect all the dumplings, they planned to cook that one dumpling separately.

As they continued their preparations, Emma couldn’t help but feel a spark of anticipation. It was these small, playful moments that she hoped would bring a sense of warmth and closeness to their home, something she felt Damian deeply needed.

Damian Sterling seemed to come downstairs at the perfect moment, nearly colliding with Emma Hart, who was about to go upstairs to call him for dinner.

"Watch where you’re going," Damian said coldly.

"Got it, Mr. Sterling! Now, come on, sit down and eat!" Emma cheerfully pushed him towards the dining table.

Tonight’s meal was a feast. There was Damian’s favorite Australian steak, Emma’s beloved spicy hot pot, and a dumpling banquet that Emma and Mrs. Harris had specially prepared to celebrate the holiday season.

"Mrs. Harris, please join us for dinner!" Emma warmly invited.

Mrs. Harris, having worked tirelessly for them all year, deserved a break, Emma thought. She wanted to show her appreciation for all the help Mrs. Harris had provided.

"Thank you, Mrs. Sterling, but I need to feed the young masters. It’s their dinner time, and I wouldn’t want them to go hungry. Please, enjoy your meal with Mr. Sterling," Mrs. Harris politely declined.

Although touched by Emma’s sudden concern, Mrs. Harris knew her place within the Sterling household. She had served the family for many years and understood the boundaries that should not be crossed. Dining with the family was one of them.

"Well, okay then," Emma responded, a bit disheartened. She felt guilty that Mrs. Harris had to work so hard, even during the holidays.

"Let’s eat. We can save some for her," Damian suggested, noticing Emma’s concern.

"Alright!" Emma’s mood brightened instantly.

To make things easier, Damian had cut all the steak into small pieces and ate them along with the hot pot. The spicy hot pot had them both sweating profusely. Damian, not accustomed to such spicy food, was surprisingly enthusiastic about it tonight, matching Emma bite for bite. He kept gulping down water to counter the heat.

"Hahaha, feeling the fiery passion of the hot pot?" Emma teased, delighted to see Damian struggling with the spice but still enjoying himself.

Soon, it was time for the dumplings. Emma hadn’t told Damian that she had secretly stuffed one dumpling with a lot of wasabi. She was eagerly anticipating his reaction after having the spicy hot pot and then biting into the wasabi-filled dumpling. Just the thought of it made her excited.

Smiling mischievously, she added some dumplings to Damian’s bowl. He eyed her suspiciously, sensing something was up.

Suddenly, Emma’s outburst revealed everything!

"Ah! So spicy! Water, water!" Emma stood up abruptly, startling Damian, who dropped the dumpling he had just picked up back into his bowl.

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