Overbearing CEO's Contract Love
Chapter 339: The Clash Erupts

Chapter 339: The Clash Erupts

Emma’s mother passed away quietly that afternoon. The sun was shining brightly, and the event occurred without warning, as mundane as deciding what to eat for dinner. It turned out that the most heartbreaking days could indeed have the clearest skies.

Her mother’s death dealt an immense blow to Emma Hart. She tried to avoid the sorrow, but the pain lingered, refusing to be dismissed. Though she knew she should embrace a new life, the memories continued to haunt her, filling her with sadness and grief.

Even in her dreams, she met her mother, only to wake up to the harsh reality. It was like dishes left unwashed in the sink—no matter how much time passed, the pain remained, and the loss felt ever-present. Emma found herself sighing, crying, and filled with regret whenever she thought of her mother.

Seeing Emma in such a state shattered Damian Sterling’s heart. He lovingly comforted her, constantly reassuring her, "I am your closest person, your lover, your forever family." Damian believed that time could heal all wounds and that his unwavering love and protection would always be there for her.

They were family, eternally bonded, an unchangeable truth.

Half a year passed, and Emma Hart seemed less overwhelmed by grief. Though her mother’s death had initially devastated her, Damian’s constant care and affection helped her gradually find peace.

Still, in the quiet of the night, she would think of her mother and the beautiful moments they had shared.

At the Sterling Residence.

"Emma, what’s for dinner tonight? And where’s our son?" Damian Sterling called out as soon as he returned home that afternoon. He hadn’t seen Emma all day, busy as he was with work. He missed his precious family deeply.

"Hotpot fish, three-flavor duck, and sweet and sour pork ribs. They’ll be ready soon," Emma replied while bustling around the kitchen.

Over the years, Emma’s cooking skills had improved significantly. They rarely needed Mrs. Harris to cook for them anymore, as Emma often took charge of the kitchen. She enjoyed cooking, and Damian couldn’t be happier. He loved Emma’s cooking, and he cherished the sight of his woman preparing meals for him. Wasn’t this one of the greatest joys in life?

"Damian, I heard your company is in conflict with Oliver Westmore’s. Could you... maybe go easy on them, for my sake?" Emma Hart hesitated for a long time before finally speaking up during dinner.

"Hmph, does he really think he can compete with me? Why should I show him any mercy? And why do you think I should listen to you about this?" Damian Sterling, usually so accommodating to Emma, couldn’t accept this. He knew all too well that Oliver Westmore had feelings for his woman, and the thought of Emma trying to help Oliver infuriated him. His temper flared, and his voice grew louder, frightening their two children to tears.

Emma Hart was equally displeased. "I’m just asking you to go easy on him, what’s the big deal? Sterling Group is huge; does this really matter to you? Oliver Westmore helped me once, and I don’t want to owe him anything. What’s wrong with that? And now you’ve scared our children. What are you trying to do?"

"Emma Hart, don’t think that just because I spoil you, you can do whatever you want. Don’t think I don’t know you saw Oliver Westmore today. If you meet him behind my back again, just you wait!" Damian snapped, grabbing his coat and storming out. He didn’t mean to lose his temper, didn’t want to scare Emma or their children, but the jealousy and anger overwhelmed him. Now, he was out, and he couldn’t just turn back.

"Damn it!" He punched the steering wheel and drove to Sky Heaven.

Sky Heaven was one of Damian Sterling’s assets, the largest entertainment venue in the city, offering food, drink, entertainment, and... women. He normally avoided such places, but tonight, inexplicably, he found himself there.

On the 17th floor, James arranged for a woman to follow Damian into a room.

"Mr. Sterling, how about this one? She’s new!" James said obsequiously.

Damian glanced at the girl dressed as a maid. Men liked this sort of thing, didn’t they?

"What’s your name?" He noticed she bore a striking resemblance to his wildcat at home, though her eyes lacked that alluring spark and vitality. They were empty, indicating she had been well-trained.

"Layla." The girl’s voice grew quieter with each word, and she looked genuinely frightened of him.

"Are you afraid of me?" Damian Sterling asked, his voice cold and piercing.

"No, not at all," Layla replied, stepping forward and kneeling before him. "Master, please command me as you wish!" Her face flushed as she gazed up at Damian’s icy expression, his eyes so chilling they made her breath catch.

Damian pulled her onto his lap. The training on the 17th floor was impressive. James might deserve a raise after all.

Back at home, Damian had barely touched his food before storming out, leaving the children in tears. Emma Hart felt a deep ache in her heart. She had only wanted to speak on Oliver Westmore’s behalf because he had once helped her. She didn’t want to owe anyone. She intended to settle this debt and then sever ties with Oliver. She knew Oliver had feelings for her, but she only loved Damian. Why couldn’t he understand that?

Emma had heard about Lucy Allen, the beautiful and elegant PR manager at Sterling Group. The name suited her. Rumor had it that Lucy Allen had attended the same overseas university as Damian, being his junior. No one knew if Lucy had feelings for Damian, but it seemed Damian didn’t reject her presence, which worried Emma.

Sterling Group’s anniversary celebration arrived.

As Mrs. Sterling, Emma had to attend. She chose a floor-length, strapless yellow gown. Emma didn’t like wearing much jewelry, so she opted for a simple look with light makeup and a hairpin, exuding understated elegance. Damian couldn’t take his eyes off her but maintained a facade of indifference. After walking the red carpet together, he left Emma alone to mingle.

Logan Harrington noticed the tension between them and wanted to help. Seeing the PR beauty, Lucy Allen, he had an idea.

"Lucy Allen, how have you been? How’s your child?" Logan Harrington asked.

"I’m doing well, thank you. My child is fine too," Lucy replied politely.

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