Overbearing CEO's Contract Love
Chapter 452: Defense

Chapter 452: Defense

On the way, Matthew Taylor’s car brushed past the vehicle Emma Hart was in on her way to the hospital. It took him a moment to realize that Emma might have been in that car. He immediately turned his car around and sped after it, honking furiously as he chased it down.

He wasn’t sure if his eyes were playing tricks on him because he was so focused on Emma. The car turned into the hospital entrance, and he saw a figure that looked like Emma getting out. Matthew felt a pang of confusion—why would Emma be going to the hospital? Was it because of someone at the hospital that she felt so desperate?

He shook his head. Besides her carefree brother and her grandmother, there was no one else who could affect Emma so deeply. Pushing these thoughts aside, he wondered if she was feeling unwell.

Matthew parked his car and rushed into the hospital, but he lost sight of Emma. He started asking around, "Excuse me, a short girl just came in. Which way did she go?"

But everyone shook their heads. The hospital was huge, and with so many patients coming and going, no one noticed where she had gone. His description was too vague to be helpful.

After several unsuccessful inquiries, Matthew decided to wait at the hospital entrance for Emma to come out. He couldn’t believe she could just disappear in the hospital.

At that moment, he noticed the Sterling family chauffeur getting out of a car. If the family patriarch was involved, could it be related to Damien Sterling? Curious and concerned, Matthew called Damien, but his phone was off. He then called his secretary, "Find out which room Damien Sterling is in at Hanshan Hospital. Quickly."

The response was swift: "ICU 101." Matthew hurried to the elevator, heading upstairs. As the elevator door closed, Emma Hart emerged from another elevator on the same floor.

Matthew, deep in thought about what could have happened to Damien, didn’t notice her. How had Damien ended up in the ICU so quickly when he seemed fine earlier?

Reaching the ICU, he didn’t see Emma. He waited at the entrance and soon saw Riley Turner heading inside. Their eyes met. Riley recognized Matthew but didn’t speak; their interactions had always been minimal. She understood he was looking for Emma but chose to stay silent.

Matthew also noted Riley’s presence, realizing Emma might have already left. Knowing Mr. Sterling Senior’s fondness for Riley, he decided not to waste time there and resumed his search for Emma.

When he finally found her, Riley Turner was already with Emma, seemingly causing her distress. Matthew strode forward; Emma, like a snail, always retreated into her shell when things got tough. Riley’s presence here was likely agitating her further.

Matthew’s face darkened with anger. It was bad enough Damien treated Emma poorly, but Riley had no right to push Emma to her limits. He stepped in front of Emma, shielding her, and sarcastically said, "Miss Turner, you’re quick. Weren’t you just in the ward? Don’t you need to stay and take care of Mr. Sterling?"

Riley Turner’s face immediately soured, paling before she quickly responded with a look of grievance. "What are you talking about? Damien and I grew up together. He asked me to find Emma."

Matthew Taylor didn’t let her uncomfortable expression go unnoticed. His eyes sharpened as he retorted, "Oh, really? Then what were you saying to Emma? Can’t you see she’s not in a good state?"

Riley looked towards Emma Hart with a hurt expression. "Emma and I are friends. I was just trying to console her. I didn’t say anything hurtful."

Matthew didn’t believe her. Riley’s feelings for Damien were well known. Pretending to be friends here was just a facade. Emma, hiding behind Matthew, had her own private resentment towards Riley and didn’t want to engage. She remained silent, lost in her thoughts.

When Riley didn’t get a response from Emma, her face flushed with embarrassment. She cleared her throat softly and continued, "Emma, I know you’re upset, so I won’t bother you anymore. I hope you think about what I said. I’ll head back to the hospital now; Damien needs someone with him."

After Riley left, Emma pulled away from Matthew’s protective stance and sat back on the bench, coolly saying, "Thank you."

Matthew joked, "That’s it for your thanks? Shouldn’t you treat me to a meal for getting rid of a nuisance?"

Emma frowned. Treat him to a meal? That didn’t seem right!

Seeing her discomfort, Matthew quickly added, "I’m just joking. Don’t take it seriously. If anything, I should treat you. Your salary can’t cover my meal expenses anyway."

Emma forced a fake smile. "Is that so?"

She really wasn’t in the mood for jokes. She wished Matthew would leave too so she could be alone and undisturbed.

Both fell silent, and after a long pause, Matthew finally asked, "Are you okay? What happened earlier?"

Emma shook her head. "I’m fine. Damien Sterling didn’t do much. He locked me in a room, but the butler let me out soon after. He had a car accident and is in the hospital."

Matthew nodded in understanding. No wonder the Sterling family patriarch was at the hospital today.

Unbeknownst to them, a camera flashed in the distance, capturing multiple photos. The photographer had found the perfect angle, making them appear like a close couple.

Satisfied with the shots, the person in the shadows smiled slyly. These photos were more than enough. The day’s developments had turned out to be quite fruitful.

Matthew and Emma remained unaware they had been photographed. Matthew, sitting beside Emma on the bench, felt content. Even in silence, it felt comfortable. Just being with her, not knowing what had driven her to the brink of suicide but now seeing her alive and beside him, brought him a sense of peace.

Emma, on the other hand, felt awkward. She just wanted to be alone and not be disturbed by anyone.

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