Overbearing CEO's Contract Love
Chapter 66: The Old Flame

Chapter 66: The Old Flame

Emma Hart and Mrs. Harris fabricated a quick lie and rushed out the door, hailing a taxi to the desolate destination.

Overgrown weeds and desolation surrounded the old warehouse, giving off an eerie vibe.

Crows circled ominously in the sky, as if carrying ominous tidings.

Emma Hart stared at the warehouse’s decrepit, rust-streaked door, exerting herself to force it open.

As it gave way, a blinding light spilled out, revealing Ethan Turner on the ground, his mouth gagged, limbs bound tightly.

"Unexpectedly, you really came here?" The man swaggered towards Emma, unmistakably one of the individuals from yesterday.

"Didn’t I give you money yesterday?"

His laughter was insolent and mocking. "Seems I miscalculated. The kid still owes us half a million. You planning to settle his debt too?"

The man, clearly intent on being unreasonable, advanced leeringly towards Emma, reaching out to touch her.

Behind her, Ethan’s reactions intensified. Emma quickly stepped back.

"Don’t touch me, or you won’t see a dime!" Emma glared fiercely at the tattooed man.

Ethan’s frustration was palpable, his feet scraping against the ground.

He seemed to be experiencing a moment of conscience. Had he ever considered her feelings when he was recklessly involved with others?

"I have his girlfriend’s number. He and I have nothing between us. You’ve got the wrong person. You should be looking for his girlfriend," Emma stated resolutely.

Seeing Emma’s reluctance to pay, the man’s anger flared.

"I already tried that! His girl wouldn’t give him the time of day. Only you seem to care enough to show up! No more nonsense, hand over the money. You must have enough on that card from yesterday. We’re not greedy. Just the half million and we’ll let him go."

Yesterday’s transactions, including the substantial amount for her grandmother’s house, still weighed heavily on Emma Hart’s mind.

Unsure how to proceed, she grappled with the dilemma.

The funds weren’t hers but belonged to Damien Sterling. The last thing Emma wanted was to find herself indebted to him.

Emma stepped back, shielding her bag protectively.

The man scrutinized Emma Hart, gesturing to his henchmen with a nod, "Beat him!"

Several burly men, clutching clubs, approached Ethan Turner, their sticks scraping the ground with a harrowing screech that sent shivers down the spine.

Ethan’s eyes were fixed on the approaching clubs as he continually backed away.

Emma knew that one blow would be too much for Ethan’s body to withstand.

Ethan was the hope of his parents. What would they do if something happened to him?

Yet, why did this man keep entangling her with him? They should have severed all ties long ago!

"One swing, and this man might be done for. A leg won’t come cheap, certainly more than $200,000," the man taunted Emma, shaking his head in feigned pity.

The relentless clanking of the clubs on the ground kept piercing Emma’s heart... It wasn’t the act of the execution that was most terrifying, but the anticipation, the sound of sharpening blades.

"Do it!" commanded the man, and his goons raised their clubs.

"I’ll pay!" Emma breached her final mental barrier in desperation.

Hearing this, the man smiled in satisfaction, "That’s more like it."

Emma reached for the card, but the man’s gaze shifted, his eyes revealing a vile intent as he eyed her delicate appearance.

"How does a guy like him get so lucky to have someone like you? Maybe I should keep you company for a bit."

"What are you going to do?" Emma’s hand slipped into her bag, retrieving her phone while she retreated, her fingers pressing down to make a call.

"Don’t run now!" the man jeered, his menace filling the air.

The iron door behind them was suddenly slammed open. A black SUV charged towards the man, who, in sheer panic, scrambled to the side.

The vehicle screeched to a halt with precision.

"Who the hell dares to hit me? Get them!" the man ordered his muscular henchmen.

Damien Sterling alighted from the car, his phone ringing. Glancing at the screen, he saw Emma Hart’s incoming call.

Smart woman, he thought, acknowledging her quick thinking in reaching out to him.

The thugs advanced towards Damien with their clubs, but before they could get close, the buzzing sound of engines filled the air.

A convoy of black SUVs arrived, and the men who stepped out lined up with an overwhelming presence, instantly intimidating the assailants and easily overpowering them.

Damien, unfazed by the commotion, strode towards Emma Hart, his eyes emitting a bloodthirsty gleam.

"Are you using my money to support other men outside?" he accused, his gaze piercing.

He didn’t need to witness the scene to know how dramatically Emma had played the part of a damsel in distress, attempting a heroic rescue.

Foolish woman!

Yet, recalling Emma’s perilous act to save Ethan Turner ignited a rage in Damien, a desire to rip her apart for her recklessness.

That anger translated into physical strength as he lifted Emma effortlessly, holding her as if she were a doll in his grasp.

Suddenly, Damien halted, his thoughts shifting to the man behind him.

He turned, walking towards Ethan Turner with a cold, mocking smile.

"This is the man you’ve been so desperate to save?" he scoffed disdainfully. "What’s so special about him that you’re so obsessed?"

Damien Sterling’s voice was icy, "Take him with us!"

Emma Hart was roughly shoved into the car by Damien, his entry making the spacious vehicle suddenly feel oppressively tight and heavy.

Emma squirmed, realizing her dire situation as she saw the relentless fury spilling from Damien’s eyes.

But even a lamb facing slaughter will make a final stand. At that moment, Emma was tugging at the car door, desperate to escape. "Let me out."

"Let you out? To run back to that man?" Damien snapped coldly. "You like men, right, Emma Hart? Fine, I’ll show you what a real man is. Your guy is too low for you."

Emma couldn’t grasp Damien’s words, nor did she know where the driver was taking them. Her only thought was to escape this madness.