Overbearing CEO's Contract Love
Chapter 99: In Deep Thought

Chapter 99: In Deep Thought

The manager was explaining with a patient and pleasant demeanor, a level of patience that suggested only those of significant standing in the city, capable of accessing the VIP section, would receive such treatment.

"I’m truly sorry, but we indeed have a VIP with us today."

The manager incessantly apologized, yet Damien Sterling remained unfazed, casually placing his chopsticks on the sashimi as if the commotion outside bore no relevance to him.

"Don’t fancy the dish?"

"I do," Emma Hart replied, picking up her chopsticks.

Anything tasted... less appealing when she was with Damien Sterling.

She hardly cared about the food at that moment. Feigning enjoyment had seemingly become a habit for Emma Hart.

Emma Hart perked up her ears to the sounds in the corridor outside, the voice of a woman drawing nearer, eerily familiar... Hold on!

With the manager’s protest, "You really can’t go in there!"

"I’d like to see who dares enter our private room!"

The door noise indicated it was being opened towards the other side.

As Emma Hart looked up, she locked eyes with a familiar face.

Both were shocked, yet before anyone could speak, Oliver Westmore appeared behind them.

Unlike earlier, Oliver Westmore hadn’t engaged in the dispute with the staff and had remained silent, seemingly condoning his sister’s actions.

Damien Sterling paused his action, his sharp gaze immediately locking onto the two faces under the dim, romantic lighting of the Japanese ambiance.

"Know each other?" he inquired leisurely.

Emma Hart quickly diverted her gaze, recalling the church and her escape from the wedding, anxious not to arouse Damien Sterling’s suspicions given his sensitivity.

Oliver Westmore’s presence forced Emma Hart to avert her eyes, her glance at Oliver Westmore was brief, merely confirming his identity.

If it weren’t for Damien Sterling’s keen observation, he might not have noticed her fleeting gaze on Oliver Westmore.

As the atmosphere thickened almost to solidity, and Emma Hart struggled to respond to Damien Sterling, Oliver Westmore suddenly spoke up from the doorway, "Victoria, causing trouble again."

Following his remark, Oliver Westmore’s gaze naturally shifted inside the room, his expression apologetic as he noticed Damien Sterling, showing surprise, "Mr. Sterling?"

Damien Sterling turned his attention to Oliver Westmore, recognizing him clearly, "Ah, the heir to the Westmore Group."

Oliver Westmore extended his hand, and the two exchanged pleasantries.

Oliver Westmore then redirected his gaze back to his sister, Victoria, with a hint of reprimand, "Still holding a grudge, are you?"

Victoria swiftly recovered, her reluctance evident, "I’ve said it before, I really liked that dress, and now you’ve taken the private room as well?"

Oliver Westmore offered a gentle smile towards Damien Sterling, as if to apologize for his sister’s behavior, "Mr. Sterling, my apologies for this spectacle. Earlier at the mall, my sister and this lady both fancied the same dress. It seems my sister is still not over it."

Damien Sterling, facing Oliver Westmore, didn’t show much reaction but engaged in the conversation, looking towards Victoria, "I’ve heard much about the unparalleled beauty of the Westmore Group, cherished and adored. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Would you be interested in a trip to Paris this week? I would take care of all arrangements."

Damien Sterling generously offered, then turned his attention to Emma Hart.

Extending his hand towards her, Emma, sensing the cue, slowly reached out hers, albeit with hesitation.

Damien Sterling grasped Emma Hart’s hand, his pull swift, outpacing her own effort to stand.

"Consider this an apology to my fiancée and the princess of the Westmore Group," Damien said with an uncharacteristically mild tone.

Victoria, overjoyed by the gesture, ceased to fixate her gaze on Emma Hart, "Mr. Sterling, are you serious?"

"Of course."

Oliver Westmore, witnessing the entire exchange, noted the firm handshake between Damien Sterling and Emma Hart with a profound impression.

A moment of delay passed, a rigid smile crossing Oliver’s face, quickly fading, "Mr. Sterling, my sister has always been a bit of a troublemaker at home. I apologize for any embarrassment."

"Not at all, she’s quite adorable."

"Well then, I’ll let go of the matters regarding the dress and the private room. You two enjoy your evening, we’ll be on our way," Victoria said, pulling Oliver Westmore towards the exit.

Oliver, being led out, waved his arm continuously in a gesture of apology.

Once the two had left the private room, peace and quiet returned to both the room and the corridor, engulfing the space in an almost suffocating silence.

Damien Sterling’s chopsticks clinked against the fine porcelain bowl, a sound that resonated like a hammer against Emma Hart’s already uneasy heart.

It must be said, Victoria Westmore’s acting skills were commendable, but there was always the risk of being discovered by the keen-eyed Damien Sterling.

"Have you now taken to competing with others for possessions?" Damien casually remarked after sipping his sake and setting it down as if it were a matter of no concern.

Upon hearing Damien’s words, Emma’s heart skipped a beat.

Engaging in a dispute over a dress was out of character for her, and indeed, such behavior was far from Emma Hart’s personality.

But what could she do now? Emma, feigning ease, replied, "What of it? Surely, it’s better than enduring your cold stares for not purchasing something appealing?"

Damien Sterling’s scrutinizing gaze bore into Emma, making her feel increasingly uncomfortable as she realized she had just told a significant lie.

Emma, feeling uneasy, lowered her head, acknowledging her acting skills needed improvement.

"Are you that afraid of me?" Damien suddenly asked, catching Emma off guard when she was bracing for another question.

Emma lifted her head, as if relieved, and took a bite of her food, "What do you think?"

"I say you’re not afraid," Damien stated calmly.

His response nearly made Emma choke; she wasn’t nearly as courageous as Damien seemed to believe, his high regard for her notwithstanding.

In another room, Victoria sat down and gestured for Oliver Westmore.

"What?"

She eyeing Oliver. "Appearance fee. You do realize I come at a high price, right?"

Oliver, understanding his sister’s hint, responded, "Consider it a debt I owe you."

"No, let’s keep accounts clear. Pay up!" Victoria was intent on capitalizing on this opportunity, aware that anything related to that woman would prompt Oliver to readily agree to her demands.

Victoria leaned in closer to Oliver, "Brother, mom indeed told you to settle down soon, but she didn’t mean for you to go after a married woman, did she?"

Her words were casual, but Oliver lightly tapped her on the head, "Don’t talk nonsense."

"Oh, look who’s pretending now. Could it be you’ve fallen for that woman?"

"I’ve only met her a few times."

"Who’s to say it wasn’t love at first sight?"

Oliver, pondering, picked up his water glass and brought it to his lips.

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