Overbearing CEO's Contract Love
Chapter 451: Stirring Up Trouble

Chapter 451: Stirring Up Trouble

Riley Turner turned the corner and didn’t see Emma Hart. Knowing that Emma had likely witnessed what had happened, Riley’s lips curled into a satisfied smile. This was exactly what she had hoped for—Emma seeing everything.

Next, there was sure to be some drama. Riley thought for a moment and decided not to rush to find Emma. Instead, she needed to calm the people in the ward. She had been away for a while, and Damien Sterling was probably quite irritated that Emma hadn’t shown up.

Riley headed in another direction, fetched a large jug of water, and returned. Standing at the door, she greeted each visitor, noticing the change in Damien Sterling’s mood. After a gentle smile, she graciously accepted all the gifts and turned to thank each visitor before sending them off. "Thank you so much, everyone. Damien just had surgery and needs to rest. We appreciate your kindness, but it’s best if you all leave for now."

After sending everyone away, she playfully winked at Damien Sterling, as if to say, "You should thank me. I just got rid of all those annoying visitors for you."

Damien gestured towards Mr. Sterling Senior with his eyes, indicating the presence of the family patriarch: "Get the big boss out of here as soon as possible."

Riley caught Damien’s signal and smiled sweetly at Mr. Sterling Senior’s pleased expression. "Grandpa, it’s getting late. You should go home and rest. I’ll take good care of Damien."

Mr. Sterling Senior nodded contentedly, secretly hoping that something might happen between Riley and Damien. "Thank you, Riley. I appreciate it."

Riley nodded and assured Mr. Sterling Senior, who then left with a satisfied smile on his face. This girl really was a peace of mind.

Once the Sterling family elder had left, Damien immediately lay down, covered his head with a blanket, and muttered, "Thanks."

Riley felt a flicker of displeasure at Damien’s behavior. Did he really find her that unlikable? She suppressed her emotions and said, "You rest. I’ll bring you dinner later."

Hearing her heels click away, Damien emerged from under the blanket with a sigh of relief. Mr. Sterling Senior adored Riley Turner, but Riley always made Damien feel pressured. He felt more comfortable on his own. Now, thinking about it, he was annoyed that Emma Hart hadn’t come to see him. If it weren’t for her absence, he wouldn’t have been so speechless in front of the old man.

Emma Hart crossed the street and kept walking along the roadside. She had just had a fleeting thought of rushing into the traffic when a driver suddenly slammed on the brakes.

"Are you crazy? If you want to die, don’t involve me! Go somewhere else! This is bad luck, running into you. I’ve got deliveries to make!"

After the outburst, Emma broke into a cold sweat. Recalling the scene, she felt inexplicably scared. What had she been thinking? Thankfully, the driver had stopped in time.

Tears of frustration welled up in Emma’s eyes. She had nowhere to go. Mr. Sterling Senior’s words echoed painfully in her mind, piercing her heart. No matter what she did, she couldn’t earn his approval.

After Riley Turner came out, she immediately quickened her pace. Her top priority now was to find Emma Hart because she had something very important to tell her. Unfortunately, she had only caught a glimpse of Emma. After searching around outside and not finding her, Riley cursed under her breath at how fast Emma had run off.

Without wasting any more time, Riley got into her car and started driving slowly along the road, carefully scanning each person she passed. As a car behind her kept honking, Riley frowned impatiently and sped up a bit. As she turned a corner, she saw a familiar figure sitting in the park.

She hit the brakes abruptly and, confirming it was Emma Hart, a flash of jealousy crossed her eyes before she replaced it with a gentle smile and walked towards Emma. Riley immediately grasped Emma’s somewhat cold hand, her eyes full of concern. "Emma, why did you come here? Damien said he saw you earlier, and I got worried. Grandpa said..."

Seeing Riley hesitate, Emma Hart instinctively withdrew her hand and frowned. "And then?"

Noticing Emma’s aloofness but also spotting the tear stains on her face, Riley bit her lip and explained, "Don’t take it to heart. Damien and I grew up together; our families have always been close, so..."

Emma’s heart ached again. Yes, they had a childhood bond, and the harmonious scene at Damien’s bedside was a constant reminder of their intimacy. Remembering Mr. Sterling Senior’s words, she no longer felt as close to Riley as before. She responded politely, "It’s okay. I don’t mind. Take good care of Damien Sterling. He doesn’t like seeing me anyway."

Riley shook her head. "Emma, don’t think that way. Since you’re married, Damien won’t neglect you. Come back with me to see him. After all, you’re his wife."

Listening to Riley’s veiled reminders, Emma felt a cold chill. Only she knew that this marriage was a mere transaction, leaving her feeling utterly desolate. Despite the spring weather, she felt a coldness deep inside.

Matthew Taylor finally arrived. Earlier, when Damien Sterling had angrily dragged Emma Hart away, little Emma had no strength to resist his rough treatment. Only Matthew knew how much it pained him to see her like that. He had felt immense relief the moment he pulled Emma from the water, feeling his heart finally settle back into place.

Emma’s eyes were lifeless. Why was someone so young so full of despair? What kind of hopeless experiences had shaped her into this? Damien had not only once but repeatedly abused Emma. If he could be so cruel in front of others, what must he have done when no one was around? Emma must have endured unimaginable suffering.

After Emma was taken away, Matthew frantically tried to call her. His calls went unanswered, and his texts and messages were met with silence, increasing his anxiety. After changing clothes at their vacation hotel, he immediately drove towards Damien Sterling’s home.