Chapter 29 – An Evening with Mr. Sterling: Revelations and Invitations
The first course arrived–a delicate arrangement of seafood that looked more like art than food. Damien seemed to have forgotten his unanswered question about our “arrangement” as he nodded approvingly at the dish.
“Your friend Victoria has excellent taste in restaurants,” he commented, taking a sip of wine.
“She should–her family owns it,” I replied, grateful for the shift in conversation. “The Imperial Garden has been in the Leighton family for three generations.”
Damien nodded, unsurprised. “I thought the name sounded familiar. The Leightons are well–respected in the hospitality industry.”
I picked at my food, still feeling slightly awkward. Despite his relaxed demeanor, there was something intimidating about dining alone with Damien Sterling. His presence filled the room, making me acutely aware of every movement I made.
“How’s your forehead?” he asked, his eyes flicking to my bandage.
“It’s fine, really. Just a small cut.” I touched the bandage self–consciously. “The doctor said it
won’t leave a scar.”
“Good. I’m glad to hear that.” His jaw tightened slightly. “Your stepmother’s actions were unacceptable.”
“She’s spending ten days in administrative detention,” I said with a small smile of satisfaction. “And I’ve filed for a restraining order.”
Damien’s lips quirked upward. “Justice served, then.”
We fell into silence again as we ate. It wasn’t exactly uncomfortable, but it wasn’t entirely comfortable either. I searched for something to say.
“The bracelet, I blurted out finally. “I wanted to thank you properly for helping me get it back,”
His expression softened. “You’re welcome. Does it hold special meaning for you?”
I nodded, putting down my fork. “It belonged to my mother. It was one of the few things of hers I managed to keep after she died. My father sold most of her jewelry to fund his affairs and
business ventures.”
“I’m sorry, Damien said quietly. “That must have been difficult.”
“It was, I admitted. “When the bracelet disappeared from my apartment after my stepmother’s visit, I was devastated. I thought it was gone forever.”
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Damien looked amused. “Several, actually. Chef Lin oversees the main kitchen at Sterling Heights Estate.”
“Estate?” I repeated, feeling increasingly out of my depth. “Not house or mansion but… estate?”
His lips quirked. “It’s what it’s called. Sterling Heights Estate has been in the family for generations.”
I shook my head, laughing softly. “You really do live in a different world, don’t you?”
“Perhaps,” he conceded. “Though lately, I’ve found your world far more interesting than mine.”
Before I could process that statement, he continued, “Speaking of Sterling Heights, my mother has expressed interest in meeting you.”
I nearly choked on my wine. “Your mother wants to meet me?”
“She was impressed with the clothes you designed,” Damien explained. “And she’s curious about the woman who created them.”
“Oh.” I felt both relieved and oddly disappointed. Of course it was just about the clothes.
“Would you be willing to join us for dinner at Sterling Heights next weekend?” he asked, watching me closely. “It would mean a lot to her.”
I hesitated. Dining at the mysterious Sterling Heights Estate with Damien’s mother–a woman powerful enough to be married to the head of the Sterling family–was intimidating. Yet I was curious, and it could be a valuable connection for my business.
“I’d be honored,” I said finally.
Damien’s smile was warm enough to make my heart skip. “Good. She’ll be pleased.”
“Is she… is she very strict?” I asked, suddenly nervous about meeting Mrs. Sterling.
To my surprise, Damien laughed–a rich, full sound I hadn’t heard from him before. “My mother? Not at all. She’s one of the kindest people you’ll ever meet. Though she can be… persistent when she wants something.”
“Such as?” I prompted when he didn’t elaborate.
Damien sighed, running a hand through his dark hair in a rare gesture of something like frustration. “Lately, it’s been about me settling down. Getting married. Having children.”
I couldn’t help but smile. “So even the great Damien Sterling gets nagged by his mother about marriage? Just like ordinary people?”
He looked at me with surprise, then gave another of those rare, genuine smiles that
transformed his face. “Exactly! She nags me every day that I’ll be thirty in two years, the age of establishment, and says I’m still unaccomplished…”
30:51
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His voice held a hint of exasperation, but also clear affection. It was the most unguarded I’d ever seen him, and in that moment, the intimidating Mr. Sterling seemed remarkably human.
I found myself leaning forward, suddenly eager to know more about this different side of the man who had turned my life upside down.
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