My thinking on how the story will play out, Hunter is accomplishing exactly what he set out to do from the start. It started with David, Hunter tested his ability to take over as Dio del Seso: DDS from here on (to lazy to look up correct spelling) When David discovered his intent he began to mistreat Sterling for the fear that he would be Hunters next target, so he drove Sterling away upon deciding David was not strong enough to protect his family in the way he wanted Hunter began to psychologically destroy David and I'm assuming this led him to commit suicide. Upon Sterlings return Hunter decides to throw the book at him to see if he will falter like his father or if he truly can replace Hunter as the DDS. So Hunter starts attacking from every angle to penetrate Sterlings protection of the women in his life when he succeeds we get a bad end, when he doesn't Hunter has to take some lumps then when he feels Sterling is close he brings in Drew to try the opposite approach. Trying to just be easy going and everyone friend who can't believe what Hunter has been doing all while looking for an opening. I believe Hunter, Drew, and possibly some other members of the family will launch one more attack now that we have everyone together he is expected to not just protect but be the everything to, lover, protector, leader or DDS.
TLDR Hunter has orchestrated everything to test Sterling.