Let Me Go, Mr. Howard Chapter 100

Sebastian's gaze lingered on Scarlett's face for a moment. 

When he noticed the flush on her cheeks, his eyes darkened. An image flashed through his mind—a young girl sweetly professing her love for "big brother"—and a wave of irritation washed over him.

This form of address wasn't right.

The irritation seeped into his expression as Sebastian shifted his gaze, completely ignoring Scarlett's greeting. 

Watching him turn away, Scarlett's shyness quickly transformed into embarrassment. Any hopeful feelings she might have harbored crumbled in that moment.

A twinge of bitterness rose in her heart. She licked her lips and lowered her head, telling herself it wasn't a big deal and that she wouldn't dwell on it.

Sebastian stayed in the tea room only briefly before George summoned him to the study. 

After his departure, Scarlett gradually found herself marginalized.

The ladies were all shrewd observers and had clearly noticed Sebastian's dismissive attitude toward Scarlett. 

Tiffany and Sandra maintained their cordial treatment of Scarlett despite recognizing her seemingly unimportant position in the Howard family. 

Penelope and Isabel, however, were different.

In the presence of Tiffany and Sandra, they had little opportunity to speak. But once outside the tea room, comments about Scarlett flowed freely.

"I thought she was truly a Howard family lady, but it seems she's just for show," Isabel said with a covered laugh as she and Penelope returned from the restroom.

"Indeed. I even gave up my seat for her. What a miscalculation," Penelope replied, shaking her head with regret in her voice.

Scarlett happened to be walking toward the study with the butler when she overheard their conversation, their sharp laughter piercing the tranquility of the courtyard. 

The butler leading the way glanced back at Scarlett, but the subject of their gossip maintained a wooden expression, as if she hadn't heard a word.

Yet the women spoke so brazenly, it was impossible not to hear. 

The butler looked at Scarlett's unruffled demeanor once more, his estimation of her rising.

When Scarlett arrived at the study, Sebastian was just coming out. They met at the doorway.

"Mr. Howard," she said, reverting to her previous form of address after recalling Sebastian's earlier reaction.

Sebastian lowered his gaze, his eyes resting on Scarlett's curled lashes. "Call me Seb."

Hearing this, Scarlett frowned and instinctively glared back. 

How could he be so inconsistent? Just moments ago he had clearly been displeased with her form of address, and now he was requesting it.

Scarlett obediently complied. "Sebastian." Sometimes you have to swallow your pride, no matter how bitter it tastes.

"It's Seb," Sebastian corrected.

Scarlett frowned again. This nickname felt too intimate and ambiguous. If they were truly related by blood, it might be acceptable, but they weren't. 

Worse, there existed another unspoken, intimate relationship between them. Using the nickname "Seb" would only intensify this ambiguity.

Scarlett didn't want to use it—was too embarrassed to say it—and chose to pretend she hadn't heard.

Sebastian stared at her, noting her discomfort. The emotions he had just suppressed began to resurface, his handsome brows furrowing as the atmosphere around him grew tense.

Fortunately, George's security officer approached. "Ms. Seymour has arrived? The chief is waiting for you."

Scarlett immediately nodded and followed the security officer inside.

---

In the study, past the outer office, George sat on a soft couch in the inner chamber. 

Today he wasn't smoking his pipe; instead, he was fidgeting with a string of prayer beads. 

Scarlett glanced at them but couldn't identify what type they were.

The beads made a soft sound as they rotated in George's hands.

"Grandfather," Scarlett called out as she approached. Her tone wasn't particularly reverent, but it was polite.

George nodded slightly. "Are you aware of what's happening with the Seymour family?"

People had been telling Scarlett about these matters for days. Though she hadn't sought out the information, she couldn't avoid hearing about it.

David had been sentenced, apparently receiving the maximum penalty. He would likely spend the rest of his life in prison. 

Edith had blood on her hands, having admitted to orchestrating Adele's mental breakdown and subsequent suicide. 

When Irene learned of this, she nearly beat Edith to death. The scandal that erupted between them at the police station had spread throughout Sovereign City by that afternoon.

The third branch of the Seymour family hadn't fared well either. Though they rarely stayed in the country, they had participated in economic fraud crimes led by David, including a cross-border scam. 

In the vast Seymour family system, only the fourth and fifth branches, still abroad, had escaped implication. 

Even Brianna, a woman who seemed to know nothing but pleasure-seeking, had been charged with money laundering.

At present, Scarlett appeared to be the only clean member of the Seymour family. It was a strange feeling.

"Yes, I know." Scarlett nodded, answering honestly.

George also nodded, stopping his fidgeting. His eyes, half-covered by wrinkled eyelids, fixed intently on her as he spoke in a low, serious tone. "The Seymour family is in an unstable situation. As a Seymour, you must understand your place."

Another warning. The attitude, identical to his previous one, made Scarlett relax somewhat. "I understand."

She appeared quite docile now, but having witnessed Scarlett's sharp tongue before, George still felt uneasy.

"How old are you now?"

"Twenty-three."

"Not so young anymore. Have you thought about marriage?" George's tone suddenly became more genial.

Scarlett immediately felt a sense of caution rise within her. "Not at the moment."

To the outside world, she was single, and being single meant naturally having no thoughts of marriage.

Hearing this, George looked her up and down. 

After a long pause, Scarlett finally heard him speak. "Since you haven't, after things settle down, I'll have Seb find some suitable matches for you. He knows many talented young men; surely there will be someone you like."

Scarlett suppressed the pain in her heart and smiled. "Sebastian is so busy; how could he possibly find time to match-make for me? Perhaps it would be better if—"

"Seb is a kind boy. He's already agreed."

Her words came to an abrupt halt. Scarlett lowered her head and smiled, her face showing a hint of shyness. "I appreciate it."

Seeing her lack of objection, George felt a weight lift from his shoulders. "Good. You may go now. Spend some time with those wealthy ladies and make a good impression."

Scarlett nodded. Once outside the study, she felt some of the tension leave her body, though she still had to maintain her composure.

By now, everyone was heading toward the dining room. 

Scarlett encountered Tiffany, who was still accompanied by Penelope. After exchanging greetings, they proceeded to the dining room together.

When they arrived, the servants were still serving the meal, so everyone sat in the side hall. 

During this time, someone inquired about Scarlett's relationship status.

Scarlett paused briefly before smiling and answering, "I'm still single."

At the side entrance, Sebastian entered. His gaze fell on Scarlett, positioned at an angle. He appeared to have heard her response.