Let Me Go, Mr. Howard Chapter 101

Scarlett met Sebastian's gaze, George's words still echoing in her mind.

People around her stood to greet someone, and before they could sit back down, a flash of crimson caught her peripheral vision. 

Everyone knew George favored crimson clothing. Immediately, the entire gathering rose to their feet.

With George's entrance, the family dinner officially began. 

Though called a family dinner, it was more like a private gathering. The Howard family was small, so close friends were invited to make the occasion livelier.

At previous family dinners, George had occupied the head of the table, followed by Sebastian, Tiffany, Sandra, and others. 

This year, Scarlett joined that second tier.

She had intended to sit near the end of the table, but Tiffany held her back, saying that with Sylvia absent, she wanted Scarlett—someone her age—for company. 

So Scarlett found herself seated beside Tiffany, in a position second only to her in prominence.

Apart from a few disgruntled society ladies, no one questioned this seating arrangement. Even those who disapproved dared not show it, expecting the Howard family to reprimand Scarlett. 

To their surprise, George and Sebastian merely glanced over and said nothing.

The main purpose of this dinner was simply to introduce Scarlett and help her become a familiar face. Nothing more.

The meal was lavish. Though Scarlett loved roast ham, she restrained herself in such a formal setting, taking only a few symbolic bites. 

Fortunately, there was also a bowl of rich truffle mushroom soup.

Her dress was fitted, and she soon found herself unable to eat much more. Not wanting to leave the table early, she continued taking small, measured bites.

After the meal, guests drifted in groups toward the small garden. 

Scarlett wasn't familiar with most of them—even with Tiffany, she'd only exchanged a few words. So when she emerged from the restroom, she found herself lagging behind the others.

After asking a servant for directions, Scarlett exited through the dining room's back door. 

Heading toward the garden, she encountered Sebastian speaking with Mark.

Her high heels clicked sharply against the stone path, immediately drawing their attention.

Sebastian was holding a cigarette. Seeing Scarlett, he extinguished it and turned toward her. "All alone?"

The answer was obvious. Scarlett remained silent, attempting to walk past him to catch up with the others, but Sebastian blocked her path.

The narrow walkway to the garden was lined with hydrangeas of various colors, too beautiful to disturb. She looked down, contemplating how to get past him.

"Let's go," Sebastian finally said.

Looking up, Scarlett noticed Mark had disappeared, and Sebastian had stepped aside, apparently intending to accompany her.

Recalling George's advice, Scarlett decided against creating trouble. "No need, Mr. Howard. I can go by myself. You must have other matters to attend to."

"What should you call me?" Sebastian asked, as if he hadn't heard her.

Scarlett blinked, immediately recalling Sebastian's instruction outside the study. She hesitated before quietly saying, "Seb."

Sebastian stared at her for a long moment, then seemingly gave up and began walking ahead.

"Did you eat enough?" he asked as they walked along the path.

Scarlett hadn't, but she nodded anyway.

The "small" garden was actually quite large—it was only called "small" because it was attached to the main building. 

After walking for a while, Scarlett's feet began to ache, and she slowed her pace.

Watching Sebastian walk ahead, she remembered George's words and called out to him. "Sebastian."

He immediately stopped and looked back.

"Mr. George Howard said you would help find me a suitable marriage partner," Scarlett said with a forced smile, deliberately keeping her tone light. "What kind of person do you have in mind?"

Sebastian seemed tempted to smoke again, but his cigarette case was empty. "What kind of person do you want?"

Scarlett didn't respond.

Sebastian approached her. "Do you already have someone in mind?"

Hearing the teasing in his voice, Scarlett tilted her head. "No, I'll have to rely on your judgment for that."

"Don't worry, I won't let you settle for less than you deserve," he replied, not contradicting her.

Scarlett's heart sank a little.

At the center of the garden was a lake, where the other guests had gathered. 

As soon as Scarlett arrived, Tiffany called her over. When she looked back, Sebastian had vanished.

The family dinner was somewhat tedious for Scarlett, but it did allow her to meet many people, even if only on a superficial level.

---

Nearly a month had passed since Scarlett moved into the Howard Manor. She had grown accustomed to her new routine, though the daily commute to and from the Manor still tired her.

Sebastian had taken it upon himself to terminate the lease on her previous apartment. Rather than asking for it back, Scarlett had saved enough money to make a down payment on a house.

After securing the down payment, she eagerly began planning her move. The idea had come to her at noon; Sebastian found her that afternoon.

It was rare for Sebastian to pick her up from work these days.

"You bought a house?" he asked as soon as they met. Though phrased as a question, his confident demeanor suggested he already knew the answer.

Scarlett pressed her lips together. "I didn't use your money."

Sebastian was momentarily taken aback, surprised by her response. 

He had just finished cleaning up David's mess and had rushed over as soon as he received the news, only to be met with this unexpected reply.

His voice deepened. "Do you think I care about that small amount of money?"

Scarlett frowned. It wasn't a small amount to her—the down payment represented a month of careful saving. 

Though "careful saving" was perhaps an exaggeration, since she had been living at the Howard Manor with virtually no expenses, which was precisely how she had managed to accumulate enough for the down payment in such a short time.

"What would you suggest, then?" Scarlett asked, spreading her hands with a defiant air.

Sebastian was direct. "The key."

Scarlett had purchased a pre-owned home that was ready for immediate occupancy after the paperwork was complete. She refused his request.

After Sebastian's persistent questioning, she coldly remarked, "Aren't you able to get it anyway?"

"That's different. The key, please," Sebastian insisted.

With no choice, Scarlett handed him her spare key. 

Even the spare key had a cute cat keychain attached to it—pink and white, creating a stark contrast against Sebastian's dark suit as it lay in his palm.

"You can change the keychain..." Scarlett began, reaching for it.

But Sebastian quickly pulled his hand away, expressionlessly pocketing the key. "No need. When are you moving?"

"That's not your concern," Scarlett replied. She had already arranged for movers and refused to let Sebastian get involved.

Fortunately, he didn't insist on this point.

"You'll need to inform Grandfather about this," he said as he dropped her off at the Howard Manor, lowering the car window to add this reminder.

"I know." Scarlett nodded, watching his car depart.