Let Me Go, Mr. Howard Chapter 109

"What soft spot?" Scarlett asked, not understanding Adeline's comment.

Adeline's smile froze. "You don't know? I've said too much."

Her manner inexplicably reminded Scarlett of Edith. She couldn't help wondering: was Sebastian's near-marriage to Edith because she resembled Adeline?

"I heard the Seymour family was about to face disaster," Adeline continued, "but Sebi intervened because looking at you reminded him of me."

Though shaken, Scarlett managed a smile. "Is that so? Then I really should thank... Bash." She hesitated before using Sylvia's nickname for Sebastian.

Adeline smiled graciously, taking Scarlett's hand and patting it gently. "No need to be so formal. We'll all be family soon."

"Family?" Scarlett frowned, not understanding.

"I've returned to marry Sebi," Adeline smiled shyly.

Scarlett was speechless. Instinctively wanting to distance herself from this Edith 2.0, she withdrew her hand. "Congratulations to you then, Ms. Morgan. I'm just here to pick something up from Bash."

"I'll go for you—Sebi isn't letting anyone in," Adeline volunteered, completely missing the momentary sadness that crossed Scarlett's face. She opened the door without even knocking.

Scarlett sat where Adeline had been, exhaling softly to ease the heaviness in her chest. Those two are getting married... She couldn't stop the thought. Would Sebastian really marry Adeline?

Leaning back on the sofa, she opened her chat with Sylvia and, after some deliberation, sent a message: [Is Ms. Morgan back to marry Mr. Howard?] 

She didn't care what this message might reveal—she just needed information from someone who knew the situation.

Before Sylvia could respond, the office door opened. Scarlett looked up and caught a flash of displeasure on Adeline's face before it quickly transformed into a smile.

"Scarlett, Sebi wants to speak with you inside."

Surprised, Scarlett hesitated before standing. As she passed Adeline, the woman smiled at her warmly. Scarlett returned the smile and entered the office.

Bright sunlight filtered through sheer curtains covering the floor-to-ceiling windows. Sebastian sat behind his desk, apparently waiting for her. 

"Close the door," he said as soon as she entered.

Scarlett obeyed, then asked, "Where's my bag?"

Instead of answering, Sebastian pushed his wheeled chair back. "Come here."

When she didn't move, Sebastian clicked his tongue impatiently. Eyes downcast, she slowly approached.

When she reached him, Sebastian wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her onto his lap. His hand rested on her lower back, gently massaging. "Why didn't you use the driver?"

The question seemed random, but Scarlett immediately understood—Sebastian had arranged a driver for her, but she hadn't used him.

"I forgot," she answered simply, trying to get up.

"What's wrong?" Sebastian asked lazily, his grip on her waist preventing her escape.

"Ms. Morgan is right outside," Scarlett gritted her teeth, thinking of Adeline waiting beyond the door.

Sebastian frowned, seemingly surprised by the mention. "And?"

"I came for my things. I need to get back to work." Scarlett avoided the subject, trying to pry his hands off her waist.

Sebastian's arms were strong and powerful. Even the feel of his wrists reminded Scarlett of last night's passion. She pressed her lips together, her fingers trembling slightly.

Sebastian looked down at her, gently squeezing her hand. "Are you angry?"

"What would I be angry about?" Her tone was calm, as if genuinely asking.

Sebastian studied her for a moment, then tilted her chin up and kissed her soothingly. "Alright. I'll pick you up tonight."

"Don't bother. Ms. Morgan just returned—you should be with her." Scarlett pushed him away, saying the opposite of what she felt.

She expected Sebastian to insist, but he just chuckled. "Indeed."

Scarlett froze, biting her lip reflexively. "Where's my bag?"

"Over there." Sebastian raised an eyebrow, nodding toward a side table.

Following his gaze, Scarlett saw her large bag with the embroidered cat sitting on a chair. She stood, grabbed it, and headed for the door.

As she was about to leave, Sebastian added, "Don't bring your attitude around Addie."

Scarlett's hand paused on the doorknob. A pang of hurt filled her chest. "I understand."

Outside, Adeline was still sitting in the waiting area, sipping tea with an elegant dessert in front of her—clearly from that exclusive patisserie that was nearly impossible to get into. 

It was morning, and that shop wouldn't normally be open now. Someone must have gone to great lengths to acquire those treats.

Despite her low spirits, Scarlett smiled politely. "Ms. Morgan, I should be going."

"Won't you have something first? Sebi had someone pick these up early this morning." Adeline was clearly trying to keep her there.

Those hard-to-get delicacies were just "had someone pick up" in her casual phrasing. 

Scarlett lowered her gaze to hide her hurt. "I can't. I need to get back to work."

"That's a shame," Adeline said with a regretful smile. "Next time, then."

Scarlett nodded and left quickly. Back in her car, she finally received Sylvia's reply: [They probably will marry! Bash was crazy about her back then. My mom says Adeline's quick return was only possible because Bash pulled strings abroad for her!]

Scarlett stared expressionlessly at the message, exhaling slowly. She didn't respond immediately. Only after returning to the MRK Building and handing the engineering documents to Hatty did she send a brief reply.

Sylvia messaged back immediately: [When I first saw your face, I thought if Bash had met you earlier, he definitely wouldn't have chosen Edith. Your face gives you a natural advantage.]

Scarlett pressed her lips together, understanding Sylvia's implication. 

Though her eyes stung, she forced a smile and replied with feigned nonchalance: [Really? So I'm Ms. Morgan's replacement?] followed by an angry emoji.

Sylvia quickly responded: [My mistake! It was just a theory!]

Scarlett smiled bitterly. This wasn't a theory—she had been Adeline's replacement for five years. 

She suddenly remembered Chris's strange call last night. She dialed his number. He answered after just two rings.

"Was your comment last night because Adeline is back?"