Let Me Go, Mr. Howard Chapter 112

The porch light was dim, illuminating only half the space. Sebastian's face was half in shadow, his stern features making him look intimidating enough to make anyone's heart race.

Scarlett instinctively stepped back.

Sebastian walked toward her, but with each step he took forward, she took one back. 

His eyes darkened as he closed the distance with quick strides, grabbing her wrist. "Where were you planning to go?"

Scarlett could hear her own heartbeat. "Nowhere," she replied, remembering Orion's words. She knew she had nowhere to escape, so compliance was her only option.

Sebastian frowned and finally released her. 

Scarlett took the opportunity to back away slightly, though under his watchful gaze, her retreat seemed futile.

He closed the window, frowning as he removed his slightly damp coat. "Tell Libbie to come here tomorrow."

Scarlett opened her mouth to refuse but couldn't find the words.

The living room lights came on. Sebastian sat on the sofa, closing his eyes in fatigue, but opened them a moment later to look at Scarlett still standing in place. "Come here."

Though reluctant, she approached. 

After she sat down, Sebastian touched her face, finding it ice-cold. He frowned and pulled a thin blanket around her shoulders. "Aren't you cold?"

It was autumn now, and each day was colder than the last.

Scarlett clutched the edge of the blanket as warmth gradually returned to her body, though her heart remained chilled.

"You and Orion... you're using me in some transaction?" Before she realized it, she had asked the question aloud. Her fingers curled, gripping the blanket tighter.

"No," Sebastian replied, allowing her to breathe a slight sigh of relief. This response made her dare to hope.

"So he was lying? There's no deal between you two, right?"

Sebastian looked at her, his expression flat, his eyes dark. "That's not something you should concern yourself with."

Scarlett froze, then frowned. "I'm involved in this, and you're saying I shouldn't be concerned?"

"You won't be harmed," he said, standing up. The exhaustion on his face was unmistakable. He rubbed his brow and pulled Scarlett toward the stairs.

Scarlett stubbornly refused to move. They stood in a stalemate.

"I want to go home," she said.

"Home? Where?" Sebastian gave a slight laugh, looking at her with measured patience.

Scarlett hesitated, momentarily unable to name a place. But then she remembered her backup plan—the one that had cost her entire savings and a month's salary and bonus.

"I have a home. I'm going to my home!"

Sebastian's face hardened as he forcefully pulled her to his side. His voice wasn't loud, but it was piercing. "This is your home."

Scarlett's lips trembled. "No! It's not!"

"Then where is?" Sebastian moved closer, his nose brushing her cheek, his hand pressing against her lower back with suggestive movements.

Scarlett remained silent.

He moved even closer, their breaths mingling. His warmth made Scarlett close her eyes involuntarily.

Thinking of childhood tenderness, she bit her lip. "I want to go to Michael."

Sebastian's movements halted.

Before Scarlett could say anything more, the world suddenly spun as Sebastian hoisted her over his shoulder.

"What are you doing?" she asked, her voice trembling. Being upside down gave her no sense of security, and she clutched the fabric of Sebastian's back in fear.

But Sebastian didn't respond.

He walked silently to the bedroom and laid her down, tearing her clothes open in an instant.

Scarlett gasped, quickly covering herself with her arms, but while she protected one area, another was left vulnerable.

"Sebastian!" She found him utterly unfamiliar in this moment.

Sebastian took a deep breath, his eyes intense as he stared at Scarlett beneath him.

She swallowed nervously, trying to inch backward, but was immediately pulled back by Sebastian's grip on her waist.

Her body was positioned. "Look at me," Sebastian commanded coldly, with no trace of desire in his voice.

Scarlett trembled slightly, turning her face away, but ultimately couldn't resist Sebastian's strength.

She watched helplessly, the corners of her eyes reddening.

"Who am I?" Sebastian asked coldly, pressing closer with each word.

She was in too much pain to speak, but Sebastian kept asking, over and over.

Finally, Scarlett couldn't hold out. "Slower, Sebastian, please..." she begged through her tears.

But it was useless.

She cried, her body shaking uncontrollably.

Sebastian savored the moment, licking his lips. "Remember, you are mine."

Mad dog! Scarlett finally understood why Sebastian had earned such a nickname. Tears in her eyes, she glared at him.

"Glaring at me?" Sebastian, now satisfied, was in a slightly better mood, but seeing Scarlett's expression, his eyes darkened again.

With her calves still aching, Scarlett quickly shook her head.

Her submission pleased Sebastian. He pulled her close as they lay down, their sweat-covered bodies pressed tightly together.

"Grandfather's birthday is next week. Don't forget," he said, kissing the top of her head.

Scarlett kept her eyes closed and said nothing.

She had intended to avoid conversation with Sebastian, but instead fell asleep.

---

She woke the next day to birdsong outside, the chirping gradually rousing her.

She opened one eye but quickly closed it against the bright sunlight.

A moment later, she bolted upright, both eyes wide. "Oh no, I'm late!"

She rushed downstairs in a panic, only to find Libbie and Sebastian having breakfast in the dining room.

Sebastian looked up at her flustered state, his voice calm. "I called in for you. Sit down and eat."

"Ms. Seymour, come quickly, I've made your favorite soup," Libbie urged.

Scarlett moved slowly toward them, sitting in the chair Libbie pulled out. Before she could speak, a spoon was placed in her hand.

"You need to take grandfather's birthday gift seriously," Sebastian said leisurely, drinking his milk.

Scarlett simply nodded.

She thought it was just a reminder, but then he added, "You'll come with me to pick something out later."

"That's not necessary. I can choose a gift myself."

Sebastian looked at her with a slight laugh. "What's your budget?"

The question caught Scarlett off guard. She didn't want to use the card from the Howard family, which meant relying on her own savings.

And after recently buying a house, her savings were limited.

"A thousand dollars," she said, her voice growing quieter, lacking confidence.

Sebastian snorted derisively, his meaning clear without words.

Scarlett knew that George's birthday celebration would be Sovereign City's most prominent event. A thousand-dollar gift simply wouldn't be presentable.

Moreover, her special status meant that the quality of her gift would reflect the Howard family's attitude toward her. 

If she publicly embarrassed George, her future would be difficult.

"I understand," Scarlett reluctantly accepted Sebastian's offer.

As they were about to leave, Sebastian received a phone call.

"What is it, Addie?" he answered, glancing at Scarlett before walking outside.

Scarlett didn't look at him, keeping her head down as she put on her shoes.

Libbie helped her with her bag, finally handing it to her. "Take care, Ms. Seymour."

Scarlett nodded and went to wait for Sebastian in the car.

When Sebastian finished his call and got in, he said, "We're going to Eaglecrest Hill."

What going to Eaglecrest Hill meant was clear without explanation.