Let Me Go, Mr. Howard Chapter 114

As she listened to Sylvia's words, a glimmer of hope rose in Scarlett's heart.

But immediately, the memory of Sebastian abruptly leaving after that phone call flashed through her mind. That lingering tingle of faded pleasure now felt like ice water being dumped over her head.

Her expression faltered, but seeing Sylvia's beaming face, she managed a smile. "Stop teasing me like that. There's no way that's true."

Seeing Scarlett's clear lack of interest, Sylvia dropped the subject, despite believing it could actually work.

When they meandered back to the lounge door, neither woman wanted to go inside.

"Going back in there is so boring," Sylvia pouted, clutching Scarlett's hand. "Let's explore instead. I know there's an exhibition hall open nearby—we should check it out."

Scarlett wasn't eager to return either and was about to agree when the lounge door opened from inside. 

Mark stepped out and, spotting them, smiled. "Ms. Seymour, Ms. Myers, Mr. Howard has been looking for you."

Hearing Sebastian was asking for them, Scarlett and Sylvia exchanged a glance, both seeing resignation in each other's eyes. 

Sylvia didn't dare openly defy Sebastian, and since Mark represented him, she completely abandoned her plans for the exhibition hall.

Inside the lounge, Sebastian sat alone in a single armchair, his elbow resting on the armrest, his distinct, slender fingers lightly pressed against his temple. 

Adeline was sitting on the loveseat closest to him, her body tilted in his direction.

Sylvia sauntered in with Scarlett right behind her. The moment they sat down, a menu was presented to them.

Scarlett glanced at it before settling back on the sofa, menu in hand. 

Sylvia immediately leaned over, affectionately clutching Scarlett's arm and resting her head on her shoulder. "What are you getting?"

"I'm not hungry yet," Scarlett shook her head, having eaten not long ago and lacking appetite.

"I don't have much appetite either," Sylvia said bluntly, closing the menu and handing it back.

Mark took it, glancing at Sebastian from the corner of his eye.

"Let them decide for themselves," Sebastian said simply.

Mark nodded and was about to leave when Adeline spoke up.

"No seafood," she said with a gracious smile, showcasing her thoughtfulness.

Scarlett heard Sylvia's subtle snort but didn't look over. She understood exactly why Sylvia was laughing. 

Sebastian's status was exceptional—everyone in Sovereign City knew him. High-end establishments practically memorized his preferences. 

Whenever he visited, his likes and dislikes were already anticipated by the staff. There was no need for anyone to remind them.

The menu had only been offered as a courtesy to those accompanying him. They could order whatever they liked, but the kitchen had already prepared Sebastian's favorites.

Sylvia's snort wasn't exactly quiet. Adeline's expression changed momentarily. She glanced nervously at Sebastian, who showed no reaction, then touched her face with feigned embarrassment.

"I forgot—you're not the same person you used to be," she said, acting distressed about her faux pas while smiling sweetly.

Sebastian didn't comment on this minor incident, but he did shoot Sylvia a warning look. Sylvia caught his glance and immediately shrank back.

The waiting period that followed was rather dull, though it only lasted about thirty minutes.

"Scarlett, I heard you work at MRK. That's impressive!" Adeline said. "So many people dream of getting into that company!"

If Scarlett had heard this before yesterday, she might have been pleased. 

But last night, she'd discovered her position at MRK wasn't truly earned through her own abilities, but through Sebastian's behind-the-scenes maneuvering. She didn't even know why he'd wanted her there in the first place.

Now, hearing Adeline's praise, Scarlett couldn't even muster a cold expression. She could only smile and respond, "Thank you, Ms. Morgan. I just got lucky." 

As she finished, she glanced toward Sebastian.

He had no reaction to her words, busy handling business on his tablet, seemingly not even hearing their conversation. Seeing this, Scarlett looked away and smiled at Adeline.

"You're indeed very lucky," Adeline agreed, insisting on drawing Sebastian into the conversation. "Sebi, tell us, how did Scarlett get so lucky?"

She reached out to nudge him, but the distance was too great, turning her push into more of a caress.

Sebastian did look up in response. His eyes remained deep and unfathomable as they swept over Scarlett briefly before returning to Adeline. "Not as lucky as you."

Adeline's eyes brightened. "Sebi!" she cooed.

Scarlett had never imagined Sebastian capable of such sweet talk. She stared, dumbfounded. 

But Sebastian's gaze wasn't on her—it remained fixed on Adeline, who didn't say another word after that.

"So fake!" Sylvia couldn't help but whisper to Scarlett.

Scarlett lowered her head and smiled, but her mood wasn't improved. After all, Sebastian had spoken the truth, and Adeline's confidence genuinely came from him.

---

When the auction began, club attendants arrived to guide them. 

Everyone at the Moonstone Assembly Club was either wealthy or prestigious, yet even among this crowd, they were escorted through the VIP passage.

"Wow, this is my first time through the VIP entrance! Thank you, Bash!" Sylvia said, playing up her good behavior.

Sebastian showed no reaction to her casual remark, but Adeline chimed in. "Your first time? I thought you always used this entrance."

The comment wasn't particularly loaded with meaning, but since Sylvia already had such a poor impression of Adeline, she immediately responded with a grin.

"Oh, Adeline, you're giving me too much credit. If Bash weren't here, I'd never have access to a place like this. I'm just a regular person—who would give someone like me such special treatment?"

Her words were clearly taking a jab at Adeline, who naturally caught the implication. Her expression darkened slightly, but she didn't say anything more.

Scarlett, not wanting to get caught in this crossfire, deliberately distanced herself.

"Ms. Seymour, here's your bidding paddle," Mark said from behind her, handing her a gold-rimmed paddle with the number four.

Scarlett nodded and accepted it. The others received their paddles shortly after.

They were seated in a second-floor private box with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a complete view of the auction floor below.

Scarlett had barely sat down when Sylvia tugged at her sleeve. "Look, the Watson family is here too."

Following Sylvia's gesture, Scarlett looked across and indeed spotted members of the Watson family in the opposite box.