Let Me Go, Mr. Howard Chapter 116

Scarlett didn't notice Adeline's appraising look. Her attention was fixed on the auction floor below, anxious that someone might compete for the pipe she wanted.

Sebastian merely glanced back briefly, showing no reaction as he sat quietly. 

Only Sylvia leaned close to Scarlett, whispering, "Looks like nobody's going to challenge you for it..."

The words had barely left her mouth when another bid rang out.

"Box 02, guest number two, two hundred and fifty thousand dollars!"

All eyes immediately turned to Adeline.

She appeared startled, drawing her hands to her sides. "I'm so sorry—I hit it by accident. Scarlett won't be upset with me, will she?"

Sylvia had seen this act too many times. Her head throbbing with frustration, she couldn't help but snap, "What do you mean 'by accident'? How could you possibly hit that button by mistake with all this space?"

Adeline immediately looked to Sebastian, her eyes reddening with tears clinging to her lashes. "I'm so sorry, Sebi. I really didn't mean for this to happen."

Sebastian stared at those tear-filled eyes for a moment before shifting his gaze to Scarlett. "Just bid higher if you want it. Don't make a big deal out of nothing."

Scarlett felt unfairly scolded, her heart aching with injustice. But before she could place another bid, Box 3 jumped in.

"Box 3, three hundred thousand dollars!"

This development caught everyone by surprise. Scarlett tensed immediately. She never imagined the Watson family would compete with her for something as seemingly unimportant as this pipe.

In truth, she didn't think the pipe was particularly valuable, even as a gift for George. It wasn't an ideal choice. 

After the Watson family's bid, no one else showed interest. With no further offers, it went to the Watson family.

Scarlett felt a pang of regret. Had she known no one would bid higher, she would have made another offer.

"I'm really sorry, Scarlett," Adeline said, pressing her palms together with eyes full of remorse. "I truly didn't mean to hit the bid button."

Scarlett recognized this familiar posturing all too well. She frowned slightly. "Ms. Morgan, does your apology bring the item back?"

Adeline froze, clearly not expecting such a direct, merciless response.

Sylvia stood nearby with folded arms, smirking. "The item's gone now, Adeline. Do you think Bash can chase it down like in the movies?"

Adeline knew Sylvia disliked her, but hadn't expected such bluntness, especially with Sebastian right there. 

Sebastian was now looking their way, his expression changing.

Sylvia frowned. "Is Bash taking Adeline's side?"

"It's just a trinket. Is it really worth arguing over?" Sebastian remarked with a cold laugh. His gaze lingered on Scarlett, suggesting he was displeased that she'd caused such a commotion.

"It's alright, Sebi. This really was my fault," Adeline said, wiping the corner of her eye—adding fuel to the fire.

Sylvia listened, seething with anger but unable to express it. She could only sink into the sofa, silently fuming.

Scarlett had already avoided Sebastian's gaze. She touched her arm where goosebumps had formed, perhaps from the air conditioning. 

As she ran her fingers over them, Scarlett felt as though her heart had developed similar bumps—tingling and aching. 

She lowered her head slightly, suppressing the sourness in her chest, and quietly watched the remainder of the auction.

Sylvia's mood had been thoroughly disrupted by Adeline. She casually bid on a ruby and then ceased participating. 

Adeline had her eye on many items and managed to acquire nearly all of them.

Finally came the painting. Knowing Sebastian was present, no one dared bid against him once he made his offer. 

In the end, he secured the painting for one hundred and thirty million dollars.

---

"Letty."

Just as they exited the passageway, Scarlett heard a familiar voice. The nickname was too intimate and distinctive—she immediately knew who it was.

Beside her, Sylvia raised an eyebrow and smiled, clearly aware of the speaker's intentions. 

Scarlett quickly glanced at Sebastian, afraid he might have heard the nickname.

Sebastian, just emerging from the passage, was tilting his head to speak with Adeline, apparently not noticing what had happened. Relieved, Scarlett hurried toward Ethan.

"Mr. Watson, is there something you need?" Remembering Orion's advice, she maintained a distant attitude.

Ethan smiled sadly. "I saw how much you liked that pipe."

Scarlett frowned, not immediately understanding, but then Ethan extended a long box toward her. "Take it. You were planning to give it to Mr. George Howard, weren't you?"

The oblong box was of excellent quality, dark green with subtle patterns that complemented the pipe perfectly. Scarlett stared at it, hesitating to accept.

Sylvia approached from behind and immediately grasped the situation. 

"So you were the one who bought it," she said with a laugh, then looked at Scarlett. "That's perfect—the item can return to its rightful owner."

Scarlett didn't bother correcting Sylvia's choice of words. She smiled and shook her head at Ethan. "This is something you purchased. I can't take it."

"It doesn't matter. I won't be attending that banquet anyway, so this thing is useless to me." Ethan stepped forward and forcefully placed the box in Scarlett's hands. 

Then, taking advantage of their proximity, he whispered, "I don't mind. I can wait."

The comment seemed strange, yet Scarlett's mind exploded with understanding in that instant. 

She looked up sharply at Ethan, whose gaze remained resolute. To ensure she understood, he glanced at her, then at Sebastian behind her. His meaning couldn't have been clearer.

Ethan didn't linger. After handing over the box, he hurried away.

"It seems Scarlett is quite popular," Adeline's voice came from behind, gentle yet cutting like a blade. "Sebi, it looks like you don't need to worry about Scarlett's marriage prospects. There's a ready candidate right here."

Scarlett turned to find herself face to face with Sebastian. His gaze dropped to the dark green box in her hands. He gave a slight, barely audible snort. "Pity about the poor taste."

The cryptic remark could have been about anyone.

Sylvia didn't understand. After the others had walked away, she whispered, "Who was he talking about?"

"I don't know either," Scarlett replied softly, ignoring Sebastian's earlier look as she shook her head.

On the return journey, they dropped Adeline off first. She invited Sebastian to stay at her villa for a while, but he declined.

"I'll come tonight," he said.

Before she could express any disappointment, Sebastian's reassuring words were already out. 

She immediately brightened, her voice changing pitch with excitement. "Alright then! I'll have the staff prepare dinner for you!"

Scarlett listened to this exchange, her expression unchanged. She ran her fingers over the box in her hands, thinking to herself that perhaps Ethan really wasn't such a bad choice after all.