Let Me Go, Mr. Howard Chapter 122

Scarlett unconsciously licked her upper lip, erasing the water droplet. The fleeting glimpse of her pink tongue was even more captivating than the moisture had been.

Sebastian's gaze instinctively followed the movement, his Adam's apple shifting almost imperceptibly.

He quickly averted his eyes, the hand that had grasped her wrist now clenched tightly. 

His expression remained characteristically detached, even his gaze on the rim of his glass maintaining perfect indifference—as if that momentary look had been nothing but an accidental glance.

The banquet featured classic high-end fare—roasted beef, pan-seared scallops, lobster tails, and several elegantly plated salads.

Despite having her favorite lobster bisque placed before her, Scarlett merely took a few token spoonfuls, clearly uncomfortable in her prestigious seat.

"Scar, eat more," George urged with unusual warmth, his gentle reminders coming frequently.

Scarlett could only nod and force down another bite.

"Ms. Seymour's jewelry looks rather familiar," Sandra suddenly remarked.

Though Scarlett's accessories—a substantial set of emerald necklace and earrings—were far from subtle, her striking appearance had diverted attention from them. 

Only when she lowered her head did Sandra, seated across from her, finally notice the obviously valuable emerald set.

Scarlett had just raised a spoonful of bisque when she heard the comment. 

She froze mid-motion, realizing this was the second time someone had inquired about her jewelry. 

Her instincts warned that these pieces must have significance beyond their obvious value to merit Sandra's recognition.

Her heart began to race. Setting down her spoon, she glanced at the curious faces turned toward her. "Chris lent them to me."

When he had brought the set, he'd offered no explanation.

Though clearly expensive, Scarlett had accepted the jewelry without hesitation, having nothing suitable of her own to complement her gown.

Sandra nodded with understanding. "The Wright boy's, is it? Well, well. He must be quite fond of you. If I'm not mistaken, these belonged to his mother."

Scarlett's hand trembled. She hadn't realized the necklace had such significance.

Suddenly, the jewelry felt impossibly heavy around her neck, the metal seemingly burning against her skin.

"Can Chris even access these pieces?" The middle-aged woman beside Sandra spoke up, her penetrating gaze settling on Scarlett.

She was Sandra's only daughter, now married into the Glover family, though many still addressed her as Ms. Garner.

Scarlett grew more nervous but didn't avoid the woman's scrutiny. "I wouldn't know about that. I only know that he gave them to me this morning."

Since Scarlett had indeed arrived in a Wright family vehicle, and her steady gaze betrayed no deception, the woman nodded slightly, setting aside her suspicions.

George's gaze lingered on the necklace, his eyes holding deeper meaning. He noted Scarlett's anxious attempt to hide her discomfort, and something seemed to settle in his mind.

Sebastian sat nearby, taking a sip of wine. Behind the shield of his glass, his eyes rested on Scarlett.

She clearly hadn't anticipated the jewelry's significance, uneasily touching the necklace before exhaling a careful breath.

Sebastian lowered his glass, his eyes downcast, inwardly amused. Timid little thing.

He suspected that if circumstances allowed, she would immediately return the pieces.

Imagining Scarlett's nearly tearful eyes, Sebastian's mood improved. Yet when he glanced at her again, the brilliant fire of the emeralds at her throat caught his attention, dazzlingly bright.

Sandra's daughter had been correct—Chris couldn't have accessed this set. Only one person could have...

Sebastian had recognized the jewelry instantly. He'd initially assumed Scarlett had borrowed it herself, but seeing her genuine ignorance now, he understood the lender's intentions.

His grip tightened slightly on his cutlery, his fingertips pressing against the smooth metal, his eyes darkening. Foolish thing!

It wasn't clear who this thought was directed at.

---

As soon as the meal ended, Adeline hurried to Sebastian's side.

"Grandpa," she addressed George, having realized from their earlier encounter that Sebastian wouldn't defend her unconditionally in his grandfather's presence.

"Don't call me that." George's attitude toward her remained cool. When she approached, he instinctively looked for Scarlett, whose presence he found more agreeable.

"Scar, come here," he beckoned, waiting until Scarlett was beside him before acknowledging Adeline.

"I have only one granddaughter," he stated bluntly, causing Adeline to flush with embarrassment once more.

By now, many guests had gathered around, witnessing Adeline's humiliation. Their gazes held varying degrees of assessment.

"Grandfather, Addie used to call you that before," Sebastian intervened immediately, defending her.

Encouraged by his support, Adeline moved closer to him. "It's all right. After being away so long, some distance is natural."

Her deliberate show of compliance didn't appease George, who frowned at how closely she pressed against his grandson.

Despite his displeasure, faced with Sebastian's unwavering stance, George could only grunt his dissatisfaction.

"Grandpa, this is just my gift to you," Adeline smiled, seizing the moment to present her gift.

Scarlett recognized it as the calligraphy piece from the auction.

She felt a momentary surprise, though it made perfect sense. Sebastian had ample resources, and using such a valuable artwork to gain George's favor for Adeline was entirely reasonable.

She glanced at George's reaction.

As expected, his stern expression softened noticeably upon seeing the calligraphy. "At least you have taste."

A security officer took the artwork.

"Glad you like it, Grandpa. The piece has served its purpose," Adeline replied graciously.

Her deliberate charm was clearly effective.

Scarlett quietly stepped back from George. Even with his earlier attention, she couldn't compete with Adeline when Sebastian was advocating for her.

George had the calligraphy unrolled for closer inspection, his satisfaction evident.

"Grandfather, surely you shouldn't look at just one gift?" Sebastian interjected, his gaze falling on Scarlett.

This look, combined with his words, made Scarlett tense. Her fingers curled slightly at her sides as she inwardly mocked herself.

Was he so eager to see her embarrassed? To make Adeline's gift appear more precious by comparison?

Her tobacco pipe certainly couldn't compare to the calligraphy.

George glanced up briefly. "You're thoughtful as well."

The comparison was obvious—everyone could see which gift George preferred.

But then, examining the new pipe, George gestured to an attendant. "Bring my tobacco so I can try this pipe."

The onlookers exchanged glances, noting Scarlett's relieved expression. Perhaps her gift had struck a chord after all?

The remaining gift presentations were unremarkable.

Only Sylvia's ruby-encrusted walking stick provoked George's good-natured scolding, which she deflected with playful coquetry, ending the episode.