Let Me Go, Mr. Howard Chapter 123

Shawn arrived to present his gift on behalf of the Wright family, a rare sight in a perfectly tailored light gray suit that draped over him like a second skin rather than a constraint. 

The switch from his usual crisp executive jacket gave him a more composed aura, though his ever-present gentle smile prevented any sense of detachment.

When Shawn entered, Sebastian didn't immediately acknowledge him. 

Eyes downcast, he meticulously adjusted his cuffs until they were perfectly smooth before resting his hand on the nearby armrest. 

His metal watch band made a dull thud against it—a sound completely absorbed by the party's chatter.

Only as Shawn approached did Sebastian slowly raise his gaze, first landing on the man's polished shoes before gradually moving upward. 

When their eyes finally met, Sebastian's eyebrow twitched almost imperceptibly—a gesture of recognition between acquaintances, yet his eyes remained utterly cold. 

He offered no smile, merely a slight nod before shifting his attention to the massive chandelier overhead, as if merely admiring the ballroom's decor.

Shawn lowered his eyes in quiet acknowledgment before turning to their host. "Mr. George Howard, forgive my late arrival," he said warmly as they shook hands.

George, ever the gracious host, rose to engage him. "Just glad you could make it. With your busy schedule, I thought you might miss it like previous years."

As Shawn accepted a gift box from his assistant, his fingertips brushed against the platinum ring on George's left thumb—last year's gift, a custom piece set with a rare, high-quality emerald that Chris had personally brought from overseas.

"You flatter me, Mr. Howard," Shawn smiled, noticing the ring. "No matter how busy I am, I wouldn't miss your birthday celebration. As luck would have it, the East development project is winding down, so I finally had some time."

The mention of the East district development—Shawn's responsibility—was clearly an invitation for the Howard family to get involved. 

George nodded as he accepted the gift box. "Good to hear you're less busy. Everyone needs time to relax, don't they?"

"Oh, Scar, come meet Mr. Wright," George said suddenly, beckoning Scarlett forward from where she stood demurely at his side.

Scarlett approached slowly, her earlobes flushing slightly. She feared Shawn might ask about her jewelry—his mother's pieces—like others had throughout the evening. 

With Chris absent and gift-bearing guests surrounding them, any questions about the accessories would surely make her the unwanted center of attention again.

"Mr. Wright," she greeted, looking up with pleading eyes that revealed her anxiety. 

Thanks to George, she had already drawn enough attention and didn't want any more drama.

Shawn smiled, his gaze lingering briefly on her neck and earlobes, his eyes crinkling with increased warmth. "Nice to meet you, Ms. Seymour."

The atmosphere between them felt strange—somehow familiar yet distant, carrying some peculiar connection neither too close nor too far.

"That jewelry set looks lovely on you, Ms. Seymour," Shawn finally mentioned the accessories, but only to compliment them, making no reference to their origin. 

Scarlett breathed a sigh of relief, assuming he hadn't recognized the set, and thanked him with a smile.

Behind them, Sebastian calmly withdrew his gaze, his hand at his side secretly clenching into a fist. 

He turned to take a champagne flute from a passing server and took a composed sip, as if merely quenching his thirst. 

Yet as his Adam's apple bobbed, Sebastian silently ground his back molars. Others might assume he was simply thirsty, but only he knew the true source of the restlessness growing inside him.

The gift-giving ceremony soon concluded. 

Shawn, having arrived in a hurry, departed just as quickly after brief conversations with the Howard family and the Garner family.

Finally free from George's side, Scarlett immediately sought out Chris, who was reasoning with Ethan when he noticed his friend staring fixedly at something behind him. 

Without turning, he knew exactly who had arrived—that troublemaking beauty.

Chris inwardly chuckled before turning to see Scarlett hurrying toward them, unable to actually run in her uncomfortable strapless dress, her smooth décolletage drawing attention.

"Why the rush? Take it easy!" Chris called out with a frown, deciding to walk toward her instead. Ethan, licking his lips, followed along.

"Chris!" Scarlett panted, her fair skin flushed pink. "This necklace belonged to your mother?"

Surprised she knew, Chris paused momentarily before nodding. "Yes, but it's fine. It looks good on you." 

The jewelry being recognized was inevitable, and he truly didn't mind.

"Tell me honestly, did you really get this for me?" Scarlett asked with furrowed brows, thinking of what Sandra's daughter had said.

Remembering the instruction he'd received before leaving—"Don't say it's from me"—Chris pivoted from what he was about to say. "Who else would it be from? Who else in the Wright family would treat you this well?"

Scarlett pressed her lips together, touching the large emerald pendant. "But should you really give me something so valuable?"

"What's the big deal?" Chris dismissed, circling to admire the jewelry from different angles. "It looks good on you. This piece has been sitting at home for nearly twenty years—it deserves to see the light of day."

Ethan, finally finding his opportunity to speak, chimed in. "Exactly! Even the most beautiful jewelry needs the right person to showcase its beauty."

Scarlett beamed with delight, both from Chris's attention and her own relief. 

She had initially thought Chris had sneaked the jewelry out, but his words had dispelled that concern.

Ethan had planned to stay with them, but was soon called away by Orion. 

Earlier, when the Watson family presented their gift—a famous painting that had once been taken overseas—Scarlett had watched from the sidelines, noting their genuine sincerity. Orion must have gone to considerable trouble to acquire it.

The relationship between the Watson and Howard families seemed to be gradually warming, yet through all this, neither the Watson family patriarch Cedric nor the family's eldest son had made an appearance. 

The Watson family now appeared to follow Orion's lead, a change that reminded Scarlett of the deal he had mentioned. Could all this be happening under Sebastian's secret direction?

"Ms. Seymour, please forgive Ethan's behavior," Orion said as he approached, pulling Ethan behind him by the shoulder. "He doesn't know better and often disturbs you."

Ethan protested, "Orion, what I do is none of your—"

But before he could finish, Orion shot him a glance, his usually smiling eyes turning cold for the first time, filled with exasperated anger.