Let Me Go, Mr. Howard Chapter 127

Sebastian's steps faltered. From the corner of his eye, he saw that George had smashed his teacup, tea splashing across the table, staining his red sleeve cuff as excess liquid dripped over the edge.

The security guards rushed forward, but Sebastian merely paused for a few seconds, his knuckles tightening before he disappeared down the corridor.

As the guards cleaned up the mess, George leaned back in his armchair, methodically wiping his sleeve and fingers with the handkerchief they'd provided, his expression terrifyingly dark.

"That Morgan girl does have some talent..." he murmured to the empty room, his words meeting no response.

---

Adeline had expected Scarlett to face questioning and possible expulsion, yet was surprised to see her return to Splendor Court completely unscathed.

She barely registered the conversation happening beside her, her gaze fixed on Scarlett's calm demeanor, her own eyes darkening with displeasure.

Then she noticed Ethan approaching Scarlett. Though she couldn't hear their exchange, she watched as Scarlett evaded his gesture and saw the disappointment on his face.

Witnessing this interaction, Adeline began formulating a new plan.

---

The evening banquet had a different atmosphere than the daytime celebration—more of a business dinner than a birthday party.

Guests inevitably discussed their projects and ventures; even Sylvia engaged in serious conversations about her family's business interests.

This was precisely why everyone in Sovereign City coveted an invitation to George's birthday celebrations.

Scarlett had no business of her own, but fortunately, she had Sylvia, who not only discussed family projects but also promoted Scarlett's freelance work.

"The jewelry my mom is wearing was designed by Ms. Seymour," Sylvia told one guest. "Mrs. Parker, tell me who else in Sovereign City has such design vision?"

To another, she said, "Ms. Seymour is Mr. George Howard's newly adopted granddaughter. He wouldn't have noticed her without talent, Mrs. Gomez. You'd better act quickly—once this opportunity passes, you might not get another chance to commission her work."

Sylvia's sweet voice, combined with her status as everyone's darling, made her sales pitch irresistible. Before long, Scarlett had collected numerous business cards and social media connections.

As the subject of all this praise, Scarlett felt Sylvia was exaggerating.

"I'm not nearly as talented as you're claiming," she whispered when they were alone. "Don't oversell me or you'll damage your own reputation."

"Don't worry," Sylvia replied with a mysterious smile, waving dismissively. "They're not really buying your designs. This is about building your reputation. You have the position of the Howard family's adopted daughter—why not use it to your advantage?"

Scarlett had never leveraged her connection this way. She paused, realizing Sylvia was right—her status as George's adopted granddaughter and Sebastian's adopted sister was an enviable position that many coveted, yet she hadn't thought to use it during her month in the family.

A flash of regret crossed her face, but it wasn't too late. With Sylvia's guidance, Scarlett's networking became effortless.

Then Adeline approached with another woman—the wife of Trueworth Group's chairman, whom Scarlett recognized.

"Scarlett, I've been hearing about you from across the room," Adeline said smoothly. "Mrs. Barnett mentioned she needs a jewelry set, so I took the liberty of bringing her over."

Adeline's social skills were clearly excellent. Though guests had been cool toward her when she first appeared at the party, she had already established connections with several executives' wives.

Sylvia disliked Adeline but had to smile politely since she'd brought a potential client.

Scarlett smiled too, though inwardly cautious. George's earlier summons had clearly resulted from something Adeline had said, leaving Scarlett with a poor impression of her.

She focused her attention almost exclusively on Heidi Barnett during their conversation.

A server passed by with drinks, and they each took a glass.

Sylvia was called away mid-conversation, and Adeline excused herself to find Sebastian.

With Adeline gone, Scarlett relaxed, swirling her drink before taking a small sip.

"I've seen your work, Ms. Seymour, and it's quite impressive," Heidi said, clearly having done her research. "However, I'm looking for something a bit more ornate. Would you be able to accommodate that?"

Scarlett enjoyed clients who knew what they wanted. "Are you in a hurry, Mrs. Barnett? If not, it might take three months."

"There's no rush," Heidi smiled, clinking her glass against Scarlett's, willing to give her the time she needed.

The crystal glasses made a delicate sound that quickly disappeared into the banquet hall's ambient noise.

Scarlett finished her champagne and exchanged business cards with Heidi. Both satisfied, they parted after brief pleasantries.

"Letty," Ethan called, hurrying toward her.

He appeared to have run over, his tie askew. When he stopped before her, he leaned on his knees, catching his breath.

"What's wrong?" Scarlett found his disheveled appearance concerning. Despite wanting to maintain distance, she couldn't ignore the panic in his eyes.

She stepped forward, bending slightly to see his lowered face, trying to read more from his expression.

Ethan looked up, his eyes scanning her as if checking for injuries. Finding none, he sighed in relief. "I heard something had happened to you."

The baseless rumor made Scarlett frown. "I'm fine."

Ethan nodded, straightening his tie. "Good. They must have been joking with me."

His expression remained neutral, but his flat smile revealed his displeasure at such "jokes."

The crystal chandelier's light made Scarlett dizzy. She frowned in discomfort, lowering her gaze to avoid the glare. "I'm sorry to have worried you, Mr. Watson."

Ethan's eyes lingered on her fluttering eyelashes. His Adam's apple bobbed as desire flickered in his eyes, though he tried to restrain it.

He cleared his throat, looking away. "It was my own stubbornness," he admitted, his tone melancholy and regretful, acknowledging the impossibility between them.

Scarlett was about to respond when her temple suddenly throbbed painfully. In an instant, the already dizzying lights blurred into indistinct halos.

She staggered, the champagne flute slipping from her hand and shattering on the floor. Glass fragments scattered as Ethan's eyes widened in alarm. Instinctively, he reached out to support her collapsing form.

"Letty!" he called, his voice sharp with panic.

Scarlett felt nauseated with dizziness. She raised her hand to press against her temple, catching sight of Sebastian in her peripheral vision. He stood out from the crowd, his gaze intense as he looked in her direction.

"I'm fine..." she tried to stand, only to discover she had no strength.