Let Me Go, Mr. Howard Chapter 138

The private dining room fell into an extraordinary silence.

Scarlett kept her head down, heart pounding. From the corner of her eye, she could see Sebastian's hand resting on his leg—long fingers slightly curved, tapping with a rhythm that seemed calm yet betrayed impatience.

After a brief glance, she looked away, unsure how to answer his question. 

Seconds ticked by painfully.

Clutching the hem of her dress, Scarlett took a deep breath. Just as she was about to respond, Shawn spoke.

"Mr. Howard, I understand your concern for your sister, but isn't this pressure inappropriate?"

Sebastian gave him a cold stare. "Oh? And in what capacity are you making such comments, Mr. Wright?"

Shawn smiled lightly, shifting his gaze to Scarlett. She had partially raised her head, her bright eyes glistening, cheeks flushed with embarrassment and shyness as they met his.

After taking a small sip of tea, Shawn finally answered, "Naturally, as Scarlett's boyfriend. Mr. Howard, we're practically family, so why—"

Sebastian's cold voice cut him off before he could finish. "What family? Mr. Wright, don't claim relations where none exist."

His voice was chilling, dipped in ice water, making one shiver involuntarily.

Shawn continued drinking his tea without responding.

Scarlett's face paled. Feeling thirsty, she reached for her teacup but found nothing.

Sebastian watched her, lifting the cup and placing it in her hand. His tone softened slightly. "Scar, do you have anything to add?"

Add something? He clearly wanted her to contradict Shawn's claim.

But Scarlett didn't want to. Doing so would put Shawn in an uncomfortable position. 

Besides, she genuinely wanted distance from Sebastian—a three-person relationship was too crowded, especially when she'd been the only one truly invested.

She thought about the previous night. Sebastian hadn't come to Skylake Road—she could guess where he'd been.

Scarlett didn't want to spend the rest of her life like a decorative vase wife—placed in a corner, waiting for occasional attention or scraps of affection.

This moment, with Shawn's help, was perfect for denying any relationship with Sebastian.

Having made her decision, Scarlett swallowed hard. Taking a small sip of tea, she answered with a tight but steady voice, "No, nothing."

After speaking, she dared not look at either man.

Sebastian, still holding her hand, suddenly tightened his grip. A low laugh escaped his throat. "Is that so? I wasn't aware Mr. Wright had time for dating."

Understanding Scarlett's position, Shawn also gave a light laugh, his tone deliberately carefree. "Mr. Howard, you're just incredibly busy. I have far more leisure time than you."

Sebastian scoffed, releasing Scarlett's hand as he stood. 

"Enjoy your meal," he said before quickly leaving, his rapid steps suggesting he was venting frustration.

Scarlett couldn't bring herself to watch him go.

"Ms. Seymour, I apologize for being presumptuous," Shawn said immediately, his tone gentle but firm. "I feared if we told Mr. Howard the truth, the news would reach Mr. George Howard. Then we'd have to wait longer before announcing our 'breakup.'"

Hearing this, Scarlett felt even more guilty. "Mr. Wright, I'm the one who should apologize. Once this blows over, I'll speak with Mr. George Howard myself."

She clearly had a plan in mind.

Shawn looked briefly surprised before nodding. "Very well. I'll follow your lead on this."

When they parted, Shawn offered to drive her home, but Scarlett politely declined.

"I drove here myself, so there's no need to trouble you, Mr. Wright." She raised her hand, dangling a set of keys with a cat charm that swung with momentum.

Shawn's gaze moved past the swinging cat head to Scarlett's smiling face. He paused momentarily before looking down with a gentle smile. "Alright. Drive safely."

After saying goodbye to Shawn, Scarlett headed for the underground parking garage.

Her car was on the second basement level, near Section A.

Just as she rounded the corner, she spotted Sebastian leaning against her car hood, smoking.

Scarlett's steps faltered, her heart skipping a beat. She moved forward cautiously, her fingers trailing along the nearby wall, trying to conceal her presence.

Sebastian hadn't noticed her yet.

The garage's cold white light poured down from above, casting him like an abandoned sculpture in solitude. 

The crimson ember at his fingertips flickered in the dim, cold light, while exhaled smoke blurred his sharp profile.

He kept his head down, eyes fixed on the ground, seemingly looking at everything and nothing. His posture revealed an inexplicable melancholy.

This emotion contrasted sharply with his typically cold, domineering demeanor, creating a contradictory yet captivating dissonance that Scarlett couldn't look away from.

Why was Sebastian here? How did he find her car?

These questions immediately rose in her mind.

She bit her lip gently, intense unease filling her heart, especially considering what she'd just implied in the private room.

Scarlett wasn't afraid of him, exactly—just somewhat intimidated. The boldness she'd felt with Shawn's support had completely vanished.

Maybe she should just take a taxi home.

Just as she decided to turn away, Sebastian suddenly looked up, as if sensing her presence. His gaze was sharp, like a hunter effortlessly spotting his prey.

She froze immediately, caught in his stare—unable to move forward or retreat.

Sebastian moved first, pushing himself off the car hood and carelessly dropping his unfinished cigarette.

His leather shoe crushed it with a brief sound, like a final hymn of life.

He walked toward her, passing through alternating patches of light and shadow that played across his face.

Scarlett watched him intently, rooted to the spot.

When Sebastian reached her, she opened her mouth, her throat dry.

Before she could speak, he raised his hand and gently caressed her cheek. His eyes were deep, filled with possession and obsession.

His touch was so gentle that Scarlett felt uncomfortable. She turned her head away. "What are you doing here?"

"Waiting for you." Sebastian withdrew his hand, letting it fall to his side, slightly tensed. "Did you eat well?"

He seemed unconcerned about what had happened in the dining room.

Scarlett couldn't help feeling relieved, her tone lightening. "Yes, I did. Is your business dinner over? Where's Mr. Rogers?"

"I sent him home. Let's go." Sebastian's tone was calm as he took her hand and started walking.

Scarlett didn't move. "I can go back by myself. You should go keep Ms. Morgan company. Between us—"

"Bringing her up again?" Sebastian scoffed, turning to look Scarlett in the eyes. "Scarlett, what exactly do you think I am to you?"

This was precisely what Scarlett wanted to ask him.

But Sebastian had stolen her line.

"Stay away from Shawn. None of your affairs should pass through his hands. Remember your place."