Let Me Go, Mr. Howard Chapter 141

Scarlett's fingers trembled slightly on the white porcelain spoon. 

She'd intended to avoid competing with Adeline, sparing herself an awkward situation, but somehow even this generous gesture had earned Sebastian's disapproval.

"I've only had a few bites," she explained.

"Then finish it." Sebastian sipped his tea, his tone neutral, as if he didn't care who the milk granita was for.

Adeline quickly added, "Sebastian's right, Scarlett. It's just a bowl of milk granita." 

She paused, then added with false concern, "Though it is cold today—be careful not to upset your stomach."

A thinly veiled ill wish.

Scarlett tightened her grip on the spoon. Though irritation flashed in her eyes, she was aware that Sebastian might back Adeline up. 

Swallowing her frustration, she took another large bite—too hastily, accidentally scooping up an unmelted ice chunk. The sudden cold made her head spin, and she squeezed her eyes shut to recover.

Seeing this, Adeline covered her mouth to hide a cold smile. She was about to speak when Sebastian called for the butler, who approached immediately.

Adeline glanced nervously at the butler. She feared this Howard Manor butler just as she feared George's personal guards—they represented George's authority. 

She might act boldly in front of Sebastian, but never in front of George.

After all, she intended to marry into the Howard family. Without George's approval, her position would be precarious for as long as he lived.

Sebastian had lost his parents young and was raised by George. Though they appeared at odds on the surface, Adeline knew the grandfather and grandson shared a remarkably close bond.

"It's a bit cold," Sebastian remarked calmly, blowing on his tea.

The butler asked no questions, simply responding with "Yes, sir" before departing.

Scarlett, still recovering from the ice shock, was startled by Sebastian's comment. She opened her eyes to find him looking down at his tea, seemingly unconcerned.

Adeline sensed the subtle shift in Sebastian's attitude toward her. Her face paled. "Sebi?"

Before he could answer, Sebastian's attention shifted to two people emerging from the tea room. He stood up, creating distance between himself and Adeline.

"Grandfather."

Hearing this, Adeline abandoned her attempt to understand Sebastian's change in attitude and quickly stood up. 

Scarlett also set down her half-eaten milk granita, carefully wiped the corner of her mouth, and looked up at George entering with a familiar young man.

She stared at the newcomer, feeling she had seen him somewhere before. 

When he came closer, she suddenly remembered—he was the person who had caused the traffic jam when she was returning from the municipal building. 

She found him familiar because he somewhat resembled Sebastian.

"Bash." The young man smiled upon seeing Sebastian, though his smile seemed formulaic and careless, projecting a roguish charm.

The nickname immediately brought surprise to Scarlett's face. She glanced at Sebastian, who showed no warmth toward the young man—in fact, he displayed slight disdain, completely ignoring the greeting. His attention remained fixed on George.

"Grandfather, let me help you."

This was the first time the grandfather and grandson had shown such closeness in public. 

As they sat together in the place of honor, their similar hard features commanded respect without effort. A simple downward glance from either wrapped them in an untouchable aura of authority.

Not only Graham, who stood directly in their line of sight, but even Scarlett and Adeline at the periphery, didn't dare raise their heads. 

Scarlett had never so strongly recognized the blood tie between the two men—one elderly, one in his prime—who had formed the Howard family into an impenetrable fortress that tolerated no disrespect.

"Grandfather." Graham, displaying remarkable composure, maintained his smile despite their intense scrutiny. 

Scarlett couldn't help but admire his nerve.

As her gaze shifted to Adeline, she noticed the woman's face had turned ghastly pale. At first, Scarlett didn't understand why, but the answer soon revealed itself.

George's gaze lingered on Graham only briefly before turning to Scarlett. His tone was noticeably gentler than before, even warm. "Scar, please sit."

Scarlett had noticed that George tended to be especially kind to her when outsiders were present, but this time, his warmth seemed excessive. 

After she nodded and sat properly, George noticed the partially melted milk granita in front of her and actually smiled.

"You like this milk granita? We must keep more in stock. Go ahead and eat before it melts completely."

He was treating her like his own granddaughter. 

Scarlett vividly remembered her previous disrespectful words to George, as well as his "reminders," which made this treatment somewhat unnerving.

Fortunately, his attention quickly shifted to Adeline, and the attitude she received was entirely different.

"The Morgan family girl..." George deliberately tilted his head back, holding his teacup while tapping its lid against the rim, creating sharp little sounds as he dragged out his words.

Adeline couldn't miss his meaning. She quickly put on a smile. "Mr. George Howard."

As she spoke, she glanced toward Sebastian, clearly hoping for intervention. 

Normally by now, he would have spoken up on her behalf, but today, surprisingly, he rested his elbow casually on an embroidered cushion, appearing relaxed and not even glancing in her direction.

Adeline's face turned ashen. She looked at Graham, who had taken a seat at the lower end, with a flash of reproach in her eyes.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, everyone sat with varying expressions.

"I never expected the Morgan girl and Graham to have such a connection," George said after sipping his tea.

Scarlett ate her milk granita in small bites, watching the situation unfold. She often played this observational role and felt quite comfortable in it now.

Adeline quickly glanced at Graham, saw him smiling at her, and felt a surge of fear. "What do you mean by this, may I ask?"

She couldn't decide how to proceed and no longer cared about being tactful.

"Addie, didn't we date for several years abroad?" Graham said directly, smiling with apparent affection. "I came back specifically to find you."

At these words, Scarlett nearly choked. She quickly looked at Sebastian, suddenly understanding his changed attitude toward Adeline today.

Yet Sebastian's expression remained calm, showing no hint of betrayal or melancholy—in fact, he seemed to be in a good mood. Scarlett couldn't make sense of it.

Meanwhile, Adeline had begun her defense.

"But we broke up!" she stood up, glaring angrily at Graham.