Let Me Go, Mr. Howard Chapter 152

The television in the living room played the season's most popular comedy show, filling the space with laughter from hosts and guests. 

Yet neither of the two people on the sofa showed any sign of amusement.

Libbie approached with a small bowl of vanilla rice pudding—just three or four spoonfuls at most. 

Scarlett hesitated to take it. Though she'd decided not to keep the baby, shouldn't she still be careful about what she ate?

Just as this thought crossed her mind, Sebastian reached over and took the pudding. To Scarlett's astonishment, he finished it in two quick bites.

"You—" Scarlett began, but Sebastian was already standing up, carrying the empty bowl toward the kitchen.

Sebastian almost never ate desserts, let alone steal hers.

In the kitchen, Libbie's eyes widened with shock when Sebastian entered. She couldn't stop staring as she took the empty bowl from him.

"Don't serve desserts like this anymore," Sebastian said seriously, unbothered by her scrutiny.

"Alright," Libbie automatically agreed, her confusion evident. "But... why? It's Ms. Seymour's favorite."

Having raised Sebastian since childhood, Libbie knew his temperament well. Though outwardly cold, he kept Scarlett close to his heart—otherwise, he wouldn't have maintained their relationship for five years. 

Normally, even without Scarlett expressing her preferences, he would find things she liked and send them to her, despite her habit of returning his gifts.

But lately, his behavior had been strange. First, he hadn't visited for nearly two weeks, and now he was banning her favorite dessert. Libbie's heart skipped a beat—had his feelings changed?

While these thoughts were still swirling in her mind, Sebastian calmly dropped a bombshell, "She's pregnant."

The empty bowl slipped from Libbie's hands, shattering on the floor. Ceramic shards scattered everywhere, the sound jarringly loud in the quiet kitchen.

Both Libbie and Sebastian froze instantly, straining to hear if there was any reaction from the living room. 

Fortunately, the television was still playing loudly, and the distance was sufficient. There was no movement from Scarlett—she clearly hadn't heard anything.

Confirming this, they both exhaled with relief.

Libbie quickly bent down to pick up the broken pieces, her fingertips trembling. Her heart felt heavy. 

She wasn't sure about George's position on this matter, but she suspected he wouldn't approve—otherwise, Sebastian wouldn't have kept Scarlett hidden for five years without giving her any official status.

A pregnancy at this juncture was clearly problematic. And then there was Adeline, watching like a hawk from the sidelines.

The more Libbie considered the situation, the more her head throbbed. She glanced furtively at Sebastian's expression. 

His face was relaxed, with a faint smile playing at his lips—subtle, but not invisible to her trained eye.

Seeing that smile, Libbie felt somewhat reassured. At least Sebastian still cared for Scarlett.

"Mr. Howard, since Ms. Seymour is pregnant, regarding her diet from now on..." she began, wringing her hands.

"You took care of my mother. You have the most experience," Sebastian interrupted, his tone still even. Though his voice betrayed little joy, the slight curve of his lips revealed his good mood. "Do whatever you think is best. Don't hold back."

With this, Libbie's concerns were fully put to rest. She retrieved a broom, the ceramic pieces clinking together as she swept. "Very well, Mr. Howard. You can leave everything to me. I'll make sure Ms. Seymour has a safe and smooth pregnancy."

Sebastian's smile widened at her words. "Good."

But after making this promise, Libbie frowned again. "But, Mr. Howard, doesn't this mean Ms. Seymour's child will be illegitim—" 

She couldn't bring herself to complete the word, her voice dropping to nearly a whisper.

"No, it won't." Sebastian's tone suddenly turned cold, his smile vanishing as his expression darkened.

Libbie felt a chill run through her and quickly nodded. "Of course, I misspoke. How could that happen?"

Seeing her reaction, Sebastian's brow furrowed slightly. After a moment's hesitation, he outlined the current situation. "Graham has returned. You know better than anyone what he's capable of. Keep Scar's pregnancy absolutely secret!"

At the mention of Graham's name, Libbie started, her face immediately turning grave. She remained silent, listening as Sebastian continued.

"As for Teddy, I'm assigning him directly to Scar. Remember, she must never go out alone. Otherwise, everything continues as normal."

His instructions were serious and brooked no argument. Naturally, Libbie also wanted Scarlett's safety, so she took Sebastian's directions as gospel.

---

When Sebastian returned from the kitchen, Scarlett was still sitting on the sofa. 

Hearing his footsteps, she glanced over, but upon recognizing him, she quickly turned away—so rapidly it was as if she had never looked in the first place.

Sebastian found her attempt at pretense almost laughable. He walked over and tilted her chin up with his fingers. "What's this? Pretending not to see me?"

Scarlett feigned innocence. "What are you talking about? I don't know what you mean."

"You didn't just see me?" Sebastian asked, placing one knee on the sofa and leaning in closer to her lips.

Thinking he was in the mood again, Scarlett pushed against him. "No!"

She expected to have to work harder to dissuade him, but surprisingly, Sebastian actually stopped. 

Not completely, though. He held her down for a kiss that lasted until she was gasping and moaning before finally pulling away.

As Sebastian withdrew, Scarlett was still catching up to what had happened. Eyes half-closed, breathing unsteadily, she protested, "We can't, I'm—"

Just as the truth was about to spill from her lips, Scarlett snapped back to awareness. Her eyes flew open to find Sebastian drinking water.

He watched her, his Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed. When the glass was empty, his voice slightly breathless, he asked, "You're what?"

For some reason, Scarlett thought she detected a hint of expectation in his eyes. She shook her head, convinced she was imagining things.

"Nothing. I want to go to bed now."

Scarlett got up from the sofa and headed upstairs, clutching her newly purchased shark plushie. Only then did Sebastian notice her bare feet. 

Fortunately, the villa's floors were fully carpeted.

He followed her upstairs.

Scarlett regarded him warily. "Would you mind sleeping on the second floor?"

"Yes, I would," Sebastian refused without a moment's hesitation.

This made Scarlett anxious. If she couldn't dissuade him, would she have to reveal the truth? 

To her relief, Sebastian didn't continue what he'd started earlier. After showering, he got into bed, held her close for a few kisses, and then simply fell asleep that way.