Let Me Go, Mr. Howard Chapter 160

Sebastian's darkening thoughts were interrupted as he reached for another handful of dried fruit—a rare item in his Number One residence that was now almost depleted.

Chewing slowly, his breathing steadied and his mind cleared. 

Michael had been gone for ten years—who could have known if he would ever wake up? Was Scarlett supposed to wait forever? Besides, she now carried Sebastian's child.

They were the ones who truly belonged together.

This self-assurance calmed him considerably. He moved to the liquor cabinet, poured half a glass of whiskey, and downed it in one swallow.

The glass hit the table with a sharp sound that echoed his resolve. Yes, he and Scarlett were meant for each other. No one could separate them.

Before the crystal's ring had faded, Sebastian was already leaving the room, his stride measured and deliberate.

He walked rather than drove, taking nearly an hour to return to 5 Skylake Road.

The house was dark when he arrived. Motion sensors illuminated then dimmed, elevator doors opened then closed, and floor indicators climbed then descended.

The master bedroom was lit only by a night light. Sebastian entered, glancing at Scarlett sleeping peacefully before quietly undressing at the bathroom door and stepping in to shower.

The door muffled the sound of water, allowing only a faint glow of light to escape into the dim room.

When Sebastian slipped into bed and pulled her close, Scarlett murmured something indistinct and nestled against his bare chest, falling into deeper sleep.

Sebastian's hand moved downward to rest on her still-flat stomach. His expression unchanged, he pressed a kiss to the top of her head before finally allowing himself to relax into sleep.

---

The next morning, Scarlett woke in Sebastian's arms. Her habit of burying her face while sleeping meant that when she opened her eyes, she was startled by the expanse of bare skin before her, jolting fully awake.

She pushed herself up abruptly, waking Sebastian in the process.

He was wearing almost nothing. He raised a hand to cover his eyes, drawing a deep breath to clear his head.

The movement emphasized the definition of his muscles, his skin catching the light in a way that Scarlett found impossible to ignore.

It wasn't an unfamiliar sight, but its impact on her was undeniable.

"What's wrong?" Sebastian's voice was rough with sleep, unintentionally sensual.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, Scarlett stammered, "Why don't you wear clothes to sleep?"

"Pajamas are uncomfortable." Sebastian propped himself up, checking the time on his phone. "Why are you up so early?"

It was only five in the morning—even Libbie wouldn't be awake yet.

"I've had enough sleep," Scarlett replied. "I slept nearly all day yesterday."

Sebastian flopped back down, extending an arm. "Come back to bed."

Scarlett hesitated before lying down again. "Where's Michael?"

At the mention of Michael, Sebastian's eyes opened, his gaze darkening. "On the second floor."

Scarlett froze. "He stayed here overnight?"

Sebastian studied her with half-lidded eyes, making a noncommittal sound as his arm around her shoulders imperceptibly tightened.

"Then what are you doing here?" Scarlett immediately became anxious. If Michael found out about them, how would they explain?

She pushed at Sebastian to get up. "You can't sleep here."

Sebastian didn't move, his cold gaze fixed on her. "Then where should I sleep?"

Scarlett glared at him. "Anywhere but here."

5 Skylake Road had ten guest rooms—any of them would have maintained their secret.

But Sebastian leaned closer, his eyes icy. "So afraid he'll find out?"

"Do you really want Michael to see us sleeping together like this?" Scarlett's gaze fell on Sebastian's bare torso as she rolled her eyes in exasperation.

Sebastian frowned, pulling her into his embrace. "Am I something to be ashamed of?"

Unable to follow his logic, Scarlett pushed away his approaching lips. "Mr. Howard, please think clearly—it's our relationship that's a shame."

Her fingertips brushed his lips, and he seized the opportunity to kiss them, making them tremble.

"So what?" Sebastian was uncharacteristically unreasonable, and yet this side of him tugged at Scarlett's heart.

He pressed his head against her neck, moving slowly from side to side. His coarse hair brushed against her cheek and behind her ear, making her shoulders instinctively contract.

She let out a small cry.

"What are you doing?" Scarlett glared at him, her eyes reddening as she covered the spot on her neck he had just bitten.

Sebastian removed her hand and gently kissed the red mark. "You're mine. There's nothing shameful about that."

Scarlett froze, her heart pounding.

Her gaze traveled over Sebastian's body. She had to admit to herself that she had feelings for him. Even when she thought about escaping him, she couldn't help stopping for the candies he offered.

These candies could be Sebastian's concern, his possessiveness, or even just a look from him.

She bit her lip lightly, thinking of the child inside her. If this continued, she would inevitably change her mind.

Yet having grown up as an illegitimate child, Scarlett knew too well the contempt and bullying such a status brought.

Look at Graham, for instance.

Despite being a Howard, his illegitimate status had left him neglected. He rarely appeared in public, even though he was the only child of Sebastian's late second uncle. Nothing could change that reality.

This thought chilled Scarlett to the bone, strengthening her resolve to terminate the pregnancy.

She blinked, pulling herself from her thoughts. "I'm tired. I want to sleep."

Sebastian didn't question her. He was already exhausted, having forced himself to stay awake for their conversation.

They lay down again, and soon Sebastian was asleep.

Scarlett, however, remained awake, her eyes open as she contemplated when to schedule the abortion.

With her sprained ankle, it wasn't possible right now. She would have to wait a little longer.

---

Three days later, Scarlett's ankle had completely healed, though Libbie and others remained concerned, insisting she rest for a few more days.

Had she not been adamant about returning to work, she might never have left the house.

During these three days, news of Michael's return had spread. George was overjoyed and had Michael stay with him for two days.

Scarlett's social standing rose accordingly.

Michael's obvious fondness for her, coupled with rumors of their close childhood bond, suddenly made Scarlett the person everyone wanted to befriend.

Since she hadn't been going out, people had been forced to contain their eagerness. 

But this resulted in Scarlett being surrounded by well-wishers the moment she arrived at the MRK Building.

She wasn't accustomed to such attention—even when news broke that George had named her his goddaughter, she hadn't received this much notice.

"Ms. Seymour, I'm Bob, head of Materials. If you need any supplies, contact me immediately. I guarantee top quality and speed!"

Even department heads from MRK were handing her their business cards.