Let Me Go, Mr. Howard Chapter 174

Sebastian's submissive posture was rarely seen, yet even in this humbled state, the aura of authority surrounding him remained undiminished. 

In fact, this display of deference only heightened the contrast and strengthened his commanding presence.

George was no stranger to this demeanor.

Years ago, his eldest son had adopted this same composed attitude, temporarily concealing his sharp edges while smiling as he spoke of his love for his wife-to-be.

That forceful presence hidden beneath a veneer of modesty was even more impossible to ignore than outright dominance.

George's gaze wandered over him before he slowly lay back down. The rage that had consumed him earlier had subsided, and his awkwardly softened tone immediately put him at a disadvantage in their confrontation.

"So you decided to come back after all."

His words were accusatory, but his tone lacked conviction.

A guard quickly brought a chair. Sebastian glanced at it briefly before taking a seat, his tone remarkably casual. "What was so urgent that you needed me to return, Grandfather?"

Seeing him feign ignorance, the fire in George's chest that had just subsided immediately flared up again, his volume suddenly rising. "You don't know?"

Sebastian slowly lifted his gaze, his eyes clear with a subtle hint of warning. "If this is about Graham's claims, you seem to have been led astray by his manipulation."

His words were like a pebble tossed into still waters, creating ripples across the surface.

George immediately understood, and the anger filling his chest deflated like a punctured balloon.

"I see." He raised an eyebrow, his gaze moving up and down. "So there's nothing between you and that Seymour girl?"

Sebastian's fingertips rubbed together absently as he casually avoided George's gaze, looking instead at the neatly trimmed plants on the windowsill behind him. 

His voice betrayed no emotion. "Graham's tactic was somewhat effective. I see."

The hint of praise in his tone darkened George's expression. He uncomfortably cleared his throat and stiffly changed the subject.

"How is Mikey doing?"

At the mention of Michael, Sebastian recalled the abruptly ended phone call. His brow furrowed imperceptibly before quickly smoothing out. "Everything is fine."

George nodded slightly. "It seems the news hasn't reached him. As the head of the Seymour family now, with Scarlett being his only acknowledged cousin, if he were to hear this news..."

George didn't finish his thought, frowning as various possibilities ran through his mind.

"If he hears it, then it would be the perfect opportunity for a marriage alliance," Sebastian continued, the corner of his lip curving slightly—whether in pleasure or mockery was unclear. "Isn't that what you've always wanted?"

George raised an eyebrow but didn't acknowledge the comment.

"Even for alliances, one must choose carefully. This match..."

George was evidently not entirely satisfied with Scarlett.

Sebastian's expression closed off. He took a breath, his features relaxing slightly though his eyes remained tense. "Is that so? I thought you were quite fond of her."

At this, George's face showed conflict again. "She is indeed a good child, but... even if Mikey cares for her, she's still an illegitimate child—and David's at that."

Ultimately, George still took issue with Scarlett's illegitimate status.

Sebastian looked down, brushing nonexistent dust from his pants, his tone even. "But Mike told me her background is not so simple."

This pointed remark immediately caught George's attention. "What does that mean?"

"I don't know. Mike wouldn't say more. Perhaps you should ask him yourself?" Sebastian adjusted his watch, loosening the band that had become slightly too tight.

George said nothing for a moment, not showing particular interest in pursuing this topic.

The room fell silent for a long while.

Someone entered from outside, handing George a tablet.

Sebastian glanced at it without much interest, then looked away and stood to leave. But just as he turned, George called out to him, "Wait, there's news that your people have taken Scarlett abroad?"

George had finally grasped the key point—or rather, his people had finally noticed the most important information.

Sebastian turned back, his gaze briefly scanning the tablet in George's hand before nodding in confirmation.

"She wanted to study abroad. Mike knows about this."

But George's gaze was penetrating. "Why are your people escorting her?"

"Mike doesn't have enough staff, so I lent him some," Sebastian replied matter-of-factly, meeting George's gaze. "In exchange, the Howard Group received half of the Seymour Group's core project partnership slots for next quarter."

His tone was calm, and though assertive, he spoke as if discussing an inconsequential transaction. 

Yet George's hand holding the tablet paused, and when he looked up, his eyes held astonishment.

Everyone knew that today's Seymour Group was different from before. Michael's methods were gentle yet brilliant—in just one month, he had transformed the half-dead Seymour Group into a formidable force that everyone wanted to partner with.

Trading a few staff members for half of those partnership slots was an incredibly lucrative deal by any measure.

At this, George couldn't help feeling ashamed of his own narrow-mindedness.

Had he grown too old? Why was he always fixating on romantic entanglements when his grandson was clearly working hard for the family's interests?

"Well done," George praised, his suspicions now completely dispelled.

Noticing the shift in George's thinking, Sebastian gave a light chuckle. "Thank you for your approval, Grandfather. I must be doing something right."

Their conversation concluded shortly thereafter.

From leaving the main building until getting into his car, Sebastian didn't speak another word. Even Mark, who accompanied him, remained virtually silent.

Not until the silver-black Bentley passed through the estate gates did anyone speak.

"Mr. Howard, regarding the people around Mr. George Howard..." Mark began.

"Leave them be," Sebastian replied, his slender fingers supporting his chin as he gazed out the window, his voice flat and emotionless. "Let them watch all they want. As long as they don't make a move, we don't interfere."

Outside the window, autumn leaves from plane trees swirled in the wind. Sunlight filtered through branches, casting shadows across Sebastian's profile. His sharp features showed no softness—instead, they seemed even more forbiddingly keen.

He sat up slightly straighter, his arm resting naturally on the armrest, fingers absently tracing patterns as his gaze drifted far away, deep in thought.

Mark didn't dare speak from the driver's seat. With Scarlett now out of the country, the domestic situation would likely face major changes—freed from his vulnerability, Sebastian, who had been restraining his edge since taking power, would probably unleash his full capabilities now.

At Number 1 Skylake Road, Sebastian reclined in a wicker chair on the second-floor balcony. The cigarette between his fingers had burned past halfway, its ash gray and ready to fall.

His gaze was fixed on Number 5 Skylake Road diagonally across from him. It was completely dark, without a single point of light.

He flicked his fingers, shaking off the ash as he raised the cigarette to his lips for a slow, deep drag. His expression gradually darkened.

Mark came up from the first floor, stopping five steps away. "Mr. Howard, Mr. Seymour has arrived."

Sebastian extinguished the cigarette in the ashtray, the ember dying instantly and leaving a charred ring.

He looked up, the darkness in his eyes already replaced by his customary coldness. Rising to adjust his cuffs, he spoke with perfect composure. "Have him wait downstairs. I'll be down shortly."