Let Me Go, Mr. Howard Chapter 187

Even though Chris desperately wanted to object, he could only watch helplessly as Scarlett was gently escorted out by the maid.

The moment the door clicked shut, Chris couldn't suppress a shiver.

"I hear you dropped out of the rally?" Shane's tone remained relatively calm, but his slightly lowered voice betrayed his inner displeasure.

Chris felt his scalp tighten at those words.

He rushed to defend himself. "The rally... the rally..."

But in his panic, he kept repeating himself without offering any actual explanation, making things worse rather than better.

Chris knew well that his second brother Shane was nothing like his eldest brother Shawn.

Shawn clearly had feelings for Scarlett. As long as Chris was helping her, Shawn would turn a blind eye to almost anything—might even reward him for it.

But Shane was famously uninterested in women, having dedicated his life to the family business. For him, nothing trumped business deals or family reputation.

By the end of his stammering, Chris was nearly in tears, desperately searching for a good excuse but coming up empty.

However, Shane unexpectedly continued, "I know you did it for Ms. Seymour. Let's drop it—I won't pursue this matter."

His voice carried resignation, yet with an undercurrent of amusement.

Chris felt like he'd been hit over the head. Seeing Shane with his head lowered and a hint of a smile, Chris momentarily wondered if he was hallucinating.

After pinching himself hard enough to confirm he wasn't dreaming, a new thought surfaced. "Shane, you don't... like Scarlett too, do you?"

As soon as the words left his mouth, Chris realized how absurd they were. Shane had never even met Scarlett before today—how could he possibly like her?

Sure enough, his speculation earned immediate mockery from Shane.

"Put away all that romantic nonsense. Have some dignity, will you?"

Chris shook his head vigorously.

Still curious, he cautiously asked, "Then why?"

Shane knew what he was getting at but merely chuckled. "That's not your concern. I'll take care of her. You head back to training first thing tomorrow."

The more Shane avoided answering, the more curious Chris became.

However, Shane's intimidating presence could override curiosity. After much hesitation, Chris carefully added, "Shane, please don't do anything rash. Shawn... Shawn has feelings for Scarlett."

He hesitated as he spoke, aware he was revealing Shawn's secret.

Shane raised an eyebrow, recalling Scarlett's appearance from earlier. She was indeed beautiful, but not so stunning that everyone would fall for her.

He certainly hadn't.

Still, the news that Shawn liked this Scarlett came as a surprise.

He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, considering the information from Seraphim, suddenly uncertain.

This Scarlett woman might well become a liability.

Shane abruptly regretted agreeing to help, wishing he'd picked up on Shawn's feelings for Scarlett earlier.

As the second son, Shane deeply respected Shawn. If Scarlett mattered to Shawn, certain plans might need adjusting.

Chris had no idea what Shane was thinking and watched him anxiously.

Though they rarely spent time together, they were brothers after all, and Chris knew him well enough.

From the moment Shane had agreed to take Scarlett, Chris had sensed something off, but that uneasiness had been overshadowed by the joy of a successful escape—until now, when it resurfaced.

Mentioning Shawn had been deliberate. Knowing Shane's respect for their eldest brother, Chris hoped it would make Shane more cautious, which would keep Scarlett safer.

With this in mind, he asked, "Shane, when do you plan to go to Thalassia?"

Still absorbed in his own thoughts, Shane wasn't bothered by the interruption. He glanced up, slightly raising an eyebrow. "After meeting an old friend."

Chris knew little about Shane's social circle and could only nod. "Alright. Scarlett wants to terminate the pregnancy..."

"Women's medical procedures aren't my business," Shane cut him off, his tone even but pointed. "It's her decision. If she wants it, I'll help, but don't expect me to take the initiative."

Having not seen Shane in so long, Chris had almost forgotten his brother's businesslike personality with its precise boundaries.

He nodded. "That's fair."

Just then, Shane's phone on the desk began to ring.

Shane picked it up, glanced at it, then looked at Chris without saying a word—but his meaning was instantly clear.

"Shane, I think I'll go rest now."

Chris left the room.

Only after clearly hearing the door close did Shane answer the call.

He smiled slightly. "Mr. Howard, it's been a while."

---

Winter approached, and the weather grew increasingly cold.

The heating was on inside the villa, allowing one to remove outer layers immediately upon entering.

Sebastian had just showered and wore a bathrobe as he approached the liquor cabinet, pouring his usual glass of brandy.

Car headlights flashed outside the window.

Moments later, Mark hurried up from the small staircase.

He carried some documents in one hand, slightly out of breath from rushing.

"Mr. Howard!"

Though he heard the excitement in Mark's voice, Sebastian merely glanced at him calmly, taking another sip of his drink. "Go ahead. What is it?"

"We found out that Mr. Shane Wright has been attending events in Calvessa, Vesperia. And the white Alphard that was in Vinterra today was spotted on the streets of Calvessa tonight."

Hearing this, Sebastian nodded slightly, showing no surprise. "So he's decided to get involved after all," he murmured.

Mark frowned deeply. Having worked with Sebastian for years, he was somewhat familiar with Shane.

Truthfully, Sebastian's relationship with the Wright family had been relatively good, largely thanks to Shane—the only Wright actively involved in the business world.

However, Shane's methods were often extreme. After multiple failed interventions, Sebastian had deliberately cut ties with him.

And now Scarlett was in Shane's hands.

No matter how you looked at it, this couldn't be good.

Sebastian downed the rest of his drink in one swallow, his tone steady but carrying a chill. "Enough. Give me the phone."

Mark quickly pulled a phone from his pocket.

It was one Sebastian had used many years ago, with Shane's private number still stored in it.

Sebastian took the phone, frowning as he found the number. His eyebrow twitched with obvious irritation and resignation.

After pressing dial, Sebastian leaned back against the sofa, covering his eyes with his palm as he listened to the connection.

"Mr. Howard, it's been a while."

Hearing the amused voice on the other end, Sebastian slowly opened his eyes, his gaze dark. His tone remained even as he replied, "Shane, Scarlett is with you, isn't she?"