Let Me Go, Mr. Howard Chapter 190

Calvessa, Hotel Caelstra, 17th Floor.

Early morning, and Scarlett was awakened by Chris knocking on her door.

She had slept well the previous night—not because she was in a good mood, but simply because the bed was incredibly soft. Back home, even deliberately plush beds couldn't achieve this level of comfort.

However, the excessive softness left her with a slightly achy back as she got up.

Massaging her stiff neck, she walked to the door. The moment she opened it, she found Chris fully dressed and ready to go.

"Scarlett." His face showed obvious displeasure.

Assuming Shane had scolded him last night, she smiled reassuringly. "What's wrong? Did your brother lecture you?"

Chris noticed her teasing expression and pouted with a light huff. "Not at all. I'm leaving today."

"What? Today?" Scarlett was startled. "Wasn't the plan for you to leave after your brother finished his business?"

The original arrangement had indeed included Chris returning home, but that was supposed to happen only after Shane concluded his affairs in Calvessa.

Chris just shrugged. "Plans change."

He deliberately avoided mentioning that Shane was unhappy about his abandonment of the rally. Scarlett was already in a delicate situation—why burden her with guilt?

"When are you leaving?" Thankfully, Scarlett didn't press for details. She simply turned to grab a jacket before following Chris out.

"Right after breakfast," Chris answered honestly.

In the dining room, Scarlett saw Shane again.

He was reading a newspaper with a cup of coffee in front of him. Hearing them enter, he lowered the paper slightly, revealing his eyes. "You're up? Come eat."

Chris and Scarlett both sat down.

"The driver will take you to the airport shortly. Get back to training properly," Shane said flatly, sounding like a concerned father.

"I know," Chris replied indifferently, taking a bite of bread.

He quickly finished his meal and soon left the table.

Shane gave a few more reminders before retreating to his study.

"Scarlett, I'm off. Call me if anything comes up, okay?" Before leaving, Chris couldn't help but give her some serious instructions, clearly worried.

"Don't worry. With your brother here, I'll be fine," Scarlett smiled, appearing in good spirits.

After Chris departed, Scarlett continued her breakfast.

Perhaps because Shane had spent years abroad, the breakfast table was filled almost entirely with Western options.

Before she could leave the dining area, the maid who had guided them last night approached. "Ms. Seymour, Mr. Wright says if you feel bored, you're welcome to visit the second-floor library."

They had even thought of this.

But Scarlett wasn't in the mood for books. She had glimpsed the night view from her window and noticed a beach nearby. "I'd like to visit the beach. Would that be possible?" she asked with a smile.

The maid immediately stiffened and shook her head. "That's not allowed."

Scarlett tilted her head. "Why not?"

The maid couldn't provide a proper explanation, only repeating, "You cannot leave these rooms."

This felt uncomfortably like house arrest, and Scarlett's mood darkened.

Noting the maid's clearly mixed-race features, Scarlett tried a different approach.

"Then may I speak with Mr. Wright?"

Perhaps Shane's instructions had been misunderstood?

With this hope, Scarlett followed the maid to Shane's study.

"Not possible."

Shane's blunt answer hit Scarlett like a slap.

Confused but aware of her position as a guest, she persisted politely. "Mr. Wright, I would return quickly and wouldn't cause you any trouble."

Shane rested his chin on his hand as he listened, his gaze briefly lingering on Scarlett's pretty face before moving away, his tone remaining even.

"Ms. Seymour, I believe you misunderstand. Keeping you inside isn't for my convenience—it's for your safety."

His words left Scarlett at a loss for how to respond.

Shane continued. "I've been entrusted by Shawn to look after you, but I also want to ensure your safety. How can you be certain Sebastian doesn't have people waiting outside?"

Scarlett paused, realizing he had a point.

The unfamiliar feeling of dependence on others made Scarlett feel slightly suffocated.

She pressed her lips together, her eyes growing moist. She understood that Shane didn't particularly welcome her presence—if not for Shawn and Chris, he probably wouldn't have taken her in at all.

"You are pregnant. The beach isn't safe. I don't want anything happening to you on my watch—I couldn't face the consequences."

Shane apparently never considered tact when speaking.

Even as Scarlett flushed with embarrassment, he continued his unpleasant remarks.

Scarlett felt she had brought this on herself.

Taking a deep breath, she quickly interrupted him. "I understand, Mr. Wright. I'll stay in my room and won't cause you any trouble."

Only then did Shane seem to notice Scarlett's discomfort and helplessness.

He set down his pen and sighed softly, his voice gentler though still lacking warmth. "Ms. Seymour, I apologize if my words were harsh."

Scarlett quickly waved it off.

Shane propped his forehead with his hand, his voice tinged with resignation. "As you can see, I'm quite busy lately."

Scarlett remained silent, but her gaze swept over the documents on his desk. She nodded slightly in acknowledgment of his statement.

"I don't know if Chris mentioned this, but my main operations are in Thalassia. I'm only in Calvessa for an event that ends in two days. I ask for your patience until then."

"Once we return to Thalassia, you can go wherever you please—I'll arrange escorts. But right now, I'm short-staffed. The Tiger Brothers who escorted you last time are returning home with Chris and won't be back anytime soon."

Shane's lengthy explanation sounded like a series of regretful circumstances.

Thinking it through, it seemed the restriction on her movements truly was an unfortunate necessity due to limited personnel.

Hearing this, any sense of grievance in Scarlett's heart vanished. She quickly nodded in understanding.

Reflecting on her earlier irritation, Scarlett felt embarrassed.

"I'm so sorry, Mr. Wright. I had no idea you were facing such difficulties."

She apologized sincerely, her voice soft, her earlobes reddening with embarrassment.

Shane accepted her apology readily, but his eyes, narrowed in a smile, gleamed with satisfaction. She was indeed easy to deceive.

His gaze lingered briefly on Scarlett's face, and he found himself understanding why both Shawn and Sebastian were drawn to her.