Let Me Go, Mr. Howard Chapter 266

Marco knew exactly what she was thinking—it was written all over her face.

His gaze darkened as it settled on Scarlett's face, taking in her frustration and reluctance. "You're Jacob's responsibility. Of course, he needs to know about this."

Scarlett's brow furrowed briefly, clearly annoyed. "Tell him? Then I'm never getting out of here."

The sulky outburst made Marco raise his eyebrows slightly before he let out a quiet laugh.

Scarlett didn't get what was so funny. She looked over with pursed lips, confusion creeping into her voice. "What's so amusing?" Apparently thinking that sounded too harsh, she tacked on awkwardly, "Mr. Russo."

Marco merely nodded at Scarlett's stilted politeness, his hand automatically reaching into his suit pocket and pulling out a metal tin of cigarettes.

Scarlett's eyes followed the movement.

The tin clicked open, revealing a nearly full pack.

Marco pulled one out and stuck it between his lips, though he didn't light it, just took a deep breath. "Jacob won't do that. He's a smart man. You need to trust him."

The faint scent of tobacco wafted from the unlit cigarette—not much, but enough to settle Marco's nerves.

Scarlett listened to his assurance, hesitation flickering across her face.

But Marco didn't give her time to waver. He pulled his phone from his left pocket and dialed Sebastian.

When the call connected, Marco hit the speaker button and set the phone on the low coffee table between them.

"Uncle Marco."

Sebastian's voice came through the line. His background sounded noisy, though it quickly quieted down.

Scarlett instinctively reached to end the call, but Marco blocked her hand while simultaneously explaining to Sebastian the purpose of his call.

"Jacob, Letty, and I are in the study right now."

The pairing clearly surprised Sebastian. His usually flat tone actually showed some inflection. "You two? Did Letty need something from you?"

Marco glanced at Scarlett.

Scarlett naturally shook her head, but she knew she couldn't control Marco's decision. She could only cross her arms over her chest and slouch back against the sofa.

Her whatever-happens-happens posture made Marco chuckle softly.

"Letty wants to help out."

Sebastian frowned. He had a lot on his plate, but Marco was only involved in one thing—the matter of Scarlett's background. And now Marco was saying Scarlett wanted to help out?

"No."

He said it without a moment's hesitation.

Hearing that answer, Scarlett immediately shrugged at Marco with an I-told-you-so expression.

Marco raised one hand, signaling her to hold on.

Scarlett huffed in response.

The sound was soft, but Sebastian still caught it. His brow furrowed. "Letty's there too?"

Marco didn't hide it. "Yes, she's right here."

Scarlett stared at the phone, trying to keep her expression neutral, but it did nothing to hide the resentment and irritation in her eyes.

Sebastian went silent on the other end. Then a quiet sigh came through—like he had a headache. His tone softened slightly, but the answer remained the same.

"No."

Scarlett clenched her jaw, about to speak, but Marco immediately raised his hand, stopping her again.

"Jacob, isn't our investigation stalling a bit? I think Letty's suggestion has merit. Why don't you hear it out before making a decision?"

When an elder spoke, it carried a different weight—the tone was gentle, but the authority was undeniable.

Even Sebastian had to give in to that.

"Fine. I'm listening."

Scarlett cleared her throat. "Mr. Howard..."

"Letty."

But she'd barely started when Marco's voice cut her off.

"Let me explain."

His tone left no room for argument. He licked his lips, shifting the cigarette from his mouth to his fingers—the filter end already flattened from being clenched between his teeth. "What Letty's proposing is a few days on Virella Island, with Benjamin and Kevin invited along as guests."

Scarlett froze. That wasn't anywhere close to what she'd originally suggested.

After Marco spoke, Sebastian didn't immediately respond. A long silence stretched before he finally spoke. "Even at Uncle Marco's place, it's too dangerous."

"Dangerous is kind of the point, isn't it?" Marco laughed. Though his words were directed at Sebastian, his eyes rested on Scarlett with amusement. "Perfect way to draw them out and cut off their reach."

The plan was definitely tempting.

But after a moment's consideration, Sebastian still didn't change his mind.

"I'll agree to using a decoy."

In other words, still a no. Scarlett couldn't hold back anymore. She immediately spoke up. "What's that supposed to mean? Am I just supposed to sit in this villa and wait around?"

Sebastian had expected his answer would upset Scarlett. He raised an eyebrow slightly, his voice dropping with warning.

"Letty. Don't start."

Those simple words landed like a boulder on Scarlett's chest. She couldn't suppress her anger any longer and snapped at the phone. "Don't try that move on me to make me fall in line!"

"I'm not a child anymore! All of you keep treating me like I'm clueless, like if I just sit here and behave, the truth will magically show up at my door!"

The accusation made Sebastian's breath catch.

He couldn't help but think of what Michael had told him recently.

[If Scar-Bear really wants to know why I'm here, you should just tell her yourself. That kid holds grudges, and with everything at such a critical point right now, if you don't handle this right, I'm worried things could go south.]

He raised a hand to rub between his brows, his decision made. He cut off Scarlett's tirade. "Fine. Alright, Letty. You can go."

Scarlett froze, hardly believing that one outburst was all it took to get what she wanted.

Her mouth opened and closed. "Really?"

"There's a condition." Sebastian's tone was calm, not giving Scarlett a chance to ask questions. "You don't leave for three days."

Though Scarlett didn't understand why Sebastian added that condition, she still nodded, unable to suppress the excitement in her eyes.

Going to Virella Island, even inviting Benjamin and the others—all of it meant she was being included as an active participant. How could she not be excited?

"Also, Uncle Marco will handle inviting Benjamin. I don't want them getting wind of this before you leave."

Sebastian's final addition was exactly what Marco had been thinking. Without hesitation, Marco nodded. "I'll take care of it."

"That's it then."

The call ended quickly.

In the study, Scarlett struggled to calm down. She pressed her lips together, but couldn't stop the smile from spilling into her eyes.

Marco put the cigarette back between his lips, his gaze lingering on Scarlett for a moment, his voice dropping slightly. "Virella Island won't be as quiet as things are here."

The words were both a reminder and a warning.

Scarlett caught his underlying meaning. Her smile faded, her tone dropping. "I know. I'll be careful. I won't cause you any trouble."