Let Me Go, Mr. Howard Chapter 283

"This is Black Pearl—we use it to make some exclusive wines. You'll hardly find them on the market."

Noticing Scarlett's gaze lingering on the grapevines, Olivia explained thoughtfully.

Scarlett nodded. She actually had little interest in wine or grapes and was about to turn and follow Olivia inside when a voice called out from behind.

It was a woman's voice—high-pitched, crisp, speaking Seraphine. Scarlett couldn't understand it.

But the voice still drew her attention.

When she turned around, Scarlett's eyes were struck by a woman with hair as vivid as sunset.

Her skin glowed with luster, her features bright and radiant—just like her hair.

After running over, the woman immediately grabbed Olivia's arm, speaking to Seraphine intimately in a tone Scarlett couldn't comprehend.

Actually, after spending a month with Marco and the others, Scarlett could roughly understand some everyday Seraphine conversation. And regardless of language, the pronunciation of 'mama' was almost always the same.

So Scarlett immediately understood this woman who'd was Olivia and Marco's child, Rosalia.

The other woman had clearly noticed her too.

Olivia was talking with Rosalia now. When she spoke Seraphine, her speed was much faster than her English, making it even harder for Scarlett to follow.

"You're Scarlett Seymour?" But Rosalia was already addressing Scarlett. She spoke English, and her pronunciation was impeccable.

Scarlett hadn't expected her to initiate conversation, and in English at that. She froze slightly, only remembering to respond several seconds later. "Yes. You must be Ms. Russo?"

Rosalia smiled. "You don't need to be so formal. Just call me Rosa."

The Russo family seemed excessively gracious toward her—not just Olivia but Rosalia too, meeting her for the first time. This feeling of being valued and treated well warmed Scarlett's heart, and a smile unconsciously spread across her face.

"Thank you for making the trip. Virella Island winters are still too cold, and your surgery was only a month ago—you probably need more rest."

Seeing her smile, Rosalia smiled back and gently pushed her inside.

Behind them, Olivia followed at an unhurried pace.

Probably not wanting Scarlett excluded from the conversation, Olivia spoke to her daughter in English.

"Why are you home today? Isn't today the event at your restaurant?"

Hearing this, Scarlett also looked at Rosalia.

In the car, she'd heard about the themed concert at the other woman's restaurant tonight. By all logic, Rosalia, as the owner, should be there for such an occasion.

But Rosalia just linked arms with Scarlett and laughed. "Letty's coming, isn't she? I couldn't possibly miss this."

Scarlett froze, not expecting that she was the reason Rosalia was skipping her restaurant event.

After saying that, Rosalia smiled and winked at Scarlett. Her pupils contracted briefly. After a short moment of surprise, she smiled back at Rosalia.

Reserved Lumarians—Rosalia had seen plenty. So Scarlett's shyness didn't bother her. If anything, it stirred more affection in her heart.

Inside was drier and warmer than outside. No matter where you went, it seemed equally cozy. Scarlett guessed this was due to underfloor heating.

Led by Rosalia and Olivia, Scarlett passed through a corridor and arrived at a small sitting room. The room was semicircular, with the curved side featuring large traditional lacework French windows.

Outside faced the distant vineyard.

The space here was slightly smaller than other rooms Scarlett had seen, but not at all cramped.

Heavy, solid wood sofa frames held plump, stuffed cushions. The moment you sat down, you sank in somewhat. The filling inside was supportive but not hard—instead, soft enough to let you sink blissfully into it.

Scarlett loved sofas that enveloped you like this. The instant she sat down, she relaxed completely.

The sofa was positioned in front of the room's fireplace.

This fireplace wasn't the electronic kind many modern homes used, but a traditional brick-built one. The fire-red bricks had been smoked black by flames over time.

Right now, the fire inside burned vigorously. This room had no underfloor heating—the fireplace's warmth was enough for the entire space.

Above the fireplace hung an iron pot, positioned directly over the flames, kept warm on the lowest heat.

Scarlett only glanced at it before Rosalia, who'd just sat down, immediately rose and took a small bowl from the butler, ladling out a serving.

"Here, try this. It's our special herbal tea. Knowing you can't catch a cold, I had it prepared especially."

The small bowl was white porcelain, warm to the touch—the tea's temperature, just slightly above body heat.

Before tasting the tea, Scarlett first caught its fragrance. Floral notes mingled with hints of herbal scents. These herbal notes weren't as assertive as domestic medicinal herbs—the aroma was gentler, in some ways similar to the floral fragrance, carrying a subtle sweetness.

The comfort of that scent entering her nostrils was undeniable.

Scarlett couldn't help raising an eyebrow. "Smells wonderful."

Rosalia immediately smiled. "I'm glad you like it."

Olivia smiled at Scarlett. "If you like it, I'll have someone prepare some for you when you return home."

The attentive care considerably eased the tension throughout Scarlett's body.

Especially the moment that herbal tea hit her tongue—the fresh, sweet floral notes carried a hint of tea's bitterness, but the aftertaste was pleasantly sweet.

After one sip, Scarlett couldn't help taking a second.

"Dinner at your restaurant tonight?"

Olivia was asking Rosalia, her tone gentle and consultative.

Rosalia waved a small cookie. "Nah. Too crowded there, and the food's just okay—looks pretty, that's all. Let's just eat at home."

"At home?" Olivia frowned, instinctively glancing at Scarlett. "But the Lumarian chef hasn't arrived yet."

Scarlett was drinking tea. Hearing this, she hurried to decline, but Rosalia beat her to it.

"It's Letty's first time in Virella Island—let's have some local cuisine. We Seraphim aren't like Astoria." After saying this, she gave a proud little huff.

Scarlett could see Rosalia's love for Seraphim cuisine, and she was genuinely willing to try it.

"Letty, what do you think?" Olivia looked at Scarlett, clearly wanting her opinion.

"Of course! I'd love to try Seraphim cuisine. I've heard swordfish rolls have an incredibly rich flavor profile—supposed to be excellent."

Scarlett spoke with a smile.

Fortunately, she'd done her homework beforehand and had some understanding of Virella Island's traditional dishes.