Let Me Go, Mr. Howard Chapter 29

Chris's voice was hesitant, his eyes reflecting unmistakable concern.

But Scarlett just stared absently at the beer bottle in her hand. Even away from the office, the humiliation still echoed in her mind. 

She grabbed her hair and lowered her head as fragments flashed through her thoughts—the mockery, the gossip, Sebastian's irritated glance before he turned away without emotion.

Clean it up—those words had welded themselves like a curse deep into her wounded heart.

Seeing her like this, Chris's eyes filled with even more sympathy. He fell silent, hesitated, then put his arm around her shoulders.

The unexpected gesture immediately put Scarlett on alert. Her eyes widened as she pressed her hand against his chest, creating space between them.

Chris hadn't expected such a strong reaction. Flustered, he quickly withdrew his arm. "Scarlett, I was just—"

"It's fine." Scarlett smiled awkwardly, brushing her hair back. She hugged her arms around herself defensively. "I'll think about what you said earlier."

He had expected another rejection, not this slight opening.

Chris's eyes immediately brightened with undisguised joy. "Really? Just let me know when you decide. We can leave the very next day!"

Scarlett nodded slightly, then sighed, turning to look at the racetrack.

"That's my junior driving now. When he finishes, I'll introduce you." Chris knew Scarlett never wanted to discuss her troubles with him, so he pointed to the car on the track to change the subject.

Scarlett watched as a red race car took a curve at incredible speed, the maneuver so smooth it made her blood rush. The crowd erupted in screams and cheers, completely absorbed in the race.

Scarlett picked up the bottle opener and opened her beer. "No need." He'd just be another passerby in her life anyway.

Chris knew well about Scarlett's entanglement with Sebastian. Watching her tilt her head back to drink, he frowned. "All this for such a terrible man? Are you really going to stay trapped like this?"

Hearing Chris's complaint, Scarlett raised an eyebrow. "Who said I'm trapped? Didn't I say I was breaking things off with him?"

"You said that, but what happened?" Chris snorted, leaning back on his hands. "I heard you still went along to serve at their wedding photo shoot. That bastard doesn't even see you as a person."

Scarlett pressed her lips together, her hand tightening. After a long silence, she sighed.

Seeing her reaction, Chris realized his words had been too blunt. "I just mean, why not make a clean break? Why watch them being all lovey-dovey when it only hurts you?"

"He has leverage over me. It's not that easy to leave," Scarlett said softly.

The roaring cheers from the stands drowned out her words. Chris was about to ask what she'd said when she drained her beer in one go and stood up.

Scarlett had drunk too quickly and risen too suddenly, making her sway slightly. Chris quickly stood to steady her.

"I'm fine. I'm heading back." Scarlett shook off his hand. Her eyes were clear—if not for the slight smell of alcohol, no one would know she'd been drinking. She had a good tolerance, seemingly inherited from her mother.

Chris followed her, noting the darkening sky. "It's getting late. Taxis will be hard to find. Let me drive you."

Though they were good friends, Scarlett disliked troubling him and was about to refuse when a calm voice interrupted.

"Ms. Seymour."

Scarlett's faint smile instantly vanished. Even Chris looked warily toward the speaker.

It was Mark with his trademark fake smile. He stepped aside slightly to reveal a black car parked at the curb. "Mr. Howard is waiting for you."

Scarlett didn't move.

Chris stepped forward. "Sorry, but Scarlett isn't available."

Though he didn't know exactly what had happened, he guessed that Scarlett's bad mood was related to Sebastian.

Mark hadn't expected Chris to intervene. He looked surprised but continued, "Mr. Wright..."

Before he could finish, Chris guided Scarlett toward the side exit.

Mark immediately followed. "Mr. Wright!"

Both were tense as they approached Chris's car on the roadside. Then the door of the black car opened.

Sebastian stepped out, a cigarette between his lips. The ember glowed, occasionally releasing a cloud of smoke that made his face seem unreal.

Scarlett looked at him, the afternoon's scene replaying in her mind. She bit her lip and instinctively moved closer to Chris.

Sebastian's eyes narrowed, his gaze lingering on their proximity. He lowered his cigarette, exhaling smoke. "Come with me."

"Mr. Howard, Scarlett has nothing to do with you. I—" Chris positioned Scarlett behind him, his expression serious.

Sebastian just stared at him calmly, saying nothing.

Scarlett saw his eyes and the lit cigarette, her heart sinking. She tugged at Chris's sleeve, whispering, "Don't say anything more."

Sebastian was clearly on the edge of fury. Though Chris was a Wright, he was no match for Sebastian.

Chris understood the power imbalance. Hearing Scarlett's words, he reluctantly fell silent despite his frustration.

"Come here." Sebastian took a final drag, dropped the cigarette, and crushed it under his shoe.

Scarlett didn't want to go, but fearing Sebastian might turn on Chris, she obediently walked over.

When she reached him, Sebastian grabbed her arm and pulled her into the car. As for Chris, Mark quickly ushered him away.

Scarlett was practically thrown into the car. Her lower back slammed against the center armrest, the pain bringing tears to her eyes.

Sebastian noticed and frowned, reaching to massage the spot. But Scarlett wasn't grateful.

"Mr. Howard, we're finished!" Her eyes reddened with anger as she moved away, holding her back.

Sebastian saw her recoil as if from a venomous snake. His jaw tightened in anger, his tongue pressing against his cheek as he laughed softly. "Is that so?"

Seeing Sebastian's eyes glinting dangerously, Scarlett retreated further.

"Scarlett, it ends when I say it ends."

Sebastian leaned closer, his voice like a demon's whisper in her ear.

Scarlett bit her lip and closed her eyes, as if accepting her fate. Her hands tightened on Sebastian's clothes as she silently prayed: Just get it over with!