Let Me Go, Mr. Howard Chapter 33

Scarlett gritted her teeth, her heart pounding and voice slightly trembling. "What does five years matter? When it's not right, it's not right."

Her words were defiant yet utterly unconvincing.

Sebastian, hearing this, seemed rather pleased. He reached up to squeeze the soft spot at the back of her neck, drawling, "Don't be so moody. I've just been busy lately."

He completely ignored what Scarlett had actually said, treating her words as nothing more than a temper tantrum. 

This was typical—he always treated her like a pet that needed soothing, completely disregarding her genuine feelings. Scarlett brushed his hand away in irritation.

She frowned and started to rise, intending to leave, but Sebastian caught her wrist and with a slight tug pulled her into his arms.

"Have you lost your mind?" Scarlett immediately began to struggle, her entire body stiffening with tension.

Sebastian slid his hand to her waist. "What are you afraid of?"

Paying no attention to the hand at her waist, Scarlett focused only on getting up. In her struggle, she began to topple toward the floor, but Sebastian's strong hand pressed firmly against her waist, effortlessly pulling her back.

"Why are you squirming around—" Sebastian's words were cut short by Mark's deliberately loud voice from outside the door.

"Good afternoon, Ms. Seymour!"

At that, Sebastian finally released his hold. Scarlett felt relief wash over her, yet a pang of heartache followed. She pressed her lips together, tugging at her skirt as she stood up.

"Seb!" Edith walked in just in time to catch Scarlett adjusting her skirt, and her smile froze as her eyes darted between the two of them.

Scarlett was wearing a professional suit with a pencil skirt that perfectly showcased her curves, paired with black stockings that certainly drew attention. That skirt-tugging gesture had seemed particularly intimate. 

Edith's expression darkened instantly before she looked over at Sebastian.

Sebastian, however, appeared completely unfazed, even looking at Edith with a hint of tenderness. "Finished with the project?"

Hearing Sebastian's words, Edith finally snapped back to reality and responded with a quick affirmative before rushing toward him, deliberately bumping Scarlett's shoulder as she passed.

"Scarlett, if you're not comfortable in that skirt, perhaps you should change into something else." Edith clung to Sebastian's arm as she sat beside him, her fake smile both gentle and cutting. "We wouldn't want people talking, especially considering your mother was..."

Seeing Edith bring up her mother again, especially in such a vague, suggestive way in front of all the staff who had entered with her—whose gazes had now shifted—Scarlett had enough.

"Ms. Seymour, perhaps you should focus on keeping Mr. Howard in check. After all, men do love their affairs." She tilted her head slightly, looking down at Sebastian with contempt.

Edith's expression shifted instantly, but Scarlett wasn't finished. She chuckled softly, crossing her arms across her chest, which only emphasized her already impressive assets. 

"For the future Mrs. Howard, lashing out at me seems rather incompetent and undignified, don't you think?"

If Edith had merely looked displeased before, now her face was contorted with rage. Her chest heaved dramatically, her hand trembling as she rose, clearly ready to slap Scarlett across the face!

Sebastian was already familiar with Scarlett's sharp tongue—even he wasn't spared when her temper flared. 

He knew well that the little cat who had been by his side for five years was actually a fierce, quick-witted wildcat. But this disregard for proper setting was a first.

"Scarlett." Sebastian's voice carried a clear warning.

At his admonishment, Scarlett's mocking expression hardened completely. She pressed her lips together and turned away, visibly upset.

Hearing Sebastian's voice, Edith immediately remembered where she was. 

Her vicious expression vanished as she threw herself into Sebastian's arms, sobbing. "Seb, don't be mad at her. She was only brought back to us when she was four. She was with her mother before that, so she never learned proper behavior."

Scarlett clenched her jaw at this accusation, about to respond when Sebastian coldly stated, "She certainly lacks manners."

She immediately looked at him, only to meet his cold, irritated gaze. Whatever retort she'd prepared crumbled instantly. 

Scarlett's breath caught, and if she hadn't been clenching her jaw so tightly, she might have lost control of her emotions entirely.

Hearing Sebastian agree with her, Edith brightened immediately. Seeing Scarlett's dark expression only pleased her more, and she smoothly played peacemaker. 

"But she's still part of the Seymour family. Seb, don't be hard on her. Didn't we bring cake? Perhaps Scarlett will be more pleasant after having some."

As she spoke, she gestured for one of the staff members to bring in the cake they'd purchased. The perfect picture of a caring older sister. Scarlett watched, feeling nauseated.

When the cake arrived, the staff had already divided it into four pieces—it wasn't large to begin with, and had been cut for presentation's sake.

"Seb, you first." Edith looked at the cake and promptly handed the first piece to Sebastian. No one thought anything of this gesture.

But then, Edith gave two pieces to the nearby staff members. "You've all worked so hard today."

The staff hadn't expected to receive any cake and accepted it with surprise and delight. "Thank you, Ms. Edith Seymour!"

The cake was beautifully crafted, even the cross-section was visually stunning. The two staff members immediately flushed with excitement, politely asking if they could take photos. 

Edith naturally didn't refuse, earning effusive praise from both employees.

Only one piece of cake remained. Scarlett watched, fully aware there was no portion for her, a mocking smile playing at her lips.

When Edith turned and saw the single remaining piece on the table, she gasped dramatically. "Oh, only one piece left."

Everyone looked over. The two staff members photographing their cake looked uncomfortable, glancing at the expressionless Scarlett with their cake suddenly feeling awkward in their hands.

Edith held the last remaining piece, looking at Scarlett with a pitiful expression. "This cake was specially made for me by a friend. If you want it..."

"I don't want it," Scarlett cut in coldly, knowing exactly what Edith was playing at.

Edith had expected this rejection, and a smile tugged at her lips even as her voice remained anxious. "Really? I thought some cake might improve your mood."

Watching Edith's performance made Scarlett feel sick. She glanced at the brightly colored cake and found it even more nauseating. Suppressing her discomfort, she said, "No need. You have it."

Edith made a show of reluctance, and just then, Sebastian extended his hand, offering the first piece of cake he'd received.

"Have this one."