Let Me Go, Mr. Howard Chapter 39

The commotion immediately drew attention from many onlookers.

People seemed surprised to see Chris stepping in, and as they noticed Scarlett in his arms, their eyes filled with anticipation for drama.

Scarlett hadn't expected Chris to appear, and having a familiar face witness her humiliating situation made her cheeks flush slightly with warmth.

Anson had heard of Chris and knew he was no match for him. Despite his dissatisfaction, he could only smile awkwardly while backing away, nursing his swollen face.

"Brainless idiot!" Chris hissed through clenched teeth, shooting a cold glare toward Brianna, who was hiding behind the crowd.

After their previous encounter, he could easily guess who was behind this. What surprised him was that Brianna would choose to pull such a stunt in this setting. 

This inappropriate behavior wouldn't just affect Scarlett—it would reflect poorly on the entire Seymour family.

Only a fool like Brianna would do something this stupid. Chris's eyes grew even more contemptuous as he looked at her.

Scarlett, still leaning against his chest, pushed herself upright with a hand on his shoulder. She clutched his oversized jacket around herself and gently shook her head at Chris's angry muttering. "It's fine."

Her face betrayed no discomfort. She simply lowered her head slightly, pulled the suit jacket tighter, and walked toward the windows of the ballroom, away from the crowd.

Chris followed immediately. "Do you want to leave?"

Scarlett turned to see his worried eyes, then shifted her gaze toward Sebastian and Edith, who had just entered. Her eyes darkened. "No, I'm not leaving."

This was clearly a setup orchestrated by the Seymour family. If she left now, wouldn't that be exactly what they wanted?

Chris paused, following her gaze to Sebastian and the crowd surrounding him. His brow furrowed slightly.

"Just for him, you're going to keep wearing this and tough it out?"

His face showed clear disapproval, and his eyes filled with hostility as he looked at Sebastian.

Scarlett's lips curved slightly. "Who said I'm keeping this outfit on?"

Hearing this, Chris looked back at Scarlett with renewed interest. "What do you have in mind? I'll help."

Scarlett turned her head, her gaze landing on the curtains. They were brand new, probably installed specifically for today's event. The curtains were tied back with high-quality silk scarves.

She assessed them briefly, then without hesitation, untied one. The curtain fell, blocking half the view outside. Since it was evening, this change wasn't enough to draw attention from the crowd.

The silk scarf was long and wide—perfect for transforming her outfit.

Scarlett removed Chris's suit jacket and unfolded the scarf, then refolded it and draped it over her shoulders. She turned to Chris and borrowed his brooch.

Chris didn't understand her plan but removed the brooch from his jacket and handed it to her.

Scarlett used the brooch to secure the scarf on both sides. Then, slipping one arm through the neckline and making careful adjustments, she transformed the ordinary scarf into a stylish off-shoulder cape. 

The improvised garment completely covered the previously exposed neckline of her dress.

"You can do that?" Chris stared, eyes wide with amazement.

Scarlett smiled. "I am a designer, after all."

She then untied another scarf, folded it asymmetrically, and wrapped it around her waist. When she struggled to secure the excess fabric, Chris quickly removed his tie and offered it.

"Here, use this."

Scarlett hesitated, but at Chris's urging, she accepted the tie. Its dark color created an interesting contrast against the light-colored scarf.

Now, the inappropriate dress was completely concealed beneath her scarf-based creation.

"Beautiful!" Chris praised generously.

Seeing his star-struck expression, Scarlett felt a bit shy. She lowered her head with a small smile. "I couldn't have done it without your brooch and tie."

"Come on, without you, I'd never have known they could be used like this."

They continued complimenting each other, laughing happily together.

Across the room, Sebastian held his wine glass, maintaining conversations with those around him while keeping Scarlett in his peripheral vision.

He hadn't missed the moment when she removed the jacket, and his hand had tightened around his glass. Now as he looked over again, he saw her in her newly fashioned, elegant outfit, laughing with Chris.

"Seb? Seb?"

Edith's voice came from beside him as she tugged at his sleeve.

Sebastian finally turned his attention to her.

When Edith met his gaze, her heart inexplicably tightened with fear, making her withdraw her hand. But remembering her position, she quickly regained her confidence and linked arms with him again.

"Seb, our Seymour family has been thoroughly embarrassed today."

Sebastian lowered his eyes, a subtle cold smile playing on his lips. "Is that so?"

Edith, absorbed in her own performance, failed to notice his expression. She pouted, speaking with feigned distress, "Yes! Scarlett has gone crazy, appearing in that inappropriate dress and flirting with Mr. Myers."

She swayed Sebastian's arm as she spoke, her voice trembling with emotion.

"I had no idea Scarlett would dress like that. If I'd known, I never would have invited her back today."

Sebastian chuckled lightly, his eyes cold. "Really? But what I see is completely different."

Edith's fake pout froze as she followed Sebastian's gaze to see Scarlett in her perfectly appropriate, stylish outfit—nothing like the nightgown from their plan.

Her eyes widened in confusion.

"Ms. Seymour," Sebastian said coolly, looking down at Edith with a warning tone, "regardless of her background, Scarlett represents the Seymour family. The Howard family doesn't need to align itself with a scandal-ridden family."

The noise around them continued, but Edith gradually stopped hearing the surrounding sounds. Her mind fixated on Sebastian's warning.

Sebastian tilted her chin up, his eyes devoid of emotion.

"Do you understand, Ms. Seymour?"

Edith didn't dare say otherwise. She had never seen Sebastian like this—he was always cold, but never this intimidating.

She nearly burst into tears but sniffled and struggled to maintain her composure. "Y-yes, I understand."

Sebastian released her, patting her head with a smile. "Good, Edie."

He seemed to have reverted to his former self, but Edith no longer felt comfortable staying by his side. She made up an excuse and left.

Watching Edith leave, Sebastian took a sip of wine to mask the coldness in his eyes.

"Seb." A friend's voice came from beside him.

Sebastian looked over and nodded slightly. "Jeffrey."