Let Me Go, Mr. Howard Chapter 41

Brianna got slapped out of nowhere and was livid when she heard David's accusations. She immediately widened her eyes and looked over, "What did you just say?"

She thought she had been discreet enough. Even if people saw her leading Scarlett through the crowd in that outfit, she could always claim it was Scarlett's own insistence. No way could this be pinned on her.

David, still angry, took a deep breath and sat down on the couch, trying to calm himself.

"Everyone at the party is saying that Scarlett, who has been working at the Howard Group for years and was personally appointed by Sebastian as the head of the design department, must have a spotless reputation. They're saying that outfit was your doing!"

David glared at Brianna, who was being helped up by Edith, and gritted his teeth, "Explain yourself! How could you cause such a mess?"

Before Brianna could respond, Edith started to rant.

"Nobody knew that bitch worked at the Howard Group. This must be Sebastian's doing! He was defending Scarlett!"

David's eyes widened as he looked over. "What did you say?"

Brianna quickly repeated what Edith had said earlier.

"Who would consider an illegitimate child part of the family? Sebastian saying that means he cares about Scarlett."

Edith cried bitterly, convinced that Scarlett must have seduced Sebastian at some point without their knowledge.

David and Brianna both looked grim.

Brianna, seeing Edith's distress, hugged her and then looked at David, who was sitting silently with a stern face. "Look at the trouble that tramp has caused! Are you still going to protect her?"

David clenched his teeth and closed his eyes, "No." He opened his eyes, a fierce look in them, "She must disappear!"

Earlier, when the party had just ended, Scarlett went to the second-floor cloakroom with Chris to retrieve her clothes.

Her business suit had been torn to shreds and was unwearable.

Scarlett gathered it up and held it in her arms.

The two of them walked towards the exit together.

"Need a ride?"

Chris noticed Scarlett opening a ride-hailing app and frowned, his eyes lingering on her scarf.

Scarlett didn't look up, "Yes, I rented a hotel room for the month."

"I'll drive you there. It's too late now," Chris said immediately, leading her to his car.

Just as Scarlett was about to refuse, she saw Mark walking towards them.

Chris saw him too and frowned in annoyance, "Isn't there enough trouble already?"

Scarlett agreed with Chris and didn't refuse, following him into the car.

Mark, seeing Scarlett's demeanor, knew he wouldn't get a chance to talk to her tonight. He lowered his head and sent a message to Sebastian.

Sebastian's car hadn't started yet.

After receiving the message, he glanced at it, then looked out the window at the departing blue and white Maybach, frowning.

Mark quickly returned to the car, "Mr. Howard, should we follow them?"

"No." Sebastian closed his eyes and leaned back to rest.

Meanwhile, in the Wright family car.

Scarlett sat by the window, and Chris, ever the gentleman, sat by the other window.

Chris was playing on his phone while Scarlett stared out the window, lost in thought.

She couldn't understand Sebastian. Didn't he look down on her? So why did he help her at the party?

Was he afraid her bad reputation would affect Edith? But wouldn't Brianna's damaged reputation be worse?

"Scarlett, Scarlett!"

Chris's voice snapped Scarlett out of her thoughts.

Startled, she turned to look at him. "What is it?"

Chris waved his phone, "My buddy won a game tonight and wants to celebrate. Do you want to join us for some food? You didn't eat much at the party, did you?"

Scarlett frowned. "But my clothes..."

Though her outfit had been altered, it still wasn't her usual style.

Chris frowned too but quickly pulled out a sports bag from the floor and took out a set of sportswear. "It's clean. If you don't mind, you can wear it."

It was already ten at night, and most stores were closed.

Scarlett stared at the black sportswear for a moment before shaking her head, "No, thanks. I just want to go to sleep."

Though she and Chris had a good relationship, there was still a gap between them. Most of Chris's friends were wealthy, and Scarlett didn't want to immerse herself too much in that circle.

She wasn't one of them.

Seeing her tired face, Chris didn't push, "Alright, next time then."

With fewer cars on the road at night, they quickly arrived at the hotel where Scarlett was staying.

After saying goodbye to Chris, Scarlett turned towards the hotel lobby but heard footsteps behind her. She turned to see Chris following her.

"What is it?" Scarlett stopped and asked.

Chris replied matter-of-factly, "I'm walking you up."

Scarlett felt touched but also amused, "Aren't you being a bit too cautious?"

Chris had always been protective, but this level of concern was new.

Thinking of Scarlett's ordeal at the party, Chris pursed his lips and insisted, "Let me walk you up. I'll just take you to your door."

Knowing Chris's gentlemanly nature, Scarlett didn't refuse.

They took the elevator up.

Chris's phone kept buzzing with messages.

Unable to resist, Scarlett glanced over. "Are you missing your celebration?"

Chris didn't even look at his phone. "They can wait. It's fine."

Fortunately, Scarlett's room was on the fifth floor, not too high up.

Her room was in the middle of the hallway.

True to his word, Chris walked her to her door and then left.

"If anything happens, message me," Chris reminded her before leaving.

Scarlett smiled as she entered her room. "Got it. You'll be the first I contact."

Satisfied with her response, Chris left.

Scarlett inserted her key card and closed the door, shutting out the noise from the hallway.

She changed her shoes and looked up, only to meet Sebastian's gaze from the single armchair.

His dark, brooding eyes made Scarlett press against the door, taking a deep breath before speaking, "What are you doing here?"

"Why can't I be here?" Sebastian's voice was low and menacing.

Scarlett pursed her lips. "Suit yourself then."

Seeing her smile fade, Sebastian frowned and patted his thigh. "Come here."