Let Me Go, Mr. Howard Chapter 44

Edith laughed and leaned her head against Sebastian's shoulder. "Scarlett, are you still half-asleep? Can't even understand a simple announcement?"

Scarlett ignored her completely. Her eyes were wide and fixed on Sebastian as tears streamed down her face. "I'm asking you! What is that announcement about?"

Sebastian's expression darkened. "It's the truth."

At his words, Scarlett stumbled backward, letting out a bitter laugh. "The truth?"

"The Howard Group doesn't make frivolous statements," Sebastian pressed his lips together, his voice cold.

All around them, people looked at Scarlett with mockery and derision. She saw and heard none of it. Her eyes were only on Sebastian, whose face was grim as he delivered another warning.

"Scarlett, I told you to behave yourself."

His words immediately reminded her of what he'd said before leaving last night. She lowered her head with a strained smile. "So it started even then."

She had imagined Sebastian might choose Edith over her, but never thought he would slander her for Edith's sake. 

A wave of nausea swept through Scarlett. She covered her mouth, barely managing to suppress her sickness, only to feel a different kind of pain rising—one that brought moisture to the corners of her eyes.

Sebastian frowned, clenching his back teeth as he watched Scarlett stumble backward. He took an imperceptible deep breath.

Edith, immensely satisfied with Scarlett's reaction, deliberately stepped forward to link arms with her. Her voice was sickeningly sweet, but to Scarlett's ears, it sounded like whispers from hell.

"Momwas only upset for a moment about what you did. This morning she even suggested you move back home. Scarlett, don't be difficult—"

Her performance was cut short as Scarlett pulled away.

"Get lost," Scarlett said coldly. "Save your act for the Howard family."

She wasn't foolish enough to go back. With the Howard family's support, Scarlett knew she was no match for the Seymour family. 

She glanced at Sebastian—he clearly couldn't be trusted. Remembering how grateful she'd felt toward Sebastian last night made her feel even more nauseated.

"I'm only thinking of your best interests." Rejected, Edith curved her lips upward and turned to throw herself into Sebastian's arms. "Seb, Scarlett still won't forgive our family."

Sebastian closed his eyes impatiently, rubbing his temple—a gesture he only made when extremely irritated.

"Scarlett," he called her name once, saying nothing more.

Scarlett took a slow, deep breath. Her anger suddenly subsided, replaced by cold mockery in her eyes. "Mr. Howard, what does it matter to you what I do?"

With these words, she gave Edith a cold look and turned to leave. Let whoever wanted the job have it! She walked quickly, her steps forceful, her retreating figure resolute.

Sebastian watched her go, taking a deep breath and closing his eyes.

Edith, noticing his reaction, quickly moved to soothe him, her voice filled with delight. "Seb, that's just her temperament. Why bother yourself with her?"

Sebastian blocked her hand. His eyes darkened slightly as he glanced at her. Without a word, he walked away.

"Seb?" Edith followed, but Sebastian didn't slow his pace.

Watching his retreating figure, Edith stamped her foot and muttered angrily, "It's all that tramp Scarlett's fault! She's made Seb angry with me too!"

---

After leaving the company, Scarlett wandered aimlessly through the streets before taking a taxi back to her hotel. 

Just as she reached the hotel entrance, someone grabbed her hand from behind.

"Scarlett!"

Hearing the voice, she immediately turned to see Chris. She smiled faintly. "What are you doing here?"

Chris had come in a hurry, his hair disheveled and clearly unattended to. 

"I was worried about you." He made no attempt to hide his concern as he looked her up and down. "Are you alright?"

The hotel entrance was busy with people coming and going. Feeling somewhat embarrassed, Scarlett pulled her hand away from Chris's grip, only speaking once they had some distance between them.

"What's there to worry about? I'm fine."

Chris's gaze lingered on her face. "Fine? You should see your smile—it's awful."

Scarlett immediately touched her face. "Is it that bad?"

"Terribly bad." Chris pressed his lips together, looking at Scarlett with a gentle sigh. "You're not working today, right? Want to go for a drink with me?"

Scarlett blinked, realizing Chris probably knew about the Howard Group's announcement. But he hadn't brought it up directly, which made her feel somewhat better.

"Sure, I've got nothing else to do anyway."

Hearing her response, Chris smiled, his eyes softening. "Great. My junior colleague is free too. I'll invite him along—the more the merrier."

They walked toward the roadside, chatting and laughing. Chris's car was parked nearby—a customized sports car with a black and gold color scheme that stood out among the ordinary vehicles.

As Scarlett reached for the door, Chris beat her to it, opening it for her and holding his hand above the door frame—the epitome of gentlemanly behavior. 

Only after making sure Scarlett was comfortably seated did Chris close the door and walk around to get in himself.

The car started quickly, its powerful engine roar attracting many glances.

After the sports car drove away, a man in a black sedan behind them made a phone call.

"Mr. Howard, Ms. Seymour has left in Mr. Wright's car."

Sebastian held the phone, leaning back in his chair with his eyes closed. "Follow them."

After hanging up, he casually tossed the phone onto the desk. The top-floor office was completely silent. 

After a brief moment with his eyes closed, Sebastian opened them and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window of the balcony, his face terrifyingly dark.

Once in Chris's car, the powerful acceleration temporarily helped Scarlett forget her troubles. She turned her head to look at Chris, quickly catching his attention.

"What is it? Want to drive for a bit?"

Scarlett shook her head. "Better not. It's been years since I last drove."

Hearing this, Chris didn't insist and focused on driving. They first arrived at a villa. 

Scarlett peered out the window, but before she could make out any details, Chris had already gotten out and come to her window.

"Wait for me. I'll go get him."

Scarlett nodded, staying in the car. Shortly after Chris left, a deep blue SUV parked in the adjacent spot. Lost in thought, Scarlett glanced sideways and was nearly scared out of her wits.

A face was pressed tightly against the window, apparently trying to see inside. The face was so squished against the glass that it was slightly distorted.

Who was that? What kind of lunatic? This was the only thought in Scarlett's mind.