Let Me Go, Mr. Howard Chapter 45

However, just as this thought crossed Scarlett's mind, the person outside backed away, and the distorted face finally returned to its normal shape.

Having grown up in wealthy circles, Scarlett immediately recognized him. The man gesturing for her to roll down the window was none other than Orion—the very same playboy she had rashly mentioned to Sebastian the day before. 

His appearance fully justified his reputation as a ladies' man. While not as perfect as Sebastian, his looks were still one in ten thousand.

"Hey, gorgeous, are you Scarlett Seymour?" Orion asked loudly, having finally gotten a clear view of her face. He raised an eyebrow and leaned closer.

Though his voice was muffled through the glass, Scarlett still heard him. 

She pressed her lips together, assuming he was like those people at the company—someone who had seen the Howard Group's announcement and had come to mock her. 

She grabbed her handbag from her lap and used it to shield her face, completely ignoring him, assuming he would lose interest and leave.

But Orion seemed quite persistent, remaining at the window even as Chris returned from the villa with someone else.

Chris immediately noticed the man lingering by his car. Frowning, he approached and asked loudly, "Excuse me, sir, is there something I can help you with?"

This area was in the wealthy district where residents were all influential people who would be paying close attention to the Howard Group's announcement. 

Thinking of Scarlett still in the car, Chris's voice carried traces of urgency and displeasure.

Orion turned and exclaimed, "Oh, Chris, it's you!" Then, shifting his gaze to the young man behind Chris, he added, "And hi, Dennis. Planning to go out with Ms. Seymour?"

Dennis Wilson pressed his lips together and quietly greeted Orion.

As Orion spoke, his gaze kept darting into Chris's car. Seeing who it was, Chris's tension visibly eased, but he still frowned as he positioned himself between Orion and Scarlett. "Do you have business with Scarlett?"

"Relax, Chris." Orion could easily read Chris's emotions. He smiled, patting Chris's shoulder while glancing at Scarlett. "I'm not a bad guy. When have you ever seen me mistreat a woman?"

That was true enough. 

Inside the car, Scarlett felt relieved seeing Chris return. Noticing that the two men seemed to be having a friendly conversation, she opened the door and stepped out.

"Scarlett, let me introduce you—this is my junior colleague, Dennis Wilson." Chris immediately pulled the young man forward.

He showed no intention of introducing Orion.

Dennis was quite young, probably underage. He was visibly introverted; his entire face flushed red when Chris pushed him forward. But when he saw Scarlett, his eyes lit up. "Aerith..."

Scarlett was puzzled. "What?"

Dennis snapped back to reality, embarrassedly scratching his head. "Nothing. Nice to meet you, Ms. Seymour."

He was indeed shy, speaking in a soft, gentle voice. Scarlett hadn't expected Chris's junior to be so young. She smiled and nodded. "Hello, Mr. Wilson."

"That's too formal. Please call me Dennis." He quickly waved his hands, his face growing even redder. He couldn't even look Scarlett in the eye.

At this point, Orion pointed to himself. "Aren't you going to introduce me?"

Chris gave him a look. "Orion, do you need an introduction? Everyone knows your reputation."

Scarlett nodded along with Chris's words and calmly looked at Orion. "Hello, Mr. Watson."

"Hello, hello." Orion naturally smiled in response, scanning Scarlett up and down with amazement in his eyes. "Truly, only a beauty like Ms. Seymour could..."

He didn't finish, trailing off into a whisper. Scarlett didn't catch it clearly. She smiled faintly and tilted her head. "What was that?"

"Nothing." Orion shook his head, not elaborating further.

Chris had already opened the car door. Seeing the two still talking, he spoke up, "Mr. Watson, we're heading out now. Are you planning to join us?"

It was meant as a polite formality, but to everyone's surprise, Orion bent down and slipped into the car. "Why not? I happen to have nothing to do. It wouldn't be bad to hang out with you young people, especially with such a beauty for company."

The remaining three exchanged glances, unable to find words to refuse, so they let Orion tag along. 

The black and gold sports car quickly left the parking area. As it passed an intersection, an inconspicuous black sedan immediately started up and followed.

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In Chris's car, Orion and Dennis sat in the back. Dennis remained quiet throughout, but his gaze stayed fixed on Scarlett's face, his eyes constantly sparkling with admiration. 

Initially, Scarlett felt uncomfortable, but as time passed, she grew accustomed to Dennis's stare.

Orion was talkative, constantly leaning forward against Scarlett's seat back as he spoke. His conversation was witty and humorous, not at all annoying, so Scarlett responded casually. 

But when Orion brought up the Howard Group's morning announcement, Scarlett frowned.

She didn't respond immediately, her lips pressed together tightly, wariness evident.

Orion's gaze swept over her face before he chuckled lightly, speaking in a carefree manner, "Ms. Seymour, the Howard family is famously concerned with appearances. If I were you, I'd know that any clear-sighted person would immediately see through their announcement."

Scarlett frowned, glancing at him. "What exactly do you mean by that, Mr. Watson?"

"Whatever you think." Orion shrugged slightly, looking at Chris. Seeing no reaction to his words, he smiled at Scarlett again. "Since the Howard Group can't accommodate you, why not come over to my side?"

Given Orion's reputation, those words immediately changed Scarlett's expression. "Mr. Watson, I'm not that kind of person!"

Chris also frowned, looking back through the rearview mirror. "Orion, say that again and I'll kick you out of the car."

Even Dennis was nodding in agreement.

Seeing himself become the target of everyone's displeasure, Orion quickly defended himself. "By 'come over to my side,' I meant come to my company! What were you all thinking?"

Scarlett's face warmed, and she looked at him with slightly pursed lips. "Company? You have a company?"

"Sweetie, I am a Watson family son after all. How could I not have companies under my name?" Orion smiled at Scarlett, using the affectionate term.