Let Me Go, Mr. Howard Chapter 60

Scarlett had anticipated the teasing—exactly why she'd wanted to dispose of the "evidence."

She pressed her lips together, the bread in her hand now nearly flattened into something resembling cookie dough.

"Get in," Sebastian's voice grew cooler, short and swift.

Recognizing his impatience, Scarlett waited until she was at an angle where he couldn't see her face before rolling her eyes, then climbed into the car.

Once inside, she met Sebastian's gaze, though his eyes weren't on her face—they were fixed on the bread in her hand.

Uncomfortable under his scrutiny, Scarlett took a deliberate bite. "What do you want?"

Sebastian observed her distant demeanor, his eyes darkening slightly as he rested his fingers against his temple. "Don't want the jewel anymore?"

Scarlett immediately looked up, eyes wide. "You're threatening me too?"

She felt genuinely angry and hurt. She'd thought retrieving the jewel from the Seymour family would bring peace of mind, but now Sebastian was using it against her!

Sebastian's brow furrowed. "You're comparing me to the Seymour family?"

This only reminded Scarlett of the Howard Group's announcement she'd seen that morning. She pressed her lips together and snorted derisively. "Who knows? Birds of a feather flock together."

Hearing her sarcastic remark, Sebastian closed his eyes briefly. "What are you upset about now?"

Scarlett looked at him sidelong but remained silent.

The scenery outside was changing, gradually leaving the bustling city center behind. Catching this in her peripheral vision, Scarlett immediately tapped the back of the front seat. "Where are we going? I want to get out!"

But Mark was Sebastian's man and only took orders from him. "Sorry, Ms. Seymour."

Scarlett turned to Sebastian, her voice calm but firm. "I have to get back to work this afternoon."

Sebastian glanced at his watch. "There's plenty of time." MRK's lunch break was a full two hours, which was indeed ample.

Scarlett pressed her lips together as the car fell silent until it finally came to a stop.

"The Velvet Fork?" Scarlett peered out the window with a furrowed brow. "You brought me here to eat?"

Mark had already opened the door and was waiting quietly.

Sebastian exited first. While straightening his clothes, he glanced back at Scarlett still huddled in the corner of the car. "Not hungry?"

Scarlett looked at the busy street. "Let's go somewhere else."

Her thoughts were transparent.

Sebastian's expression darkened slightly. "Get out."

Scarlett stubbornly refused, even leaning forward to whisper while covering her face, "This isn't appropriate."

The meaning behind her words was clear to both of them.

Sebastian found her behavior amusing, though his smile didn't reach his eyes. "Scarlett, be good."

Scarlett pressed her lips together, retreating back into her corner with a defiant look. Only a fool would obey him and get out.

Yesterday's events were still fresh—the arranged marriage between the Howard and Seymour families was still proceeding. 

If some opportunistic photographer caught them together, she'd be the one making headlines.

Scarlett valued her life. She hadn't survived this long without knowing when to advance and when to retreat.

Seeing her persistence, Sebastian had no choice but to get back in the car.

This surprised Scarlett, stirring mixed feelings. "You're not going to eat?"

Sebastian looked at her, his eyes cold and his expression blank. "Go to the underground parking garage," he instructed Mark, though Scarlett could hear the frustration directed at her.

The parking garage was nearly empty. They took a direct elevator to a private dining room.

Scarlett rarely dined out with Sebastian—the few times they had were during business trips when they could indulge without scrutiny. Being invited out like this, without pretext, was a first.

"This much?" Scarlett's eyes widened at the array of dishes on the table. There was enough food for over ten people, yet there were only three of them—and Mark might not even join them.

"You can take leftovers home."

Sebastian accepted a warm towel from Mark and wiped his hands methodically, glancing up to see Scarlett involuntarily swallowing, which made him chuckle softly.

If asked about Scarlett's greatest passion, the answer would undoubtedly be food. Perhaps due to childhood deprivation, she was extremely particular about it, even protective. 

This trait had diminished somewhat since she'd started earning her own money.

Without pausing to discern Sebastian's purpose for this meeting, she began eating as soon as he did.

Halfway through the meal, Sebastian set down his utensils, took a napkin from Mark to wipe his mouth, and watched Scarlett continue eating.

Scarlett sensed his gaze. Always hyperaware while eating, she immediately looked up. Seeing that Sebastian had stopped, she frowned. "You're finished?"

"Keep eating. I'll wait." Sebastian poured himself tea, his fingertips delicately holding the cup.

Scarlett was actually full but had been trying to eat as much as possible to avoid waste. Now, facing Sebastian's scrutiny, her appetite vanished.

Sebastian typically concealed his emotions completely, but after years together, Scarlett had become adept at reading his micro-expressions. She could tell immediately that something was on his mind.

Her heart sank as she cautiously asked, "Is something wrong?"

Sebastian took out a cigarette case and lighter from his pocket. He flicked the lighter twice, producing a flame, lit the cigarette between his lips, then snapped the lighter shut with a flick of his wrist.

"Finish your meal first."

He didn't deny it. Clearly, something was wrong.

Scarlett surveyed the spread before her—all her favorites, and all expensive. Though a trifle to Sebastian, the meal would cost her ten months' salary.

She pressed her lips together and licked them, tasting the rich sauce, but she had lost her appetite. "I'm full."

Sebastian nodded slightly, exhaling smoke. Scarlett watched as her gaze penetrated the rapidly dissipating cloud to meet his eyes.

"Let's pretend the Seymour family incident never happened. You have your jewel back now anyway," Sebastian said steadily, his gaze deep yet cold as the moon.

Scarlett's heart sank, her full stomach suddenly aching. She bit down hard to keep her voice from trembling. "What do you mean?"

Sebastian held his cigarette between his fingers and lowered his gaze. "Exactly what I said."