Let Me Go, Mr. Howard Chapter 61

Scarlett abruptly stood from her chair.

The heavy seat required considerable effort to push back. When she finally stood, she was slightly breathless—whether from anger or exertion wasn't clear.

Her lips pressed together as she stared at Sebastian, her eyes gradually moistening. She quickly lowered her gaze and laughed bitterly. "So that's what you meant. I was wondering why you invited me to lunch today."

The self-mockery was painfully obvious. Even Sebastian couldn't help but frown.

Scarlett steadied herself and looked up. "What exactly do you want from me, Mr. Howard?"

"The usual," Sebastian replied, his brow relaxing as he saw her regain composure. He tapped ash from his cigarette, expression calm. "Wait until the engagement party."

He didn't finish his thought, but Scarlett knew what he meant.

"I'm not unreasonable," she said coldly, her eyes filled with contempt.

Sebastian nodded. "That's best."

The meal ended quickly after their conversation, most dishes remaining untouched. Sebastian and Scarlett returned to the car first. 

Moments later, Mark arrived with packed food containers, placing them on the floor of the passenger seat.

"I'll be late for work," Scarlett said, glancing at her phone before turning toward the window, refusing to give Sebastian even a glance.

As the car pulled out of the garage and the streets blurred past, her eyes grew hot with unshed tears. 

Scarlett had never hated her own mouth more—if only she'd had the willpower to think before eating his food, she wouldn't now feel obligated to drop the matter.

She bit her lip, struggling not to cry.

Her awkward posture, head persistently turned toward the window, soon caught Sebastian's attention.

"Scarlett, look at me."

She remained motionless.

Mark, detecting the anger in Sebastian's tone, quietly raised the partition.

The backseat was spacious. Sebastian habitually sat by one window while Scarlett pressed herself against the opposite door, deliberately maximizing the distance between them. 

Already slim, pressed against the door, she seemed to merge with it.

As Scarlett stared blankly outside, a strong arm wrapped around her waist, effortlessly pulling her into Sebastian's embrace.

"Let go!" She frowned, raising her arm to elbow him.

Sebastian was prepared. He caught her arm and pulled her closer, restraining her more firmly.

"Angry?"

What an absurd question! Scarlett didn't bother answering. She snorted, realizing the futility of struggling, and went limp in his hold.

"What's the point of making such a scene?" Sebastian kissed her cheek, part reassurance, part warning. "Focus on your own business. Don't meddle in affairs that don't concern you."

Scarlett almost laughed at the absurdity of his words. Instead, she shot him a fierce glance. "I don't understand, Mr. Howard. What exactly shouldn't I be meddling in?"

Sebastian knew she understood perfectly. He chuckled lightly, a surface amusement masking a clear warning. "The Seymour family marriage alliance, of course."

Scarlett's face darkened as she broke free and moved away. "My sister and brother-in-law's affairs—indeed, as a mere sister, I have no right to interfere."

Her sarcasm was unmistakable.

Sebastian frowned, his gaze sweeping across her profile. "Mind your words."

Scarlett continued showing only her profile, smiling down coldly. "What's wrong with my words? Your engagement party is coming up—it's a done deal. If you're not my brother-in-law, what are you?"

Sebastian's expression instantly darkened as the atmosphere in the car grew heavy.

Scarlett pretended not to notice, turning to look outside again. Her heart ached with the injustice. After five years with Sebastian, she still meant less than Edith who had only just appeared.

It all came down to social status.

---

Back at the MRK Building, Scarlett arrived at the Integrated Design Department just in time. She carried food containers that Mark had insisted on giving her before she left the car.

She hadn't wanted to accept them, but he'd said the only alternative was throwing them away. Though Scarlett hated wasting food, the thought of eating it now made her feel sick.

As she contemplated what to do with them, an intern called out from the edge of the office area.

"Ms. Seymour, perfect timing! The client's representatives are here reviewing the blueprints. Could you join us?"

Scarlett glanced toward the far end of the room where several people were gathered. Some wore administrative jackets and stood with their backs to her, their faces not visible. The space was clearly too crowded to accommodate another person.

She handed the food containers to the intern. "Keep these safe. When everyone gets hungry later, please share them."

The containers and bags were emblazoned with The Velvet Fork logo.

The intern gasped slightly, looking at Scarlett with newfound respect. The Velvet Fork had a minimum spend of sixty thousand dollars—their new director was treating them to this?

Scarlett didn't notice the reaction as she walked toward the back of the general office area.

"...regarding the solution you just mentioned, our director has already addressed it. We're revising the design and can provide you with the new version this afternoon."

As she approached, a portly middle-aged man looked up with a frown. "And who might this be?"

Everyone turned to look at her.

Scarlett smiled gently and nodded. "Hello, I'm Scarlett Seymour, the new director of the Integrated Design Department."

The MRK employees immediately acknowledged her in unison. "Good day, Ms. Seymour."

Their uniform greeting surprised the administrative visitors.

Among them stood a tall, handsome man who carried himself with an air of bespoke elegance despite wearing the same administrative jacket as the others. His natural refinement set him apart from those around him.

Scarlett immediately noticed him, but froze when she saw his face. He looked familiar, as if she'd seen him somewhere before.

As she tried to place him, the man extended his hand, his tone warm and friendly. "Ms. Seymour, it's a pleasure. Chris mentions you often."

This familiar greeting instantly drew everyone's attention to Scarlett.