Let Me Go, Mr. Howard Chapter 73

"How did it go?" Hatty asked as soon as Scarlett returned.

Scarlett organized her files with an ironic smile. "She planned to make me wait outside to intimidate me."

"See? I knew it," Hatty sighed, spreading her hands resignedly. "These people with connections are impossible. If only all of them were like you."

Though Scarlett was widely recognized as someone with connections herself—both from her special appointment and her friendships with wealthy young men like Chris—her skills commanded genuine respect. 

In the Design Department, ability ultimately determined status. The employees were all capable of working independently and primarily concerned with completing projects efficiently.

Scarlett merely smiled without pursuing the conversation. "From now on, make two or three copies of all documents we submit upstairs. That way, if there are issues, we can quickly identify the source."

"I understand. I'll tell the team," Hatty replied, taking the files.

For the next three days, there wasn't much pressure from Adele's side. Everything seemed peaceful. 

Scarlett had completely abandoned Sebastian's car in the garage—the money she transferred to his account had been returned the same night—and had been taking taxis to work.

Today, she planned to look at a car—specifically, the one she had originally set her heart on. She was quite stubborn about certain things.

Chris, with no race scheduled, decided to join her. He arrived early, before Scarlett had finished work.

"Mr. Wright," someone nodded as he reached the Design Department's glass doors.

Chris, who had dyed his hair blue yesterday, nodded back. His racing suit drew glances as he moved through the hallway with striking confidence.

"Looking for Ms. Seymour? She went to the cafeteria," Hatty told him, noticing him peering around the corner.

He met Scarlett at the cafeteria exit and stared at the yogurt in her hand with puzzlement. "All this for that?"

"What else?" Scarlett inserted a straw into her drink. The imported yogurt was available only in limited quantities even at MRK. To her, enjoying a free one was worth it.

"If you like it that much, I can have my brother bring some back for you," Chris offered casually.

"Never mind. You hardly see him yourself," Scarlett replied, focused on her yogurt as they strolled back.

At the cafeteria staircase, they encountered Sebastian.

They hadn't seen each other for three days—not since their meeting in Orion's office. Sebastian hadn't returned to Windchime Villa that night, giving Scarlett unexpected peace.

Now, seeing him slowly ascending the stairs with several MRK managers in tow, she froze momentarily and looked away.

Chris didn't particularly want to acknowledge Sebastian, but the Howard and Wright families had good relations. 

In the busy cafeteria, he couldn't pretend not to see him, so he extended his hand with a smile. "Mr. Howard."

Sebastian returned the gesture, his gaze lingering briefly. "Mr. Wright."

"Mr. Howard, are you here to inspect MRK Building?" Chris asked, having been too focused on race preparations to keep up with developments between the families.

Sebastian nodded. "You seem to be busy these days, Mr. Wright. For details, you can ask your eldest brother when you get home." He clearly didn't want to elaborate, and Chris was ready to leave with Scarlett.

As they departed, conversations erupted around them.

"I heard he came to inspect the cafeteria for that Seymour girl. She's just his fiancée's sister, yet he's so attentive."

"Remember that scandal at Howard Group? The Scarlett thing?"

"Shh... I heard it was all true, but they retracted the announcement to protect the Seymour family's reputation."

"Really? I heard Scarlett has relationships with several wealthy young men... could they all be that kind of relationship?"

Scarlett chose to ignore those whispers, but Chris's brow furrowed deeply. Unable to contain his anger, he turned and kicked one of the gossipers, not caring that she was a defenseless woman.

"Damn it! Who are you spreading these rumors for?" he shouted, his outburst leaving everyone stunned.

The woman clutched her waist, tears threatening to fall. "Ms. Seymour..."

Scarlett felt no sympathy. If she pitied this woman, who would pity her for being slandered?

"I'm also curious—who told you these things?" she asked coldly.

The woman shook her head and began sobbing, refusing to reveal her source.

"Why are you crying?" Chris glared. "Scarlett isn't crying, so why are you?"

"Forget it. It obviously came from Adele," Scarlett said, scanning the crowd and tugging at Chris's sleeve.

Chris spat in disgust and pulled out several bills from his wallet, throwing them down. "Edith spreading rumors at Howard Group, Adele doing it here—the Seymour family is like a plague! Take this and get lost. If I hear this kind of talk again, I'll have Orion fire you!"

Scarlett glanced at the sobbing woman without emotion, then turned and walked away.

From above, Sebastian stood at the floor-to-ceiling window, frowning as he watched them leave.