Let Me Go, Mr. Howard Chapter 80

Watching the commotion nearby, Edith's expression cooled as she tugged on Sebastian's arm. "Why is Scarlett here?"

The others who had been trailing a few steps behind caught up just as she asked this. 

Adele crossed her arms over her chest, giving Scarlett a sidelong glare.

Scarlett's expression remained unchanged—that same cold demeanor she'd maintained since her arrival. 

Adele had long grown accustomed to it, though somehow that icy facade still managed to attract plenty of attention.

"Didn't you say you wanted her to come?" Sebastian turned his head, his gaze falling on Scarlett's downcast face, his tone even and undisturbed.

Edith had indeed said that, but now felt no joy in it. Hesitation crossed her features. "Did you go pick her up specifically?"

Scarlett had moved out of the Seymour Villa, and even they hadn't been able to figure out exactly where she lived now. Yet Sebastian knew?

"I was handling some business at City Hall and happened to run into her on my way out," Sebastian explained with a shake of his head.

"What a coincidence then!" Edith let out a small "oh" and smiled at Scarlett. "It's been what—almost a month and a half since we last saw each other?"

Scarlett resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "Quite the coincidence indeed."

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The group made their way to the fifth floor of the mall. The store Edith had chosen was a brand Scarlett also quite liked. As soon as they entered, staff members flocked around them.

Sebastian's face carried significant weight here—the staff provided exceptionally attentive service, focusing entirely on Edith. 

Adele stayed by her side. The two had shared similar tastes since childhood, and now as they browsed engagement rings, their opinions aligned perfectly.

Scarlett remained on the periphery. She was looking too, but not at the selections Edith was primarily considering. 

Rather than ornate rings with oversized gems, Scarlett preferred simple, understated designs.

"Scarlett, look at these—which one do you think is better?" Though she had no intention of getting involved, Edith wasn't about to let her off the hook.

Scarlett walked over, her gaze falling on the two rings Edith held out. 

Edith's fingers were actually quite beautiful, but rather thin. A ring with too large a stone would overwhelm them, so Scarlett pointed to the slightly smaller one. "This one."

She had guessed Edith wouldn't take her advice. And indeed, she didn't.

Edith frowned, clearly dissatisfied with Scarlett's choice.

"Do you even know how to choose?" Adele went straight to mockery. "This is an engagement ring—of course bigger is better!"

A nearby staff member chimed in with agreement. "Absolutely! Only a ring like this can properly showcase Mr. Howard's affection for his wife!"

This was the first time Edith had been referred to as "wife" before they were even engaged, and she immediately beamed so widely her eyes nearly disappeared.

However, Sebastian—the other half of this flattery—hadn't heard the staff's comment. While Edith was selecting rings, he had been wandering around. Eventually, he stopped in front of a display case.

At that moment, Edith approached wearing her chosen ring. "Seb, what do you think of this one?"

Her words had barely left her mouth when her attention was captured by the ring in the display case. 

It was a minimalist design with an amber-colored gemstone set into it. The stone's cut was exquisite. No other rings surrounded it in the display, making it appear all the more precious and sacred.

Edith was instantly captivated, forgetting her "bigger is better" philosophy. "I want this one!" she pointed at the ring, her voice sharp with excitement.

Scarlett hadn't planned on going over. But from a distance, she spotted the designer's promotional poster for the ring. 

It was by the brand's chief designer—her favorite jewelry designer. This drew her over involuntarily.

Sebastian lowered his gaze to Edith's hand. "Try it on."

The staff carefully removed it from the display, wearing gloves as they handled it. Just as they were about to place it on Edith's finger, Sebastian spoke up. "Let me."

When Scarlett approached, she arrived just in time to see Sebastian sliding the amber stone ring onto Edith's finger. Edith was beaming with delight.

However, that smile quickly froze on her face. The ring didn't fit her finger size, loosely wobbling on her finger.

Sebastian remained perfectly composed. After a glance, he calmly stated, "It seems it's not suitable."

"It can be adjusted," Edith's expression soured.

"I'm sorry, but this particular ring cannot be resized," the staff member explained awkwardly.

Edith frowned, removing the ring. "Then get me one in the right size." She placed the ring back in the velvet box on the counter.

The staff member continued to shake her head. "This ring only comes in this one size."

The repeated refusals from the staff infuriated Edith. She clenched her jaw, her eyes blazing as she stared at the ring resting quietly in its velvet box. "What kind of nonsense is this?"

Everyone could hear the anger in her voice. If Sebastian hadn't been there, she might have grabbed the ring and thrown it.

Adele, most familiar with Edith's temper and mindful of family instructions, quickly pulled her back to where they had been looking at rings before. "Come on, if that one doesn't work, we'll find another. We could even have one custom-made. No need to get upset."

Several staff members hurriedly followed them.

It was at this moment that Scarlett moved closer. She knew this chaotic moment was her only chance to examine the ring up close—otherwise, she'd only be able to view it through the display case.

Scarlett approached silently, unnoticed by anyone. But before she could pick up the ring, a well-defined hand beat her to it. Her gaze followed the ring as it was pinched between Sebastian's index finger and thumb.

The store's ample lighting illuminated both his eyes and the ring. Both gleamed amber.

Scarlett froze for a moment. Then, before she could react, he took her left hand and slid the glimmering amber ring onto her ring finger.

Her heart skipped a beat. The size was perfect—neither too tight nor too loose.

Sebastian lowered his gaze and chuckled softly. Before Scarlett could process what was happening, he quickly removed the ring and placed it back in its velvet box.

"What was that supposed to mean?" Scarlett's throat felt strangely dry.

Sebastian didn't answer. He instructed the staff to put the ring away, then headed toward where Edith stood.

Scarlett felt the ring finger on her left hand still burning slightly, her heartbeat noticeably faster than before.

In the end, Edith chose the large gemstone ring she had initially favored. Yet she still couldn't forget the amber ring. "That one was prettier though."

Sebastian stood beside her and, hearing her comment, glanced at the ring resting quietly in its display case. "If you like it, we'll buy it."