Let Me Go, Mr. Howard Chapter 82

"What happened?" Orion's voice came from behind, while Ethan, now standing straight, smoothed his wrinkled collar. "It's nothing. I wasn't looking where I was going," he said casually.

The voice sounded familiar, but Scarlett didn't dwell on it. She looked up at Orion who had emerged from his office. "Mr. Watson."

Only after greeting her boss did she turn to look at the careless person who had collided with her. 

When their eyes met, both froze in place. Even Orion, who had hurried over, couldn't help but frown, silently cursing this twist of fate.

Ethan couldn't suppress a smile. "It's you."

Scarlett was surprised to see him here, especially since he'd been at City Hall not long ago. Out of politeness, she smiled and nodded. "Hello again."

Ethan extended his hand, his manner exceedingly friendly. "Yes, it seems we're destined to keep running into each other."

Scarlett didn't continue the conversation, simply shaking his hand with a soft acknowledgment. 

Even though he could tell she wasn't particularly interested, Ethan leaned in with his cheerful smile. "Ms. Seymour, I'm truly sorry about just now. I wasn't watching where I was going, otherwise..."

Before he could finish, Orion pushed him aside. "That's enough. Ms. Seymour is here on business. Weren't you just saying you needed to get back to the Watson Manor?"

Scarlett felt Orion's hand on her shoulder, guiding her toward his office. 

Meanwhile, Ethan, who moments ago had been storming out in anger, now followed them back inside. Hearing Orion's words, he actually seemed displeased.

"I'm your older brother. Is this how you treat me?" Ethan protested, then smiled at Scarlett again. "Ms. Seymour, are you free tonight? I'd like to take you to dinner."

Scarlett tilted her head, understanding Ethan's intentions, and politely declined. "I'm sorry, Mr. Watson, but I have other plans this evening."

Rejected by the woman he admired, Ethan dramatically crossed his arms over his chest and sighed deeply, resembling the heartbroken lead in a soap opera. "Ms. Seymour, I really wanted to—"

"Ethan, stop making a scene," Orion cut him off with visible frustration, slamming the door shut and cutting off his brother who was in full pursuit of romance.

Scarlett found the situation amusing, and the dark cloud hanging over her began to lift. She couldn't help but smile. 

When Orion turned around, he caught that smile playing at the corners of her mouth and sighed. "I apologize for the spectacle, Ms. Seymour."

"Not at all. I just think you two have a good relationship as brothers." She decided to show respect to her boss.

Orion didn't contradict this. He sat down at his desk and made no further comment about his brother's behavior. "I've already dealt with those people from earlier. You don't need to worry about anyone gossiping in the company."

Scarlett was momentarily confused by this unexpected statement. She blinked, trying to understand. The people Orion referred to must be those mid-level managers.

He continued, "They jumped to conclusions without understanding the situation, which was disrespectful to you. Those who spread rumors have been dismissed."

Orion's protection made Scarlett feel a warmth spreading through her chest. She lowered her head slightly and smiled. "Thank you, Mr. Watson, for your discerning judgment."

"Don't get cheeky," Orion said with a smile. "I heard Shawn was looking for you. Did you just come from City Hall?"

Scarlett nodded, handing over the folder she'd been carrying. "These are the recent proposals. Please take a look. Mr. Wright said the specifics will be discussed at next Wednesday's meeting."

Orion flipped through the documents with a rustling sound. His expression remained relaxed, occasionally turning serious. "This approach works, though implementation might be challenging. Since you'll be the ones handling the on-site work, you can make the decision."

"There are challenges, but they can be resolved. This approach maximizes efficiency," Scarlett smiled, not at all concerned about the difficulties Orion mentioned.

"That's good then."

After making a copy of the proposal, Orion relaxed further. They chatted briefly about a few other matters before Scarlett rose to leave. 

As she stepped out of Orion's office, she hadn't gone far when she sensed someone approaching from behind.

She immediately turned to find Ethan standing there. "Did you need something, Mr. Watson?"

Knowing that Ethan likely had some interest in her, Scarlett felt uncomfortable with his proximity.

"No, this is my business card. If you ever encounters any difficulties, please feel free to contact me for help." Sensing her reluctance, Ethan didn't dare move closer, simply extending his card.

Scarlett looked at the offered card and, after some hesitation, reached out to accept it. 

Afterward, Ethan made no further attempts at conversation. They rode the elevator down together and parted with a polite but distant goodbye.

---

The afternoon's work left Scarlett no time to dwell on the morning's events. Only when the end-of-day alarm sounded did she experience a moment of realization, leaving her with an empty feeling inside.

She took out her phone to find that Edith had updated her Facebook status. 

The latest post contained just one photo: two hands pressed closely together. 

One hand was thin, with a large emerald ring on the ring finger. The other was a hand with well-defined knuckles, wearing a matching men's emerald ring on the ring finger. 

The stone on the men's ring wasn't large—it was actually rather understated.

During their time at the jewelry store, Scarlett hadn't noticed if Sebastian had tried on any rings. Her attention had been entirely on Edith, watching her select an engagement ring, seeing her surrounded by love. 

Now, looking at the ring on Sebastian's hand, Scarlett bit her lower lip. He must have been looking forward to this too, otherwise why share this photo?

She stared at the image, feeling a tightness in her chest. The thought of returning to Windchime Villa and potentially facing Sebastian made her head ache.

Before this marriage arrangement—born out of obligation—had begun, Scarlett could still convince herself that she was merely using Sebastian. 

But as time passed, watching him grow increasingly intimate and indulgent with Edith, Scarlett knew that personal feelings had become entangled with her utilitarian motives.

Scarlett understood clearly that the possibility of her marrying Sebastian was virtually non-existent. 

She didn't want to remain caught in this uncomfortable relationship. To escape, she would need to hide her feelings and follow only rational choices.

---

At the Seymour Villa, Edith reclined on the chaise lounge in her room, admiring her engagement ring with an enraptured expression. Her demeanor filled Adele with both envy and jealousy.

"Still staring at it? Better be careful or Scarlett might steal your fiancé," Adele snorted as she stretched out on a nearby ottoman.

Edith immediately sat up straight, her eyes widening. "What nonsense are you talking about?!"

Seeing this reaction, Adele's lips curled into a smirk. "What nonsense? You didn't see the way those two looked at each other in the store today..."

"Shut up!" Edith cut her off with an angry shout.

But Adele's words had made her uneasy. Scarlett's beauty was undeniable, even though Sebastian had claimed he wasn't interested in women like her. 

But what if Sebastian couldn't resist that bitch's temptations?