Let Me Go, Mr. Howard Chapter 84

Sebastian quickly released Scarlett's hand. Neither spoke another word.

When the elevator doors opened at the second floor, Scarlett merely glanced out, then lowered her eyes. 

To her, it made little difference whether she went to the second or third floor—this was Sebastian's territory. Even if she went to the second floor, he would follow.

Her compliance clearly pleased him; Scarlett distinctly heard him chuckle softly. But beyond that laugh, they exchanged no further words.

In the third-floor room, just as she had expected, her belongings—which she had recently moved downstairs—had been returned intact. 

She stood in the doorway for a long time, until Sebastian spoke.

"Not tired yet?"

Only then did she step inside. After a quick wash and changing her tampon, she finally got into bed. 

When she emerged from the bathroom, all the main lights had been turned off, leaving only the bedside lamp illuminated.

Sebastian was leaning against the headboard, reading an e-book. Hearing her movement, he looked up and patted the space beside him. "Come here."

Taking advantage of being on her period, Scarlett moved closer without resistance. 

Sebastian wrapped one arm around her while continuing to flip through his e-book with the other. 

She rested against his shoulder, listening to his steady breathing, feeling momentarily disoriented. 

This scene of peaceful domesticity seemed like something that could only happen in dreams.

She blinked, glancing at the e-book in Sebastian's hand. It was entirely in a foreign language she couldn't understand. 

The e-reader had a silver-gray case, which made the hand holding it appear even more lustrous.

"Where's the ring?"

Before Scarlett realized it, the question had already left her lips.

Sebastian's page-turning finger paused momentarily, then resumed its normal rhythm. The pages slid by, just like his tone—flat and natural. "I put it away."

Scarlett made a sound of acknowledgment and asked no more. After all, the ring had nothing to do with her. She shouldn't have asked in the first place.

Sebastian soon put away his e-reader, as if her question had disrupted his concentration. He patted her gently. "Sleep."

Scarlett closed her eyes, trying to drift off, but a heaviness weighed on her heart, making her anxious and restless. 

She turned, attempting to find a more comfortable position, but with minimal effect.

Beside her, Sebastian noticed her movement. With one swift motion, he pulled her into his arms. "Can't sleep?"

Scarlett's nose bumped against his chest, causing her to instinctively lift her head, her forehead grazing his jaw. 

She tried to move away, but Sebastian's large hand pressed her head down.

"Sleep." His voice was slightly husky.

Scarlett pressed her lips together. "It's uncomfortable."

At these words, the room fell silent for a moment, followed by a sharp sound that broke the stillness. The slight sting on her backside made Scarlett's face instantly flush red.

Sebastian didn't withdraw his hand, instead rubbing the spot. "Still uncomfortable?"

Their bodies pressed together, Scarlett could feel Sebastian's growing desire. She quickly shook her head. "Not anymore."

Satisfied with her answer, Sebastian held her even tighter. "Sleep."

Now, Scarlett dared not move carelessly. They lay close together, and her nose caught the faint scent of tobacco mingled with notes of cedar that always clung to him. Eventually, she fell asleep.

When she woke the next morning, Sebastian was just coming out of the bathroom. 

He wore a casual bathrobe, the front partly open, revealing glimpses of his muscular physique.

Still groggy, Scarlett sat hugging the blanket, lost in a daze. 

Sebastian approached, placing the back of his hand against her slightly warm cheek, then moving it up to her forehead.

"Dizzy?"

Scarlett shook her head, turning away from his touch. "It's normal."

She got up to wash. Sebastian followed a few minutes later, dressed except for his tie, which hung loosely around his neck—not quite proper but somehow sensual. 

Scarlett had just finished washing her face, and her eyes couldn't help but fall on his exposed neck.

Sebastian had come in to check her temperature. Though she had washed her face, her temperature had indeed dropped somewhat.

"I'll drive you to work."

He withdrew his hand and walked out. 

Scarlett continued applying her skincare products without responding. When she came out, Sebastian was no longer in the room.

Because of Scarlett's period, breakfast was more substantial than usual, with a noticeable increase in protein. 

Sebastian stuck to his usual coffee and sandwich, a routine that rarely varied. Scarlett's choices were more diverse; she sampled almost everything.

"Mr. Howard." Mark entered from outside.

Sebastian had already finished his sandwich and was leisurely sipping his coffee. "Yes?" Hearing Mark's voice, he didn't even lift his eyes, continuing to read the e-book on his phone.

"Donovan's people want to meet with you. We've scheduled it for next Wednesday. Is that acceptable?"

"That's fine."

"Also, Mr. George Howard called. He'd like you to return to the Howard Manor."

Sebastian paused, glancing up at Scarlett, who was still drinking her porridge. "About that matter again?"

Though Scarlett appeared focused on her breakfast, she was actually paying close attention to Sebastian's conversation. 

She knew he had been frequently visiting the Howard Manor recently, going almost every other day. 

Hearing that George had summoned Sebastian, she guessed it was likely related to the upcoming engagement party.

"Schedule it," Sebastian said, his voice deepening slightly.

In the end, Sebastian drove Scarlett to the MRK Building. 

The black Maybach stopped a block away. Scarlett got out and joined the crowd crossing at the zebra crossing. 

Inside the car, Sebastian's gaze followed her briefly before turning away.

Mark lowered the partition. "Mr. Howard, shall we depart now?"

"Yes, and notify Teddy to come over," Sebastian leaned back, resting his head and closing his eyes.

The light turned green, and the car drove through the intersection.

---

As soon as Scarlett reached her office, she spotted an unexpected visitor at the entrance. 

She hesitated, exchanged a glance with Hatty at reception, then approached. "Can I help you, Ms. Seymour?"

The visitor was none other than Adele, who had just joined the company a few days ago. She wasn't dressed for work but rather looked as if she were attending a gala.

"I'm here to inform you that there's a business dinner tonight. You're coming with me."

Scarlett frowned, instinctively averse to attending any function with Adele. Still, she didn't immediately refuse. "Just the two of us?"

Adele clicked her tongue. "Obviously."

"A manager and a director?" Scarlett couldn't help but smile. 

Though these positions were indeed hierarchical, both were management roles. What project would require two management-level staff to attend a business dinner without any team members?

"It's a Howard Group project. Edith went to great lengths to secure this for us. Are you not grateful?" Adele narrowed her eyes threateningly.

Hearing that Edith was involved, Scarlett's brow furrowed slightly. Now she wanted to go even less.