Let Me Go, Mr. Howard Chapter 98

Scarlett may have been a Seymour family lady, but she had never received such treatment before. 

Sebastian rarely took her shopping, only occasionally sending over outfits or jewelry.

"Mr. Howard, would you like a model?" the staff member asked with a smile, crouching beside the sofa.

"No, she'll try them herself," Sebastian replied, waving his hand as he sat with his legs crossed.

A staff member approached Scarlett to take her measurements. 

As it was nearly autumn, she had to remove her jacket for accuracy. Underneath, she wore a fitted short-sleeved top that revealed a glimpse of her waist—strikingly captivating.

The staff member measuring her couldn't hide the admiration in her eyes. 

"Ms. Seymour has such a beautiful figure," she remarked sincerely after finishing.

The room was comfortably air-conditioned, so Scarlett didn't put her jacket back on. The formal dresses were quickly brought out.

"These are all our new styles. Which one do you prefer, Ms. Seymour?"

Scarlett looked them over. She was familiar with this brand's sensual style, so she deliberately avoided the more revealing options. 

Finally, she selected a V-neck gown with a full skirt in a subtle slate gray—understated yet not dull. Only after taking it down did she notice the dress had an open back, though modest enough to be acceptable.

"Try it on," Sebastian instructed as soon as she selected it.

Scarlett headed to the changing room with the staff waiting outside. Moments later there was a commotion, followed by the curtain being pulled aside.

She had just removed her clothes. The draft from the moving curtain sent a chill down her back. 

Startled, she clutched her clothes to her chest and was about to scream when a hand covered her mouth.

A deep, husky male voice came from behind her. "Let me help you."

She immediately recognized Sebastian. Nearly naked, her back pressed firmly against him, she could feel his unmistakable heat against her. 

It had been a long time since they'd been this close. Scarlett grew nervous, swallowing hard.

Realizing she wouldn't scream, Sebastian removed his hand. His large palm rested on her smooth shoulder, sliding down her silky skin.

"Don't..." Scarlett trembled, hunching her shoulders, which only accentuated her collarbones. Nervous perspiration made her skin appear even more luminous.

Though part of her longed for this closeness, her rational mind told her this wasn't the appropriate setting. Her eyes reddening, she grabbed Sebastian's wrist. "Later, when we get back..."

But Sebastian ignored her feeble resistance. The force of his movements nearly made Scarlett cry out, but his lips found hers before any sound could escape. 

She couldn't help wincing, letting out a soft sound of pain.

The veins on Sebastian's arms stood out as he gripped her. The dress hung nearby as Scarlett's legs weakened, and only Sebastian's grip on her waist kept her from collapsing.

From beyond the curtain came the murmur of voices. Despite her foggy mind, Scarlett tensed immediately. 

"Someone's there..." she whispered.

"I know," Sebastian replied, holding her close, his hot breath tickling her ear.

After what seemed an eternity, Sebastian finally released her. 

Without his support, Scarlett nearly fell, but his quick reflexes allowed him to catch her with one arm.

He cleaned up the evidence of their encounter with her undergarments. 

Seeing this, Scarlett's already flushed face turned even redder. "Shameless!" she hissed.

Yet Sebastian appeared completely unaffected, looking as immaculate as ever. 

In contrast, Scarlett was naked, her hair slightly disheveled with strands dampened by sweat clinging to her flushed cheeks. Her eyes shimmered with a captivating allure.

Sebastian's Adam's apple bobbed as he helped her up.

"No!" Scarlett protested when he reached for the dress.

"I'll help you," he insisted.

"I can manage," she replied, embarrassed.

But the dress was ultimately put on with Sebastian's assistance, as Scarlett's limbs felt too weak to manage alone.

Fortunately, Mark had distracted the staff, who only returned after Sebastian had left the changing room.

"Ms. Seymour, are you having difficulties?" a staff member asked from outside, puzzled by her delay.

"No, I'm coming out now," Scarlett quickly replied, ignoring her still-wobbly legs as she stepped out in high heels.

She nearly stumbled immediately, but a quick-thinking staff member caught her. Everyone assumed she was unaccustomed to the high heels and expressed concern.

"Are the shoes uncomfortable? We have lower options."

But lower heels would make the dress drag too much on the ground, so Scarlett declined the offer.

"Beautiful," someone remarked when she returned to the VIP room.

Sebastian glanced over, showing little surprise. Having just seen her in the changing room, he merely nodded. "We'll have this one."

It was already eight o'clock when they returned to the Howard Manor. Dinner was being served in the main house, so they both went inside.

Scarlett had little appetite, but since they were already there, she took her place at the table.

"You went to pick her up?" George asked with a frown, scrutinizing them as they entered together.

Scarlett tensed, fearing George might notice something amiss.

"She needed a proper dress," Sebastian replied calmly, his voice and expression betraying nothing.

George's gaze fell on the shopping bags. "You're certainly attentive."

"It's her first official appearance, especially at such a critical time," Sebastian replied, taking a sip of soup while giving George a meaningful look.

This resonated with George. He glanced at Scarlett, who was eating quietly across from him. Recalling her temperament from their previous encounter, he worried.

"Scarlett, though tomorrow is a family dinner, our guests are long-time family friends. Please be cordial."

This was clearly a request that Scarlett not cause any scenes.

Scarlett nodded. "I understand, Mr. George Howard."

She wasn't a child; she knew how to behave appropriately in different situations.

However, this form of address displeased George.

"Since you're part of our household now, there's no need for such formality. Just call me Grandpa."

Scarlett complied, albeit awkwardly. "Grandpa."

Just when it seemed the matter was settled, Sebastian chimed in, "Yes, her form of address should change."