Chapter 5
Almost immediately after Sebastian left the Seymour Villa, George Howard announced that the Howard and Seymour families would be formally engaged in a month.
This news instantly made Edith the center of attention in their social circles. She promptly decided to host a small celebration party the next day—unable to contain her desire to show off.
"Did you hear? Next month is my engagement party with Seb. Time to give up your Cinderella dreams," Edith declared, standing triumphantly before Scarlett. "I'm hosting a party tomorrow and inviting Seb. You'll help serve the guests."
Scarlett didn't even look up. "I'm busy."
"What did you say?" Edith reacted as if she'd heard the most ridiculous joke. She stepped closer, looking down at Scarlett. "Don't be difficult, Scarlett. This isn't a request."
She leaned in, lowering her voice, her eyes gleaming with malice. "All the socialites and wealthy heirs will be there. You'll stand in the corner serving tea, so everyone can see the vast difference between a proper Seymour and an illegitimate daughter like you."
Scarlett finally looked up, smiling casually. "Fine, I'll go. It's your party after all, and I wouldn't want to miss your special day."
Her smile made Edith uneasy, though she couldn't pinpoint why. She could only snort dismissively. "Smart choice."
Shortly after Edith left, David summoned Scarlett to his study. He sat behind his mahogany desk, cigarette between his fingers, his eyes filled with their usual contempt through the smoke. "Don't cause trouble for Edith."
He tapped his cigarette ash, his tone hard. "My father once saved George's life, which is why we have this marriage opportunity today. It's a blessing for the Seymour family. Anyone who ruins this will face my wrath."
"If you cause any problems," he continued, "remember—the Seymour family may not have the most power, but crushing an ant is still effortless."
Threats—always the Seymour family's preferred method of controlling her.
Scarlett dug her nails into her palms but kept her head lowered submissively. "I understand."
"Good." David waved his hand dismissively, as if shooing away something dirty. "Now get out."
Back in her attic, Scarlett finally unclenched her hands, revealing crescent-shaped marks in her palms. She walked to the window, watching Edith and Brianna selecting party decorations in the garden below, a cold glint in her eyes.
Brianna had grown increasingly arrogant lately, wielding the "future in-laws with the Howard family" status like a weapon.
Her cruelty toward Scarlett had intensified—complaining about Scarlett's noisy breakfast habits, calling her clumsy during cleaning, acting as if even looking at her brought bad luck.
Scarlett took out her phone and opened her conversation with Sebastian. The screen still showed yesterday's exchange. Her fingers hovered over the screen before typing: [Tomorrow at 7 PM, usual place.]
She deliberately set the time at 7 PM because Edith's party started at 8 PM. As the message sent successfully, she stared at the screen with a cold smile.
If Edith wanted to show off at her party, Scarlett would add some spice to the event.
The next evening, Scarlett intentionally arrived at Sebastian's private apartment half an hour late.
Sebastian was already there, reviewing documents on the sofa. Hearing the door open, he looked up, his eyes dark. "You're late."
"Traffic," Scarlett casually tossed her bag on the entryway table, her tone flat as if discussing someone else's problem. "Congratulations, Mr. Howard, on your upcoming engagement."
Sebastian set down his papers and stood, walking toward her. He wore a well-tailored dark gray shirt with sleeves rolled to his forearms, revealing his toned wrists. But those deep eyes now swirled with suppressed anger.
"Congratulations?" he repeated, gripping her chin and forcing her to look at him. "Scarlett, are you that eager to see me engaged to someone else?"
"Why not?" Scarlett met his gaze. "Did you expect me to beg you not to get engaged? Mr. Howard, we're already over."
She knew she shouldn't provoke Sebastian, but seeing his composed demeanor made her anger impossible to contain.
"I told you, this relationship doesn't end without my say-so." Sebastian's fingers pressed harder, making her chin ache.
Scarlett looked at his tense jawline and suddenly found the situation absurd. He was about to get engaged to Edith, yet still refused to let her go. What was this? Did he want to secure his position with George while keeping his secret lover on the side?
Just then, Sebastian's phone rang, Edith's name flashing on the screen.
Sebastian frowned but didn't answer. The phone rang for several seconds before stopping, then immediately rang again, as if she wouldn't give up until he answered.
Sebastian reluctantly picked up, but before he could speak, Scarlett suddenly reached out and tugged gently at his shirt collar, deliberately letting out a soft, suggestive moan.
Edith clearly heard it, her voice instantly rising, "Seb, where are you? I picked out a new tie for you. Can you come try it before the party?"
Sebastian's expression darkened. "We'll talk later."
"Wait!" Edith called urgently. "The party's about to start. Seb, when are you coming?"
Scarlett watched Sebastian's face grow darker and allowed a mischievous smile to play on her lips. Taking advantage of his distraction, she reached out and knocked over the wine glass on the coffee table.
The deep red wine splashed out. Sebastian moved quickly, but a few drops still landed on his dark gray shirt, spreading into vivid stains.
Edith was still questioning from the other end, her voice shrill with panic, "Seb? What happened? Is something wrong?"
Sebastian stared at the wine stains, then at Scarlett's innocent expression, fury building in his eyes. "Nothing," he said coldly into the phone. "I'll be there later." He hung up.
"You did that on purpose." He stared at Scarlett, his voice as deep and ominous as the calm before a storm.
"Yes, I did," Scarlett admitted shamelessly, even leaning closer to tap his wine-stained shirt teasingly. "This color suits you."
She looked up at him, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Less than ten minutes until the party starts. I don't think you have time to change it, do you, Mr. Howard?"
Sebastian said nothing, only staring at her with those unfathomable eyes, as if trying to see through her.
Scarlett pretended not to notice his anger and continued casually, "You don't seem very invested in Edith. About to attend her party, yet wearing a wine-stained shirt."
She tilted her head, feigning confusion. "If Edith asks about the stain, what will you say? Will you tell her 'I accidentally spilled it'? Or 'another woman splashed it on me'?"