Chapter 93
Almost everyone was discussing the upcoming engagement party. Ever since Sebastian's arrival, it had become the primary topic of conversation.
The jewelry try-on session ended quickly. As staff members helped remove the pieces from Scarlett's wrists and neck, Orion stood beside her with a curious expression.
"Nothing caught your interest?" he asked, watching as she calmly allowed the jewelry to be taken away.
Scarlett slowly shook her head. She had never been particularly interested in jewelry, especially these ornate, extravagant styles that seemed more suited to Edith's taste than her own.
Seeing her genuine lack of interest, Orion waved the staff away.
For the rest of the evening, Scarlett followed Orion as he introduced her to industry elites. Among them was a young woman from a prominent family.
"This is Sylvia Myers," Orion said.
Scarlett nodded and extended her hand. "Pleased to meet you, Ms. Myers. I'm Scarlett Seymour."
Sylvia was slightly plump with strong features that carried a masculine quality, yet her delicate facial structure created a surprisingly beautiful combination.
"Hello, Ms. Seymour," Sylvia replied, studying the veiled woman before her with a casual, languid tone.
Though Scarlett's face was covered, her bright, striking eyes were visible, immediately suggesting she was no ordinary person.
And the figure Sylvia could observe was curvaceous, with glowing, smooth skin.
Someone with such attributes could hardly be unattractive—especially not someone accompanying Orion, who was known for surrounding himself exclusively with beautiful women.
Given Orion's habit of introducing his girlfriends to her, Sylvia initially paid little attention to Scarlett. Until...
"What? The Green Cat's Eye collection is your work? You're SJ?" Sylvia's voice rose with sudden recognition.
Noticing Sylvia's surprised and scrutinizing gaze, Scarlett took out her phone and pulled up her portfolio. "This is my homepage. Take a look."
Sylvia accepted the phone skeptically, but her eyes lit up when she confirmed it truly was the social media account she'd been following.
"It really is you!" She eagerly exchanged contact information with Scarlett.
"I can't believe you're MRK's new director. My mother's birthday is coming up, and I'd love for you to design a piece for her. Money is no object."
Scarlett hadn't expected such a fortunate connection from attending this banquet and readily agreed.
"By the way, would you consider becoming an external designer for our company?" Sylvia continued, clearly enamored with Scarlett's work.
Scarlett was flattered by the offer. It was only then that she realized this jewelry showcase was hosted by the Myers family.
Orion didn't mind Scarlett taking outside work. In fact, when he learned about Sylvia's invitation, he seemed quite proud.
"I told you you're talented—truly someone who brings in profits!"
Hearing this, Scarlett frowned. "This is my external project. How would you benefit from it?"
"Would you have met Sylvia without my introduction?" Orion smiled, looking every bit the cunning fox.
Scarlett froze momentarily, then muttered under her breath, "You sly fox!"
The "sly fox" showed no shame. "I won't ask for much—just a 60-40 split. You get 40, I get 60."
This profit-sharing arrangement shocked Scarlett, but considering he had facilitated the introduction, she decided sharing a small portion wasn't unreasonable. She agreed.
Midway through the evening, Sebastian descended from the second floor accompanied by a well-dressed, plump woman.
Scarlett was discussing design specifics with Sylvia when they approached.
"Sylvia, who is this?" the woman asked, her gaze lingering momentarily on Scarlett.
"This is Scarlett Seymour, the SJ I mentioned to you," Sylvia replied cheerfully, completely missing Scarlett's sudden tension.
Scarlett deliberately avoided looking at Sebastian. After briefly meeting the woman's eyes, she deduced her identity from her resemblance to Sylvia. "Mrs. Myers, it's a pleasure to meet you."
Tiffany nodded slightly, appraising Scarlett. "So you're SJ. It's nice to meet you. Our Sylvia adores your work."
Being praised in front of Sebastian made Scarlett uncomfortable. Her earlobes reddened. "It's an honor to be appreciated by Ms. Myers."
The Myers and Howard families had a long-standing relationship.
By all accounts, Sylvia and Sebastian should have grown up together and maintained a good relationship.
Yet when Sylvia looked at Sebastian, there was clear deference and even a hint of fear in her eyes. Her demeanor became notably more formal.
"Bash, you're," she said, her tone shifting.
Sebastian acknowledged this with a slight nod, his gaze sweeping over Scarlett. "You seem to be getting along well with Ms. Seymour?"
This was the first time Sylvia had received Sebastian's direct attention, making her even more nervous. "Yes, we are."
Hearing this clear affirmation, Sebastian's gaze returned to Scarlett—not the fleeting glance from before, but a deliberate assessment.
Scarlett continued to avoid his eyes, her heart tightening under his scrutiny.
She didn't understand why she felt so nervous. They hadn't directly communicated for three or four days.
Sebastian was busy preparing for his engagement, and Scarlett instinctively wanted to avoid him.
Deep down, she harbored a hope: if she kept avoiding him, and if he became preoccupied with his marriage to Edith, perhaps they would naturally drift apart over time.
Sebastian's gaze lingered on Scarlett's downcast eyes. Since that day at the Seymour Villa, she had barely made eye contact with him.
Was she blaming him? But he couldn't deal with Edith—she was the granddaughter-in-law George had chosen.
This Scarlett was being unreasonable.
As these thoughts crossed his mind, Sebastian felt a sudden urge to smoke. He excused himself and headed toward the garden.
Just as he turned, his phone rang.
He glanced down—it was Edith calling.
"Edie..." he answered, quickly leaving the hall.
At that familiar nickname, Scarlett's expression froze, her eyelashes trembling slightly. Thankfully, her veil concealed her downturned lips.
Sylvia noticed her trembling lashes and sympathized. "Did Bash frighten you?"
Scarlett pressed her lips together, nodded slightly, and forced a smile. "Doesn't everyone feel nervous around Mr. Howard?"
Sebastian returned shortly after leaving, but he only said goodbye to Tiffany before departing through a side entrance. Few people noticed his departure, and Scarlett remained unaware.
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After the banquet ended, Scarlett accompanied Orion to the parking garage.
Orion had been drinking and needed to wait for his driver.
They leaned against the car, making casual conversation until a silver-black Bentley slowly pulled up in front of them.