"Say what you have directly," Melody Thorne raised the corner of her lips.

Of course, Stella Seymour couldn’t directly mention she lost the competition, especially as she was meticulously trained by the Seymour Family!

The old Seymour patriarch’s cane slammed heavily onto the ground, full of authority, "Caleb, introduce who’s in the hall to her, so outsiders don’t say that our Seymour Family lacks proper etiquette!"

The commanding voice made everyone sit respectfully in their own positions, not daring to speak a word.

Here, rules are rules.

"There’s no need," Melody interrupted, a cold gleam flickering in her harmless eyes, her attitude firm, "I’ve said before, I didn’t come here voluntarily, I was threatened to come, don’t expect me to recognize you!"

In a flash, the little girl in front seemed to change her face, and a shrewd light flashed in the old Seymour’s eyes.

"Do you dare not recognize?"

"Aren’t relatives supposed to be kind? Well, sorry, I don’t sense any kindness in you," Melody spoke mercilessly, "This feels more like a shackle, unsuitable for me."

Now she only wanted to explain clearly to Jared Quinn, not knowing if that enraged fellow was already about to go berserk.

"Lacks manners!" The old man’s sharp eyes became faintly angry, "Take her away. When she learns manners, let her out." 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

"Yes."

"Wait," Melody directly met the old man’s gaze, devoid of any emotion, as serene as one who had gone through countless life-and-death situations, "You just returned and want to imprison me?"

The old Seymour patriarch’s grip on the dragon-headed cane gradually tightened, staring at her; she resembled his first son so much, in temper and personality and their shared concerns.

His mind still seemed to echo with the words, "What’s the use of a position devoid of any emotion?"

What he cared about was family and affection, yet he paid a heavy price for his deep sentiments, dying in questionable circumstances!

"Take her away."

Melody withdrew her gaze and followed Caleb out, not even calling him grandfather, having never stayed here, naturally devoid of any feelings.

Thinking she could find some peace, Melody gazed outside the pavilion; this was prepared for her by the Seymour Family, the solemn atmosphere and decor exuded gravitas.

"Miss Seymour," a few servants holding thick books stood respectfully before her, "These are the Seymour Family’s rules, everyone must abide by them, the patriarch commands you to begin learning these."

"Tell him rules are dead, people are alive. As long as I don’t recognize the Seymour Family, it has nothing to do with me, and these rules cannot bind me!" Melody scoffed coldly, grabbing a handful of fish food to feed the red koi in the glass tank.

Her phone was already missing when she woke up, and upon entering, she noticed; there was no telephone and no means to contact the outside.

This was meant to completely sever her ties with the outside world!

The few servants behind stared at Melody, their gaze gradually changing to one tinted with disdain and coldness, even if she bore a face identical to her charming mother’s, what of it, knowing nothing, she’s ultimately a waste!

Hans Montrose was retained alone at the Seymour Family estate, as inquiries had revealed he grew up alongside Melody Thorne and always protected her, thus the old patriarch looked upon Hans Montrose with great appreciation.