Howard Seymour’s eyes darted back and forth between Melody Thorne, Jared Quinn, and Hans Montrose. In the end, he said nothing and let them be. As for whom his daughter preferred to be with, he, having been around longer, decided not to interfere.

"Sir, what about the matter of the heir?" Uncle Brian Seymour couldn’t hold back any longer and asked, "Now that Leon is back, should Fourth Brother take the heir’s position? I think Melody Thorne is capable but a bit too young, and I’m worried she might not handle it."

If the position of the Seymour Family were held by Howard Seymour, it might eventually come back to them. But if Melody Thorne took the position, it would have nothing to do with them.

"She’s too young to take on such responsibilities. Although my legs are disabled, the rest of my body isn’t, and I could live another twenty years. During this period, I’ll take the position." Howard Seymour knew Melody Thorne had no intention of inheriting it, and since he only had one daughter, he took it upon himself.

"Alright, alright. Once you’ve decided, there’s nothing more for me to say. I won’t be able to witness the rise or fall of the Seymour Family much longer anyway," the elder squinted his eyes.

The astute glimmer in his eyes now reflected the positions of Melody Thorne, Jared Quinn, and Hans Montrose. He rose to his feet. "Alright, alright. Let’s settle the matter this way. Everyone, let’s head back."

Though people began to disperse in the hall, the temperature seemed to freeze, with the chill solidifying.

Jared Quinn hadn’t taken his eyes off Melody Thorne for a moment, waiting for her explanation.

"Cough...cough..." Hans Montrose erupted in a violent cough, as if expelling his very heart and lungs, with his palm already a bright red.

"Leon Rivers, Leon Rivers, come quickly and see why Hans Montrose is coughing up blood?" Melody Thorne grabbed Hans Montrose’s arm, offering him tissues and water.

Leon Rivers stood still, his gaze fixed on her. How could he help? This was Brother Jared’s rival, and without Jared’s word, who would dare help him?

"Leon Rivers, didn’t you hear me calling you?"

Leon Rivers remained still, his stance unmistakably clear.

"A doctor, call a doctor over," Melody Thorne stood up, holding Hans Montrose’s arm, instructing the servants outside.

"Yes."

"Alright." Hans Montrose removed her hand from his arm. The more distressed and frantic she became, the more he couldn’t bear it, the more guilty he felt.

"Jared Quinn is here now. I wish you happiness," Hans Montrose didn’t want to appear too embarrassed, stood up, and walked outside on his own.

He was a failure, a failure whether he schemed or not.

"Hans Montrose," Melody Thorne followed him out.

"Brother Jared," Leon Rivers turned back to meet Jared Quinn’s murderous glare, trembling slightly before hurriedly running out.

"Sis, sis."

You can’t leave; if you go with someone else, Brother Jared might just kill someone!

"Hans Montrose, halt!" Melody Thorne blocked his path. "You can’t leave. My father just came out; how do I know whether you kept him captive these past three years? I need to uncover the truth before you can go!"

Hans Montrose knew well what Melody Thorne intended to do. He closed his eyes and looked at her earnestly. "If this is my last shred of dignity, would you still question it?"

"I don’t intend to trample your dignity; I just want to know what’s truly going on with you," Melody Thorne stepped back, with two Seymour Family servants stepping forward to block him.

"Please submit to a doctor’s examination."