Married At First Sight Chapter 4527
“Grandpa Lacroix, Grandpa Lafond.”
Romina and Maddox walked over, and she greeted them sweetly.
Old Mr. Lacroix smiled warmly in response.
Old Mr. Lafond looked at Romina holding Maddox’s arm and beamed with satisfaction. “You and Maddox came together? Very nice.”
“You young folks go mingle. No need to sit with us old men.”
He waved them off with a smile.
“Old Mr. Lacroix, Grandpa.”
River appeared right then.
As soon as Romina heard his voice, she tensed up instinctively, worried he might say something inappropriate in front of everyone.
Old Mr. Lafond’s expression shifted when he saw River—his eyes lit up momentarily before dimming. As impressive as this young man was, he could never be used by their family. In fact, he had become their biggest threat.
Among all the competitors in the field, River’s company, Yantail, was the only one bold enough to challenge the Lafond Group head-on—and it had risen precisely under the pressure exerted by the Lafonds.
That reality made Old Mr. Lafond wary. He feared Yantail might someday overtake or even devour their family business.
But it wouldn’t happen. He wouldn’t allow it.
Romina and Donovan were both exceptional in their own right. Romina, in particular, had been locking horns with River for years—and neither had managed to gain the upper hand.
That thought gave Old Mr. Lafond some peace of mind.
“River, have a seat,” Old Mr. Lacroix said warmly.
He had no feud with either side and treated River and the Lafond family equally. If anything, he seemed even friendlier toward River.
In Eaglioncile, many elders respected River. Some admired him. Others envied and hated him.
“I wouldn’t dare miss your invitation, Old Mr. Lacroix,” River said, taking a seat between the two elders like it was second nature.
Romina’s brow twitched.
She couldn’t shake the feeling he was up to no good.
Old Mr. Lacroix smiled. “River, you flatter me.”
“No, it’s the opposite—you honor me by inviting me.” River smiled, then turned to Old Mr. Lafond and added, “Grandpa, I heard you arrived a while ago.”
Romina’s stomach tightened.
It’s happening.
That jerk’s going to stir the pot.
Maddox gently took her hand and whispered, “Romina, let’s sit down too. We should say hello to your grandfather.”
“Okay.”
They sat down nearby—not far from the two elders.
“River, just call me Old Mr. Lafond,” the old man said. “When you call me ‘grandpa,’ it feels off. I’m not your grandfather, and I envy the one you had.”
River smirked, trying not to laugh. “My grandfather passed away many years ago. Seeing you, I feel a sense of closeness. You’re younger than he was, but still—you remind me of him. That’s why I feel like calling you Grandpa.”
River was two years older than Romina, two years younger than Donovan. It wasn’t inappropriate for him to call Old Mr. Lafond “Grandpa” out of respect.
“Grandpa, there’s something I should tell you.” River leaned over and whispered near the elder’s ear. “A few days ago, Romina called me ‘husband’ in front of a crowd, including my sister-in-law. She’d never met my sister-in-law and misunderstood our relationship. She got jealous and slapped me. I explained it to her, and we made up. Since Romina called me her husband, I should naturally call you Grandpa.”
Old Mr. Lafond’s eyes widened in disbelief.
Romina? Calling River “husband”?
Even if she did, wasn’t River supposed to be furious? Shouldn’t he be retaliating instead of… whatever this is?
Married At First Sight Chapter 4528
“Grandpa, I’m telling the truth. If you don’t believe me, ask her privately later. I wouldn’t lie to you.”
Old Mr. Lafond glanced at his granddaughter sitting nearby.
Sensing her grandfather’s gaze, Romina knew exactly what River must’ve said. She called out quickly, “Grandpa, whatever River told you—it’s all nonsense. I’ll explain everything when we get home.”
River sat up straight, smiling. “See, Grandpa? She’s nervous and defensive. But now’s not the time to get into it.”
He called over a server and picked up a glass of wine. Lifting it, he toasted the two old men.
Old Mr. Lacroix and Old Mr. Lafond had half-finished drinks in front of them. They had only taken a few sips.
Seeing River toast them, they lifted their glasses as well and clinked glasses with him.
River drank his entire glass in one go. “Old Mr. Lacroix, Grandpa—I finished mine. You’re free to drink as much or as little as you like.”
The two elders only sipped theirs.
As they put down their glasses, Old Mr. Lacroix said playfully, “River, now wait a minute. Why are you calling him Grandpa but still calling me Old Mr. Lacroix? Playing favorites, are we?”
River chuckled. “I’m sorry—it’s just a title. You’ll understand why soon enough.”
Old Mr. Lacroix laughed, taking it all in stride.
River chatted with them for a little while longer. As more guests arrived, he stood and excused himself.
“Maddox, I’m going to the bathroom.”
Romina saw River walking away and used it as an excuse to step out, too.
Maddox understood perfectly. He didn’t try to stop her—didn’t even expose her lie.
Truth was, he hadn’t developed real feelings for Romina. They got along well enough, and he thought it was worth giving the relationship a shot.
But it was obvious who her heart was really with—River.
And Maddox had already accepted that he’d lost. Fair and square.
Romina had been acting off all night, and now he understood why.
After years of rivalry, she and River might have developed feelings for each other without even realizing it. Or maybe they had—just didn’t want to admit it.
They were both too proud. Whoever admitted their feelings first… would lose.
Meanwhile, River was mingling, greeting acquaintances, chatting, even closing a few deals.
Eventually, the crowd and noise got to him, and he slipped out for some air.
The Lacroix estate was massive. A wide lawn spread out in front of the main house. Tonight, it was lit like daytime, with tables full of gourmet dishes.
River avoided the crowd, looking for a quiet place to sit.
He didn’t care for these events, but they were necessary.
This was the reality for men in the York family. They had to share the burden with the eldest brother, and eventually, strike out on their own.
Whether supporting the family or launching a business, socializing was non-negotiable.
So even if he hated it, he had to suck it up and play along.
Adulthood wasn’t easy.
Even when you’re born into wealth—you still have responsibilities you can’t walk away from.
“Mr. York.”
A woman in a light purple gown came up from behind, stopping in front of him. Her voice was sweet as she greeted him.
“Ms. Hayward.” River nodded politely.
Ms. Hayward was a powerhouse in her own right. She and River had done business before and collaborated twice. They were well acquainted.
Married At First Sight Chapter 4529
Ms. Hayward was two years older than River. She was thirty-three and still unmarried—not because she lacked charm, but because work kept her busy and her standards were high. She hadn’t been born into wealth. Everything she had, she earned herself.
She was too outstanding, and her success had only raised the bar for the kind of man she wanted.
“Why did you come out, Mr. York?” she asked, her eyes glowing as she looked at him.
She liked River.
They had worked together twice, and with each interaction, her admiration for him grew. Eventually, she fell for him.
“I was in there too long,” River said. “Needed some fresh air and a break from the crowd.”
Ms. Hayward smiled. “There’s air conditioning inside—it’s a lot more comfortable than the breeze out here.”
River returned the smile but said nothing.
“Do you mind if I join you?” she asked.
“Ms. Hayward, I just want some time alone,” River replied politely.
He had just escaped the crowd inside. The last thing he wanted now was company. Especially not from Ms. Hayward, whose feelings he was well aware of.
“I won’t say a word,” she said quickly. “I’ll just sit with you quietly.”
She didn’t want to waste this rare chance to be alone with him.
“Mr. York, we’re always so busy. Without business between us, we never even get to share a meal. Tonight, we crossed paths—it’s fate. Please, just give me this moment. I just want to sit with you and see you.”
Ms. Hayward didn’t bother hiding how she felt. “River, I like you. You know I do.”
She was a strong woman—bold enough to speak her heart without shame.
River had already told her he didn’t like older women. She had countered by saying they were only two years apart. Plus, she took great care of herself—always made-up and polished. She could easily pass for someone in her early twenties.
“Ms. Hayward, I appreciate your feelings,” River said gently. “But like I’ve told you before, I don’t see you that way. I’m not into older women.”
“You’re a wonderful woman. You’ll find someone who truly loves you. But I’m not that person. Please, don’t make this harder.”
Ms. Hayward’s voice dropped. “We’re only two years apart.”
“Even one day older is older,” River said. “Two years is two years. I prefer women younger than me. I appreciate your love, Ms. Hayward, but I just can’t return it.”
He raised his glass slightly in a polite gesture, then walked past her.
“Mr. York,” she called after him. “You like Romina, don’t you?”
River turned around, still smiling. “Ms. Hayward, unless Romina and I are officially together, you shouldn’t be making comments like that. It could damage both our reputations. If we pursued it legally, you might even bear responsibility.”
Ms. Hayward faltered. “Is it because she’s younger than me? Or because she comes from a rich family, and I don’t?”
River replied calmly, “They say real strength isn’t about where you come from. I don’t care about someone’s background. Ms. Hayward, I’ve always respected you. You’re incredibly capable.”
Married At First Sight Chapter 4530
River continued, “In fact, you’re better than a lot of rich daughters out there. You built your success from scratch—and that’s something I truly admire.”
Ms. Hayward had gone from a small mountain village to being worth tens of millions. She lived in a villa, drove a luxury car, had millions in savings, and lived life on her own terms.
River had also heard she bought a small villa for her parents and siblings in their hometown.
She helped her family to a reasonable degree. Though her brothers and nephews wanted more, she stayed clear-headed. She didn’t let them drain her financially—and she didn’t turn bitter either.
“And about Romina,” River added, “we’re rivals. Everyone in Eaglioncile knows that. So, Ms. Hayward, it’s better not to say things that could be misunderstood.”
Ms. Hayward replied, “River, maybe you don’t realize it, but the way you look at Romina—it’s different. Sure, you’re enemies, but there’s admiration there too.”
River’s eyes flickered. “Maybe you’re right. People involved in something often can’t see clearly, while outsiders see the truth. If I really do feel differently about her, I might not even know it myself. But since you see it so clearly—why chase after someone whose heart isn’t with you?”
He looked at her seriously. “You’re a friend, and a business partner. We can make money together—but we can’t be lovers.”
He didn’t hate her. In fact, he respected her and admired her success. But he didn’t feel romantic love toward her.
Ms. Hayward stood still, gazing at him in silence. After a few moments, she lifted her glass.
“I understand,” she said. “Let’s stay friends. And if a good project comes up, I’d still love to collaborate with your company.”
“Thank you, Ms. Hayward. I appreciate how highly you think of Yantail. I hope we’ll work together again—and that it’ll be a great partnership.”
River extended his hand. Ms. Hayward shook it with a composed smile, then turned and walked away.
It wasn’t often that she felt something for a man. But River didn’t feel the same, and she had to accept that. She had tried—and failed. No need to push it any further.
River was right. With her strengths, she’d definitely meet someone worthy. But because she was so accomplished, her future partner had to be even more impressive. She wouldn’t settle for less.
And if there was no one like that, she’d rather stay single.
The problem was, in Eaglioncile’s business world, 98% of successful CEOs were already married. Many were over fifty. The younger ones were in their early forties—and single men in their thirties were rare.
That’s why she had fallen for River.
He was capable, young, and handsome—like a CEO straight out of a TV drama.
But unfortunately, River didn’t return her feelings.
And she wouldn’t force it.
From now on, she’d just be a friend and business partner.
Still, she wanted to see how it all turned out. Whether River and Romina would end up together in the end.
Romina came from the prestigious Lafond family. She had status, wealth, and talent. But Ms. Hayward didn’t envy her.
Romina had been born lucky. If she weren’t excellent, that would be a waste of her privilege.
River, on the other hand, was like Ms. Hayward. He’d made it on his own. That’s why she had admired him so deeply.