Ms. Hayward was two years older than River. She was thirty-three and still unmarried-not because shecked 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 sess had only raised the bar for the kind of man she wanted.


    "Why did youe 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 morefortable 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. Thest thing he wanted now was


    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 ss 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 makingments 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 shees from a rich family, and I don''t?"


    River replied calmly, "They say real strength isn''t about where youe from. I don''t care about someone''s background. Ms. Hayward, I''ve always respected you. You''re incredibly capable."