So River had blocked Maddox from escorting her home-but in the end, he went himself.


    Donovan was quiet for a moment, then said, "But you were the one who stopped him and made a move. No matter who took you home, the result would''ve been the same."


    Romina muttered, "Not the same. Maddox was my date, and we were thinking about bing a couple. River''s my sworn enemy. Every time we meet, it''s like fireworks-nothing but tension."


    Donovanughed. "Yet when you saw him, you ditched Maddox, threw yourself into River''s arms, and wouldn''t let go?"


    Romina blushed and had nothing to say.


    Her drunk self was a whole different person.


    "Grandpa, Brother," she asked, turning to her grandfather, "did you help block the rumors aboutst night?"


    Donovan replied, annoyed, "Maddox talked to everyone who saw it and told them you were just drunk. He made sure no one spread it."


    "Everyone in our circle knows how you act when you''re drunk."


    "No one was shocked that you flirted with River. What surprised them was that


    you got drunk again. They haven''t seen that in years."


    Romina let out augh of relief.


    Maddox had handled it well.


    She''d definitely call himter to thank him and apologize.


    "Romina, Maddox said the two of you aren''t a good match. He thinks you should


    just be friends," Donovan said suddenly.


    Mr. Lafond sighed. "And there goes our future son-inw."


    Romina froze, then nodded in understanding. After what happened, Maddox probably thought she had feelings for River.


    If he only wanted to stay friends, she couldn''t me him.


    They''d stay friends.


    Honestly, she''d always felt like something was missing between her and Maddox anyway.


    Donovan asked, "You''re setting up two blind dates a day for River. Who are you choosing?" Romina answered casually, “Easy. We have tons of young women working at ourpany. If I announce it, they''ll line up for the chance to go on a blind date with River."


    "River''s popr."


    She had to admit, outside of their business rivalry, she really admired him. "His looks, physique, and money-making skills-he''s the total package." Donovan said seriously, "Still, I think it''s strange how quickly River agreed to this deal. He''s usually not this easygoing. Be careful—you don''t want to get yed again." Romina dismissed it. "It''s just blind dates and meals. What could he possibly get from me? He even said three dishes and one soup are enough. Even if I splurge every day at the most expensive hotel in Eaglioncile, how much would that even cost?"


    She was rich. River couldn''t possibly bleed her wallet dry.


    Old Mr. Lafond, quiet until now, said to his son and daughter-inw, "You''re not too busy— go check out River''s background in Wiltspoon. This young man isn''t ordinary. He''s made a name for himself here, but no one knows anything about his family. But judging by his cousin''s wife-she carries herself with elegance and confidence. That York family of theirs might be far more influential than we realize."


    Wise as always, Old Mr. Lafond had seen the signs.


    Serenity wasn''t just anyone.


    And if she was part of River''s family, the Yorks were definitely not to be underestimated.