Ch. 4528: Married At First Sight Chapter 4528

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.