Ch. 4701: Married At First Sight Chapter 4701

Chapter 4701

Maddox sighed enviously. “River’s about to kiss his single life goodbye, and here I am—still single. I was planning to get closer to Romina, but River swooped in first.”

Donovan’s dark eyes glimmered. “You can still go after my sister. Romina hasn’t accepted River’s advances yet, so they’re not officially together. You still have a shot. Compete fairly—make River nervous. A little pressure might actually push them to settle down faster. And when they get married, I’ll make it worth your while with a generous red envelope.”

He wanted the two to make it official sooner rather than later.

River was thirty-one, Romina twenty-nine. A few extra years wouldn’t bother River—men in their thirties were at their peak: mature, stable, and at the height of their charm. But for women, thirty was a sensitive number. Marriage and pregnancy after that meant being labeled “advanced maternal age.”

Maddox frowned. “Brother Donovan, you knew Romina had feelings for River and still told me to chase her? The only reason I’ve backed off is because after a few dinners, blind dates, and banquets, River already sees me as a rival. If I keep pushing, I won’t win Romina—and River will see me as a lifelong enemy. He’s not just any man; he’s the seventh young master of the York family. I can’t afford to make that kind of enemy.”

He added, “I have to think of the Johnstone family.”

Before knowing River’s identity, Maddox had assumed he was just another white-collar worker. Once he learned the truth, he realized how foolish it would be to underestimate him. Now, he wanted to stay out of River’s crosshairs entirely.

Donovan scoffed. “You’re too timid.”

“It’s not timidity—it’s practicality,” Maddox countered. “Romina and I have no real chemistry. Why risk creating an unnecessary enemy? Unless you’re offering something more than a red envelope. And no, that doesn’t mean cash in an envelope—unless it’s filled with checks.”

Donovan stared at him for a beat. “…Forget it. No wonder you’re still single.”

Maddox shot back, “Like you’re some love guru who’s left bachelorhood behind?”

Donovan fell silent.

Maddox grinned. “Exactly. Let’s not throw stones from glass houses. Now—let’s get back to business.”

Originally, Maddox and Romina were supposed to handle a project handover together. But since River was pursuing her, Maddox had no interest in playing third wheel. He asked Donovan to take over instead, and the two shifted the conversation to partnership details.

Meanwhile, River had just been granted entry into Romina’s office.

She had already signed off on all pending documents and passed them to her secretary. When River walked in, she closed her laptop—not because she thought he’d snoop, but because she was instinctively cautious.

They were still competitors, and even if she had feelings for him, that didn’t erase the business rivalry.

Leaning back in her chair after a long day, she watched River approach—bouquet in hand, looking every inch the storybook prince in his tailored suit.

He handed her the vibrant flowers. “Romina, are you finished for the day? These are for you. Flowers for a beautiful woman—you’re a perfect match.”

Romina accepted the bouquet, and River presented a jewelry box. “I saw this set and thought it suited you perfectly. Go ahead—open it.”