Love at First Novel by Gu Lingfei

How could someone as capable as River not make it?

He had to be lying. There's no way he was telling the truth.

"That Maybach up ahead belongs to River, right? I remember his license plate," Romina said.

She remembered it clearly-and Maddox did too.

Truth be told, most of the business elites in Eaglioncile could recognize River's license plate. His talent had made him a standout. When he led Yantail out of crisis and into the ranks of major corporations, he caught everyone's attention. Romina wasn't the only one who had targeted Yantail. Others had made moves behind the scenes, but Romina—and the Lafond Group behind her had always been open about their competition. They never played dirty.

Compared to his other rivals, River actually respected Romina. At least she was straightforward—no sneaky tricks behind his back.

here pretty early,"

hear this, but I've got to say it—my aunt asked me to remind you. At tonight's banquet, even if you see River, try to keep your distance. Don't stir up conflict and

me. He's got to be willing to keep his distance

her to treat him to a meal, and she

front of everyone-maybe even in front of her grandfather-and twist

two really go at

But then he wouldn't let me go. Yantail's become a major player, and my Lafond family can't deal with them the way we used to. I watched a fierce competitor rise. I had a chance to stop him, but I didn't. Now he's thriving." Romina sighed. "I'm almost thirty. Life had always gone smoothly for me... until I met River. He's the first one

other deep down. I think you

he also kind of wanted to