Love at First Novel by Gu Lingfei

"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.

Mr. Lacroix said playfully, "River, now wait a minute. Why are you calling him Grandpa but still calling me Old Mr. Lacroix? Playing

sorry-it's just a title. You'll understand why soon enough." Old Mr. Lacroix

longer. As more guests arrived, he stood and

I'm going to the

saw River walking away and used it as an excuse to step out,

understood perfectly. He didn't try to stop her-didn't even

along well enough, and he thought it was worth giving the relationship a shot. But it was obvious who

had already accepted that he'd

off all

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

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

for

for these events, but they were

men in the York family.

eventually, strike