Love at First Novel by Gu Lingfei

"What can I say?" he continued. "Even if Serenity seems fair-minded, she's still River's sisterin-law. She may not be directly related, but blood or not, people look after their own. Everyone has their selfish motives. Even real siblings fight when it comes to success."

Romina opened her mouth to defend herself, but her grandfather cut in, "I can see that Serenity genuinely treats River like a younger brother, and River respects her deeply. Their bond is more than family formalities. So don't expect her to side with you. You should probably spend less time with her. Otherwise, you'll end up getting played-helping them win while they hand you the bill." Romina blushed. "Grandpa, do you think I'm that naïve? Sister Seren's just here on vacation. She'll leave Eaglioncile in a few days. What could she possibly plot against me? I just like her kids. They're adorable. I've seen cute kids before, but never one as precious as her daughter. I almost want to take her home and raise her myself." Old Mr. Lafond: "..."

Just like that, his sharp, no-nonsense granddaughter had gone soft.

"All right, Romina," he said seriously. "Grandpa has a few questions. You need to answer honestly."

"Go ahead," she replied. "I promise I'll tell the truth."

"Do you like River?" he asked. "If today, I had agreed to River's proposal and told you to take responsibility for him, would you have said yes?"

Romina froze.

carefully. Do you like River? If

to deny it—but the words wouldn't come out.

Did she like River?

hated him. She hated how he always snatched business away from her, how he constantly got under her skin

he really proposed, would she

She didn't know.

rare-someone truly worthy of trust. If she had to pick someone

of their situation made