Chapter 271: Reconciled Too Quickly

Theron's POV

"Thank you," Leila replied to Victoria with a polite smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. The tension between them was palpable, years of hurt not easily erased by a single apology.

I squeezed her hand gently, sensing her discomfort. "We should join our other guests now," I said smoothly, giving my parents a respectful nod before guiding Leila away.

"Are you alright?" I asked softly as we moved through the crowd.

"I'm fine," she assured me, relaxing visibly as we put distance between ourselves and my mother. "Let's just enjoy our night."

The public part of our engagement was over. Now it was time for the celebration I'd arranged—a more intimate gathering on my private yacht.

Illuminated by strategically placed lights, its sleek white exterior gleamed against the dark water, while the polished teak decks reflected the soft glow of string lights arranged along the railings. The San Francisco skyline twinkled in the distance, providing a perfect backdrop for our celebration.

"Feel free to enjoy yourselves tonight," I announced as our guests boarded the vessel moored at the island's private dock. "No need to worry about driving home—the yacht has luxury suites, a grand ballroom, and entertainment facilities. If you get bored on the island, come aboard anytime to enjoy what we have to offer."

The guests murmured appreciatively as they took in the yacht's gleaming surfaces and elegant design. Champagne flutes were immediately distributed by the waiting staff, their uniforms crisp and movements precise, exactly as I had instructed.

"Mr. Sterling's thought of everything!" said a guest.

"That's why he's San Francisco's top investor!" another guest chimed in, a hint of envy in his admiring tone.

From across the deck, Zack lifted his glass high. "To the happy couple—may your love last forever!"

The sentiment was echoed around us, and I found myself genuinely smiling. Everything had gone according to plan. Leila had said yes, our families had given their blessings and now we could celebrate properly.

Leila returned to my side about thirty minutes later, having changed from her formal gown into a more comfortable champagne-colored evening dress that flowed gracefully over her pregnancy bump. The sight of her momentarily took my breath away. The soft fabric caught the moonlight, giving her an almost ethereal glow that highlighted the contours of her face and the natural shine of her hair.

"You look beautiful," I whispered, kissing her cheek as she rejoined me.

We moved through the crowd, accepting congratulations and well-wishes. I noticed a server approaching with champagne flutes and smoothly intercepted, taking a glass of sparkling water instead and handing it to Leila while taking champagne for myself.

"Thank you," she murmured, giving me a grateful smile.

Half an hour of socializing was enough to notice the subtle signs of fatigue in her posture—the slight droop of her shoulders, the way she leaned more heavily against me. Pregnancy was taking its toll, and I wouldn't let her exhaust herself, even on our engagement night.

"We should check on a few things," I announced to the group we were speaking with, my tone polite but final. "Please, enjoy yourselves."

I guided Leila toward the VIP lounge, hoping to give her a moment of peace. When we entered, however, we discovered Sophia and Adam already there, deep in conversation that halted abruptly at our arrival.

Sophia immediately brightened, rushing forward to embrace Leila. Her designer dress rustled as she moved, the champagne she'd been drinking evident in her overly enthusiastic movements. "Congratulations! After everything you've been through, you finally got your happy ending! I'm so thrilled for you, bestie!"

Leila's eyes glistened with emotion as she returned the hug. "Thanks, Sophia!"

While the women embraced, Adam caught my eye and tilted his head slightly toward the deck outside. I nodded imperceptibly, understanding his intent.

"I'll be right back," I told Leila, squeezing her hand gently before following Adam out to a secluded section of the deck.

The night air was cool against my face, the sound of waves lapping against the yacht creating a deceptively peaceful backdrop for what I knew would be a tense conversation.

Adam leaned against the railing, his expression serious under the moonlight. The tension in his shoulders was evident even in the dim lighting, his knuckles white where they gripped the polished rail.

"You two reconciled too quickly for my liking," he began without preamble. "You only got this chance because of Laylie's pregnancy and our family situation. My parents accepted you out of gratitude and because you've been decent lately..."

I remained silent, allowing him to speak his piece. As Leila's brother, he had every right to be protective.

Adam's eyes hardened. "But it's not enough! Think I'm asking too much if you want, but my sister's happiness is priceless. This isn't a reminder—it's a warning."

He stepped closer, his voice dropping. "If she faces even the slightest discomfort in your family from now on, you'll never see her again. That's a promise."

I met his gaze unflinchingly. "It won't happen. You have my word."

He searched my face for any sign of insincerity before nodding once. "It better not."