Chapter 277 Matchmaking Intentions

Chapter 277 Matchmaking Intentions
Leila's POV

The next day, I found myself with little to do. Some days I visited Margaret at the Sterling Mansion, other days I tagged along with Theron to his company. But today, I craved something different – something familiar.

Around noon, I showed up at Adam's place without warning. I walked in and immediately sprawled on his sofa, scrolling through my phone while he worked at his desk.

Adam continued typing on his laptop for a few minutes, occasionally glancing over at me with a mixture of amusement and resignation. Finally, he set his work aside and swiveled his chair to face me properly.

"Why aren't you resting at home? What brings you here?" he asked, his tone hovering between concern and suspicion.

I grinned without looking up from my screen. "I'm pregnant, not sick. I can definitely go out. Besides, I haven't had lunch with you in ages. Are you kicking me out?" I pouted dramatically at the last question.

His expression softened immediately, the big brother façade dropping. "Of course not. What do you want to eat? I'll take you anywhere."

I sat up straighter, suddenly energized by the prospect of food. "How about that new French bistro? Everyone's talking about it online!" I suggested, finally putting my phone down. "They have this chocolate soufflé that's supposed to be life-changing."

Adam nodded, reaching for his jacket. "Sounds good. Let me just save these documents."

Only after sending the restaurant location to his phone did I realize I should check an important detail. "Do you have enough money, Adam?" I asked, suddenly remembering that our parents had only given him a thousand dollars for living expenses.

Adam ruffled my hair affectionately, his touch gentle despite his exasperation. "I can still afford to buy you lunch," he assured me, his voice warm with sibling affection.

That made me smile. "Good!" I watched him gather his things. Then a thought occurred to me, and I asked with practiced casualness, "Can I invite Sophia too?"

Adam froze mid-movement. His eyes narrowed suspiciously as he turned to face me. He stepped closer and flicked my forehead lightly with his finger. "So that's your real plan. What are you up to?"

I rubbed my forehead, feigning innocence while my mind raced through plausible excuses. "Nothing! I just want to have lunch with Sophia. Don't overthink it!" I tried to keep my voice steady, but the slight uptick at the end betrayed my ulterior motives.

Adam sighed, studying my face for a moment. He clearly knew what I was planning—my matchmaking intentions were hardly subtle—but he only smiled resignedly. "Whatever. Invite whoever you want. I don't mind."

I immediately brightened, nearly bouncing on the sofa. "Great! I'll text her now!" I whipped out my phone and sent Sophia a quick message, trying to sound casual while making it clear Adam would be there.

Sophia agreed with surprising readiness, and I sent her the location with several unnecessarily cheerful emojis. Adam and I headed out first, arriving early enough to secure a good table near the window.

We ordered several dishes, including a spicy salmon tartare that caught my attention. I turned to my brother with mock concern as our food arrived. "Adam, can you handle spicy food?"

He raised an eyebrow, the stem of his water glass paused halfway to his lips. "Don't you know the answer?"

I tapped my chin thoughtfully, leaning forward. "Just wondering if your lip is better - that cut from the engagement night. Spicy food might sting."

Right on cue, Sophia arrived, impeccably dressed in a simple navy sheath dress that complemented her slim figure. She caught the tail end of my comment and nearly choked on her greeting. "What... what cut?" Her eyes darted between us, a flush already creeping up her neck.

I explained with deliberate innocence, "The cut on his lip the day after Theron proposed to me. I only noticed when my parents asked about it." I arranged my face into an expression of pure curiosity.

Sophia's face turned crimson as she stared at me in horror. Her expression screamed: Please stop talking, it was probably me!

She fumbled with her purse, seemingly desperate for a distraction.

I smiled mischievously, unable to resist pushing further. "Sophia, you were with Adam that night. You must know how he got that cut on his lip, right?" I widened my eyes innocently.

Her face grew even redder as she fumbled for words, her fingers nervously adjusting her necklace. "I... well... I'm not sure exactly..."

Adam reached over to lightly tap the back of my head. "Enough! Can we just eat? You talk too much."

I knew when to retreat. "Yes, yes! I'll eat now..."

Lunch was delightful, filled with casual conversation about work, friends, and city life. The initial awkwardness dissolved as we savored the exquisite French cuisine. When we finished, Adam mentioned he had work to attend to and offered to drop us off on his way back to the office.

Before parting, I seized the opportunity to set my next plan in motion. "Zack's helicopter club - he's been inviting us forever. We don't have plans this weekend, so why not check it out?" I suggested, looking between them expectantly.

Sophia answered without hesitation, her expression brightening. "Sure! I've always wanted to see the city from above."

Seeing both of us agree, Adam didn't refuse either. He simply nodded.

I couldn't resist adding, "Adam knows how to fly helicopters. He can take us up!" I glanced at Sophia to gauge her reaction.