Chapter 290 Good News

Chapter 290 Good News
Leila's POV

A month had passed since Theron and I made our union official. Now we were preparing to return to Chicago again, this time specifically to see our children. I'd been missing Mia and Noah terribly.

The next morning, I woke up and reached for my phone on the nightstand and saw a notification from Sophia.

My eyes widened as I read her message: [Adam and I are officially together! Don't tell your parents yet, though!]

A smile spread across my face, and I sat up in bed, suddenly wide awake.

I typed back, unable to contain my excitement: [What a wonderful day to wake up to such amazing news!]

"What's got you so cheerful this morning?" Theron's voice came from the doorway. He'd emerged from the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his waist.

I looked up from my phone, grinning. "Come here," I said, patting the bed beside me. "I have something to show you."

Theron crossed the room and sat down next to me. I handed him my phone. "Look."

He scanned Sophia's message, then raised an eyebrow. "That was faster than I expected. I thought your brother, with his temperament, would take at least a year or two before admitting his feelings."

I laughed and leaned into his embrace. "I know, right? I never imagined Adam would move this quickly. He's only been in San Francisco for a month, and he's already figured out what he wants."

I glanced up at Theron, my tone turning playfully accusatory. "Some CEOs are just more decisive than others, I suppose."

Theron caught my meaning immediately and pulled me closer, his expression contrite. "You're absolutely right. I was far too slow. A complete idiot, really, wasting all that time when I could have been making you happy."

His sincere tone made me smile. "Well, at least your apology game is strong."

But something about Sophia's message still puzzled me. "I wonder why Sophia doesn't want my parents to know, though. They've been the biggest supporters of this potential relationship from the beginning."

I immediately sent Sophia another message asking about this. Her response came quickly: [Adam is worried your parents will recall him to Chicago if they know. Randall Pharmaceuticals needs him at headquarters.]

I laughed out loud at this, typing back: [Don't worry about that! I'll handle it. I promise they won't bring him back so quickly!]

[Really? You can convince your dad?] came Sophia's doubtful reply.

[Trust me, I'm very reliable! Besides, our new project is at a critical development stage. I can use that as leverage] I assured her.

I set my phone down, already formulating arguments to convince my parents to let Adam stay in San Francisco longer.

Theron finished dressing and extended his hand to me. "Ready for breakfast? We should eat before we head downstairs to join your parents."

I nodded. After getting ready, Theron and I made our way down to the breakfast room. My parents were already seated at the table, drinking coffee and reading news on their tablets.

"Good morning!" I said brightly.

"Someone's in a good mood," mom observed with a smile as I took my seat.

"I have some wonderful news," I announced, deciding to be direct. "Adam and Sophia are officially together!"

Mom's face lit up with delight. "Really? They're actually together?"

Dad looked up from his tablet, equally pleased. "That's excellent news. I'll call him right away and have him return to Randall Pharmaceuticals headquarters..."

"Wait!" I interrupted quickly. "Dad, there's no need to rush this. Adam and Sophia have just started seeing each other, and their relationship isn't fully stable yet. If you separate them now, it might not be the best idea."

Dad frowned. "What's wrong with that? Wasn't he reluctant to stay in San Francisco before? I'm doing him a favor by bringing him back."

I leaned forward, ready with my prepared arguments. "Sophia is based in San Francisco with her family's firm. If you bring Adam back now, they'd have to do long-distance, which is challenging for a new relationship."

I paused for effect. "And you know how Adam is. What if he comes back, cools off, and decides his feelings for Sophia aren't strong enough to justify marriage?"

Dad hesitated. "Well..."

I pressed my advantage. "Sophia has invested so much in this relationship. She's made sacrifices too. She's also the beloved daughter of her parents. If she has to move away from her family for love, coming to Chicago, what will her family think? They might feel we don't value her enough as a family member."

"I understand you've been overwhelmed with the new drug development, Dad," I continued, "but I think we should wait a little longer. At least until Adam and Sophia's relationship is solid. Ideally, until they're discussing marriage. Once they're engaged, Sophia won't be going anywhere, and you can bring Adam back. Wouldn't that be the perfect solution?"

Mom turned to Dad. "Laylie's right. You should continue overseeing the research project for now. At least until Adam and Sophia's engagement is confirmed. You can hand over responsibilities to him then. Besides, Leila's new research also needs your guidance."

I watched this exchange with satisfaction, trying not to smile too obviously at how easily they'd been convinced.

After breakfast, I messaged Sophia again: [I've spoken with my parents about your situation. Don't worry, they won't recall Adam to Chicago until your engagement is official! Keep up the good work. I can't wait to see you walk down the aisle!]

Sophia's response was immediate and enthusiastic: [Laylie, you're the best! Love you so much!]

[No need to love me,] I wrote back. [Love my brother instead. This is all his doing, after all.]

[I love both of you Randall siblings!] came her cheerful reply.