Chapter 292 Engagement

Chapter 292 Engagement
Leila's POV

Theron's private jet touched down smoothly at the VIP landing strip of San Francisco International Airport. As the cabin door opened, Theron was the first to stand, turning toward me and extending his hand.

"Let me help you down," he said, his voice low and gentle. "Mind the steps."

"I'm not that fragile," I smiled in response, but still took his hand.

Outside the cabin, Noah and Mia were already bouncing excitedly in the waiting area. When they spotted us, both children rushed forward.

"Dad! Mom!" Noah reached the bottom of the stairs first, but controlled himself at the last moment, stopping short of launching himself at us.

Mia, however, showed no such restraint, wrapping her arms around my legs tightly. "Mommy! I missed you so much! Is the baby okay?"

"Of course I missed you! Mommy thought about you every day," I crouched down, carefully embracing my daughter.

Theron reached out to ruffle Noah's hair. "Did you miss your dad, little man?"

"Yes!" Noah's face lit up with a dazzling smile. "But I took care of Mia and watched the house, just like Dad said!"

James stood at a discreet distance, smiling as he held the itinerary and car keys. Theron wrapped an arm around my shoulders, his other hand holding Noah's, and we walked as a family toward the parking area.

The Grey family mansion had luxury cars lining the entrance.

Mrs. Grey approached me warmly. "Leila, you look radiant. Pregnant women always have a special glow."

"Thank you for the compliment," I smiled in response. "This pregnancy is much easier than when I was carrying twins."

"Sophia has always been a determined yet gentle girl," Mom said sincerely as we gathered in the sitting room. "We felt she was special from our first meeting. Adam has never shown such interest in anyone before."

Mrs. Grey smiled and shook her head. "Our Sophia has always been spirited, quite the little firecracker at home. She must be on her best behavior around you."

"It's precisely that authentic personality that makes her so endearing," Dad added. "Our family needs that kind of fresh energy."

Mr. Grey's expression turned serious. "What about Adam's work arrangements in San Francisco? I'm concerned about Sophia being so far from family."

"I assure you, sir," Adam responded steadily, "I'll take excellent care of Sophia. Randall's San Francisco division is expanding, and I'll be stationed here long-term. And," he looked tenderly at Sophia, "we'll visit Chicago regularly to see both families."

Dad sipped his red wine thoughtfully. "Regarding the engagement ceremony, I believe we should host one in San Francisco and another in Chicago. This would allow friends and business associates from both cities to participate in the celebration."

"Two engagement ceremonies?" Mrs. Grey looked slightly concerned. "Wouldn't that be overly complicated?"

"It represents the full endorsement of both families," Mom explained gently. "It also allows Sophia to receive blessings from her hometown friends. Our family will handle all arrangements."

The Grey couple exchanged a glance before nodding in agreement. "If the young couple has no objections, we fully support the idea."

"Then it's settled," Mr. Grey finally agreed. "One ceremony in San Francisco, one in Chicago."

In the dining room, Dad and Mr. Grey were engrossed in discussing the intersection of pharmaceuticals and financial markets. Theron's addition to their conversation shifted it toward a broader international perspective.

"Sterling Group's recent expansion in Southeast Asia has been remarkably successful," Theron said elegantly as he cut into his steak. "I believe combining Randall's pharmaceutical research with our financial network would create surprisingly synergistic effects."

At the other end of the table, Mom was sharing her experience in managing large family events with Mrs. Grey. The two women chatted like old friends. I noticed Theron glancing in my direction occasionally, concern evident in his eyes.

"Could I have a word with you on the terrace?" Sophia softly requested.

On the terrace connected to the dining room, San Francisco's night skyline glittered magnificently. Sophia gripped my hands, tears in her eyes. "Laylie, without you, I might never have truly entered Adam's life. You know how unapproachable he can be. You're the best friend I've ever had."

"Rather than letting some stranger become my sister-in-law," I smiled and embraced her, "I'd much prefer it to be my best friend."

Sophia wiped the corner of her eye. "I'll love him well, I promise."

"I know," I responded softly. "I can see that he loves you too."

When we returned to the dining room, Theron had already prepared my seat and a glass of warm water. His attentiveness sent a wave of warmth through me.

"Why don't you all stay with us tonight?" Mrs. Grey invited enthusiastically. "We have plenty of guest rooms prepared."

"Thank you for your generous offer," I responded politely, "but I haven't been home in days and would like to rest with the children in a familiar environment."

Dad checked his watch. "We need to return to Chicago early tomorrow. There's an important project at the medical center requiring my personal supervision."

"I regret I can't join you," Theron clasped my father's hand. "Sterling Group's quarterly reports need my personal review."

"I'll stay in San Francisco for a few more days," Adam looked around, his gaze settling on Sophia. "There are some personal matters I need to attend to."

"I'd like to show Sophia my apartment downtown," Adam explained to Sophia's parents. "I'll have her home at a reasonable hour."

Mr. Grey nodded with a slight warning in his eyes. "Don't be too late."

"Thank you all for coming," Sophia's mother warmly embraced each guest. "This has been the most wonderful evening our home has seen."

In the end, we parted ways: my parents headed to their hotel to prepare for tomorrow's return to Chicago, Theron and I took the children back to our home, while Adam and Sophia drove toward downtown.