After the rescue mission and the spirited celebration that followed, Jia's parents, who had learned about her kidnapping, called her in a panic. Her father's stern yet concerned voice echoed through the phone.
"Jia, come home immediately! We need to see you," her father demanded, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Jia, resting on the couch with a pillow under her arm, sighed. "Dad, I'm fine now. I just need a bit of time to recover."
"No arguments, Jia," her mother interjected, her voice tight with worry. "We'll feel better if you're here with us."
Kayden, who was seated nearby and overhearing the conversation, leaned closer. "I'll take her," he declared, his voice calm but resolute. "With a full security detail this time."
Jia turned to him, surprised. "You don't have to, Kayden. I can handle it."
"Yes, I do," he replied firmly, leaving no room for negotiation. Without missing a beat, he called out, "Calvin!"
Calvin appeared in the doorway, a sandwich in one hand and a mischievous grin on his face. "Yes, boss? Is this about needing snacks again? Because I'm already on it."
Kayden shot him a look. "Prepare the flight and the luggage," he instructed, his tone brisk. "And make sure all the guards are ready. Full detail—surveillance, weapons, everything."
"Got it," Calvin said with a mock salute. "Anything else, Supreme Commander of the 'Overprotective Boyfriend Association'?"
Kayden's glare sharpened. "She's not my—just get to work, Calvin."
Unfazed, Calvin smirked. "Right, right. But you know, with this level of devotion, the world might as well start printing wedding invitations."
"What was that?" Kayden snapped, his tone icy.
"Nothing, boss," Calvin replied, attempting to look innocent but failing miserably. As he left the room, he muttered loud enough to be heard, "Denial isn't just a river in Egypt."
Kayden pinched the bridge of his nose, muttering, "Why do I keep him around?"
Preparations were swift, and soon they arrived at the airport. Guards surrounded the car as Jia leaned against Kayden for support. Ava stood nearby, her arms crossed, watching the proceedings with a careful expression.
"Be careful," Ava said softly, her eyes flickering toward Jia.
Kayden nodded curtly. "We will."
Jia gave Ava a reassuring smile. "You too, Ava. Don't let anything fall apart while we're gone."
"I won't," Ava promised, her voice steady. "Just focus on getting better."
Kayden didn't say much, but his actions spoke louder than words. Gently, he lifted Jia into his arms and carried her toward the private jet. Ava's chest tightened at the sight, but she quickly pushed the feeling aside. This isn't jealousy, she told herself. He's just helping her because she's recovering.
Jia glanced back at Ava. "Take care, Ava!"
"You too," Ava replied, forcing a smile.
As Kayden climbed the steps to the jet with Jia in his arms, Calvin paused by Ava, his briefcase in one hand. "Don't worry, Ava. I'll keep him in line. Mostly."
Ava chuckled. "You'll need all the luck in the world for that."
Calvin grinned. "Luck's my middle name. Well, technically it's Eugene, but let's not ruin the moment."
Inside the plane, Kayden settled Jia onto a plush recliner, carefully adjusting a blanket over her lap. She looked up at him, her eyes warm with gratitude.
"Thank you," Jia murmured softly.
Kayden gave a small nod, pulling out his tablet to review the documents Calvin had prepared.
From his seat a few rows back, Calvin couldn't resist throwing in a comment. "So, boss, what's the game plan when the in-laws start grilling you?"
Kayden's glare could have frozen the Sahara. "Do you ever stop talking?"
"Nope," Calvin replied cheerfully, leaning back in his seat. "It's part of my irresistible charm."
Kayden muttered under his breath. "Charm? More like a punishment."
"I heard that!" Calvin grinned, clearly enjoying himself. "And for the record, I'm the best thing that's ever happened to your team."
As the plane soared through the sky, Jia drifted into a peaceful sleep. Kayden glanced at her, his expression softening for a moment before turning back to the window.
His thoughts wandered to the challenges ahead, ensuring Jia's safety, dealing with her protective parents, and the shadow of Michael's schemes looming over them all.
And then there was Ava. For a brief second, he wondered how she was managing things back at the company. She's capable, he reassured himself. But the thought lingered longer than he intended.
He sighed, shaking off the distraction and refocusing on the documents in front of him. Mexico wasn't just a trip, it was a mission to reassure Jia's parents and protect her future. Yet deep down, Kayden couldn't shake the feeling that this journey might force him to face truths he wasn't ready to confront.